YSI rQPOD Quick Start Guide

This rQPOD Quick Start Guide provides essential steps for setting up your vehicle after unpacking. It covers first-time setup, general assembly, and transmitter information. Please inspect for shipping damage before proceeding. Contact info@ysi.com or +1 937-767-7241 for assistance with damaged or missing parts.

Components

• Skid Guard Vertical Port (red)/ Starboard (green)
• Skid Guard Horizontal Port (red)/ Starboard (green)
• Main Pod Body
• RADIOMASTER TX16S transmitter
• Spare props (2 counterclockwise)
• Mk 2 Thrusters assembly with FCS mounts
• TORX driver and screws
• FCS key
• Magnetic Pen
• 2 Batteries (Phantom LiPO 3)
• Charger
• Transmitter cover
• LiPo safe charging bag
• Spare 20 A fuses
• O-ring grease
• rQPOD mounting plate
• 8 x AA batteries

Associated Components

• Torrent Board with mounts for thrusters, rQPOD motor, and sensors

First Time Setup

Torrent Board Preparation

1. Stick Prop Guard warning safety labels on the board.

2. Insert 6 TORX self-tapping screws into the provided holes.

3. Fix 2 TORX M9 bolts into the top side of the board.

General Assembly

1. Remove plugs from the Torrent Board V7 (TOP and BOTTOM) using a coin or similar object.

2. Insert thruster assembly into the FCS fin slots. The thrusters are interchangeable and can be used on either side of the board. Note: Only use the FCS key to secure the thruster assembly and do not overtighten.

3. Fit the skid guards, ensuring they are paired by matching the color of the skid guard to the color of the dot on the board. Use the TORX driver to tighten the top bolt, being careful not to overtighten. Place the skid guard on the correct side of the board, matching the skid guard color to the colored dot on the underside. Slide the mounts over the TORX screws in the bottom of the board. Tighten the TORX screws approximately ¼ turn to secure. Turn the board over. Note: If TORX screws are not fitted, they must be fitted first. Note: When viewed in the normal operating position (unit floating on water), the red skid guard should be on the left (PORT) and the green skid guard on the right (STARBOARD) when viewed from behind. Pass cables through the board holes and ensure coned plugs fit firmly to prevent air intake.

4. Connect the thruster cables to the rQPOD. Do not overtighten locking sleeves. Periodically grease connectors with the supplied grease, especially if plugs are difficult to insert.

5. Place the rQPOD on the board using the mounting plate; it should slide in from one side and then rotate down. Tighten TORX screws to secure, but do not overtighten.

6. Turn on the remote control transmitter. Ensure switch F is in the lower position and the throttle stick is in the center neutral position. Note: Switch F must be in the lower position for low speed to avoid a warning. Caution: If raining or damp, use the provided transmitter glove as the transmitter is not waterproof.

7. In a dry environment, undo the black handles and remove the clear battery cover (designed for a tight fit to prevent water ingress). Insert the two batteries and push them until they click into place. Turn the batteries on: one short press to check battery level, then a long press to activate. Check the clear battery cover for dirt, clean if necessary, and re-grease. Replace the cover, ensuring the arrow points skyward (it is keyed for correct orientation). Lock the handles and visually check all seals through the cover. Note: Only use batteries with similar charge levels. Note: Both batteries must be installed. Note: Check O-Ring seals and re-grease if necessary. Note: When activated, batteries will chime and LED lights will turn green.

8. Using the magnetic pen, swipe over the ARM logo on the rQPOD. Navigation lights will illuminate, and thrusters will make a sound. Quickly check thruster operation using the transmitter. Disarm the rQPOD using the magnet. Note: Do not operate thrusters in air for longer than 10 seconds as they are water-lubricated.

9. Carefully place the board in the water while holding it. Use the magnet to swipe over the ARM position. Navigation lights on the rQPOD should illuminate, and thrusters should make a sound. While holding the Torrent board, perform a quick thruster check with the transmitter before deployment. Note: rQPOD batteries have a power-save mode; they shut down after 15 minutes of inactivity and require manual reactivation. Note: Batteries need regular monthly charging, even if not in use.

Transmitter Alarms & Tips

Steering & Turning

Use the left joystick for forward/backward movement and the right joystick to rotate the vehicle left/right.

Fast and Slow Speed Settings

Use the lower left-hand switch to control vehicle speed: push forward for faster, pull back for slower. A warning appears if the transmitter is on and Switch F is in the high rate position.

Signal Strength

Transmitter range depends on line of sight and user elevation. At approximately 1 m (3.28 ft) above ground, range is about 304.8 m (1000 ft), increasing with elevation. An audible warning sounds when the connection weakens. Note: If the rQPOD goes out of range, it continues on the last command received.

Telemetry and Servo Information

Telemetry from the rQPOD is displayed on the Radiomaster TX16s screen:

• VFAS: Voltage from rQPOD batteries. Varies with throttle. 17.4 V indicates fully charged; 14.4 V indicates nearly empty (no throttle). Voltage drops when propellers are turning. An audible "Battery Critical" alarm sounds if voltage drops below 14.7 V and current is less than 2 A.
• Tmp1: Internal temperature of the rQPOD housing. Audible alarms trigger below 5°C (41°F) and above 40°C (104°F). Do not operate if temperature alarms activate. Limits are based on LiPo battery warnings.
• Batt: Voltage of the handheld transmitter. The battery icon shows transmitter battery capacity, with audible and visual warnings when low.