HGLRC Drashark 1.6-inch FPV Toothpick Drone User Manual

1. Product Overview

The HGLRC Drashark is a 1.6-inch FPV toothpick drone designed for versatile flight experiences, suitable for both indoor and outdoor environments. Its compact and lightweight design, weighing approximately 30g, makes it highly maneuverable. The Drashark integrates advanced components including the Zeus 5-in-1 AIO (All-In-One) flight controller, ESC, 5.8G VTX, and an ELRS receiver, ensuring stable and efficient performance.

Key features include a Caddx camera for clear imaging, a 200mW VTX with up to 48 channels for reliable video transmission, and SPECTER 1002 motors for strong power. The drone uses Gemfan 1610 two-blade propellers, contributing to smooth flight and low noise levels (around 70 decibels). It is recommended to use a 1S 550mAh high-voltage battery, providing approximately 5 minutes of flight time per charge.

Figure 1: HGLRC Drashark V2 FPV Drone, showcasing its compact design for easy indoor and outdoor flight.

2. Product Features

• Integrated Zeus 5-in-1 AIO: Combines ESC, flight control, 5.8G VTX, ELRS receiver, and Betaflight OSD for streamlined performance.
• Caddx Camera: Provides clear and sharp video feed.
• 200mW VTX: Built-in video transmitter with adjustable power up to 200mW and 48 channels for stable transmission.
• SPECTER 1002 Motors: High-power motors designed for efficient and responsive flight.
• Lightweight Design: Weighs approximately 30g, making it agile and easy to handle.
• Quiet Operation: Utilizes Gemfan 1610 two-blade propellers for smooth flight with low noise levels (approx. 70 decibels).
• SPI ExpressLRS 2.4G Receiver: Integrated receiver with built-in antenna for reliable control.
• 16MB Blackbox: Flight controller equipped with 16MB blackbox for data logging and analysis.

Figure 2: The HGLRC Drashark drone demonstrating its small and exquisite size, fitting comfortably in the palm of a hand.

Figure 3: The Drashark drone in operation, highlighting its silent flight capabilities due to optimized propellers and motors.

3. Package Contents

Verify that all items listed below are included in your package:

• 1x HGLRC Drashark Drone
• 1x Drashark TPU Green Battery Compartment
• 4x Pairs of Gemfan 1610 Two-Blade Propellers (40mm, Blue, 1.5mm shaft)
• 1x PP Plastic Square Box (82 x 82 x 40 mm)

Figure 4: Contents of the HGLRC Drashark package, showing the drone and spare propellers.

4. Setup Guide

4.1. Battery Installation and Charging

The Drashark drone uses a 1S 550mAh high-voltage LiPo battery (not included). Ensure the battery is fully charged before use. Connect the battery to a compatible 1S LiPo charger. The drone's battery plug is A30, compatible with BT head connectors.

1. Insert the fully charged 1S 550mAh battery into the Drashark TPU battery compartment.
2. Connect the battery's A30 connector to the drone's power input.

Figure 5: Proper installation of the 1S 550mAh battery into the Drashark drone.

4.2. Propeller Installation

The drone comes with Gemfan 1610 two-blade propellers. Ensure they are installed correctly according to the motor rotation direction.

1. Identify the correct propeller for each motor (clockwise and counter-clockwise).
2. Carefully push each propeller onto the motor shaft until it sits securely. No tools are typically required for this type of propeller.

4.3. Binding the Receiver (ELRS)

The Drashark features an integrated SPI ExpressLRS 2.4G receiver. To bind it with your ELRS compatible radio transmitter, follow the standard ELRS binding procedure:

1. Power on the drone three times consecutively, with short pauses in between. The LED on the flight controller should flash rapidly, indicating it's in binding mode.
2. On your ELRS radio transmitter, navigate to the ELRS LUA script and select "Bind".
3. Once bound, the LED on the flight controller will turn solid, indicating a successful connection.
4. Refer to your radio transmitter's manual for specific ELRS binding instructions.

4.4. Betaflight Configuration (Advanced Users)

For advanced users, the drone's flight controller runs Betaflight firmware (HGLRCF411SX1280). You can connect the drone to a computer via USB and use the Betaflight Configurator software for fine-tuning settings, PID adjustments, and OSD customization. The flight controller includes a 16MB blackbox for flight data logging.

• Download the latest Betaflight Configurator from the official Betaflight website.
• Connect the drone to your computer using a USB cable.
• Open Betaflight Configurator and connect to the drone.
• Perform necessary calibrations (accelerometer, magnetometer if applicable) and configure modes, rates, and OSD elements as desired.

5. Operating Instructions

5.1. Pre-Flight Checklist

• Ensure the drone battery is fully charged.
• Verify propellers are securely attached and undamaged.
• Check that your radio transmitter battery is charged.
• Confirm successful binding between the drone and transmitter.
• Inspect the flight area for any obstacles or hazards.

5.2. First Flight

For your first flight, choose an open, safe area, free from people and obstacles. It is recommended to start with a flight simulator if you are new to FPV drones.

1. Power on your radio transmitter.
2. Connect the battery to the drone. Wait for the drone to initialize and the receiver to connect (solid LED).
3. Arm the motors using the designated switch on your transmitter (usually a two-position switch configured in Betaflight). The propellers will start spinning slowly.
4. Gently increase the throttle to lift off.
5. Practice hovering and basic maneuvers at a low altitude.
6. To disarm, flip the arming switch to the disarmed position. The motors will stop.

Figure 6: The Drashark drone demonstrating its versatility for both indoor and outdoor freestyle flying.

5.3. Safety Guidelines

• Always fly in a safe and open environment, away from people, animals, and property.
• Do not fly near airports or restricted airspace.
• Maintain line of sight with your drone, even when flying FPV.
• Be aware of local regulations regarding drone operation.
• Never fly with damaged propellers or components.
• Always disconnect the battery immediately after flight.
• Do not touch the motors or propellers when armed.

6. Maintenance

6.1. General Cleaning

After each flight, especially if flying outdoors, inspect the drone for dirt, dust, or debris. Use a soft brush or compressed air to clean the motors, propellers, and flight controller. Avoid using liquids directly on electronic components.

6.2. Propeller Inspection and Replacement

Regularly check propellers for cracks, bends, or nicks. Damaged propellers can cause vibrations, reduce flight performance, and lead to crashes. Replace any damaged propellers immediately with new ones from the included spares or genuine HGLRC replacements.

6.3. Motor Inspection

Check motors for any signs of damage, such as bent shafts or loose bells. Ensure they spin freely without resistance. If a motor feels rough or makes unusual noises, it may need replacement.

6.4. Firmware Updates

Periodically check the official HGLRC website or Betaflight resources for firmware updates. Updating firmware can improve performance, add new features, or fix bugs. Follow official guides carefully when performing firmware updates.

7. Troubleshooting

8. Technical Specifications

Figure 7: Dimensions of the HGLRC Drashark drone and its packaging.

9. Warranty and Support

9.1. Warranty Information

HGLRC products are typically covered by a limited warranty against manufacturing defects. The specific terms and duration of the warranty may vary by region and retailer. Please retain your proof of purchase for warranty claims. Damage caused by improper use, crashes, modifications, or unauthorized repairs is generally not covered under warranty.

9.2. Customer Support

For technical assistance, troubleshooting, or warranty inquiries, please contact HGLRC customer support through their official website or the retailer from whom you purchased the product. Provide your product model and a detailed description of the issue for efficient support.

Official HGLRC Website: www.hglrc.com