Integrating payloads

The DeltaQuad has been optimized for payload integration. The payload integration features consist of the following;

• Large payload bay located directly on the CG, this allows live swapping of payloads without having to re-balance the vehicle.

• Expandable blind mate connectors to allow electronics integration in the VTOL modules and wings

• Open source flight control with Mavlink compatibility

• Fully accessible secondary on-board computer for software integration

Payload specifications

Name	Value
Maximum payload weight (without Aux LiPo)	1.2Kg
Maximum payload weight (with Aux LiPo)	400g
Payload bay height:	80mm minimum (oval shaped)
Payload bay length:	120mm
Payload bay width:	200mm minimum (oval shaped)
VTOL module to fuselage connector	2 x power + 5 x signal + 5 x signal positions available
VTOL module to wing connector	3 x signal + 3 x signal positions available

Payload integration best practices

When integrating your payload it is recommended to stay within the payload bay, and as much as possible inside the fuselage. The DeltaQuads EPO foam is easy to modify and is also easy to glue. When installing a device that needs to sit outside of the vehicle (such as a camera gimbal) it is recommended to stay inside the fuselage as much as possible. External objects can cause drag and will make the vehicle perform less efficiently.

It is recommended to increase the cruise speed after installing an external object by a few percent, and slowly decrease the value based on the vehicles performance. The vehicle should fly at an average pitch angle between 3 and 8 degrees when flying level.

If the payload requires power it is recommended to install additional BEC units and not draw power from the primary avionics. An additional BEC can be installed by soldering it onto the wires that also power the avionics BEC.

If the payload consumes significant power the BAT_CAPACITY parameter should be reduced by the amount of energy the payload is estimated to consume over the course of an entire LiPo discharge.

It is recommended to perform a sensor calibration when integrating any additional payload containing any electric or metallic components.

Onboard computer integration

The onboard computer exposes mavlink locally and over the 4G VPN network on UDP port 14550. If integrating additional applications on the secondary computer, make sure your application does not flood the onboard computers CPU, this could result in loss of Telemetry and/or DSPS functionality.

Expanding the connectors

A Connector Expansion Set is available from the Vertical Technologies store. This set will enable you to expand a connector with 3 additional signal wires in wings that do not contain radio or video transmitters. The connectors are located between the fuselage and VTOL modules, and between the VTOL modules and the wings.

To connect a device from the wing to the electronics bay using 3 wires, 2 connector pairs will need to be extended and thus 2 sets will be required. The connectors from the fuselage to the VTOL modules have 5 positions available for expansion. The connectors from the VTOL modules to the wings have 3 positions available for expansion.

The connector pins are attached to 600mm 26AWG wire. This wire can be inserted through the front of the housing. Before inserting the connector some adhesive must be applied to the outside of the pin, ensure the adhesive does not cover the contact surfaces. Even if the pin inserts firmly into the housing it could become detached when the temperature changes and no adhesive was applied.

The connector housings can be unscrewed from the wing joiners for ease of access.

Note: Vertical Technologies can not be held responsible for any damage or failure resulting from improper use of the connector system.