MQ4/MQ8 USER MANUAL

2015.6

V 1.0
Revision Sheet

Revision Sheet

Release No. Date Revision Description

Rev. 0 6/8/2015 User’s Manual Table of Contents

Rev. 1

User’s Manual Page i
USER'S MANUAL

TABLE OF CONTENTS

UPage #

1.0 INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................................................... 2

1.1 System Overview .................................................................................................................. 3

1.2 Package Includes................................................................................................................... 3

1.3 Authorized Use Permission.................................................................................................... 3

1.3.1 Recreational Users ............................................................................................................... 3

1.3.2 Business Users..................................................................................................................... 4

1.3.3 Public Entities...................................................................................................................... 4

1.4 Organization of the Manual................................................................................................... 4

1.5 Acronyms and Abbreviations................................................................................................. 4

2.0 SPECIFICATIONS........................................................................................................................ 5

2.1 Frame Technical Specifications............................................................................................. 6

2.2 Electronic Speed Controller (ESC) ........................................................................................ 6

2.3 Motors.................................................................................................................................. 6

2.4 Propeller(s)........................................................................................................................... 6

3.0 AIRFRAME .................................................................................................................................. 7

3.1 Frame ................................................................................................................................... 8

3.2 Arms and Cam-Locks ........................................................................................................... 8

3.3 Motors.................................................................................................................................. 9

3.4 Landing System .................................................................................................................... 9

4.0 UAS POWER SYSTEM.............................................................................................................. 10

4.1 Battery Capacity................................................................................................................. 11

4.2 Usages................................................................................................................................ 11

4.3 Considerations .................................................................................................................... 12

5.0 RADIO CONTROL SYSTEM..................................................................................................... 13

5.1 Taranis X9D Technical Specifications................................................................................. 14

5.1.1 Visual Guide...................................................................................................................... 14

5.1.2 Handling the Antenna........................................................................................................ 15

5.1.3 Battery and Charger........................................................................................................... 15

5.2 UHF Radio Control Module ................................................................................................ 16

5.2.1 Technical Specifications..................................................................................................... 16

5.2.2 Power Level Control .......................................................................................................... 16

5.2.3 Radio Licensing ................................................................................................................. 16

5.3 Remote Control Operations................................................................................................. 17

6.0 FLIGHT CONTROL SYSTEM ................................................................................................... 18

6.1 Pixhawk Flight Controller Introduction................................................................................ 19

6.2 LED Meanings.................................................................................................................... 20

User’s Manual Page ii
6.3 Downloading Pixhawk Software.......................................................................................... 21

6.4 Installing Pixhawk Software................................................................................................ 22

6.5 Specifications...................................................................................................................... 22

7.0 PAYLOAD .................................................................................................................................. 23

7.1 FLIR Tau 2 LWIR Thermal Imaging Camera Cores............................................................ 24

7.2 Sony a6000......................................................................................................................... 24

7.3 Canon PowerShot S100....................................................................................................... 24

8.0 ASSEMBLY................................................................................................................................ 25

8.1 Assembling the landing gear................................................................................................ 26

8.2 Assembling the motor arms ................................................................................................. 26

9.0 GROUND STATION MISSION CONTROL............................................................................... 27

9.1 Mission Planner Overview................................................................................................... 28

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MQ4 / MQ8 USER GUIDE

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MQ4 / MQ8 USER GUIDE

1.0 INTRODUCTION

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1.0 INTRODUCTION

Please read this manual carefully before using the product.

1.1 System Overview

The SkyView Aerial Solutions MQ4 and MQ8 provide users with a small-unmanned aircraft system 

(sUAS) that is truly a work of art aesthetically as well as functionally. The frame is a very unique variant 

of most common carbon tube typical multi-rotor frames, with unbelievable features and versatility. The 

construction is all metal and carbon leaving no chance for failure, damage, or wear in a demanding 

professional application. One of the most unique features is how quickly it can be broken down and 

reassembled with its quick release cam lock arms. The arms are fully removable versus the traditional

foldable frames and has gold plated self-aligning power and signal connections. This feature allows the 

sUAS to fit in a compact pelican box! This makes transporting this class multirotor un-parallel to others.

1.2 Package Includes

The MQ4 and MQ8 package(s) include: sUAS frame, UHF Radio Control, 1.2 GHz Video Controller 

Receiver, Helical Antenna Ground Station, FPV System Monitor, Flight Control System, Ground Station 

System, Camera (camera payloads vary depending on package purchased), Gimbal, and Propulsion 

System.

1.3 Authorized Use Permission

On February 15, 2015, the FAA released its Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) for small, unmanned 

aircraft. An NPRM is a public notice issued by law when an independent agency, such as the FAA, wishes 

to add, remove or change a rule or regulation as part of the rulemaking process. It does not change any 

existing guidelines, rules, regulations or policy that may be in place. Instead, it opens the door for public 

comment and the beginning of the rulemaking process. Until the final rule is implemented, and to learn 

more, please continue to check out KnowBeforeYouFly.com and the FAA’s Fact Sheet on UAS. You can 

also track further developments on the NPRM online. If you have additional questions, please email the 

FAA at UAS-rule@faa.gov.

1.3.1 Recreational Users

Currently, sUAS may be operated for hobby and recreational purposes under specific safety guidelines as 

established by Congress. Small UAS flown for recreational purposes are typically known as model aircraft.

Under the Special Rule for Model Aircraft, recreational UAS must be operated in accordance with several 

requirements, including a community-based set of safety guidelines and within the programming of a 

nationwide community-based organization such as the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA). Operators 

not operating within the safety program of a community-based organization should follow the FAA’s 

guidance.

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1.3.2 Business Users

The FAA currently authorizes the use of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) for commercial or business 

purposes on a case-by-case basis. You may not fly your UAS for commercial purpose without the express 

permission from the FAA. You should check with the FAA for further determination as to what constitutes 

a commercial or business use of small UAS.

If you want to use UAS for a commercial purpose, you have a few options. You can apply for an 

exemption from the FAA to operate commercially. You can use UAS with an FAA airworthiness certificate 

and operate pursuant to FAA rules. For more information about how to apply for an exemption, visit the 

FAA’s “Section 333′′ page.

1.3.3 Public Entities

Public entities, which include publically funded universities, law enforcement, fire departments and other 

government agencies, may currently apply for a Certificate of Waiver or Authorization (COA) from the 

FAA in order to use sUAS in public aircraft operations. Visit the FAA website for information on how to 

apply for a COA online. For more information about public aircraft operations refer to 49 U.S.C. §§ 

40102(a)(41), 40125, and FAA Advisory Circular 00-1.1A, Public Aircraft Operations (Feb. 12, 2014).

1.4 Organization of the Manual

This manual is divided into 14 sections. Sections 2 through 9 review the different systems that make up the 

complete sUAS. Sections 10 through 14 review the general flight, safety, and maintenance operations of the 

sUAS product.

1.5 Acronyms and Abbreviations

AMA - Academy of Model Aeronautics

COA - Certificate of Waiver or Authorization

ESC – Electronic Speed Control

FAA – Federal Aviation Administration

FPV – First Person View

LOS – Line of Sight

RC – Radio Control

NAS – National Airspace

NPRM - Notice of Proposed Rulemaking

NOTAM – Notice to Airmen

sUAS – Small-Unmanned Aircraft System

UAS – Unmanned Aircraft System

UAV – Unmanned Aerial Vehicle

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2.0 SPECIFICATIONS

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2.0 SPECIFICATIONS

This section provides a technical overview of the sUAS specifications. Other internal system specifications 

are included in their respective manual section(s).

2.1 Frame Technical Specifications

Diagonal wheelbase: 800mm

Arm length: 320mm

Center frame diameter: 240mm

Landing gear size: 420mm (L) * 430mm (W) * 400mm (H)

Center plate: 250mm

Wheelbase: 800mm

Total weight of frame: Approximately 4kg.

Total loading weight: Approximately 14kg.

Arms clearly marked clockwise (CW) and counter-clockwise (CCW)

Mounting brackets and stabilizer.

Secured connections for motors and ESCs.

Quick disconnect design.

Pre-assembled main body.

PCB with connectors and lock arm joiners.

Built-in power distribution board.

Retractable landing gear.

2.2 Electronic Speed Controller (ESC)

Working Current: 40 Amps

Working Voltage 6-cell Lithium Polymer (LiPo)

Signal Frequency 30Hz ~ 450Hz

Drive PWM 8KHz

2.3 Motor(s)

Stator size 41 x 14 mm

KV 400 rpm/V

Maximum Watt 400

2.4 Propeller(s) 

Material Carbon fiber

Size 15×5.5 inch

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3.0 AIRFRAME

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3.0 IMAGES

This section provides a visual walkthrough of the sUAS. The logical arrangement of the information shall 

enable users to understand the functionality of the system. 

3.1 Frame

The construction is all metal and carbon leaving no chance for failure, damage, or wear in a demanding 

professional application(s).

The frame contains a built-in electric distribution board, 

completely soldered reducing the amount of wiring for power 

management. Less wires, means less room for failure.

3.2 Arms and Cam-Locks

Modular connections right on the frame and arms allows users to press the connectors together and secure 

them with magnetic cam-locks.

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The modular arms feature advanced hub connectors that allow easy removal of arms and related 

components for transportation, storage, and fast exchange between single- or double-motor configurations.

3.3 Motors 

4114 motors at 400KV provides longer 

flight times and low vibration. Low 

vibration motors contribute to aircraft 

stability, less operating noise, greater 

efficiency, and extended bearings life span.

3.4 Landing System

Retracting landing gear removes all obstructions from your 

imaging system.

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4.0 UAS POWER SYSTEM

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The MQ4 and MQ8 uses batteries with a capacity of 8000mAh, voltage of 22.2 V and charge-discharge 

management functionality. It can only be charged with a compatible LiPo charger capable of 6-cell and 

22.2 volts.

4.1 Battery Specifications

Capacity: 8000mAh

Voltage: 6S1P / 6 Cell / 22.2v

Discharge: 30C Constant / 40C Burst

Weight: 1220g (including wire, plug & case)

Dimensions: 165x69x52mm

Balance Plug: JST-XH

Discharge plug: 5.5mm Bullet-connector (without housing)

Max Charge Rate (C) 5

Length-A(mm) 165

Height-B(mm) 69

Width-C(mm) 52

4.2 Usages

To power on the UAS, fasten 1 battery to each top battery plate as pictured below. Note that if using 2 

batteries simultaneously, they must match in battery specifications.

After securely fastening the batteries to the battery plates, connect the power cables using the supplied 

serial connector (pictured below) to power on the UAS.

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4.3 Considerations

1. Charge and discharge the battery completely once every 20 charge/discharge cycles. Discharge the 

battery until there is less than 8% power or until it can no longer be turned on, then recharge it to 

maximum capacity. This power cycling procedure will optimize the battery. 

2. For long term storage, place the battery with only a 40~50% charge in a strong battery box. 

Discharge and charge the battery once every 3 months to keep it in good condition. Charge amount 

should be varied in these maintenance charges - (40%~50%)—0%—100%—(40%~50%).

3. Purchase a new battery after your current battery has been discharged over 300 times. Completely 

discharge a battery prior to disposal. Please dispose of batteries properly.

4. Purchase a new battery if your current battery swells up or is damaged in any way.

5. Never recharge or fly with a battery that is swollen or damaged in any way.

6. Never charge batteries unattended. Always charge batteries on a non-flammable surface such as 

concrete and never near any flammable materials.

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5.0 RADIO CONTROL SYSTEM

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The MQ4 and MQ8 utilize the Taranis X9D with UHF radio control. The radio controller, UHF module, 

and the sUAS are paired before delivery. This section outlines how to operate both for sUAS flight.

5.1 Taranis X9D Technical Specifications

Model Name: Taranis X9D

Number of Channels: Up to 16 channels

Operating Voltage Range: 6~15V (2S, 3S Lipos are acceptable)

Operating Current: 260mA maximum (both RF module and backlit are on)

Operating Temperature: -10~60°C

Backlight LCD Screen: 212*64, monochrome

Model Memories: 60 (extendible by SD card)

Compatibility: FrSky X series, D series and V8-II series receivers

5.1.1 Visual Guide

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5.1.2 Handling the Antenna

Radio control is handled exclusively through the UHF module. However, below are general care guidelines 

for the Taranis X9D’s antenna.

1. Do not touch the antenna during flight operation. There is the danger of erroneous operation causing 

the sUAS to crash.

2. Do not carry the transmitter by the antenna or pull the antenna forcefully. There is the danger that the 

antenna wire will break and operation will become impossible.

5.1.3 Battery and Charger

• Please connect the provided battery in the battery compartment before use.

• The NiMH battery is for the TARANIS X9D use only.

• Be sure to use the provided battery charger to charge the battery.

• Be careful not to drop the battery.

• Don't pull the battery wirings. 

• Never take out the battery from the TARANIS X9D transmitter while the voltage warning is 

blinking. Internal settings and memories can be destroyed.

• Do not use the transmitter if a “Backup Error” warning occurs.

• Be sure to turn off the Taranis X9D before power charging.

• The Power Indicator LED will be on during charging, and be off after the charging is finished. 

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5.2 UHF Radio Control Module

The MQ4 and MQ8 Radio Controller is equipped with a UHF Module for reliable R/C control uplink for 

safe control at longer distances. The UHF module is red ezUHF module attached to the back of the radio 

controller.

5.2.1 Technical Specifications

• Reliable FHSS Link (Frequency Hopping, Spread Spectrum)

• 433MHz/70cm Ham band operation

• Options for 431-433MHz, 433-435MHz, 435-437MHz.

• Spectrally clean GFSK modulation

• 600mW (~28dBm) output power, with 200mW low-power mode

• Power switch, boost power when at long range (optionally drive from unused control on the R/C 

Tx)

• Standard SMA antenna connector, compatibility with 433MHz/70cm Ham-band antennas

• Flexible buffered, AC-coupled, PPM input, ensures compatibility with 3.3v thru 9.6v PPM levels

• Standard USB port (Mini-A) for firmware upgrades, and system configuration

• Single pushbutton learning of failsafe positions

5.2.2 Power Level Control

The toggle-switch on the top of the UHF module is used to switch between high and 

low power modes. Even if full feedback of uplink status is available on, it is highly 

recommended to fly in low-power mode most of the time and switching to high-power 

mode if required.

The difference in power levels between the two modes is approximately 6dB, which 

corresponds to a factor of 2 in range, ensuring plenty of margin.

5.2.3 Radio Licensing

The UHF control system transmits on radio frequencies which may require a license for use. The default 

band used is 433-435MHz, which falls in the 70cm Amateur Radio band. Because of this, this product 

requires an Amateur radio (or similar) license to use in most parts of the world. 

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5.3 Remote Control Operations

Remote Controller Operation Details

Vertical movements on the left stick control elevation. Push the stick up to 

ascened and down to descend. When the stick is centered, the sUAS will hover 

in place.

Horizontal movements on the left stick control the rudder. Push left to rotate 

counter clock-wise and right for clockwise. The more the stick is moved, the 

faster the sUAS will rotate.

Vertical movements on the right stick control forward and backward pitch. 

Push up to fly forward and down to fly backward. The sUAS will hover in 

place if the stick is centered. Push the stick further for a larger pitch angle and 

faster flight.

Horizontal movements on the right stick control left and right pitch. Push left 

to fly left and right to fly right. The sUAS will hover in place if the stick is 

centered. Push the stick further for a larger pitch angle and faster flight.

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6.0 FLIGHT CONTROL SYSTEM

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The MQ4 and MQ8 is equipped with the Pixhawk Flight Control System. Pixhawk is an advanced 

autopilot system designed by the PX4 open-hardware project and manufactured by 3D Robotics. It features 

advanced processor and sensor technology from ST Microelectronics® and a NuttX real-time operating 

system, delivering incredible performance, flexibility, and reliability for controlling any autonomous 

vehicle.

6.1 Pixhawk Flight Controller Introduction

The benefits of the Pixhawk system include integrated multithreading, a Unix/Linux-like programming 

environment, completely new autopilot functions such as sophisticated scripting of missions and flight 

behavior, and a custom PX4 driver layer ensuring tight timing across all processes. These advanced 

capabilities ensure that there are no limitations to your autonomous vehicle. Pixhawk allows existing APM 

and PX4 operators to seamlessly transition to this system and lowers the barriers to entry for new users to 

participate in the exciting world of autonomous vehicles.

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6.2 LED Meanings

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6.3 Downloading Pixhawk Software

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6.4 Installing Pixhawk Software

6.5 Specifications

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7.0 PAYLOAD

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The MQ4 and MQ8 have multiple payload capabilities available according to customer specifications. 

Below are the standard payload configurations.

7.1 FLIR Tau 2 LWIR Thermal Imaging Camera Cores

FLIR® Tau® 2 thermal imaging cameras offer an unmatched set of features, making them well-suited for 

demanding applications like Unmanned Airborne Vehicles (UAVs), thermal weapon sights, and handheld 

imagers. Improved electronics now give Tau 2 even more capabilities, including radiometry, increased 

sensitivity (<30mK), 640/60Hz frame rates, and powerful image processing modes that dramatically 

improve detail and contrast. Since the electrical function are common between the Tau 2 640, 336 and 324, 

integrators have direct compatibility between the different camera formats, and Tau camera versions share 

many of the same lens options.

7.2 Sony a6000

• 24.3 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor

• Bionz X image processor

• Hybrid AF system with 25 contrast-detect and 179 phase-detect points

• Built-in flash + Multi-Interface Shoe

• 11 fps continuous shooting with subject-tracking

• 3-inch tilting LCD with 921,600 dots

• OLED electronic viewfinder with 1.44M dots

• Diffraction correction, area-specific noise reduction, and detail reproduction technology

• Full HD video recording at 1080/60p and 24p; clean HDMI output

• Wi-Fi with NFC capability and downloadable apps

7.3 Canon Powershot S100

The PowerShot S100 is a sophisticated pocket-friendly point-and-shoot digital camera that has the power 

advanced users and enthusiasts need to create standout images. As with other PowerShot cameras, the 

compact PowerShot S100 incorporates all of the advanced Canon technologies that make capturing superb 

photos and video as easy as pressing a button. Yet, when it's time to get creative, the very same camera in 

the hands of a skilled photographer can produce stunning images that would be at home in a gallery. As 

automatic or manual as you need it to be, the PowerShot S100 is, at once, a pocket camera and a serious 

photographic tool, impressing even demanding pros. It incorporates the Canon HS SYSTEM, now 

featuring the new DIGIC 5 Image Processor for enhanced image quality and amazing low-light 

performance. The fast f/2.0 lens helps you tackle unfavorable lighting and capture breathtaking portraits 

with beautiful, shallow depth-of-field. 12.1 Megapixels ensure crisp, richly detailed images, and a 5x 

Optical Zoom provides an excellent all-around range to shoot near or far.

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8.0 ASSEMBLY

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Assembly of the MQ4 and MQ8 frames is quick and easy. Follow the instructions below.

8.1 Assembling the landing gear

Begin assembly by placing each landing gear leg into its respective supporting slot located on the bottom of 

the main frame. Once inserted, tighten each thumb screw.

8.2 Assembling the motor arms

After assembling the landing gear, assemble the arms by locating the corresponding “CW” and CCW” 

markings on each red and silver tipped arm. Connect the red and silver tipped arms marked “CW” and 

“CCW” to the corresponding red and silver tipped frame contacts marked “CW” and “CCW” respectively 

(see picture below). Repeat the same steps for each arm.

Secure each arm by turning the top and bottom magnetic camlocks until they “click” into place. Confirm 

proper placement by gently tugging on each arm after “locked” into place.

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9.0 GROUND STATION MISSION CONTROL

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Mission Planner is a full-featured ground station application for the ArduPilot open source autopilot 

project. This page contains information on the background of Mission Planner and the organization of this 

site.

9.1 Mission Planner Overview

Mission Planner is a ground control station for Plane, Copter and Rover. It is compatible with Windows 

only. Mission Planner can be used as a configuration utility or as a dynamic control supplement for your 

autonomous vehicle. Here are just a few things you can do with Mission Planner:

• Load the firmware (the software) into the autopilot (APM, PX4...) that controls your vehicle.

• Setup, configure, and tune your vehicle for optimum performance.

• Plan, save and load autonomous missions into you autopilot with simple point-and-click way-point 

entry on Google or other maps.

• Download and analyze mission logs created by your autopilot.

• Interface with a PC flight simulator to create a full hardware-in-the-loop UAV simulator.

• With appropriate telemetry hardware you can:

o Monitor your vehicle’s status while in operation.

o Record telemetry logs which contain much more information the the on-board autopilot 

logs.

o View and analyze the telemetry logs.

o Operate your vehicle in FPV (first person view)

All of these and many more features are covered in this section of Planner.ardupilot.com: the community 

documentation project for Mission Planner. A complete guide to Mission Planner can be found at the 

following URL: http://planner.ardupilot.com/

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