YSIDO F4V3S F4 V3 V3S PLUS Flight Controller and ESC Stack Instruction Manual

1. Introduction

This manual provides detailed instructions for the installation, operation, and maintenance of the YSIDO F4V3S F4 V3 V3S PLUS Flight Controller (FC) and its accompanying Electronic Speed Controller (ESC) stack. This high-performance stack is designed for FPV racing drones and quadcopters, offering robust control and power management. It is available with 30A, 45A, or 60A 4-in-1 BLHELI_S ESC options.

2. Specifications

2.1 F4 V3S PLUS Flight Controller (FC)

2.2 Electronic Speed Controller (ESC)

3. Package Contents

The package contents may vary slightly depending on the specific ESC variant purchased (30A, 45A, or 60A). A typical package includes:

• F4 V3S PLUS Flight Controller Board
• 4-in-1 BLHeli_S ESC (30A, 45A, or 60A)
• Connecting Cable(s)
• Rubber Damping Columns (M3-7)*4
• XT60 Plug Power Cable (for ESC variants)
• 680uF/35V Filter Capacitor (for ESC variants)
• Screws and Nuts for mounting

4. Setup and Installation

Careful installation is crucial for optimal performance and safety. Pay close attention to wiring and polarity.

4.1 Mounting the Stack

• The FC and ESC boards have 30.5x30.5mm mounting holes, supporting M4 shock-absorbing columns.
• Ensure proper isolation between the boards and the drone frame to prevent short circuits and reduce vibrations.
• Use the provided rubber damping columns to minimize vibration transfer to the FC's gyroscope.

4.2 Wiring the Flight Controller (F4 V3S PLUS FC)

Installation Precautions: Pay attention to the input voltage pad and the positive and negative electrodes when connecting without flat wires. Incorrect polarity can damage the unit.

• Power Input: Connect your battery's positive (+) and negative (-) terminals to the designated BAT pads on the FC. Ensure correct polarity.
• ESC Connection: Connect the FC to the 4-in-1 ESC using the provided ribbon cable or by soldering individual wires according to the pinout.
• Receiver Connection: The FC supports SBUS, CRSF, IBUS, SPEKTRUM 1024/2048, XBUS, SUMD, and PPM RX. The default receiver input is UART6. Connect your receiver to the appropriate pads.
• VTX and Camera: The FC provides 5V output for VTX and camera. Connect these components to the designated pads. Note that VTX and GPS share TX3, so only one can be used at a time.
• LED and Buzzer: Connect an LED strip to the LED pad and a buzzer to the BZ+ and BZ- pads.
• GPS: If using GPS for fixed-point functions, connect it to the appropriate UART.

4.3 Wiring the 4-in-1 ESC

The 4-in-1 ESC integrates four individual ESCs into a single board, simplifying wiring. Ensure the ESC is mounted securely and isolated from conductive surfaces.

• Motor Connections: Solder the motor wires to the corresponding M1, M2, M3, M4 pads on the ESC. Ensure correct motor rotation direction, which can be adjusted in Betaflight or BLHeliSuite.
• Battery Input: Connect the main battery lead (XT60 connector) to the large positive (+) and negative (-) pads on the ESC. The ESC has on-board filter capacitors to suppress back electromotive force and stabilize battery voltage.
• FC Connection: Connect the ESC to the Flight Controller via the dedicated cable or soldered wires.

4.4 Software Configuration (Betaflight/INAV)

• Connect the FC to your computer via a USB cable.
• Use Betaflight Configurator (or INAV Configurator if using INAV firmware) to configure the FC.
• Flash the appropriate firmware (e.g., Betaflight F405 target).
• Calibrate the accelerometer and gyroscope.
• Configure OSD settings using the drag-and-drop interface.
• Set up motor protocols (Dshot600 is supported).
• Configure receiver type and channels.
• Adjust PID settings and other flight parameters as needed.

5. Operating Instructions

• Pre-Flight Check: Before each flight, ensure all connections are secure, propellers are correctly installed, and the battery is fully charged.
• Arming: Arm your drone using the configured switch on your remote controller. Ensure you are in a safe area before arming.
• Flight Modes: Utilize various flight modes configured in Betaflight/INAV, such as Acro, Angle, Horizon, and GPS-enabled modes (if GPS is installed and configured).
• OSD Information: The on-screen display (OSD) provides real-time flight data such as battery voltage, current, flight mode, and RSSI. Monitor this information during flight.
• Fixed-Point Function: If using iNAV firmware and GPS with a magnetic compass, the FC can achieve fixed-point functionality for autonomous flight.
• Rescue Mode: The F4V3plus flight control supports rescue mode, which can be configured for emergency situations.

6. Maintenance

• Regular Inspection: Periodically inspect the FC and ESC for any signs of damage, loose connections, or corrosion.
• Cleaning: Keep the boards clean and free from dust, dirt, and moisture. Use compressed air or a soft brush for cleaning.
• Firmware Updates: Regularly check for and apply firmware updates for both the FC (Betaflight/INAV) and ESC (BLHeliSuite) to ensure optimal performance and access to new features.
• Component Check: Ensure all screws and mounting hardware are tight. Check for any signs of wear on cables and connectors.

7. Troubleshooting

This section addresses common issues you might encounter.

• Q: Does F4 flight control support traditional aircraft model remote controllers?
  A: F4 flight control only supports receivers in SBUS or PPM mode, and also supports receivers in CRSF protocol, such as TBS receiver and ELRS receiver. Traditional PWM receivers are not supported.
• Q: Does F4V3plus flight control support GPS fixed points?
  A: Yes, F4V3plus flight control supports iNAV firmware, and with GPS and a magnetic compass, it can achieve fixed-point functionality.
• Q: Does F4V3plus flight control support rescue mode?
  A: Yes, it supports rescue mode.
• Q: Can F4V3plus flight control be connected to a DJI O3 air unit?
  A: Yes, it can be connected to an O3 air unit, but it needs to be connected by welding wires. There is no separate air unit interface.
• Q: What is the model of the F4V3plus flight control and tower chip?
  A: The main control chip uses F405.
• Q: Do I need to insert a memory card for F4V3plus flight control parameter adjustment?
  A: No, you can adjust the parameters by connecting the data cable directly to the computer.

7.1 User Tips

• Always double-check wiring, especially power connections, to avoid damage.
• For optimal performance, ensure your firmware (Betaflight/INAV and BLHeli_S) is up to date.
• When connecting to a DJI O3 air unit, be prepared for direct soldering as no dedicated port is available.
• Leverage the on-board barometer (BMP280) for improved altitude hold and GPS functionality.

8. Warranty and Support

For warranty claims or technical support, please contact your retailer or the manufacturer directly. Keep your proof of purchase for any warranty-related inquiries. Detailed support resources, including firmware guides and troubleshooting forums, are often available on the manufacturer's website or community platforms for FPV enthusiasts.