Quick Start Guide

©2015

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Harris H18 (Pro) 

 Octocopter
Contents

1. Futaba 14SG Functions ..............................................................3

2. Component Inspection ..............................................................5

3. Calibration ...................................................................................6

4. DJI A2 Flight Controller ..............................................................7

5. Linking A2 with Futaba Tx .........................................................8

6. LED Indicator ...............................................................................9

7. Disclaimer ....................................................................................10

8. Take-off Checklist.........................................................................11

Disclaimer:

UAV technology is continuously evolving – all Harris Aerial customers agree to operate 

custom-made UAV builds as beta testers. This guide is designed to assist you in 

understanding safety and operation best practices. Familiarizing yourself with the 

equipment, understanding basic anatomy of the UAV, and following the guidelines herein 

are prerequisites for successful and enjoyable flying experience. Harris Aerial LLC is not 

liable for any damages to persons or the environment caused by operator error, 

equipment malfunction or any other events/circumstances. Users assume full liability and 

responsibility for the operation of the UAV.

Thank you for flying with us!

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TRIM Shifts the center point of the control stick. No need to adjust these.

 Ensure all values are at ZERO

Futaba 14SG

Prior to every flight, ensure all switches are in their default positions, and the Tx 

battery is sufficiently charged. We recommend charging your Tx fully for every use. 

Use the following infographic to memorize the default switch positions and their 

functions:

SA: Mode

UP - GPS

CNTR - ATT

DOWN - Manual

SB: IOC

Not Assigned

SC: Cruise Control

SD: Blank

LD: Gains

Shown @ 100%

Rotate right +

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SE: Blank

SF: FAILSAFE

DOWN – Standby

UP – Go Home

SG: GEAR

DOWN – Release

UP – Retract

SH: Blank

LEFT

RIGHT

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Your UAV is a machine with numerous moving parts. 

flight conduct a thorough inspection of your UAV’s components. Ensuring all 

components are intact will reduce incidence of mechanical failure and will allow 

you to have a more enjoyable worry-free flight.

WHAT SHOULD I INSPECT?

1. Landing gear:

If you operate a UAV with retractable landing gear, ensure the gear components, 

and especially, screws attaching it to the frame of the UAV are not loose and 

servos/motors are functional.

2. Motors:

Inspect motor mount screws for tightness. With your hand, grasp each motor and 

check for strong attachment to the motor mount. If the motor “wobbles”, inspect 

the four inner screws under the motor mount. Motor replacement is advised if 

significant vibration is observed, and steps above are not remedial.

3. Propellers:

Improper propeller mounting could result in motor failure due to overheating, as 

well as decrease in performance and efficiency. Whether you are using selftightening propeller mounts, or directly mount the prop onto the motor, apply 

significant torque to the mounting screws.

4. Battery Plates:

Ensure the battery plates’ columns are torqued fully, and the carbon fiber plate is 

snug. When using Velcro straps over the plate to secure a battery, tighten just

enough without bending the plates on either edge.

5. GPS & IMU

Make sure arrows point directly forward.

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Component

 Inspection

Prior to every 
Calibration

Source: DJI A2 Manual

Calibration is paramount to every successful flight. Perform compass calibration 

at every new location. When in doubt – just do it! 

• It is easier to calibrate your UAV with all eight booms (arms) still collapsed 

and gimbal off. 

• You can lift the UAV chest level by grasping the landing gear mount or any 

other part of the UAV that allows you easy positions and frame rotation.

• Grasp the UAV from the rear (the FRONT of the aircraft MUST face the same 

direction as you.

• Initiate calibration switch with UAV still on the ground. 

• Your Futaba controller must be 15ft away prior to calibration trigger.

CALIBRATION DIAGRAM:

UAV on Ground Pick up UAV Vertical 90o

BLINK

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Source: DJI A2 Manual

The A2 flight control system uses the Controller Unit at its core, which is 

connected with the IMU, GPS-COMPASS PRO, LED-BT-I, PMU and ESCs to 

complete the system. The system can achieve the height-lock and position-lock 

functions by using the IMU and the GPS, to control the aircraft.

CONNECTION DIAGRAM:

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Source: DJI A2 Manual

Procedure:

1. Turn on the transmitter, it begins to send signals after 1.5secs.

2. Power on the flight control system (Battery/USB). Ensure the 

Receiver type is configured as DR16 in the Assistant software.

3. Press the LINK button, hold for 2 secs; wait until the LED blinks 

Red.

4. Release the LINK button, the LED turns Green on after 

successfully linking.

Distance: 2ft

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Source: DJI A2 Manual

 LED INDICATOR

Knowing your LED indicator sequences is crucial. As a pilot you MUST know what 

your UAV is communicating to you. Use the following chart to understand LED 

blink sequences and remedial actions, when necessary.

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Harris Aerial LLC accepts no liability for damage(s) or injuries incurred directly or indirectly 

from the use of this product under any conditions, including, but not limited to:

1. Damage(s) or injuries incurred when users are under the influence of alcohol, drugs, anesthesia, 

and other awareness-altering substances, dizziness, fatigue, nausea and any other mental or 

physical conditions that could impair your ability to safely operate the UAV.

2. Damage(s) or injuries caused by intentional unsafe aircraft operation.

3. History of physical, mental and other health conditions (including inadequate eye-sight), which 

may prevent you from being able to operate the UAV safely and effectively. 

4. Failure to follow the guidance of the manual, altered assembly or improper operation.

5. Malfunctions caused by refit or replacement with non-original accessories and parts.

6. Damage(s) or injuries caused by using third party products, fake products.

7. Damage(s) or injuries caused by lack of experience and/or subjective misjudgment.

8. Damage(s) or injuries caused by mechanical failures due to erosion, component aging and 

malfunction.

9. Damage(s) or injuries caused by continued flying after low voltage protection alarm is 

triggered.

10. Damage(s) or injuries caused by knowingly flying the aircraft in abnormal conditions (where 

water, oil, soil, sand and other unknown material could ingress into the aircraft); 

11. Damage(s) or injuries caused by flying in situations and environments where magnetic and/or 

radio interference is present, government regulated no-fly zones, or the pilot and or UAV is in lowlit, blocked, fuzzy sight, and other conditions not suitable for operating a UAV.

12. Damage(s) or injuries caused by flying/operating a UAV in bad weather, such as a drizzle, rain, 

snow, heavy wind, sandstorm, hail, lightning, tornadoes, hurricanes etc.

13. Damage(s) or injuries caused when the aircraft is in the following situations: collision, fire, 

explosion, floods, tsunamis, subsidence, ice trapped, avalanche, debris flow, landslide, earthquake, 

and any other situations outside of direct or indirect control of Harris Aerial LLC.

14. Damage(s) or injuries caused by privacy invasion and infringement such as any data, audio or 

video material recorded by the use of the aircraft.

15. Damage(s) or injuries caused by the misuse of the battery, protection circuit, RC model and 

battery chargers.

16. Other losses that are not covered by the scope of Harris Aerial LLC liability.

DJI and A2 are registered trademarks of DJI Innovations. Names of products, brands, etc., 

appearing in this manual are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies. 

No part of this product or manual shall be reproduced in any form without the prior written 

consent or authorization of Harris Aerial LLC. No patent liability is assumed with respect to the 

use of the product or information contained herein.

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 WEATHER conditions are optimal.

 You are not endangering other HUMANS.

 UAV, Tx and Gimbal BATTERIES are fully charged.

 All COMPONENTS are intact and functional (see page 5).

 No significant sources of magnetic/radio INTERFERENCE.

 All LED indicator colors are functioning.

 CALIBRATION done properly (see page 6).

 You have familiarized yourself with flight ENVIRONMENT

 You have a PLAN.

 MOTORS spool up.

 Enjoy your flight!

Take-off Checklist

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