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GRAUPNER HoTT GR-18 - User Manual

GRAUPNER HoTT GR-18
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User manual
HoTT GR-18 receiver with Copterfirmware
No. 33579
English
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Summary

Intended Use and Specifications

Intended Use

Specifies the receiver is for RC multicopter models only.

Technical Data

Lists operational temperature, range, dimensions, and power requirements.

Safety Instructions

General Safety Guidelines

Critical safety guidelines for product operation and handling.

Installation and Binding

Installation in the Model

Details on physically mounting the receiver within the copter.

Binding the Receiver

Step-by-step instructions for pairing the receiver with a transmitter.

Connections and Receiver Settings

Connecting Components and Power

Guidance on connecting servos, ESCs, and power to the receiver.

Gyro Initialization

Transmitter and Main Settings

Transmitter Pre-setting

Configuring the transmitter for flight modes and channel directions.

Main Settings: Copter Type and Mode

Selecting copter type (e.g., Quadro X) and operational mode (Normal).

Main Settings Details

Axis Assignment for Gyro

Calibrating and assigning Roll, Nick, and Yaw axes for gyro operation.

Roll and Nick Settings

Attitude Mode: Roll;Nick P and D

Adjusting Proportional and Derivative gains for Roll/Nick in Attitude mode.

Yaw Settings

Multicopter Yaw P, I, and D Factors

Adjusting Proportional, Integral, and Derivative gains for yaw control.

Firmware Update Procedure

Firmware Update Execution

Overview

The Graupner HoTT GR-18 receiver with Copterfirmware (No. 33579) is a highly versatile radio-controlled (RC) receiver specifically designed for multicopter models. It provides essential stabilization and control functionalities, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced modellers.

Function Description

The primary function of the GR-18 receiver is to receive control signals from a Graupner HoTT transmitter and translate them into commands for the multicopter's motors and servos. It incorporates a specific multicopter firmware, which means it's optimized for drone flight and does not support Surface/Heli model types directly (though firmware for those models can be used, only one firmware can be active at a time). A key feature is its 3-axis copter stabilization, which significantly enhances flight performance and stability, even for aerobatic maneuvers.

The receiver includes an altitude sensor, providing vario and altitude data, which can be crucial for flight monitoring and safety. It also supports telemetry, allowing for real-time transmission of various flight parameters back to the transmitter or a connected Smart-Box. This telemetry data includes receiver voltage, temperature, and, when an optional OSD module is connected, vario and Euler angle data.

The GR-18 operates on the 2.4 GHz FHSS modulation, ensuring a robust and reliable radio link. It features multiple servo sockets for connecting speed controllers and servos, with clear polarity markings to prevent incorrect connections. One socket (T/9) is multifunctional, allowing for either telemetry sensor connection or an additional control channel. Another socket (channel 8 or K6 in GR-18) can be programmed to deliver a digital sum signal (SUMD), which is useful for advanced flybarless systems and heavy-duty airborne power supplies.

Usage Features

Before use, the receiver requires binding to a Graupner HoTT transmitter. This process involves switching the receiver into bind mode by pressing the SET button and then initiating the binding from the transmitter's "Basic setting" menu. A successful bind is indicated by the green LED lighting up.

The receiver's settings are configured via the "Telemetry" menu on the transmitter or a Smart-Box. This includes crucial parameters like:

  • Low-voltage warning (ALARM VOLT): Users can set a voltage threshold, below which the transmitter will issue an alarm (general alarm tone or speech output "Receiver voltage") to alert them of a low battery.
  • Temperature warning (ALARM TEMP): Similar to the voltage warning, a temperature threshold can be set to alert the user if the receiver's temperature exceeds safe operating limits.
  • Maximum altitude (Max. altitude): An alarm can be configured to trigger if the model exceeds a specified altitude relative to its launch point, aiding in compliance with airspace regulations.
  • Cycle time (PERIOD): This setting allows adjustment of the frame rate for servos. For digital servos, 10 ms can be used, while analogue servos typically require 20 ms to prevent "jittering."
  • HoTT sum signal (SUMD): This enables the output of an 8-channel digital sum signal on a dedicated servo socket, offering flexibility for advanced setups.
  • Telemetry sensor (sensor at CH9): Users can choose whether the T/9 socket functions as a telemetry sensor input or an additional control channel.

Gyro initialization is a critical step after powering on the copter. The receiver's gyros need to be calibrated by holding the copter still for at least 3 seconds until beeps from the motors confirm successful calibration. This ensures accurate horizontal alignment in attitude mode.

Transmitter pre-setting involves selecting a "surface model" type in the transmitter and configuring channel 1 for motor off at -100% power. Flight modes, such as Attitude mode (for stable flight with angle limits, recommended for beginners) and Rate mode (for aerobatic maneuvers without angle limits), are assigned to channel 5 via a two-way switch.

The "Main settings" menu allows selection of the multicopter type (e.g., Quadro X, Hexa I, Tri L) and mode. It also includes:

  • MINPOWER %: This setting prevents motors from shutting down in flight and ensures they run smoothly, though it should not be set unnecessarily high to avoid limiting controller possibilities.
  • LOGGING: This feature allows logging of attitude control, roll, and nick data to an SD card for later evaluation and error analysis.
  • CALIBR. POSITION: This calibrates the acceleration sensors for precise horizontal alignment in attitude mode.

Axis assignment is performed in the "Axis assign" menu, where users briefly move transmitter sticks and tilt the copter to identify and assign roll, nick, and yaw axes. After assignment, it's crucial to verify the operating directions by removing propellers, applying a small amount of throttle, and tilting the copter to ensure motors respond correctly.

Roll and Nick settings, applicable to both Attitude and Rate modes, include:

  • ROLL/NICK P (Proportional): Adjusts the responsiveness to stick movements.
  • ROLL/NICK D (Derivative): Fine-tunes the copter's engagement on nick and roll, preventing rapid oscillations.
  • DAMPING: Helps to mitigate vibrations and optimize PID control.
  • ROLL FACTOR %: Adjusts the roll gain relative to the overall gain, useful for asymmetric copters.
  • POWER2SENS.: Sets gyro suppression towards full throttle, useful for powerful drives to prevent oscillations.

For Attitude mode, ROLL/NICK I (Integral) is set to prevent slow swings or oscillations after commands. AGILITY determines the yaw rate. For Rate mode, R/N RATE I sets the integral component of rotation, and RATE sets the maximum potential rotation rate.

Multicopter Yaw settings include:

  • Yaw P - Factor: Controls the snap to yaw, with higher values leading to faster engagement but potential "swinging."
  • Yaw I - Factor: Ensures constant rotations, with careful adjustment needed to avoid oscillations or unintended motor speed increases.
  • Yaw D - Factor: Affects the stopping behavior in yaw, often requiring a "hard" D action but should be kept as low as possible.

Maintenance Features

The GR-18 receiver is designed for durability, but proper care is essential. It should be protected from dust, dirt, moisture, and foreign parts, and not exposed to excessive vibration, heat, or cold. Operation is specified for ambient temperatures between -10°C and +55°C.

Regular checks for damage to the housing and cables after each flight are recommended. Damaged or wet electronic components, even if re-dried, should not be used.

Firmware updates are a key maintenance feature, allowing users to keep their receiver up-to-date with the latest software versions. Updates are performed via a PC running Windows XP, Vista, or 7, using a USB interface (order no. 7168.6) and an adapter lead (order no. 7168.6A or 7168.S). The necessary programs and firmware files are available on the Graupner website. The update process involves connecting the adapter lead to the USB interface and the receiver's telemetry socket, then using the "Slowflyer/Gyro receiver downloader" program to load the firmware file. The progress bar indicates the transfer, and successful completion is shown by the receiver's LEDs.

For power supply, it's recommended to connect the battery to sockets close to the servos. If multiple batteries are used, they must have the same nominal voltage and capacity to avoid short-circuit-like effects. A voltage stabilizer unit (e.g., PRX-5A, Order No. 4136) is recommended in such cases.

The product is covered by a 24-month warranty from the date of purchase, covering material or operational defects present at the time of purchase. Damage due to wear, overloading, incompetent handling, or the use of incorrect accessories is not covered. Users are advised to check the product carefully for defects before making a claim.

Environmental protection is also considered, with instructions for proper disposal of the product and batteries at designated recycling collection points, emphasizing the importance of recycling electronic apparatus and removing batteries separately.

GRAUPNER HoTT GR-18 Specifications

General IconGeneral
Frequency2.4 GHz
TelemetryYes
CompatibilityGraupner HoTT transmitters
ModulationHoTT (Graupner)
AntennaDiversity Antenna

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