Instructions
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      2. Instructions

      How to get the base station and software running to fly?

      • Plug the USB-ethernet adapter into the tablet. Most tablets do not automatically connect to the Ethernet device. Set it up as follows (varies based on tablet)
        • Go to settings->connections->more connections->Ethernet
        • Enable the Ethernet connection
      • Launch “dgroundcontrol” on the tablet
      • Connect to the commander 2/3xl aircraft
        • Tap the “d” logo (purple) in the upper left corner
        • Tap the “comm links” button
        • Select the “commander” link
        • Tap the “connect” button on the bottom of the window
        • Wait for the connection to start, it may take up to 1 minute depending on what order system components were started in.
        • Allow the software to fetch all the parameters (green progress bar growing from left to right)
      • If this is your first flight or you have moved a large distance (>100km) from the location of the last flight it is highly recommended that you recalibrate the compass. It is recommended to do the calibration without a payload installed.
        • Ensure the airframe is outside and several meters away from any sources of magnetic interference; these include cars, large metal structures, etc. Even keys in your pocket can cause problems if they get close enough.
        • Go to the “configuration” (gear icon) page
        • Tap “sensors”
        • Tap “compass”
        • DO NOT change “autopilot rotation” or “enable compass” options if they are presented
        • Tap “ok”
        • Pick up the airframe and rotate it around. There is no specific order required, but here is a rough guideline
          • Do two full rotations with the aircraft in its normal upright position
          • Two more rotations with the nose down, can be repeated with other sides pointing down
          • Two rotations as if the arms are spokes on a wheel, can be repeated with the “axle” of the wheel pointing in different directions
        • While calibrating a green progress bar is shown in dgroundcontrol and the aircraft will periodically beep. You can have an assistant watch the progress bar or listen for the beeps to stop.
        • Once completed the quality of the calibration will be shown. At least one compass should be “green”.
        • Tap ok and wait for the settings to save (green progress goes away)
        • Power off the aircraft by pressing the power button until the navigation lights go out (up to 5 seconds depending on payload)
        • Power aircraft back on and wait for reconnection
      • Select the flight data tab (paper airplane)
      • Wait for the vehicle to get a GPS lock (usually happens almost immediately)
      • The vehicle position should be shown on the map
        • If the map is blank dgroundcontrol has not yet download any tiles for this area. This can be done ahead of time by using the plan view (line with upside down teardrops on each end) and navigating to the flight area when connect to the internet. Be sure to zoom in to get the best quality imagery
      • Video will be displayed in the lower left corner if it is supported by the payload
        • It may take up to a minute for the video to appear after first connection to the aircraft