RTK Kit Operating Instructions Before first use Connection/Installation Settings/Operation Storing Flight Information and Specifications RTK-1
WARNING • No user serviceable parts inside. Do not disassemble or modify. This may cause a fire, electric shock, or malfunction. For repair or maintenance services, contact Sony Customer Support. • When installing this product on the aircraft, be aware of the aircraft weight after installation including any other external devices, and do not exceed the maximum payload of the aircraft.
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Table of contents WARNING...................................... 3 Compliance Information...................... 3 Settings/Operation Setting up........................................... 49 Before first use Flying.................................................. 50 Highlights............................................. 6 Storing Package contents................................ 8 Guide to parts and controls................. 9 Connection/Installation Preparing the app and the batteries....
Before first use Highlights This product is an RTK GNSS (Real Time Kinematic Global Navigation Satellite System) receiver that can be installed on the ARS-S1 to enable high-precision positioning. High-precision manual/automated flight by high-precision selfposition estimation RTK GNSS enables high-precision positioning of the aircraft, and enhances operability when flying the aircraft and path repeatability during automated flight.
• When using the GNSS correction service You can also connect to the GNSS correction service* by configuring the network RTK function in the “Airpeak Flight” app on your mobile device. You cannot use an antenna unit for base station when using the GNSS correction service.
Package contents • Flash sync relay cable (1) Contact the place of purchase or Sony Customer Support if any components are missing. Quantities are indicated in parentheses.
Guide to parts and controls Interface unit NT TL AN T EX RL CT FRO T AN R Before first use USB POW ER A N T L EX T RL CT NT AN T R FRO L CTR ANT L port Control port ANT R port EXT POWER port SD memory card slot USB port 9
Antenna unit for aircraft WER PO US STAT GNSS antenna ANT port Lock slide STATUS LED Lights white when the RTK function is available. Blinks white while receiving correction data. POWER LED Lights green when the power is on. Antenna unit for base station R POWE STATUS GNSS antenna USB port Screw hole for tripod (5/8-11 UNC) 10 STATUS LED The STATUS LED on the antenna unit for base station remains off even when the RTK function is available.
Connection/Installation Preparing the app and the batteries When you use the ARS-S1 for the first time, refer to the Startup Guide included with the ARS-S1 and follow the steps below.
2 Remove the cables from the quick-release ports. USB Type-C® cable (aircraft — gimbal) Power cable (aircraft — gimbal) Control cable (aircraft — gimbal) Note A locking mechanism is used on the control cable (aircraft — gimbal) and power cable (aircraft — gimbal). To release the lock, hold down the locking tab and pull out the cable. Hold down the locking tab and pull out the cable. 3 Remove the hex screws that secure the damping plate to the aircraft.
4 Remove the damping plate from the aircraft. Remove the damping plate after removing the hex screws.
[2] Removing the connection hub from the aircraft 1 Remove the cables from the aircraft. Remove the cables from the connection hub on the aircraft. USB Type-C® cable (aircraft — gimbal) Power cable (aircraft — gimbal) Control cable (aircraft — gimbal) Front of aircraft Remove the control cable (aircraft — gimbal) from the control port. Rear of aircraft Remove the power cable (aircraft — gimbal) from the POWER port. Remove the USB Type-C® cable (aircraft — gimbal) from the USB port.
Note A locking mechanism is used on the control cable (aircraft — gimbal) and power cable (aircraft — gimbal). To release the lock, hold down the locking tab and pull out the cable. Hold down the locking tab and pull out the cable. 2 Remove the M2 screws that secure the connection hub to the aircraft. Remove at two positions. 3 Connection/Installation Keep the M2 screws that you removed from the connection hub, as they will be used later. Remove the connection hub from the aircraft.
[3] Attaching the interface unit to the aircraft 1 Place the interface unit on the aircraft. With the arrow indicating FRONT () pointing toward the front of the aircraft, place the interface unit on the aircraft connector. Push the interface unit fully until they are connected. NT 2 FRO Secure the interface unit to the aircraft. Secure the interface unit to the aircraft with the M2 screws removed in “[2] Removing the connection hub from the aircraft.” Secure at two positions.
[4] Connecting cables to the interface unit Connect cables to the interface unit attached on the aircraft. USB Type-C® cable (aircraft — gimbal) Antenna cable Power cable (aircraft — gimbal) Antenna cable Connection/Installation Control cable (aircraft — gimbal) Front of aircraft Connect the control cable (aircraft — gimbal) to the control port. Rear of aircraft Connect the power cable (aircraft — gimbal) to the POWER port.
Bottom of aircraft Connect the antenna cables to the ANT L/R ports. Notes • Connect the cables before attaching the damping plate, as it will be difficult to insert the cables once the damping plate is attached. • The antenna cables on the right and left are the same part. Do not route the antenna cables with them crossed. • Connect the USB Type-C® cable (aircraft — gimbal) to the USB port. Connecting the cable to the EXT port will not work.
[5] A ttaching the damping plate and antenna units for aircraft to the aircraft Note Be sure to attach the damping plate and antenna units for aircraft according to the following procedure. Installing them in the wrong order may cause deformation or damage to the parts. Also, the antenna units for aircraft may not be in the correct position, which may affect the aircraft's attitude control.
3 Place the antenna units for aircraft on the aircraft. Place the antenna units for aircraft on the left and right sides of the aircraft so that they cover the damping plate. 4 Secure the damping plate and the antenna units for aircraft using the hex screws included with this product. Secure the screws using the hex wrench (H2.5 mm) (0.1 in.) included in the gimbal set (sold separately). Attach at two positions on each leg (eight total).
[6] Connecting cables to the quick-release Insert the plugs at the other ends of the cables connected to the aircraft in the corresponding quick-release ports. USB Type-C® cable (aircraft — gimbal) Control cable (aircraft — gimbal) Front of aircraft Connection/Installation Power cable (aircraft — gimbal) Connect the control cable (aircraft — gimbal) to the control port.
Rear of aircraft Connect the power cable (aircraft — gimbal) to the POWER port. Connect the USB Type-C® cable (aircraft — gimbal) to the USB port. FRONT R POWE ANT L EXT CTRL POWER ANT R OPEN USB LOCK POWER SD Note A locking mechanism is used on the control cable (aircraft — gimbal) and power cable (aircraft — gimbal). Insert fully until the plug locks into place.
[8] Attaching landing gear to the aircraft 1 Press in the ball detent and insert the landing gear. Make sure that the ball detent is fully engaged. 2 Turn the lever to lock the landing gear. Turn both landing gear levers below the dotted line as shown below. Connection/Installation Ball detent Lever 3 Attach the other landing gear in the same manner.
4 Turn the aircraft over. Holding the aircraft securely by two frame arms, turn it over. Frame arm Frame arm [9] C onnecting cables to the antenna units for aircraft 1 Connect the antenna cable to the antenna unit for aircraft. AN T 2 24 Connect the other antenna cable to the antenna unit for aircraft in the same manner.
3 Raise the folded antenna units for aircraft. After raising the antenna, push it in until it clicks into place. Make sure that the yellow label is invisible through the windows on the sides of the lock slides. Push in until it clicks into place. WER PO S TU STA Bracket Notes • Be sure to fold the antenna when connecting the antenna cable to the antenna unit for aircraft. • A locking mechanism is used on the antenna cable. Insert fully until the plug locks into place.
[10] Inserting an SD memory card For information about SD memory cards that can be used with this product, refer to “Memory cards that can be used” (page 58). 1 Slide the switch on the SD memory card slot cover to unlock. SD OPEN LOCK AN TR USB SD USB OPEN LOCK 2 Open the SD memory card slot cover and insert an SD memory card. 3 Close the SD memory card slot cover and slide the switch to lock.
Installing the base station Installation environment • Install the antenna unit for base station on a tripod or the like to provide distance from the ground. If close to a water surface or object with a wide area, the multipath effect will prevent satellite signals from being received correctly. • Make sure that there are no obstacles above or around the GNSS antenna of the base station.
2 Connect the micro USB OTG cable to the micro USB port (USB-B) of the remote controller. Micro USB port (USB-B) 3 Peel the release paper off the fixing sheet attached to the micro USB OTG cable, and stick the fixing sheet on the back of the remote controller. Before doing so, wipe any dust or debris off the area where the fixing sheet is to be stuck using a soft, dry cloth.
4 Secure the micro USB OTG cable to the left side of the handle bar with the hook-and-loop fastener. Top of the handle bar Left side of the handle bar Right side of the handle bar Hook-and-loop fastener Connection/Installation Notes • There is a communication antenna on the right side of the handle bar. To ensure stable wireless communication, do not secure the micro USB OTG cable to the right side of the handle bar. • Do not secure the micro USB OTG cable to the top of the handle bar.
5 Connect the micro USB OTG cable and the USB Type-C® cable (remote controller-base station). Micro USB OTG cable USB Type-C® cable (remote controller-base station) Notes • When connecting the USB Type-C® cable (remote controller-base station) to the remote controller, be sure to connect to the micro USB port (USB-B) of the remote controller via the micro USB OTG cable. Do not connect directly to the USB port (USB-A) of the remote controller.
Preparing the remote controller and the aircraft When you use the ARS-S1 for the first time, refer to the Startup Guide included with the ARS-S1 and follow the steps below. “Setup” chapter • “Attaching a mobile device to the remote controller” • “Loading battery packs in the aircraft” • “Linking/setting up the remote controller and aircraft” Prepare the camera before mounting it on the gimbal. (Both the camera and gimbal are sold separately.
[2] Configuring required settings on the camera Configure the following setting items on the camera. For setting instructions, refer to the camera operating instructions or online Help Guide (Web manual). • [PC Remote Function] — [PC Remote]: [On] • [PC Remote Function] — [Still Img. Save Dest.]: – [PC+Camera]: Captured still images are saved to the camera, and the geotags of the captured still images are stored on the SD memory card inserted into the RTK interface unit and in Airpeak Base.
Mounting the gimbal on the aircraft WARNING 1 Carefully follow these instructions. Errors in set-up may cause the camera to detach and fall from the aircraft when in flight, which could result in injury or property damage. Make sure the aircraft is off. Confirm that the power status LED of the aircraft is off. Connection/Installation EASE Y REL BATTER Power status LED 2 Mount the gimbal on the aircraft. With the marks on the gimbal and quick-release aligned, attach the gimbal.
Mounting a camera on the gimbal (when using the GBL-PX1) The installation procedure differs depending on the gimbal. Mount the camera on the gimbal according to the instructions for your gimbal. [1] Attach the L-Bracket to the camera Note Be careful not to get your fingers caught when operating the lever. 1 Remove the shoulder strap attachment from the camera. Shoulder strap attachment Note Store the shoulder strap attachment securely so as not to lose it. 2 Remove the L-Bracket from the gimbal.
3 Loosen the camera fixing screw, and temporarily attach the tripod screw on the L-Bracket to the tripod socket on the bottom of the camera. Make sure there is a gap of about 1 mm (0.04 in.) between the L-Bracket and the bottom of the camera. Camera fixing screw Tripod screw 4 L-Bracket Pass the camera fixing screw through the hook for the shoulder strap on the camera and secure it. Hook for the shoulder strap Connection/Installation Tripod socket Camera fixing screw 5 Use a coin, etc.
[2] Mounting the camera on the gimbal 1 Place the camera in the gimbal. Unlock the lever and place the camera in the gimbal from the front. Lever 2 Secure the camera in the gimbal. Lock the lever.
[3] Connecting cables between the camera and gimbal 1 Connect the USB Type-C® cable (gimbal — camera) to the camera and the gimbal. Insert the plug of the USB Type-C® cable (gimbal — camera) included with the aircraft in the camera USB port. Insert the other end of the USB Type-C® cable (gimbal — camera) connected to the camera in the gimbal USB port. 2 Connection/Installation USB Type-C® cable (gimbal — camera) Make sure that the USB Type-C® cable (gimbal — camera) is properly connected.
3 Remove the hot shoe attachment from the hot shoe cable included with this product. ¼ Hint The hot shoe attachment is a part used when mounting the camera on the gimbal GBL-T3. Store the hot shoe attachment securely so as not to lose it. 4 Attach the hot shoe cable to the camera. Hot shoe cable 5 Connect the hot shoe cable to the gimbal. Insert the other end of the hot shoe cable attached to the camera in the gimbal SYNC port.
[4] Adjusting the balance of the gimbal Adjust the balances of the tilt, roll, and pan axes. Note Be careful not to get your fingers caught in the tilt frame, roll frame, or pan frame when adjusting the balance of the gimbal. Roll axis Connection/Installation Preparation • Confirm that the camera lens cap is removed. • Confirm that the camera and gimbal are connected using the USB Type-C® cable (gimbal — camera) (page 37).
1 Adjust the balance of the tilt axis. Adjust the horizontal and vertical balances of the tilt axis. Horizontal balance adjustment of the tilt axis Loosen the lever, and then slide the L-Bracket forward or backward to adjust the balance. After adjusting the balance, close the lever firmly. Rotate the tilt frame by about ±15° to check if the balance is adjusted properly. If properly adjusted, the tilt frame will stay still or return to the horizontal position.
2 Adjust the balance of the roll axis. Loosen the lever and slide the roll frame left and right to adjust the balance. After adjusting the balance, firmly tighten the lever. Rotate the roll frame by about ±45° to check if the balance is adjusted properly. If properly adjusted, the roll frame will stay still or slowly return to the horizontal position. Roll frame 3 Adjust the balance of the pan axis. Loosen the lever and slide the pan frame back and forth to adjust the balance.
[5] Adjusting the gimbal parameters The gimbal parameters need to be adjusted. Visit the support site for details on adjustment. http://electronics.sony.
Mounting a camera on the gimbal (when using the GBL-T3) The installation procedure differs depending on the gimbal. Mount the camera on the gimbal according to the instructions for your gimbal. [1] Attaching the camera plate and hot shoe cable to the camera The camera plate is included in the gimbal GBL-T3 set (sold separately). Use the hot shoe cable included with this product. Attach the camera plate included with the gimbal set to the camera.
3 Attach the hot shoe cable included with this product to the camera. Hot shoe cable Notes • When using the gimbal GBL-T3 set (sold separately), be sure to use the hot shoe attachment. Otherwise, the camera may not be secured properly on the gimbal. • If the hot shoe attachment has become detached from the hot shoe cable, insert the opening of the hot shoe attachment into the thread of the hot shoe cable by turning it clockwise.
[2] Connecting the flash sync relay cable to the gimbal and securing it 1 Connect the flash sync relay cable to the AUX port of the gimbal. 2 Secure the flash sync relay cable to the bottom part of the gimbal frame with the hook-and-loop fastener. Pass the hook-and-loop fastener under the frame, turn it forward, and then pass it over the frame to bundle it. Bundle it on the left side of the groove on the frame when viewed from the rear.
[3] Mounting a camera on the gimbal 1 Place the camera in the gimbal. Loosen the locking screws on both sides of the gimbal frame, extend the tilt top bar to make it higher, and place the camera in the gimbal from the front. Slide the camera plate attached to the camera into the groove on the bottom part of the frame. Tilt top bar Locking screw Locking screw 2 Secure the camera in the gimbal.
[4] Connecting cables between the camera and gimbal Connect the flash sync relay cable to the hot shoe cable, and connect the camera and the gimbal with the USB cable included with the aircraft. 1 Connect the flash sync relay cable to the hot shoe cable. Connect the hot shoe cable to the connector of the flash sync relay cable. Flash sync relay cable 2 Connect the USB cable to the camera and the gimbal.
Notes • Positions of camera ports vary by camera. • If you adjust the tilt axis of the gimbal, the hot shoe cable and USB cable may come into contact with the frame of the gimbal. Route the cables so that they do not come into contact with the gimbal frame. • Before removing the camera from the gimbal, disconnect the hot shoe cable or pull out the pin jack. Be careful not to pull out the flash sync relay cable from the gimbal.
Settings/Operation Setting up Updating to the latest software To use this product, it is necessary to update to the latest system software. Update in the condition with the aircraft and the remote controller connected and the mobile device attached to the remote controller connected to the internet. 1 Tap [Start flight] in the “Airpeak Flight” app home page. The flight screen will be displayed. Tap (Settings) in the top right of the screen. Tap [General] in the displayed setting menu.
Flying [1] Attaching the propellers Refer to the Startup Guide included with the ARS-S1 and follow the steps below. “Flights” chapter • “Attaching the propellers” [2] Checking error messages in the flight screen Error messages can be checked by accessing the flight screen from the “Airpeak Flight” app home page. 1 2 Tap [Start flight] in the “Airpeak Flight” app home page. Confirm that no error messages are displayed on the flight screen. Confirm that no warnings, cautions, or dialogs are displayed.
[4] Flying the aircraft Refer to the ARS-S1 Help Guide. General instructions for operating the ARS-S1, including flight plans and maneuvering the aircraft, are described. Also, refer to the following steps in the Startup Guide included with the ARS-S1. Some operations are described.
Storing Folding the antenna units for aircraft 1 Hold the lock slides on both sides of the antenna units for aircraft and pull upward. The antenna units for aircraft are unlocked. WER PO S TU STA Lock slide 2 52 Fold the antenna units for aircraft.
Storing in the packing box You can store the aircraft in the packing box with the antenna units for aircraft installed. When storing, remove the landing gear from the aircraft and be sure to fold the antenna units for aircraft.
Flight Information and Specifications Flight Precautions • Be careful not to cover the GNSS antenna parts of the antenna units for aircraft and the antenna unit for base station by mistake. Doing so may affect the attitude control of the aircraft. • Do not fly the aircraft without the antenna units for aircraft raised. Doing so may affect the attitude control of the aircraft or cause damage to the antenna units for aircraft.
Troubleshooting If you experience trouble with the product, try the following solutions. Cycle the power. Interface unit, antenna unit for aircraft: Turn off the power of the aircraft on which this product is installed and remove both battery packs. After about 1 minute, reinsert the battery packs and turn the power back on. Antenna unit for base station: Turn off the power of the connected remote controller and then turn it back on after about 1 minute.
4 With the USB plug of the micro USB OTG cable toward you, align the starting edge of the fixing sheet with the dotted line shown below, using the beginning of the lower left curve of the USB plug as a guide, and attach the adhesive side. Guideline for aligning the starting edge of the fixing sheet 5 Wrap and stick the fixing sheet counterclockwise around the support under the USB plug. Wrap the fixing sheet around it and stick it securely.
Specifications Supported correction data formats RTCM 3.1, RTCM 3.2 MSM3, RTCM3.2 MSM4, RTCM 3.2 MSM5, RTCM 3.2 MSM7 Model Recording media Dimensions • Design and specifications are subject to change without notice. • Product performance is subject to environmental factors and usage conditions. RTK-1 Interface unit: Approx. 19 mm (0.75 in.) × 86 mm (3.5 in.) × 64 mm (2.63 in.) (H × W × D) Antenna unit for aircraft: Approx. 191 mm (7.63 in.) × 130 mm (5.13 in.) × 56 mm (2.25 in.
Memory cards that can be used • This product supports SD memory cards (UHS-I compatible). When using microSD memory cards with this product, be sure to use the appropriate adapter. • This product supports SD memory cards up to 2 GB, SDHC memory cards up to 32 GB, and SDXC memory cards up to 1 TB (as of March 2023). • Not all commercially available SD memory cards are guaranteed to operate correctly. For compatible SD memory cards, please contact each SD memory card manufacturer.
About software Information about the system software Updating the system software of the aircraft does not automatically update the system software of this product. Please update this product separately using the “Airpeak Flight” app of the mobile device. By updating the system software of this product, you can add new features to this product, improve user experience of the product, and enhance security of the product. Please use the dedicated app to keep your product updated.
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