Safety and Operation

 

 
Safety
A MikroKopter is not a toy. Our safety instructions are intended not only for the protection of the aircraft, but also to ensure your own safety and that of others. Improper operation can cause serious injury and property damage.
We do not guarantee error-free behaviour of the electronics or software. Despite careful preparation and review, we do not assume any warranty or liability (direct or indirect) for the accuracy of the software, hardware or information. Use the electronics at your own risk (this also applies to associated computer programs). Furthermore, we assume no liability for consequential damage to property or persons caused by the application. It is your responsibility to perform a full system test. Improper use a MikroKopter can be dangerous. Do not fly over people! You need appropriate insurance before the first flight, as required by law in many countries!
 
General
  • A MikroKopter is not a toy and not suitable for children under 14 years
  • If you do not have sufficient knowledge about the control of a model aircraft, please contact to someone with experience
  • Appropriate (model aircraft) liability insurance is required. In general, model aircraft are not covered by standard liability insurance.
  • Electronics must not get wet and should be operated in a temperature range of 0-40 degress celcius.
  • Refer to the Mikrokopter Wiki and forum about the features and operation of the MikroKopter
 
Before starting
  • Reliability: Check the reliability of the MikroKopter.
  • Batteries: Check your flight battery, radio and video-feed batteries are fully charged
  • Stick Positions: Ensure all switches are off (i.e. Altitude control, GPS and carefree functions)
  • Switching on: Always turn on the radio transmitter first and then the MikroKopter
  • Damage: Check for visible damage such as loose screws, broken, unbalanced or damaged propellers, crooked booms, faulty connectors or solder joints, broken pipes, open wire etc.
  • Propellers: The propeller must be in a good condition and securely mounted. The rotors must spin smoothly and there shall be no objects are in the rotational plane of the propellers that can get into it. Rotating propeller ends are dangerous to touch - never touch a rotating propeller with fingers and other body parts.
  • Beeps: Ensure the appropriate audible beeps when auto lipo-detection is enabled. 4 * beeps means 4s Lipo
  • Radio Channel: Ensure that the channel of the remote control is free and you're within range of the transmitter
  • Calibration: The sensors must be calibrated (When the motors are off: move yaw- and gas stick into upper left corner until it beeps)
  • Model Mode: Different model settings can result in fundamentally different flight characteristics and occupation of the Channel functions. Make sure that you are familiar with the setting and its features
  • Check Motors: After starting the motors, all motors must run and rotate evenly. Please fly carefully in small altitude until you know that everything is working fine.
  • Pre-Flight Check: Perform a pre-flight check by (off checklist, see below)
 

During the flight

  • Do not take risks! Your own safety and that of your environment depend on the good behaviour of the pilot. Always keep a distance from people, animals and objects. Improper operation can cause serious injury and property damage! Never fly towards viewers and avoid over-flights of spectators!
  • Keep in mind that viewers could get close to the MikroKopter, without being aware of potential dangers
  • Always turn off the MikroKopter first and disconnect the flight and other batteries before turning off the transmitter
  • Only fly in sight. In the case of a manual control, you must be able to see the position and attitude
  • Never rely 100% on functions such as GPS, compass, or altitude control. You must always be able to take manual control of the MikroKopter
  • Reduce the throttle and attempt to land if you notice your Mikrokopter behave suspiciously. Alternatively, switch off the motors in case of a potential crash or failure
  • Do not fly in blocked air space, such as in the vicinity of airports, etc.
  • Pay attention to under-voltage warning - a flight to empty battery can cause damage to the Lipos and crash
  • If a defect or malfunction has occurred, it must be corrected before the next flight. In case of use of GPS, the position of the MikroKopter can change suddenly some meters.
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After the flight
  • Disconnect the battery Check for damage Make sure that the propellers are not damaged
  • See the Handling and safety precautions of Lipos
  • After a crash the sensors and electronics might be damaged. Before the next start everything must be checked
 
Checklist (pre-flight check)
  • Weather conditions suitable (Beginners are advised to fly in less than 10kts)
  • Frame and all screws are tight with limited to no flex
  • Propellers undamaged, balanced and securely fixed
  • Flight Battery fully charged and securely mounted
  • Video-Feed battery and screen/goggles fully charged
  • Transmitter battery charged and the antennas are free
  • Channel of the transmitter is not busy. If 35/40/70MHz or other MHz-RC-controls are in operation simultaneously, the used channels must be checked with the other pilots. At 2.4 GHz systems this is not necessary.
  • Check your video-feed equipment for glitches and operation range (on the ground!) from time to time (and before 1st flight)
  • There is nothing in the danger zone of the propeller
  • Enough space for launch and flight
  • The GPS module (if any) has GPS fix. If CH or PH is active: It will beep every second, not as long as enough satellites are received. Also consider: When you switch the GPS mode, it must shortly beep.
  • Ensure radio switches are off – GPS, altitude and carefree functions are turned off
  • Sensors calibrated and the right model setting is loaded  
  • The trim of the remote control is in neutral position