Swellpro Splashdrone 4 F.A.Q.
AIRCRAFT
Does the base platform comes with cameras or payload release system for fishing?
No. The base platform is only the aircraft. Accessories must be added or you could choose the assembled kit.
How much weight can the drone hold?
Payload release system for fishing can hold up to 1kg and 1.2kg for rescue kit.
I'm having touble connecting the Bluetooth Data Link to my appliances, getting message "Pairing Unsuccessful UAV-2 is not supported".
Please try with an Android phone to see if it works.
What is the maximum flight speed of SplashDrone 4?
72km/h (45mph) in ATTI mode, 58km/h (36mph) in GPS mode
Can the SplashDrone 4 be used in salt water environment?
Yes. The SplashDrone 4 is built for marine environments with corrosion resistant materials and seals. Like any ruggedized electronics, always rinse the drone thoroughly after use in harsh environments.
Can the SplashDrone 4 takeoff and land on water?
Yes. The power system and carbon-fibre propellers have more than enough power to lift-off from the water surface.
Does the SplashDrone 4 come with a carry case?
Yes. The SplashDrone 4 comes complete with a custom-made carry case that cushions and protects your investment and accessories.
CAMERA
What is the resolution of the camera?
Equipped with different cameras, the drone can offer different image quality. Up to 4k video and 16MP photos. (4k gimbal camera)
Can the drone also fly in the rain/snow?
Yes, the whole aircraft with the its accessories are all waterproof. Should be washed with cleaned water after exposed to salt waters.
What’s the difference between the four kits?
The kits for filming, fishing, boating and rescue are equipped with different cameras. Check “In the box” section to see what’s included.
Which video capture mode does most people would use?
2.5K@60fps (default setting)
What is the difference between PL2 and PL3 release modules?
The PL2 has a fixed HD camera whose angle can be manually adjusted prior to flight. The camera provides live video feed back to the Remote Controller. The PL3 has a 2.7K camera with tilt stabilization and control that can record video and photos to an inbuilt microSD card (extra purchase).
Can the 4k gimbal camera and payload release module be used on the SplashDrone 4 at the same time?
No, they work separately. However the PL2 and PL3 release modules have cameras onboard for finding the best fishing areas.
Will more payload modules be released for the SplashDrone 4?
At SwellPro, we are dedicated to the evolution of the waterproof drone. Our R&D department is constantly testing and developing new ideas and products. We will continue to release new imaging and payload release modules for the SplashDrone platform and welcome your ideas for new designs.
How does the payload release mechanism help me to complete some special tasks?
The payload release mechanism is triggered directly by radio controller, so you can delivery & drop sth, up to 1KG just by a simple flip on switch SWA. It’s wildly used in fishing, rescue, ocean research, coast guard & law enforcement, and etc.
PROPULSION
How is the motor?
The 620kv waterproof brushless motor is specially designed for SplashDrone 3+ with strong power, stable performance and corrosion resistance.
If sand goes into the motors, what should I do?
Stop flying the drone; try to turn the motor slowly to see if it turns smoothly as usual. Put the motor under water and try to shake the sand off from the motors. You can also use brush to clean the sand.
When the drone lands on flat ground, why the motor won’t stop spinning immediately once the throttle is at 0% position?
Actually, It’s the consideration of safety issue. After the drone land smoothly and the throttle is at 0% position, it’s required to keep it at 0% for 5s until the motors stop spinning, and then the drone was locked automatically.
FLIGHT CONTROL
How can I control the drone?
Both remote controller and App are available. For App control, you must add the Bluetooth Datalink into the drone. (App: SwellPro Fly)
Can I use SplashDrone 4 to see objects underwater?
Yes, when the SplashDrone 4 lands on the surface of the water, the camera is positioned underwater to capture the underwater scenery.
Can the SplashDrone 4 be used underwater?
The SplashDrone 4 floats safely on water, but is not designed to submerge further. It is designed to fly in wet weather and take-off and land on water. Think of it as a flying boat, not a submarine.
Is the SplashDrone 4 able to return to a boat that has moved from the take-off location?
In Return-Home mode, the SplashDrone3+ returns to the take-of GPS location. However, with the Ground Station, the SplashDrone 4 can be instructed via the mobile APP to return to the current location.
What is the maximum wind speed that SplashDrone 4 can fly in?
The SplashDrone 4 is able to fly and hover in wind speeds of up to 27 km/h (17 mph) or Beaufort force 4 with wind gusts up to 43km/h (27mph) or Beaufort force 6.
Does the SplashDrone 4 have an optical positioning system?
As optical positioning systems do not work over water, the SplashDrone3+ uses multiple other sensors to provide hovering and flight positioning.
How does the Location Beacon work?
With the SplashDrone3+ and the optional Ground Station (Bluetooth Data Link), if you inadvertently lose or crash your drone out of sight, even with very low batteries, the Location Beacon will instantly provide the drone’s location, pinpointed on your mobile device with voltage and altitude data to assist recovery. This feature uses a separate low-frequency (433/915Mhz) signal which propagates well through obstacles. Range ~1km.
Are there any operational tips during flying the SplashDrone 4?
1.It’s best to execute calibrations (Accelerometer & Compass) outdoor without propellers. Please be sure to stay away from the power supply, magnetic metal objects and emission resource during calibration. DO remember to remove the propellers when calibrate Splash Drone indoor.
2.Once accidents happen out of sudden, such as the drone fall down to the ground or hang on trees, roof and collision to other obstacles, pilot should lock the motors immediately to prevent further damages.
3.If the drone is out of control or radio signal is irresponsible (Delayed signal command or magnetic-field interference) under GPS mode, please switch to the ATTI mode to bring it back manually.
4.Highlights in Video shooting: Always pay attention to the FPV screen and adjust the gimbal angel in real time to avoid capturing the landing gear and arm, 1080P/60 fps will make the video more fluent to avoid the jelly effect.
Is there any way to fly back when the drone is out of visible area?
Yes, if the drone have good GPS signal, just flip SWB to Return-Home position. Once the drone returns back to visible sight, switch to GPS or ATTI mode to take over flight.
Why does the drone start drifting during normal flight?
The accelerometer may suffer a sudden/heavy shake; Please execute the Accelerometer Calibration to correct it.
Why is the drone out of control suddenly during normal fight?
Probably, the compass suffers magnetic interference suddenly. Please switch to ATTI mode to take over the flight and bring it back in your vision. Then please execute the compass calibration, and take off once again.
What’s the root cause of poor satellite under GPS mode?
1. Please make sure there is no shelter from a buildings & metal objects, advise is to fly in open air with a clear view to the sky.
2. Please check whether there is anything sheltering on the top of GPS antenna.
Why does the drone can not enter into Accelerometer/Compass calibration mode sometimes?
The motion of joysticks is not linear with the program in the radio controller; please try to calibrate the radio controller by referring to 4.3.2 in the manual.
What are the main facilities available with the smart ground station?
The smart ground station provides an easy & portable platform to control the Splash Drone by mobile phone. Many smart flight modes can be realized in the Mobile app including Follow-me, mission planning (Drop waypoints), Point-To-Fly.
Is the SplashDrone 4 available to set the moving boat as its home point to execute Return-Home function?
The Return-Home function in Splash Drone is basing on the GPS coordinate, it only records the GPS data of the taking-off location as the home point to execute return to home.
Is the Return-Home available when the drone is out of control suddenly?
No, it isn’t available. Because it’s the strong magnetic field interference that causes the lose control. It’s advised to switch the flight mode to ATTI to take over flight, and then manually bring the drone back to visual sight.
IMAGE TRANSMISSION
How long could the image be transferred?
Maximum range is 1.6 kilometers. Frequency is 5645 ~ 5965HMZ.
Can I use the WIFI on my camera when the drone is flying?
No, you can’t. Because WIFI works basing on 2.4GHz signal as well, it might interfere the radio signal in the same frequency that might make the drone out of control.
Why my FPV video signal can’t reach even 1000 meter?
The VTX is build inside the drone for waterproof reason; the real test range in ideal wireless environment can reach up to 1KM. But it might decrease depending on different environment, and different FPV screen (or FPV goggle) might also have different range as well.
What are the main facilities available with the smart ground station?
The smart ground station provides an easy & portable platform to control the Splash Drone by mobile phone. Many smart flight modes can be realized in the Mobile app including Follow-me, mission planning (Drop waypoints), Point-To-Fly.
SOFTWARE
How can I download/update the software for the drone?
User manual and firmware software can be download at this site: https://aquaparks.world/swellpro-downloads
REMOTE CONTROL
Is the remote controller waterproof?
No.
How long is the remote range?
The maximum range is 1.6 kilometer. (unobstructed, free of interference)
What are the different flight modes available on the remote controller?
Four different flight modes are available:
1.GPS mode – the drone manages its hover stability using GPS and other sensors.
2.Smart Cruise mode – Yaw and pitch are combined onto the right-hand joystick for ease of use or photography.
3.ATTI mode – speed and distance restrictions as well as GPS positioning are disabled, but Altitude stability is enabled.
4.Smooth+ – switch from joysticks to variable controls for a super smooth flight experience.
Can I change radio controller to be right hand throttle?
Yes, please implement the settings according to below steps:
1. Switch on radio controller, long press “Mode” button for 2~3seconds to enter into [BASIC MENU] interface.
2. Choose the “PARAMETER” item by short press the center location of right switch “Push”, then enter into [PARAMETER] interface.
3. Choose the “STK-MODE” item by sliding the roller switch;
4. Short press the “Push” button to revise the mode from 1.2.3.4 by rotating the roller switch.
5. Confirm the mode “1” by Short press the “Push” button again, then press “End” to finish the setting.
Does the alarm “DI DI DI” sounds along with vibration from radio controller indicate functional abnormality?
No, this is the low-battery warning from radio controller, just charge or replace a with a new battery.
How to bind the radio controller to its receiver (R9D) module?
1. Switch on the remote controller; check if there is a signal-umbrella that indicates the signal strength in the top middle of the screen;
2. Power on the drone and take out the R9D receiver module. There are a blue light and a red light blinking. Red light is the power indicator; blue light means the receiver is working under S-BUS mode, the splash drone works under SBUS mode.
3. Use a sharp PIN, long-press the button beside the indicator. When the blue light start flashing, the binding process begins. When the flash stops, binding is successful.
4. Once the signal-umbrella shows up again, the binding procedure is finished.
When the drone is out of radio range, what will happen?
The Return-Home function will be activated once the drone is out of the effective radio range. When it flies back to visible distance, you can regain control on the drone by flip the SWB once to quit the Return-Home mode.
BATTERY
What is the charging time and working time?
About 90 minutes charging time. Max flight time (per charge): 20 ~ 23 minutes. Flight time can be affected by the characteristics of the flight, payload and wind conditions.
How can I charge and store the battery correctly?
Fully charged lithium batteires must not be stored for more than days. Storing lithium batteries fully charged reduces their life and capacity; If the 4S battery is fully charged, you can use the drone to discharge the battery to about 15.3V and disconnect the battery before storing; If the 2S battery is fully charged, you can use the remote controller to discharge the battery before storing; Batteries stored for an extended period of time without using should be charged and discharged for maintenance every 3 months.
How many batteries can I charge at once using the balance charger supplied?
You can only charge one battery at a time for example you can not charge the remote battery and the drone battery at the same time, Please also read the LIPO battery safety instructions before charging.
What should I do when the battery is approaching to out of power?
The SplashDrone 3+has three battery alarm levels:
Level 1 alarm: The drone battery level has reached 14.6V. The FPV screen will display a large battery icon in the middle of the screen to prompt you to return the drone if it is not nearby and prepare to land. The Drone Status Indicators on the rear arms will flash a pattern of 3 yellow lights.
Level 2 alarm: The drone battery level has reached 14.4V. The battery icon on the FPV screen will flash. The battery level is now below 20%.
Level 3 alarm: The drone battery level has reached 14.2V. After 10 seconds, the drone will initiate in in-place Auto Landing to protect the drone and battery.
The LED on the read arms will flash yellow constantly. The FPV will display “FS” in the lower -left corner to indicate that flight-safety mode is active. Should it be necessary to prevent the Auto-Landing, switch the drone into ATTI mode to regain manual control and land the drone.
What are the factors leading to shorten the flight time?
1.The battery is not fully charged;
2.Add on loading weight;
3.The battery is aging after a long time of usage;