## XD500CFR Ready-to-Fly
Made in the USA by 

## X cel lent Drones @ www.xceldrones.com

Page | 1 Updated picture to be added



# Ready-to-Fly XD500CFR APM Controlled System 

# USER MANUAL

## XD500CFR Ready-to-Fly
Made in the USA by 

## X cel lent Drones @ www.xceldrones.com

Page | 2 

### Congratulations you on your purchase of the Ready-t o-Fly XD500CFR APM** controlled and GPS enabled quadcopter multi-r otor system. The newly designed XD500CFR offers engineering adva ncements in the mid-sized quadcopter multi-rotor platform, for exam ple; dihedral angled arms for greater stability in flight and aerial video / photography; a carbon fiber rod embedded in each arm creates a more robust vehicle capable of carrying higher payloads. Just a few quick steps before you are enjoying your flying experience.

• Charge the 5500mAh battery

• Read the multi-rotor safety guidelines

• Attach the propellers

• Take the XD500CFR outdoor and enjoy the flight!

Xcellent Drones’ Ready-to-Fly XD500CFR kit contents : a) XD500CFR Quadcopter multi-rotor with 5.8GHz wire less radio transmitter b) Ground station with 7” HD monitor and 5.8GHz wir eless receiver c) Lipo 5500mAh battery d) Turnigy 9x radio transmitter e) 2D Tarot gimbal f) User manual g) CD with Mission Planner software and training vi deos (quadcopter flying and creating waypoints)

** Notes: APM is an award winning flight controller based on the open source project from 3D Robotics, available under creative commons license.

## XD500CFR Ready-to-Fly
Made in the USA by 

## X cel lent Drones @ www.xceldrones.com

Page | 3 

## Table of Contents

1 Charge the 5500mAH battery for the XD500CFR

................................................... ......................... 4 2 Attach the propellers

.................................................. ................................................... ........................ 4 3 Instructions for the navigation lights, status lights and battery monitor ........................................ 4 4 Transmitter functions and general settings

.................................................. ..................................... 6 6 Flight Modes Explained

.................................................. ................................................... ................... 8 7 Failsafe Mode

.................................................. ................................................... .................................. 12 8 Mission Planner Software

.................................................. ................................................... ............. 12 9 XD500CFR Spares/Parts Lists

.................................................. ................................................... .... 13 Multi-rotor Safety Guidelines

.................................................. ................................................... ............. 14 General

.................................................. ................................................... ................................................. 1 4 Before starting

.................................................. ................................................... ..................................... 14 During the flight

.................................................. ................................................... ................................... 15 After the flight

.................................................. ................................................... ...................................... 15 Checklist (pre-flight check)

.................................................. ................................................... ................ 15 In-the-Field Pre-flight Checklist

.................................................. ................................................... ......... 16

## XD500CFR Ready-to-Fly
Made in the USA by 

## X cel lent Drones @ www.xceldrones.com

Page | 4 

### 1 Charge the 5500mAH battery for the XD500CFR

DO NOT INSTALL THE PROPELLERS ON THE XD500CFR AT TH IS TIME! Connect the 5500mAH battery to your charger. Plug t he charger into an outlet, so it can begin to charge the battery. The battery must be fully charg ed before each flight.
** Flight time varies with payload, wind conditions , altitude, temperature, humidity, flying style, an d pilot skills.



### 2 Attach the propellers

i.Use the red caps to attach propellers to the moto rs on the XD500CFR arms labeled ‘3’ and ‘4.’

These motors spin clockwise. ii. Use the black caps to attach propellers to the motors on the XD500CFR arms labeled ‘1’ and

‘2.’ These motors spin counter-clockwise.

• Failure to install the propellers correctly or on the correct motor could cause your

XD500CFR to flip over when throttle is applied for takeoff.

• Do not over tighten the caps on the prop adapters.



### 3 Instructions for the navigation lights, status lights and battery monitor

Status lights at the rear of the XD500CFR Large RED indicator LED light for arm/dis-arm - Flashing when dis-armed and solid

when armed - The XD500CFR is ready for takeoff

when the red indicator remains steady. The GREEN indicator LED light for GPS signal lock. The green indicator blinks when less than 7 satellites from the GPS system is detected. The green indicator light remains steady when 7 or more satellites are detected by the GPS system.

## XD500CFR Ready-to-Fly
Made in the USA by 

## X cel lent Drones @ www.xceldrones.com

Page | 5 Navigation lights on the XD500CFR - downward facing GREEN LED lights on the two front arms Downward facing RED LED lights on the two
rear arms

The motors will begin to spin when the XD500CFR is armed – large RED led remains solid.
The orange ball at the front of the XD500CFR helps with orientation during flight.
The GREEN indicator LED must be solid before you pu t the XD500CFR in LOITER/GPS Hold or RTL modes.



### Battery voltage monitor and alarm
Connect the battery alarm/monitor to the balance le ads of the battery before each flight. This provides a visible and audible indicator as to the status of the battery voltage b efore, during, and after the flight.



### Land immediately when the battery monitor begins to emit audible beeps. Flying on a low battery can cause damage to the Lip o battery and crash the XD500CFR.

## XD500CFR Ready-to-Fly
Made in the USA by 

## X cel lent Drones @ www.xceldrones.com

Page | 6 

### 4 Transmitter functions and general settings

**Flight Mode F. MODE GEAR** Stabilize / Manual N Down Altitude Lock N Up Loiter/GPS Hold 1 Down Direction Lock 1 Up Auto 2 Down Return-to-Launch (RTL) 2 Up

Before the XD500CFR can be armed for flying, the fl ight mode switches must all be in the normal position. Flight modes are exp lained in Section 6. Power on/off (Up position on) Flight mode/F. Mode

selector

Forward/Backward Left/Right Up/Down (Throttle) Rotate Left /Rotate Right GoPro Camera

Tilt Up/Down

Up/Down trim

Rotate left/Rotate Right trim

Edit keys LCD Display Panel Menu/Edit keys Forward/Backward trim

Left/Right trim

Hook (for optional neck strap) Gear

## XD500CFR Ready-to-Fly
Made in the USA by 

## X cel lent Drones @ www.xceldrones.com

Page | 7 

### 5 Basic Operation 1) Binding a) Turn on the transmitter first. Check before turn ing on the transmitter that the throttle stick is at the lowest point. b) Install the battery on the top plate of the XD50 0CFR and secure it using the Velcro strap. Connect the battery connector (connected to the red /black cable) to the XD500CFR connector and the smaller connector to the battery alarm/monitor. A fully charged battery should read between 12.1 and 12.6 volts on the batt ery monitor. The Red indicator light and the Green indicator light, at the back of the X D500CFR, will blink rapidly. Please do not move or shake the XD500CFR at this time.



### 2) XD500CFR Arm/Dis-Arm a) XD500CFR Arm: Put the throttle stick of the radi o to the bottom right position. When the Red light becomes steady, the motors will begin to spin. The XD500CFR is ready for takeoff! b) XD500CFR Dis-Arm: Put the throttle stick of the radio to the bottom left position. When the Red light begins to flash, after a few seconds the motors will stop spinning. The XD500CFR is dis-armed. Disconnect the battery befor e handling the XD500CFR.

Generally when arming you should stand behind the X D500CFR with its nose pointing directly away from you. While flying you should try to keep the XD500CFR flying in front of its starting position because if it flies behind you all the con trols will feel reversed.



### 3) GPS lock a) When the green indicator light remains solid, th e XD500CFR has locked unto 7 or more GPS satellites. b) To avoid accidents, please do not use the GPS mo des (Loiter/GPS Hold and Return-toLand) indoors.

## XD500CFR Ready-to-Fly
Made in the USA by 

## X cel lent Drones @ www.xceldrones.com

Page | 8 

### 4) The Controls
Below is a brief description of how each of the tra nsmitter controls works and how they are used to fly Xcellent Drones’ XD500CFR a) Aileron control moves the XD500CFR in the left a nd right directions. This is also referred to as roll. b) Elevator control moves the XD500CFR forwards and backwards. This is also referred to as pitch. c) Rudder control rotates the XD500CFR, right=>cloc kwise or left=>counter-clockwise. This is also referred to as yaw. d) Throttle controls the up and down vertical movem ents of the XD500CFR.

• The XD500CFR will not arm if any of the flight mod es are selected on the radio transmitter.

• The transmitter must be turned on before powering up the XD500CFR multi-rotor.

• After landing, disconnect the power to the XD500CF R before turning off the transmitter.



### 6 Flight Modes Explained
Xcellent Drones’ XD500CFR is configured for six (6) flight modes, which are activated using the various switches on the Turnigy 9X transmitter. As your experience and comfort level increases, you can try the more advanced flight modes, like Ac ro mode. You can also connect the XD500CFR, via the USB port, to your computer and us e Mission Planner to modify the flight modes and access additional features, for example, waypoint programming.



### a) Stabilize / Manual Mode
After the XD500CFR is armed, push the throttle stic k up to lift off. Small movements of the rudder (left/right), elevator (forward/backward) and ailer on (rotate the XD500CFR) on the radio transmitter are required to fly the XD500CFR. Larg e movements of the control sticks on the radio transmitter could result in the system responding f aster than you may be able to control.



### b) Altitude Lock
In altitude hold mode, the XD500CFR maintains a con sistent altitude or height above the ground while allowing roll, pitch, and yaw to be controlle d by the pilot.

## XD500CFR Ready-to-Fly
Made in the USA by 

## X cel lent Drones @ www.xceldrones.com

Page | 9 

### c) GPS Hold / Loiter Mode
Once the XD500CFR is several feet above the ground and the green LED indicator light is steady, move the Flap switch to position ‘1.’ The system i s now in GPS Hold / Loiter mode. Since GPS Hold / Loiter mode attempts to maintain the XD500CF R’s position, it relies on the GPS system in the unit, which must be on (GREEN LED is solid and not flashing) and indicating that it is locked before takeoff. While in GPS Hold / Loiter mode alt itude can still be manually changed by raising or lowering the throttle. Disable GPS Hold / Loiter

.



### d) Direction Lock
This mode allows you to fly the XD500CFR as though it were pointed in the direction it was pointed when it was armed regardless of its current heading orientation. So if you hold the pitch stick forward the copter will fly away from you, pu ll the pitch stick back and it will come back towards home. You can even apply yaw to spin the c opter in any direction but the movement of the copter’s position relative to the stick inputs will behave exactly as it did at takeoff.

## XD500CFR Ready-to-Fly
Made in the USA by 

## X cel lent Drones @ www.xceldrones.com

Page | 10 

### e) Auto
In Auto mode the XD500CFR will follow a pre-program med mission script stored in the autopilot which is made up of navigation commands (i.e. waypo ints).

If starting the mission while the XD500CFR is on th e ground the pilot should ensure the throttle is down, then switch to the Auto flight mode, then rai se the throttle. The moment that the throttle is raised above zero, the XD500CFR will begin the miss ion. If starting the mission from the air the mission wi ll begin from the first command the moment that the flight mode switch is moved to Auto. If the fi rst command in the mission is a take-off command but the vehicle is already above the take-o ff command’s altitude the take-off command will be considered completed and the vehicle will m ove onto the next waypoint. At any time the pilot can retake control from the a utopilot by returning the flight mode switch to another flight mode such as Stabilize or Loiter. I f the pilot then switches to AUTO again, the mission will restart from the first command.



### f) Return-to-Launch (RTL)
RTL is a GPS-dependent mode, so it is essential tha t GPS lock is acquired before attempting to use this mode. Before arming, ensure that the XD500 CFR Green LED is solid and not flashing. The XD500CFR will record the current GPS coordinate s as the home point. RTL will command

## XD500CFR Ready-to-Fly
Made in the USA by 

## X cel lent Drones @ www.xceldrones.com

Page | 11 the copter to return to the home position, meaning that it will return to the location where it was armed.
When commanded to RTL, the XD500CFR will:
a) Achieve a minimum altitude of 15m (50ft) or main tain current altitude if above 15m, b) Move to launch point and loiter for 5 seconds, c) Land at launch point. You can intercept the RTL mode by moving the GEAR s witch to position ‘0,’ then continue to fly the XD500CFR as in the manual / normal mode.

• Be sure that you are in a large open area.

• The home position is always supposed to be your XD 500CFR’s actual GPS takeoff location, unobstructed and away from people, trees, buildings, etc.

• If you get GPS lock (XD500CFR Green LED is solid a nd not flashing) and then ARM the XD500CFR, the home position is the location the system was in when it was armed.

## XD500CFR Ready-to-Fly
Made in the USA by 

## X cel lent Drones @ www.xceldrones.com

Page | 12 

### 7 Failsafe Mode
The XD500CFR quadcopter will enter Failsafe mode wh en its connection to the Remote Controller is lost. The Flight Control System will automatically control the aircraft to return to hom e and land to prevent injury or damage.

Failsafe will activate when: 1. The Remote Controller is powered off. 2. The XD500CFR has flown out of effective communic ation range. 3. The signal between the Remote Controller and the XD500CFR has been blocked. 4. There is interference causing a signal problem w ith the Remote Controller.



### 8 Mission Planner Software

1) Use the CD provided to install the latest versio n of Mission Planner on your computer. 2) Using the micro USB-cable provided, connect the XD500CFR to your computer. 3) Launch Mission Planner on your computer and in t he top right corner of the screen connect to the correct com port.

Add note that user can view video (on CD provided) showing the steps to create and fly waypoints.

## XD500CFR Ready-to-Fly
Made in the USA by 

## X cel lent Drones @ www.xceldrones.com

Page | 13 

### 9 XD500CFR Spares/Parts Lists
Spares and/or replacements parts for the XD500CFR c an be purchased from our website at www.xceldrones.com.

Item Number Description GF1045B 10x4.5 Propellers (sold in pairs, 1CW and 1 CCW) XD500CFR_ARM_BLU XD500CFR Replacement Arm – Blue XD500CFR_ARM_WHT XD500CFR Replacement Arm – White XD500CFR_BM 1000KV Base Motor 11.1V/3s 5500mAH Lipo batteryXD500CFR_CRASH_PKBM XD500CFR crash pack



### Fly with confidence! Get the XD500CFR crash pack at and be prepared to quickly repair your multi-rotor quadcopter in the event of a crash

.

## XD500CFR Ready-to-Fly
Made in the USA by 

## X cel lent Drones @ www.xceldrones.com

Page | 14 

### Multi-rotor Safety Guidelines
A Multi-Rotor is not a toy. These safety instructio ns are intended not only for the protection of the aircraft, but also to protect your own safety or ot hers. Improper operation can cause serious injury and property damage. We do not guarantee error-free behavior of the electronics or software. Despite careful preparation and review, we do not a ssume any warranty or liability (direct or indirect) for the accuracy of the software, hardwar e or information. Use the electronics at your own risk (this also applies to associated computer programs). Furthermore, we assume no liability for consequential damage to property or persons cau sed by the application. It is your responsibility to perform a full system test. In ca se of improper use a Multi-Rotor can be dangerous. Do not fly over people!



### General

• A Quadcopter Multi-Rotor is not a toy and not suita ble for children under 14 years.

• If you don’t have sufficient knowledge about the co ntrol of a model aircraft, please contact someone with experience.

• An appropriate (model aircraft) liability insurance is required. In general, model aircraft are not covered by standard liability insurance.


### Before starting

• Check the reliability of the Quadcopter Multi-Rotor

.
• The flight battery and transmitter battery must be fully charged.

• Always turn on the transmitter first and then the Q uadcopter Multi-Rotor.

• Watch for visible damage such as loose screws, brok en, unbalanced or damaged propellers, and faulty connectors or solder joints, broken prop s etc. especially after a crash.

• The propeller must be in a good condition and secur ely mounted. The rotors must spin smoothly. Please ensure that there are no objects a re in the rotational plane of the propellers or within a distance that poses a risk of obstructi on. Rotating propeller ends are dangerous to touch – never touch a rotating propeller with finge rs or other body parts.

• Ensure the appropriate audible beeps are head after connecting the Lipo battery balance port to the battery alarm/monitor.

• Ensure that the selected channel on the remote cont rol is free and that you’re within range of the transmitter.

• After starting the motors, check that all motors ar e running and rotate evenly. Please fly carefully at a low altitude until you know that eve rything is working fine.

• Perform a pre-flight check (see checklist below).

• Start manually – the quadcopter will not arm if any of the flight modes is selected on the transmitter switches.

## XD500CFR Ready-to-Fly
Made in the USA by 

## X cel lent Drones @ www.xceldrones.com

Page | 15 

### During the flight

• Do not take risks! Your own safety and that of your environment depend on the good behavior of the pilot. Always maintain a safe distance from people, animals and objects. Improper operation can cause serious injury and property dam age! Never fly towards viewers and avoid flying over spectators.

• Keep in mind that viewers could get close to the Qu adcopter Multi-Rotor, without being aware of potential dangers.

• Always turn off the Quadcopter Multi-Rotor first an d disconnect the flight battery before turning off the transmitter.

• Only fly in sight. In the case of manual control, y ou must be able to see the position and attitude.

• Never rely 100% on functions such as GPS, compass, or altitude control. You must always be able to take manual control of the Quadcopter Multi -Rotor.

• Reduce the throttle or switch off the motors in cas e of a crash or failure.

• Do not fly in blocked air space, such as in the vic inity of airports, etc.

• Pay attention to under-voltage warning -flying on a low battery can cause damage to the Lipos and crash.

• If a defect or malfunction has occurred, it must be corrected before the next start.

• When using GPS, take note that the position of the Quadcopter Multi-Rotor can change suddenly some meters. This is due to the earth’s mo vement in relation to the satellites in space. 

### After the flight

• Disconnect the battery and check all over for damag e. Make sure that there is no damage to the propellers.

• Always turn off the transmitter after disconnecting the batteries from the Quadcopter Multi-Rotor.

• After a crash the sensors and electronics might be damaged. Before the next start everything must be checked. 

### Checklist (pre-flight check)

• Weather conditions suitable (Beginners are advised to fly in conditions less than 15kts).

• Frame and all screws are tight.

• Propeller not damaged and tightly fixed.

• Battery fully charged, securely mounted and plugged into the battery alarm/monitor.

• Transmitter battery charged and the antennas are fr ee.

• Check RC (TX/RX) operation range (on the ground!) f rom time to time (and before 1st flight).

• Ensure there is nothing in the danger zone of the p ropeller.

• Ensure enough space for launch and flight.

• Ensure the GPS module (if any) has GPS fix – GPS gr een led light is solid and not blinking. For manual start ensure GPS and altitude controls a re turned off.

• Ensure the trim of the remote control is in neutral position. And the throttle is at the lowest level.

## XD500CFR Ready-to-Fly
Made in the USA by 

## X cel lent Drones @ www.xceldrones.com

Page | 16 

### In-the-Field Pre-flight Checklist

Item Pass/Fail Notes Weather conditions suitable

(Beginners are advised to fly in conditions less th an 15kts).
Frame and all screws are tight Propellers not damaged and tightly attached to moto rs Battery securely mounted and balanced lead plugged into battery alarm/voltage monitor Battery voltage for all cells reads between 12.3-12 .5 V
Transmitter batteries ok and the antenna free Check RC (TX/RX) operation range (on the ground!) f rom time to time (and before 1st flight). There is nothing in the danger zone of the propelle r There is enough space for launch and flight (no pow er wires close by or trees) GPS module has a GPS signal lock (GPS green indicat or led light is SOLID and not flashing) Trim of the remote control is in neutral position Throttle stick (left hand) is at the lowest level All flight mode switches are disabled