Powering the Vehicle

In this section, we will explain how to power on the DeltaQuad Evo.

After placing the main battery as described in the chapter Main Battery Placement, connect the XT90 connector of the battery to the XT90 socket in the battery bay.

The XT90 socket is located on the right side of the battery bay (standing in front of the vehicle).

The XT90 connector and socket have key features that facilitate easy identification and proper alignment during connection. The interlocking shapes at the ends of the connector and socket must align to ensure correct placement. This design ensures that the connectors can only be plugged in one way.

Insert the XT90 connector of the battery into the XT90 socket of the Evo until it is fully seated.

Be sure to push the connector in fully to ensure a secure connection. If the connectors are not fully joined, the vehicle may still power on, but the connectors could overheat. During flight, vibrations might cause the battery plugs to come loose, which could result in the vehicle losing power.

Anti-spark Plug

An anti-spark plug, often found in XT90 connectors, is designed to prevent electrical arcing and spark formation when connecting or disconnecting the plug. This is particularly important in high-current applications, like those involving Li-ion batteries.

When you hear a crackling or popping sound while powering up the DeltaQuad Evo, it is likely that the initialization will not be completed due to sparking. Simply unplug the XT90 connector from the socket and then reconnect it. Ensure the movement is quick and avoid wiggling the XT90 back and forth.

Vehicle Initialization

When powering up the DeltaQuad Evo, it will go through an initialization routine that can be monitored on the OLED display located above the avionics bay.

DeltaQuad Evo starting the initialization

Checking payloads

First payload slot one will be identified

Secondly payload slot two will be identified

After the successful initialization, the OLED will read Ready to fly.

The final message reads "Ready to fly"

If the initialization cannot be completed due to an error, the OLED will display information on how to resolve it.

Below is a complete list of messages and their explanations.

Display message	Explanation
Ready to fly	The vehicle has found no errors and is ready to fly.
Left wing not detected	The left wing is not detected. Please attach the left wing.
Right wing not detected	The right wing is not detected. Please attach the right wing.
Reverse payloads	The heaviest payload should be in the rear (slot 1). This message indicates that the payloads should be reversed. The payload in slot 1 should be installed in slot 2 and vice versa.
No payloads found	The software has not found any payloads. When flying without payloads the empty payload boxes (placeholders) need to be installed.
Slot 1: No payload	No payload was found in slot 1 (rear payload). Both payloads should be occupied. With a dual payload, this message should not appear.
Slot 2: No payload	No payload was found at slot 2 (front payload). Both payloads should be occupied. With a dual payload, this message should not appear.
Slot 1 not Configured	The payload printed circuit board (PCB) for the payload in slot 1 has not been programmed.
Slot 2 not Configured	The payload printed circuit board (PCB) for the payload in slot 2 has not been programmed.
Balancing Error XXmm	The payload makes the vehicle to nose or tail heavy and cannot offset the center of gravity (CG) with the nose battery (between -5 and +35 is ok).
Automatic balancing	The system is balancing the vehicle by moving the nose battery fore or aft.
Arming denied: XX	Arming UAV is denied because of reason XX.
Battery not fully charged	Battery level below 80%.
Nose battery moved XX mm	The vehicle moved the nose battery XX mm to offset the imbalance caused by the payloads.
Payload to heavy	The total payload weight is above 3000 grams. This is not within vehicle specifications.
Updating params	The vehicle parameters are being updated to accommodate the payloads.
Writing parameters failed	There was an error while writing the parameters.

Automatic Vehicle Balancing

Each payload box carries information about its weight and weight distribution. This information is stored on the I/O board of the payload box.

Depending on the installed payloads, the DeltaQuad Evo will automatically balance itself by moving the main battery tray either forward or backward.

The DeltaQuad Evo can compensate more effectively for tail heaviness than for nose heaviness. This is why the main battery tray can move further forward than backward. As a result, the heavier payload must always be installed in Payload Slot 1, the aft-most slot near the pusher motor.

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Extra Nose Weight

As the Silvus air unit and the hardened GPS add extra weight, a counterweight in the nose is required to balance the vehicle. This is achieved using a short cable, zip-tied to the power loom in the battery compartment of the vehicle.

This open cable is not under load and does not pose any safety hazard.

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DeltaQuad Evo Payload Slot Layout

• Slot 1: Located at the rear end of the fuselage, closest to the pusher propeller.

• Slot 2: Located at the front end of the fuselage, closest to the nose of the vehicle.

Dual Battery Configuration

Make sure the batteries are correctly seated in their respective compartments and payload boxes. The circuit of the DeltaQuad Evo does not recognize each battery individually, so it is not important which battery is connected or disconnected first.

Always ensure that both batteries are connected and that the XT90 connectors are fully seated in their respective sockets.