This section describes how to control your vehicle using the DeltaQuad Controller.
Auterion Mission Control is installed on your DeltaQuad Controller. This is the main application to control your UAV and the installed payload(s). Before launching AMC please carefully review the DeltaQuad Controller section.
Before starting a flight a mission needs to be planned to instruct the vehicle on the takeoff and landing patterns.
This can be done by planning a full mission in the Plan View or by planning a takeoff and landing in the Fly View.
For example, when flying a survey mission with a mapping sensor, you can choose to plan a full mission in the Plan View. For a speedy deployment during a surveillance mission, it might be more practical to plan only the takeoff and landing in the Fly View. It is possible to take control of the vehicle after the takeoff and initiate a Return command when the mission has ended. The vehicle will use the landing pattern from the mission plan or from the planned landing to execute a return command.
When starting AMC the Fly View is displayed. You can choose to plan the takeoff and landing in the Fly View. For a full mission, you need to switch to the Plan View. You can switch to the Plan View by pressing the Plan View icon in the left-side command bar.
Please review the mission planning section for detailed information on how to plan a mission.
Once your mission is uploaded you can return to the Fly View by pressing the Fly View icon in the left-side command bar. If you created a takeoff and landing in the Fly View it is not necessary to switch views. Once you have performed the pre-flight checks you can start the mission by pressing and holding the Mission Start button. If the button is not displayed you can press the Action button in the left-side command bar. The Mission Start button will reappear. When pressing and holding to confirm the takeoff your vehicle will start its motors and takeoff.
Before starting your first flight, you will need to be familiar with the DeltaQuad Controller button and joystick functions as described in the DeltaQuad Controller section.
NOTE: Before launching, make sure all switches are in their center position, all dials are turned all the way to the left, and the deploy button is switched off.
Once the vehicle is launched and has transitioned to fixed-wing flight mode, you can control the flight of your vehicle through the following methods.
While the vehicle is in flight, you can select the Orbit or Fig 8 command from the pilot controls on the left side of the screen. Tap anywhere on the satellite map to choose the Orbit's or Fig 8's location. On the right side of the screen, the altitude slider will appear. By dragging it up and down you can set a desired altitude for the orbit or Fig 8.
After confirming the command by pressing and holding the command button, the vehicle will change course to the set location and adapt to the set altitude. When orbiting the DeltaQuad will keep a radius of 100m.
The vehicle can be controlled using the right-side joystick (2).
To activate the joystick control, switch the flight mode switch (1) to ALTITUDE mode. In this mode, the vehicle will fly in a straight line at its current altitude until a joystick command is received.
Moving the joystick left or right will make the vehicle change direction.
Moving the joystick forward or backward controls the altitude of the vehicle. A forward (up) joystick movement moves the nose of the vehicle down and decreases altitude. A backward (down) joystick movement pulls the nose of the vehicle up and increases altitude.
If the vehicle loses connection to the DeltaQuad Controller while it is flying in Altitude mode, it will automatically return home, regardless of the Safety settings.
NOTE: For inexperienced pilots, the joystick controls can seem counterintuitive. It is recommended to practice joystick operation in close proximity while flying at sufficient altitude.
When giving an Orbit or Fig 8 command, the altitude can be changed. A vertical slider will appear on the right side of the screen that allows you to select a new altitude. Once the correct altitude is selected, and the location for the Orbit or Fig 8 command is chosen slide the slider to confirm the command.
When the vehicle is following a mission path, it will always track the altitude as defined in the mission plan. When resuming a mission the vehicle will immediately change the altitude to match the currently active waypoint.
When the vehicle is in ALTITUDE, HOLD, or TARGET FOLLOWING mode, the mission can be resumed by moving the flight mode switch to the MISSION position. Alternatively, the mission can be resumed by tapping on the ACTION button on the FLY screen and selecting "resume mission".
Please make sure to disengage the TARGET FOLLOWING mode before returning to MISSION flight mode.
At any point in the flight, the vehicle can be returned by activating the RETURN button (4). Alternatively, RETURN mode can be activated by tapping on the RETURN button on the FLY screen, and sliding to confirm the command.
In RETURN mode, the vehicle will immediately fly towards the landing pattern that was defined in the mission. The landing pattern consists of a circle-to-altitude item, a direction and altitude on which to exit the circle, and a landing coordinate.
When the RETURN mode is activated, the vehicle will fly at its current altitude towards the 'circle to altitude' part of the landing pattern. When reaching this location the vehicle will circle down to the indicated altitude, and complete the circle until it has reached the indicated exit heading of the circle. It will then proceed toward the landing coordinates, transition to multirotor flight mode, and land in the indicated position.
The multirotor mode should not be used for more than 90 seconds as the system can overheat when utilized longer.
The most common situation where it is practical to use stick control in multirotor mode is during the landing to reposition the Evo if necessary.
This can be achieved by using the NUDGE function.
After the Evo transitioned from fixed-wing mode to multirotor mode, the vehicle will deploy the landing gear and descend to the planned landing point.
The operator can halt the descent by moving the left joystick up. The Evo will hold its altitude and position. The RIGHT joystick (2) controls the position of the vehicle. Moving this joystick, forward, backward, left, or right changes the position of the vehicle relative to its current heading.
The LEFT joystick (6) controls the vehicle's altitude and heading. Moving the joystick UP will halt the descent. Moving the joystick to its middle position or down will continue the descent. Moving the joystick left or right changes the heading (yaw) of the vehicle.
Controlling the Evo in Altitude mode when flying as a multirotor should be avoided due to its temporary drivetrain limitations. Flying manually for longer than 90 seconds in multirotor mode is not recommended.
During takeoff or landing, your vehicle is in multirotor mode. Multirotor mode means the 4 motors for Vertical takeoff and Landing are activated.
To take control of the vehicle in multirotor mode, change the flight mode switch to ALTITUDE mode. In this mode, the vehicle will hold its position and altitude until joystick commands are received.
The LEFT main joystick (6) controls the vehicle's altitude and heading. Moving the joystick UP will increase the altitude. Moving the joystick down will decrease the altitude. Moving the joystick left or right changes the heading (yaw) of the vehicle.
The RIGHT joystick (2) controls the position of the vehicle. Moving this joystick, forward, backward, left, or right changes the position of the vehicle relative to its current heading.
In this section, we will discuss how to bind the DeltaQuad Controller with the DeltaQuad Evo air unit.
After a factory reset has been performed on the DeltaQuad Controller, it might be necessary to rebind the controller with the air unit located in the DeltaQuad Evo. Please follow the steps below.
Power on the DeltaQuad Evo and the DeltaQuad Controller. Open Auterion Mission Control. In the upper right corner of the screen, the Radio icon is located. If it has a strike-through and the radio link is not available, a rebinding is required.
Remove the hatch of the avionics bay by loosening the two screws with a Torx tool (T10).
Please use a medium-strength lock bond when tightening the screws again.
In the avionics bay you will see the radio modem. Push the SET button. This puts the modem into the bind mode. When in bind mode, the LED of the modem rotates through different colors.
On the Controller, open the Radio Settings app.
Open WIRELESS PARAMETER CONFIGURATION.
Tap on FREQUENCY MATCHING.
Click on Confirm.
After the binding process has been successful, a connection will be established between the DeltaQuad Evo and the DeltaQuad Controller.
The DeltaQuad Evo Enterprise Edition comes with the DeltaQuad Controller. It provides the communication link between your UAV and the ground systems.
The following section gives a basic overview of the DeltaQuad Controller and its functionality.
The DeltaQuad Controller has three working frequency bands of 800MHz(806-826Mhz), 1.4GHz(1427-1467Mhz), and 2.4GHz(2401.5-2481.5MHZ). It comes with interchangeable antennas to match the frequency band of choice.
The 800MHz frequency band is not capable of transmitting a video link.
To connect your UAV to the DeltaQuad Controller simply switch on the UAV and press and hold the POWER button (5) on the controller for 5 seconds. Once the controller is booted up, the main menu will display.
Before launching your flight control system it is recommended to connect the controller to a mobile hotspot or Wi-Fi network. The controller uses internet connectivity to load satellite maps and for LTE connectivity to the UAV. The DeltaQuad controller must be connected to a 5Ghz mobile hotspot or WiFi network. As one of the primary communication links for the controller is based on 2.4 GHz, these networks will not be displayed. When using a mobile phone hotspot, please configure the hotspot for 5 GHz. Alternatively, you can insert a SIM Card for internet connectivity.
Except for switch 1, and push buttons 4 and 5, no other switches, dials, or push buttons have a dedicated function.
Before takeoff, always center all switches, and turn all dials to the left.
For the advanced operator, it is possible to assign functions to unassigned switches or dials. This will be discussed in a later chapter.
Under NO circumstances attempt to fly the DeltaQuad Evo in Manual Mode! We do not recommend assigning the Manual Mode to any of the switches or reassigning this mode to any of the programmed switches.
The DeltaQuad controller comes with a rich interface offering HDMI, 4G SIM card, USB, Type-C, LAN, Micro SD card, and PPM.
*The HDMI port only supports a resolution of 1900x1200. When using the HDMI port to connect to an external display, you need to make sure that the resolution of 1900x1200 is supported by the external display. It is not possible to change the HDMI output resolution in the controller.
The DeltaQuad Controller can operate continuously for approximately 5 hours. If more operation time is required, the controller can be charged during operation.
To charge the controller, open the rubber cover between the antennas and attach the provided USB charger to the USB-C port. The controller requires high-voltage charging. Standard USB chargers or USB sockets from laptops are not always capable of providing high voltage, but they will extend the battery life of the controller.
To shut down the controller, press and hold the power button until the shutdown menu appears. Select "Power off" to shut down the controller.
The following section describes how to connect a laptop or Android device to the DeltaQuad Controller.
Requirements:
Auterion Suite account to download the latest AMC version.
An AMC-compatible device such as a Windows, Linux, or macOS computer or Android device.
A hotspot.
A powered DeltaQuad Evo system (UAV + Controller).
Log into your Auterion Suite account on the device of your choice. Select the latest version of AMC and choose your operating system.
Download and run the installer. On Windows, a window might pop up saying Windows protected your PC. Click on More info and Run anyway.
Install AMC by following the instructions.
Power up your DeltaQuad Evo system (UAV and Ground Control Station). Make sure a radio connection has been established.
Create a hotspot on your smartphone. Connect both devices, the DeltaQuad Controller and the computer or tablet, to the hotspot.
On the DeltaQuad Controller, open the Evo Control Panel.
Remember the WiFi: IP address.
On your secondary device, open AMC. Go to the AMC menu in the upper left corner of the screen and open the Comm Links tab. Click on Add in the lower bottom of the screen.
Name the Comm Link. Choose UDP as the Type. The listening port is 14550.
Add a target host which is the WiFi IP address displayed in the Evo Control Panel on the DeltaQuad Controller.
It consists of 4 numbers divided by three dots. At the end of the IP address type a colon and the 5760 which is the port. See the example below.
Click on OK. Choose the Comm Link you want to connect with and click on Connect at the lower part of the screen.
A connection should be established within seconds. Switch to Fly View to see the telemetry and data link.
Power up your DeltaQuad Evo system (UAV and Ground Control Station). Make sure a radio connection has been established.
Connect the secondary device to the DeltaQuad Controller via USB by using the USB-C connection on top of the DeltaQuad Controller.
If not automatically done, USB Tethering must be enabled on the DeltaQuad Controller. You need to navigate to the settings menu (cogwheel).
You can do that by sliding your fingers from the top of the screen downwards. A quick menu will open. Click on the small cogwheel.
Another way to navigate to the settings is by sliding your fingers from the bottom of the screen upwards. A menu with all apps will be displayed. Select the Settings app (cogwheel).
In the settings menu, search for USB and select USB Preferences.
Enable USB tethering.
On the DeltaQuad Controller, open the Evo Control Panel.
Remember the USB: IP address.
On your secondary device, open AMC. Go to the AMC menu in the upper left corner of the screen and open the Comm Links tab. Click on Add in the lower bottom of the screen.
Name the Comm Link. Choose UDP as the Type. The listening port is 14550.
Add a target host, which is the USB IP address displayed in the Evo Control Panel on the DeltaQuad Controller.
It consists of 4 numbers divided by three dots. At the end of the IP address type a colon and the 5760 which is the port. See the example below.
Click on OK. Choose the Comm Link you want to connect with and click on Connect at the lower part of the screen.
A connection should be established within some seconds. Switch to Fly View to see the telemetry and data link.
The following section describes how to do a factory reset on the DeltaQuad Evo Controller.
If the DeltaQuad Controller is experiencing issues such as app malfunctioning, crashes, or general malfunctioning, performing a factory reset can often resolve these issues.
Follow the steps below to reset your controller to its factory settings:
Power on the controller.
Go to the Settings.
Go to System.
Navigate to Reset options.
Choose Erase all data (factory reset).
This process might take a few minutes. After the factory reset, make sure that the controller and all apps work properly. If problems should persist, please contact [email protected].
Switch position
Mode
Functionality
↑ Up
Altitude mode
The DeltaQuad will automatically hold its altitude and direction until changed by the stick input. For flight stabilization and navigation, it will only rely on the IMU and not make use of the compass and GPS.
- Neutral
Altitude mode
The DeltaQuad will automatically hold its altitude and direction until changed by the stick input. For flight stabilization and navigation, it will only rely on the IMU and not make use of the compass and GPS.
↓ Down
Mission mode
When engaging the Mission mode the DeltaQuad will continue it's mission from the active waypoint.
Number
Type
Function
1
3 position switch
FLIGHT MODE
UP: Altitude flight mode
CENTER: Altitude flight mode
DOWN: Mission flight mode
2
Right joystick
In hover mode
Stick up: move forward
Stick down: move backward
Stick left: move left
Stick right: move right
In fixed-wing mode
Stick up: descend (nose down)
Stick down: climb (nose up)
Stick left: bank left
Stick right: bank right
3
Joystick
Gimbal zoom
4
Push button
Return to Land
NOTE: RTL must be deactivated before the vehicle will accept any other commands.
5
Push button
POWER
Press and hold for 5 seconds: power on/off
Press: screen on/off
6
Left joystick
In hover mode
Stick up: climb
Stick down: descend
Stick left: yaw left
Stick right: yaw right
In fixed-wing mode
Stick up: gimbal up
Stick down: gimbal down
Stick left: gimbal left
Stick right: gimbal right
Number
Interface
6
HDMI*
7
4G SIM card slot
8
USB
9
Type-C
10
LAN (RJ45)
11
Micro SD card slot
12
PPM