Getting Started (Falcon)

⚠️ WARNING
If you plan on deploying Falcon, please read this guide carefully to avoid accidents.
Be aware that this platform is experimental and should be handled with more care than an off-the-shelf drone.

This guide covers the basic setup, pre-flight checks, and first flight procedure for the custom-built Falcon research drone.

Before You Begin

Choose a clear open area with minimal wind for your first flights. Always perform the complete indoor system check before flying outdoors.

1. In-Lab System Checks

Remove Propellers

Before powering the drone indoors, remove all propellers. This prevents accidental injury during motor tests and system setup.

Power and Connect the Drone

1. Insert the battery into the drone.
2. Fasten the battery securely.
3. Connect the voltage checker.
4. Plug in the drone power.

Setup the Deployment Computer

1. Turn on the deployment computer (Super Rosie).
2. Launch QGroundControl (QGC).
3. Connect the computer to Falcon’s Wi-Fi hotspot (norlab-falcon)
4. Verify that:
   • QGC successfully connects to the drone
   • The live camera feed is visible

Check the Remote Controller

1. Turn on the remote controller.
2. Flip the 3-way flight mode switch and verify the modes change correctly.

The three modes should be:

• Manual
• Altitude
• Position

Test Motor Arming

IMPORTANT
Propellers must still be removed during this test.

1. Hold the left joystick to the bottom-right position.
2. Verify that all 8 motors begin spinning.
3. Hold the joystick down again to stop the motors.

If all motors spin correctly, the drone is ready for outdoor operation.

2. Install the Propellers

1. Unplug the battery.
2. Install the propellers carefully.

Important notes:

• There are two different propeller types
• Text on propellers should always go upwards
• Ensure each propeller is installed in the correct orientation (propellers and motors are color-coded)
• Do not forget the golden rings on the motor shafts — they are required for a proper fit

If everything worked correctly, you are now ready to take the drone outside. We recommend getting comfortable controlling it on a clear day with minimal wind.

3. Outdoor Flight Setup

Prepare the Drone

1. Place the drone on a flat, stable surface.
2. Ensure the GPS arrow points forward.
3. Plug in the battery.

Connect Systems

1. Open QGroundControl (QGC) on the deployment laptop.
2. Verify that QGC reconnects to the drone.
3. Turn on the remote controller.
4. Flip the 3-way switch fully down to enable Position Mode.

IMPORTANT
Position Mode is strongly recommended for beginner flights.
Manual mode is significantly harder to control.

4. Takeoff and Flight

Arm the Motors

1. Hold the left joystick to the bottom-right position.
2. Confirm all motors are spinning properly.

Take Off

1. Slowly raise the left joystick (throttle) above the midpoint.
2. The drone will begin to lift off.

Once airborne:

• Raise throttle to climb
• Lower throttle to descend
• Keep throttle near the midpoint to maintain altitude

Take time to become familiar with the controls before attempting aggressive maneuvers.

5. Landing

1. Slowly reduce altitude above the desired landing location.
2. Descend gently.
3. Avoid contacting the ground too quickly.

WARNING
A hard landing may cause the drone to bounce or flip over.

After touchdown:

1. Lower the throttle fully.
2. Disarm the motors.

Recommended First Flight Conditions

For your first flights, we recommend:

• Clear weather
• Low wind
• Large open area
• No nearby people or obstacles

Practice hovering and slow movements before attempting advanced maneuvers.