Walkera RODEO 150 - User Manual

The Walkera Rodeo 150 is a mini-quadcopter designed for FPV (First Person View) racing, suitable for pilots 14 years or older with RC hobby experience. It features a modern industrial and modular design, enhancing product performance and facilitating easy maintenance and upgrades. The drone offers an advanced 5.8GHz live video feed for an immersive FPV experience. Its flight control system supports acrobatic flight routines such as rolls, flips, and race course moves.

Technical Specifications:

• Aircraft:

  • Main Rotor Diameter: 96mm
  • Overall Dimensions (L x W x H): 137 x 148 x 77mm
  • Weight: 200g (Battery included)
  • Remote Controller: DEVO 7 / DEVO F7
  • Receiver: DEVO-RX716
  • Main Flight Controller: FCS-Rodeo 150
  • Transmitter: TX5832 (FCC) / TX5833 (CE)
  • Brushless Motor: WK-WS-17-002 (CW/CCW)
  • Brushless ESC: Rodeo 150
  • Battery: 7.4V 850mAh 30C 2S LiPo
  • Flight Time: 7~8 minutes
  • Working Temperature: -10 °C ~ +40 °C

• Camera (600TVL):

  • Horizontal Resolution: 600TVL
  • System Committee: PAL/NTSC
  • Video Out: 1.0Vp-p/75Ω
  • Power Input: DC 5-12V

• TX5832 (FCC) / TX5833 (CE) Transmitter:

  • Function: 5.8G wireless image transmission
  • Channels:
    • TX5832 (FCC) Bind B section: 4 channels
    • TX5833 (CE) B section: 8 channels
  • Output Power:
    • TX5832 (FCC): ≤200mW
    • TX5833 (CE): ≤25mW

• GA005 Balance Charger:

  • Input Voltage: DC15-18V
  • Input Current: 1000mA
  • Output Current: ≤800mA
  • Dimensions: 62.5 x 47 x 20.8mm
  • Weight: 46g

Usage Features:

The Rodeo 150 offers three flight modes: STABILIZE, INTERMEDIATE, and ADVANCED (RATE), selectable via the MIX switch on the remote controller.

• STABILIZE Flight Mode: Features a main flight controller system with stabilization, making operation relatively stable and preventing rolls. Ideal for beginners.
• INTERMEDIATE Flight Mode: Provides partial stabilization, allowing for more flexible operation and the ability to roll.
• ADVANCED Flight Mode: Operates without stabilization, offering very flexible control and is suitable for experienced pilots.

Remote Controller (DEVO 7 / DEVO F7):

The manual details the layout and functions of the DEVO F7 and DEVO 7 remote controllers, including sticks, trims, switches (HOLD TRN, GEAR, AUX2, FMOD, MIX - Flight Mode, ELEV/AILE/RUDD D/R), and keys (UP+, DN-, EXT, R+, L-, ENT).

Binding and Motor Control:

• Binding: To bind the Rodeo 150, turn on the remote controller with all switches in the '0' position, trims and dials in the middle, and throttle stick at the lowest position. Then, connect the aircraft battery and place it on a horizontal surface. A "BB" sound and slow flashing red LED indicate successful binding. Ensure receiver antennas are unfolded straight up before flying.
• Motor Unlock: After binding, ensure trims are neutral, throttle is at 0%, and all switches are in the UP position. Push the throttle stick down and move the rudder (YAW) stick to the left for over 2 seconds. The red LED will illuminate, and a "B B" sound will indicate unlocked motors. Motors and propellers will start moving, so maintain a safe distance.
• Motor Lock: To lock motors, move the throttle stick all the way down and the rudder (YAW) stick all the way to the right. The red LED will turn off, and a "B B" sound will confirm motors are disarmed. Motors will not start when locked.

Flight Operations:

The manual illustrates control inputs for THROTTLE (Up/down), PITCH (Forward/backward), ROLL (Left/right), and YAW (Left/right) for both Mode 1 and Mode 2 throttle stick configurations.

• FLIP & ROLL'S: These acrobatic maneuvers are only available in INTERMEDIATE and ADVANCED flight modes. Select the appropriate flight mode using the MIX switch (position 1 or 2). When performing flips and rolls, choose large open spaces with soft ground, and match throttle power to manage altitude. These moves are best suited for experienced pilots.

FPV Obstacle Flying:

The Rodeo 150 is suitable for high-speed obstacle avoidance flights, recommended for experienced pilots. The FPV range is approximately 300m, depending on the environment. Users are advised to avoid flying over crowds, animals, power lines, cellphone towers, or radio towers.

End Flight Procedure:

1. Land the aircraft and disarm (lock) the motors.
2. Power off the aircraft by unplugging the battery, then turn off the radio.
3. Remove the battery from the aircraft.

Maintenance Features:

FCS-Rodeo 150 Main Flight Controller:

• Flexible Flat Cable Connection: The metal surface of the flexible flat cable plug should be inserted upward into the main controller port and downward into the power board port.
• Ports: Includes a USB port for upgrading firmware (via Walkera official website) and a connection port for the flexible flat cable.

Brushless ESC and Brushless Motor Connection:

The manual provides a diagram illustrating the connection of brushless ESCs to brushless motors (CW and CCW).

Power Board:

The power board integrates several key components:

1. Brushless ESC connect position
2. Signal light connection port
3. Lighting Lamp connect port
4. Main controller Flexible flat cable connect port
5. 5.8G transmitter connect port
6. Receiver connect port
7. Receiver toggle switch of PPM and SBUS
8. 5V power output port
9. External receiver connection port
10. Buzzer: An alarm device that activates automatically if the signal between the aircraft and remote controller is lost or if the battery voltage drops below 7.0V.

GA005 Balance Charger:

• Functionality: Utilizes microcomputer chips to monitor and control the charging process in a balanced way, with an LED indicator displaying real-time charging status. It automatically detects Li-Po batteries and charges them, ensuring single cell voltage is within 4.2 ±0.05V and the maximum voltage difference between cells is less than 50mV.
• Safety Precautions:
  • Only for charging 2S or 3S Li-ion or Li-polymer batteries. Do not charge multiple battery sets simultaneously.
  • Charge in a dry, ventilated area, away from heat and flammable substances.
  • Remove the battery from the helicopter during charging. Never leave unattended.
  • Do not charge immediately after flight or if the battery is hot, to prevent swelling or fire.
  • Ensure correct polarity when connecting the battery.
  • Avoid dropping or violent handling of the charger and battery.
  • Use original charging equipment (wall adapter + GA005 balance charger) and battery for safety. Replace old, swollen battery packs.
  • The charger will automatically re-charge if cell voltage drops below the rated voltage after saturation. Frequent charging/discharging shortens battery life.

TX5832 (FCC) / TX5833 (CE) Video Transmitting Channel Selection:

The transmitter offers 8 channels (4 for FCC, 8 for CE). Users can select the best channel by adjusting dip-switches on the video transmitter based on image quality. The video transmitter channel must match the receiver channel.

DEVO-RX716 Receiver:

• Ports: Includes a power connect port and a Fixed ID clear button.
• Fixed ID Clearing: To clear a fixed-ID, press the CLEAN button and power on the Rodeo 150. The receiver's red LED will blink slowly to indicate the fixed-ID has been cleared. Ensure the remote controller's fixed-ID setting is OFF.

General Attention Before Flight:

• Fly in dry weather with low wind; avoid rain, snow, or heavy fog.
• Choose large, open fields for flying and check local laws.
• Maintain at least 10 feet distance from the aircraft when armed to avoid propeller injury. Disarm before handling.
• Avoid flying near high-voltage power lines, cellphone towers, or radio towers to prevent signal disruption.
• Never fly over crowds, concerts, or sports stadiums.