GeoLink Configuration

1 GeoLink Support

Spirit GeoLink module is supported by all Spirit units. In order to utilize all the functions it is necessary to enable the support in the Spirit Settings - General tab first. After enabling, save the settings and re-power the model.

2 Compass Calibration

All GeoLink modules were fully tested and calibrated. The only thing pilot might need is to re-calibrate Compass. Compass is crucial for determining heading of the model for a proper navigation through space. Compass is sensing Earth's magnetic field (Geomagnetic field) and in this way it can determine heading at any time. Unfortunately Geomagnetic field is different everywhere. Thus if model will be operated outside the Czech Republic it is highly recommended to perform New Calibration. GeoLink modules are factory calibrated for the Czech Republic.

2.1 How to check

If your model will start to do a circles around a spot it should fly, then it is clear mark that the Compass Calibration is required.

To precisely verify that GeoLink is calibrated correctly for your area, please launch the Spirit Settings and open GeoLink settings window. At Info tab you can see current Heading value.

Please place the model or just GeoLink to the North as close as possible, so that flight direction of the model is front of the arrow. Ideally compare to an analogue compass.

When heading to North, you should see approximately 90 +/- 4°. Measured value should not be far from this. If so, please perform Compass Calibration again.

We recommend to not use a smart devices for compass heading comparison. These are usually not calibrated at all nor allow the calibration. An analogue compass is the best for comparison.

2.2 Odd behavior

If Compass calibration is wrong you will notice that features such as Geo-fence, Return to Home, Position Hold are not working precisely. For example when Return to Home is engaged and model reached programmed Home position, the model could move in a circle manner around that spot, instead of stable hovering. The bigger is circle, the bigger is Compass heading error. If you can observe this behavior always, then it is clear sign that you need to re-calibrate the Compass.

2.3 Calibration process

In order to perform the calibration it is necessary to enter Spirit Settings/GeoLink/Module and click the Calibration request button. Now you can disconnect power and USB interface cable from the model.

1. During following power up of the model you will immediately notice 3 series of rapid LED flashing on the GeoLink. This always signalize module is in the Calibration mode.
2. Blue GeoLink LED will be indicating progress of the calibration. GeoLink v2 will light up also Green LED when calibration is ongoing.
3. Start moving with the model in all possible directions and angles to mimic a sphere. When Blue LED will flash then it will indicate a new calibration data were acquired.
4. Rotate with the module as long until you will see periodic Blue LED flashing. At this point the calibration is finished. Green LED light of the GeoLink v2 will be turned Off. After following re-power the module is ready for operation.

Successful calibration will end up only with periodic GeoLink LED light flashing. If you will not reach to this point then model was not rotated to all directions. During next power up new calibration will be started. This will happen for next 2 times if calibration will be not finished. If it is not finished even for the 3rd time then original calibration data will be used.

For 600+ class helicopters we recommend to perform calibration while GeoLink is not mounted. In that way it can be more comfortable and easier.
Calibration should be done ideally at the flying field but can be performed usually indoor as well.

Spirit Setings will not see GeoLink during Calibration mode. Calibration will not finish until it is fully done. If power is turned off while calibration is not finished, the calibration process will start from the beginning after next power up.

2.4 Calibration Video

Here you can find video from the calibration process.

Example video from the Calibration process

3 How to configure

As the first step pilot has to decide what GeoLink feature he want to use. Pilot can enable multiple features at the same time if needed. They can be combined, however for initial verification we recommend to enable only one function at a time.

Enable feature you would like to use in the Aid tab of the GeoLink window by ticking the Checkbox. After enabling, available parameters for the particular feature will be accessible. By these parameters behavior of selected feature can be customized to fulfill a needs. For the first tries we recommend to use a default values.

3.1 Triggering

You can verify if triggering mechanism for any feature is working correctly even before actual flight by checking the Aid tab. If a feature is engaged you will see ACTIVE or in other case Inactive.

For safety reasons turn off all GeoLink features before lift off. Then in a safe altitude you can enable the feature carefully. All features can be instantly disengaged at any moment so you can continue in a normal flight.

3.1.1 Stabi function

By default all GeoLink features are engaged as soon as a Stabi function is active. For example if Coaxial or Rescue mode is engaged the GeoLink feature is engaged as well and complement operation of a Stabi function by acting simultaneously. We recommend to set Stabi/Function to Coaxial mode for Geo-fence, Return to Home and Position Hold features. We recommend to use this way only when you are out of a free channels.

3.1.2 Dedicated GeoLink channel [Recommended]

More strightforward way is to assign a GeoLink feature to any free channel in the General/Channels window. In the right part of the Spirit Settings software select which feature you would like to assign. (for example F: GeoLink Return to Home). Then select appropriate channel which will be used for engaging. You can use same channel for multiple features at the same time.

4 GeoLink functions

4.1 Geo-fence

This feature allows to restrict flying area so that when flying over the model will return. Pilot can set a virtual fence in which the model is allowed to fly.

Visit Geo-fence page to see all details about the function.

4.2 Altitude Limit

If you are worried you will forget to engage the Rescue mode in time, this feature is what you are looking for.

Visit Altitude Limit page to see all details about the function.

4.3 Return to Home

Whenever you will loose orientation, this function is the best option. You have to only engage the function with your transmitter and wait until the model returns to a defined position.

Visit Return to Home page to see all details about the function.

4.4 Auto Landing

Whenever you want to land with the model you can use this feature to do so automatically.

Visit Auto Landing page to see all details about the function.

4.5 Position Hold

If you are learning the basics this feature can help you significantly in maintaining required spot. If you are not strong in hovering the feature will do the job for you.

Visit Position Hold page to see all details about the function.

4.6 Altitude Hold

If pilot is unable to maintain altitude the feature can control collective pitch automatically for him.

Visit Altitude Hold page to see all details about the function.

5 Correction Gains

GeoLink features are doing a certain movements to achieve desired position of the model. These movements are small corrections which are dependent on parameters of the model. For very agile models these correction can be smaller. While for heavy and big models you might need bigger in order to reduce time required to achieve desired position.

5.1 Horiontal Gain

Horizontal gain affects features such as Geo-fence, Return To Home and Position Hold. For example if Return to Home feature is engaged and it takes too long to return at programmed home spot it is necessary to increase Horizontal correction. Too high value will result in excess (too visible) corrections even when model is maintaining spot on position.

5.2 Vertical Gain

Vertical gain affects features such as Altitude Limit and Altitude Hold. When model is oscillating in altitude it is necessary to decrease value until it will stop. It is recommended to adjust and check the behavior in no wind. Too high value will result in a more apparent oscillations. Starting with default gains is advised.