USER GUIDE

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Vector Flight Controller + OSD User Guide

March, 2015

Version 2.3

Software Version 11.73+
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Table of Contents

1 Safety .............................................................................................................................................................................6

1.1....Read the Manual!................................................................................................................................................................6

1.2....Special Symbols used in the Manual..........................................................................................................................6

1.3....General Safety Precautions............................................................................................................................................6

2 Overview......................................................................................................................................................................7

2.1....Introduction..........................................................................................................................................................................7

2.2....Packing List...........................................................................................................................................................................8

2.3....Specifications........................................................................................................................................................................8

2.4....How to Get Help and Request New Features.........................................................................................................9

2.5....Installing the Software, and Updating the Firmware .......................................................................................9

2.5.1Software Compatibility.............................................................................................................................................................9

2.5.2Downloading the Latest Software .......................................................................................................................................9

2.5.3Updating your Vector Firmware .......................................................................................................................................10

2.6....Getting Notified about Important Vector Updates..........................................................................................10

2.7....Glossary of Terms used in the Manual...................................................................................................................11

3 Connecting the Vector..........................................................................................................................................13

3.1....Vector Controller Connections..................................................................................................................................13

3.1.1Backup Power............................................................................................................................................................................13

3.2....Vector GPS/Mag and Current Sensor/PSU Connections...............................................................................14

3.3....Vector Current Sensor/PSU Power Output..........................................................................................................15

3.4....Current Sensor Maximum Continuous Current, and Load Testing ..........................................................15

3.5....Vector Wiring....................................................................................................................................................................16

3.5.1Vector Video Harness + Connecting your Video Camera and Transmitter....................................................16

3.5.2Providing power to your Video Transmitter and Camera .....................................................................................17

3.5.3Vector Audio Harness and Audio Connections ...........................................................................................................18

3.5.4Vector Receiver Harness.......................................................................................................................................................19

3.5.5Receiver Connection Harness Load Capacity (Fixed Wing Only).......................................................................20

3.5.6Powering your Receiver on Multirotors ........................................................................................................................20

3.5.7Connecting Receiver and Servos/ESCs to the Vector ..............................................................................................22

3.5.8Connecting you Receiver’s RSSI Output (if available).............................................................................................25

3.5.9Configuring SPPM Based RSSI and Link Quality ........................................................................................................25

4 Mounting the Vector and Accessories...........................................................................................................26

4.1....Mounting the Vector ......................................................................................................................................................26

4.1.1Mounting Location and Orientation ................................................................................................................................26

4.1.2Mounting Technique...............................................................................................................................................................26
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4.2....Mounting the GPS/MAG Sensor ................................................................................................................................27

4.2.1GPS Signal Interference.........................................................................................................................................................27

4.2.2Magnetometer Interference ................................................................................................................................................27

4.2.3GPS/MAG Mounting Orientation.......................................................................................................................................27

4.2.4The GPS Stand and Clip .........................................................................................................................................................28

4.3....Mounting the Current Sensor/PSU..........................................................................................................................28

4.4....Mounting the Optional Pitot Tube...........................................................................................................................28

4.5....Controlling the Vector...................................................................................................................................................29

4.5.1The Mode Switch......................................................................................................................................................................29

4.5.2The Submode Switch..............................................................................................................................................................29

4.5.3The Gain Knob...........................................................................................................................................................................29

4.5.4The Kill Switch (for Multirotors Only)............................................................................................................................30

5 Configuring the Vector ........................................................................................................................................30

5.1....Configuration Overview................................................................................................................................................30

5.2....Transmitter Channel Mixing ......................................................................................................................................30

5.3....Configuring with the Windows Software .............................................................................................................31

5.4....Configuring the Vector via Stick Menus................................................................................................................32

5.4.1Teaching the Vector about SPPM or S.BUSTM Channel Mappings ........................................................................32

5.4.2Navigating the Stick Menus .................................................................................................................................................33

5.4.3Exiting Menu Mode .................................................................................................................................................................34

5.4.4Accessing Menus during Flight..........................................................................................................................................34

5.5....Selecting the Airframe type ........................................................................................................................................34

5.6....Accepting the Airframe Type .....................................................................................................................................35

5.7....Telling the Vector about Transmitter Dual Surface Mixing........................................................................35

5.8....Running the Receiver Analysis Wizard..................................................................................................................35

5.9....Configuring Auxiliary Receiver Inputs and Servo Outputs...........................................................................37

5.9.1Configuring the Auxiliary Input Channel (for non-serial Rx inputs) ................................................................37

5.9.2Configuring the Vector Auxiliary Output Channels (Fixed wing only) ............................................................37

5.10 .Flight Modes, and Configuring the Mode/Submode Switches....................................................................38

5.10.1 Flight Mode Description................................................................................................................................................38

5.10.2 Control Stick Function in Multirotor Modes.........................................................................................................40

5.10.3 2D Hold Flight Mode Information for Fixed Wing .............................................................................................40

5.10.4 Programming the Mode Switch..................................................................................................................................40

5.10.5 Programming the Optional Submode Switch.......................................................................................................41

5.11 .Configuring the Flight Controller/Stabilizer......................................................................................................42

5.11.1 Setting Controller Gains.................................................................................................................................................42

5.11.2 Verifying Correct Control Surfaces Movement (Fixed Wing).......................................................................46
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5.11.3 Confirming ESC Endpoints are set Correctly (Multirotor only)...................................................................46

5.11.4 Arming and Disarming your Multirotor (Multirotor only)............................................................................47

5.11.5 Setting Idle Throttle (Multirotor only)...................................................................................................................48

5.11.6 Confirming Correct Motor Order and Direction (Multirotor only)............................................................48

5.11.7 Configuring Low Battery Autoland (Multirotor only)......................................................................................49

5.11.8 Setting Flat Level Mounting .........................................................................................................................................49

5.11.9 Rezeroing Gyros ................................................................................................................................................................49

5.12 .Configuring Return to Home and other Safety Modes...................................................................................50

5.12.1 Configuring Failsafe Detection ...................................................................................................................................50

5.12.2 Configuring RTH/Safety Mode ...................................................................................................................................52

5.12.3 Configuring Maximum Altitude and Maximum Distance................................................................................53

5.13 .The Vector’s LED Indicator.........................................................................................................................................53

5.14 .Configuring the OSD.......................................................................................................................................................54

5.14.1 Adjusting the Display......................................................................................................................................................54

5.14.2 Setting Display Units (English or Metric)..............................................................................................................55

5.14.3 Choosing what to Display on the OSD Screen......................................................................................................55

5.14.4 Basic Numeric Readouts................................................................................................................................................55

5.14.5 Advanced Numeric Readouts......................................................................................................................................57

5.14.6 Graphics and Indicator Readouts ..............................................................................................................................57

5.14.7 Setting OSD Alarms..........................................................................................................................................................59

5.15 .Configuring and Calibrating the Magnetic Compass......................................................................................60

5.15.1 Using the Compass with Fixed Wing Airframes..................................................................................................60

5.15.2 Calibrating the Compass................................................................................................................................................61

5.15.3 Testing the Compass .......................................................................................................................................................62

5.16 .Configuring the EagleEyesTM FPV Station.............................................................................................................62

6 First Flights ..............................................................................................................................................................63

6.1....Preflight Checklist...........................................................................................................................................................63

6.1.1Resetting Home Position ......................................................................................................................................................63

6.2....First Flight Recommendations..................................................................................................................................64

6.2.1Ground Tests before First Flight.......................................................................................................................................64

6.2.2Flight Mode for Takeoffs.......................................................................................................................................................64

6.3....In-air Leveling...................................................................................................................................................................64

6.3.1Multirotor in-air leveling......................................................................................................................................................65

6.3.2Fixed Wing in-air leveling ....................................................................................................................................................65

6.3.3Optimal Fixed Wing leveling...............................................................................................................................................65

6.4....Return to Home Testing and Operation................................................................................................................65

6.4.1RTH Limitations........................................................................................................................................................................65
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6.4.2RTH Ground Testing ...............................................................................................................................................................66

6.4.3In-air RTH Testing ...................................................................................................................................................................66

7 Advanced Vector Setup and Calibration.......................................................................................................66

7.1....Advanced OSD Setup......................................................................................................................................................66

7.1.1The Advanced Numeric Readouts Menu .......................................................................................................................67

7.1.2Gauges and Swatches .............................................................................................................................................................68

7.1.3The Advanced Graphics/Indicators Menu....................................................................................................................69

7.2....Using Optional RPM and Temperature Sensors................................................................................................69

7.2.1Temperature Sensor...............................................................................................................................................................70

7.2.2Brushless RPM Sensor ...........................................................................................................................................................70

7.3....Waypoints...........................................................................................................................................................................71

7.3.1Configuring Waypoints..........................................................................................................................................................71

7.3.2Showing Waypoints on the OSD........................................................................................................................................71

7.4....Data Logging.....................................................................................................................................................................72

7.4.1Configuring Data Logging.....................................................................................................................................................72

7.4.2Downloading, Viewing and Saving Logged Flight Information ...........................................................................72

7.4.3Additional Data Logging and Telemetry Features ....................................................................................................73

7.5....Advanced RTH Setup......................................................................................................................................................74

7.5.1Home Altitude Mode...............................................................................................................................................................74

7.5.2Other Advanced RTH Settings............................................................................................................................................75

7.6....Acoustic Variometer.......................................................................................................................................................75

7.7....Vector Calibration...........................................................................................................................................................76

7.7.1Electrical Calibration..............................................................................................................................................................76

7.7.2Altimeter Calibration..............................................................................................................................................................77

7.7.3Pitot Airspeed Calibration....................................................................................................................................................77

7.8....GPS Configuration...........................................................................................................................................................77

7.8.1Choosing the GPS Position Display Format..................................................................................................................77

7.8.2Changing the GPS Fix Quality Settings............................................................................................................................78

8 Troubleshooting.....................................................................................................................................................79

9 Notification Messages ..........................................................................................................................................83

10 Description of Numeric Readouts...................................................................................................................88

11 Regulatory ................................................................................................................................................................90

12 Limited Warranty..................................................................................................................................................91
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1 Safety

The Vector is intended to be used exclusively for recreational purposes in model planes, boats and cars. Using 

the Vector for other purposes is not supported. Further, using the Vector in situations where its use or failure 

could result in loss of life, bodily injury or property damage is expressly prohibited. 

Eagle Tree Systems, LLC, is not responsible for your use of this product, or for any damages or injuries 

you may cause or sustain as a result of its usage. 

1.1 Read the Manual!

This manual contains important instructions related to safety. Read the entire manual before proceeding, to 

become familiar with the features and operation of the Vector. Failure to correctly configure or operate the 

Vector could cause damage to personal property or serious injury!

The latest version of this manual is available in the Product Manuals section of the Support tab on 

http://www.eagletreesystems.com. 

If, after you read the manual, you have further questions or problems, see the “How to Get Help” section below.

Reading this manual is probably more enjoyable, and will probably take less time, than rebuilding your 

model!

1.2 Special Symbols used in the Manual

Warning that could affect safety or result in injury, a crash, property damage or Vector hardware

damage if not heeded.

Under construction. This feature is experimental, incomplete, or under active development. 

 Information applicable only for fixed wing models

Information applicable only for multirotor models

Helpful Note or Tip

1.3 General Safety Precautions

In addition to other warnings and other precautions in this manual, the following should always be 

observed:

 The Vector is intended for recreational use only, in model aircraft. Any other use is not supported.

 Never connect ESCs or servos to the Vector until you have verified the airframe type is correctly 

selected! Doing so can cause multirotor propellers to spin at high speed, or can destroy fixed wing 

servos. 

 Always remove propeller(s) or otherwise disable motor(s) when configuring the Vector! 

 Always move a safe distance away from the model before starting the motor(s), and never approach the 

model with the propeller(s) spinning! Never approach a multirotor when it is armed!

 Always wear eye protection when operating models with propellers!
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 RC models and accessories are not toys! The Vector should not be used by children.

 You should always use a spotter if your eyes are not on your model. For USA customers, please refer 

to the Academy of Model Aeronautics Safety Code at http://www.modelaircraft.org/files/105.PDF and 

FPV related code at http://www.modelaircraft.org/files/550.pdf

 Always obey the law when flying. Most video transmitters used for FPV flying require an amateur 

radio license to operate legally.

 If you have never set up or operated an RC model before, you will need help from an experienced 

modeler. Local RC clubs are great ways to meet experienced modelers, and receive the required 

training. This requirement is especially true for FPV flying, which can be more challenging.

 Never operate your model aircraft near or over buildings, power/telephone lines, or other obstacles. 

Never operate your model aircraft near or over people or animals! Never operate your model after 

consuming drugs or alcohol! 

 Never operate the Vector in a situation where it may get wet, such as on a rainy day.

 Do not change wiring in your model when any power is applied.

2 Overview

2.1 Introduction

Thank you for your purchase! Based on Eagle Tree's proven inertial stabilization and video technology, the 

Vector Flight Controller + OSD has everything we’ve dreamed about, in one small, lightweight, easy to use 

product:

 Straightforward to set up and operate "out of the 

box" with no PC required

 FIXED WING and MULTIROTOR Flight Controller 

with GPS modes and RTH

 Built-in OSD with COLOR GRAPHICS

 OSD display is fully configurable, so you can make 

the screen as simple or detailed as you want it

 OSD still displays even if your camera fails!

 COMPATIBLE: PCM, SPPM and S.BUSTM receiver 

support, with several types of RSSI

 EXPANDABLE with additional sensors, 

accessories, and internet firmware updates

 FLEXIBLE: fly with or without your FPV equipment

 Built in FLIGHT DATA RECORDER helps take the guesswork out if something goes wrong

 REDUCED WIRING: innovative wire harness with power distribution simplifies hookup

 Built-in altimeter, IMU, and magnetic compass sensors

 Current sensor with quiet and efficient Power Supply Unit supports up to 6S packs
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2.2 Packing List

Your package should include the following: 

 Vector Controller

 Current Sensor/PSU (DeansTM, XT60TM or wire leads version),

 GPS/Magnetometer (GPS/Mag), with GPS stand, clip and screw 

 Video, Audio (not shown), GPS, and Receiver Harnesses

2.3 Specifications 

 Supported Airframes: 

o Traditional fixed wing, Elevon, and V-tail planes

o Tricopter, Quadcopter, and Hexacopter multirotors

 Recommended Airframes: the Vector is not recommended for large or heavy airframes, due to no or 

limited testing on these types of models at this time. Examples: giant scale fixed wing models, gas or 

nitro models, turbines, or multirotors larger than 650mm are not recommended.

 Video formats: composite NTSC and PAL (autodetect)

 Servo/ESC Output framerate:

o Fixed wing: adjustable up to 400Hz

o Multirotor (including tricopter yaw servo): 400Hz

 Dimensions (L x W x H, approximate):

o Controller: 65mm x 33mm x 14mm

o GPS/Mag: 35mm x 24mm x 15mm

o Current Sensor/PSU (with DeansTM): 42mm x 19mm x 18mm

 Mass (approximate): 

o Controller: 21g

o GPS/Mag: 13g

o Current Sensor/PSU (with DeansTM): 15g

 Current Sensor/PSU

o Peak measured current: 140 amps (see section 3.4)

o Max pack voltage: 6s/25.2V

o Maximum 12V PSU current: 1A

o Maximum 5V PSU current: 1A
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2.4 How to Get Help and Request New Features

Eagle Tree is committed to providing great customer service. Once you’ve read the manual, if something is not 

clear, just ask. We’d much prefer to take the time to answer your questions, rather than having you waste your 

valuable time struggling with an issue. 

To get help 24/7, visit the Eagle Tree Vector support thread on RCGroups:

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2032857

Or, visit the thread on FPVLab:

http://fpvlab.com/forums/showthread.php?22260

Chances are someone has posted a solution to your problem already. If not, posting your problem on the forum

will get a very quick response from the Eagle Tree community. 

If you prefer to not post on the forum, or you feel there is a problem with your Eagle Tree hardware, please 

open a support ticket with us at http://ticket.eagletreesystems.com and we will respond to your support ticket 

as soon as we can – normally within a few business hours. Note that when you create a support ticket, you 

will be emailed a link that will let you check the status of the ticket. If you do not receive the email, most likely a 

spam filter is intercepting emails from Eagle Tree. 

Also, Eagle Tree greatly values your feedback on how we can improve our products. To leave us feedback for a 

new feature request or improvement, post the feedback on our support threads above, create a support ticket 

with your feedback, or just email us at support@eagletreesystems.com.

2.5 Installing the Software, and Updating the Firmware

To configure your Vector with the software, or to update the Vector firmware, you 

will need to install our software on a compatible device.

Additionally, you will need a standard “mini” USB cable. You probably have one of 

these cables already, but if not, you can order one online from us, or elsewhere. 

Our p/n is USB-CAB-MINIB.

2.5.1 Software Compatibility

The software is compatible with Windows XP, Vista, Windows 7, and Windows 8/8.1. Most Windows based 

PCs, laptops, notebooks, and tablets (including the SurfaceTM ProTM) are compatible with the software. 

A minimum screen resolution of 1024x768 is required.

If you have a MacTM, you can run our software by using a correctly configured Windows emulator such as 

VMWareTM.

2.5.2 Downloading the Latest Software

The latest software for the Vector is available online at no 

additional charge, by selecting “Download Latest Software” 

from the Support tab at http://www.eagletreesystems.com

and selecting the Vector software.

The software version you are presently running is shown in 

the lower left hand corner of the software. If that version 

is lower than the version presently on our website, 

consider upgrading.
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2.5.3 Updating your Vector Firmware

Even if you will be configuring the Vector using the stick menus, it’s a good idea to keep your Vector firmware 

updated, in case we add a feature or resolve an issue that is relevant to your airframe. Our latest software 

always has the latest Vector firmware included with it.

To check to see if you have the latest firmware, first check 

what firmware version is installed on your Vector, which is 

displayed at the bottom of the Vector boot-up OSD screen. 

Or, you can check the version by using the firmware update 

utility described below. Then, compare your version 

number with the latest Vector firmware version we have 

released (listed on the software download page on our 

website).

To update the Vector firmware, install the latest software, 

connect the Vector to USB, click the “Firmware Update” 

button in the software (in the bottom row of buttons), and 

follow the instructions. 

Make sure that your GPS/Mag is connected to your Vector before updating firmware. The firmware on 

the GPS/Mag will also be updated automatically, if needed.

Also, note that if you install new software and it detects that the Vector’s firmware needs an update, it will 

automatically run the firmware update utility.

2.6 Getting Notified about Important Vector Updates

Eagle Tree updates the Vector firmware and software periodically to add new features or to address issues that 

may arise, and will issue important hardware information bulletins as needed. There are two ways to get 

notified about these:

1) Subscribe to the Vector update notification thread on RCGroups. Whenever we update the software or 

release a hardware bulletin, we will post a note to this thread, and subscribing to it should result in you 

receiving an email. Note that this thread will normally be closed, so only we can post to it, reducing the 

number of emails you will receive.

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2159747

2) Follow us or like us on FacebookTM. We will post a note on Facebook indicating that new software or 

important hardware information has been posted, and you should see that on your Facebook page.

http://www.facebook.com/eagletreesystems
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2.7 Glossary of Terms used in the Manual

Here are definitions for some of the terms used throughout the manual.

FPV – FPV stands for First Person View. If you are not familiar with FPV, there are many websites devoted to 

it. Our FPV overview web page at http://www.eagletreesystems.com/OSD has a brief tutorial on FPV, which is 

a good place to start.

OSD – OSD stands for On Screen Display. The OSD shows flight information, overlaid on the video camera 

image.

RTH – Return to Home. The Vector can optionally return your model to the home point if R/C link is lost.

Software – the term “software” in the manual refers to our Windows PC software application.

Firmware – the firmware is the code that runs on the Vector itself. The latest Vector firmware is included 

with the software.

Flight Controller or Stabilizer – the aspect of the Vector that stabilizes your model during flight

Pitch – Lift or descent of the nose and tail of the 

model (front to back tilt on multirotors). Normally 

controlled by the elevator, or movement of elevons in 

same direction.

Roll – Rocking movement of the wings, side to side

(side to side tilt on multirotors). Normally controlled 

by ailerons, or movement of elevons in opposite 

directions.

Yaw – Turning of the airplane without banking

(rotation on multirotors). Normally controlled by 

the rudder.

Axis – an imaginary line drawn horizontally through 

your model’s wing (for Pitch), horizontally through your fuselage (for roll), or vertically through the center of 

your fuselage (for yaw).

Gain – a setting that controls how hard the stabilizer works to hold the orientation of the model around a 

certain axis.

Oscillations – rapid swings of your model around one of its axes, due to a gain setting being too high.

Mode 2 Radio: Transmitters with rudder and throttle on the left stick, and aileron and elevator on the right 

stick.

Control Stick – The stick on Mode 2 radios that controls elevator and aileron functions (pitch and roll).

Attitude – The orientation of the model with respect to the horizon.

2D Mode – A mode where the model is brought to a level attitude (level flight and level wings) by the Vector 

when the control stick is centered.

3D Mode – A mode where the Vector attempts to hold the model’s present attitude when the control stick is 

centered, by moving the model’s control surfaces automatically.

Gyro Mode – A mode where the stabilizer responds similarly to having gyros installed on the control surface 

outputs.

Heading – The present direction of travel of the model with respect to North.

Control Surfaces – Your model’s elevator, ailerons (or elevons), flaperons, and/or rudder (if equipped).
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Mode Switch – A two or three position switch on your radio transmitter which you have configured to control 

the “Mod” input on the Vector’s Receiver Connection Harness.

Toggle – One fairly rapid movement the Mode Switch between its extents. (UP/DOWN or DOWN/UP)

Configuration Gestures – A series of toggles of the Mode Switch. The number of times you toggle the switch 

determines which configuration step is performed. 

PSU - Power Supply Unit. This refers to the 5V and 12V switching regulators built into the Vector current 

sensor.

Toilet Bowl – When a multirotor is hovering, the condition of orbiting around the desired hover point, 

sometimes in an ever increasing diameter, due to compass error or other issues.
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3 Connecting the Vector

This section describes the Vector’s cabling and 

connections, and how to connect the Vector to your 

RC receiver, your servos or ESCs, and your FPV video 

transmitter and camera.

3.1 Vector Controller Connections

The figure below shows the function of each of the 

Vector’s ports, and other Vector information.

3.1.1 Backup Power

If you want the Vector to use a redundant power supply for safety, the middle pin of the RSSI/5V Backup

connection can be used to supply backup power to the Vector. Normally the Vector is powered by 5V from the 

Current Sensor/PSU, but the Vector will take power from the backup connection whenever the voltage at this 

pin is approximately 0.5V higher than the voltage coming from the Current Sensor/PSU. 
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For example, if the backup power is connected to the BEC of your ESC (via your receiver), and that is supplying 

5.0V, the Vector will use the PSU power unless the PSU voltage drops below 4.5V. Likewise, if your BEC is

providing 6.0V to the backup power port, the backup power port will always be powering the Vector unless the 

BEC output fails.

Note that the backup power input will NOT power your camera or video transmitter. Only the Vector

and accessories connected to the “Bus” port will be powered.

3.2 Vector GPS/Mag and Current Sensor/PSU Connections

Connections to the Current Sensor/PSU (DeansTM version shown), the GPS/Mag, and the optional Pitot Airspeed

sensor are shown in the figure below. 

The “Bus” connectors on the GPS/Mag

and Airspeed sensors are internally connected 

together. Wiring order, or which of the two 

connectors on each sensor is used, does not 

matter. 

In other words, you can plug into either “Bus” 

connector, and if you “daisy-chain” the 

Airspeed with the GPS/Mag, either unit can be 

at the head of the chain.

Never connect the GPS/Mag or pitot 

sensor to the Vector’s AUDIO 

connection. Doing so will destroy the sensor! 
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3.3 Vector Current Sensor/PSU Power Output

The Vector’s high efficiency and low noise PSU accepts up to 6S voltage input, and provides filtered 5V and up 

to 12V output at 1A max per channel. It's perfect for powering most FPV gear, and can also power your receiver 

on multirotors (when NO servos are being powered by the RX!), eliminating the need for an external BEC.

Never use the PSU to power any servos on your model! The PSU can shut off due to excessive power 

draw, causing a crash! Servos MUST be powered by a stand alone BEC, a BEC built into your ESC, or a 

separate radio flight pack!

Note that the 12V regulator does NOT boost the voltage, like a SEPIC. However, the Vector's 12V PSU has a 

unique Low Voltage Loss feature that drops the regulator’s output by only about 0.5V if you are using a 3S 

pack operating below 12.5V. For example, if your 3S pack is at 11.5V, the regulator outputs about 11V. Other 

non-boost switching regulators typically drop the output voltage by 1.3V or more.

SEPIC and other voltage boost regulators are generally much less efficient and generate much more UHF band 

noise, and in many cases you don’t need one. You never need one if your pack is 4s or above, and all known 

cameras and many transmitters will operate well across the 3S pack voltage range. Typically, 1.3GHz 

transmitters may provide reduced power output with less than 12V voltage, and 5.8GHz transmitters work fine 

at less than 12V. Be sure to check your transmitter manual’s specs to determine this. If your transmitter does 

need a boost when operating at the lower end of 3S, a JST equipped boost regulator can easily be connected 

into the Vector's video harness (between connections “A” and “E” in the video harness drawing below).

3.4 Current Sensor Maximum Continuous Current, and Load Testing

The current sensor’s continuous current capability depends on the type of connectors/wires you are using, and 

other factors. 

If your model draws a large amount of current (greater than approximately 60 amps continuous) make sure 

you verify that your power system, including the current sensor, can handle your worst case continuous 

current load.

In high current applications it is recommended (if you can do so safely) that you run your model in an extended 

stationary “bench” test, similar in duration and power usage to your most aggressive modeling, to ensure there 

are no problems with any connections, wiring doesn’t get too hot, etc. DO NOT OPERATE YOUR MODEL IF 

YOU HAVE PROBLEMS DURING THIS EXTENDED STATIONARY TEST!

It is also recommended that the current sensor be mounted so that airflow is directed through one of the 

openings of the sensor.

Never exceed the manufacturer’s continuous current rating for the types of connectors installed on your 

current sensor! If the current sensor or wiring becomes too hot during flight due to too much current, 

the connectors can fail, or the PSU can shut off, causing a crash! 

Make sure that the connector contacts on your current sensor and mating connectors are not damaged or 

weakened. A damaged or weakened contact can potentially fold over and short when connected, or cause 

intermittent in-flight failures!
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3.5 Vector Wiring

The Vector’s wire harnesses are shown below. Note that 

a set of replacement wire harnesses is available (p/n VECCAB-SET). Having additional sets make it easier to move 

your Vector from model to model.

Video Harness – routes video signals, and provides

power from the Current Sensor/PSU to the Vector, and 

optionally to your video transmitter, camera, and 

microphone.

Audio Harness – this cable connects to your microphone, 

and also to the audio output of your video transmitter.

Receiver Connection Harness – this cable connects 

between the Vector and your RC receiver/LRS.

GPS Harness – this cable connects between the Vector and the GPS/Mag.

3.5.1 Vector Video Harness + Connecting your Video Camera and Transmitter

The Vector's innovative video harness makes it easy to connect your 5V or 12V cameras and transmitters 

without keeping an electrician on standby. The figure below shows a typical hookup, with a 12V camera, 12V 

transmitter, and a microphone. 
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The first step to wiring your camera and transmitter is to install servo connectors on the wire harnesses that 

came with these components, if they don’t have them already. Servo connectors and crimpers are available 

online or at your local hobby store. Either FutabaTM or JRTM style connectors will work. 

Refer to the figure at right. 

Consult the manuals for your 

camera and video transmitter, 

identify the signal, power and 

ground wires, and install the servo 

connectors on these wires.

Alternatively, FPV shops like 

http://www.readymaderc.com

supply Vector compatible servo 

adapter cables for most cameras 

and video transmitters.

Make sure the polarity of the servo connector is correct, so that the “S, + and –” pins of the connector 

align correctly the “S, + and –” pins of the mating female connector on the video harness!

If you are using a camera with a built-in battery, such as a GoProTM, the power servo lead does not need 

to be connected.

Referring to the video harness diagram below, connect the camera’s servo connector to camera connector “F”, 

and the video transmitter’s servo connector to transmitter connector “C” on the video harness.

Inside the Vector, the red wire of the camera power connector “D” is internally connected to the red 

wire of the camera connector “F”, and the red wire of transmitter power connector “E” is internally connected 

to the red wire of transmitter connector “C”. Also, all ground (black) wires are internally connected in the 

Vector.

3.5.2 Providing power to your Video Transmitter and Camera

Powering your video equipment is typically very easy with the Vector.
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Here are typical wiring strategies, depending on the number of batteries desired, transmitter and camera 

voltages, etc.

Video Setup Wiring Method 

Single Battery, 12V 

camera, 12V transmitter

Connect both red PSU power taps “A” to camera and transmitter power inputs “D” 

and “E”

Single Battery, 5V 

camera, 12V transmitter

Connect the white PSU power tap “B” to camera power input “D”. Connect a red 

PSU power tap “A” to transmitter power input “E”.

Single Battery, 12V 

camera, 5V transmitter

Connect the white PSU power tap “B” to transmitter power input “E”. Connect a 

red PSU power tap “A” to camera power input “D”.

Single Battery, 5V 

camera, 5V transmitter

Construct or purchase a JST Y cable. Connect the female end of the Y cable to the 

white PSU power tap “B”, and connect the two male ends of the Y cable to 

transmitter power input “E” and camera power input “D”.

Separate Video 

battery(s)

Connect video battery(s) of appropriate voltage(s) to camera power input “D” 

and/or transmitter power input “E”. Note that if you want to use one video 

battery for both camera and transmitter, a JST Y cable will be needed.

Make sure that you do not make a mistake in the wiring that causes 12V power to be used with a 5V 

camera or transmitter! This will likely destroy the camera or transmitter.

Remember that if you use a 3s or lower pack, the 12V power taps will provide a voltage that is about 

0.5V less than the present pack voltage. If your video transmitter reduces output power with voltages less 

than 12V, and you need maximum range, you will need to insert a “boost” or “SEPIC” regulator between the 

power tap “A” and the transmitter power input “E”, or use a separate video battery.

Never exceed the 1 amp current limit for either the 5V tap or the 12V taps. The affected voltage 

regulator may shut off if this is exceeded, which can cause the Vector to turn off during flight if the 5V 

regulator is affected, as well as shutting off the affected video equipment! Never use the taps for powering 

equipment other than your video equipment!

Normally, only extremely high power video transmitters would exceed 1 amp, but check your video equipment 

manual. 

It is ok if you draw up to 1 amp from the 5V regulator and up to 1 amp from the 12V regulator 

simultaneously.

3.5.3 Vector Audio Harness and Audio Connections

If you do not want to hear Vector voice alerts or the acoustic variometer, it is not necessary to use the audio 

harness, so this step can be skipped.

Refer to the figure:

To hear voice alerts or the acoustic variometer from the 

Vector, connect the audio harness to the Vector’s Audio 

connector, and connect your video transmitter’s audio 

in servo connector (described above) to the “Tx Audio” 

connector on the audio harness.

To use an external microphone in this configuration, connect the microphone to the audio harness “Microphn” 

connector, paying attention to the correct pinout. 
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Note that the voltage supplied to the red wire of the “Camera/Mic” power input connector “D” on the 

video harness will be supplied to the red wire on the “Microphn” audio harness connector.

3.5.4 Vector Receiver Harness

The Receiver Harness is used to connect the Vector to the outputs of your receiver. The pin-out for the 

Receiver Harness is shown below.

Do not power your receiver with a voltage higher than 16V.

The Vector does not power your receiver or servos. You will need to power your receiver and servos 

as you would in a non-Vector model, such as with a stand-alone BEC, a BEC built into your ESC, or a separate 

battery pack. 

Whatever power is provided to your receiver will be routed through the Vector to your servos. Whatever 

power is provided by an ESC’s BEC will be routed through the Vector to your receiver and servos. 

You can alternatively use the 5 volt tap from the PSU (if not being used to power a 5 volt camera or video TX) to 

power your receiver on multirotors. Please see section 3.5.6, “Powering your Receiver on Multirotors" for 

additional info. 

Three types of receiver inputs are supported with the Vector:

Traditional (parallel): each of the relevant harness connections needs to be connected to the appropriate 

output port on the receiver. See section 3.5.7 below for information on connecting the receiver harness inputs

to your receiver.

Serial PPM (SPPM) and S.BUSTM (serial modes): only the “Ail” connector of the receiver harness should be 

connected to the SPPM or S.BUSTM output of your receiver. Your receiver’s outputs are programmed in the 

Vector, as described later.

Note: Connect only the “Ail” wire to your receiver when using a serial mode. Never connect other wires from 

the receiver harness to your receiver if you are using a serial mode!

To reduce wiring, if you use a serial mode you can use a needle or small probe to carefully pry up the 

tabs of the other connections of the receiver harness, remove the unused wires, and save them for later use. Or, 

just trim off the extra wires.
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3.5.5 Receiver Connection Harness Load Capacity (Fixed Wing Only)

With typical fixed wing electric model wiring, the ESC’s BEC is connected to the Vector’s throttle output

channel. This BEC powers the servos, and all servos are connected to the Vector’s servo outputs. If you 

have this configuration, please skip this section.

Also, skip this section if you do not have large servos, or if the BEC or battery powering your servos is rated at 6 

amps continuous or less (the vast majority are). 

If, however, the AIL lead of the Vector’s receiver connection harness takes power from your receiver, and this 

powers large servos you have connected to the Vector, OR, you have large servos connected to both your 

receiver and the Vector, please read the following: 

You should not allow more than 6 amps continuous current to flow through the AIL wire. 

Note also that the AIL lead of the harness should not be excessively warm after flying, which could indicate that 

too much current is passing through it.

If your configuration could result in more than 6 amps continuous current flowing through the AIL wire, there 

are two ways to supply additional power to your servos:

 If you are not using all the servo output connections on your Vector, a male to male servo wire (with 

the signal line cut!) can be connected between a free servo channel on the Vector, and a free channel on 

your receiver.

 If all the servo connections on the Vector are being used, a male/male/female Y cable (ET p/n CAB-Y-1 

or similar) with the signal line cut can be used to provide additional power to the servos, as shown in 

Figure 3. 

3.5.6 Powering your Receiver on Multirotors

Voltage from the 5V tap “B” can normally be used to power your receiver on multirotors, eliminating 

the need to have an additional BEC. One way to do this, assuming the 5V tap is not being used for your camera 

or transmitter, is to connect a female JST to male servo adapter cable from the 5V tap to a spare receiver 

channel. If the 5V tap is already being used, you will need a Y cable to do this.

However, remember that power will go from your receiver to the Vector’s servo outputs, via the red wire of the 

“Ail” connector on the Vector receiver harness. If your ESCs are not optoisolated from their receiver inputs, 

this voltage will power the ESCs even if the ESC main power connector is not plugged into the Current 

Sensor/PSU. If your ESCs produce startup tones when the receiver is powered from the Vector, but the ESC 

main power connector is not plugged into the Current Sensor/PSU, the ESCs are not optoisolated.
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In this case, it’s important that you make sure you never arm your multirotor when the main ESC power 

connector is disconnected from the Current Sensor/PSU. Or, you can address this issue in some other ways:

a) remove/disconnect the red wire from the “Ail” 

connector, so that power will not pass from 

your receiver to the ESCs when using the 5V 

tap to power your receiver.

b) Or, remove/disconnect the power servo wire 

from each ESC. This may be required anyway, 

as some non-optoisolated ESCs could be 

damaged if the red wires are connected 

together.

c) Or, be sure to never connect your main pack to the current sensor without having the ESC main power 

connector also plugged into the current sensor.

If one of these steps is not followed, your ESCs will receive power even when the ESC main power 

connector is not plugged into the current sensor. This can cause at least two potential problems if you 

arm the multirotor in this condition:

 The propellers can spin even though the main pack is not connected to the ESCs!

 With some ESCs, a brownout can occur in this condition that has been known to cause these ESCs to 

reprogram their endpoints. This can lead to unpredictable results such as propellers spinning at 

different speeds after arming, possibly creating an unsafe condition!
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3.5.7 Connecting Receiver and Servos/ESCs to the Vector

First, connect your ESC or servo wires to the Vector output ports without powering the Vector, to make sure 

they reach the desired Vector mounting location. Then disconnect them before proceeding to the configuration 

section.

Never connect ESCs or servos to the Vector servo outputs until you have verified the Vector airframe 

type is correctly selected! If a fixed wing airframe type is selected with a multirotor, the propellers can 

spin uncontrollably at high speed at power-up! Likewise, if a multrotor airframe type is selected with fixed 

wing, the servos can be pushed beyond their endpoints and be destroyed!

The figure below shows the supported airframe types. For each airframe, the arrow indicates the direction of 

forward travel, which corresponds to the forward direction of the arrow on the Vector label when the Vector is 

mounted correctly. 

If you have dedicated flaps, they do not connect to the Vector. Connect the flaps directly to your receiver

channel that is controlled by the desired flap switch.

For the multirotor airframe types, the numbers in the figure correspond to the motor numbers on the Vector 

servo connector label (1 = M1, etc.). For quadcopters and hexacopters the curved arrows indicate the correct 

motor rotation. 

For tricopters, the motor rotation directions are arbitrary. Also, the yaw servo MUST be digital! 

Tricopter rudder control of the yaw servo is initially disabled when the throttle is at its off position. In 

order to test yaw, you will need to increase the throttle stick slightly with the system disarmed.

For Hexacopter Y6 and IY6, the blue motors in the figures below are ON TOP.
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The chart below shows typical receiver and servo/ESC connections for these airframe types.

* The Receiver Output and Vector Rx Harness sections do not apply to SPPM or S.BUSTM receiver modes. 

Airframe Vector 

Airframe Type 

Receiver Output* Vector Rx 

Harness* 

Vector Output Servo/ESC 

Connection at 

Model 

Traditional Fixed Traditional

Fixed

Rudder Rud Rudder/M1 Rudder Servo

Aileron Ail Aileron/M2 Aileron Servo

Elevator Elv Elevator/M3 Elevator Servo

Throttle Thr Throttle/M4 Motor ESC or Throt 

Servo

2/3 position 

Mode Switch

Mod N/A N/A

Gain Knob or 

Submode switch

Aux N/A N/A

Fixed Wing with 2nd

Aileron, Flaperon, 

Elevator, or Rudder

(with Tx Mixing)

Traditional

Fixed Rudder Rud Rudder/M1 Rudder Servo

Aileron Ail Aileron/M2 Aileron Servo

Elevator Elv Elevator/M3 Elevator Servo

Throttle Thr Throttle/M4 Motor ESC or Throt 

Servo

2nd Aileron, 

Elevator, Rudder 

or Flaperon

Aux Aux1/M5 (or 

N/A)

2nd Aileron, 

Elevator, Rudder or 

Flaperon

2/3 position 

Mode Switch

Mod N/A N/A

Elevon or V-Tail 

without Ailerons

Elevon Rudder (if used) Rud Rudder/M1 Rudder Servo

Aileron Ail Aileron/M2 Elevon Servo 1

Elevator Elv Elevator/M3 Elevon Servo 2

Throttle Thr Throttle/M4 ESC or Throttle 

Servo

2/3 position 

Mode Switch

Mod N/A N/A

Gain Knob or 

Submode switch

Aux N/A N/A

V-Tail with Ailerons V-Tail Rudder Rud Rudder/M1 V-Tail Servo 2

Aileron Ail Aileron/M2 Aileron Servo

Elevator Elv Elevator/M3 V-Tail Servo 1

Throttle Thr Throttle/M4 Motor ESC or Throt 

Servo
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Airframe Vector 

Airframe Type 

Receiver Output* Vector Rx 

Harness* 

Vector Output Servo/ESC 

Connection at 

Model 

V-Tail with Ailerons 

(cont.)

2/3 position 

Mode Switch

Mod N/A N/A

Gain Knob or 

Submode switch

Aux N/A N/A

Tricopter Tricopter 

Norm or Rev

Rudder/yaw Rud Rudder/M1 Motor 1 ESC

Aileron/roll Ail Aileron/M2 Motor 2 ESC

Elevator/pitch Elv Elevator/M3 Motor 3 ESC

Throttle Thr Throttle/M4 Yaw Servo

(MUST be digital!)

2/3 position 

Switch

Mod N/A N/A

Gain Knob, Kill or 

Submode Switch

Aux N/A N/A

Quadcopter Quadcopter 

X or Plus

Rudder/yaw Rud Rudder/M1 Motor 1 ESC

Aileron/roll Ail Aileron/M2 Motor 2 ESC

Elevator/pitch Elv Elevator/M3 Motor 3 ESC

Throttle Thr Throttle/M4 Motor 4 ESC

2/3 position 

Switch

Mod N/A N/A

Gain Knob, Kill or 

Submode Switch

Aux N/A N/A

Hexacopter Hexacopter 

X or I

Rudder/yaw Rud Rudder/M1 Motor 1 ESC

Aileron/roll Ail Aileron/M2 Motor 2 ESC

Elevator/pitch Elv Elevator/M3 Motor 3 ESC

Throttle Thr Throttle/M4 Motor 4 ESC

Aux1/M5 Motor 5 ESC

Aux2/M6 Motor 6 ESC

2/3 position 

Switch

Mod N/A N/A

Gain Knob, Kill or 

Submode Switch

Aux N/A N/A
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3.5.8 Connecting you Receiver’s RSSI Output (if available)

Note: If you have a PPM capable receiver that outputs RSSI and/or link quality in the PPM stream, instead of 

through a separate wire, skip to the next section.

If you wish to display the receiver’s signal strength (RSSI), and your receiver supports this feature, you will 

need to connect the top (signal) pin of the “RSSI/5V Backup” connection of the Vector to your receiver’s RSSI 

output. The Vector’s RSSI input is fully buffered with a high impedance op amp. 

In general, only “LRS” and SpektrumTM receivers support RSSI externally. However, some clever people 

have posted ways of retrieving the RSSI output from traditional receivers on the RC forums.

Make sure you range test your receiver after connecting the RSSI output to the Vector. Some early LRS 

receivers could lose range when the RSSI output was utilized.

The Vector supports 3 types of RSSI via this connection, depending on your receiver type:

1. Analog RSSI output - this is the most common RSSI output

2. Pulse Width Modulated (PWM) output – EZUHFTM and perhaps other receivers use this method.

3. Spektrum FlightlogTM - The signal pin of the “data” port of your SpektrumTM receiver normally provides 

FlightlogTM data, which the Vector can display. 

Never connect a voltage higher than 3.3V to the RSSI input pin! No known receiver outputs an RSSI 

greater than 3.3V.

For types 1 and 2 above, the minimum and maximum RSSI output of your receiver is learned during the 

Receiver Analysis Wizard.

If you use an S.BUSTM receiver without an analog RSSI output, a very simple RSSI is provided 

automatically. The OSD RSSI readout drops to 25% if the receiver indicates packet loss, and goes to 0% if the 

recevier indicates failsafe.

3.5.9 Configuring SPPM Based RSSI and Link Quality

If you have an SPPM capable receiver that outputs RSSI and/or link quality in the SPPM stream, and you wish 

to view RSSI information, the RSSI setup steps are as follows:

1) Make sure your receiver is configured for SPPM, and connected to the Vector as described elsewhere in this 

manual.

2) Start the software, and run the Receiver Analysis wizard, which should configure the SPPM input to the 

Vector.

3) Navigate to the RC Configuration tab, and in the Serial PPM/S-BUS section, select the PPM channel(s) used 

for RSSI, and/or Link Quality. You’ll need to consult with your receiver manual to determine these 

channels. Note that presumably these channels should change greatly when the transmitter is turned on 

and off.

4) After you have selected the channel(s) to use, rerun the Receiver Analysis Wizard (you can skip the SPPM 

setup part of the wizard) so that the Vector can learn the minimum and maximum RSSI and link quality 

outputs.
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4 Mounting the Vector and Accessories

4.1 Mounting the Vector

4.1.1 Mounting Location and Orientation

Mount the Vector flat and level with the label facing toward the sky and the red arrow on the Vector case facing 

toward the nose of your model (the direction of forward travel). 

The Vector should be mounted as near to the model’s Center of Gravity (CG) as practical. Ideally, the Vector 

will be mounted with the mark shown in section 3.1 (just behind the red arrow) directly above your model’s 

CG. However, precise centering may not be critical.

4.1.2 Mounting Technique

The Vector should be firmly and securely mounted to your model, so it won’t come loose or vibrate. The best 

way to mount it is to use double sided, closed cell (solid, gum like) foam tape. A great choice is Scotch/3M 

indoor-outdoor tape, model 411-DC, but there are many good options.

If the Vector is not mounted correctly, or if it comes loose during flight, your model may become 

uncontrollable and crash!

It is recommended to do a “test fit” of all your model’s wiring and components before permanently 

mounting the Vector.

When removing the Vector from mounting tape, twist the Vector rather than trying to pull the Vector 

up. It’s easier that way .

Try to mount the Vector and other components so that the USB connection is easily accessible. If this 

is not possible, USB extender cables are available at many FPV shops.

GOOD AND BAD WAYS TO MOUNT THE VECTOR 
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4.2 Mounting the GPS/MAG Sensor

4.2.1 GPS Signal Interference

RF noise from video transmitters, cameras, and other devices can interfere with GPS reception. It’s important 

to mount the GPS/MAG as far away from these sources as practical.

Also, obstructions such as trees or buildings that block the Vector from having a clear, unobstructed view of the 

sky can cause issues with GPS reception.

If the GPS loses signal during GPS flight modes, such as RTH or loiter, the Vector will exit these flight 

modes.

GPS satellites are constantly moving around in the sky, and GPS signals are affected by changes in 

weather, so GPS fix quality can vary greatly over time, even at the same location.

4.2.2 Magnetometer Interference

Power lines generate electromagnetic fields when current flows through them. These magnetic fields will 

interfere with the compass function of the GPS if insufficient separation is observed. Unless you don’t plan to 

use the compass (it’s required for multirotor GPS modes and optional for fixed wing GPS modes) you must 

mount the GPS/MAG at least 8cm (3.5”) away in all directions from any high current carrying wires, such as 

your battery wires, ESC wires, or motor wires. Additionally, magnets (such as motor magnets or canopy 

magnets) can interfere with the compass, and the GPS/MAG should be mounted as far away from them as is 

feasible.

If the compass is enabled, and there is electromagnetic interference, GPS flight modes such as RTH and 

loiter will not work correctly, and the model may fly erratically when in these modes! Multirotor 

models could “toilet bowl” and the model may fly the wrong direction in RTH!

4.2.3 GPS/MAG Mounting Orientation

The GPS must be mounted so that the top of the GPS (the label) normally faces 

toward the sky.

If you are going to use the compass, the GPS/MAG must be mounted flat and level, 

and facing forward. The GPS/MAG cannot be tilted or rotated relative to the 

Vector. The arrow on the GPS/MAG must be pointing in the same direction as the 

Vector arrow. 

If the compass is enabled, and the GPS/MAG is not mounted in the correct orientation or detaches from 

its mounting during flight, flight modes such as RTH and loiter will not work correctly, and the model 

may fly away at high speed when in these modes! Multirotor models could “toilet bowl” and the model may 

fly the wrong direction at high speed during RTH!

The GPS/MAG must be flat relative to the Vector. Mounting errors of even a few degrees in the pitch or 

roll axes can introduce noticeable error in the compass heading, leading to toilet bowl behavior in multirotors 

or inaccurate navigation in planes.

The Vector automatically computes the magnetic declination (compass error) at your location, so it is 

normally not necessary to rotate the GPS/MAG to correct for compass error. 

The GPS/MAG has an LED, which can be viewed from the back of the unit (see the arrow on the label). 

When the LED is OFF (not blinking) the GPS/MAG has attained a 3D GPS Fix.
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4.2.4 The GPS Stand and Clip

The GPS Stand is designed for multirotors, where it lifts the GPS/MAG sufficiently above the 

multirotor frame to avoid electromagnetic interference. However, it can be used for any 

type of model. The stand must be mounted vertically, and the base can be mounted either 

by placing it under 2 or more of the multirotor’s arm mounting bolts, or with closed cell, 

double sided foam tape. 

The stand also has a slot that can be used to neatly route the GPS cable.

Make sure that the screw that holds the mounting clip to the stand is tightened sufficiently 

to keep the GPS from rotating easily, but don’t tighten it so tightly that the threads are stripped. 

If the stand comes loose or rotates during flight and the compass is enabled, GPS flight modes such as 

RTH and loiter will not work correctly, and the model may fly away at high speed when in these modes! 

Consider using a small amount of glue or double sided foam tape on the top of the GPS stalk where it 

meets the clip, to permanently set the direction the GPS/MAG is facing.

4.3 Mounting the Current Sensor/PSU

The Current Sensor/PSU can be mounted with double sided foam tape, or with other methods. Before 

mounting the Current Sensor/PSU, make sure that your ESC/Motor connector, battery connector and video 

harness will reach.

It is recommended that the Current Sensor/PSU be mounted so that cooling air can flow into the one of the 

openings of the current sensor during flight.

4.4 Mounting the Optional Pitot Tube

If you have the optional airspeed sensor, the pitot tube should be mounted as follows.

Using two lengths of the included small diameter silicon tube, the pressure and static connections of the pitot 

tube connect to the “+” and “-” 

ports of the MicroSensor, 

respectively, as shown below. 

It is best to mount the pitot tube in 

your model first, then determine 

where you will mount the sensor, 

and then cut the two lengths of 

silicon tube so they reach between 

the two. Note that the sensor itself 

can be mounted anywhere in the 

model.

Follow these guidelines when 

mounting the pitot tube:

1) The pickup end of the pitot tube (the silver colored tip) should be pointing toward the direction of the 

model’s travel. While best results will be obtained if the pitot tube is perfectly aligned with the direction 

of travel in both axes, the “Prandtl” design of the tube will compensate somewhat for higher angles of 

attack.
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2) The static holes on the pitot tube (shown in the figure) should extend at least 1/2” (13mm) past the wing’s 

leading edge or the nose cone, or past any other obstructions - the farther out, the better. This is to 

ensure that the static holes and pitot pickup are in undisturbed air.

3) For prop planes, it’s important that the tube be placed so that it is not directly in the plane’s prop-wash, 

which will result in erroneous readings. The best place to install the tube is on the leading edge of the wing 

several inches out from the fuselage, as shown in the figure.

4) For jets, gliders, or “pusher” prop planes, the nose cone often provides a perfect mounting location.

After pitot tube installation, it is recommended that you glue or otherwise attach the silicon hose to the 

airframe, to reduce the chance that hose vibration or movement which could cause erroneous readings.

Note: the pitot airspeed can be calibrated as described in the “Pitot Airspeed Calibration” section.

4.5 Controlling the Vector

The Vector is controlled and optionally configured with the following radio switch 

inputs:

4.5.1 The Mode Switch

The Mode switch (a 2 or 3 position switch on your radio that is mapped to the “Mod” input of the receiver 

harness, or mapped to an SPPM or S.BUSTM channel) is the primary way that you communicate with the Vector 

via your radio.

The mode switch serves two purposes:

1) The position of the switch determines the Vector’s present flight mode

2) Toggling the switch (rapid back and forth movement of the switch) invokes the Vector menu system, letting 

you configure the Vector via your radio sticks, and performs other operations based on the number of 

toggles:

 One Toggle: switches OSD screens to the next screen (if multiple screens are configured), and serves as 

an “OK” switch during menus

 Two to Four Toggles: initiates menu mode

 Five to Six Toggles: initiates the Vector leveling procedure.

 Seven to Nine Toggles: starts the compass calibration procedure. 

 Ten or more Toggles: resets GPS home position (when not flying)

4.5.2 The Submode Switch

The Submode switch is an optional 2 or 3 position switch on your radio, which allows selection of additional 

flight modes. This switch is useful if you need to utilize more than 3 flight modes, which is the limit when using 

just the Mode switch.

The Submode function can be mapped to the “Aux” input of the receiver harness, or to an SPPM or S.BUSTM 

channel.

4.5.3 The Gain Knob

The gain knob is an optional control that can be used for adjusting stabilizer gains during flight. 

The gain knob can be mapped to the “Aux” input of the receiver harness, or to an SPPM or S.BUSTM 

channel.
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4.5.4 The Kill Switch (for Multirotors Only)

The kill switch is an optional control for multirotors that can be used to instantly kill all motors. This 

can be especially useful for initial flight testing. 

A momentary (spring loaded) switch can help reduce the likelihood of inadvertent triggering. 

The kill switch can be mapped to the “Aux” input of the receiver harness, or to an SPPM or S.BUSTM channel. 

Note that the multirotor will rearm instantly when the kill switch is disengaged, until about 3 seconds 

after it’s engaged (in case the kill was accidental). Once 3 seconds have elapsed with the Kill Switch set, 

the multirotor is permanently disarmed until you rearm it.

During RTH (including RTH test modes) the Gain Knob and Kill Switch inputs are disabled, to prevent 

inadvertant changes in these inputs due to loss of reliable Rx signal. 

Make sure that your radio does not trigger the kill switch during failsafe! If it does, the multirotor will 

shut off, and not rearm until RTH engages (if at all)!

5 Configuring the Vector

5.1 Configuration Overview

The Vector can be completely configured using either the onscreen (stick) menus, or the Vector Windows 

Software (the software).At a high level, configuration consists of these steps:

 Configuring your radio to work with the Vector

 Teaching the Vector about your radio’s serial channel mapping, if you are using the SPPM or S.BUSTM 

receiver protocol

 Selecting the airframe type (airframe type must be confirmed with Mode switch after rebooting – see 

section 5.6)

 Teaching the Vector about your receiver connections, radio stick directions and throws

 Programming the Mode/Submode switches for selecting the desired flight modes

 Configuring the flight controller/stabilizer

 Configuring Return to Home and other Safety settings

 Configuring the OSD to display what you want to see (and hear)

 Configuring and calibrating the compass, if used

 Configuring the EagleEyesTM FPV Station, if used

5.2 Transmitter Channel Mixing

For correct operation, you must make sure that you have disabled channel mixing in your radio, since the 

Vector does the mixing for you.

For example, if you are using an elevon (flying wing) model, your radio must be configured for 

traditional airframe type rather than elevon type.

Note: if you have selected the traditional fixed wing airframe type, and have secondary control surfaces like 

dual ailerons or flaperons, you can either have the transmitter do the mixing, or have the Vector do simple 

mixing.
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5.3 Configuring with the Windows Software

The manual focuses primarily on configuring the Vector using the stick menus, but the concepts are the same 

for the software. 

Generally, the Vector can be more quickly and easily configured with the software, especially for first time 

users. However, both methods have been made as straightforward as possible. 

To configure with the Software, follow these high level steps. These steps primarily refer to the “Overview” 

screen shown below:

1) Read through the rest of the manual to understand the setup steps, warnings, etc.

2) Run the software with the Vector connected to USB. You will also need to have your transmitter bound to 

your receiver and functioning correctly.

3) Select your airframe by clicking the “Choose Airframe” button. 

4) Run the Receiver Analysis Wizard by clicking the “Run Rx Analysis Wizard” button.

5) Make sure that the graphical indicators in the “Receiver Input Monitor and Switch Mapping” section move 

correctly as you move your radio sticks, switches, and/or knobs. The sliders representing the control 

surfaces should move proportionally with your control stick, and in the same direction. If they don’t, 

something is wrong – DON’T FLY until the issue is resolved!

6) Program the desired functions of your mode/submode switches using the dropdown menu items in the 

input monitor section. After completing this step, hit “Apply”, then make sure that as you move your 

switches, the “Presently Selected Flight Mode” displays the correct mode for the switch positions.

7) Assuming you will be using Safety Mode/RTH features, verify that receiver failsafe detection is working 

correctly by turning off your radio, and making sure that “In Failsafe Now: Yes!” appears. Configure Safety 

Mode options by clicking the “Configure Safety Mode” button. 

8) Configure the controller gains, multirotor settings (if applicable) and other controller settings on the Flight 

Controller Settings tab, by clicking on that tab, or clicking the “Configure Multirotor Settings” button.
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9) With the Vector and the model perfectly level, record flat level mounting by clicking the “Record Flat Level” 

button. Now, the artificial horizon (AHI) display should show level, and should closely follow your 

movements as you pitch and roll the model. If the AHI is moving sluggishly and not keeping up with your 

movements, or is rotating on its own, DON’T FLY and contact support.

10) Configure sensors and the compass by clicking the “Configure Compass” button. Note that, if used, the 

compass must be calibrated at the field, via the described methods.

11) Configure the OSD display by selecting the OSD Setup item in the “tree view” on the left side of the software. 

12) Configure data logging and the EagleEyes (if desired) from the “EagleEyes, Data Logging and Flight Map” 

tree.

13)If desired, configure manual waypoints from the Waypoints Setup tab.

5.4 Configuring the Vector via Stick Menus

This section describes configuring the Vector using the OSD stick menus. This section assumes you have 

already configured your RC transmitter and bound it to your receiver, and connected your receiver and video 

display to the Vector, as these steps are required to do stick menu configuration.

You do not need a camera or video transmitter to configure the Vector with the stick menus. You can 

directly connect the “composite” input of your video monitor or goggles to the "Vid Tx” output of the Vector 

Video Harness, and configure without a camera.

All of the steps below can also be completed using the software, if desired.

5.4.1 Teaching the Vector about SPPM or S.BUSTM Channel Mappings

If you are using SPPM or S.BUSTM, the Vector must first learn how your sticks, switches and other outputs are 

mapped to the serial output channels, so that you can control the menus for further configuration. 

The Vector expects the four primary receiver outputs (throttle, aileron, elevator and rudder) to be 

assigned to serial channels 1 through 4 (in any order). All known radios use channels 1-4 for these outputs. If 

for some reason you have configured your transmitter to use channel 

5 or higher for one of these primary outputs, those channels will not 

be detected by the wizard, and you will need to use the Radio Control 

Configuration tab of the software to manually configure your serial 

channels. 

If using S.BUS2TM with the FutabaTM RX R7008SB receiver, be 

sure you select FASTTtestTM 18 channel or 14 channel modes and link 

to the receiver from the transmitter’s menu.

Here are the steps to follow to teach the Vector about your serial 

channel mapping:

1. Make sure transmitter mixing is disabled, except as described in 

the section above.

2. Decide which knobs and switches you want to use for the mode 

switch, the submode switch, the gain knob, flaps, and/or the kill 

switch, as desired. Make sure that these knobs and switches are programmed correctly in your transmitter.

3. Turn on your radio transmitter.

4. Apply power to the Current Sensor/PSU, which should power your Vector and receiver.

5. The Vector will automatically detect your receiver mode during startup, and will run the “Serial Rx Input 

Learn Wizard” (shown at right) if you are using a serial receiver mode. 

If you are using a serial mode, the Wizard will ask you to follow a series of steps. These are detailed below.
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IMPORTANT: follow these instructions carefully. If you make a mistake, it may be impossible to 

continue with stick menu configuration, since the Vector menus cannot be accessed unless the Vector knows 

the mappings for the Mode switch and the control stick. If you find you cannot invoke the menus after running 

the wizard, you will need to either rewire your receiver for standard receiver input mode (using the labeled 

connectors of the receiver harness) and rerun the wizard, or use the software for SPPM/S.BUSTM configuration.

Wizard Prompt What to Do 

Click Mode to Learn 

PPM/SBUS 

For this step, toggle the switch that you want to be the Mode switch. If the 

Vector detects the toggle, the wizard will advance.

Disconnect Motor/Toggle 

Mode 

Make sure your motor(s) or propeller(s) are disabled, and toggle the Mode 

switch up and down to continue. Note: all Vector outputs are disabled 

during the wizard.

Throttle Up and Toggle Mode Move your throttle to the full upp throttle position, and toggle Mode.

Throttle Off/Toggle Mode Move your throttle to the off position, and toggle Mode.

Hold Aileron Left/Toggle Mod Hold your aileron stick full left, and while holding, toggle Mode.

Hold Elvtr Back(Climb)/Tog 

Md

Hold your elevator stick all the way back (for a climb), and while holding, 

toggle Mode.

Hold Rudder Stick Left/Tog Md Hold the rudder stick all the way left, and while holding, toggle Mode.

Flip Submode if Used/Tog 

Mode

If you are going to use a Submode switch, move that switch to a new 

position (don’t move it back) and toggle Mode. If you are not going to use 

it, just toggle Mode without moving any switches.

Rotate Gain if Used/Tog Mode Rotate the Gain knob to a new position (make sure that it moves at least 

40% of its maximum turn) and toggle Mode. If you are not going to use it, 

just toggle Mode without moving any knobs.

Kill switch on if Used/Tog 

Md

If you wish to use a Kill switch for your multirotor, change its position

(hold it in the new position if it’s momentary) and toggle Mode. If you are 

not going to use it, just toggle Mode without moving any switches.

Flip Flaps Sw if Used/Tog 

Md

If you wish to use a flap switch or knob with the Vector, change its position

and toggle Mode. If you are not going to use it, just toggle Mode without 

moving any switches.

Learn Done! Clik Md to reboot The Vector has now learned your serial Rx mappings. Click the mode 

switch to reboot, and continue with the steps below.

If you ever need to change your serial mappings later, just invoke the “Serial Rx Input Learn Wizard” 

menu item in the Radio Control Settings menu.

5.4.2 Navigating the Stick Menus

Your Vector should now be configured so that you can access the stick menus.

Now toggle your mode switch twice (two rapid, full movements between the switch’s extents, in less than 2

seconds).
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This should initiate menu mode, and the Main Menu should appear.

To navigate menus, the elevator stick is used to scroll up and down the 

menu list. The aileron stick is used to select or deselect a menu item. 

When a menu item is selected, the elevator stick is used to increase or 

decrease the value of the parameter being changed.

Until you run the Receiver Analysis Wizard (described later), you 

may find that the aileron and/or the elevator directions are backwards

when navigating the menus, requiring you to move the sticks opposite 

to what is shown in the figure.

5.4.3 Exiting Menu Mode

There are 4 ways to exit menu mode:

1. Moving the rudder stick. This will immediately exit menu mode, in all conditions 

except when running a wizard.

2. Toggling the Mode switch. When not editing a menu item, this will cause menu mode 

to be exited immediately.

3. Using left-aileron to back out of the menu tree (this may not work if you are in a menu 

wizard).

4. Allowing one minute to pass without moving your sticks, unless you are in a wizard.

Changes you make to menu settings are NOT finalized until you fully exit menu mode, by one of the 

methods described above. In other words, if you make a change to a menu item, and then just 

disconnect power to the Vector, the setting will not be saved!

If you use the rudder or mode switch to immediately exit menu mode, the next time you enter menu 

mode, you will be taken back to the last used menu for convenience.

5.4.4 Accessing Menus during Flight

For advanced users, the Vector’s menu system can be configured so that menus are accessible in-flight. To do 

this, invoke menu mode, go to the “Radio Control Settings” menu, and set “Disable Menus When Flying?” to 

“No.” 

Note that by default, your control stick is disabled when in menu mode (“Disable Stick when in Menu?”)

meaning that the control stick will NOT control flight. The controller is placed in 2D Flight Mode with Hold 

when menus are invoked, which should keep your model in level flight while navigating menus, assuming level 

flight is achieved by the controller when not in menu mode.

If you decide to use in-flight menus, you must first verify that the 

Vector has been correctly configured to fly your model straight and 

level when in 2D Flight Mode with Hold!

5.5 Selecting the Airframe type

The next configuration step is to select the Airframe type. Please review 

the chart in section 3.5.7 to determine the airframe type you should select.

Then, invoke menu mode, select the “Change Airframe Type...” menu item

under the “New Model Checklist” menu, and follow the instructions.
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Whenever the airframe type is changed, many settings, such as controller gains, receiver settings, 

compass calibration, RTH settings, mode switch mappings, and any other airframe specific settings may be 

changed to their default values for that airframe type. So, remember to change the airframe type first, before 

making other settings.

Make sure the airframe type is correctly selected! If a fixed wing airframe type is selected with a 

multirotor, the propellers can spin uncontrollably at high speed at power-up! Likewise, if a 

multirotor airframe type is selected with fixed wing, the servos can be pushed beyond their endpoints and be 

destroyed!

5.6 Accepting the Airframe Type

For safety, the Vector will ask you to confirm the newly selected airframe 

type on the next boot-up after you change it, but only after USB is 

disconnected. The Vector’s outputs will not be turned on until you OK 

the airframe type.

The message at right will appear on the screen during boot for about 30 seconds. Toggle the mode switch to 

accept the new type, if it’s correct.

5.7 Telling the Vector about Transmitter Dual Surface Mixing

If your traditional fixed wing model has dual ailerons/flaperons, elevators, or rudders, and the transmitter 

does the mixing for these, you need to follow these steps:

 If you are using a standard receiver (not SPPM or S.BUSTM) make sure the “Aux” receiver 

harness connector is connected to the correct secondary output channel of your receiver 

(for example, the 2nd aileron channel)

 If you are using a serial receiver mode, you should have enabled this mixing before 

running the Serial Rx Input Learn Wizard. If you did not, you’ll need to rerun that 

wizard.

 Invoke menu mode, and change the “Tx Mixed Dual Contrl Surfaces” menu item under the “New 

Airframe Checklist” menu to correspond to the type of second channel you have.

 Before flying, you will need to connect the servo for the 

secondary channel to the "Aux1/M5/RPM” Vector output.

If you have two secondary channels, such as two ailerons 

and two elevators, and you want your transmitter to do the mixing 

on both channels, you must use a serial receiver mode (SPPM or 

S.BUSTM) since there is only one Aux input in standard receiver 

mode. You can select the correct inputs and outputs for your 

setup as described in section 5.8 below.

5.8 Running the Receiver Analysis Wizard 

The Receiver Analysis Wizard (the Wizard) learns about your 

radio stick directions and throws, the minimum and maximum 

RSSI output of your receiver, your receiver’s failsafe positions, and 

other information.

If you make a mistake when you run the wizard, just rerun it later.

Before running the Wizard, make sure that you have hooked up your RSSI (if used), turned off any radio mixing 

(except as described earlier), and set your radio trims as desired.
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Next, invoke menu mode, select the “Run Receiver Analysis Wizard” menu item under the “New Airframe 

Checklist” menu, and follow the instructions below:

Wizard Prompt What to Do 

DISCONNECT MOTOR/Toggle 

Mode 

Make sure your motor(s) or propeller(s) are disabled, and toggle the 

Mode switch up and down to continue.

During the wizard, the Vector shuts off the Vector throttle output 

channel for fixed wing, and all the Vector output channels for multirotors.

Turn Transmitter off now You have 10 seconds to turn off your transmitter. Make sure your 

transmitter is off before the countdown reaches 0!

Turn Tx On and Toggle Mode Turn your transmitter back on, and toggle the mode switch once it has 

bound to your receiver.

Hold Ailern Stick Left/Tog Md Hold your aileron stick full left, and while holding, toggle Mode.

Hold Elvtr Back(Climb)/Tog Md Hold your elevator stick all the way back (for a climb) , and while holding, 

toggle Mode.

Hold Rudder Stick Left/Tog Md Hold the rudder stick all the way left, and while holding, toggle Mode.

Set sticks/throt at cruise/Tg 

Control Stick Centered/Tog Md

For fixed wing, make sure your control stick (aileron/elevator) is 

centered, and place the throttle in the position that you think will 

provide a good cruising speed during RTH, then toggle Mode. Note 

that you can adjust this cruising speed later in the “Advanced RTH” 

menu, even while in flight.

For multirotors, make sure your control stick (aileron/elevator) is 

centered, and toggle mode. The throttle position does not matter in 

this step.

Set throttle at climb/Tog Mod For fixed wing, move your throttle to a position that you think will 

provide a safe climbing throttle. It is better to have your throttle too 

high here than too low. This throttle setting will be used to gain 

altitude, compensate for high wind, or attempt to recover from a stall 

during RTH.

For multirotors, move your throttle stick all the way up, and toggle 

Mode. 

Set throttle off/Toggle Mode Move your throttle stick all the way off, and toggle Mode.

Wizard Done-Tog Mod to reboot The Vector has now learned your receiver settings. Once you click Mode, 

the Vector will reboot, and the Vector’s servo outputs will be enabled 

(assuming everything was done correctly). 

The Vector will enable its outputs channels after you reboot. MAKE 

SURE that your airframe type is correct before rebooting! 
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5.9 Configuring Auxiliary Receiver Inputs and Servo Outputs

The Vector lets you configure several different auxiliary inputs (for transmitter mixed second aileron and other 

secondary control surfaces) and for additional Vector control inputs. 

Also, for fixed wing models, the Vector lets you configure up to two auxiliary servo outputs, for secondary 

servos.

5.9.1 Configuring the Auxiliary Input Channel (for non-serial Rx inputs)

For serial Rx modes (SPPM and S.BUSTM), these inputs are mapped automatically when 

the Serial Rx Wizard was run, so this step can be skipped.

With standard receiver mode (not serial receiver modes), you can configure the “Aux” input of 

the receiver harness to be one of the following:

 Gain knob for adjusting the stabilizer gain in flight

 Submode input for additional flight mode access

Flaps, Second Aileron, Elevator, or Rudder (with transmitter mixing). 

Motor Kill switch

To configure the input, navigate to the “New Airframe Checklist”, and select the “Set Up Aux Inputs/Outputs” 

menu item. Then, select the “Aux Input Function(nonserial)” menu item and set the input as desired.

Remember to connect the Aux receiver harness input to the correct output on your receiver!

5.9.2 Configuring the Vector Auxiliary Output Channels (Fixed wing only)

For fixed wing models, the Vector’s two auxiliary outputs can be configured for Second Aileron, Elevator, 

and/or Second Rudder. 

If you don’t have secondary control surfaces, or you selected a mixed secondary channel in the “Tx 

Mixed Dual Contrl Surfaces” menu, you can skip this step.

If your transmitter does the mixing for these auxiliary channels, the appropriate inputs need to be mapped as 

described above. If you want the Vector to do the mixing, do not select an input corresponding 

to that channel. Instead, just select the correct output as described below.

To configure the outputs, navigate to the “New Airframe Checklist”, and select the “Set Up Aux 

Inputs/Outputs” menu item. Then, select the “Aux 1 Output Channel Functon” or “Aux 2 Output 

Channel Functon” menu item and set the output as desired.

If you find that you need to have an output channel reversed, do that with the “Reverse Aux 1 

Output?” or “Reverse Aux 2 Output?” menu items.

For multirotors, the auxiliary output channels are set automatically, if needed.
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5.10 Flight Modes, and Configuring the Mode/Submode Switches

5.10.1 Flight Mode Description

The Vector supports a wide variety of flight modes, which you can select in flight using your Mode switch, and 

optionally a Submode switch. The table below describes these modes, and also indicates whether the GPS 

(with a good 3D fix) and the magnetic compass are required. The fallback flight mode is listed for when either 

the GPS or Compass is deemed untrustworthy.

Flight Mode Flight 

Mode 

Indicator 

Description for Multirotors Description for Fixed Wing 

2D Mode (No 

Hold) 

2D Control stick sets the amount of pitch or roll. 

Returns to level flight when control stick is 

released. No altitude hold.

Same

2D Mode with 

Hold

2DH Same as 2D Mode, except that altitude hold is 

enabled. When in altitude hold mode, the 

throttle works as follows:

 Throttle centered: present altitude is held

 Above or below center: multirotor climbs 

or descends, at a rate determined by the 

position of the throttle.

Same as 2D Mode, except 

that altitude and heading 

hold are enabled. Heading 

hold uses the ailerons or 

elevons to hold the present 

heading, and altitude hold 

uses the elevator.

The altitude hold's lock is 

reset every time the 

Elevator stick is moved.

See section 5.10.3 for

important more details 

about altitude hold for fixed 

wing!

Loiter Loi Similar to 2D Mode with Hold. Offers wind 

rejection during flight, and holds horizontal 

position using GPS when control stick is 

centered. (GPS and compass required)

Fallback: 2D Mode with Hold

Model circles around the 

present GPS position, with 

altitude hold, when Loiter is 

triggered. (GPS required, 

compass optional)

Fallback: 2D Mode w/ 

Hold

3D with Heading 

Hold (Direct 

Rate)

3DH Advanced Pilots Only! The multirotor’s 

present orientation (attitude) is held when the 

control stick is centered. The multirotor 

rotates about each axis, at the Direct Rate 

specified, when the stick controlling that axis 

is fully deflected. No Altitude Hold or leveling.

Same

Gyro Stabilize Gyr N/A Selects ”gyro” stabilization 

mode
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Stabilization

Off

Off N/A Turns off the stabilizer

 Cartesian Car Same as 2D Mode with Hold, except that the 

heading of the multirotor is remembered 

when you arm, and the stick always controls 

the multirotor as if it were yawed to that same 

heading. Not recommended for FPV flying. 

(see figure below) (Compass required)

N/A

Cartesian with

Loiter

C+L Same as Cartesian, but holds horizontal 

position using GPS when control stick is 

centered. (GPS and compass required)

Fallback: Cartesian

N/A

Polar Pol Same as 2D Mode with Hold, but the aileron 

stick causes the multirotor to orbit along an 

imaginary circle around home, and the 

elevator moves the multirotor farther from or 

closer to home, all independent of the present 

yaw heading of the multirotor. If the model’s 

distance from home is less than 10m (33ft) the 

mode will be switched to Cartesian. (see figure 

below) (GPS and compass required)

Fallback: Cartesian

In Polar mode, remember that your 

control stick will seem reversed when the 

multirotor is behind the home point!

N/A

Polar with 

Loiter

P+L Same as Polar, but holds horizontal position 

using GPS when control stick is centered. (GPS 

and compass required)

Fallback: Cartesian

N/A

Center Stick 

Mode

Ctr Advanced pilots only! Similar to 2D Mode (No 

Hold) when the stick is centered. Similar to 

3D with Heading Hold (Direct Rate) when the 

stick is deflected.

N/A

RTH Test RTH Attempts to return the model home when the 

control stick is centered. Switches to 2D with 

Hold mode when the stick is moved. (GPS and 

compass required)

Fallback: Descends until a landing is 

detected, then disarms once on the ground.

Same (GPS required, 

compass optional)

Fallback: Turns motor 

off and glides in a straight line 

to land.
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5.10.2 Control Stick Function in Multirotor Modes

The figure below shows the behavior of the multirotor when the control stick is moved, for the presently 

selected flight mode.

5.10.3 2D Hold Flight Mode Information for Fixed Wing

When 2D Hold flight mode is selected for fixed wing, both heading hold and altitude hold will be enabled. 

Heading hold uses the ailerons or elevons to hold the present heading, and altitude hold uses the elevator.

The altitude hold's lock is reset every time the elevator stick is moved.

Also, note that if the Vector detects stall-like conditions (severe roll), or the model is traveling at a ground 

speed (based on the GPS) that is less than the “Minimum Ground Speed” setting on the Safety Setup tab of the 

software, both altitude and heading hold will be temporarily disabled.

Since the Vector will use the elevator to attempt to hold the present altitude when the control stick is 

centered, it’s important that sufficient airspeed be maintained when in 2D Hold mode, to avoid a stall! 

Also, caution should be used when attempting to land in 2D Hold mode.

If you want to have altitude hold disabled in 2D Hold mode when your current draw is below a certain level (or 

permanently if you are flying a sailplane without a motor), an altitude hold disable feature is available.

To enable this feature, enter a nonzero amperage value in the “Disable Altitude Hold 

when Amps are lower than ___ Amps” setting, on the “Flight Controller Setup” tab of the 

software. When set to a nonzero value, and when the Vector detects amp draw below 

the chosen value, altitude hold is turned off when 2D Hold flight mode is selected during 

normal flight, and during RTH. Setting this to 0 disables the feature.

5.10.4 Programming the Mode Switch

During flight, you can change the Vector flight mode using 

your mode switch, and optionally a submode switch for 

additional flight modes. The position of the mode switch 

determines the flight mode, and can also be programmed 

to turn off the OSD screen during flight.

At least one “non-GPS” flight mode must be 

configured on the mode or submode switches. Non GPS 

flight modes, such as 2D and 3D, do not have the “(GPS)” 
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designation in the table below.

To configure the Mode switch positions, navigate to the “New Airframe Checklist”, and select the “Set up 

Mode/Submode Switches” menu item. Then, select the function of each of the up to 3 Mode switch positions. 

Your switch positions may be reversed from the illustration, depending on your radio settings.

The following chart lists the modes that can be programmed for each of the 2 or 3 Mode switch positions (see 

section 5.9.1 for a description of these flight modes):

Mode Switch 

Setting 

Description 

Not Used This Mode switch position is not used (unprogrammed)

2D No Hld Selects 2D Flight Mode with no Heading or Altitude Hold

2D + Hold Selects 2D Flight Mode with Altitude Hold, and additionally Heading hold for Fixed 

Wing

Loiter Selects Loiter Flight Mode (GPS)

3D+HdgHld Selects Direct Rate 3D Flight Mode (with Attitude Hold)

Gyro Stab Selects ’gyro’ stabilization mode

Stab Off Turns off the stabilizer

 Cartesian Selects Cartesian Flight Mode

Cart Loit Selects Cartesian Flight Mode with Loiter (GPS)

Polar Selects Polar Flight Mode (GPS)

Polr Loit Selects Polar Flight Mode with Loiter (GPS)

Center Stick Selects Center Stick Stabilization Flight Mode

RTH Test Engages RTH test mode (GPS)

Dsply Off Turns off OSD Display. Moving the Mode Switch to a different position will turn the 

display back on.

2D+Submod When the Mode switch is in this position, the Submode switch becomes active. See 

the Submode section below.

5.10.5 Programming the Optional Submode Switch

To configure the Submode switch positions, navigate to the “New Airframe Checklist” menu, and select the “Set 

up Mode/Submode Switches” menu item. Then, select the function of each of the up to 3 Submode switch 

positions. 

The Submode switch is ONLY active when the Mode switch is set to the “2D + Submod” position. 

Your switch positions may be reversed from the illustration, depending on your radio.
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The following chart lists the modes that can be programmed for each of the 2 or 3 Submode switch positions

(see section 5.9.1 for a description of these flight modes):

Submode Switch Setting Description 

Not Used This Mode switch position is not used (unprogrammed)

No Hold Selects 2D Flight Mode with no Heading or Altitude Hold

Hold Selects 2D Flight Mode with Altitude Hold, and additionally Heading hold for 

Fixed Wing

Loiter Selects Loiter Flight Mode (GPS)

Cartesian Selects Cartesian Flight Mode

Cart Loit Selects Cartesian Flight Mode with Loiter (GPS)

Polar Selects Polar Flight Mode (GPS)

Polr Loit Selects Polar Flight Mode with Loiter (GPS)

Center Stick Selects Center Stick Stabilization Flight Mode

RTH Test Engages RTH test mode. (GPS)

5.11 Configuring the Flight Controller/Stabilizer

The main steps involved in configuring and tuning the flight controller are:

 Setting the controller gains for initial flight

Confirming that the control surfaces are moving in the correct direction

Confirming ESC endpoints are correctly programmed

Setting idle throttle, and confirming motor order and rotation direction are correct

Configuring low battery autoland

 Setting flat level mounting, which lets the Vector compensate for small mounting offsets

 Rezeroing the gyros

5.11.1 Setting Controller Gains

5.11.1.1 Description of Controller Gains

If you are not familiar with some of the terms used below, 

please refer to the glossary at the start of the manual, or consider 

searching for the terms on http://wikipedia.org.

The concept of controller stabilization gains can be hard to 

understand, and many people (including many very experienced 

pilots) have trouble grasping these concepts – you are not alone! 

Fortunately, with the Vector, only a basic knowledge of how 
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gains work is required in most circumstances. 

Basic Gains

There are four main axes (or directions) that are controlled by 

separate gains: pitch, roll, yaw, and altitude hold (vertical). The 

gains that control these are referred to as “Basic Gains”. 

The basic gains control how strongly the Vector responds to 

perturbations (stick movements, air turbulence, etc.) in each axis.

When you are in a 2D (model leveling) mode, basic gains control 

how hard the controller will push your control surfaces (or 

motors) to return to level flight, when your control stick is 

centered. 

If a gain value is too low, the Vector will not push your control surface or motors hard enough to return to level 

quickly. For example, with a fixed wing plane in 2D Mode, if the roll gain is not high enough, the wings may not 

return to level quickly (or at all) when you release the sticks. 

If a gain value is too high, the Vector may push your control surfaces or motors too hard to return to level, 

which can cause oscillations. 

If a gain value is excessively high for your airframe, the oscillations can make the model become 

uncontrollable! 

When you are in 3D Heading Hold (Direct Rate) mode, the basic gains dictate how strongly the controller will 

work to keep the model in its current orientation.

Stabilizer Responsiveness

The responsiveness control is applicable only in 2D (leveling) modes. The responsiveness dictates how 

smoothly the model will follow the user’s stick commands. A higher responsiveness will make your model 

more stiff and twitchy. A lower responsiveness will make the model feel slower, and more fluid. It is 

recommended that you change responsiveness only one increment at a time, as a small change can have a 

significant impact on handling.

5.11.1.2 Adjusting Gains

The Vector gains are adjusted by invoking menu mode, selecting “Stabilizer Settings” from the main menu, and 

changing the gains from that menu. 

NEVER use gain settings specified for a different controller with the Vector! Gain values are NOT 

interchangable between flight controllers!

It is recommended that gains be adjusted up or down in small increments (about 10% at a time) until the best 

setting is found. The chart below shows how too high or too low gains can affect flight:

Gain Gain too High Symptom 

Multirotor 

Gain too High 

Symptom Fixed 

Wing 

Gain too Low 

Symptom Multirotor 

Gain too Low 

Symptom Fixed 

Wing 

Pitch Basic Oscillation/Vibration in 

Pitch Axis

Same Slow leveling in 

Pitch axis when 

stick centered

Same
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Roll Basic Oscillation/Vibration in 

Roll Axis

Same Slow leveling in 

Roll axis when 

stick centered

Same

Yaw Basic Aggressive, sharp 

movements when 

yawing, pitch and roll 

oscillation/vibration

The model 

may “fish-tail”

or oscillate 

through the 

air

Yaw drift Same, but 

only in 3D + 

Heading Hold

Mode. Yaw 

drift in all 

other modes 

is normal

Altitude/Vertical(

used only when 

in an altitude 

hold flight mode)

Aggressive altitude hold, 

oscillations, “jumpy” 

throttle behavior

Aggressive 

altitude hold, 

oscillations in 

the pitch axis

Poor altitude 

hold/vertical 

drift

Same

5.11.1.3 Gain Adjustment for Initial Flight

The default gains for the Vector were chosen so that most airframes will fly reasonably well without major 

adjustments. 

However, airframe types vary widely, so the default gains may cause problems with your model. There are 

three ways to reduce the likelihood of gain related problems with your first flights:

a) Set up a gain knob as described below, so you can control the gains of one or more axes 

quickly from your radio, during flight. To do this, you will need to map a knob from your 

transmitter, as described earlier in the manual. The Gain Knob works differently between 

fixed wing and multirotor models, as described below.

b) Program your Mode switch so that one or more positions will invoke a flight mode that does not do 2D 

leveling, in case you need to switch quickly out of leveling mode due to gain or other issues.

c) Check an RC forum to see if anyone has posted good Vector gain settings for your particular airframe. Don’t 

use gain settings for other controllers with the Vector!

5.11.1.4 Configuring the Gain Knob for Fixed Wing

For fixed wing, the gain knob controls overall gain, which scales (multiplies) the pitch, roll, and yaw gains 

all at once. The overall gain can be turned to zero (stabilization off) at the lowest knob setting, which 

effectively lets you use the knob as a stabilizer on/off switch.

For fixed wing, the present value of the gain knob is displayed in the notification area each time you turn the 

knob. This readout can be used for setting the “Default/RTH Overall Gain” menu item. Once you find a good 

overall knob gain setting for your model, you can set this menu item to the value displayed for the knob, which 

will then be used during RTH, or if the gain knob is otherwise not available.

5.11.1.5 Configuring the Gain Knob for Multirotors

For multirotors, you can select which of the individual basic gains (pitch, roll, yaw, and/or altitude) that 

will be controlled by the knob. To select which axes are controlled by the gain knob, invoke menu mode, 

select “Stabilizer Settings” from the main menu, and change “Knob for X Gain control?” to “Yes” for each 

gain you want controlled by the knob.
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For multirotors, the knob will adjust the gains from 50% to 200% of their default values. To see the present 

settings for these gains, navigate to the Stabilizer Settings menu item, and observe the values displayed. 

Values that are mapped to the knob will change in real time on the menu screen. 

The basic gain settings(s) are remembered each time you rotate the gain knob. If the gain knob is later 

disconnected or disabled, the remembered settings are still 

used.

5.11.1.6 Advanced Gains and Settings

Advanced users who fully understand stabilizer concepts can 

make adjustments in the “Advanced Setup” menu from the 

Stabilizer menu. 

Don’t change advanced gain settings unless you know 

what you are doing!

PID Gains: The Vector employs an “Inner/Outer Loop 

Flybarless PID Controller” design. Specific loop gains are 

adjustable in the “Advanced Setup” menu.

PID control theory and PID loop gain adjustments are beyond the scope of this document, and support for 

making changes to the advanced gains cannot be provided.

General information on PID controllers can be found here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PID_controller

The basic gains act as a multiplier on top of the inner loop PID gains. For example, increasing the 

Pitch/Elevator Basic Gain has the effect of increasing each of the Inner P, I, and D pitch gains by the same 

proportion.

Pitch and Roll: The “Maximum Pitch” and “Maximum Roll” angle settings control the maximum pitch and roll 

to which your model will be commanded by the controller, when in a 2D mode. 

For multirotors, the maximum pitch and roll angles will effectively limit the top speed and the 

acceleration/deceleration capability of the multirotor, since these angles should not be exceeded, even at 

full control stick deflection. 

Note that the “Maximum Pitch” and “Maximum Roll” settings are not necessarily honored for fixed wing 

models. At low gain values, the control stick will overcome the Vector’s stabilization and exceed the 

specified maximum angles.

3D Direct Rate: When in 3D Heading Hold (direct rate) mode, each 3D Direct Rate setting controls the 

rotational rate of the model in the respective axis, in rotations per second (Hz), when the stick is fully deflected 

in the direction controlling that axis. For example, if you wanted your multirotor to attempt a 360 degree flip 

in the roll axis in 0.5 seconds (when the aileron stick is fully deflected), set “3D Direct Rate Roll Freq” to 2 Hz.

If you intend to do flips with your multirotor in 3D or center stick flight modes, you will likely need to 

set the pitch and roll direct gains higher than the defaults. 2Hz to 2.5Hz are typical settings for doing flips.

Default Stabilization: The “Default Stabilization Mode” chooses the flight mode that will be used if the mode 

switch input is not detected.
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Correct and Incorrect Control Surface Movement

5.11.2 Verifying Correct Control Surfaces Movement (Fixed Wing)

In addition to making sure that your radio sticks move the control surfaces in the correct direction, you also 

must ensure that the Vector’s stabilizer moves the surfaces in the right direction to keep the model in level 

flight.

To make sure the stabilizer is correctly moving the control surfaces, first select either a 2D or 3D flight mode. If 

you are using a gain knob, make sure the gain is turned up enough to have an effect.

Then, pitch, roll and yaw the model as shown in the figure below. As you move the model, the surfaces should 

move to COUNTERACT (fight) the movement you’ve made, as shown in the figure. If your surfaces don’t move 

in the correct direction, something has gone wrong with your setup. Most likely, servo directions will need to 

be changed in your radio programming. Make sure you rerun the Receiver Analysis Wizard after changing any

servo directions.

Do not fly your model if the control surfaces are not moving in the correct direction. Doing so will 

result in loss of control and a crash!

5.11.3 Confirming ESC Endpoints are set Correctly (Multirotor only)

For correct multirotor operation, all of your ESC endpoints must be set the same, so that the idle throttle 

setting causes each motor to spin at the same speed, and so that the full range of your throttle is utilized by 

the ESCs.

Consult the manual for your ESCs to determine how to set endpoints, and set them all the same.

Make sure your ESC endpoints are set correctly! If they are not, the motors could spin at different 

speeds, or at high speed, when armed!
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5.11.4 Arming and Disarming your Multirotor (Multirotor only)

5.11.4.1 Arm and Disarm Gestures

The multirotor is armed by moving the throttle stick to the off position and holding the rudder stick in the 

rightmost position for 2 to 3 seconds, until the props spin continuously. For Mode 2 radios, this is done 

by simply holding the left (rudder/throttle) stick in the lower right-hand corner (the ARM corner) for 

approximately 1 second. 

Note that as you hold the stick(s) in the arm position, the motors will pulse or “twitch” twice 

before the props will continuously spin. You must continue holding the stick(s) in the arm position 

during this sequence, or the multirotor will not arm. 

If prefered, the pre-arming twitches can be disabled by selecting “Allow Fast Arming?” option in the “Advanced 

Multirotor” stick menu, or under “Other Advanced Settings” on the Flight Controller tab in the software.

The propellers will spin when the multirotor is armed. Do not arm your multirotor with propellers 

attached until you’ve verified that motor direction, propeller direction, motor order, idle throttle and 

other settings are correct! Make sure you don’t inadvertently move the stick(s) to the arm corner!

The multirotor is disarmed by moving the throttle stick to the off position, and holding the rudder stick in the 

leftmost position for 1 second. For Mode 2 radios, this is done by holding the left stick in the lower left-hand 

corner (the DISARM corner) for approximately 1 second.

The figure below refers to the left stick of Mode 2 radios:

Don’t disarm your multirotor while flying unless there’s an emergency! If you do, the propellers will not 

spin until you rearm it as described above.

5.11.4.2 Issues that will prevent arming

Here are some conditions that will prevent the multirotor from arming, for safety reasons. An error 

message will appear in the OSD notification area if these conditions are detected (see section 7 on 

notification messages).

 Arming in a GPS mode (including RTH Test mode), unless you have set the “Allow arming in GPS 

Mode?” menu item to “Yes” in the “Advanced Multirotor” stick menu. See the table in 6.8.3 if you are 

uncertain about which modes require a GPS.

 Arming in a leveling mode (2D, 2D with Hold, Cartesian, etc.) if the multirotor is not level. Note that the 

multirotor can be armed in 3D mode if it is not level!

 Arming if the multirotor is not completely still.
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 Throttling up if the low battery auto-land feature has been triggered (the multirotor will arm in this 

condition).

 Arming if a controller error was detected during Vector boot-up.

 Arming if the Vector has not been fully configured.

 Arming if USB is connected.

5.11.5 Setting Idle Throttle (Multirotor only)

When the multirotor is armed and the multirotor is level, the motors are commanded to spin at the idle 

throttle setting. You can change this setting by invoking menu mode, navigating to the “New Airframe

Checklist” menu, and changing the “Idle Throttle (microseconds)” menu item.

The idle throttle should be adjusted so that the motors spin when armed, but not fast enough to lift the 

multirotor. In addition, the idle throttle should be set high enough so that the propellers will not stall in flight. 

If the idle throttle is set too low, the motors won’t spin when armed, and the multirotor could stall during 

flight. If set too high, the multirotor could take off or flip over when armed!

Typically, a good idle throttle value will range from 1150 to 1200 microseconds. However, this can vary from 

ESC to ESC, and may depend on your ESC endpoint settings. Consult your ESC manufacturer for 

recommendations.

One way to adjust idle throttle (without propellers installed!) is to set the value low, arm the multirotor, and 

observe the motors. If the motors aren’t spinning, increase the idle throttle until they do.

Your Vector has a feature we call “Parachute Mode”, which tries to keep the multirotor level during 

descent, when you move your throttle all the way down. A good idle throttle adjustment is important for this 

feature to work correctly.

5.11.6 Confirming Correct Motor Order and Direction (Multirotor only)

For correct operation, you must ensure that you have connected your ESCs to the correct 

Vector outputs, and that the ESCs are turning the motors in the correct direction.

Remember that the numbers next to the motors in the airframe diagrams correspond with the 

“M” numbers on the Vector outputs, and that the circular arrows indicate correct prop 

rotation.

For tricopters, the motor rotation direction is aribitrary, but don’t forget to match the correct propeller 

orienation with the motor rotation direction!

One way to test if your setup is correct is to use the motor tester built into the Vector. To do this, invoke menu 

mode, select the “Multirotor Configuration” menu, and select “Motor 

Tester”.

For safety, it is recommended that you remove propellers before 

running the motor tester. 

To test a particular motor, select the motor in the menu. It should briefly 

spin. 

Alternatively, if you select the “Activate Mode Switch Control!” item, you 

can use the Mode switch to control which motor spins. Toggle the mode switch once for motor 1, twice for 

motor 2, etc. Deselect the menu item when done.

If the wrong motor spins, you have made an error in your ESC connections. If the motor spins the wrong 

direction, you need to reverse any two of the leads between the ESC and the motor.

The motor tester will be disabled if USB is connected.
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Also, when you install propellers, make sure that you have selected a propeller of the correct orientation for 

the direction the motor is spinning.

Make sure you have correctly set up your motor order, directions and propeller orientations before 

arming the multirotor with propellers! The multirotor may flip over violently or fly away 

uncontrollably if these are wrong!

5.11.7 Configuring Low Battery Autoland (Multirotor only)

In addition to being able to monitor your battery via the OSD, 

you can also configure your multirotor to descend automatically

when the battery is almost depleted, when the Vector is in a 

flight mode that supports altitude hold. This option is ON by 

default.

When triggered, a message will appear in the notification area, and if 

you are in an altitude hold enabled flight mode, your throttle setting will be reduced, requiring about 90% 

throttle to climb.

If you are in a non-altitude hold flight mode, the low battery alert will appear, but the throttle will not 

be affected.

To configure this feature, invoke menu mode and bring up the “Multirotor Configuration” menu from the main 

menu.

Here you can turn autoland on and off, as well as setting the cell voltage for landing.

Since the Vector knows both the present voltage and present current provided by the battery, it is able 

to approximately determine the “no load” battery voltage even when the battery is under load, so you only 

need to enter the desired no load per-cell voltage for landing, rather than trying to estimate the voltage under 

load. If for some reason you are not using the current sensor, you will need to experiment with the appropiate 

voltage settings, since the calculation above will be inaccurate. If the current (amps) readout on the OSD is 

incorrect, disable low battery autoland!

The Vector automatically calculates the cell count, by default. If you wish to manually enter the cell 

count, you can do this under the Calibration menu described later.

5.11.8 Setting Flat Level Mounting

Before flying, the Vector needs to correct for any controller mounting offsets that could affect level flight. To do 

this, place the model so that it is perfectly level (on a level counter or floor), invoke menu mode, and select 

“Record Flat Level Mounting” from the “New Airframe Checklist” menu. 

5.11.9 Rezeroing Gyros

The Vector gyros are factory zeroed, but it never hurts to rezero them occasionally, as this can potentially 

improve stabilizer performance. The Vector does not need to be perfectly level to rezero gyros, but it must 

remain COMPLETELY STILL during the rezeroing process. To rezero, select the "Rezero Gyros (must be still!)” 

menu item under the “Preflight Checklist” menu.

It’s best to rezero the gyros after the model has adjusted to the temperature at your flying location.

Never try to rezero gyros with a fixed wing model in the wind, as the wind can buffet the model, which 

could cause a rezeroing error.
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5.12 Configuring Return to Home and other Safety Modes

The Return to Home feature (RTH), when configured properly, can return your model to the “home point” if 

your radio link is lost (in failsafe). Additionally, the Vector lets you program the maximum distance and 

maximum altitude that your model should never exceed.

Here are the steps to configure Safety Settings:

 Configuring your Vector and radio so that the Vector can 

detect when your radio is in failsafe

 Selecting what you want the model to do when failsafe is 

detected (land, return home, return home and land, etc.)

 Setting the Maximum Distance and Maximum Altitude

 Testing RTH to make sure it’s working correctly (described later in the document)

 Making any necessary adjustments to improve RTH (though normally the default settings work well). 

See the RTH testing section later in the manual.

5.12.1 Configuring Failsafe Detection

You MUST have a receiver that lets you program failsafe positions to use RTH. All modern receivers should 

support this.

Note: After configuring RTH, make sure you test it as described in the “RTH Ground Testing” section!

The Vector can detect failsafe in one of 3 ways, depending on your receiver’s capabilities. 

First decide which method you want to use below, and then tell the Vector which method 

to use by invoking menu mode, navigating to the “Safety Configuration Menu”, and 

changing the “Failsafe Detection Method” item as described below. Then, run the Receiver 

Analysis Wizard so that the Vector can learn about the failsafe settings. 

a) S.BUSTM Method: If you are using S.BUSTM mode with your receiver, the Vector will detect failsafe 

automatically. To do this, just select the “S-BUS” option for 

“Failsafe Detection Method”.

b) Mode Switch Method: If you programmed an “RTH Test” 

position on your mode/submode switches, and if your radio 

supports it, you can program your radio to force the 

mode/submode switches into the positions that trigger RTH 

Test when a failsafe occurs. This is the simplest way to set 

up failsafe for non S.BUSTM radios.

To do this, program your receiver failsafes as described 

above, and select the “Mode Swch” option for “Failsafe 

Detection Method”.

c) Throttle Failsafe Method: If you are unable to program a 

failsafe on your Mode switch position, or don’t want to use a 

mode switch position for RTH, an alternative is to program 

your throttle failsafe position to be very low – at least 5% 

lower than your normal throttle range. Then, when the 

Vector sees the throttle in this very low position, it can know 
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that the receiver is in failsafe.

To do this, first select the "Thr Fsafe" option for “Failsafe Detection Method” in the menu.

Then, program your receiver failsafes (following your radio manufacturer’s instructions) with your 

throttle trim all the way down, as shown in the left part of the illustration.

Next, trim your throttle back up to a higher position. During normal operation, you must keep your 

throttle trim well above the failsafe setting, as shown in the right part of the illustration.

When you run the Receiver Analysis wizard, the Vector will detect the low trim failsafe position when 

you turn off your radio. Whenever the throttle is trimmed that low, the Vector will assume the receiver 

is in failsafe. And, the Vector will learn your normal minimum throttle during the wizard, when it asks 

you to set the throttle to the off position. 

After you follow these steps, if the error "Throttle Failsafe Incorrect! " is displayed during 

Vector bootup, that means you did not do the throttle failsafe programming correctly, or the gap 

between normal and failsafe throttle trim is too small. 

NOTE: If you use the throttle failsafe method with multirotors, the multirotor will descend 

rapidly between the time the throttle is driven low by the failsafe condition, and when RTH is triggered. 

This is normally less than 1 second. This delay should not occur or should be reduced if you use the SBUS or Mode Switch failsafe detection methods.
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5.12.2 Configuring RTH/Safety Mode

5.12.2.1 Selecting the Desired Safety Mode

The Vector has a few options for what to do when failsafe is 

detected, referred to as “Safety Modes.” To select the desired 

failsafe option, invoke the “Safety Configuration Menu” and change 

the “Select the Desired Safety Mode” item.

These options are available:

Land:

For fixed wing, the Vector will try to keep the wings level and shut the throttle off after failsafe is 

detected, resulting in a “crash landing” (not a good idea for stall-prone airframes!)

For multirotors, the multi will descend immediately after failsafe is detected, at a controlled rate.

Return Home:

For fixed wing, the Vector attempts to bring the 

model to the home point, and begins circling above 

home once there.

For multirotors, the multirotor returns home, and 

will either hover above the home point at the 

specified altitude, or land, depending on the 

“Automatically Land at Home” setting.

For fixed wing models, always assume that the 

propeller may spin when RTH is triggered, even 

on the ground! 

The Vector attempts to detect when the model is on the 

ground, and disables the propeller during RTH if so, but 

in some conditions, such as with bad GPS readings, 

altimeter drift, or incorrect settings, the Vector may not 

be able to detect that the model is on the ground, and the 

propeller could spin! 

Always have your radio turned on before your model is powered, and disconnect your model’s battery before 

turning off your transmitter. Never engage “RTH Test” via the mode/submode switches unless you are 

prepared for the propeller to spin!

5.12.2.2 Additional Options for RTH

There are several options that can be configured for RTH:

Fly home altitude: the altitude to ascend or descend to when returning to home, and to maintain once the 

model has returned. This is chosen with the “Fly home at this altitude:” setting.

If the altimeter drifts due to changes in barometric pressure or other causes, the fly home altitude will 

be higher or lower than the actual altitude by the amount of the drift. A very large decrease in 

barometric pressure, such as can occur if a storm is moving in, might result in the model descending into the 

ground when RTH is triggered, if your Fly Home Altitude is set too low!

Yawing toward home: If you would like the multirotor to turn (yaw) towards home before returning

to home, set the “Yaw multi toward home for RTH” to “Yes”. 
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This is not recommended for line of sight flying, since the multirotor will likely be pointing in a 

different direction than when you last had control over it, which can be confusing for line of sight.

Advanced Return to Home Options: There are several advanced options that can be configured for RTH, 

under the “Advanced Setup...” menu. These are described in the Advanced Features section in the document.

5.12.3 Configuring Maximum Altitude and Maximum Distance

These settings, found under the “Safety Configuration Menu,” set a virtual boundary that limits how far your 

model can travel from the home point. This can be helpful to ensure that the model doesn’t fly away 

unintentionally. 

Maximum Altitude: If this setting is nonzero, the Vector will take over control whenever the model exceeds 

this limit, and attempt to return the model to the home point.

Maximum Distance Radius: If this setting is nonzero, the Vector will take over control whenever the distance 

from the home point exceeds this setting, and attempt to return the model to the home point.

The maximum distance feature will not function if the GPS does not have an adequate signal.

The maximum altitude and distance overrides can be canceled by moving the control stick. If either of 

the maximum limits continue to be exceeded, the Vector will continue to take over control as soon as the stick 

is centered. Once the model is back within the set maximum distance and altitude, the control stick can be 

centered without the Vector taking over control.

5.13 The Vector’s LED Indicator

The Vector’s OSD provides detailed information about Vector status, the present flight mode, and any errors 

that are detected. However, for Line of Sight flying, the LED can be used to determine the Vector’s status at a 

glance. Here are the meanings of the Vector LED Indicator blinks:

Blink Pattern Meaning 

During boot-up: Vector is in FIXED WING mode.

If you see this during boot on your multirotor, get 

away!!!

During boot-up: Vector is in MULTIROTOR mode. 

If you see this during boot with your fixed wing, 

disconnect power immediately!

During boot-up, after airframe indication above: If the LED goes dark for several seconds after the 

airframe indication blink above, you need to ok your 

airframe type with the mode switch. Make sure the 

type is correct!

 An error has been detected. Check the OSD 

notification area to determine the cause of the error. 

See section 9 for error message meanings.
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5.14 Configuring the OSD

The Vector’s built-in color OSD has many advanced features and display options. Even so, it can be easily 

configured to display basic information that is sufficient for most 

pilots.

The Vector’s OSD will automatically continue to show information on 

the screen (in grayscale) if your camera should stop functioning in 

flight. Note: EagleEyes telemetry is NOT available without a 

functioning camera connected to the OSD.

Some SkyzoneTM goggles are not compatible with the Vector’s 

no-camera mode. We are investigating this issue. Make sure you test 

your goggles with no-camera mode if you think you will need this 

mode.

All OSD settings are made in the “OSD Setup” menu, from the main 

menu.

The steps for configuring the OSD are:

 Adjusting the display so that it is easily readable through your goggles or monitor

 Setting your preferred display units

 Deciding which items you want to display on the OSD 

screen

 Setting desired alarms and alerts

5.14.1 Adjusting the Display

If you are happy with the appearance of the display, no further 

changes are needed.

If the OSD information is not centered on your screen, change the 

horizontal and vertical screen shift settings to reposition it.

Multirotor is armed, but an error has been 

detected. Check the OSD notification area to 

determine the cause of the error.

Multirotor is armed.

A 2D Flight Mode is selected 

A 3D flight mode (including ‘gyro mode’) is selected 

A Loiter flight mode is selected

USB mode is active
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If the OSD information is too wide for your screen, select Narrow Screen Mode.

If you have trouble reading the text, try changing the black level, or changing the colors of the text, as described 

below.

To change color settings, select the “Color Setup” menu. You can change the color brightness, intensity, and 

hue in this menu. Also, you can select which colors to use for text and graphics.

If you prefer an entirely black and white display, select “white” for the colors of each item, and “black” 

for the highlight of each.

5.14.2 Setting Display Units (English or Metric)

To set the displayed units, navigate to the “English/Metric 

Units Setup” menu, from the main stick menu.

The Vector lets you set the overall system units, and 

if desired, different units for individual classes of readouts 

(speeds, distances, and altitudes). 

5.14.3 Choosing what to Display on 

the OSD Screen

The Vector’s displayed information is divided into three

classes:

 Numeric readouts - numeric readouts are displayed 

on the first two rows and last two rows of the 

display. Examples: RSSI, motor battery voltage.

 Graphics and Indicators– these are displayed in several different places on the screen. Examples: 

altitude and airspeed ladders, compass.

 Notification area – status and warning messages are displayed in this area

To configure basic numeric readouts that are typically used, select the “Numeric Readouts Setup” menu item 

from the OSD Setup menu. Here’s a description of these readouts:

5.14.4 Basic Numeric Readouts

Here is some information on the basic numeric readouts available:

5.14.4.1 Electrical Readouts

Pack Voltage, Pack Current, Pack mAH Used: These display 

information about your main flight pack, which must be connected

to the current sensor for these readouts to be valid.

Video Tx Voltage: This is the voltage being supplied to the “Vid Tx” 

plug “E” on the video harness. This readout would normally be displayed only if you are using a second video 

battery.

Receiver Voltage: This is the voltage being supplied via the red wire of the receiver connection harness, or via 

the power pins of the Vector servo outputs.
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5.14.4.2 Altitude, Speed and Distance Readouts

Barometric Altitude: This displays the present barometric altitude of the model from the built in pressure 

sensor, which is zero referenced (set to zero) when the Vector is powered up. 

GPS Altitude: This displays the present GPS provided altitude, assuming there is a 3D GPS fix. This is also set 

to zero at power up. 

Both the GPS and barometric altitudes are zeroed when you select the “Reset Home Position” option 

from the main menu, and for multirotors, each time you arm.

GPS Groundspeed: This displays the horizontal speed the model is moving over ground, as reported by the 

GPS. Note that this speed is not the actual airspeed of your model, if there is any wind.

Pitot Airspeed: If you have the optional pitot airspeed sensor, this displays the airspeed.

Numeric Climbrate: This displays the model’s climb or descend rate.

Distance To Pilot: This displays the horizontal distance between the home point and the model, as reported by 

the GPS. 

Initially, this readout is in the units selected for distances in the English/Metric Units Setup menu described 

above. But, when the distance exceeds 1km (for metric system units) the display switches to kilometers. Or, if 

English system units are chosen, if the distance exceeds 1 mile the display switches to miles.

Cumulative Distance: This displays the total distance you have traveled during the flight. This readout is 

either in miles or kilometers, depending on your system units.

5.14.4.3 Additional Basic Numeric Readouts

Home Arrow: The home arrow points straight up if you are presently flying toward home. If you are using 

the magnetic compass, the compass is used to determine the home direction. If you are not using the compass, 

the GPS course is used. 

If the compasss is not being used, and the model is moving very slowly or not at all relative to the 

ground, the home arrow will not be accurate, and may display a “?”.

Sensor Temperature: This readout displays the temperature of the optional loop or micro temperature 

sensor, described in the Advanced Features section.

Callsign: This readout lets you program your amateur radio call sign, to be displayed for 15 seconds every 10 

minutes. The call sign is programmed using the stick menu: left and right select the position to be changed, 

and up and down changes the character for that position.

Flight Time remaining: This readout shows the approximate flight time remaining, based on your pack mAH 

setting, and the present amp draw on the battery. This readout is only meaningful if you are flying with a 

relatively constant amp draw.

Receiver RSSI: This is the RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator) percentage, derived from the Vector’s RSSI 

input pin described earlier. Note: if the RSSI input was not correctly connected during the Receiver Analysis 

Wizard, the RSSI indicator will show a “?”.

GPS Position (Lat/Lon): The “Force Lat/Lon display when?” setting determines when the GPS position will be 

displayed on the screen. 

The settings are as follows:
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Never: GPS position is never displayed

Trouble: GPS position is displayed when radio failsafe is detected, if RTH is triggered, or if an alarm has been 

triggered.

Low Alt: GPS position is displayed for Trouble, and additionally will display if the present altitude is less than 

100 feet/30meters.

Distance: GPS position is displayed for Trouble, Low Alt, and additionally if the distance of the model from 

home exceeds the “RADAR Maximum Radius” menu item in the “Graphics and Indicators Setup” menu.

Always: GPS position is always displayed

You can change the format of the displayed GPS position, depending on your requirements. See the 

“GPS Configuration” section later in this manual.

GPS Satellite Count: This readout shows the number of satellites being used by the GPS

GPS Course: This shows the present course being returned by the GPS.

5.14.4.4 Units display

If “Display Units for All Items” is set to Yes, the units will be displayed for each readout that has units.

5.14.5 Advanced Numeric Readouts

The Vector has a wealth of parameters that can be configured for display, and, you can also customize the 

Vector to display numeric readouts on multiple screens, move the readouts around on the screen, and 

configure advanced features of the readouts, such as displaying “gauge” and “swatch” readouts. 

These advanced features are configured using the “Advanced 

Numeric Readouts...” menu. See the Advanced Features section 

later in the document for information on how to do this.

5.14.6 Graphics and Indicator Readouts

A variety of graphical and indicator readouts are available with 

the Vector, which are configured under the “Graphics and 

Indicators Setup” menu under the “OSD Setup” menu. Here is a 

brief description of these:

5.14.6.1 Speed Ladder

The speed ladder shows the present ground speed of the 

aircraft, on the left side of the screen. 

If the optional pitot airspeed sensor is connected, you 

can display airspeed (instead of ground speed) on the ladder by 

changing the “Use Pitot Spd for RTH/Ladder” setting.

5.14.6.2 Altitude Ladder

The altitude ladder shows the present barometric altitude of the aircraft, on the right side of the screen.

5.14.6.3 RADAR

The RADAR readout is an intuitive feature which makes it easier to keep track of your model’s location relative 

to home, and the direction your model is traveling relative to the direction the pilot is facing. 
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There are two modes of RADAR operation:

Home Centered Mode: 

The circular indicator in the center of the screen (Home/Center Screen marker) marks the 

home point, in a "bird's eye" view map. The RADAR location and direction of travel indicator 

(the chevron) indicates where the model is in relation to home.

As your model moves relative to home, the chevron moves relative to the center of the 

screen. Also, the direction the chevron is pointing indicates the direction the model is traveling, relative to 

home. So, if your model is flying toward home, the chevron will point toward home, regardless of where it is 

on the display screen. 

Set the “RADAR Center Screen is...” menu item to “Home” for this mode.

Radar Up Direction: This parameter sets the UP direction of the RADAR feature, when in home centered 

mode. For example, if you fly your model so that your body is facing 15 degrees N, you would set this to 15. 

This results in the RADAR icon flying “up” on the Vector screen when you are flying the model in the direction 

you are facing. Normally, the runway is perpendicular to the direction you are facing.

Model Centered Mode: 

In this mode, an airplane icon placed in the center of the screen represents where the model is 

presently, and an icon representing home is placed on the screen relative to the distance from home, 

and the direction the model is flying relative to home. To return home, steer so that the home icon 

is directly above the model on the screen (the model always points up).

Set the “RADAR Center Screen is...” menu item to “Model” for this mode.

In both RADAR modes, if you are using the magnetic compass, the compass is used to determine the 

direction the model is facing. Otherwise, the GPS 

course reading is used.

RADAR Maximum Radius: This sets the 

maximum radius for the RADAR display. Set this 

to the maximum distance away from home that 

you typically fly. For example, if you normally fly a 

maximum of 5000 feet away from home in any 

direction, set this to 5000. If your model exceeds 

this distance, the RADAR icon will change from 

normal video colors to reverse video colors, to 

indicate you are out of range. 

5.14.6.4 Flight Timer

The Vector provides a flight timer, which appears in the upper left-hand corner of the screen, when enabled. 

The Flight Timer display is in MM:SS until greater than 59 minutes is reached, then it switches to HH:MM:SS. 

The flight timer starts counting up when the model is armed (for multirotors) or when it is flying (for fixed 

wing). The timer pauses when disarmed or landed.

5.14.6.5 Compass

The graphical compass indicates the present heading of the model. If the magnetic compass is being used, that 

reading drives the graphical compass. If not, the GPS course drives the compass.

Since movement is required for the GPS course to read accurately, the compass will be inaccurate if 

your model is not moving relative to the ground, unless you are using the magnetic compass.
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5.14.6.6 Motor Battery Gauge

The motor battery gauge graphically shows the main pack’s remaining mAH. Note that the total mAH must be 

set correctly for this feature to be accurate.

5.14.6.7 Home/Center Screen Marker

Places a small circle with “T” in the center of the screen.

5.14.6.8 Flight Mode Indicator

This indicator displays a 2 or 3 digit code for the flight mode presently being used. See the “Flight Mode 

Indicator” column in the table in section 5.9.1 for the code displayed with each flight mode. 

Normally the present flight mode is the one being commanded by the positions of the mode/submode 

switches, but in some conditions, such as loss of GPS signal or receiver failsafe, a different flight mode may be in 

use.

5.14.6.9 Graphical Variometer

The graphical charting variometer shows you the present climb or sinks rate, as well as historic rates. You can 

adjust the graphical variometer as described below:

Graphical Vario Scale (+/-): This setting lets you set the maximum climb or sinkrate that will be displayed on 

the variometer. For example, if you set this to 1000, and your altitude units are in feet, the top of the chart will 

represent 1000 feet per minute (FPM), and the bottom of the chart will represent -1000 FPM.

Graphical Vario Update Rate: This setting lets you control how quickly the points on the chart get updated. 

If you want a longer history displayed on the screen, you would set the update rate to a lower number, and vice 

versa.

5.14.6.10 Artificial Horizon Indicator

The Artificial Horizon Indicator (AHI) display graphically shows you your model’s present orientation with 

respect to the horizon. There are three display options:

Simple: this option displays a simple, 2 line AHI.

F-16 Color: this option shows a full color version of the F-16 style AHI. The numbers displayed with the AHI 

indicate the degrees of pitch.

F-16 Mono: this displays a black and white version of the F-16 style AHI.

5.14.7 Setting OSD Alarms

Alarms can let you know about potential flight issues, such as low 

battery, high altitude, or flying out of range, before they become 

serious. When an alarm is triggered for a numeric readout, the 

numeric readout will flash. Additionally, if you turn the setting 

on, the OSD will speak the present value of the readout whenever 

an alarm is triggered (via the audio connection to your video 

transmitter).

Setting up alarms for common conditions is quite easy with the 

Vector. Just navigate to the “Alarms/Alerts Setup” menu from the OSD Setup screen, and select the alarms you 

want.
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To be able to see when an alarm has triggered, you must have the numeric readout for it displayed, so 

that you can see it flash.

5.14.7.1 Low Pack Voltage Alarm

The alarm for pack voltage is set by specifying the per cell voltage that will trigger the alarm. The Vector 

automatically detects the cell count for your pack, so you can switch between packs of different cell counts, 

without needing to reset the alarm each time.

5.14.7.2 Low Video Transmitter Voltage Alarm

If you use a separate video battery, you can set the alarm for that (in total volts rather than cell volts).

5.14.7.3 Low milliamp-Hours (mAH) Remaining Alarm

When enabled, this alarm will trigger when the remaining mAH in your main pack falls below the specified 

percentage. For example, if you want the alarm to trigger when only 20% of your pack’s charge remains, set 

this to ‘20’. Note that you must correctly set the total mAH for your pack for this alarm to work.

5.14.7.4 High Barometric Altitude Alarm

When enabled, this alarm will trigger when the altitude of your model above the takeoff point exceeds the 

specified barometric altitude.

5.14.7.5 Distance to Pilot Alarm

This alarm will trigger when the horizontal distance between the home point and the model exceeds the 

specified value. Note that this alarm is always programmed in either feet or meters (not miles or kilometers).

5.14.7.6 Speaking Alarm Values

If the option is enabled, when an alarm occurs the OSD will make an alert sound, and read off the name and 

present value of the readout that is in an alarm condition.

5.15 Configuring and Calibrating the Magnetic Compass 

5.15.1 Using the Compass with Fixed Wing Airframes

The magnetic compass built into the GPS/Mag is automatically disabled for fixed wing airframes, and 

automatically enabled for multirotors.

For fixed wing airframes, using the compass offers these benefits:

 The magnetic compass operates even if the model is moving slowly, or not at all. If RTH is triggered 

downwind, and the wind is so strong that the model is moving very slowly toward home, or even losing 

ground, the GPS course readout may not be accurate, which could cause the RTH system to not be able to

identify the direction to home without the compass.

 Loiter and RTH circling modes may be more precise

 The compass reading can be used for easy determination of the “RADAR Up Direction” or the EagleEyes 

tracker’s “0 degree pan” settings.

However, if you decide to use the compass with fixed wing, it’s very important that the mounting, installation 

and calibration guidelines for the GPS/Mag are followed, or the compass can make things much worse!

To enable the compass for fixed wing, navigate to the “Calibration and Sensor Setup” menu from the main 

menu, and change “Enable Compass/Magnetometer” to “Yes”.
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5.15.2 Calibrating the Compass

Compass calibration should be done with the model away from 

electrical fields and metal objects. The best place to calibrate the 

compass is outdoors, at the field where you will be flying.

5.15.2.1 Steps before Calibrating

Before calibrating the compass, make sure that the compass is 

installed correctly, and that all equipment you plan to fly with, 

including cameras, canopies, etc., are fully installed on the model, 

and turned on. Adding equipment later can impact the compass 

calibration!

5.15.2.2 Calibrating using the Stick Menus

To calibrate the compass using the stick menus, follow these steps:

1) Invoke Compass Calibration mode by selecting the “Compass Working ok (if used)?” menu item under 

the “Preflight Checklist” menu.

2) When your model is away from metal 

objects, click the mode switch once to 

start the process, which will cause the

OSD menu shown above to appear. 

Vector LED should now be solid GREEN. 

Then, move your radio away from your 

model.

3) Slowly tumble (pitch, roll and yaw) the 

model in all directions, until the 

Calibration Progress reaches 100%, and 

the Vector LED turns solid RED. 

Tumble method doesn’t matter, but 

make sure model goes inverted during 

tumble.

Note: for large fixed wing models 

where the above calibration method 

is awkward, an alternate tumble 

method is to pitch and roll the model 

as much as possible, while slowly 

spinning (pirouetting) your body.

4) Hold the model horizontally level in front of you, with the GPS arrow pointing directly toward your 

body.

5) Slowly spin (pirouette) your body around 360 degrees (full circle) while standing in approximately the 

same place., until the Calibration Progress reaches 100%, and Vector’s RED LED flashes. This spin 

should take about 10 seconds.

6) The Vector will analyze calibration for 5 to 10 seconds. Rarely, if calibration is inadequate, tumble 

calibration mode will start again, and the LED will turn solid GREEN again. Repeat steps 3-5 if this 

occurs.

7) After calibration completes, verify proper compass operation as described in the “Testing the Compass” 

section below.
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5.15.2.3 Calibrating using the Mode Switch

For your convenience, you can calibrate the compass without using your video display, as follows:

 Toggle mode switch 7 times – the Vector’s LED should flash a fast RED/GREEN

 Follow steps 2-6 above.

 The LEDs should now return to normal, indicating that the compass calibration is complete

 After calibration completes, verify proper compass operation as described in the “Testing the Compass” 

section below.

5.15.3 Testing the Compass 

5.15.3.1 Load Testing the Compass

If you are not sure that your compass is mounted far enough away from motor/ESC wiring, or other sources of 

interference, you can test it by operating your model under load, while it is stationary. First, make sure the 

compass is displayed, and note the compass reading. Then, if you can do so safely, run the model at full throttle 

with propeller(s) attached, but with the model secured so that it cannot move. If the compass reading changes 

significantly (more than a few degrees), that suggests the GPS/Mag is mounted too close to electrical wiring or 

other sources of interference.

5.15.3.2 Field Testing the Compass

It’s a good idea to do a quick check of compass function before each day of flying. Display the compass (either 

on the Preflight Checklist menu or the main OSD screen) and make sure the compass is pointing in the correct 

direction. 

If you don’t know what direction North is at your field and don’t have a mechanical compass, most 

mobile phones have apps available that will let you use your phone as a compass.

Next, rotate the model slowly 360 degrees (full circle) and make sure the compass smoothly follows your 

rotation. 

5.16 Configuring the EagleEyesTM FPV Station

Please refer to the latest EagleEyes online manual (found on the Support tab on our website) for instructions 

on configuring the EagleEyes with the Vector.

When coupled with the Vector, the EagleEyes FPV ground station provides the following features, which can be 

configured and controlled directly from the Vector on-screen menus:

 Receiver Diversity - when you connect two NTSC or PAL audio/video 

receivers (of any frequency), the EagleEyes picks the better signal at 

any given time, which can greatly reduce video fades and improve your 

FPV experience. 

 Antenna Tracking - the EagleEyes can control most pan/tilt antenna 

trackers, such as the ReadyMadeRCTM tracker. The EagleEyes uses 

telemetry received from the Vector to point the antenna toward the 

model.

 Telemetry – Telemetry data from the Vector is sent via your video 

transmitter to your EagleEyes, where you can visualize your flight on 

your laptop in real time, using the Vector software. 

Note: Antenna Tracking and Telemetry are NOT available when the 

Vector is operating without a camera! 
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 Four Channel A/V Distribution - The EagleEyes has four buffered video/audio outputs for connecting 

multiple sets of goggles and monitors at the same time.

 PowerPanel LCD Display support – When the optional PowerPanelTM LCD display is connected to the 

EagleEyes, the model’s present GPS position is automatically displayed via the Vector telemetry. With 

the LCD, the last known GPS position is remembered and displayed, in case you lose contact with your 

model.

6 First Flights

Now that you’ve completed the Vector installation and configuration, and verified that the control surfaces, 

motor(s), propeller(s), compass, etc., are working correctly, it’s time to prepare for the first flight!

For your initial flights, make sure you fly very conservatively, until you become familiar with the flight 

characteristics of the Vector on your airframe, and make adjustments as needed. 

6.1 Preflight Checklist

The Vector includes an interactive preflight checklist, which lists some of the common things that you should 

check (or do) before flying. Of course, no generic list is complete, so this should only serve as a supplement to 

your normal checklist.

The preflight checklist is invoked from the main menu.

The cumulative time you will spend going through your

checklist before flying is probably much less than the time it 

takes to rebuild your model once.

Note that some of the items on the checklist do not necessarily 

need to be done each flight (such as setting the pack mAH, 

rezeroing gyros, setting flat level mounting, and verifying the 

GPS/MAG is mounted away from power wires). They are there 

for your convenience.

Also, some of the compass/GPS related items, and the compass 

display, will not be present on the checklist if you are not using 

the magnetic compass.

6.1.1 Resetting Home Position

On the preflight checklist, and on the main menu, you’ll find the “Reset Home Position” option. This option 

lets you finalize the home position for the Return to Home feature. You can also reset the home position by 

toggling the mode switch 10 or more times. Note that the home position cannot be reset while flying.

Typically, the GPS position accuracy improves over time, and resetting the home position just before takeoff 

may more accurately set this position. Additionally, this feature can be used if you want your home position to 

be at a slightly different location from where the GPS was first powered on. 

Resetting the home position rezeros the altimeter, the pitot speed sensor (if used), and the GPS altitude 

readings.

If you are using the Eagle Eyes antenna tracker, make sure the tracker is located close to the home 

point, for best results.
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6.2 First Flight Recommendations

6.2.1 Ground Tests before First Flight

6.2.1.1 Vibration Check for Fixed Wing

If you can do so safely, it is recommended that you perform a prop-on engine run-up on the ground with 2D 

stabilization enabled (and the gain knob at midpoint or higher, if used), while watching your control 

surfaces for drift. This is especially important to do if you have a nitro, gas, or other high vibration motor. 

Don’t fly your model if your control surfaces are moving unexpectedly during engine run-up! You’ll need 

to find ways of further isolating the Vector, or your airframe, from motor vibration, such as using a 

cushioned motor mount.

6.2.1.2 Control Direction check for Multirotors

If you can do so safely, after arming the multirotor and verifying that the motors are turning in the correct 

directions, do the following:

 If you’re in an altitude hold mode, activate the stabilizer by quickly moving the throttle past the halfway 

point and quickly back down.

 If you’re in a non-altitude hold mode, activate the stabilizer by moving the throttle up slightly, and 

quickly back down.

 Then, with the throttle in the fully down position, slowly and slightly move the control stick in the pitch 

and roll directions, and confirm that the multirotor seems to be responding correctly to the control 

stick.

Remember to never arm the multirotor when you or anyone else is close to it, and never approach an 

armed multirotor!

6.2.2 Flight Mode for Takeoffs

For fixed wing models, it is recommended that you take off either in a non 2D stabilized mode (3D mode, 

‘Gyro’ mode, or Stabilization Off mode), or in 2D mode WITHOUT Hold with your gain knob turned low, 

until you are sure that your gain and other settings are correct for your model. Once you take off, you can 

turn the gain up or switch into a 2D stabilized mode, but be prepared to exit that mode if there are 

problems.

In general, if you take off in 2D WITH Hold mode, note that the model will hold whatever heading it was last 

pointing to UNTIL you unlock heading hold by moving the aileron or rudder stick. Make sure that you 

move one of these sticks after you have the model pointing in the takeoff direction, but before taking off!

For Multirotors, you should always take off in a non-GPS mode (2D, 2D with Heading Hold, Cartesian, 3D 

with Hold, or Center Stick mode). Once in the air, you can switch to a GPS mode as desired. Also, at least 

for your first flights it is recommended that a non-altitude hold flight mode (2D, 3D with Heading Hold, or 

Center Stick mode) be available on your mode/submode switches, in case excessive vibration causes issues 

with altitude hold.

6.3 In-air Leveling

If you find that your model is not flying or hovering level after you have performed the “Record Flat Level 

Mounting” procedure as described earlier, you can reset level flight while in the air. The procedure is as 

follows:
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6.3.1 Multirotor in-air leveling

Slight adjustments to multirotor level offset can be corrected as follows: while hovering in a non-GPS 2D

flight mode (2D or 2D with Altitude Hold, but NOT Center Stick mode), and when there is no wind, adjust 

your aileron and elevator radio trims so that the multirotor is hovering in a stationary position.

Then, land the multirotor, disarm, and toggle the mode switch 5 times. At this point your level trims have been 

saved. DO NOT undo the changes to your radio trims after doing these steps.

In-air leveling does not work with Center Stick flight mode.

6.3.2 Fixed Wing in-air leveling

If your model is not flying straight and level in 2D Mode WITHOUT Hold, first level out the model with your 

control stick, then (while keeping the model level with the stick) toggle the mode switch 5 times. This 

records the level flight orientation for your model. 

The Vector remembers your control stick position the moment you first start to move the mode switch. 

So, you don’t need to worry about keeping the model perfectly level while you toggle the switch 5 times. It 

only needs to be level at the start of the toggle sequence.

6.3.3 Optimal Fixed Wing leveling

If you want to tune your model for more efficient flight, it is recommended that you follow these steps:

a) First fly your model with stabilization off (or with overall gain turned off with the gain knob) and 

adjust your radio trims for level flight.

b) Land, and rerun the Receiver Analysis Wizard so that the Vector can learn about the new radio trim 

settings.

c) Perform the in-air leveling procedure in section 6.3.2 above, if needed.

6.4 Return to Home Testing and Operation

6.4.1 RTH Limitations

Please be aware of the following RTH limitations:

d) If there are obstacles in the path between the model and home, RTH will not be able to avoid them. You 

are responsible for your model, even when RTH is engaged!

e) If the wind speed is higher than the RTH speed of the model, determined by its settings, the model will 

NOT return home if flying into the wind. 

f) RTH will NOT engage if the GPS signal quality is not adequate. “Land” safety mode will engage instead. 

For multirotors, additionally RTH will only work correctly if your compass is correctly installed and 

calibrated, as described elsewhere in this document.

For fixed wing, RTH throttle control will not engage if your altitude reading is less than about 60 

feet/20 meters, or if your speed is less than 3 MPH or 3K/H, when RTH is triggered. The throttle will 

remain off in these conditions. Also, the RTH throttle will not engage until you have “armed” the throttle 

by moving the throttle stick up at least once after power-up. 
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6.4.2 RTH Ground Testing

If RTH is configured correctly, after your GPS as acquired a fix and the home position is set, when you turn your 

transmitter off (ON THE GROUND) the “RTH Engaged...” message should appear in the OSD notification area of 

the video screen. Additionally, the Flight Mode Indicator on the video screen should change to “RTH”. If you 

don’t see BOTH these notifications, RTH will not activate in the event of a receiver failsafe. Please refer back to 

the RTH configuration section if RTH does not trigger correctly.

For fixed wing models, don’t forget that your propeller may spin at any time when RTH is triggered, even 

on the ground! 

6.4.3 In-air RTH Testing

The simplest way to test RTH in the air is to program a mode/submode switch position to “RTH Test”. When 

this switch position is selected, RTH should engage, and your model should fly toward the home point.

Never intentionally turn off your radio to test RTH in the air. There is a chance that your receiver will 

not link back up with your radio, which could result in a crash!

When in RTH test mode, moving the control stick causes RTH to disengage, and the model switches to 2D with 

Hold flight mode.

Note that for proper operation of RTH Test mode, your trim settings must have been recorded during the Radio 

Control Wizard. If you have made significant changes to your trim settings since you ran the Wizard, the 

message “RTH Engaged: Release Sticks for Test” may appear when RTH is activated, and RTH will not engage.

Note: if your multirotor is in Polar or Cartesian flight mode and RTH Test is triggered, remember that it will 

switch to 2D with Hold flight mode during the RTH testing, so the control stick will control the multirotor 

differently during RTH testing!

If you find that your model returns home correctly, no further adjustments should be necessary. If problems 

occur, refer to the Troubleshooting chart later in the document.

Don’t forget to switch out of RTH Test mode before landing!

7 Advanced Vector Setup and Calibration

This section covers some of the many Vector settings and features that 

will appeal to more advanced pilots.

7.1 Advanced OSD Setup

The Advanced OSD configuration tools let you configure many 

additional readouts with multiple display options, set up multiple 

screens of readouts, set customized messages to display for alarms, 

enable additional voice options, and many more features. See section 

10 for a complete list of numeric readouts available.

It is generally faster and more intuitive to do advanced OSD 

configuration with the software, but full stick menu support is provided.
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7.1.1 The Advanced Numeric Readouts Menu

Advanced numeric configuration through the stick menus is done by navigating to the "Advanced Numeric 

Readouts...." menu from the OSD Setup menu.

If you add advanced readouts to the display screen that are not available on the basic readouts menu, 

problems can occur if you try to add additional readouts later, using the basic menu. later. 

Here is a description of this menu:

Readout Name: When this item is highlighted, moving the aileron stick left and right lets you select the 

readout you want to modify. Once you have selected the desired readout, move the elevator stick down to 

move to the next menu items. See section 10 for a description of all readouts.

Set Up Gauge/Swatch: This brings up the Gauge and Swatch Setup menu, described below.

Onscreen Label: Option lets you change the label displayed to the left of the readout, on the OSD screen. To 

edit, move the aileron stick right to begin. Then, moving the aileron stick left or right lets you select the 

position you want to edit, and moving the elevator stick up or down lets you select the character to display in 

that position. Note that some readouts let you optionally display an icon for the readout in the first position.

Display parameter as: This item lets you select the display mode of the readout, as Text, Gauge, Swatch, or 

Swatch with Text. See the Gauge and Swatch section below.

Show on Scrns: This item lets you select which screens (1 through 6, or a combination thereof) on which this 

readout will display. 

Display on which Row: The Vector’s numeric readout display consists of 5 columns (from left to right) and 4 

rows (from top to bottom), letting you display a total of 20 numeric readouts on each screen. Rows 1 and 2 are 

at the top of the OSD display, and rows 3 and 4 are at the bottom of the display. This menu item lets you select 

the row where this readout will be located.

Display on which Column: This item lets you select the column on the OSD display where this readout will be 

located.

If you select a screen, row and column for a readout that conflicts with another previously configured 

readout, an error listing the name of the conflicting readout will display at the bottom of the menu screen, and 

“Show on Scrns” will be forced to “None”. 

If you are setting up many readouts on multiple screens, you can either draw the desired screens ahead 

of time on a piece of paper with row/column grids and use that as a setup guide, or use the software for 

configuration.

Alarm Type for Readout: If you would like to set an alarm for this readout, first decide whether you want the 

alarm to be a high alarm (alarm will trigger if the readout’s value is higher than the alarm threshold, such as 

with distance or altitude), or a low alarm (alarm will trigger if the readout’s value is below the alarm threshold, 

such as with voltages). Then, set the item accordingly.

Alarm Trigger Threshold: This item lets you set the point at which the alarm will trigger for the readout (see 

above).

Alarm Msg: This item lets you program a custom text message that will appear in the notification area when 

the alarm for this readout (if set) is triggered. See the “Onscreen label” item above for instructions on how to 

use the sticks to edit the message.

Switch to Screen if Alarm?: If you have set up multiple screens of readouts, setting this item to “Yes” will 

cause the OSD to switch to the screen containing this readout, when an alarm for it is triggered.

Speak Readout if Alarm?: Setting this item to “Yes” will cause the readout to be spoken via the Vector’s audio 

output, when the alarm triggers. 
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Periodically Speak Value: Setting this item to “Yes” will cause the readout to be spoken periodically via the 

Vector’s audio output (interval selected below). 

Speech Interval in Seconds: This item chooses the interval between speaking this readout’s value (maximum 

107 seconds). If you want this readout to be spoken once a minute, set this item to 60.

Speak Readout's Units?: If you have enabled this readout to be spoken either on alarm, or periodically, 

setting this item to “Yes” will result in the readout’s units (if applicable) to also be spoken. For example 

“Altitude 2-8-8-6 Feet”.

Display Readout's Units?: If this item is set to “Yes”, the units of the readout (if any) will be displayed to the 

right of the readout.

7.1.2 Gauges and Swatches

Most of the numeric readouts can be displayed in gauge and swatch format, as well as numeric format.

Gauge format – In this mode, the readout can be displayed in bar graph format, with up to 5 colors indicating 

the present status of the readout’s value.

Swatch format – In this mode, the readout is a simple colored square, with programmable color changes, 

letting you easily see when readout needs your attention. You can also display the numeric value of the 

readout next to the swatch, if desired.

7.1.2.1 Gauge and Swatch Colors and Thresholds

The reading and color of a gauge (and the color of a swatch) is programmed by 

selecting the numeric thresholds for which a color change will occur, and selecting 

the total number of colors to choose from. For example, if you wanted a gauge that 

reads empty, and is red, when a readout reaches “10” or below, and that reads full, 

and is green, when the value reaches 20 or higher, you would set the number of 

colors to be 2, and you would set a threshold where you wanted the color change to 

occur (presumably 15, the midway point between the range of the readings).

7.1.2.2 Configuring Gauges and Swatches

To configure a readout as a gauge or swatch, first select the readout in the

Advanced Numeric Readouts menu as described above, and select the type of 

display desired for that readout in the “Display parameter as” item. Then, navigate

to the “Set Up Gauge/Swatch” menu.

7.1.2.3 The Gauge/Swatch Setup Menu

This menu lets you set up the colors and thresholds for a gauge or swatch readout.

Readout Name: This item indicates the readout being changed.

Number of Colors in Gauge: This item lets you select the number of 

colors that will be used for the gauge or swatch. The range is from 2 

to 5. Here are the colors that will display if you select 5 colors:

g) Green (indicates the best value of the readout)

h) Blue 

i) Yellow

j) Magenta (purple)

k) Red (indicates the worst value of the readout)
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If you select 4 colors, green, blue, yellow and red are used. If you select 3 colors, green, yellow and red are 

used. If you select 2 colors, only green and red are used.

Gauge/Swatch BEST Value: Here, you enter numeric value of the readout that you want to always display the 

green color. If a lower number is better for the readout, such as with altitude, you would enter the lowest 

value here. If a higher number is better, such as with voltages, you would enter the highest number here. 

Please see the examples at right. For the “Transmitter Voltage” 

readout, the best value is set to 12.60 and the worst is 10.80. The 

gauge will be green and show full at 12.60V or higher, and will show 

empty and be red at 10.80V or lower. 

For the “Barometric Altitude” readout, the best value is set to 0, and 

the worst value is set to 400. The gauge will be green and show empty

at 0 or lower, and will show full and be red at 400 or higher. 

Until you enter the WORST value below, and autofill the thresholds, a warning about the thresholds 

being incorrect will appear at the bottom of the menu. This is normal.

Color Threshold 1, Color Threshold 2, Color Threshold 3,

Color Threshold 4: The color thresholds let you set the values for the readouts where the color changes will 

occur. The simplest way to set these up is to set up the best and worst values, and select “Autofill Thresholds” 

below. This will divide the thresholds equally between the best and worst values. Or, you can manually 

change them if you want a different distribution.

Gauge/Swatch WORST Value: Here, you enter numeric value of the readout that you want to always display 

the red color. If a lower number is worse for the readout, such as with voltage, you would enter the lowest 

value here. If a higher number is worse, such as with altitude, you would enter the highest number here. 

Autofill Thresholds!: Select this item to autofill the color thresholds as described above.

7.1.2.4 Special note about the Motor Voltage (Pack Voltage) Readout

For the Motor Voltage readout, the values entered for thresholds need to be per-cell voltages (i.e., 4.2), rather 

than overall pack voltages. The Vector automatically detects the cell count for your pack, so you can switch 

between packs of different cell counts, without needing to reset the pack voltage swatch settings each time.

7.1.3 The Advanced Graphics/Indicators Menu

The menu is similar to the basic Graphics/Indicators menu, except that it allows you to select the OSD screens 

on which the graphics and indicators appear, and you can also enable display of additional battery gauges and 

waypoints in this menu.

7.2 Using Optional RPM and Temperature Sensors

The Vector supports both an external temperature sensor (micro or loop type) and a brushless RPM 

sensor. As of this writing, the existing Eagle Tree temperature and RPM sensors require modifications 

to work with the Vector. Eagle Tree plans to release Vector versions of these sensors later.
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7.2.1 Temperature Sensor 

Assuming the Aux2/M6/Temp Vector port is not being used to control a servo or motor output, you can 

connect a MODIFIED Eagle Tree “Micro Temp Sensor” (P/N TEMP-MICRO) or “Motor Loop Temp Sensor” (P/N 

TEMP-LOOP) to that port, and display and log temperature.

The simple modification of the sensor involves carefully removing the sensor’s bottom wire from the servo 

housing, using a probe or needle to gently lift the tab on the housing, and placing that wire in the top position of 

the housing, as shown below.

7.2.2 Brushless RPM Sensor 

7.2.2.1 Brushless RPM Sensor Setup

Assuming the Aux1/M5/RPM Vector port is not being used to control a servo or motor output, you can connect 

a MODIFIED Eagle Tree “Brushless RPM Sensor” (P/N RPM-BRS-V2) to that port, and display and log RPM. DO 

NOT connect an Optical or Hall (Magnetic) RPM sensor to the Vector! It could be damaged if you do.

The simple modification of the sensor involves carefully removing the sensor’s red and black wires from the 

servo housing, using a probe or needle to gently lift the tabs on the housing, and reversing the red and black 

wires, as shown below.

Additionally, the following should be noted about using an RPM sensor with the Vector:

1) Never power your receiver with greater than 6V when using an RPM sensor. Doing so could damage 

the RPM sensor. 

2) Dropouts of RPM readings can occur with high RPMs. If you see the RPM sensor reading 0 at higher 

RPM, an additional modification to the RPM sensor is required:

a. Obtain an MA2C029TAF diode at digikey.com, or 

another distributor.

b. Install it in the black wire of the brushless RPM 

sensor, as shown. 

Temp Sensor BEFORE Modification Temp Sensor AFTER Modification

RPM Sensor BEFORE Modification RPM Sensor AFTER Modification
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7.2.2.2 Brushless RPM Sensor Hookup and Configuration

For correct RPM sensor readings, you need to let the Vector know the number of “poles” your brushless motor 

has. This setting is entered in the “Num Brushless Motor Poles” section of the Calibration and Sensor Setup

menu.

Please refer to the Brushless RPM Sensor manual found on the “manuals” tab of our website for information on 

how to connect the brushless RPM sensor to your motor, and how to determine the number of poles your 

motor has.

7.3 Waypoints

The Vector supports up to 26 waypoints. The Vector displays the Waypoints graphically on the OSD screen, 

making it easy for you to fly to them manually.

At this time, the Vector will not 

autonomously fly to waypoints.

7.3.1 Configuring Waypoints

Waypoints are configured in the software, by 

selecting the “GPS Waypoints Setup” tab.

Internet connection is required to 

configure waypoints.

On this tab, you can zoom in to the desired 

area, and add your waypoints by just clicking 

on the map.

You can also configure the first waypoint (Waypoint A) to be the home position. This lets you set the home

point without needing to move the model physically to that point. 

Check the “User Waypoint A as Home Position” checkbox to enable this feature.

For the Home Waypoint feature to work, the model must get its first GPS position fix within about 500 

feet (152 meters) of the programmed home waypoint. Otherwise, an error message will appear in the 

notification area, and the current GPS position will be used instead.

7.3.2 Showing Waypoints on the OSD

To display waypoints on the Vector OSD screen, navigate 

to the “Advanced Graphics/Indicators” menu from the OSD 

Setup menu.

On that page, change the “Waypoints” item to “Scrn 1” to 

display the waypoints on the main OSD screen.

Once the GPS gets a good fix, the waypoints will appear 

graphically on the screen. The waypoints are color coded, 

to let you know which waypoint to fly to next (in sequence 

from Waypoint A to the last waypoint you configured).

l) Next waypoint – yellow with black outline

m) Visited waypoints – green with black outline
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n) Unvisited waypoints – purple with black outline

As you fly over the next waypoint, it changes from yellow to green, and the next waypoint in the sequence turns 

yellow.

The scaling of the waypoints on the screen is based on the “RADAR Maximum Radius” setting in the “Graphics 

and Indicators Setup” menu. If a waypoint is farther away than the maximum setting, the colors are inverted 

(the next waypoint would be black with yellow outline, for example).

7.4 Data Logging

Your Vector has a powerful built in Flight Data Recorder,

which logs a large number of flight parameters and 

notification messages. Having data from your flight can 

take the guesswork out of troubleshooting in-flight 

issues, as well as keeping a record of your flights for later 

enjoyment. The logged data can be downloaded with the 

software, and viewed with our charting utility or with 

Google Maps.

7.4.1 Configuring Data Logging

By default, data logging is configured to log only when 

the model is flying (or armed), and the logged data will 

automatically be cleared to make room for new data

when the logging buffer fills. These settings increase the likelihood that logged data will be available for 

analysis if something goes wrong with your flight. 

Several additional options are available for choosing when to log data, which data to log, and how often to log 

data. These options can be configured under the “Data Logging Setup” menu.

If you choose to have data logging stop when the buffer is full, don’t forget to clear the logging buffer 

before each flight, from the Preflight menu.

7.4.2 Downloading, Viewing and Saving Logged Flight Information

With the software, you can download flight information from the Vector, view the data, and save it for later 

retrieval.

7.4.2.1 Downloading Data

To download and view logged data, connect the Vector to USB, and select the “EagleEyes and Data Logging” tab 

under the ”EagleEyes, Data Logging and Flight Map” branch in the tree view, and click the “Download from 

Vector” button.

7.4.2.2 Viewing Data

To view logged data on a chart, click the “Display Chart of Logged Data” button.

To view logged GPS Data with Google MapsTM, navigate to the “Google Flight Map” tab.
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7.4.2.3 Viewing Flight Notifications

After downloading data, you can view the 

notification messages and warnings that 

appeared on the OSD screen during flight. To 

do this, click on the “View Flight Notifications” 

button. See section 9 for the meanings of 

flight notification messages.

7.4.2.4 Sessions

Each time you power on the Vector, a new 

“Session” is created in the data log. This 

makes it easy to differentiate data between 

different flights. Sessions are indicated with vertical gray bars on the chart, and individual sessions can be 

selected on both the chart and the Google Flight Map views.

7.4.2.5 Saving and Loading Data Files

To save a data log file for later use, click the “Save Logged Data To Disk” button in the “EagleEyes and Data 

Logging” tab of the software.

To load a previously saved file, click the “Load Data File from Disk” button.

7.4.2.6 Using ExcelTM to View Data

The log files are compatible with Excel TM spreadsheet software, and other spreadsheet products supporting space 

delimited data files. 

To load a saved data file in Excel, click the Open option in Excel, and type “*.FDR” in the file name field. Then navigate to 

the location where you saved the .FDR file, and click on the file. 

Excel should then bring up the “Text Import Wizard”. Choose the “Delimited” option, and on the next page choose “Space”

delimiter. The data should then load correctly in Excel. 

7.4.3 Additional Data Logging and Telemetry Features
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Several additional advanced features for data logging and 

telemetry are available. These features include:

o) Exporting flight data to Google EarthTM or Google TracksTM

p) Playing back data files with gauges and instruments

q) Displaying live telemetry data from the EagleEyesTM FPV 

Station, either numerically, via Google EarthTM, or on the 

chart. 

To access these features, check the “Show Advanced Telemetry 

Page” checkbox on the “Eagle Eyes and Data Logging” tab in the 

software. Click on the “File” and “Setup” menu items on the 

advanced telemetry page for more information.

7.5 Advanced RTH Setup

Advanced RTH configuration is done on the “Advanced Safety Mode” 

menu, shown below.

7.5.1 Home Altitude Mode

The Home RTH Altitude feature lets you set up two different RTH 

altitudes, which can be useful if you need a higher RTH altitude for 

part of the return home. To configure home altitude mode, you set 

the altitude you want the model to reach when it is close to home (the inner altitude), and choose the distance 

from home that will specify when to use 

the inner altitude.

To configure dual RTH altitudes, follow 

these steps:

1) First, select the desired mode by 

changing the “Home RTH Altitude 

Mode” on the Advanced Safety Mode 

menu. The settings available are as 

follows:

r) Disable: The second (inner) RTH altitude settings are ignored. This is the default.

s) Normal: When your model comes closer than the “Home Altitude Radius” set below, and RTH is active, 

the model will descend or climb to the "Home RTH Altitude" specified below, and return home per your 

settings.

Throt Off: (fixed wing only) This is the same as “Normal” mode above, except that the throttle 

is turned off when the model is closer than the “Home Altitude Radius,” which would normally cause your 

model to descend to the ground, using the stabilizer to keep the wings level. This feature is useful if your 

model returns home, but you still cannot regain RC link. Note: if your model easily stalls with the motor off, 

this may not be a good option for you!

2) Next, set the “Home RTH Altitude” item to the desired inner RTH altitude (the altitude that RTH will target 

when closer than the distance radius below).

3) Set the “Home Altitude Radius” item to the desired distance from home at which the model will target the 

"Home RTH Altitude" described above.
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7.5.2 Other Advanced RTH Settings

7.5.2.1 Minimum Speed for RTH

The “Minimum Ground Spd (0 disable)” menu item is useful if you are flying in windy areas, and RTH could 

be triggered downwind. If your model is returning to home at a speed lower than specified ground speed, 

RTH will use your 'Climb' throttle setting instead of the 'Cruise' throttle setting to attempt to increase your 

RTH speed.

7.5.2.2 Enabling Low Altitude RTH (Fixed Wing only)

If you fly in such a way that it’s necessary to have RTH engage the propeller at altitudes below the normal 

altitude cutoff (such as if you fly off cliffs, or otherwise fly below the altitude of the takeoff point) you can 

set the “Permit low alt RTH (Caution!)” menu item to “Yes”. Setting this to “Yes” defeats the Vector’s 

automatic disabling of RTH throttle control below altimeter readings of about 60 feet (20 m). 

Since enabling this option increases the likelihood that RTH will inadvertently activate your throttle on 

the ground, it should be used with extreme caution! 

7.5.2.3 Disabling PCM Glitch Detection

In addition to checking to see if your receiver is in failsafe mode, as an additional layer of protection the Vector 

also monitors the health of the signals coming from your receiver. If the Vector sees receiver pulses that are 

out of spec (too long or too short), or if servo pulses stop altogether for a channel, RTH will be triggered. 

Eagle Tree occasionally gets reports of receivers (usually low cost ones) that will sometimes send invalid 

signals even when they have a good link. If you see RTH triggering with the message “RTH Engaged: Too Many 

Rx Glitches” or “RTH Engaged: Bad Rx Pulsewidths” and you are certain that the receiver is not losing link, and 

that there is not a loose connection when these occur, you can set “Disable PCM Glitch Detection” to “Yes”. 

Please note that if you do this, a broken wire or loose connection from your receiver will NOT trigger RTH!

7.6 Acoustic Variometer

The Vector includes a powerful acoustic variometer, with total energy compensation and other advanced 

features. The variometer sounds are provided via the Vector’s audio output to your video transmitter.

The variometer produces a varying tone, which changes as you ascend 

or descend at different rates. When ascending, the tone will be 

broken into pulses, with the tone frequency and the frequency of the 

pulses increasing as the rate of ascent increases. 

When descending, the tone will be continuous, with the tone 

frequency decreasing as your rate of descent increases.

Total energy compensation, which helps to eliminate “stick thermals,” 

is done electronically, using the optional pitot airspeed sensor 

(preferred) or the GPS ground speed if the pitot is not used.

The variometer is configured via the “Audio/Variometer Setup” menu, described below.

Mute Variometer: To enable the Variometer output, set this to “No.”

Set Variometer Volume: Sets the volume of the acoustic variometer. Note that the purpose of the volume 

control is to match the volume of the variometer with the volume of the flying sounds (if you use a 

microphone), and the voice alerts. 
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Vario Averager Seconds: This setting controls the averaging period of the variometer, in 10ths of a second 

units. For faster response, lower periods are recommended, but in rougher air longer periods may be required 

to avoid false alarms. 

Vario Minimum Sinkrate (Deadband): This setting controls the minimum sinkrate. Normally, this would 

be set to the standard sinkrate of your model, i.e., the rate at which it descends in smooth air with no thermals. 

When you descend at a rate greater than this sinkrate, the variometer will start to sound

Vario Minimum Climbrate (Deadband): This setting controls the minimum climbrate. When you ascend at 

a rate greater than this climbrate, the variometer will start to sound,

Set Vario Audible Tone Gain: This setting changes the amount the variometer pitch changes as the climbrate 

increases or decreases. If you are not hearing enough change, increase this parameter, and vice versa for too 

much frequency change.

Total Energy Comp Percent: This adjusts the scaling of the Total Energy Compensation calculation. 100% 

means that Kinetic Energy is converted into Potential Energy directly, i.e., any change in airspeed is assumed to 

directly negate any change in altitude. Less than 100% reduces the degree which airspeed change affects Total 

Energy, and increasing it above 100% increases the amount. 

Vario Off when Motor Running: This option disables the variometer tones when the motor is running, based 

on the amperage draw of the motor. This is useful for “motor 

gliders.” The variometer is off when motor current is more 

than approximately 1.5 amps.

7.7 Vector Calibration

The Vector is factory calibrated, and normally no further 

calibration is necessary. However, user calibration of some 

sensors can be performed. Calibration options are located on 

the “Calibration and Sensor Setup” menu.

7.7.1 Electrical Calibration

The voltage and amperage (current) readings for your motor 

pack, and the voltage readings for your transmitter pack, 

camera pack and receiver pack (if used) can be calibrated.

These calibrations are performed in the “Electrical Calibration” 

menu. For your convenience, all voltages and currents are 

displayed in real time on the electrical calibration page, so you 

can compare the Vector readings with the readings of your 

voltage and current meter as you change the settings.

Voltage Calibration: To calibrate voltages, change the “Voltage 

Factor” for the appropriate voltage. Increasing the factor 

increases the reported voltage, and vice versa.

Current Calibration: Calibrating the current sensor typically involves just increasing or decreasing the 

“Current Sensor Factor” as appropriate. 

One additional calibration setting for the current sensor is the “Zero Offset”. The zero offset is chosen to match 

the lowest level of current flow that the Vector’s current sensor can detect. Typically, this is about 300 mA (0.3 

amps). 
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If your current sensor’s true offset is 300mA, and the current offset is set to 0.3 in the menu, the Vector will 

always read 0.3 amps when the current draw is less than or equal 0.3 amps, but when the current climbs above 

0.3 amps, the Vector will correctly read that current. If your amp meter shows that you are drawing greater 

than 0.3 amps when your motor is not running (due to your video camera, video transmitter, the Vector, and 

other accessories), but the Vector is reading 0.3 amps, increase this setting until the Vector matches your 

meter’s reading. Note that an incorrectly set offset will only cause a very slight amount of error, so changing 

the offset is generally not needed.

7.7.2 Altimeter Calibration

The Vector’s altimeter is factory calibrated. When the Vector has been unpowered for a while, it is normal for 

a small amount of altimeter drift to occur over a few minutes, as the Vector warms up. When you reset the 

home position, or when you arm your multirotor, the Vector’s altimeter is automatically rezeroed, erasing any

drift.

But, if you see your Vector’s altimeter drifting more than a few feet (1-2meters) during warmup, and that is 

causing issues for you, you can calibrate it as follows:

1) Make sure that the weather is not changing, which can cause significant barometric pressure 

differences in a short period of time.

2) Leave the Vector completely unpowered for at least 30 minutes.

3) Have your transmitter ready, and apply power to the Vector (do this indoors).

4) Within 1 minute (the quicker the better) navigate to the Calibration and Sensors menu, select the 

“Altimeter cal (read manual)” item, and click the mode switch.

5) Don’t move the Vector until the calibration process completes (about 3 minutes). 

6) The calibration result (pass or fail) will remain in the notification area after the process completes.

7.7.3 Pitot Airspeed Calibration

If the optional pitot tube airspeed sensor is being used, and you find that the airspeed readings are too high 

or low, the "Airspeed Sensor Factor” on the Calibration screen can be used to adjust it. Increase this value 

if your pitot speed is too low, and vice versa.

7.8 GPS Configuration

Several settings for the GPS are provided, on the GPS Configuration menu.

7.8.1 Choosing the GPS Position Display Format

The GPS position can be displayed in 3 formats, controlled by 

the “GPS-On-screen display format” setting:

t) Decimal degrees (DDD.DDDDD°)

u) Degrees, minutes (DDD° MM.MMMM')

v) Degrees, minutes, seconds (DDD° MM' SS.S")

The GPS position display is most useful for letting you locate a 

lost model by entering the last displayed GPS position into a mapping program (such as Google MapsTM) on your 

laptop or phone. 

Many mapping programs will accept all three formats, but check to see which ones your program supports 

BEFORE you might need to use it!
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7.8.2 Changing the GPS Fix Quality Settings

In the “GPS Configuration” menu, several options are available for setting criteria for the minimum fix quality 

required. These criteria must be met before the home GPS position is finalized after boot-up. 

Additionally, for multirotors these criteria must be met at all times for GPS flight modes (loiter, etc.) to be 

enabled.

For multirotors, allowing for a worse than the factory default GPS signal to be used increases the 

likelihood of problems during GPS flight modes, such as large amounts of sudden drift during loiter!

Set Minimum Satellite Count: This lets you set the minimum number of satellites that must be in view. In 

general, the higher the number of satellites, the better the position reliability.

Require 3D GPS Fix: Set this to YES if you wish to wait until a 3D GPS fix is attained. 

Set Maximum HDOP: Horizontal Dilution of Precision (HDOP) is a measure of the GPS fix quality. The lower

this number is, the better the fix. The HDOP can vary with a variety of factors, including the position of the 

satellites in view relative to each other. As a very general rule, HDOP of 2.0 or less is highly desirable. HDOP 

less than 1.3 is desirable, but may not always be attainable. 

Seconds to Wait post GPS Fix: Set this to a non-zero value if you wish to specify the number of seconds that 

must elapse after the GPS signal meets the criteria above, before the home position is finalized. In many cases, 

even after the GPS reports it has acquired a good fix, waiting for additional time can improve the accuracy of 

the home position.

Happy Flying!!
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8 Troubleshooting

Issue Solutions 

My multirotor does not hold 

horizontal position well in 

the Loiter flight modes

If you are using a high power video transmitter (especially 1.3GHz), 

try hovering with your video transmitter turned off to see if the issue 

goes away. If the transmitter is the cause, see the GPS Fix 

troubleshooting section below.

Make sure your GPS module is getting an unobstructed view of the sky.

Make sure your compass is calibrated correctly.

Try adjusting the “GPS Position Hold” gain in the Advanced Stabilizer 

Settings menu. We recommend you change this in 10% increments.

My multirotor does not hold 

vertical position (altitude) 

well in altitude hold modes.

Try adjusting the “Vertical/Altitude Gain” gain in the Stabilizer 

Settings menu. We recommend you change this in 10% increments.

RTH: my fixed wing model 

doesn’t fly home fast enough, 

or flies home too fast

Increase or decrease the “Cruise Throttle Position” parameter in the 

Advanced Safety Mode menu, or rerun the Receiver Analysis Wizard 

and set a higher or lower cruise throttle position.

If high winds are causing slow return to home, you can program a

minimum RTH ground speed, by changing the “Minimum Ground 

Spd(0 disable)” parameter under the Advanced RTH menu. If the 

Vector detects the model is moving slower than this speed, it will 

increase the throttle from the “Cruise” setting to the “Climb” setting 

you provided when running the Receiver Analysis Wizard.

I cannot arm or get the 

motors to spin on my 

multirotor.

You cannot arm the system while connected to a USB connection. You 

must disconnect the USB cable and then reboot the Vector.

You must confirm your frame type during your first reboot. After 

selecting your frame, you will need to disconnect from the USB 

connection (if connected), reboot the Vector and then toggle your 

mode switch when the message comes up on your video screen to 

accept your frame type. For this reason, we recommend at least 

temporarily connecting a video monitor to the Vector to complete this 

step. Or, if you are certain you are correct about the frame type, you 

can reboot the Vector, wait about 5 seconds, then toggle your mode 

switch to accept the frame type without verifying it on the video 

screen (not recommended).

Note that as you hold the stick(s) in the arm position, the motors will 

pulse or “twitch” twice before the props will continuously spin. You 

must continue holding the stick(s) in the arm position during this 

sequence, or the multirotor will not arm. If preferred, the pre-arming 

twitches can be disabled by selecting “Allow Fast Arming?” option in 

the “Advanced Multirotor” stick menu, or under “Other Advanced 

Settings” on the Flight Controller tab in the software.

Be sure you are using the correct arming procedure outlined in section 
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"5.11.4 Arming and Disarming your Multirotor (Multirotor only)", 

specifically, you only move the throttle/rudder stick and must leave 

the elevator/aileron stick centered.

Why does my multirotor

bounce when landing?

Bouncing landings can usually be attributed to a few causes:

1) Pitch/Roll/Yaw Basic Gains are set higher than they need to be (try 

reducing these gains by steps of 20%)

2) The model has a very high thrust to weight ratio (it's too light)

3) Idle throttle is too high

In general, we recommend that the throttle level when in 2D No Hold

mode should be right around the center point when you're hovering. A 

larger battery, smaller props, lower kV rating, more weight, lower idle 

throttle or lower pack voltage can all accomplish these things. To 

assist in troubleshooting, adding some additional weight to the model 

in order to dampen out the bounce will let you rule insufficient weight 

in or out. 

The motors on my 

multirotor are not spinning 

at the same speed, what is 

wrong?

As soon as the multirotor is commanded a positive throttle level 

(above mid-point for altitude hold modes, and above ~5% for nonhold modes) while sitting on the ground, you will see the motors 

changing RPMs as its "integrator" functionality is activated. In simple 

terms, the Vector is constantly re-trimming the motors so that it will 

fly accurately even with an imbalanced frame. When it's on the 

ground, however, the motors will try to spin up or down until the 

multirotor is matching the currently commanded pitch/roll angles 

from your control stick. The more level your model is, the slower the 

spin up will be. In addition, as soon as you're flying, the model will 

quickly trim itself to level.

The Vector has numerous failsafes to try to prevent arming under 

unsafe condition. When you arm your multirotor, you should see all of 

its props spinning at roughly the same speed. Once you increase 

throttle from 0%, the motors should all spin up. It is normal for one 

prop to begin gradually spinning up more than the others. If any prop 

stops spinning or fails to start spinning when you are at 0% throttle, 

then there is likely a problem with either the Idle Throttle setting or 

your ESC calibration.

RTH: my multirotor returns 

home too fast or too slowly

Increase or decrease the “Return Home Ground Speed” setting in the 

Advanced RTH menu. It is recommended to change this setting in 

small increments.

RTH/Loiter: My fixed wing 

model turns too fast or too 

slowly toward home, when 

returning home or in loiter 

mode

Increase or decrease the “Maximum Roll for RTH/Loiter” in the 

Advanced RTH menu. The angle should be increased if the model is 

turning too slowly and vice versa. It’s recommended you change this 

setting in steps of 5 to 10 degrees.

Increase or decrease the “Turn Gain” setting in the Advanced RTH 

menu. The gain should be increased if the model is turning too slowly, 
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and vice versa. It’s recommended you only change this setting after 

failing to fix the problem by adjusting the “Maximum Roll for 

RTH/Loiter” or if increasing that setting could create a stall risk for 

your airframe. Adjust this setting in about 10% increments. 

RTH: My model pitches or rolls 

(banks) too sharply or too 

shallowly during RTH.

Increase or decrease the “Maximum Pitch for RTH/Loiter” and/or 

“Maximum Roll for RTH/Loiter” settings in the Advanced RTH menu

RTH: My model climbs or 

descends too fast or too slowly 

during RTH

Increase or decrease the “Desired Climbrate” and/or the “Desired 

Descend/Sinkrate” settings in the Advanced RTH menu

RTH/Loiter: my fixed wing 

model circles too widely or 

too tightly around the loiter 

or home point

Increase or decrease the “RTH/Loiter Circle Radius” setting in the 

Advanced RTH menu.

See also the steps for troubleshooting if the model turns too fast or too 

slowly, above.

GPS: I am having trouble getting 

a GPS fix. Or, once GPS fix is 

acquired, it is periodically lost, 

or the GPS position seems to 

move around quite a bit when 

the model is stationary.

Always keep the GPS/MAG as far away from your video transmitter 

antenna, and your video camera, as feasible.

If you are using a 1.3GHz or 900 MHz video transmitter, it is probably 

generating spurious noise on the frequencies used by GPS. A good 

description of the causes and solutions of this problem is located here: 

http://www.dpcav.com/data_sheets/whitepaper_GPS.pdf. 

Try testing the GPS with as many devices powered down as possible and 

then add them back one at a time, and look for GPS degradation. Note: You 

can connect the video output from the Vector’s "Video Tx" connector 

directly to a monitor or goggles to test powering off your video 

transmitter.

Audio: I hear static, buzzing or 

humming only when the OSD is 

showing information on the 

video screen.

 Increase your Vector “Black Level” setting in the OSD Setup menu. 

 If you don’t have the audio input of your video transmitter connected 

to anything, try connecting it to the Vector Audio Harness, and 

plugging the harness into the Vector’s audio port, as described earlier.

Audio: I have set up voice 

alarms, but am not hearing them, 

or they are faint.

 Verify that “Mute Voice Alerts” is set to “No” in the 

Audio/Variometer Setup menu. 

 Increase “Set Voice Alerts Volume” in the Audio/Variometer Setup

menu if the sound is too low, compared to your microphone 

volume.

 Verify that your wiring is correct. Especially, make sure that the 

audio channel (left or right) that is coming from the Vector is the 

same one you are listening to on the ground.

Video: I am seeing video 

“smearing” or lines on the video 

screen, that correspond with the 

Increase your Vector “Black Level” setting in the OSD Setup menu. 
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location of text on the screen.

Video: I am having trouble 

reading the Vector text through 

my goggles.

 Try increasing or decreasing the “Black Level” setting in the OSD 

Setup menu. 

 Increase the “Color Brightness” in the Color Setup menu.

 If a particular color is hard to read, either set intensity of that color

to “High”, or change your settings to not use that color, in the Color 

Setup menu. 

 Select “White” for “Numeric Parameters Color” in the Color Setup 

menu. Then, the “White Level” setting in the OSD Setup menu will 

let you change the brightness of the white text.

I am having problems with my 

Vector which I haven’t been able 

to resolve otherwise.

 Make sure you are running the latest Vector firmware, as 

described in the “Firmware Update” section.

 Consider performing a “Factory Reset” on your Vector, which will 

restore the Vector to factory defaults. This can be done either 

with the “Factory Reset” button in the software (at the bottom of

the screen) or with the option in the Advanced Radio Control stick 

menu.

Software: the configuration does 

not launch, or exits shortly after 

starting.

 Try running the software in Windows XP Compatibility mode

 Try running the software “As Administrator”

The Vector is not detecting my 

receiver’s S.BUS output.

If using S.BUS2TM with the FutabaTM RX R7008SB receiver, be sure you 

select FASTTtestTM 18 channel or 14 channel modes and link to the 

receiver from the transmitter’s menu.

My receiver does not turn on. The Vector does not power your receiver or servos. You will need to 

power your receiver and servos as you would in a non-Vector model, such 

as with a stand-alone BEC, a BEC built into your ESC, or a separate battery 

pack. 

Whatever power is provided to your receiver will be routed through the 

Vector to your servos, via the Receiver Connection Harness. Whatever 

power is provided by an ESC’s BEC will be routed through the Vector to 

your receiver and servos. 

You can alternatively use the 5 volt tap from the PSU (if not being used to 

power a 5 volt camera or video TX) to power your receiver on multirotors. 

Please see section 3.5.6, “Powering your Receiver on Multirotors" for 

additional info. 
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9 Notification Messages

During boot-up and normal operation, the Vector constantly checks its status and settings, and the status of any 

connected accessories. If an issue is detected, the Vector will display a message in the OSD notification area

either temporarily or until the issue is resolved, depending on the importance of the message.

The table below describes these messages, and what they mean. Note that it is unlikely you will ever see most 

of these messages.

Onscreen Notification Meaning of Message 

2nd Aileron Input not Detectd

You configured the Vector to receive a mixed 2nd aileron signal from 

your transmitter, but that signal is not detected. Check your wiring and 

receiver settings.

2nd Ailrn Issue:Rerun Wizard!

You configured the Vector to receive a mixed 2nd aileron signal from 

your transmitter, but that signal was not correctly detected when you 

ran the Receiver Analysis Wizard. Please check correct operation of the 

2nd output from your transmitter, and rerun the wizard.

2nd Elevatr Input not Detectd

You configured the Vector to receive a mixed 2nd elevator signal from 

your transmitter, but that signal is not detected. Check your wiring and 

receiver settings.

2nd Elvtr Issue:Rerun Wizard!

You configured the Vector to receive a mixed 2nd elevator signal from 

your transmitter, but that signal was not correctly detected when you 

ran the Receiver Analysis Wizard. Please check correct operation of the 

2nd output from your transmitter, and rerun the wizard.

2nd Rudd Issue: Rerun 

Wizard!

You configured the Vector to receive a mixed 2nd rudder signal from 

your transmitter, but that signal was not correctly detected when you 

ran the Receiver Analysis Wizard. Please check correct operation of the 

2nd output from your transmitter, and rerun the wizard.

2nd Rudder Input not Detected

You configured the Vector to receive a mixed 2nd rudder signal from 

your transmitter, but that signal is not detected. Check your wiring and 

receiver settings.

Aileron Issue: Rerun Wizard! 

When you ran the Receiver Analysis Wizard, the Vector did not detect 

correct movement of the aileron input. Check your wiring and settings 

and run the wizard again.

Ailron or Elevatr undetected!

The Vector did not detect your aileron and/or elevator signal during 

boot. Either these wires are not connected correctly, or your receiver or 

transmitter was not powered during boot.

Airframe Not Set You have not yet set the airframe type, which is required to use the 

Vector’s flight controller.

Airframe Type Change Detected

This message will appear, along with an image of the presently selected 

airframe type, when you first boot the Vector after changing the 

airframe type. You must OK the airframe type by clicking the mode 

switch once while this message is displayed on the screen.

Altimeter not detected! If you repeatedly see this message, DON’T FLY and contact support.

Alt Hold Failing: Vib too hi!

The Vector has detected that there is too much vibration for altitude 

hold to work correctly. 

Alt Hold Reset: Vib too high!

The Vector has reset the altitude hold logic, due to continued 

excessive vibration.

Alt Hold Failure: Vib too hi!

The altitude hold function has failed, due to continued excessive 

vibration.
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Calibration error- see manual

This message is displayed if an error has occurred with the optional 

altimeter calibration step.

Can't arm when RTH triggered!

If you try to arm when the Vector is in RTH mode (normally because the 

mode/submode switches are set to “RTH Test”), this message will 

appear.

Can't change when knob used! 

The controller gains cannot be changed in the menus when the gain 

knob is enabled for that gain.

Can't do that while flying! 

You’ve attempted a menu operation that cannot be done while flying (or 

armed). 

If the altimeter or speed sensor(s) are drifting considerably, the 

Vector may think that your fixed wing model is flying, when it is not. 

Resetting home or rebooting the Vector should remedy the issue.

Channel not detected! 

This message will be displayed when you are running the Serial Rx 

Learn wizard and the requested channel was not detected. This is ok if 

the requested channel is not needed with your setup.

Compass Needs Recalibraton! 

This indicates that the Vector has detected issues with the compass 

calibration. Please recalibrate the compass. This can also happen if the 

compass is rotated, not mounted firmly or level with the Vector, or is 

temporarily near large metal objects.

Compass not Calibrated! 

You have enabled the compass, but have not yet run the compass 

calibration.

Control stick not centered! 

Your control stick must be centered to arm the multirotor. If your 

control stick is centered, please rerun the Receiver Analysis Wizard

again.

Elevator Issue: Rerun Wizard!

When you ran the Receiver Analysis Wizard, the Vector did not detect 

correct movement of the elevator input. Check your wiring and settings 

and run the wizard again.

Emergency reboot occurred! If you see this message, DON’T FLY and contact support.

Error: External sensor issue!

This message indicates there was an issue communicating with either 

the GPS/MAG, or the pitot speed sensor. If this happens repeatedly, a 

cable is loose or damaged, or there’s a power or sensor problem.

Error: Internal sensor issue! If you repeatedly see this message, DON’T FLY and contact support.

ERROR: Too far from Home 

This message will be displayed if you try to reset the home position 

more than about 500 feet (150 meters) from the GPS’s first fix location

ERROR: too far off level! 

This message will appear if you invoke the “Record Flat Level Mounting” 

function, but the Vector is mounted too far off level, or the model is not 

presently level enough.

ESC saturation detected!

For multirotors, while trying to respond to your stick movements or 

other perturbations, the Vector has driven one or more ESCs to its 

maximum output. During high speed forward flight, it’s possible that 

the amount of thrust needed to keep the multirotor in the air will exceed 

the maximum throttle that can be applied to the ESCs. In this scenario, 

the message will be displayed. 

This message is informational only and does not necessarily indicate an 

error condition, although it can be useful to help diagnose unexpected 

flight behavior. It may help to think of it in similar terms as Electronic 

Traction Control in a car. When displayed, it means that the motors on 

your multirotor are reaching the limits of their capability.
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85

External bus error! 

This message indicates there was an issue communicating with either 

the GPS/MAG, or the pitot speed sensor. If this happens repeatedly, a 

cable is loose or damaged, or there’s a power or sensor problem.

Flight Battery Not Detected 

The low battery autoland feature has detected that no battery is 

connected.

Flip crash detected! Disarmed If the Vector detects that the multirotor has flipped over after a crash, it

will disarm the motors to try to avoid burning them out.

Flyaway detected-Disarming! 

The Vector has detected an uncontrollable flyaway condition due to 

miswiring or bad configuration, and is disarming the motors to avoid 

loss of the multirotor. 

Freefall detected!!! 

This is an informational message that will display if the Vector detects a 

freefall. This would normally only occur if total loss of motor power or 

thrust has occurred, or if the multirotor has been disarmed during flight.

Gain Knob used but undetected

This message will appear if you configured the gain knob, but the 

Vector’s gain receiver input is not detecting a signal during boot.

GPS Status: Awaiting first fix Indicates that the Vector is waiting for the GPS to acquire a fix.

GPS Status: Awaiting 3D fix

Indicates that the Vector is waiting for the GPS to acquire a 3D fix. See 

GPS Configuration menu.

GPS Status: Awaiting Enough Sats

Indicates that the Vector is waiting for the GPS to acquire enough 

satellites. See GPS Configuration menu.

GPS Status: Awaiting HDOP 

Accuracy

Indicates that the Vector is waiting for the GPS to have a low enough 

HDOP (Horizontal Dilution of Precision). See GPS Configuration menu.

GPS Status: Post-Fix Countdown

Indicates that the Vector is waiting for the amount of time specified after 

the GPS fix is finalized, in the GPS Configuration menu.

GPS Not Connected! The Vector has detected that the GPS is not connected. Check cabling.

GPS Fix Lost!

This indicates that the GPS has lost its position fix. All GPS modes, 

including RTH, will be disabled until it regains a fix.

GPS/Compass has old Firmware!

This message indicates that the firmware on the GPS/MAG needs to be 

updated. GPS/Mag firmware updates automatically occur when you 

update the Vector firmware, as long as you have the GPS/MAG

connected to the Vector at the same time.

Gyro not detected! If you repeatedly see this message, DON’T FLY and contact support.

Home Waypoint too far away! 

You set up a Home Waypoint in the software, but that waypoint is more 

than about 500 feet (152 meters) from the GPS’s first fix location.

Idle throttle being reduced! 

The Vector has detected that you are commanding the multirotor to 

descend by throttling down, but the multirotor is not descending, 

possibly due to too high of an idle throttle setting. Please land and 

reduce your idle throttle.

Impact Detected! This message tells you what you probably already knew. :(

Kill Switch Activated!! This message appears when you activate the motor kill switch.

Landing - Poor GPS or Mag 

This message indicates that the model is landing (normally during RTH) 

if the GPS signal or compass calibration is too poor to continue returning 

home.

Lipo cell count incorrect? 

This message is displayed at boot when low battery autoland is enabled, 

and you have connected either an almost dead battery, or a battery that 

is overcharged. If you have manually defined the number of cells in your 

battery for the autoland function, this message will also be displayed if 

the detected cell count does not match the stated number.

Logging Buffer is Full 

This message will appear when the data logging buffer is full, if you have 

disabled automatic clearing of the logging buffer.
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Loiter Off - Poor GPS or Mag 

This message indicates that loiter is being disabled due to poor GPS 

signal or compass calibration.

Low Battery Voltage Detected! This message is displayed during flight if low battery autoland is 

enabled, and if the minimum cell voltage you specified has been reached.

Magnetometer not detected! 

This message will appear if the compass is enabled, but not detected 

(normally due to the GPS/MAG being unconnected).

Maximum Altitude Exceeded! 

The maximum altitude you programmed on the RTH/Safety Mode page 

has been exceeded.

Maximum Distance Exceeded! 

The maximum distance from home you programmed on the RTH/Safety 

Mode page has been exceeded.

Memory malfunction detected! If you repeatedly see this message, DON’T FLY and contact support.

Menus disabled during flight!

This message appears if you have not enabled in-flight menu access 

(under Advanced Radio Control) and you attempt to enable menu mode 

during flight.

Mode Switch not detected 

This message will appear during boot-up if the mode switch signal input 

is not detected.

Motor Kill Input not Detected This message will appear during boot-up if you have configured a motor 

kill switch, the switch signal input is not detected.

Moving or gyro decalibrated! You have attempted to arm with the multirotor not completely still. Or, 

if the multirotor is still, please rezero the gyros.

Multirotor is ARMED! This message indicates you have successfully armed the multirotor.

Multi not level enough to arm

During the arm sequence with the Vector in a 2D flight mode, the Vector 

has detected that the multirotor is not sitting level on the ground (at too 

high of a bank) or that the Vector is not mounted level on the multi.

Multirotor is DISARMED! This message indicates you have successfully disarmed the multirotor.

Multirotor Stability Issue! 

This message indicates that the Vector is unable to fully control the 

multirotor. This can happen due to thrust loss (broken prop or power 

system issue) or the message can appear briefly during very aggressive 

piloting, and will go away once the Vector regains control.

Must enable gain knob first! 

If you try to enable the gain knob to control one or more of the gains, 

this message will appear if you have not configured the gain knob.

Need non-GPS on Mode/Submode 

You need to program your mode/submode switches so that at least one 

of the positions will enable a non-GPS mode (2D, 2D with hold, 3D, etc.).

New Receiver Mode detected! 

This message will appear during boot if the Vector detects that a new 

type of receiver (SPPM, etc.) is being used.

No RTH! Mode Sw unprogrammed

This message will appear during boot if the Vector detects that you have 

selected “Mode Switch” RTH trigger method, but have not defined a 

mode or submode switch that activates RTH.

Outputs Off: Airframe Changed

The Vector’s outputs are disabled because you have changed the 

airframe type.

Outputs Off: bad Calibration If you see this message, contact support.

Outputs Off: Bad Throt Range 

The Vector’s outputs are disabled due to a problem with the throttle 

settings. Please check your throttle wiring and rerun the Receiver 

Analysis Wizard.

Outputs Off: Hardware Issue If you repeatedly see this message, contact support.

Outputs Off: no Airframe Type

The Vector’s outputs are disabled because you have not yet selected an 

airframe type.

Outputs Off: Rerun Wizard 

The Vector’s outputs are disabled due to problems detected by the 

Receiver Analysis wizard, so please rerun it.

Outputs Off:Airframe not OK'd

The Vector’s outputs are disabled because you did not ok the new 

airframe type (by clicking the mode switch) during boot-up.
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Outputs Off:bad Configuration

The Vector’s configuration settings are invalid. You will need to fully 

reconfigure the Vector. If this message is repeated, please contact 

support.

Please arm in non-GPS mode! 

The Vector must be in a non-GPS mode to arm, unless you have enabled 

GPS mode arming in the advanced multirotor menu.

Please run RC Wizard! Please run the Receiver Analysis wizard to continue.

Power Brownout Detected! 

The Vector rebooted due to low voltage from the Vector’s power source. 

This could be caused by overheating, a loose connection, or low battery.

RTH Flyaway detectedLanding!

If RTH has been activated for some time, and the Vector detects the 

multirotor is moving away from home rather than towards home, this 

message will appear and the Vector will land the multirotor at its 

present location. This condition could be caused by bad compass 

calibration, a loose or rotated compass, high wind, or a configuration 

problem. Note: You must disarm and rearm the multirotor before RTH 

will function again, once this message appears. 

RTH Engaged: Move sticks to 

cancel

RTH has been triggered by the mode/submode switches, either 

intentionally, or due to the receiver commanding this switch 

combination during failsafe

RTH Engaged: Too Many Rx 

Glitches

RTH has been triggered because the receiver is no longer sending 

signals to one or more channels.

RTH Engaged: Bad Rx Pulsewidths RTH has been triggered because the receiver is sending invalid pulses 

(too short or too long) to one or more channels.

RTH Engaged: Rx Failsafe Detected RTH has been triggered because the Vector has detected that the 

receiver is in failsafe

Rudder Issue: Rerun Wizard! 

When you ran the Receiver Analysis Wizard, the Vector did not detect 

correct movement of the rudder input. Check your wiring and settings 

and run the wizard again.

S-BUS Error Detected! 

The Vector detected a communication problem with the S-BUS link. This 

could be caused by a loose connection, a power problem, or an issue 

with your receiver.

Submode Input not Detected! 

You configured a submode switch, but the Vector did not detect a signal 

at the submode input during boot.

Throttle Failsafe Incorrect! 

You have selected “Throttle Failsafe” method of receiver failsafe 

detection, but the Vector detected that your receiver’s throttle failsafe 

position is either too close to, or higher than, your normal throttle off 

position. Please read the section in the manual on throttle failsafe 

detection.

Throttle Issue: Rerun Wizard!

When you ran the Receiver Analysis Wizard, the Vector did not detect 

correct movement of the throttle input. Check your wiring and settings 

and run the wizard again.

Too much movement - aborting!

You invoked the “Record Flat Level Mounting” or “Rezero Gyros” 

command, and the Vector detected that the model was moved during the 

operation.

USB Mode - Outputs Disabled 

The Vector’s outputs are disabled whenever the USB cable is connected, 

and they remain disabled until AFTER you disconnect the USB cable 

AND reboot the Vector.

Warning: Too much vibration 

The Vector has detected that the vibration levels are too high, which 

can cause control issues.
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10 Description of Numeric Readouts

The following numeric readouts can be configured for display. Some require optional hardware.

Numeric Readout Name Description 

Main Pack Voltage Voltage of the pack connected to the current sensor

Transmitter Voltage Voltage at the "Vid Tx” power connection of the video harness

Camera Voltage Voltage at the "Cam/Mic” power connection of the video harness

Receiver Voltage Voltage at the Vector’s servo outputs

Sensor Temperature Temperature of the optional temperature sensor

Ambient Temperature Approximate air temperature, obtained from the GPS/MAG sensor

Barometric Altitude Zero referenced altitude, from the onboard pressure sensor

Pitot Airspeed Airspeed from the optional pitot airspeed sensor

RPM RPM reading from the optional RPM sensor

Main Pack Current Current flowing through the current sensor

Main Pack Wattage Voltage X Current at the current sensor

Prop RPM (Headspeed) Same as RPM reading above

Main Pack mAH Used The milliamp hours through the current sensor since bootup

Mode Rx Input % 

The measured pulsewidth at the Vector’s mode switch input (0% = 1 millisecond, 

100% = 2 milliseconds)

Gain Rx Input % The measured pulsewidth at the Vector’s gain knob input, if used

Aileron Rx Input % The measured pulsewidth at the Vector’s aileron input

Elevator Rx Input % The measured pulsewidth at the Vector’s elevator input

Throttle Rx Input % The measured pulsewidth at the Vector’s throttle input

Rudder Rx Input % The measured pulsewidth at the Vector’s rudder input

Submode Rx Input % The measured pulsewidth at the Vector’s submode switch input, if used

Kill Switch Rx In % The measured pulsewidth at the Vector’s kill switch input, if used

2nd Aileron Rx In % The measured pulsewidth at the Vector’s 2nd Aileron input, if used

2nd Elevator Rx In % The measured pulsewidth at the Vector’s 2nd Elevator input, if used
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2nd Rudder Rx In % The measured pulsewidth at the Vector’s 2nd Rudder input, if used

Aileron/M2 Output % 

The pulsewidth being sent to the Vector’s Aileron/M2 output (0% = 1 millisecond, 

100% = 2 milliseconds)

Elevator/M3 Output % The pulsewidth being sent to the Vector’s Elevator/M3 output 

Throttle/M4 Output % The pulsewidth being sent to the Vector’s Throttle/M4 output 

Rudder/M1 Output % The pulsewidth being sent to the Vector’s Rudder/M1 output

Aux1/M5 Output % The pulsewidth being sent to the Vector’s Aux1/M5 output, if configured

Aux2/M6 Output % The pulsewidth being sent to the Vector’s Aux2/M6 output, if configured

G-Force X Axis The g-force measured in the X axis

G-Force Y Axis The g-force measured in the Y axis

G-Force Z Axis The g-force measured in the Z (vertical) axis

Pitch The amount of pitch from level, in degrees

Roll The amount of roll from level, in degrees

Yaw 

The amount of yaw motion, in degrees (When the compass is enabled and 

properly calibrated, this represents the heading relative to true North)

Climbrate The model’s present climbrate

Vario(TEC Climbrate) The model’s present climbrate, after Total Energy Compensation has been applied

GPS Satellite Count The number of satellites in view, as reported by the GPS

Receiver RSSI The present RSSI %

GPS Groundspeed The present ground speed of the model, as reported by the GPS

GPS Altitude The zero referenced altitude, as reported by the GPS

GPS Course The present true course heading, as reported by the GPS

GPS HDOP The present HDOP, as reported by the GPS

Spektrum Rx Holds 

Receiver health information from the SpektrumTM FlightlogTM data port. Find the 

SpektrumTM FlightlogTM manual online for more information

Spektrum Lost Frames “” 

Spektrum Ant A Fades “” 

Spektrum Ant B Fades “” 
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Spektrum Ant L Fades “” 

Spektrum Ant R Fades “” 

Distance to Pilot The present horizontal distance between the home point and the model

Line of Sight Distnc

The present horizontal and vertical distance between the home point and model, 

calculated using the Pythagorean theorem

Cumulative Distance 

The total distance traveled by the model since boot-up, in either miles or 

kilometers

Home Arrow 

Indicates the direction the model is traveling, relative to the home point. An up 

arrow means you are traveling toward home.

Distance to Waypoint Distance to the active waypoint

Call Sign Displays your amateur radio call sign for 15 seconds every 10 minutes

Logger Buffer % Used Indicates the percentage of the logging buffer that is presently used

EagleEyes Pan % 

If the EagleEyes tracker is used, displays the present pan servo % being 

commanded to the tracker.

EagleEyes Tilt % 

If the EagleEyes tracker is used, displays the present tilt % being commanded to 

the tracker.

mAH used/Unit Distnc

Calculates the approximate milliamp-hours you are using per mile or per 

kilometer, at the model’s present speed and current draw

Flight Time Remainng

Estimates the remaining flight time, based on the total pack capacity, the 

milliamp-hours used so far, and the present current draw.

Magnetic Compass Displays the reading from the magnetic compass, corrected to true north.

Rx Link Quality 

Displays the link quality for receivers that provide this information via the SPPM 

stream.

Reserved Reserved for future use

11 Regulatory

The Vector has been tested with a typical installation and was found to comply with EU EMC requirements. As 

with any change or addition to an R/C system, you are strongly advised to carry out a range and performance 

check before operating the equipment. 
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12 Limited Warranty

Eagle Tree Systems, LLC, (ET) warrants to the original purchaser (the Purchaser) that the purchased product 

(the Product) will be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of one (1) year from the date 

of original purchase. This limited warranty is nontransferable. 

This limited warranty does not cover problems that result from: 

 External causes such as accident, abuse, misuse, or problems with electrical power 

 Acts of God

 Commercial use

 Servicing not authorized by ET

 Product not purchased from an ET authorized dealer

 Usage that is not in accordance with the Product instructions

 Failure to follow the Product instructions 

OTHER THAN THE EXPRESS WARRANTY DESCRIBED ABOVE, ET MAKES NO OTHER WARRANTY OR 

REPRESENTATION OF ANY KIND, AND HEREBY DISCLAIMS ANY AND ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES, 

INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF NON-INFRINGEMENT, 

MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. THE PURCHASER ACKNOWLEDGES THAT 

HE OR SHE HAS DETERMINED THAT THE PRODUCT WILL SUITABLY MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE 

PURCHASER’S INTENDED USE.

Remedy of Purchaser

ET’s sole obligation and purchaser’s sole and exclusive remedy shall be that ET will replace or repair the 

Product, at our option. REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT AS PROVIDED UNDER THIS WARRANTY IS THE 

PURCHASER’S SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDY.

Limitation of Liability

ET SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR SPECIAL, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, LOSS OF 

PROFITS OR PRODUCTION OR COMMERCIAL LOSS IN ANY WAY, REGARDLESS OF WHETHER SUCH CLAIM IS 

BASED IN WARRANTY, CONTRACT, NEGLIGENCE, TORT, STRICT LIABILITY OR ANY OTHER THEORY OF 

LIABILITY, EVEN IF ET HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. Further, in no event 

shall the ET’s liability exceed the retail sales price of the Product on which liability is asserted. 

As ET has no control over setup, use, assembly, modification or misuse of the Product, no liability shall be 

assumed nor accepted for any resulting damage or injury. By the act of setup, use, or assembly, the user accepts 

all resulting liability. If the purchaser or user is not prepared to accept the liability associated with the use of 

the Product, the purchaser is advised to return the Product immediately in new condition to the place of 

purchase.

Obtaining Warranty Service

If the Product requires warranty service during this period, please email us at support@eagletreesystems.com

or open a support ticket with us at http://ticket.eagletreesystems.com for further instructions. 

All technical information in this manual is subject to change without notice. All non Eagle Tree brand and product names 

referenced in this manual are trademarks of their respective holders.