UAS Users Manual version 1 March 20, 2015

497 Lake Ave. + Santa Cruz, CA 95062 + phone: 888.467.6688 + www.inspectools.com

UAS User’s Manual

Note: this manual does not replace flight training for this unit

Introduction to the ITX8

The ITX8 (InspecTools-X-8) copter is a robust multi-purpose aerial imaging platform. The ITX8 features 

an “X” style frame with 8 co-axial and counter-rotating motors/props. This provides for a powerful 

system in a relatively small package with a significant level of redundancy and safety. This UAS features 

a modular assembly architecture, which allows for rapid re-configuration, and ease of maintenance and 

repairs. Cameras and other equipment can be mounted on top or bottom, different batteries can be 

used, and various safety features can be easily implemented.
2

497 Lake Ave. + Santa Cruz, CA 95062 + phone: 888.467.6688 + www.inspectools.com

General Specifications

Vehicle Dimensions: 775mm x 775mm x 150mm

Vehicle Empty Weight: 2.5kg

Maximum Take-Off Weight : 5.5kg

Maximum Airspeed 20m/s

Maximum Operating Altitude 

(ASL): 

3000m 

Maximum Range: 25km total flight path length

Maximum Flight Duration: 30min

Operational Limits

Maximum Operating Altitude 

(ASL) 

3000m

Maximum Operating Altitude 

(AGL)

Altitude limit setting enforced by flight 

controller

Ambient Temperature Limits 0-40c

Maximum Winds 

(sustained/gust)

10m/s / 14m/s

Weather No operations in anything more than a very 

light fog/clouds.

Maximum Control Link Range 1km

Maximum Telemetry Link 

Range

1km

Maximum Video Link Range 1km

Maximum Operational Range Range limit setting enforced by flight 

controller
3

497 Lake Ave. + Santa Cruz, CA 95062 + phone: 888.467.6688 + www.inspectools.com

Table of Contents

Component Specifications............................................................................................................................4

Major System Component Descriptions & Sources......................................................................................5

UAS Component Diagrams............................................................................................................................6

Figure 1. UAS Front View ..........................................................................................................................6

Figure 2. UAS Left Side View.....................................................................................................................6

Figure 3. UAS Top View.............................................................................................................................7

Figure 4. UAS Back Left Isometric View ....................................................................................................8

Figure 5. UAS Close-Up View (with Top removed) ...................................................................................8

System Setup ................................................................................................................................................9

Rotorcraft Assembly..................................................................................................................................9

Ground Control Station Setup (Optional) .................................................................................................9

Power Management ...................................................................................................................................10

ITX8 Rotorcraft Battery and Charging.....................................................................................................10

Radio Control Transmitter Battery..........................................................................................................10

Ground Control Station Charging............................................................................................................10

FPV Monitor Charging.............................................................................................................................10

Powering the ITX8 Rotorcraft .....................................................................................................................11

Connecting to a Ground Control Station ....................................................................................................11

Flight Basics.................................................................................................................................................11

To ensure safe and successful flying, always fly in accordance with your applicable regulations and best 

operating practices. ....................................................................................................................................12

Propeller safety.......................................................................................................................................12

Operational limits ...................................................................................................................................12

Controls.......................................................................................................................................................13

Modes.....................................................................................................................................................16

Failsafes...................................................................................................................................................19

Flight Procedures....................................................................................................................................20

Troubleshooting............................................................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.

Maintenance...............................................................................................................................................22

Schedule......................................................................................................................................................22

Glossary.......................................................................................................................................................23
4

497 Lake Ave. + Santa Cruz, CA 95062 + phone: 888.467.6688 + www.inspectools.com

Component Specifications

Battery: 6S 22.2 5000 mAh (qty. 2)

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: 540 g

Autopilot hardware: 32 bit microcontroller, dual 6DOF IMU, barometer, 3D 

magnetic compass.

GPS: GPS with concurrent reception of GPS/QZSS, GLONASS, 

BeiDou

Ground Control Station Radio: FHSS 915 MHz

Motors: 3110 700kv

Frame Type: X8

Propellers: 12x4 Carbon Fiber
5

497 Lake Ave. + Santa Cruz, CA 95062 + phone: 888.467.6688 + www.inspectools.com

Major System Component Descriptions & Sources

Radio Transmitter: Digital Telemetry Radio System

Radio Receiver: Digital Telemetry Radio Receiver

Flight Controller: Advanced UAV Flight Controller

Ground Control Station Hardware: Hosts the Ground Control System software

Ground Control Station Software: Configures, monitors, and records all Flight Controller parameters and 

data

Telemetry Radio: Provides telemetry radio link between UAV and GCS

FPV Monitor: Provides a live First Person View (FPV) from the cameras and is overlaid with a HUD 

displaying real-time telemetry

Motor: Commercial grade, MTBF rated

Motor Controller: Hi-Speed custom firmware

Props: 12”x4” Carbon Fiber

Flight Pack Batteries: 6s 4500mAh

Flight Pack Charger: Dual 400 Watt charger
6

497 Lake Ave. + Santa Cruz, CA 95062 + phone: 888.467.6688 + www.inspectools.com

UAS Component Diagrams

Figure 1. UAS Front View

Figure 2. UAS Left Side View

Forward

FPV Camera

Batteries

Landing Gear

GPS Antenna
7

497 Lake Ave. + Santa Cruz, CA 95062 + phone: 888.467.6688 + www.inspectools.com

Figure 3. UAS Top View

Forward

Perimeter Frame 10mm Stub

6mm Perimeter Frame
8

497 Lake Ave. + Santa Cruz, CA 95062 + phone: 888.467.6688 + www.inspectools.com

Figure 4. UAS Back Left Isometric View

Figure 5. UAS Close-Up View (with Top removed)

UAV Controller X8R Receiver

Buzzer

Arming Button

Telemetry Radio

Status LED
9

497 Lake Ave. + Santa Cruz, CA 95062 + phone: 888.467.6688 + www.inspectools.com

System Setup

The ITX8 system is packed in a pair of airline-legal rugged cases. The UAS itself is packed into a large 

“checked-baggage” size case. The charger, batteries and other accessories are packed in a “carry-on” 

size case.

Rotorcraft Assembly

1. Install Legs

Remove the ITX8 from the case and carefully set it upside-down on a padded surface. Remove the 

fasteners from each leg mount, insert each leg into its specified mount and then secure with the 

fasteners. Insert the correct plugs into each Video Transmitter (vTx) attached to the Legs.

2. Install Perimeter Frame

Insert each perimeter frame 10mm stub into a motor mount. Tighten the motor mount fasteners until 

“snug”.

Install the corner piece onto the 10mm stub.

Insert the Perimeter Frame 6mm carbon tubes between all corner pieces.

3. Attach propellers:

The ITX8 uses both Left (CCW) and Right (CW) oriented propellers. These labels can be found on the 

individual propeller. See the diagram below for which motors require L or R propellers. Each propeller

has two fasteners, be careful not to strip or over-tighten. Nicely snugged is all that’s required. Triple 

check the direction and orientation.

4. Extend/Mount and Align Antennas

Extend the GPS Antenna and align the telemetry and video antennas as shown in Figures 1,2 and 5 on 

pages 7 and 9.

Ground Control Station Setup (Optional)

The Ground Control Station (GCS) is a laptop or tablet running a compatible mission control application. 

In the field, a Ground Control Station helps you monitor the ITX8 during flight, plan missions, and 

troubleshoot issues. We recommend using a Ground Control Station at all times with the ITX8.

Important Note about Vehicle Setup in Mission Planner and Mission Planner:

Your ITX8 has been pre-configured at the factory and is ready to fly. Re-calibrating the system or 

changing and parameters, can adversely affect the performance and behavior of your UAS.
10

497 Lake Ave. + Santa Cruz, CA 95062 + phone: 888.467.6688 + www.inspectools.com

Power Management

The ITX8 is powered by a rechargeable Lithium Polymer (LiPo) battery. Flights of up to 30 minutes are 

possible depending on payload, environmental conditions, and flying style. Flying aggressively or in high 

winds can affect power consumption and reduce flight time. Monitor power consumption using the 

data on the FPV Monitor or Ground Control Station.

Periodically check flight pack voltage while flying. The “low voltage alarm” will display on the GCS and 

HUD if the main flight pack goes below 21V (3.5V/cell). If you go below 3.5V/cell or the voltage ever 

begins to drop rapidly, land immediately.

When the battery reaches the low voltage limit (20.5v), the ITX8 will initiate a low battery failsafe and 

land automatically.

ITX8 Rotorcraft Battery and Charging

Refer to the Battery Charger Manual for detailed operating instructions.

Charger should be set to balance charge mode, 6 cells, and 20Amp charge current. Plug in the battery 

and hold down the start button. If a battery is to be re-used immediately, it should be charged while 

warm. A charge rate of 1c is preferred, but up to 5c is acceptable if required. Verify the chargers have 

adequate input power and good connections, make sure the charge power source does not run out of 

power or take damage from the high current requirements (<=60A).

Batteries should not be stored at full charge. If a battery will not be used within the next week or so, you 

can leave it at “Storage Voltage”, which is anywhere between 20%-50% capacity.

Following these steps will help to increase battery health and overall cycle-life.

Monitoring the amount of charge a battery takes, combined with the flight termination voltage will give 

a good indication of battery health.

Radio Control Transmitter Battery

The controller is powered by its own battery and capable of running for over 12 hours straight. The 

controller’s data display allows you to monitor the voltage of the controller. When fully charged, the 

controller will display around 8V; when completely out of charge, the controller will display around 6V. 

Charge the battery pursuant to the transmitter manual when the controller displays 6.5V. See the 

Controller manual for more information.

Ground Control Station Charging

Verify the Ground Control Station is fully charged at the start of any operation. The GCS can operate for 

several hours on battery power alone. By turning off the display whenever possible this can be stretched 

to almost 10 hours. Plug into auxiliary power as required if more time is needed.

FPV Monitor Charging
11

497 Lake Ave. + Santa Cruz, CA 95062 + phone: 888.467.6688 + www.inspectools.com

The FPV monitors have their own internal battery capable of running the unit for several hours. 

However, due to the critical nature of this system, we highly recommend the use of an auxiliary battery 

to be used at all times. More information on charging the FPV Monitor can be found in the included 

manual.

Status Indicators

Refer to UAV documentation for location and description of flight controller status indicators.

Powering the ITX8 Rotorcraft

Follow these steps to power the ITX8 in preparation for flight.

1. Secure the battery to the underside of the vehicle using the velcro straps.

2. Turn on the controller. Verify it has passed all pre-flight checks and is transmitting. Verify the

transmitter is charged and the throttle is at minimum. Always turn the controller on first and off 

last.

3. Connect the yellow connector on the battery with the yellow connector on the ITX8; this will 

power on the ITX8. Keep the ITX8 still and level while it powers on and initializes the sensors. 

Check the status LED; when it displays blinking blue, the sensors have completed initialization 

and you can move the ITX8.

4. Verify GPS status via the FPV Monitor and/or GCS. You will need at least 8 satellites to achieve a 

3D positional lock and fly in GPS assisted modes.

Connecting to a Ground Control Station

1. To connect the ITX8 to the Ground Control Station, start the Mission Planner application on the 

GCS tablet.

2. Verify the telemetry radio is plugged in and the correct serial port is selected and baud rate is 

set to 57600 in the Mission Planner software, and click “connect”.

3. Verify the parameter download completes and the GCS is now receiving live telemetry data.

4. Fly mission per work instruction.

5. Make sure to click “disconnect” at the end of the flight to ensure the telemetry log file is saved 

properly.

Flight Basics

Before you fly, determine the boundaries of your safe flying area. If the ITX8 moves outside the 

designated area or exhibits instability in flight, switch to “stabilize” mode and land the ITX8 manually.
12

497 Lake Ave. + Santa Cruz, CA 95062 + phone: 888.467.6688 + www.inspectools.com

The ITX8 will not avoid obstacles on its own, including during missions. As the operator, it’s your job to 

recognize and avoid obstructions while flying. Always be ready to regain manual control of the ITX8 in 

the event of an unsafe situation. 

Propeller safety

Spinning propellers can cause serious injury. The arming button indicates the status of the motors to 

help you prevent hazardous contact with the ITX8’s propellers.

When the ITX8 is powered on, the arming button will blink red, indicating that the motors are inactive 

and the propellers are safe to handle.

Operational limits

Always fly within the ITX8’s Operational Limits as specified.

To ensure safe and successful flying, always fly in accordance with your applicable 

regulations and best operating practices.
13

497 Lake Ave. + Santa Cruz, CA 95062 + phone: 888.467.6688 + www.inspectools.com

Controls

Maneuver the ITX8 in flight using the controller’s two joysticks. 

Throttle

Move the left stick vertically to control altitude.

Lower the throttle 

stick below center to 

decrease altitude. 

Set the throttle stick 

to center to maintain 

the current altitude.

Set the throttle stick 

fully down to land 

once the ITX8 is a few 

inches above the 

ground.

To take off and to 

gain altitude, raise the 

throttle stick slightly 

above center position. 
14

497 Lake Ave. + Santa Cruz, CA 95062 + phone: 888.467.6688 + www.inspectools.com

Yaw

Move the left stick horizontally to rotate the ITX8 and change orientation. For a slow 

rotation, move the stick slightly away from the center in either direction. Moving the 

stick farther from the center creates a faster rotation.

Move the stick to 

the left to rotate 

counterclockwise.

Move the stick 

to the right to 

rotate clockwise.

left stick

Release the stick to 

stop rotating and 

maintain the current 

orientation.
15

497 Lake Ave. + Santa Cruz, CA 95062 + phone: 888.467.6688 + www.inspectools.com

Pitch and Roll

The right stick allows you to control the ITX8’s position in the air. Move the right stick to tell the ITX8 to 

move in that direction: forward (toward the blue arms), back (toward the black arms), left (toward the 

left arms), or right (towards the right arms). How far you move the stick from the center before 

releasing it tells the ITX8 how fast to move. 

Move the right 

stick forward 

to fly forward.

Move the right 

stick back to fly 

backward.

Move the right 

stick left to fly 

left.

Move the right 

stick right to fly 

right.
16

497 Lake Ave. + Santa Cruz, CA 95062 + phone: 888.467.6688 + www.inspectools.com

Flight Tip:

The ITX8 moves according to its orientation. The blue arms face forward, and the black arms face 

backward. Before using the right stick, use yaw to keep the ITX8 facing in outward orientation so that 

the black arms face towards you and the blue arms and face away from you.

Modes

To avoid sudden changes in altitude, set the throttle stick to center position 

before switching modes, including in the event of a GPS failsafe. See page 20 for 

more information about failsafes.

Standard (altitude hold mode)

STD

fly manually

Start your flight in standard to select altitude hold mode, 

and fly manually using the controller.

Loiter mode

LTR

hover

Select loiter to hover in place automatically. Use the controller 

to adjust the ITX8’s position then release the sticks to hold 

that position. Loiter is a great way for beginners to learn how to fly! 

If you’re new to flying, start your first flight in loiter instead of standard.

mode switch

The ITX8 includes three flight modes: manual flight 

(STD-altitude hold), hover mode (LTR-loiter), and 

mission flight (AUTO). Use the switch on the 

right side of the controller to select a flight mode.
17

497 Lake Ave. + Santa Cruz, CA 95062 + phone: 888.467.6688 + www.inspectools.com

Auto mode

AUTO

fly a mission

Select auto mode to fly an autonomous mission. The ITX8 will 

automatically fly the series of waypoints saved to the autopilot. 

See the Missions section on page 28 for instructions on planning and flying missions.

Gimbal control

TILT

tilt the camera up and down

Connect a Tarot Gimbal (sold separately), and use the TILT knob to control the 

angle of the camera in flight. Visit 3DR.com/ITX8/info for instructions.

Land

CH 7

land at the current position

Set the CH 7 switch to ON to end your flight and land at the current position. 

Once you activate land, set the throttle stick fully down, and the ITX8 will auto -

matically disarm after landing. The ITX8 will not disarm automatically unless the 

throttle stick is set fully down.

Reposition during landing: During landing, use the right 

stick on the controller to adjust the ITX8’s position.

Do not activate auto mode unless you have saved 

a mission to the ITX8 using a Ground Control Station 

application.
18

497 Lake Ave. + Santa Cruz, CA 95062 + phone: 888.467.6688 + www.inspectools.com

Return to Launch

land at the launch point

Set the Return to Landing (RTL) switch to ON to end your flight and return the ITX8 to the launch point 

automatically. Once you activate RTL, set the throttle stick fully down, and the ITX8 will automatically 

disarm after landing. The ITX8 will not disarm automatically unless the throttle stick is set fully down. 

Ensure that the RTL switch is set to OFF before takeoff.

When commanded to RTL, the ITX8 will:

(1) Achieve minimum altitude of 15 m (50 ft) or maintain current altitude if above 15 m.

(2) Move to launch point and loiter for 5 seconds.

(3) Land at launch point. Wait a few seconds and disarm automatically.

(1) 15 meters (2) hover 5 seconds

Reposition during landing: During landing, use the right stick on the controller to adjust the ITX8’s 

position.

RTL returns the ITX8 to the location where it was armed. Always arm the ITX8 at a safe, 

unobstructed launch point.

(3) land at launch point
19

497 Lake Ave. + Santa Cruz, CA 95062 + phone: 888.467.6688 + www.inspectools.com

Failsafes

The ITX8 is programmed with a set of failsafe behaviors to prevent a crash in the event of a 

loss of one of the data or communication channels required for flight. Although certain 

failsafes have assigned status indicators and tones, it is unlikely that you will be able to 

see/hear these at a distance. Monitor the Ground Control Station for failsafe indications. If 

a failsafe is triggered, the assigned behavior will activate. To override the failsafe behavior, 

use the controller to switch to standard mode and regain manual control. 

Radio Controller Signal Failsafe

Physical obstructions and interference from nearby wireless signals can affect the ITX8’s 

connection with the controller. 

If the ITX8 loses contact with the controller, it will return to the launch point automatically and 

land, indicated by a blinking yellow status LED.

Low Battery Failsafe

Environmental conditions, payload, and flying style can affect power consumption. Use 

the controller’s flight data display to monitor the voltage of the battery during flight.

If the battery reaches 20.5 V, the ITX8 will land automatically at the current position, 

indicated by a blinking yellow status LED and a quick repeating tone.

GPS Failsafe

The ITX8 requires GPS lock before takeoff. Enclosed areas, physical obstructions, and 

lack of available satellites can affect GPS strength. If the ITX8 loses GPS lock in flight, it 

will trigger a GPS failsafe, indicated by a blinking blue and yellow LED with a high-highhigh-low tone, and automatically switch to manual control (standard - altitude hold 

mode). Always be prepared to regain manual control at any time while flying and choose 

an unobstructed flying area to improve GPS signal strength.

Altitude Failsafe

The ITX8 has a 100m (328ft) altitude geofence enabled by default. The ITX8 will not breach 

the geofence.

Range Failsafe

The ITX8 has a 1000 m (3280 ft) horizontal geofence enabled by default. The range 

failsafe will be disabled in the event of a GPS failsafe.
20

497 Lake Ave. + Santa Cruz, CA 95062 + phone: 888.467.6688 + www.inspectools.com

Flight Procedures

Pre-Flight

Ensure compliance with the “pre-flight checklist” prior to take off:

1. Propellers are attached tightly to the motors in the correct order and the GPS mast is oriented 

vertically.

2. The ITX8 is powered with the battery secured to the underside of the vehicle. Ensure the ITX8

remains still and level while the sensors initialize.

3. The controller is set to standard (Stable) mode.

4. The status LED displays blinking green, indicating that the ITX8 has acquired GPS lock. This can take a

few minutes depending on your flying location. 

5. Verify flight pack is fully charged.

6. The ITX8 is situated at a safe, unobstructed launch point, facing away from you.

Arm

After completing the checklist, you’re ready to fly! Arming and disarming are important steps that must 

be completed before takeoff and after landing. There are two steps to arming the ITX8: the safety 

button and the controller.

1. Press and hold the arming button until it displays solid red. This indicates that the ITX8 is now active. 

Stand back! Arming button indicators should transition from the first pattern to the second:

Motors inactive, safe to handle

Motors active, deactivate before handling

2. To arm the motors, hold the left stick down/right until the motors spin as indicated below:

Controller left stick: arming position

The arming and disarming procedures ensure that you can safety start and stop motors 

without risk of injury. The ITX8’s motors will spin when armed! Make sure the propellers 

are clear of any obstructions, including your hands, before arming. Do not handle the 

propellers or pick up the ITX8 while the safety button is active (solid red).
21

497 Lake Ave. + Santa Cruz, CA 95062 + phone: 888.467.6688 + www.inspectools.com

Landing

Landing in stable mode is preferred. If you end your flight using the RTL, the ITX8 will disarm 

automatically; wait for the motors to stop, and proceed to powering off.

Disarm

For manual landing in standard or loiter mode, follow the two steps:

(1) Press and hold the safety button until it blinks red. The motors are now inactive, 

Motors inactive, safe to handle

Motors active, deactivate before handling

(2) To disarm the motors, hold the left stick down/left until the motors stop, and the ITX8 is safe to 

handle.

Do not handle the propellers or pick up the copter while the safety button is active 

(solid red). Remember to disconnect the battery before turning off the controller when 

powering off.
22

497 Lake Ave. + Santa Cruz, CA 95062 + phone: 888.467.6688 + www.inspectools.com

Maintenance

Schedule

Daily

 Check all wiring

 Check frame

 Check motor/props

Every 100 hours or less

 Inspect/Clean Motors

 Disassemble, inspect and clean airframe and components

Every 1000 hours

 Return for factory inspection

Contact Inspectools following any incidents or other maintenance questions
23

497 Lake Ave. + Santa Cruz, CA 95062 + phone: 888.467.6688 + www.inspectools.com

Glossary

AGL: Above Ground Level

ASL: Above Sea Level

ATC: Air Traffic Control

COA: Certificate of Authorization: Permission granted by the FAA to operate a UAS within specified 

parameters.

FOV: Field of View

FPV: First Person View

GCS: Ground Control Station

GPS: Global Positioning System

HUD: Heads Up Display

IMU: Inertial Measurement Unit

ITX8 = InspecTools X-copter 8-motors

LZ: Landing Zone

M/S: meters per second

NAS: National Airspace System

NOTAMS: Notices to Airmen

OS: Operating Systems

PIC: Pilot in Command

PPE: Personal Protective Equipment

PV: Photo Voltaic

RC: Radio Control

RTL: Return To Landing

SN: Serial Number

UAS: Unmanned Aerial System

VLOS: Visual Line of Sight

VMC: Visual Meteorological Condition