Flight Controller for Agriculture Management
User Manual
V1.2 2017.01
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Using this manual
Legends
Important Hints and Tips Reference
Before Flight
Refer to A3 or N3 Flight control System Use Manual for more comprehensive information.
Contents
Using this manual
Legends
Before Flight
A3-AG Profile
A3-AG Connection
A3-AG Parts Diagram
N3-AG Profile
N3-AG Connection
N3-AG Parts Diagram
Flight Controller
Flight Controller Profile
Operation Modes
Smart Operation Mode(S)
Manual Operation Mode
Manual Plus Operation Mode
Return-to-Home
Low Battery Level Warnings
Altitude Stabilization System
Profile
How to Use
Radar Status Indicator
Remote Controller
Operation Control
Agricultural Management Unit (AMU)
Profile
External Devices
DJI Assistant 2
Installation and Launching
Using the DJI Assistant 2
Main Page
Basic Page
Advanced
Tools
Simulator
Firmware Upgrade
Flight Data Record
Appendix
LED Status Indicator
FAQ
A3-AG Profile
A3-AGConnection
A3-AG Flight control system includes flight controller, GPS-Compass Pro、PMU (Power Management Unit)and LED.
A3-AGParts Diagram
Flight Controller
/ 5. RF PortCommunicates with the DJI Lightbridge 2 Air System.
6. iESC Port
Communicates with the DJI Smart ESC.
7. M1-M8 Pins
Connects to the corresponding ESC PWM port for each motor.
8. LED Port
Communicates with the LED module.
9. IMU2 Port
Communicates with the IMU Pro module.
10. PMU Port
Derives power from the PMU.
11. CAN2
Communicates with an SDK device.
12. API Port
Communicates with an SDK device.
13. F5-F8 Pins
Multifunction PWM I / O ports.
14. F1-F4 Pins
Multifunction PWM output ports.
15. S-Bus Port
Communicates with a DJI DR16 or S-Busreceiver.
1. IMU1 Port
Communicates with the IMU Pro module.
2. CAN1 Port
Dedicated DJI CAN-Bus port. Communicates with the A3 GPS-Compass Pro or other DJI devices (e.g. Real Time Kinematic (RTK) GPS system).
3. Orientation Arrow
The FC module should be mounted with the arrow pointing in the specified direction (Orientation can be set in the DJI Assistant 2).
4. Status Indicator
Indicates the status of the flight controller and triple modular redundancy system.
GPS-Compass Pro Module
The GPS-Compass Pro module has a built-in GPS/GLONASS and a compass. The compass is used for geomagnetic field measurements. Compass calibration is required before use. DO NOT use or store the compass in environments with ferromagnetic materials.
Note that the GPS-Compass Pro module in the UPGRADE KIT is the same as the one in the A3-AG package.
1. Status IndicatorIndicates the status of the GPS-Compass Pro module and triple modular redundancy system.
2. Orientation Arrow
The GPS-Compass Pro module should be mounted with the arrow pointing to the aircraft’s nose.
3. Extended CAN1 Port
Dedicated DJI CAN-Bus port. Communicates with DJI devices (e.g. Real Time Kinematic (RTK) GPS system). /
PMU Module
Supported the DJI Intelligent Flight Battery, with built-in PMU providing power for the whole Flight Control System and low voltage protection function.
1. Power Port (9V 3A)Connected to the Flight Controller for power supply.
2. iBAT
Communicates with the DJI Intelligent Flight Battery.
3. 3S-12S
Derives power from the DJI Intelligent Flight Battery or other LiPo batteries. /
LED Module
The LED Module has an integrated LED Indicator and a Micro USB port.
A. The LED is mainly for flight control system status indication during flight (e.g. Flight Mode).
B. In addition, there is a Micro USB port for firmware upgrades via DJI Assistant 2.
1. Flight Status IndicatorIndicates the status of the flight control system.
2. Micro USB Port
Used to configure and upgrade the A3 or A3 Pro via DJI Assistant 2. /
N3-AGProfile
N3-AGConnection
With all essential components integrated into the N3-AG flight controller (including double IMUs, barometer and data recorder), the device is powerful and highly compact to work together with the GNSS-Compass module (including GPS and GLONASS), PMU module and LED module.
N3-AGParts Diagram
Flight Controller
/ 5. RF PortCommunicates with the DJI Lightbridge 2 Air System.
6. Status Indicator
Indicates the status of the flight controller.
7. CAN2 Port
CAN Bus port (Reserved port).
8. S-Bus Port
Communicates with a DJI DR16 or S-Bus receiver.
9. F1-F4 Pins
Multifunction PWM output ports.
10. F5-F8 Pins
Multifunction PWM I / O ports.
11. API Port
Communicates with an On Board SDK device.
12. EXP Port
Extended port (Communicates with the A3 upgrade kit).
13. Orientation Arrow
The flight controller orientation arrow.
1. PMU Port
Derives power from the PMU module.
2. LED Port
Communicates with the LED module.
3. M1-M8 Pins
Connects to the corresponding ESC PWM port for each motor.
4. iESC Port
Communicates with the DJI Smart ESC using the Smart ESC Communication
Cable.
GNSS-Compass Module
The GNSS-Compass module has a built-in GPS/GLONASS and a compass. The compass is used for geomagnetic field measurements. Compass calibration is required before use. DO NOT use or store the compass in environments with ferromagnetic materials.
1. Orientation Arrow
The GNSS-Compass module should be mounted with the arrow pointing toward the aircraft nose.
2. GNSS-Compass Status Indicator
Indicates the status of the GNSS Compass Module.
3. Extended CAN1 Port
Dedicated DJI CAN-Bus port. Communicates with a DJI device.
PMU Module
Supported the DJI Intelligent Flight Battery, with built-in PMU providing power for the whole Flight Control System and low voltage protection function.
1. iBAT
Communicates with DJI Intelligent Flight Battery.
2. Power Status Indicator
Indicates the power status of the flight control system.
3. 3S-12S
Derives power from DJI Intelligent Flight Battery or other LiPo battery.
4. Power Port (9V 2A)
Connected to the Flight Controller for power supply.
5. CAN1 Port
Connected to the GNSS-Compass module.
LED Module
The LED Module has an integrated LED Indicator and a Micro USB port.
A. The LED is mainly for flight control system status indication during flight (e.g. Flight Mode).
B. In addition, there is a Micro USB port for firmware upgrades via DJI Assistant 2.
1. Flight Status Indicator
Indicates the status of the flight control system.
2. Micro USB Port
Used to configure and upgrade the N3 via DJI Assistant 2.
Flight Controller
Flight Controller Profile
Farm Mode, A-mode (Attitude) P-mode (GPS) and other flight modes A3/N3 supported are available for this Flight Controller.
Farm Mode (Positioning):The aircraft uses GPS for positioning. It can provide attitude stability when GPS signal is weak. Smart Operation Mode is only available when the aircraft is in P-mode and the GPS signal is strong. It can achievecentimeter-positioning accuracy with D-RTK (only for A3-AG).
A-mode (Attitude): GPS is NOT used for positioning and aircraft can only maintain altitude using the barometer. Aircraft can still record its position and return to the Home Point if a GPS signal is present.
P-mode (Positioning):The aircraft uses GPS for positioning. In P-mode, when the GPS signal is strong, users can start the motors. It can achievecentimeter-positioning accuracy with D-RTK (only for A3-AG).
/ The three positions are set as Farm Mode when powered on, which will change to Farm Mode, A-mode and P-mode after switching once.The aircraft LED indicates slow green and purple blinks in Farm Mode, slow yellow blinks in A-mode and slow green blinks in P-mode.
You can starts the motors after RTK fixed with green blinks on board if used with D-RTK. Aircraft blinks a blue during the normal LED indicators once the D-RTK working normally. Only for A3-AG.
Operation Modes
Smart Operation Mode, Manual Operation Mode and Manual Plus Operation Mode are available in Farm Mode. Toggle the Operation Mode Switch on the remote controller to one of the three modes.
1. Smart Operation Mode (“S” position): When the aircraft is in P-mode and the GPS signal is strong, toggle the switch to this mode after Points A and B are recorded. The aircraft will fly and spray liquid along the specified route.
2. Manual Operation Mode (“M” position): In Manual Operation Mode, users can control all the movements of the aircraft and spray liquid via the Spray Button.
3. Manual Plus Operation Mode (“M+” position): In Manual Plus Operation Mode, the flying speed is restricted to no faster than 17.9mph (8m/s) and the aircraft’s heading is locked. Users can control the movement of the aircraft except for the heading. Press Button C1 or C2 and the aircraft will fly one operation width to the left or right.
Smart Operation Mode(S)
In Smart Operation Mode, the aircraft will travel along a pre-planned route. Operation resumption, data protection, and altitude stabilization system are available in this mode.Use the C1 and C2 switches on the remote controller to adjust flying speed, and then the spray rates will be automatically adjusted accordingly. Smart Operation Mode is recommended for large, rectangular spray areas.
Operation Route
The aircraft will travel along pre-designated square zig zag route after the turning points A and B have been recorded. The aircraft will spray liquid automatically while flying along the route and stop spraying liquid while hovering at the turning points. The length of the dotted lines, which are called Operation Gaps, can be adjusted in the DJI Assistant 2.
Operation Procedure
/ Maintain line of sight of the aircraft at all times. Always keep the aircraft in a safe flight height.Ensure that the Flight Mode Switch is toggled to the Farm Mode position and the GPS signal is strong (GPS count ≥ 6, refer to Appendix on p. 47 for blinking pattern description). Otherwise, Smart Operation may be unreliable.
/ Always inspect operating environments before flying.
Ensure that Flight Mode Switch on the remote controller is toggled to the Farm Mode position and a strong GPS signal is present. In addition, make surethat the Operation Mode Switch on the remote controller is toggled to the “M” position.
1. Record Points A and B in Order
Points A and B can only be recorded in Manual Operation Mode. The aircraft can enter the Smart Operation Mode when the points A and B are recorded successfully.
Fly the aircraft to the starting point, depicted as Point A (B), hover, and then press Button A (B) on the remote controller. The Aircraft Status Indicator will blink red (green) after the starting points have been recorded.
/ Points A and B can only be recorded in Manual Operation Mode.Update Point B by flying the aircraft to a new position and record this position. Note that if a Point A has been updated, then Point B is also required to be updated accordingly.
It’s recommended to keep the direction of Point A to B parallel to one side of the rectangular spray area for optimal effect.
2. Select the Route
Route can only be selected or switchedin Manual Operation Mode. Press C1 Switch or C2 Switch on the remote controller to select the operating pattern. Press C1 Switch for Route L(Left) and C2 Switch for Route R(Right). The default route pattern is Route R, if no selection has been made.
/ Toggle the Operation Mode switch to the “M” position to select or switch the route.3. Adjust the Aircraft Altitude
Adjust to ensure that the distance between the aircraft and the crop is within the detection altitude of Altitude Stabilization System, and then enter the Smart Operation Mode.
4. Using Smart Operation Mode
Ensure that the Flight Mode Switch on the remote controller is toggled to the Farm Mode position and a strong GPS signal is present (aircraft LED indicators slowly blinks green and purple), then toggle the Operation Mode Switch to the “S” position to enable Smart Operation Mode.
5. Starting the Operation
a. Toggle the Operation Mode switch to the “S” position, the aircraft nose will point from A to B and enter the Continuous Smart Operation Mode. The aircraft will then fly along Route L (R) continuously.
/ The aircraft nose will keep pointing from A to B during Smart Operation Mode. The aircraft orientation is not controllable.
The aircraft will blink blue quickly when it arrives each waypoint.
b. In Continuous Smart Operation Mode, toggle the C1 Switch to decrease the speed to the previous speed, and toggle the C2 Switch to accelerate the speed to the next speed. The four speed gears can be changed in DJI Assistant 2. (V1~V4,V1<=V2<=V3<=V4 in range of 1~7m/s. The four speed gears are set to 1, 3, 5, 7 m/s by default)
/ If the GPS signal is weak (GPS count is less than 6) during operation procedure, the aircraft will change to Attitude mode, and you are recommended to quit Smart Operation Mode and flight carefully. If not, the aircraft will auto flight to the next point if the GPS signal resume (GPS count is at least 6)./ The Operation Gap is set to 5m by default. Customize it from 3m to 10m in the DJI Assistant 2.
Use the throttle control stick to control the aircraft altitude to avoid obstacles when it is in operation, even though the heading of the aircraft cannot be adjusted.
The aircraft will switch to Manual Operation Mode if roll and pitch sticks are operated and you can control the aircraft to avoid obstacles. Toggle the operation mode switch to M position and then to S position to resume operation, the aircraft will flight to the original route directly to continue the auto operation task. Refer to the Manual Obstacle Avoiding for details.
The aircraft sprays liquid and adjust the liquid flow speed automatically during operation.
Use the C1 and C2 switches to adjust the aircraft flight speed, and the DJI Assistant 2 to set the four speed gears during operation.
Pause Point Record
The pause point record functionrecords the coordinate point if you temporarily pause an operation (e.g. to refill the spray, change the battery, etc.) andallows you to resume operation via operation resumption.
Ensure that the GPS signal is strong (GPS count ≥ 6) when using the pause point record function during smart operation procedure in below situations:
Toggle the operation mode switchto Manual Operation mode (quit the Smart Operation Mode)
Enter the Return-to-Home procedure
Toggle the flight mode switch to quit the Farm Mode position.
/ Ensure that the GPS signal is strong (GPS count ≥ 6) when using the operation resumption function. Otherwise, the aircraft cannot record and return to the stopping point.Operation Resumption
The operation resumption function allows you to temporarily pause an operation (e.g. to refill the spray, change the battery, etc.) and then resume operation.
Ensure the GPS signal is strong. Toggle the Flight Mode switch to the Farm Mode position, and then the Operation Mode Switch to the Operation Mode, the aircraft will auto flight to the recorded pause point to resume operation.
/ You can operate the sticks to control the aircraft if there is obstacleor any other danger on the route after resume operation, which will make the aircraft enter Manual Operation mode. You can toggle the Operation Mode Switch to the “S” position and the aircraft will then fly to the pause point.System Data Protection
External power supply with the flight controller enables the System Data Protection. The System Data Protection feature enables the aircraft to retain vital system data (e.g. the positions of Point A, Point B and the stopping point) after the aircraft is powered off. The flight mode should be kept on Farm Mode position, toggle the Operation Mode switch to the Smart Operation Mode and the aircraft will auto fly to the pause point and continue the operation.
/ DO NOT power off the aircraft for more than the effective external power supply time if you want to resume operation because the positions of Point A, Point B and the stopping point will not be recorded.Manual Obstacle Avoiding
You can operate the pitch or roll stick to switch the aircraft form Smart Operation Mode to Manual Operation mode,manually controlling the aircraft if there is obstacleor any other danger on the route.