What is a Giraffe – Types of Giraffe
The word “drone” is an everyday term for an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) or unmanned aerial system (UAS) – an aircraft that is controlled either automatically, independently or by a remote operator.
The aircraft come in all sizes and can weigh anywhere from a few hundred grams to several thousand kilograms. They can be transported for different purposes – private, commercial or for police work and other public operations. They can look different – some, such as the common multirotor or multicopter, look like helicopters, while the fixed-wing SSEA looks more like an airplane.
The two types differ in design and construction, and are also used for different purposes. The multi-wing SSEA is often used for photographic and cinematographic work, while the fixed-wing is used for measuring, mapping or monitoring larger areas.
Services and functions you need to be able to manage – Automation
Learning how to manage a SSC means learning to understand and maintain an entire device with internal and external systems and services, including various functions, settings and risks. Some of this can only be seen as technical, while other parts are vital. But regardless, you need to know all the parts and how to handle them to fly as safely and correctly as possible.
Multi-propeller SFE with multiple propellers
The SFEs can have several propellers, which, combined with the different speeds of the engines, create lifting power and motion. Typically, the SFE has four arms and four propellers: two propellers rotate clockwise (CW) and two propellers rotate counterclockwise (CCW). In this way, the total rotational force becomes neutral. If a SFE has more than one propeller, it is classified as a multi-pilot.
It is important that the propellers are installed in the right place. Incorrect installation will cause an immediate error. In most SSEAs, the propellers cannot be installed the wrong way, but it is still important to check that they are properly secured. Propellers are subject to high loads and may break easily. Check the blades for cracks before starting by gently bending them.
Fixed wing SFE
Some aircraft have fixed wings. This type of SFE often has one or two propellers. It has other functions and is used for other purposes than the more common multi-propeller SFE.
The main difference between a fixed-wing and a multi-plane SFE is that a fixed-wing looks like an airplane. These aircraft have a longer range and flight time and are also faster than a multi-wing. Fixed-wing aircraft often require a runway landing strip.
Fixed-wing SFEs mean that the drone can handle engine loss better: the wings keep it in the air, unlike a multi-wing, which just drops straight down. However, the fixed wing cannot hover, nor can it avoid obstacles as easily as a multi-wing.
The camera on a fixed wing is often completely fixed or mounted on a two-axis gimbal, facing down, which can be good if you are mapping large areas. But if your purpose in flight is to film or photograph, a multi-copter with is a better choice.
There are also hybrid VTOLs with fixed wings and more than two propellers.
Remote control – telemetry and frequencies
The remote control communicates with the SSEA and controls the movement and functions of the camera and much more. If contact with the guidance device is lost, most SMAs automatically return to the take-off point and land. This Return to Home (RTH) procedure is a default setting but can be changed if the operator wishes.
The position of the antennas is particularly important especially as the distance increases. Make sure the back of the antenna points towards the drone, not the edge (the edges do not have the ability to transmit and receive).
The remote control communicates with the drone via radio waves on various frequencies
The drone and the remote control are normally connected via 2.4 GHz and 5.8 GHz radio links. The higher the frequency, the more data can be sent with a short delay, but with less range as a result. A 2.4 GHz frequency is sufficient for transmitting control and HD (1080i) video over distances of up to 4 km within a legal power limit of 125 mW. Longer ranges can be achieved with higher transmitter power and appropriately oriented antennas.
The GHz band is sensitive to physical obstacles, making it important to ensure unobstructed contact between the drone and the remote control. This becomes even more important at longer distances.
In some cases the radio transmitter can communicate with the drone via 4G or PC instead of GHz frequencies.
Identify the SSEA from the ground
Direct Remote ID can be used by the police and other authorities to identify the FMS in the air and obtain information about the marking, registration, operator, etc.
The SmEA is following you
The Follow-me function makes your drone automatically follow you or the remote control. If you have follow-me mode enabled, your drone must be no more than 50 metres away from you in order to quickly take control.
Monitoring of airspace boundaries
After 1 January 2021, all open class drone types, except C0 and C4, must be equipped with geo-surveillance. This feature means that, as a remote operator, you should be able to obtain information about the boundaries in airspace in relation to the position and altitude of your drone. In addition, there will be a warning of any violations of the limits in airspace.
RTH – the drone automatically moves to its original position
The RTH (return to home) mode is often used during drone flight. RTH makes the drone fly automatically to the home position or to the position of your drone, depending on the setting you have selected.
If the communication between the drone and the remote control is interrupted for a few seconds, the RTH can be activated as protection. The drone will fly to the starting position at the preset altitude and land automatically.
It is important to understand that the altitude at which the drone flies is always relative to its initial position. This means that the drone does not understand the actual height from the ground – collisions with cables, poles, obstacles, etc. can occur during RTH. However, some drones have collision avoidance sensors that can see and avoid obstacles.
The RTH function can also be activated manually if, for example, you lose the drone’s orientation or if the video signal is interrupted. Do not use RTH if there is a problem with the compass or satellites.
Compass (compass)
Calibrating the compass is important for the SSEA to store the Earth’s local magnetic field. If, at a new location, a calibration is performed incorrectly or not at all, this can lead to a collision and the drone exhibits erratic and unpredictable movements. Learn how to perform a compass calibration by reading the manufacturer’s instructions for your SMEE.
Batteries
All Class C classified SFEs, except C4, must be powered by electricity and therefore must have batteries in order to be able to fly. In the case of homebuilt aircraft, there may be other requirements. Batteries are sensitive and require special treatment. Cold temperatures can be harmful, so batteries are best kept at room temperature before each flight. One tip is to keep batteries in your internal pockets. A cold battery has less capacity and can cause an error in the worst case scenario. Some SMAs have built-in protection that measures battery temperature, alerting the remote operator to low temperatures and suggesting what to do during cold operation. Don’t ignore these alerts – take them seriously! Some drone systems can also preheat batteries before flying.
You should charge your batteries according to the user manual and store them cool and never in direct sunlight.
Many modern drones have a “shop mode”: if the next flight is not made within ten days of charging, the battery will automatically discharge at around 60%. This is to protect the batteries, as they may be damaged if left fully charged for a long period of time.
If batteries are stored at low charge (below 10 percent), they may also be permanently damaged.
Be aware that Lipo (lithium polymer) batteries – the most common type of battery in drone systems – require a special type of fire extinguisher. Therefore, find out what type of batteries your system has and what type of fire extinguisher is required to carry in case the batteries ignite.