GCS Aircraft Link GPS/SV PDOP

P1 ---- Set Clear ----

P2 ---- Set Clear ----

P3 ---- Set Clear ----

P4 ---- Set Clear ----

P5 ---- Set Clear ----

Open Mission Clear All Save Mission

Flight time: 00:00

Heading: 0

Distance: 0m

AGL: 0m

Speed: 0m/s

Solo

System Utilities

Disconnect

N

S

W E

Shutdown Cancel

15.9 16.6 43.0 0.0 0.0 

00:00:00 Software build hash number

00:00:00 DraganView Software Version Number

Scanning ...

15.9 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 

GCS USER MANUAL

Handheld Ground Control 

System

Version 1.0
Operator Notice

The responsibility to operate in a safe manner, prevent injury to persons or damage to 

property, and to take no unnecessary risks falls upon the owner and those whom the 

owner authorizes to pilot and operate the Draganflyer helicopter. 

Furthermore the onus is upon each owner/authorizer/pilot to comply with all regulations 

pertinent to the use of the Draganflyer helicopter and associated components at the 

location of operation with regards to the use of airspace as well as radio 

communications.

Draganfly Innovations Inc. does not accept any responsibility for damages or financial 

compensations which may arise as the result of an owner/authorizer/pilot failing to 

comply with any regulations which would lead to a claim against the user.

Page 1
Warning

The Draganflyer helicopter is a precision machine that is vulnerable to misuse and can 

prove to be dangerous if not properly maintained or used in an inappropriate manor.

Helicopters by their nature are not positively stable. Although the Draganflyer can 

maintain an attitude and a position relative to wind movement without constant control 

input; operators should always be aware of its position and be able to take immediate 

control of the helicopter to recover from an unwanted position and avoid any mishaps. 

Please completely read and understand all Draganflyer helicopter instructional 

information before attempting to fly the Draganflyer aircraft. 

To provide optimum performance, a Lithium Polymer battery powers your Draganflyer 

helicopter and controllers. The same properties that make these batteries extremely 

powerful and lightweight also make them dangerous if handled incorrectly. Please read 

and understand all information pertaining to the battery before attempting to use or 

charge it.

IF MISUSED THIS AIRCRAFT IS CAPABLE OF CAUSING SERIOUS BODILY HARM 

TO THE OPERATOR AND SPECTATORS AS WELL AS PROPERTY DAMAGE. ANY 

DAMAGE OR INJURY OCCURRING DUE TO MISUSE OF THIS PRODUCT IS 

SOLELY THE OPERATOR’S RESPONSIBILITY. 

Page 2

Special notice:

Throughout this manual, look for and pay special attention to these information 

boxes for tips, tricks, safety information, or serious warnings and risks, 

associated with this product.
DO NOT PLACE YOUR HANDS OR ARMS IN CLOSE PROXIMITY TO THE ROTORS 

OR ATTEMPT TO STOP SPINNING ROTORS WITH YOUR HANDS AS SERIOUS 

INJURY COULD RESULT FROM CONTACT.

THIS PRODUCT CONTAINS CHEMICALS WHICH ARE KNOWN BY THE STATE OF 

CALIFORNIA TO CAUSE CANCER, BIRTH DEFECTS AND/OR OTHER 

REPRODUCTIVE HARM.

Many common materials such as metals, plastics, glues, lubricants and other coatings 

contain chemicals in varying amount and concentrations which will cause harm if 

introduced into the human body. For further information on toxic or dangerous 

chemicals please refer to California’s Health and Safety Codes Sections 25249.5-13

Page 3

Special notice:

We are always shocked, and you might also find it hard to believe, that 

upon getting their new helicopter system many people want to take it apart 

to see how it works.

Often to their dismay, all they learn is the helicopter and controller are as 

beautiful on the inside as they are on the outside but more times than not, 

they mix-up the motors or break something so our advice is please, just 

enjoy the helicopter, the amazing GCS, and let your imagination soar with 

this incredible aerial tool.

- Understand there is no need to lubricate the motors and often people 

that don’t listen to us and do it anyway, end up damaging them.

- Please also understand that each motor is coded to a specific position on 

the aircraft so don’t get the wild idea to move a motor from the back up to 

the front. If you are experiencing a problem with the aircraft please just call 

our support line at 1-800-979-9794 or drop us an e-mail to 

support@draganfly.com.
Safety Precautions

As the pilot in command you are responsible for the safety of yourself and others 

whether it be in the immediate takeoff and landing area, or the general flight path area. 

Please take safety very seriously.

• Always wear protective eyewear.

• Do not use batteries other than those specifically designed for the Draganflyer 

aircraft; doing so may cause erratic flight performance and void warranty.

• Do not fly the Draganflyer aircraft in excessive winds.

• Do not fly the aircraft system in rain.

• Do not fly near people on the ground or objects in the air.

• Do not fly near pets or other animals.

• Do not fly near high-tension lines, electrical substations, high structures or 

communication facilities.

• Be careful where you place the controller and aircraft during flight 

preparations, be sure that they will not be dropped or suffer a fall as this may 

cause serious damage.

• Never fly this aircraft where damage to property or injury to persons may 

result if loss of control occurs. 

• Never leave the Draganflyer aircraft unattended with the battery connected. 

Make it a habit to always disconnect the battery when not flying.

• When possible fly with a spotter or observer

Page 4
Meet your Draganflyer GCS

Over two years in the making and extra attention focused on the ergonomic layout of 

switches, controls, the feel, and overall balance, we believe you will be very happy with 

the new handheld Ground Control System (GCS) from Draganfly Innovations.

The feel reinforces control of the aircraft; the spoken audio alarms keep you informed, 

and the direct sunlight viewable display provides aircraft telemetry, mapping, and crisp 

digital video downlink display from the aircraft payload.

Below you see/learn more about the GCS front side controls.

Page 5

Pitch/Roll

Pitch/Roll trim

Power on/off Scroll wheel and “D”Pad 

mouse click

Return home

Camera tilt

Throttle/Yaw

Ball mouse
The first time you power-on the GCS you quickly realize this is more than just a 

controller; this is a full blown, custom made computer. And no, we didn’t outsource the 

GCS and just stick our name on it. The GCS was designed from the ground-up by the 

engineering and software team at Draganfly Innovations.

Every curve, every button and every pixel was developed by the team so when it comes 

time for systems support we can provide premium service.

Below you see the switches along the topside of the controller as well as ports and 

connections along the bottom.

Page 6

Not used

Engage motors Camera shutter

Disengage motors

Speakers

Ethernet

Audio Mini USB

USB

Battery test

AUX. power

LiPo charge plug

LiPo balance plug
Backside controls of the GCS fall in-line with your natural grip. A more relaxed grip at the 

controls results in confident control of the aircraft allowing you to spend more time 

collecting data, shooting photos or searching an area.

One of the primary design goals of the helicopter system and GCS was to equip and 

better enable the pilot in command with an effective tool to collect aerial data. By 

offloading the stress of flying the aircraft the team can focus their attention on the realtime analysis of the data provided by the aircraft because in the end, this isn’t all about 

flying, it’s all about getting the work done.

Below you see the backside GCS controls.

Page 7

Zoom in control Zoom out control

Altitude hold or GPS position 

hold switch Video-link Data-link antenna

antenna

Student training switch
Contents

Chapter 1: Understanding the GCS

This is one of the more interesting and important chapters 

because we’ll go over each and every screen that makes up 

the GCS DraganView System. It’s technical, in-depth, and 

we’ll do our best to make it fun too.

Chapter 2: Battery Safety and Charging

The GCS is powered by a Lithium Polymer battery so please 

take time to read this chapter. Lithium Polymer (LiPo) battery 

technology has improved greatly over the years; but if not 

cared for properly, the batteries can be very dangerous.

Chapter 3: Ready for flight

At this point you know where all the switches are, what they 

do, and you’re more than ready to get out flying so wait no 

more; in this chapter we’ll run through preparation for your 

first flight and a typical mission scenario.

Chapter 4: GCS technical data

Here you’ll find the specifications and technical data 

required to answer many of the questions asked by your 

agency responsible for the National Air Space (NAS) or 

neighbor down the street.

Page 8
Chapter 1

Page 9
Chapter contents

There is so much information discussed in this chapter we’re providing a chapter table 

of contents to help you quickly find, or get back to, information that you’re interested in.

Understanding the GCS	 	 	 P11- 15

Home Screen! ! ! ! ! ! P12- 15

- screen layout and definition

System Utility screens	 	 	 P15- 43

Overview! ! ! ! ! ! P16- 21 

- power-up system	 	 	 	 	

- understand the amazing D-Pad	 	 	

- full screen video and mapping 			

Vehicle screen! ! ! ! ! ! P21 - 24

- understand parameters and settings

Controller screen! ! ! ! ! P25 - 29

- understand parameters and settings

- secondary controller setup

Network Screen! ! ! ! ! P29 - 33

- understand networks

- video network

Database screen! ! ! ! ! P33 - 41

- mission log files

- exporting log file data

- photo gallery

- single image viewing

Summary! ! ! ! ! ! P41 - 43

Page 10
Understanding the GCS

We know you really want to turn it on so if you haven’t done it already, go ahead and 

power it on. The GCS will need to be charged but there should be enough battery for 

you to check out the main “Home Screen” and take a look at the battery charge level.

The Quick Start Guide ran you through some of the basics but in this manual, we’re 

going to cover the functionality of every button, switch, connector and go through the 

various screens of the GCS. Yes, we’ll cover a lot of detailed information. A good way to 

cover the material is to first satisfy your curiosity by getting a quick look at the GCS and 

then, we ask you to set it aside and charge the battery.

While the GCS is charging we want you to read the manual, take notes, and when the 

GCS is charged, go through this section again with your GCS powered on.

To get started, power-up the GCS by pressing the orange “power” button.

Page 11

GCS Aircraft Link GPS/SV PDOP

P1 ---- Set Clear ----

P2 ---- Set Clear ----

P3 ---- Set Clear ----

P4 ---- Set Clear ----

P5 ---- Set Clear ----

Open Mission Clear All Save Mission

Flight time: 00:00

Heading: 0

Distance: 0m

AGL: 0m

Speed: 0m/s

Solo

System Utilities

Disconnect

N

S

W E

15.9 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 Scanning ...

00:00:00 Software build hash number

00:00:00 DraganView Software Version Number

To power on, momentarily press power 

switch until you hear the GCS beep and let 

go.

When the GCS boots-up youʼll here it beep again and you 

will be presented with the GCS “Home Screen”.
Don’t be alarmed if you see striped vertical lines on the screen when you first power-up 

the system; this is a normal part of the boot-up process. Following the vertical lines 

you’ll see the Draganfly logo followed by the presentation of the “Home Screen”.

The software running on the GCS is called DraganView. DraganView first started many 

years ago as the base station software designed and developed by Draganfly. Through 

the years DraganView has evolved to support digital video down-link, mapping, and 

most recently DraganView is at the heart of the GCS system.

Home Screen

This is your “go to” screen to quickly get all the information you need. The screen is 

broken down into several clearly defined sections as indicated below.

Page 12

GCS Aircraft Link GPS/SV PDOP

P1 ---- Set Clear ----

P2 ---- Set Clear ----

P3 ---- Set Clear ----

P4 ---- Set Clear ----

P5 ---- Set Clear ----

Open Mission Clear All Save Mission

Flight time: 00:00

Heading: 0

Distance: 0m

AGL: 0m

Speed: 0m/s

Solo

System Utilities

Disconnect

N

S

W E

15.9 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 Scanning ...

Dual purpose: Displays either 

live video or displays map

Points of Interest set 

points and mission 

control

Dual purpose: Status and message 

area or when toggled to map view 

displays a small live-video window

Aircraft telemetry and 

GCS information Navigate to other 

system utility screens

Disconnect GCS from 

communicating with 

aircraft

Aircraft flight 

information

Aircraft heading 

and bearing
Points of Interest

At the time of this writing the Points of Interest (POI) section has not been implemented. 

In a future software release, this section will be enabled allowing the pilot in command 

(PIC) to take full advantage of the “Vision Based POI System”.

The POI system allows you to set mission waypoints using a visual based system and 

the ability to save a given mission. This is a powerful feature that will be explained in 

more detail after extensive testing and final implementation.

Aircraft flight information

Real-time critical flight information is presented in this area. Flight time, aircraft heading 

in degrees, aircraft distance from the GCS, altitude above ground, aircraft speed and the 

controller flight mode.

Status and video window

The lower left corner window is multi-purpose. By default it’s your messaging and status 

window for the GCS. Often the GCS will verbally announce status or warning messages 

but in addition, they are also displayed in this area.

A bit later in the manual we’ll discuss switch functionality but for now, understand that 

when the upper right hand window is toggled between video or map display, your live 

video feed will be displayed in this window. When you toggle the upper right window to 

display video again, the message area is restored.

System Utilities

Selecting this button will take you to the GCS Utility screens. We’ll discuss these 

screens in more detail later but in general, you will find detailed information about the 

aircraft, GCS, network and GCS database in this set of screens. Whenever you want to 

get back to the “Home Screen”, simply toggle the “D-Pad” left.

Page 13
Disconnect

The GCS is connected to the aircraft over a wireless datalink. Once the connection is 

established you always have the option to “disconnect” from the aircraft. Disconnect is 

only allowed when the aircraft motors have been disengaged and disarmed.

For example, when you land the aircraft you will disengage the motors to stop the props 

from spinning. The next step is to disarm the motors preventing an accidental restart 

and then you disconnect the aircraft before powering the aircraft and GCS off.

Aircraft heading and bearing

This is a multi-function display that can be very useful. A helicopter has the ability to be 

pointed one direction, but fly a completely different direction. For example, the aircraft 

can be pointed north, but fly sideways in an easterly direction. Unlike an airplane, the 

heading and bearing can be wildly different.

The center aircraft canopy symbol indicates the heading of the aircraft. A directional 

arrow will become visible when the aircraft is moving to indicate the bearing, or direction 

the aircraft is actually moving. Using the same example from above, if the aircraft is 

pointed north and flying sideways east, a small arrow will be visible pointing east on the 

dial.

Aircraft and GCS telemetry data

In the graphic above the GCS is not connected to an aircraft so the only display shown 

is GCS battery health and GPS position accuracy. If you’re indoors when you’re looking 

at the GCS it’s very unlikely that you will detect any GPS satellites to establish a 

position.

When connected to an aircraft, in realtime you can quickly visually inspect your GCS 

battery, helicopter battery, quality of datalink and GPS position accuracy of the aircraft 

and GCS.

Page 14
Video and mapping window

This is a dual purpose window used to display either video or mapping information. 

Toggling between the two is accomplished by turning the “scroll wheel”.

When the GCS has established a connection with the aircraft video network, the video 

window control buttons and indicators are enabled to “play” the video stream, “pause” 

the video stream and “record” video to the GCS. The strength of the video network is 

displayed in the lower right corner of the video window.

If this is your first pass through the manual please power-off the GCS and get it 

charging. To power off the GCS:

• press the power button

• use the mouse and move the computer screen cursor over the “Shutdown” button 

in the message window

• use the “D-Pad” to “click” select the Shutdown button

• GCS will power-off

If this is your second time through the manual please keep the GCS powered on and 

continue through the manual.

System Utility Screens

If you haven’t assembled your helicopter please do so at this time and install the 

helicopter payload but DO NOT install the props. For many of the tests and work that 

we’ll be doing it’s a good idea to remove the props and eliminate any danger of the 

aircraft taking off, or anyone getting hurt in the process.

Page 15

Special notice:

Please remove all four props from the aircraft now. 
When the aircraft is powered on, please keep your hands and fingers away from the 

motors. Even without props attached you can still hurt yourself if you come in contact 

with the prop latch assemblies so during these exercises keep your hands away, 

children away and pets away from the aircraft.

And once again - please make certain that all four props have been removed from the 

aircraft. If not - please do it now.

Overview

This will be a long section so if you get bored, tired of reading or just want to take a 

break please do so. Never walk away and leave the equipment powered on. If you 

decide to step away from this for a while make sure to power everything off.

The switches and controls are pretty intuitive and described in the first part of the 

manual. Special function controls, or controls with significant or complicated 

functionality will be described and illustrated in detail. But otherwise switches like 

“shutter control”, are obviously used to remotely control the camera shutter to take a 

photo.

In preparation to step through this section please:

• assemble helicopter without any props

• install payload

• install a fully charged flight battery

• GCS battery should be fully charged

• ensure all four props have been removed from aircraft

• power on the GCS

• power on the helicopter

With the GCS booted and the aircraft powered on you should be looking at the GCS 

home screen and the helicopter navigation LEDs should be blinking steadily sequence.

Page 16
When it’s first powered on the GCS is always looking for an aircraft to connect with. In 

this example just one aircraft is powered on so you will see only one aircraft listed. If 

multiple aircraft were powered on and not already connected to a GCS, they would be 

listed here.

Select the helicopter to establish a wireless datalink connection by positioning the GCS 

mouse cursor over the helicopter name in the status window and “select” the aircraft by 

clicking the D-Pad. The D-PAD center switch is your mouse select button.

After selecting the aircraft, the GCS will:

• announce vehicle communication is established

• the aircraft ID will clear the screen

Page 17

GCS Aircraft Link GPS/SV PDOP

P1 ---- Set Clear ----

P2 ---- Set Clear ----

P3 ---- Set Clear ----

P4 ---- Set Clear ----

P5 ---- Set Clear ----

Open Mission Clear All Save Mission

Flight time: 00:00

Heading: 0

Distance: 0m

AGL: 0m

Speed: 0m/s

Solo

System Utilities

Disconnect

N

S

W E

Aircraft name: Available

Primary: GCS name

15.9 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 Scanning ...

Ball mouse

Center button on D-PAD 

is mouse click. Push 

button in, to select

Available aircraft will be listed in 

the status window. Move mouse 

over the helicopter ID and select 

with D-Pad
• aircraft telemetry data will start streaming to the GCS

Everything will come alive before your eyes and to see that it’s all working, simply pickup the helicopter and rotate the aircraft to watch the aircraft heading indicator function. 

When the canopy symbol is pointing north, the helicopter is pointed towards “true” 

north.

Your GCS screen should look something like this.

Page 18

GCS Aircraft Link GPS/SV PDOP

P1 ---- Set Clear ----

P2 ---- Set Clear ----

P3 ---- Set Clear ----

P4 ---- Set Clear ----

P5 ---- Set Clear ----

Open Mission Clear All Save Mission

Flight time: 00:00

Heading: 0

Distance: 0m

AGL: 0m

Speed: 0m/s

Solo

System Utilities

Disconnect

N

S

W E

15.9 16.6 43.0 0.0 0.0 

00:00:00 Software build hash number

00:00:00 DraganView Software Version Number

15.9 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 Aircraft is unarmed holding altitude

Aircraft telemetry will 

come alive to display 

real-time values

Heading symbol will 

reflect actual aircraft 

heading

Status will indicate the aircraft 

is “unarmed” and in holding 

altitude mode
It’s time to stop and describe in more detail the multi-function scroll wheel and D-Pad 

control. This is a fascinating switch because it’s very easy to use and it can do so many 

things. The scroll wheel allows you to quickly switch or “scroll” between screens. The DPad is the button in the center of the wheel that moves in five different directions.

The D-Pad toggles up, down, left, right, and when pushed in, functions as a mouse click 

to select items on the screen.

So let’s try out the scroll wheel. Right now we should have the home screen displayed 

on the GCS. Roll the scroll wheel clockwise one click and you will shift the video window 

down over the status window in the lower left corner. At the same time you will expose a 

GCS map screen. Scroll the wheel Clockwise another click and you’ll shift the video 

Page 19

Pushing straight down is a 

mouse click

Rotates either direction to move 

between screens

Pushing to the left returns to 

home screen

From home screen pushing up 

switches to full screen video or 

mapping
window back to the upper right window. The scroll wheel is an easy, fast way to switch 

screens. Scroll the wheel again to restore the map window.

Using the D-Pad, toggle the switch “up” one click. When toggled up, you will switch into 

full screen mode. And please note, we haven’t turned the camera on yet or enabled 

streaming video so the video window will be black.

The full screen video or map screen is a very complete screen with essential telemetry 

information, aircraft information, status window and at anytime you can toggle back to 

the home screen by clicking the D-Pad left.

Page 20

cBatt vBatt Link vGPS cGPS

Aircraft is unarmed holding altitude 15.9 16.6 43.0 0.0 0.0

Flight time: 00:00 AGL: 0.0m

Heading: 0 Speed: 0.0m/s

Distance: 0.0m Solo

REC

Status and message area Aircraft telemetry and 

GCS information

Full screen video or 

map. Use scroll wheel 

to toggle between the 

two screens

Aircraft flight 

information
Return to the home screen and let’s take a look at the utility screens.

At the home screen, position the mouse over the “Utility Screen” button and select using 

the D-Pad. By default you always start by viewing the Vehicle screen. Before we take an 

in-depth look into each screen, simply “scroll” through the various screens using the 

scroll wheel. Toggle between the vehicle, controller, network and database screens.

Rolling the wheel clockwise will run you around in a loop through the screens or you can 

roll over a couple screens one direction and turn the scroll wheel back counter clockwise 

to move between screens. If you don’t like the scroll wheel you can use the mouse and 

click with D-Pad to select the TABS at the top of the page and open a screen.

Any time that you need the home screen, you will use the D-Pad as described above. 

Clicking the D-Pad left brings you directly to the home screen.

Vehicle Screen

At Draganfly we work extra hard to try and keep things simple. And keeping the GCS 

simple has been a big challenge because we need to provide good information but at 

the same time don’t want to over clutter the controller with tons of switches or crowd the 

screens with lots of confusing information.

We think what you’ll find is a good balance. For those people that just want to see what 

is needed to fly, that information is presented by default; and for those wanting more 

information, our software developers took advantage of the “mouse over” feature to 

expose more information if needed.

Page 21

Special notice:

Always remember to RETURN back to the Home Screen, click the D-Pad in the 

LEFT direction to return. The home screen is nothing more than just one click 

away.
For example, when you first enter the Utility Screen chapter of the GCS you’re presented 

with the Vehicle screen. By default the upper right window is blank but when you hover 

the mouse over “Identity” on the left, the mouse over exposes more detailed information 

about the aircraft in the upper right window.

All the utility screens take advantage of the mouse over feature to expose more 

information about something when needed. So here’s a quick look at the screen 

followed by an explanation of each setting and adjustment.

Page 22

cBatt vBatt Link vGPS cGPS

15.9 16.6 43.0 0.0 0.0 Aircraft is unarmed holding altitude

Flight time: 00:00 AGL: 0.0m

Heading: 0 Speed: 0.0m/s

Distance: 0.0m Solo

General Payload

Status

Identity

Position

GPS

Vehicle Controller Network Database

Measurement

LED brightness

Altitude limit

Upper limit

Lower limit

Rate control

Tilt rate

SI

100%

60m

0

0

0

On

Firmware

Primary

Secondary

Packet Loss

Payload

Temperature

Triggered

A9F675C876540387 (Aircraft name)

52.08086N 106.59759W 54mASL

9.6mSEP 1.40PDOP 10SVs

1.0.4u

3C12B733AF9A2346 (Controller name)

3C48B123AF0A7645 (NAME)

0%

126

25C

0

The bottom section is the same across the utility and full 

screen windows providing aircraft telemetry information

Aircraft status 

information

Area is clear unless 

you mouse over an 

item to get more 

information

Aircraft setup area 

to easily change 

parameters

Payload setup area 

to easily change 

parameters
The following runs through the information and settings available on the vehicle screen 

by section. And because we have previously discussed the aircraft telemetry information 

along the bottom, we’ll just focus on new information here.

When making changes to any of the values you need to have the aircraft powered on 

and be connected to the aircraft. To make changes simply use the arrow buttons on 

either side of the setting value to make a change. The new settings are “set” in real-time 

over the wireless datalink to the aircraft and will remain set until you change them again. 

Upper left vehicle “Status” window:

Identity: The serial number and “name” of the aircraft

Position: This is the current Lat/Long and altitude above sea level of the aircraft

GPS: Provides the current number of satellites being received and position accuracy

Upper right vehicle “pop-up” window:

Contents of this window will vary depending on what item is selected. In this example 

we have placed the mouse over the “Identity” of the aircraft to reveal more detailed 

information about the helicopter and payload.

Firmware: Current firmware revision level of the processor onboard the aircraft

Primary: The serial number and name of the controller that is connected to the aircraft

Secondary: The serial number and name of the last controller connected to the aircraft

Packet loss: An indicator for the quality of the data-link to the aircraft

Temperature: Autopilot temperature onboard the aircraft

Payload: Estimated tilt angle of the payload

Triggered: Number of photos taken during the flight

Center left vehicle “General” setup window:

Measurement: Sets the GCS units of measure between SI (meters) or Imperial (feet)

LED brightness: Sets navigation LED illumination between 0 and 100% brightness

Altitude limit: Sets a hard altitude ceiling for the aircraft. Despite pilot input the aircraft 

will not exceed this altitude setting.

Page 23
Center right vehicle “Payload” setup window:

Upper limit: Sets the upper limit when tilting the camera payload

Lower limit: Sets the lower limit when tilting the camera payload

Rate control: When on, enables the tilt rate value to payload scale tilt speed

Tilt rate: Sets the tilt rate speed

Over the life of the system and your adventures together you’ll have different reasons to 

change these settings. Some you might change often and others, like the units of 

measure, you typically set once. If you prefer to think in meters, you typically never 

change the setting.

Navigation LED brightness is something we change from time-to time depending on 

personal preference and lighting conditions. By default we typically run at 100% 

brightness for daylight operation but if you fly at dusk or low light conditions often the 

LEDS are too bright. When flying at night we typically run the LED brightness at 20% 

versus being blinded by the LEDs but it’s all personal preference.

Altitude limit is something you might set based on the regulations of your airspace 

agreement or limitations you want to impose for a particular project. For example there 

is an agency in the United States that received a Certificate of Authorization (COA) from 

the FAA to operate the Draganflyer aircraft but because they are near an airport, they are 

limited to flying no higher than 200 feet. The altitude limit feature is ideal for operating 

under these special conditions.

Payload tilt limits and rate control is something you may or may not adjust depending 

upon the specific use of the aircraft. For search/rescue and police work there will be little 

need to change these values. For applications where you’re shooting video and want 

specific limits or tilt speed for a given shot, then these adjustments come in vary handy.

Page 24
Controller Screen

The controller screen has a similar layout to the vehicle screen and operates in very 

much the same way with more detailed information revealed through the mouse-over 

pop-up information exposed in the upper right hand window.

Controller information and settings are managed from this screen and it’s using this 

screen, that also allows you to set-up a wireless link to a “secondary” controller. The 

ability to wirelessly link another controller into the system is a powerful tool. Most often 

this feature is used for training a student pilot but it can also be used to allow a separate 

camera operator to be a part of the team and work as an observer with the pilot in 

command. 

In a teacher/student scenario this feature allows the instructor to “pass over” one control 

at-a-time to the student operating a secondary controller. The student learns the 

controls one-by-one until the student is in complete control of the aircraft. Because this 

is the most common use, we named the GCS control the “trainer switch” and often refer 

to this as the “trainer mode”.

Trainer mode is engaged by 

the instructor through a 

switch on the backside of the 

GCS so at any moment, the 

instructor can quickly switch 

back and resume full control 

of the aircraft.

As we discuss the controller 

utility screen, we’ll also 

describe in detail, how you 

set-up the wireless link to a 

secondary student controller. 

The student controller can be 

either another GCS or the 

Page 25

GCS Aircraft Link GPS/SV PDOP

P1 ---- Set Clear ----

P2 ---- Set Clear ----

P3 ---- Set Clear ----

P4 ---- Set Clear ----

P5 ---- Set Clear ----

Open Mission Clear All Save Mission

Flight time: 00:00

Heading: 0

Distance: 0m

AGL: 0m

Speed: 0m/s

Solo

System Utilities

Disconnect

N

S

W E

15.9 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 Aircraft is unarmed holding altitude

REC

15.9 16.6 43.0 0.0 0.0 

00:00:00 Software build hash number

00:00:00 DraganView Software Version Number

GCS Aircraft Link GPS/SV PDOP

P1 ---- Set Clear ----

P2 ---- Set Clear ----

P3 ---- Set Clear ----

P4 ---- Set Clear ----

P5 ---- Set Clear ----

Open Mission Clear All Save Mission

Flight time: 00:00

Heading: 0

Distance: 0m

AGL: 0m

Speed: 0m/s

Solo

System Utilities

Disconnect

N

S

W E

15.9 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 Aircraft is unarmed holding altitude

Primary GCS

Primary control of the aircraft is accomplished via the 

Instructor controller. Secondary control is accomplished 

using the student controller thru the instructor controller 

after joining into the network.

Secondary controller
standard handheld controller. By default it’s assumed the GCS is a Primary controller 

operating in Solo mode, meaning that no secondary controller is involved with the 

network.

Illustrated above is a mouse-over event over the controller identity in the status window 

exposing more detailed information about the current controller software and hardware 

status. The following information describes the displayed information and settings that 

are available from the controller screen.

Page 26

cBatt vBatt Link vGPS cGPS

15.9 16.6 43.0 0.0 0.0 Aircraft is unarmed holding altitude

Flight time: 00:00 AGL: 0.0m

Heading: 0 Speed: 0.0m/s

Distance: 0.0m Solo

General Payload

Status

Identity

Position

GPS

Vehicle Controller Network Database

UTC offset

Max flight time

Alarm volume

0 Primary

30

100

DraganView

Firmware

Data free

Media free

B9F696C873030284 (Controller name)

0.00000N 0.00000E 54mASL

0.0mSEP 99.99PDOP 0SVs

2.022 (1363730976.b483fdaf4c4)

1.0.0n

1242.1Mib

13553.8Mib

Back light

Show help

75

Secondary

Upgrade

The bottom section is the same across the utility and full 

screen windows providing aircraft telemetry information

GCS status 

information

Area is clear unless 

you mouse over an 

item to get more 

information

GCS setup area 

to easily change 

parameters

Secondary controller setup 

is blank unless primary is 

checked to expose the 

setup menu
Upper left controller “Status” window:

Identity: The serial number and “name” of the controller

Position: This is the current Lat/Long and altitude above sea level of the controller

GPS: Provides the current number of satellites being received and position accuracy of 

the controller

Upper right controller “pop-up” window:

Contents of this window will vary depending on what item is selected. In this example 

we have placed the mouse over the “Identity” of the controller to reveal more detailed 

information about the controller and media capacity.

DraganView: The software revision level of the DraganView software

Firmware: Current firmware revision level of the processor onboard the controller

Data free: Free space for the software partition of the GCS

Media free: Free space for the dedicated media storage such as photos and video within 

the GCS

Center left controller “General” setup window:

UTC offset: Enter the UTC offset value of your time zone in reference to Coordinated 

Universal Time (UTC). For example, daylight savings time in California (PDT) is -7 hours 

difference from UTC. 

Max flight time: This is nothing more than a flight timer and can be configured based on 

user preference. For example, you want to automatically be notified when you have been 

flying for 20 minutes; you set that value here.

Alarm volume: Sets GCS system volume.

Backlight: Display brightness setting. The higher the brightness setting the faster your 

battery will be drained so it’s a balancing act. You want good brightness on sunny days 

but just remember it’s at the life of battery.

Show help: Displays help graphics to illustrate GCS switch locations

Page 27
Upgrade: Select this button to check for GCS software updates. To upgrade the system 

your GCS needs to be fully charged and either connected to a wireless WiFi Internet 

connection or it must be plugged into an Internet connection.

If you’re connected to the network the GCS will check with the Draganfly Servers to see 

if an upgrade is available. If there is, the GCS will indicate a new software version is 

ready for download. Select Upgrade again in the upper right window and the system will 

automatically download the required software installer, install the upgrade and reboot 

the GCS.

Secondary controller setup:

Selecting the “primary” check box will reveal the setup window. From this window you 

can easily select what controls are being passed over to the secondary controller when 

the “trainer” switch is enabled on the GCS.

Page 28

cBatt vBatt Link vGPS cGPS

15.9 16.6 43.0 0.0 0.0 Aircraft is unarmed holding altitude

Flight time: 00:00 AGL: 0.0m

Heading: 0 Speed: 0.0m/s

Distance: 0.0m Solo

General Payload

Status

Identity

Position

GPS

Vehicle Controller Network Database

UTC offset

Max flight time

Alarm volume

0 Primary

30

100

DraganView

Firmware

Data free

Media free

B9F696C873030284 (Controller name)

0.00000N 0.00000E 54mASL

0.0mSEP 99.99PDOP 0SVs

2.022 (1363730976.b483fdaf4c4)

1.0.0n

1242.1Mib

13553.8Mib

Back light

Show help

75

Secondary

Upgrade

Roll

Pitch

Throttle

Hold

Ascent

Yaw

Shutter

Zoom

Tilt

Aux

P S P S

Selecting the “Primary” check 

box enables the secondary 

controller setup area

In this example “yaw” has been 

passed over to the secondary 

controller only when the trainer 

switch is enabled

By default camera controls are 

automatically shared with a 

secondary controller
In the example above the “yaw” control is passed over to the secondary student 

controller.

Okay, so you understand the check marks to pass over control but why are there X’s in 

the camera control boxes? By default we have it set-up so that whenever a secondary 

controller is connected into the network, the controllers automatically get shared control 

of the camera even when the trainer button is not enabled on the primary controller.

Quite often the pilot will be flying with a camera operator as part of the team and in 

some countries, having a dedicated camera operator is required. To make it easier for 

the pilot, by default when a secondary controller is included in the network the camera 

controls are automatically passed over to the observers (secondary) controller. By 

programming it this way, there is minimal setup time required and during the flight, the 

pilot doesn’t have to “hold” the trainer button to enable the secondary camera controls.

Connecting a secondary controller is straight forward, fast and simple.

• power-on the primary controller (GCS)

• power-on and connect to the aircraft

• navigate to the “controller screen”

• select “Primary”

• select what controls will be passed over to the secondary controller

• power-on the secondary standard handheld controller (HHC)

• select the “config screen”

• select “Trainer setup”

• select “Slave”

• select “Acquire now”

• select “Done”

• you are connected

• when the “trainer” switch is activated, the selected controls will be controlled by 

the secondary controller

Page 29
Network Screen

Just about everything we do is over a wireless network so networking is a critical part of 

the system.

Your system was setup and flight tested at Draganfly so the connection to the aircraft 

and video network are already setup for you. The only additional network setup that’s 

required is a connection to either your wired or wireless network to cache in new maps 

or pull down new GCS DraganView software updates from Draganfly; but before we get 

into that lets take a quick tour of the screen.

Upper left network “Wireless” window:

The wireless window is a dynamic window meaning that any available network in your 

immediate area will populate the screen. When the network list exceeds the window 

area, a scroll bar will automatically appear on the right side of the window pane.

Page 30

cBatt vBatt Link vGPS cGPS

15.9 16.6 43.0 0.0 0.0 Aircraft is unarmed holding altitude

Flight time: 00:00 AGL: 0.0m

Heading: 0 Speed: 0.0m/s

Distance: 0.0m Solo

Video

Wireless

Vehicle Controller Network Database

Wired

AXIS M7001 - 00408CCC9104

Forget

Wireless

http://192.168.22.128/mjpeg/video.mjpg

Refresh

“Animator”

00:21:29:7d:28:7E -67dBm

“DFLY”

DC:9F:DB:0A:1E:46 -39dBm

5180MHz Unencrypted

Buffering: Normal

Aspect: Letterbox Crop

Mouse-over either of the Wired 

or Wireless buttons to get 

detailed network information

Indicates a connection to the 

video server onboard the 

aircraft.

Sets video quality and latency. 

Sliding to the left brings 

streaming up to real-time 

performance but video may 

stutter. Sliding adjustment full 

right is the best video 

smoothness and quality but 

there will be some latency.

You decide what you like.
By default you’re automatically connected to the Draganfly video network. In this 

example the video network is called DFLY.

You also see a WiFi network called “Animator” in the list but keep in mind the GCS can 

only be connected to one wireless network at-a-time. If we want to get connected with 

Animator to update map tiles or GCS software, we’ll need to “Forget” the DFLY network 

and enable the Animator network.

If the WiFi network requires a password, once you click the cursor inside the password 

box a software keyboard will be pop-up on screen, and allow you to enter the password.

Once connected, if you would like to see the network address or network information 

simply move the GCS cursor over the “Wireless” button in the upper left window. The 

mouse-over action will prompt the display of network information for either the wireless 

or wired network.

Another way to get connected to the Internet is to plug-in an Ethernet cable to the GCS. 

The Ethernet connector is located along the bottom side of the GCS. As long as the 

network supports DHCP no set-up is required.

Center right network “Video” window:

When the GCS connects to the video server onboard the aircraft, the video server is 

listed here and it’s at this time, that the “play” video button appears on the home screen.

As pointed out above, the video network connection is not instantaneous on power-up. 

Often you have to wait a good thirty seconds to one minute before the network 

handshakes and sets up the streaming link. When you’re on the home screen and you’re 

waiting for the “play” button to become visible it seems longer than it really is.

Page 31
Special notice:

Please note: It can often take a good 30 seconds to one minute for the GCS to 

handshake and establish a streaming video connection with the aircraft. If it 

doesn’t immediately appear - be patient - it will connect.

If the “play video” button never appears you can quickly navigate to the network screen 

and first check:

• are you connected to the Draganfly wireless network - if not, get connected

• do you see a connection to the streaming video server, in the video window and is 

it selected. If not - select the video adapter to complete the connection

• if the Draganfly video network is not detected, make sure the payload is plugged 

into the helicopter and the helicopter is powered on.

Let’s play some live video:

While we’re talking about the video connection lets take a little break from the utility 

screens and look at some video from your helicopter. As we have been running through 

the screens your GCS and helicopter with payload have been powered on so now 

please;

• remove lens cap

• power-on camera

• hit the D-Pad “left” and switch back to the home screen

• at the home screen in the upper right video window you will see a blue play 

button. If you don’t see the play button, make sure the Draganfly wireless network 

is selected and active in the network screen we just discussed. When connected 

to the aircraft you will see the Axis video device listed on the right center screen. 

And just remember the Draganfly network + the AXIS video server = a streaming 

video play button on the home screen video window.

Page 32
• select the play button to begin streaming live video

• with the video playing, now hit the D-Pad “up” switching into full screen video

• pick up and move the helicopter or tilt the camera to see you have live video

• hit the D-Pad “left” and return to the home screen

• at the home screen, select the utility screen button

• navigate to the network screen

• adjust the video quality slider all the way to the left, for “real-time” display

• hit the D-Pad “left” and switch back to the home screen to view video

• the best way to measure video latency is to set a clock with sweep second hand 

in clear view of the camera. Watching the streaming video and keeping an eye on 

the clock provides a good indication of the quality and delay.

• in real-time mode the latency is about 300 to 500 milli-seconds

• in smooth, high quality mode the latency will exceed a second or more

• go back and forth adjusting the slider and viewing video to see the results

• after viewing video power-off the camera and replace the lens cap

No FPV flying:

As tempting as it might be, we strongly discourage First Person View (FPV) flying. If 

you’re not familiar with this, it’s a mode of flying where you pilot the aircraft by only 

watching a live video feed from the aircraft, as though you were sitting inside the 

helicopter.

Page 33

Special notice:

The Draganflyer helicopters are NOT DESIGNED as an FPV system and should 

NEVER be flown in this manor. The helicopter system is a direct “line-of-sight” 

aircraft and should always be in clear view during operation.
Understand this is NOT AN FPV system. A sophisticated FPV system uses very high 

power, analog video transmitters that are often non-compliant with FCC regulations, 

tracking directional ground receivers, and in many countries requires a dedicated 

observer. In the FPV hobby pilots are often flying beyond line-of-sight and their only 

visual reference is through video broadcast from the aircraft.

The Draganfly system was designed and should be flown as a “Direct Line-of-Sight” 

aircraft meaning you need to “see” the helicopter to safely operate it.

Database Screen

If you need to take a break or get something to drink now is a good time to step away, 

clear your head, and come back fresh before we dive into the database. As with 

everything we do here at Draganfly we have done everything possible to provide as 

much power and capability as possible while trying to keep it all very simple. And the 

Database is no exception.

Database overview:

The database is a warehouse of information within the GCS storing:

• detailed flight data log files

• photos

• video

And it’s not just enough to store this data, the GCS does an excellent job displaying the 

information, organizing the information and exporting data to be used in other 

applications or archived on other computer systems. In its simplest form the database 

captures, displays, and exports data. 

Page 34
Database Mission Log screen:

The database mission log screen is the first screen that you see when scrolling over to 

view the database. 

This is the launch point to gather more information about a particular mission so let’s 

take a look at the screen.

Upper left database “Mission Log” window:

Flight data log files are recorded to the GCS and listed in this window in ascending 

order, so the latest flight is listed at the top.

Page 35

GPS Hold used:

Mission #:

Battery range:

GPS sats:

PDOP:

Min RSSI:

Photos taken:

Videos stored:

Name:

Date:

Duration:

Time:

Mission size:

35mAGL

4

16.8 - 14.4

9 - 15

.9 - 1.2

33 - 75

6

2

Unnamed

2013/04/07

24:00

10:39:56

2513.3K1B

cBatt vBatt Link vGPS cGPS

15.9 16.6 43.0 0.0 0.0 Aircraft is unarmed holding altitude

Flight time: 00:00 AGL: 0.0m

Heading: 0 Speed: 0.0m/s

Distance: 0.0m Solo

Vehicle Controller Network Database

# Date Vehicle Duration

16 2013/04/07 22:12 Aircraft Name

15 2013/04/07 13:06 Aircraft Name

14 2013/04/07 22:56 Aircraft Name

13 2013/04/07 18:52 Aircraft Name

12 2013/04/07 15:45 Aircraft Name

11 2013/04/07 11:29 Aircraft Name

10 2013/04/07 09:10 Aircraft Name

09 2013/04/07 12:33 Aircraft Name

08 2013/04/07 05:15 Aircraft Name

07 2013/04/07 18:58 Aircraft Name

06 2013/04/07 17:26 Aircraft Name

05 2013/04/07 13:43 Aircraft Name

04 2013/04/07 24:00 Aircraft Name

03 2013/04/07 22:20 Aircraft Name

02 2013/04/07 19:10 Aircraft Name

01 2013/04/07 15:33 Aircraft Name

Copy (1) missions

Delete (1) missions

Mouse-over a mission log file 

listed in the left window to 

expose details about the 

flight

Take action in this section of 

the screen to copy, delete or 

when viewing thumbnail 

images select or deselect 

images

Mouse-over any log file to see 

flight details in right window. 

Double click any log file to see 

thumbnail images or video.

Select log files to 

copy or delete from 

the list

The last log file written is 

placed at the top of the list. 

Scroll slider to see all files.
From the list you see the sequential mission number, date of the flight, duration and the 

aircraft name. If you only have one helicopter system you’ll see the same aircraft listed 

here over and over but this comes in handy when you have multiple helicopters being 

flown from the same GCS.

From this mission list you basically have three different actions that can be carried out.

1. Hovering the GCS mouse over a mission will expose the details about the flight in 

the right hand window.

2. Selecting a mission or multiple missions allows you to either copy or delete the 

mission from the system

3. Double clicking a mission that contains photos or video will automatically move 

you to the thumbnail view of the database

Upper right database “Mission Details” window:

Many of the items listed here are self explanatory but of particular interest is the ability to 

“name” a mission. Clicking into this area will expose an on-screen keyboard and allow 

you to provide a name for the mission. For example, if being used by a public safety 

agency you might enter the call number or if doing research, provide a name making it 

easier to recall the work or project being flown.

When you look over a mission also note the system will keep track of how many photos 

were taken, how many videos and how much disk space the mission occupies. If you 

want to take a quick look at the photos/video taken, you can simply double click the 

mission to expose the mission photo gallery.

Lower right database window:

The presentation of this window changes depending on whether you’re looking at a list 

of missions or in the photo/video gallery. From the mission listing you have the option to:

1. Copy the mission log file, KMZ file, and photo/video to a memory stick

2. Delete the mission log file, KMZ file, and all photos or video related to the flight

Page 36
To copy off a mission insert a memory stick into the 

USB connector on the bottom of the GCS. Select 

the mission log file to be copied and select “copy” 

from the button in the lower right window. The 

mission is bundled up and copied to the memory 

stick along with all photo thumbnail images and 

videos.

Please always keep in mind the “high resolution” 

photos from the mission are stored on the 

memory card of the camera, not the GCS. The 

corresponding images on the GCS are just a quick 

way to reference the photo or video. Later in the 

manual we’ll discuss a two or three different scenarios to 

illustrate how this is done and why.

Database Photo Gallery screen:

Before you try to shift over into the photo gallery screen of the database you need to 

mouse-over a log file to see if photos or video were captured. As you mouse over a log 

file look at the photo or video count detailed in the right hand window.

If you see that photos were taken, simply double click the log file of interest and you will 

be taken to the photo gallery for that mission.

The photo gallery presents you with a list of thumbnail images and thumb nail of the 

video captured. To make it easier to distinguish what’s a photo and what’s a video, video 

files have a “play” button in the center of the thumbnail image. And as mentioned a bit 

earlier be aware the high resolution images are stored on the camera memory card. The 

thumbnail images are a quick way to review what photos you took of an accident scene 

without having to land, and either review on the camera or pop the camera memory card 

Page 37

dragan!y

photos video

!ight_00166

!ight_00166.csv !ight_00166.kmz
and review in a computer. Being able to review these images on the GCS is a huge time 

saver and helps assist getting all the photos you need.

There is so much to the functionality we’ll describe things a piece at-a-time. Above you 

see the photo gallery screen and by simply hovering your mouse over each photo you 

quickly see the flight data and exact location where the photo was taken and at what 

altitude.

Page 38

GPS Hold used:

Mission #:

Battery range:

GPS sats:

PDOP:

Min RSSI:

Photos taken:

Videos stored:

Name:

Date:

Duration:

Time:

Mission size:

True

4

16.8 - 14.4

9 - 15

.9 - 1.2

33 - 75

6

2

Unnamed

2013/04/07

24:00

10:39:56

2513.3K1B

Latitude:

Longitude:

Altuitude:

52.080896 N

106.627615 W

35mAGL

0001 0002 0003 0004

0005 0006

cBatt vBatt Link vGPS cGPS

15.9 16.6 43.0 0.0 0.0 Aircraft is unarmed holding altitude

Flight time: 00:00 AGL: 0.0m

Heading: 0 Speed: 0.0m/s

Distance: 0.0m Solo

Vehicle Controller Network Database

Select All

Return to missions

3s Select None

Mouse-over a photo to provide 

information about the flight and 

the exact location and altitude 

when the photo was taken

Select all thumbnail images at 

once or deselect all that have 

been selected. Also provides a 

return navigation button to the 

main missions screen

Indicates slide show 

time delay in 

seconds

Slide show control 

interface

Slide show 

progress bar
From the gallery you have the ability to create a slide show of the shots taken or view 

them one at-a-time For example, your Lieutenant wants to see photos from the crime 

scene but it would be redundant to show them all, so you quickly select image #1, #4, 

#5 and #6 by clicking the “select” icon on each thumbnail. When selected the small 

circle turns a solid color indicating it has been selected.

When you have selected the thumbnail images to be viewed you can begin a slide show 

by selecting the play arrow on the player interface. Either prior to starting the slide show 

or during the show you can adjust the time interval displayed in seconds between slides. 

For example by default the player assumes 3 seconds between slides but if you want to 

run through them faster, each time you click the double right arrow, the time will be 

reduced by one second. Minimum display time between slides is one second.

If you haven’t taken any photos yet not to worry, we were pretty busy during the flight 

testing of your aircraft before shipping and as a result, you have test log files and photos 

already on the GCS

Page 39

3s

Indicates the time 

delay setting 

between slides

Slide show progress 

bar

Jumps to the 

first slide

Slide show 

play button

Jumps to the 

last slide

Indicates the 

total number of 

slides in the slide 

show

Reduces the 

time delay 

between slides

Increases the 

time delay 

between slides

Indicates the 

slide count being 

displayed
Find a log file with photos, double click the log file entry and you will see the photo 

gallery and thumbnail images. They might not be very interesting photos but for now 

they will suffice to create a slide show and experiment with the player interface.

Recording video:

At the time of this writing when you select REC from the video playback screen you are 

recording video to the GCS. When you see a video file in the photo gallery the thumbnail 

has a “play” arrow over the clip to indicate it’s a video. The purpose of the thumbnail is 

to simply acknowledge the video was recorded to a file in the GCS database.

At the moment video playback is not supported on the GCS. To view recorded video you 

need to export the mission log file and retrieve the video from the “video” folder created 

during export to play on your computer.

Video playback will be supported at a later date available through a future software 

update.

And we’re not done yet:

There is one more display mode we haven’t explored and that’s a situation where you 

don’t want to setup a slide show, you just want to take a closer look at an individual 

photo stored in the database.

As illustrated in a previous graphic of the photo gallery, lets assume we just want to take 

a closer look at image #0006. To display a larger view simply “double click” on the image 

and you will be taken to a single image viewer screen as illustrated below. When you 

have concluded viewing the image, select the “Return to thumbnails” button in the 

center right control window. 

The screen changes are very subtle. When you double click an image you see the single 

image displayed. When you want to return to the Thumbnails, select the return button in 

the center right hand control window.

Page 40
If you want to launch a slide show starting with this image, simply select the play button 

and the GCS will automatically select all the images and start playing.

System Utility Screen Summary

We covered a lot of information in this section discussing the vehicle screen, controller 

screen, introduced the concept of setting up a wireless trainer system, the network setup and configuration screen and the various screens making up the GCS database.

Take some extra time to review the screens, understand their value, what settings you’ll 

use most often and explore the power of the database.

Page 41

GPS Hold used:

Mission #:

Battery range:

GPS sats:

PDOP:

Min RSSI:

Photos taken:

Videos stored:

Name:

Date:

Duration:

Time:

Mission size:

True

4

16.8 - 14.4

9 - 15

.9 - 1.2

33 - 75

6

2

Unnamed

2013/04/07

24:00

10:39:56

2513.3K1B

Latitude:

Longitude:

Altuitude:

52.080896 N

106.627615 W

12mAGL

cBatt vBatt Link vGPS cGPS

15.9 16.6 43.0 0.0 0.0 Aircraft is unarmed holding altitude

Flight time: 00:00 AGL: 0.0m

Heading: 0 Speed: 0.0m/s

Distance: 0.0m Solo

Vehicle Controller Network Database

Select All

Return to thumbnails

3s Select None
Develop good habits:

It’s always a good idea to develop some good habits from the beginning and honestly, it 

really depends on the type of work that you’re doing with the system. In general, use the 

written flight log book and always take the time to off-load photos, data and merge 

everything together.

For example, you’re documenting a crime scene. 

1. After the flying is completed, fill in the written flight log book information 

referenced to the RMS case number consistent with your agency RMS system

2. After the flying is completed, go to the GCS database and “name the log files” 

with the corresponding “case number”.

3. Off-load the mission log files to a USB memory stick

4. Back at the office create a folder on your desktop computer with the case 

number as part of the folder name

5. Copy the GCS log files into the folder

6. Create an additional folder for the high resolution photos and video from the 

camera

Page 42

Case number

2013041500068

photos video

!ight_00166 !ight_00166.csv

hi-res-photos hi-res-video

!ight_00166.kmz
7. Copy your camera memory card photos and video into the appropriate folder

8. It varies by agency but possibly the camera memory card will need to be booked 

by the property room

And it doesn’t matter if you’re a public safety agency or running a professional aerial 

photography business the process is pretty much the same.

1. After the flying is completed, fill in the written flight log book information 

referenced to the project number

2. After the flying is completed, go to the GCS database and “name the log files” 

with the corresponding “project number”.

3. Off-load the mission log files to a USB memory stick

4. Back at the office create a folder on your desktop computer with the project 

number as part of the folder name

5. Copy the GCS log files into the folder

6. Create an additional folder for the high resolution photos and video from the 

camera

7. Copy your camera memory card photos and video into the appropriate folder

8. Store the camera memory card with your project paperwork or files as a backup.

Page 43
Chapter 2

Page 44

SEL

MODE

ENT/

STOP

+

-

INC

DEC

LiPo Charge[sel] LiPo Charge[sel]

4sPACK C=3.00A 4sPACK C=3.00A
Battery Charging System

Please fully read and understand the Lithium battery safety instructions and 

warnings section at the end of this chapter before using or charging your batteries. 

The operator assumes full responsibility for all risks associated with the use of this 

product.

Page 45

SEL

MODE

ENT/

STOP

+

-

INC

DEC

LiPo Charge[sel]

4sPACK C=3.00A

AC power 

cord

DC power 

cord

Main battery charge plug

Balance plug
Your Draganflyer system comes equipped with a complete charging kit for the helicopter 

and controller batteries used with the system. The charging system has been designed 

for ease of use, portability, safety, and convenience, to keep your systems charged and 

flying. 

Included with the Draganflyer aircraft charging system is:

1 – TP610ACDC single port battery charger (users manual included)

1 – 6 wire balancer cable

1 – 2 wire charging cable

1 – Fire retardant battery charging pouch

Setup and Operation

Your charger can be powered from a 110-240 volt AC wall outlet or an 11-18 volt DC 

power source such as a car battery. If using an AC wall outlet, remove the cable from the 

case, connect it to the power input of the charger, and plug the cable into an AC outlet.

If you are using a 12V battery (car battery), connect the DC cable provided to the 

charger. After connecting the cable to the charger first, then connect the alligator clips to 

the terminals of your 12V battery (red clip to positive, black clip to negative). When 

power is applied, the charger will automatically turn on.

When the charger is powered on, the + and – buttons allow you to scroll up/down 

through menus before and during battery charging/discharging. These buttons also 

allow you to change values/settings for options after they have been selected (typically 

when flashing after pressing the ENTER button).

 

The SEL/MODE button functions only when you’re not charging or discharging a 

battery. Pressing the MODE button will allow you to scroll between the three available 

modes:

Page 46
• Charge/Discharge/Cycle/Storage Modes

• Setting Data Mode

• Data View Mode

The ENT/STOP button allows you to select and validate values/settings for options that 

can be changed (using the +/– buttons to change) before and during charging/

discharging. Pressing and holding the ENTER button also allows you to start and stop 

charging/discharging.

After powering on the charger by default it’s set to ‘Charge Mode’ as illustrated above. 

Before shipping your system, your charger was preset by our team for charging the 

helicopter flight battery pack, with a setting of 4 cell charging at 3 amps. 

Charging the Handheld Controller batteries

Included with your system is the handheld Ground Control System (GCS) and a standard 

handheld controller. The GCS is powered by a smaller capacity 4 Cell LiPo battery and 

the standard handheld controller (HHC) is powered by a 3 Cell LiPo battery.

Page 47

SEL

MODE

ENT/

STOP

+

-

INC

DEC

LiPo Charge[sel]

4sPACK C=3.00A
Charging these batteries is just as simple as charging your helicopter battery. The 

connections are the same using the balancer cable and main power charge plug but you 

always need to remember that when charging the standard controller, you need to 

change the charger cell count from 4 to 3, and reduce your charge current.

Charging the GCS

The GCS is a 4 cell battery and compared to a 

helicopter flight pack, charges at a lower current 

setting of 1.70Amps.

Connect the balance port connector and the 

main battery charge cable to the GCS. The 

charge connectors are located and clearly 

labeled on the bottom of the GCS. 

With the cables connected and the charger powered on, briefly press the ENT button to 

step through the display until you select the current setting. When you stop there, the 

current setting will be flashing, meaning the charger, charge current value is ready to be 

changed.

Press the “-” or (dec) button repeatedly until you step (each time button is pressed the 

value will change) the current setting down to 1.70Amps. When you see 1.70 Amps 

press the ENT button and the 1.70A value will stop blinking.

The charger should now read 4sPack C=1.70A. If this is correct, “press and hold” the 

ENT button and once charging begins let go. The battery is now charging and you will 

be notified when charging is complete.

Page 48

SEL

MODE

ENT/

STOP

+

-

INC

DEC

LiPo Charge[sel]

4sPACK C=1.70A
Charging the HHC

The standard handheld controller uses a smaller 

battery pack with a lower cell count so to charge 

this controller you will need to change both the 

cell count values as well as the charge current 

values.

Connect the balance port connector and the 

main battery charge cable to the GCS. The 

charge connectors are located on the backside of the HHC. 

With the cables connected and the charger powered on, briefly press the ENT button to 

step through the display until you select the cell PACK setting. When you stop there, the 

cell PACK setting will be flashing, meaning the charger, cell count value is ready to be 

changed.

Press the “-” or (dec) button once and the reading will change from 4sPack to 3sPACK. 

When you see 3sPACK press the ENT button until you step over to the current setting to 

confirm the value is 1.70A. If not, when the value is flashing adjust either the “+” INC or 

“-” DEC buttons to create the 1.70A setting.

The charger should now read 3sPack C=1.70A. If this is correct, “press and hold” the 

ENT button and once charging begins let go. The battery is now charging and you will 

be notified when charging is complete.

Page 49

SEL

MODE

ENT/

STOP

+

-

INC

DEC

LiPo Charge[sel]

3sPACK C=1.70A
Summary:

The battery charger provided has been preset at the factory to charge the helicopter 

LiPo battery pack. The charger connects to the batteries or controllers using two cables. 

One cable is a cell balancer cable, and the other is the main charge cable.

When charging the GCS you need a lower charge current setting and with the standard 

HHC, both the cell count and the charge current must be adjusted.

Standard and maximum charger settings:

• Helicopter battery pack = 4sPACK C=3.00A - maximum current C=5.45A

• Handheld GCS = 4sPACK C=1.70A - maximum current C=2.70A

• Handheld HHC - 3sPACK C=1.70A - maximum current C=2.10A

For additional instructions on your battery charger please refer to the TP610ACDC 

battery charger operator’s manual included in your package

Page 50

Handheld Ground Control System (GCS)

Charger setting = 4sPACK @1.7 Amps

Standard Handheld Controller (HHC)

Charger setting = 3sPACK @1.7 Amps
Things you need to know

Page 51

Special notice:

You might think that we’re exaggerating the issue but no, LiPo battery safety 

is something to be taken seriously. If you want to see examples of what can 

go wrong just search YouTube for LiPo fire examples. It’s common to think 

“this will never happen to me” but that’s why they call them accidents, so 

please take battery safety very seriously and here are some tips to consider:

1. When charging your controllers, they won’t fit in a fire proof LiPo bag so 

place them on a fireproof surface and monitor them during charging.

2. After charging is complete, always remove/disconnect both cables from 

the controller.

3. Keep your controllers out of direct sunlight or high heat conditions. For 

example don’t set them on the dashboard of your car. You want to keep the 

controllers protected, cool and safe.

4. Some people think “more is better” but no, not with a LiPo battery. 

Please only charge the controllers at the prescribed cell count and current 

ratings. Trying to “over fill” a battery will result in damage.

5. If you suspect a battery issue with your controller DO NOT disassemble 

the controller. Contact Draganfly to get instructions for further testing, 

evaluation and/or return to have the battery replaced at the factory.
Lithium Battery Safety Instructions and 

Warnings

Please read and fully understand all of the instructions and warnings below before using 

or charging your lithium polymer batteries. Lithium Polymer (LiPo) batteries are 

volatile; improper use or failure to follow these instructions and warnings may 

result in fire, personal injury and/or damaged property. Draganfly Innovations and its 

affiliates assume no liability for the improper use of this battery, or failure to comply with 

these instructions and warnings.

General Guidelines and Warnings

Page 52

• Your batteries are not fully charged 

upon receiving them, the batteries 

must be charged before use.

• Never leave charging batteries 

unattended. When charging LiPo 

batteries you must constantly 

monitor the charging process and 

be there to react to any undesired 

results.

• Before charging, press the battery 

test button on your flight battery to 

check the status and voltage level. 

One or more of the status LED’s 

should turn on and remain on while 

the button is held. Any other 

flashing pattern on the status LED’s 

may indicate damage to the 

battery; please contact Draganfly 

Innovations Technical support.

• When selecting the cell count or 

voltage for charging, ensure to 

select the cell count and/or voltage 

that appears on the controller 

battery label. Selecting an incorrect 

cell count or voltage may result in a 

fire.

• Do not exceed the maximum 

charge rate current listed on the 

controller battery label.
Page 53

• Always connect the balance cable 

between the controller and charger 

while charging or discharging.

• Only use a good quality charger 

rated for LiPo batteries, such as 

the charger including in your 

Draganflyer system. A low quality 

charger may damage the controller 

battery and result in fire.

 Storage & Transport:

• Never ship or transport a damaged 

LiPo battery.

• Store controllers at room 

temperature between 4.5 degrees 

C (40 F) and 21 degrees C (70 F).

• Do not store controllers in a vehicle 

even if in a flame retardant 

container.

• Do not store or expose controllers 

to direct sunlight for extended 

periods of time.

• Do not store controllers near a 

source of heat.

• Exposing LiPo the controllers to 

temperatures in excess of 65 

degrees C (150 F) may cause 

permanent damage and premature 

deterioration to the battery in the 

controller.

• Do not expose controllers to 

temperatures in excess of 76 

degrees C (170 F). Exposure for 

longer than 2 hours may cause fire.

• Before travelling with LiPo powered 

devices always check with your 

airline for their policies and 

regulations regarding 

transportation of LiPo batteries.

• If shipping the controllers, always 

discuss safe packaging and 

shipping procedures with the 

courier.
Disposal:

If you believe there is a problem with the battery in the GCS or HHC controllers contact 

Draganfly to get more information. Do not attempt to disassemble the controller to 

remove the battery.

Page 54

Special notice:

Never disassemble the handheld controllers to remove the battery, inspect 

battery or dispose of the battery. If you suspect a problem contact Draganfly 

Innovations.
Chapter 3

Page 55
Ready for flight

In the helicopter manual we describe flying a photo shoot and focus more on the flying 

than the actual mechanics of using the GCS to launch and control the aircraft. In this 

manual we will cover GCS specific information to:

Get in the air:

• get connected with the aircraft

• streaming video

• arming motors

• engage motors

• initiate an automatic takeoff

What to do when you’re up there:

• GPS position hold

• shooting photos and recording video

Landing and shutdown:

• landing

• disengage motors

• disarm motors

• disconnect from the aircraft

Post flight data:

• review mission log

• review photos

• export mission data

• open mission data on computer to examine a log file

• open mission data on computer to examine a KMZ file

• merge high-res camera photos and video with GCS archived data

Page 56
Get in the air:

Earlier in this manual we had you remove your props and if for some reason they’re back 

on the aircraft, please take a minute to remove them. Whenever you’re trying something 

new, doing some experiments or just want the system powered on to check some 

settings it’s a good idea to remove the props to prevent any possible accidents.

With the props removed we’ll quickly run through the connecting, arming and engage 

motor sequence. The idea is to get you comfortable with the routine and most 

importantly comfortable with turning the motors off once you’re on the ground. There is 

nothing worse than making a perfect landing only to make a mistake later and flip it over 

or do some damage.

Throttle:

Before we actually start the motors it’s important to understand the throttle has a dual 

purpose. As illustrated below when the motors are not powered on, the throttle is used 

to arm and disarm the motors. Once the motors are running it takes on a new 

Page 57

GCS Aircraft Link GPS/SV PDOP

P1 ---- Set Clear ----

P2 ---- Set Clear ----

P3 ---- Set Clear ----

P4 ---- Set Clear ----

P5 ---- Set Clear ----

Open Mission Clear All Save Mission

Flight time: 00:00

Heading: 0

Distance: 0m

AGL: 0m

Speed: 0m/s

Solo

System Utilities

Disconnect

N

S

W E

REC

Aircraft name: Available

Primary: GCS name

15.9 16.6 43.0 0.0 0.0 

00:00:00 Software build hash number

00:00:00 DraganView Software Version Number

Scanning ...

15.9 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 

Motors not running

Lower-left corner 

disarms motors

Lower-right corner 

arms motors

GCS Aircraft Link GPS/SV PDOP

P1 ---- Set Clear ----

P2 ---- Set Clear ----

P3 ---- Set Clear ----

P4 ---- Set Clear ----

P5 ---- Set Clear ----

Open Mission Clear All Save Mission

Flight time: 00:00

Heading: 0

Distance: 0m

AGL: 0m

Speed: 0m/s

Solo

System Utilities

Disconnect

N

S

W E

REC

Aircraft name: Available

Primary: GCS name

15.9 16.6 43.0 0.0 0.0 

00:00:00 Software build hash number

00:00:00 DraganView Software Version Number

Scanning ...

15.9 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 

Yaw left

Execute auto take-off 

and increase altitude

Yaw right

Motors powered on

Decrease altitude

Special notice:

Please remove all four props from the aircraft now. 
personality used to initiate an automatic takeoff and once the aircraft is up in the air, it 

behaves just as you might imagine. So basically the throttle control has three different 

personalities:

1. arm and disarm the motors

2. initiate an automatic take off and control altitude and yaw

3. control altitude and yaw only

Get connected:

For this exercise make sure the props have been removed from the aircraft, install a 

battery and power-up the aircraft.

Power-up the GCS and after booting, the GCS will locate the aircraft and “list” the 

aircraft as being available in the lower left hand window. Once connected the GCS will 

announce the connection has been established and we’re ready to arm and engage the 

motors.

Arming the motors:

With the props removed for this test, move the throttle 

down and to the lower right corner of travel. Hold it 

there until you hear the GCS announce the motors 

are armed and also notice, the helicopter navigation 

LEDs stopped blinking. When you see the aircraft 

with navigation lights on steady it means - stay 

away - because the motors are armed and ready to 

start spinning at anytime.

With the motors armed make sure to keep your hands, 

children and pets away from the motors. The next step 

is to engage the motors.

Page 58

GCS Aircraft Link GPS/SV PDOP

P1 ---- Set Clear ----

P2 ---- Set Clear ----

P3 ---- Set Clear ----

P4 ---- Set Clear ----

P5 ---- Set Clear ----

Open Mission Clear All Save Mission

Flight time: 00:00

Heading: 0

Distance: 0m

AGL: 0m

Speed: 0m/s

Solo

System Utilities

Disconnect

N

S

W E

REC

Aircraft name: Available

Primary: GCS name

15.9 16.6 43.0 0.0 0.0 

00:00:00 Software build hash number

00:00:00 DraganView Software Version Number

Scanning ...

15.9 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 

Lower-right corner arms 

motors
Engage the motors:

When you engage the motors it just gets them spinning at a moderate speed. The thrust 

is low enough where you don’t have to worry about the aircraft taking off but it is very 

important at this step of the process to 

make sure that all four motors 

are running. As part of your 

pre-flight, before initiating an 

auto-takeoff you will always 

check to make sure all four 

motors are running.

So lets engage motors. 

Because we have the props 

removed when we initiate an 

auto-takeoff the helicopter will get 

frustrated because the altitude isn’t 

increasing but not to worry. The helicopter will 

try to achieve an approximate 1 meter (3.2 feet) 

altitude but without props you’ll just hear the motors 

trying their best to achieve the desired altitude.

To engage motors press the top, left, rear switch and hold 

for approximately one second. The motors will start and always, check to make sure 

they are all running.

Initiate an auto-takeoff:

With the props removed you’ll just hear the motors increase speed but this is a very 

good exercise to get a feel for the process.

As illustrated in the next diagram, to initiate the takeoff you will move the throttle straight 

up and hold for approximately one second, then lower the throttle to the center position. 

Do not “let go” of the stick as you return to center. Please get into the habit of raising the 

throttle, holding for one second, and returning it back to the center position in one fluid 

Page 59

With motors already armed 

press and hold the “motor 

engage” switch for about 1 

second to start motors and 

let go.

Check to make sure all 

props are spinning and if 

not, disengage motors and 

try again.
motion. Once the throttle is back to center you will hear the motors increase speed as 

the aircraft attempts to reach the desired takeoff altitude.

Disengage motors:

In a real flight situation you would be flying the aircraft now and when it was time to land 

you would bring the aircraft back, make your descent, and once the aircraft is on the 

ground, execute the following procedure.

With the aircraft on the ground you’ll bring the throttle straight back and hold it in this 

position for at least one second. After one second keep the throttle in the full back 

position, and simultaneously depress the motor disengage switch. The motor disengage 

switch is located on the top, left front position.

When depressed the motors will stop.

If you accidentally hit the motor disengage switch too quickly, you will have to hold the 

switch for approximately 10-15 seconds before the motors will stop. So the trick is to 

first bring the throttle straight back, hold for one second, then depress the motor 

disengage switch.

Disarm motors:

When the motors have stopped, return the throttle to the 

center position. Then move the throttle to the lower left 

position and hold it there until the GCS confirms the 

motors have been disarmed. When disarmed the 

helicopter navigation LEDs will start blinking and it’s 

safe to be near the aircraft.

Summary:

We had you remove the props for this exercise 

to reduce risk and build confidence with the 

essential skill of starting and stopping the 

aircraft motors. Before installing the props, 

please take time to practice this routine over and over 

Page 60

GCS Aircraft Link GPS/SV 

P1 ---- Set Clear ----

P2 ---- Set Clear ----

P3 ---- Set Clear ----

P4 ---- Set Clear ----

P5 ---- Set Clear ----

Open Mission Clear All Save Mission

Flight time: 00:00

Heading: 0

Distance: 0m

AGL: 0m

Speed: 0m/s

Solo

System Utilities

Disconnect

N

S

W E

REC

Aircraft name: Available

Primary: GCS name

15.9 16.6 43.0 0.0 

00:00:00 Software build hash number

00:00:00 DraganView Software Version Number

Scanning ...

15.9 0.0 0.0 0.0 

Lower-left corner 

disarms motors
again to become very familiar with the process. There is nothing worse than making a 

great landing and then having trouble powering off the motors or even worse damaging 

the aircraft. To quickly review the process:

Takeoff:

• arm motors

• engage motors

• check that all four motors are spinning

• initiate an automated takeoff

Landing:

• land the aircraft

• when helicopter is on the ground, disengage motors

• disarm motors

When you are very comfortable with the process, power off the aircraft and install the 

props so we can do some real flying.

Get in the air: (we’ll really fly this time)

After running through the previous exercise you’re now experienced at starting and 

stopping the motors and familiar with getting the aircraft into the air, so it’s time to get 

flying. The information you find here compliments and in some cases is replicated from 

the “Helicopter Flight” information you find in the helicopter manual.

The “Get in the air” info provided in this manual is geared more towards the unique 

aspects of the GCS and how you get the most out of the GCS system. To get a good 

understanding of flying the system we recommend that you read and use both manuals.

Before any flight, you want to preflight the helicopter and the GCS system so as a quick 

review, the preflight graphic for the helicopter is provided along with a preflight for the 

GCS system.

Page 61
GCS preflight frontside

In addition to conducting a preflight on the aircraft it’s just as important to preflight the 

GCS before powering up the system and getting up in the air.

You want to look over the GCS for any physical damage, check the battery voltage, 

make sure the joy sticks are operating smoothly, double check all the settings, set the 

antennas to the proper position, and make sure switches are in the right place before 

lift-off.

Page 62

Check to make sure the scroll 

wheel and D-Pad are functioning 

smoothly and properly

Move camera tilt 

position to the “top” 

of the control range

Check to make sure 

the throttle/yaw gimbal 

operates smoothly

Check to make sure 

the Pitch/Roll gimbal 

operates smoothly

Pitch/Roll trim 

adjustments should 

be centered

Check display brightness setting 

and for flying conditions and if 

required, clean the display for clear 

viewing

Check the ball mouse to 

make sure itʼs operating 

smoothly and in control 

of GCS cursor
GCS preflight backside

The backside is often overlooked but keep in mind it’s just as important as the frontside 

controls. Look over the backside for any damage and as indicated below check to make 

sure the switches and controls are operating smoothly.

Of particular importance you want to make sure the hold switch is centered in the 

altitude hold position for takeoff. You also want to make sure the antennas are rotated 

90 degrees perpendicular to the case to get the best signal to the aircraft.

Page 63

Check zoom 

control for 

smooth operation

Check zoom 

control for 

smooth operation

Make certain the Altitude Hold 

and GPS position hold switch is 

in the “outside edge” switch 

position for takeoff

Rotate antenna 90 

degrees so itʼs pointing 

straight back from the 

case

Rotate antenna 90 

degrees so itʼs pointing 

straight back from the 

case

Make sure the spring centered 

switch is functioning properly 

and automatically returning to 

center
Helicopter preflight

Just like a real aircraft it is very important to pre-flight the Draganfly helicopter to make 

sure it’s airworthy. We recommend a static on-the-ground pre-flight as illustrated below, 

and once you have taken off, we suggest a second flight check in a hover to make sure 

the aircraft and system are behaving properly. If you have any doubt, or suspect a 

problem, either cancel the mission or abort the flight until the problem is corrected.

Page 64

Check you props to make sure 

they are locked securely in 

place and double check props 

for nicks or cracks

Double check and make sure 

landing gear is firmly locked in 

place

Double check to ensure the 

canopy is secured tightly

If you are flying with a 

payload, make sure 

attachment screws are 

securely fastened and 

camera is properly 

secured to the camera 

mount

Spin all motors by hand 

to make sure they spin 

smoothly

Ensure booms are 

locked firmly in place

Draganflyer X4-ES System Pre-flight Check
The mission:

In the flight scenario described in the helicopter manual we were focused on explaining 

information about the aircraft itself versus the GCS during a typical photo shoot but in 

this scenario, we’re more focused on the GCS while flying a mission at a train 

derailment. We strongly encourage you to read and understand both scenarios to get a 

well rounded understanding of the system.

In this scenario the task for our flight team is to provide HAZMAT personnel with critical 

tanker car information, understand the extent of damage and shoot aerial images 

documenting the crash scene.

Our flight crew consists of three people and the team has staged personnel and their 

equipment at a safe distance from the accident. In the crew we have the pilot, camera 

operator, and a spotter, to monitor the airspace and general flight area.

Page 65
Pre-planning:

Safety is always a priority so before flying, the flight team designates a primary takeoff 

and landing area along with two safety zones. The safety zones are designated areas to 

be kept clear of personnel and equipment in the event the aircraft needs to come down 

quickly. Keeping the zones clear protects team personnel and it protects the aircraft 

from accidentally hitting something in the event of an emergency landing.

Page 66

H

CRASH SITE

Safety Area 1

Clear of people 

and equipment

Safety Area 2

Clear of people 

and equipment

STAGING AREA

Helicopter takeoff 

and landing area

Dirt Road

Train tracks

Trees

Trees
Get the data:

This first flight is to get up in the air to determine the extent of damage, check for leaking 

fluids and read markings on the tanker cars. The second flight will be flown to gather 

more data and we estimate a third or fourth flight to document the scene and the work 

of response personnel.

With both the GCS preflight and aircraft preflight completed we’re ready to get into the 

air. The helicopter system is brought over the the designated takeoff and landing area 

and we then:

• power on the helicopter and GCS

• remove lens cap and power on the camera

• connect to the aircraft

• connect to the secondary controller being used by the camera operator

• verbally announce to personnel, the aircraft will be lifting off

• connect to the video network

• check video and camera controls

• check the immediate airspace for other aircraft and obstacles

• arm the helicopter

• check helicopter GPS accuracy and ensure you have enough satellites

• verbally announce helicopter is lifting off

• engage motors

• check to make sure all four motors are spinning

• initiate an automatic takeoff

• during the preliminary hover, conduct a second preflight to ensure helicopter and 

system are behaving properly

• double check airspace

• ascend and fly forward at a nice climb rate to get above trees enroute to your first 

target

• switch to full screen video mode on the GCS

As the helicopter climbs out and you fly towards the crash site the camera operator will 

provide you with directions and working together, as a team, you will work the crash site 

to gather the data and photos needed. During the flight the spotter will monitor the 

Page 67
airspace, keep the safety zones clear of people, vehicles, and also keep an eye on the 

aircraft.

What to do when you’re up there:

As you slowly fly over the crash site the camera operator will suggest the best spot to 

“park” the helicopter in a GPS position hold to get the photos needed. When you switch 

into GPS position hold using the mode switch on the rear of the GCS, it’s always a good 

idea to slow the aircraft to a hover, then initiate the GPS position hold.

Relax, keep an eye on the aircraft, the wind, and work as a team with your camera 

operator to get the photos needed. When you’re in a GPS position hold often the 

camera operator will request that you yaw or rotate the aircraft. And because the 

autopilot is holding a stationary hover, it’s all pretty easy.

The GCS will verbally announce status 

changes and warnings but it’s always a 

good idea to visually “scan” your telemetry 

data to keep an eye on your altitude, 

datalink signal strength, GPS position 

accuracy, and battery health. When your 

aircraft battery gets down around the 

14.4vdc value you know that within a few 

minutes you’ll get your first battery warning 

and need to start thinking about returning to 

land.

When you need to move off to a new 

location it’s always a good idea to bring the aircraft back into the “safety position” 

before releasing the GPS position hold. The safety position is something you learned 

during flight training and it was discussed in the helicopter manual. The idea is very 

simple. Yaw the aircraft into a position where you see the two white navigation lights. 

This means the rear of the aircraft is pointed towards you, bringing you in line with the 

aircraft, making it easier to fly.

Page 68
Release the GPS position hold and fly to the next location to shoot more photos. As you 

approach the next GPS position hold spot, slow the aircraft into a steady hover and 

engage the GPS position hold.

Always remember that you’re the pilot in command of the flight. If the winds get too 

gusty, you see some rain moving into the area or you’re not 

comfortable with the conditions you can either 

abort the flight or not even execute the 

mission. The safety of the crew and anyone 

in the area is your responsibility so take 

this all very seriously.

When you receive the first battery 

warning it’s always a good idea to start 

heading back to the takeoff and landing 

area. A battery change is a quick affair so 

why take any risks, and unless it’s an 

emergency why push the battery to it’s limit.

If you are an experienced pilot and comfortable 

flying the aircraft in any orientation, release the GPS position hold and head back. If 

you’re more comfortable starting out from the safety position, yaw the helicopter into 

position before releasing the GPS position hold.

Landing and shutdown:

As you return to the takeoff and landing area clearly announce to everyone the aircraft 

will be landing. As you make your approach do not fly over people and if possible make 

as direct an approach as possible.

As you get closer make sure the camera operator rotates the camera “up” as far as 

possible to help keep the lens clean during landing. Clearly announce one more time the 

aircraft is landing and bring the helicopter in.

When you get the helicopter on the ground you will:

Page 69

SUNEX 61985
• aircraft touches down, disengage motors

• disarm motors

• disconnect the GCS from the aircraft

• power off the camera

• power off helicopter

• assuming you’re done for a while - power down the GCS

Post flight data:

Lets assume that you flew four missions over the crash site and in addition to providing 

the oversight needed for the response team, you were able to help identify leaking tank 

cars, read tank labels and now it’s time to quickly review the data and put everything 

together for the incident report.

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GPS Hold used:

Mission #:

Battery range:

GPS sats:

PDOP:

Min RSSI:

Photos taken:

Videos stored:

Name:

Date:

Duration:

Time:

Mission size:

True

386

16.8 - 14.4

9 - 15

.9 - 1.2

33 - 75

48

1

HAZMAT-AB2013

2013/04/07

24:00

10:39:56

8513.3K1B

Latitude:

Longitude:

Altuitude:

52.088866 N

102.62645 W

30mAGL

0001 0002 0003 0004

0005 0006 0007 0008

0009 0010 0011 0012

cBatt vBatt Link vGPS cGPS

15.9 16.6 43.0 0.0 0.0 Aircraft is unarmed holding altitude

Flight time: 00:00 AGL: 0.0m

Heading: 0 Speed: 0.0m/s

Distance: 0.0m Solo

Vehicle Controller Network Database

Select All

Return to missions

3s Select None
Using the database tools you can quickly examine and name the four different missions. 

Double clicking a mission with the D-Pad brings up the photo gallery where you can 

quickly review the photos with the incident commander and if needed, build a slide 

show to run through images of particular interest.

As the team works the incident, export each mission to a USB memory stick and archive 

on a laptop out in the field or at your desktop back at the office.

In addition to the flight log file, GCS captured photos and video, the GCS also exports a 

GoogleEarth KMZ file with embedded photos. The KMZ file allows you to review the 

aircraft flight path and precisely examine where each photo was taken. Simply open the 

file using GoogleEarth on your laptop or desktop system.

Along the flight path you will see either the individual photos or clusters of photos taken 

from a given location. Select a cluster to expand the photos and if you want to see a 

larger view with photo details, simply double click an image.

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KMZ Flight Path

Expanded Cluster of Photos along 

flight path in GoogleEarth. Double 

click photo to get larger view and 

position, altitude information
As you archive data or export into your agency RMS database make sure to also merge 

and include the high resolution photos and video from the camera memory card as we 

discussed on page 42 of this manual.

Summary:

In this chapter we covered quite a bit of information ranging from the basics of arming 

and engaging the aircraft motors, running though a mission scenario and combined with 

flight information in the helicopter manual you should have a good grasp on the basics 

of flying and operating the aircraft.

The Draganflyer helicopter system and the handheld Ground Control System are a 

powerful combination. We have gone to great lengths to make it “simple” and at the 

same time, provide you with some amazing capability.

Enjoy your flying and if you have additional questions or need additional support please 

contact us by e-mail or give us a call.

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Chapter 4

Page 73

GCS Aircraft Aircraft Link GPS/SV PDOP

P1 ---- Set Clear ----

P2 ---- Set Clear ----

P3 ---- Set Clear ----

P4 ---- Set Clear ----

P5 ---- Set Clear ----

Open Mission Open Mission Clear All Clear All Save Mission Save Mission

Flight time: 00:00 Flight time: 00:00

Heading: 0 Heading: 0

Distance: 0m Distance: 0m

AGL: 0m AGL: 0m

Speed: 0m/s Speed: 0m/s

Solo

System Utilities System Utilities

Disconnect Disconnect

N

S

W E

15.9 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 Scanning ... Scanning ...
Troubleshooting

Problem: There is no live video display on the GCS

Possible cause: 

• Payload is disconnected

• Camera is powered off

• Network connection issue

• Select the “play” video button

Solution: Check to make certain the payload interface cable is plugged into the 

aircraft. 

After the aircraft is powered-on, the GCS is powered-on, the camera is powered on, and 

lens cap removed, please connect to the aircraft and navigate to the system utilities 

network screen. Check your available networks to make sure the Draganfly network is 

seen and has been “connected” to. If not, connect to the network.

Once connected you should see the AXIS video server listed in the lower right window. 

At this point return to the home screen and you should now see the blue “Play arrow”.

Select the play arrow and video streaming will begin. If not contact Draganfly for more 

information.

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Technical Specifications

Handheld GCS:

• Width: 29cm (11.4”)

• Height: 15cm (6”)

• Depth: 7.5cm (3”)

• Weight: 1.44kg (3.17 lbs)

Data Link RF Communications:

• Link Type: 2.4GHz two way

• Helicopter Antenna: Wired Whip Antenna

• Controller Antenna: Omni Directional Whip

• Transmission Power: North America: 50mW (+18dBm) International: 

10mW (+10dBM)

• RF Data Rate: 250kbps

• Receiver sensitivity: -100dBm

• Transmission Technique: DSSS (Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum)

• Frequency Band: 2.400 – 2.4835 GHz

• Certification: CE, FCC, IC, ETSI

• Data Link Channel Selection: Automatic (13 channels)

Video Link RF Communications:

• Link Type: 5.8GHz two way 

• Transmitter Antenna: Wired Whip Antenna

• Receiver Antenna: Internal flat patch & external Omni directional whip

• Transmission Power: 19dBm

• RF Data Rate: 54 Mbps

• Transmission Technique: 802.11e

• Frequency Band: 5.475GHz – 5.825GHz

• Certification: FCC, IC, CE

Page 75
Storage capacity:

• Solid state storage

• 16Gb mission storage space

External interfaces:

• Ethernet 10/100/1G

• USB 3.0

• Micro USB 3.0

• Audio out

• Audio in

• External power input 17.5 - 24vdc

Page 76
Contact Information

Page 77

This product and manual are copyrighted by Draganfly Innovations Inc. with all rights 

reserved. No part of this product or start-up guide shall be reproduced in any form 

without the prior written consent or authorization of Draganfly Innovations Inc. No patent 

liability is assumed with respect to the use of the product or information contained herein.

Document Revision Level: v1.0

Draganfly Innovations Inc.

Sales information:

Phone: 1-800-979-9794

International: 1-306-955-9907

Online: www.draganfly.com

e-mail: sales@draganfly.com

https://www.draganfly.com

Product support:

Phone: 1-800-979-9794

International: 1-306-955-9907

e-mail: support@draganfly.com

Mailing address:

Draganfly Innovations Inc.

2108 St. George Avenue

Saskatoon, SK S7M0K7

Canada