# Meet the X8 +

Thank you for purchasing an X8 + !

The X8 is a powerful octocopter platform for aerial video. Review this manual in its entirety before your first flight. Additional instructions can be found in the X8 information portal at 3DR.com/X8/info

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Happy flying!

# Contents

Parts 2

Setup 4 Assembly 4 Ground Station 5

Power Management 7 Charging 8 Safety 8 Controller Battery 9 Powering the X8 10 Connecting to a Ground Station 11

Flight Basics 12 Safety 12 Operating Limits 13 Controls 14 Modes 17 Return to Launch 19 Failsafes 20 Status Indicators 22 Flight Procedures 24 Takeoff 24 Landing 26 Monitoring 27

Missions 28 Planning 29 Saving 30 Initiating 31 Ending 31

Appendix 32 Troubleshooting 32 Maintenance 32 Specs 33 Resources 3413 

# Operating Limits

Always fly within the X8’s operating limits.

Maximum Altitude* 100 m (328 ft)

Range* 300 m (984 ft) from launch point

GPS Lock GPS lock required at all times

Maximum estimated flight time 15 min

Payload capacity 800 g (1.7 lbs) X8+ Operating Limits

*While geofence enabled (default)24Flight Procedures:TakeoffFollow these steps to take off.»Propellers are attached tightly to the motors in the correct order andthe GPS mast is oriented vertically.»The X8 is powered with the battery secured to the underside of thevehicle. (Remember to hold the X8 still and level while the sensorsinitialize.)»The controller is set to CH 7 OFF, standard (STD) mode (loiter mode forbeginners), and RTL OFF.»The status LED displays blinking green, indicating that the X8 hasacquired GPS lock. This can take a few minutes depending on yourflying location.»The X8 is situated at a safe, unobstructed launch point, facing awayfrom you.Checklist25ArmAfter completing the checklist, you’re ready to fly! Arming and disarming areimportant steps that must be completed before takeoff and after landing.There are two steps to arming the X8: the safety button and the controller.1Press and hold the safety button until itdisplays solid red. This indicates that theX8 is now active.Stand back!Motors inactive, safe to handleMotors active, deactivate beforehandling2To arm the motors, hold the left stickdown/right until the motors spin.Controller left stick: arming positionSafety button indicators!The arming and disarming procedures ensure that you can safety start andstop motors without risk of injury. The X8’s motors will spin when armed! Makesure the propellers are clear of any obstructions, including your hands, beforearming. Do not handle the propellers or pick up the X8 while the safety buttonis active (solid red).28 

# Missions

The X8’s Pixhawk autopilot is capable of flying an autonomous mission without operator input. Ensure that you feel comfortable operating the X8 manually before attempting an autonomous mission.

Environmental Awareness

Before you fly, assess the features of your flying area. Determine the bound

aries of the safe flying area, and be prepared to recover the copter manually if it goes outside this area. Be aware of any risks at your location, including bodies of water, structures, trees, etc. Designate a few areas as safety zones where you can safely land the copter in case of an unsafe situation.

Radio Signal Conditions

Flying behind solid objects, like buildings and trees, will block radio signals. Always maintain visual contact with the copter to ensure that the radio signal is unobstructed. Radio towers, cell phone towers, and nearby WiFi signals can also cause interference with the radio system and decrease its range. Avoid flying in populated areas to avoid sources of interference.

Altitude

Select an appropriate altitude for your flying location and local regulations. Remember the X8 will not avoid obstacles during a mission; it will complete the mission as planned. Select altitudes that avoid any obstacles, such as trees, and comply with the safety information in this manual.

Speed

By default, the X8 will travel at 6.5 m/s (14.5 mph) during a mission. Power

As the operator, it is your responsibility to ensure that all missions comply with the X8’s operating limits, including flight time. Don’t forget to take into account the effect of current wind conditions on power consumption.

Regaining Manual Control

During a mission, keep the controller easily accessible, and be prepared to regain manual control at any time. To regain manual control during the mission, switch to standard mode using the controller. If you observe instability in the X8’s flight behavior or it the copter moves outside your designated safe flying area, switch to RTL. Turning off the controller will automatically trigger an RTL and can be used in an emergency situation as a hard recall command.

Failsafes

The X8’s default failsafe behaviors are optimized for manual flight. For autonomous missions, we recommend re-configuring the failsafe settings for your flying location. For instructions, visit 3DR.com/X8/info

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# Appendix: Troubleshooting

Maintenance Pre-Arm Safety Check Failure

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If the status LED displays blinking yellow, the X8 is failing one the pre-arm safety checks. To determine the specific failure, check the heads-up display on the ground station. There will be an error message specifying the failed check.

Radio Calibration Failure: Perform Radio Calibration or RC controller re-binding Accelerometer Calibration Failure: Perform Accelerometer Calibration Compass Calibration Failure: Perform Compass Calibration GPS Failure: Wait for improved GPS signal or move to a more open area

Video tutorials for performing calibrations can be found at 3DR.com/X8/info.

Replacement parts for the X8 can be purchased at store.3DR.com.

Instructions for replacing the wiring, plates, motors, and legs of the X8 can be found at 3DR.com/X8/info.33 

# Specs

Battery: 4S 14.8V 10,000 mAh 10C Battery Dimensions: 6.6 in x 2.6 in x 1.4 in (16.7 cm x 6.5 cm x 3.5 cm) Battery Weight: 803 g Autopilot hardware: Pixhawk v2.4.5 Autopilot firmware: ArduCopter 3.2 GPS: 3DR u-blox GPS with Compass (LEA-6H module, 5 Hz update) Ground Station Radio: 3DR Radio v2 (915 MHz or 433 MHz) Motors: SunnySky V2216-12 KV800 II Frame Type: X Propellers: APC Propeller 11x4.7 SF (4) APC Propeller 11x4.7 SFP (4) Vehicle Dimensions: 13.7 in x 20.1 in x 11.8 in (35 cm x 51 cm x 20 cm) Payload Capacity: 800 g (1.7 lbs) Vehicle Weight with Battery: 2.56 kg (5.6 lbs) Maximum Altitude*: 100 m Range*: 300 m from launch point (1 km when geofence disabled) Maximum Estimated Flight Time: 15 min

*While geofence enabled (default)

# Resources

Thank you for being a responsible drone operator. For more information about the X8, visit the pages below.

Online information portal: 3DR.com/X8/info 3DR Support: help@3DR.com Terms and Conditions: 3DR.com/terms

Happy flying!

3D Robotics 1608 4th Street, Suite 410 Berkeley, CA 94710 3DR.com

X8+ Operation Manual DCT0004 v.A 2014 ©3D Robotics