Operational & Environmental Conditions:

• DJI M3D/T Flight Mode = Normal Mode

• DJI M3D/T Maximum Tilt Angle = 25° Degrees

• Maximum Take-Off Weight = 1.57 kg (3.46 lbs)

• Minimum Deployable Altitude Rating at 1.57 kg = 34.8 m (114.17 ft)

• ATS Arming Height = 34 m (111.5 ft)

• Manual Triggering Device Range = <8 km (<4.97 mi)

• Temperature Range = -20°C to +45°C (-4°F to 113°F)

• CAT 2 Wind Limit (FAA) = 10 mph (8.7 kts)

• CAT 3 Wind Limit (FAA) = 13 mph (11.3 kts)

• EASA MOC2512 Wind Limit = 9.01 m/s (17.5 kts)

Legends

Disclaimer

• You must register your PRS-M3DT at www.avss.co

• You must read the ENTIRE user manual to become familiar with the features of this product before operation. Failure to operate the product as instructed by the user manual may result in damage to the product or personal property and can cause serious injury. Failure to operate the product as instructed may also void your warranty.

• Throughout this document, the drone is referenced as the DJI M3D/T. This refers to the DJI M3D and DJI M3TD, which are used in the DJI Dock 2.

• This product has been designed for and should be used by qualified professionals only. Professional qualifications are determined by the jurisdiction/country in which the commercial DJI M3D/T is operating.

• This product is designed to increase the safety of both people and property on the ground during DJI M3D/T operations while potentially helping DJI M3D/T operators meet compliance requirements. However, this product is not a replacement for safe operating practices and should serve only as a last resort in the event of an emergency.

• Before use, you shall refer to the DJI M3D/T manufacturers’ documentation to determine if this product complies with specific operating requirements and warranty conditions of the DJI M3D/T. Failure to comply with the operating requirements of this product and/or DJI M3D/T manufacturer product may result in damage to the DJI M3D/T, damage to nearby property, harm to bystanders, and/or cause serious injury.

• Always use proper judgment when attempting to mitigate risks and/or danger in emergencies. Do not make or attempt any alterations or adjustments to this product or its use as it could result in serious injury, or damage to the product or other property and it will void the warranty.

• AVSS – Aerial Vehicle Safety Solutions Inc. (AVSS) assumes no liability and/or ownership of any failure event that may occur while the system is attached to a DJI M3D/T. The use of AVSS products is at the risk of the user.

• Do not store the PRS-M3DT and/or any of the associated parts and accessories in any extreme cold, hot, or humid environments.

  • For storage less than 3 months, store between -20°C and +45°C (-4°F and 113°F)

  • For storage more than 3 months, store between +22°C and +28°C (71°F and 82°F)

• This document and the information contained herein are proprietary and commercially confidential to AVSS. It is prohibited to disclose, reproduce, distribute, or use this user manual other than by persons who purchased the product. This document is copyrighted by AVSS with all rights reserved. Unless otherwise authorized by AVSS, you are not allowed to use or allow others to use this document or any part of this document.

Firmware updates should be performed when a new version is released by AVSS. Check the AVSS website regularly for firmware updates, and contact AVSS customer support if you have any questions.

The PRS-M3DT is composed of one (1) main component, with four (4) internal functional components:

1. The Electronics Module (EM), which houses the capacitor, sensors, and controller. These electronics also control the Autonomous Triggering System (ATS) that will deploy the parachute.

2. The non-removable Parachute Pod™, which contains an energetic charge, a push plate, and a folded parachute.

3. The Flight Termination System (FTS) Module (Internal), a module that enables the EM to communicate with the PRS-M3DT’s Payload Software Development Kit (PSDK) for motor shutoff.

4. The mounting bracket, strap, strap insert, and mounting screws, which attach the PRS-M3DT to the DJI M3D/T and allow for easy removal.

Setup:

When the user receives the product, the PRS-M3DT will come fully assembled and ready for installation. The required hardware for installation will be included in an accessories bag. For each installation on a DJI M3D/T drone, the top forward gasket door will need to be opened and positioned correctly on the PSDK USB-C port to properly seat the PRS-M3DT for mounting.

General Use

To use the PRS-M3DT for a flight, the DJI M3D/T shall be inspected prior to flight. Once configured for flight and installed in the DJI Dock2, you will be ready to begin. Once the aircraft is in its flight configuration, the AVSS PRS-M3DT can be mounted to the DJI M3D/T. Once the PRS-M3DT is secured to the DJI M3D/T as per the Installation instructions, the PRS-M3DT will be ready for use. The PRS-M3DT will turn on automatically when the DJI M3D/T is turned on.

The Manual Triggering Device (MTD) is initiated through the DJI M3D/T transmitter using the PSDK onboard interface. The manual trigger function is provided through the PSDK interface and has a dedicated arm icon/button that must be activated before the parachute can be deployed. To perform a manual trigger of the PRS-M3DT, the system will need to be armed, and the deploy button will need to be held down for three (3) seconds. The deploy function can be mapped to buttons on the DJI M3D/T transmitted, which will deploy the parachute immediately if armed. Any error with the DJI M3D/T will be communicated to the user via the DJI M3D/T transmitter. During the flight, the PRS-M3DT ATS will arm itself only once it has reached the minimum deployable barometric altitude above takeoff. Afterwards, if the DJI M3D/T experiences a failure, the ATS detects the failure using a suite of sensors, forces the motors to shut off, and deploys the parachute without the need for pilot input.

Onboard Power

• The PRS-M3DT EM is equipped with an independent capacitor to supply power to the PRS-M3DT in the event of a power loss from the DJI M3D/T.

• The PRS-M3DT EM interfaces and charges directly from the DJI M3D/T on drone startup.

• If left in unsuitable environments, the system and/or components may be damaged, the warranty shall be void, and the items may not properly function.

The PRS-M3DT has been designed to easily integrate with the DJI M3D/T. The PRS mounting holes and screws secure the PRS-M3DT without interfering with onboard sensors or DJI Dock 2 usage. The system includes an integrated EM to power the PRS and FTS. The FTS is initiated when either the pilot instigates a deployment through the MTD or when the ATS, using the onboard sensors located in the EM, determines that the DJI M3D/T has breached the safe flying parameters. Once the FTS is initiated and stops the motors from spinning, the Parachute Pod™ is deployed and will result in the DJI M3D/T descending under an inflated parachute.

Features

Specifications

Parachute Recovery System

Parachute Pod™

Flight Termination System (FTS)

Manual Triggering Device (MTD)

Maintenance and inspection intervals of the AVSS PRS-M3DT are required to maximize the safety of each flight and ensure proper functionality for parachute deployment whenever it may be required. The PRS-M3DT’s Parachute Pod™ is intended as a single-use item that must be repacked in twelve (12) month intervals.

Post-Flight (Monthly)

• Visually inspect the PRS-M3DT to ensure there is no damage.

Storage

• Always ensure the power is off.

• Make sure the unit is clean and dry before putting in the case.

Extended Storage Considerations

1. Store in a dry room that is at room temperature.

2. Uninstall the AVSS PRS-M3DT assembly from the DJI M3D/T drone.

3. Visually inspect the USB-C located on the underside of the PRS-M3DT. Check against signs of corrosion, dust/dirt buildup, wear, or any other types of abnormalities.

4. Inspect the strap attachment and verify the mounting screw remains secured, and that the strap is free of damage.

5. If any of the above defects are present during the 18 month inspection period, contact AVSS for further information.

1. Installation Checklist

• Ensure that the PRS-M3DT is not damaged.

• Check that the connector on the electronics module is clean and undamaged.

• Ensure the DJI M3D/T PSDK port is clear of damage or debris.

• Plug in the PRS-M3DT to the top DJI M3D/T plug.

• Ensure the mounting screws (QTY4) are properly secured, and the strap is installed correctly around the arms of the DJI M3D/T as outlined in the installation instructions.

2. Pre-Flight Checklist

• Perform DJI M3D/T pre-flight checks.

• Verify and note any high-power RF emitters in the operational volume.

• Ensure DJI M3D/T is in normal mode.

• Ensure DJI M3D/T is level.

• Turn on PRS-M3DT by turning on the DJI M3D/T.

• Move at least five (5) meters away from the DJI M3D/T.

• Check that the LED (heartbeat) turns on.

• Wait for successful initialization.

• Ensure NO ERRORS are present using the PSDK info screen on the DJI M3D/T transmitter.

• DO NOT TAKEOFF UNTIL ALL ERRORS ARE CLEARED

• Ensure DJI M3D/T downward-facing sensors are enabled.

• Takeoff and climb to the minimum deployable altitude.

3. In-Flight Checklist

• Always fly in Normal Mode.

• Fly in a safe and controlled manner.

• Avoid flying over people if unnecessary.

4. Landing Checklist

• Land DJI M3D/T gently on a level surface at a safe distance from people.

• The ATS should disarm when the DJI M3D/T is five (5) meters (16 feet) from the ground. The MTD will indicate when the ATS disarms. Do not approach the DJI M3D/T until the ATS is disarmed. If the automatic ground detection does not disarm the ATS then it will take approximately five (5) seconds after landing to disarm the ATS.

• Once the PRS-M3DT is disarmed, turn off the DJI M3D/T.

• After the DJI M3D/T is off, the PRS-M3DT will turn off after a few seconds.

5. Post-Flight Checklist (No Deployment)

• DO NOT STAND DIRECTLY OVER THE PRS-M3DT WHEN APPROACHING THE DJI M3D/T.

• Ensure PRS-M3DT is disarmed before approaching the DJI M3D/T.

• Turn off DJI M3D/T and PRS-M3DT BEFORE handling the DJI M3D/T.

• Inspect PRS-M3DT and DJI M3D/T for damage.

6. Deployment Checklist

• If necessary, the system can be deployed using the MTD.

• If possible, fly over a safe area free of people, cars, or obstacles.

• Press and hold the trigger button on the MTD (3 seconds if on the main screen, once if on a custom button).

• Visually follow the DJI M3D/T’s descent to the ground.

7. Post-Flight Checklist (With Deployment)

• Hold the parachute by the lines and fold the canopy to prevent wind from inadvertently inflating the parachute.

• Turn off PRS-M3DT.

• Turn off DJI M3D/T.

• Disconnect the PRS-M3DT from the DJI M3D/T.

• Verify that no components are missing.

• AVSS warrants that the PRS-M3DT and its accessories are free from defects and fit for the operational purpose intended.

• The warranty period for the PRS-M3DT is, the earliest of, twelve (12) months after purchase, or after three Parachute Pod™ deployments, which starts on the date listed as per the user’s invoice from an Authorized Dealer.

• The PRS-M3DT is limited to a maximum of 3 deployments and may be retired after fewer deployments at the sole discretion of AVSS. In the case of a deployment, the PRS must be shipped to AVSS's location for analysis. Any costs for non-reusable parts that must be replaced may be incurred by the end-user at the sole discretion of AVSS.

• This warranty requires the PRS-M3DT to be shipped to AVSS’s location for analysis and may either be fixed, replaced and/or deemed voided of warranty at the sole discretion of AVSS.

• After a deployment, the customer must send AVSS the following files:

  • PRS-M3DT data

  • DJI M3D/T DAT data

  • DJI M3D/T text file

• If the PRS-M3DT is deemed void, the cost of analysis and shipping shall be the responsibility of the end-user. Nothing herein contained shall be construed to exclude or limit any warranty, express or implied by law.

• AVSS hereby declares that the warranty shall be deemed void if the PRS-M3DT is not used for the intended operational uses and/or if alterations, tampering, or any actions deemed comprising by AVSS, directly or indirectly, are performed to the PRS-M3DT. This includes, but is not limited to, non-standard use, the use of potentially disabling anti-operations technology, and/or unintended damage by the end-user.

• The product warranty does not cover water damage.

• If the product is used or handled in any way otherwise described within this user manual, the warranty shall be void.

• The PRS-M3DT purpose is to assist in decreasing the ground impact energy caused by a mid-flight failure of the DJI M3D/T. Under no circumstances can the end-user pursue any compensation or allowance from AVSS if their DJI M3D/T is damaged.

• It is the responsibility of the purchaser to keep up to date using the AVSS wiki to ensure the most recent user manual is being referenced. AVSS is not responsible if PDF copies of the user manual are being referenced that contain outdated information.

The PRS-M3DT status, also referenced as “Heartbeat” is indicated using a combination of LED colours. The PRS-M3DT status LED is located on the side of the PRS-M3DT facing the rear of the DJI M3D/T. The LED colour on the PRS-M3DT indicates the stage of the flight.

PRS-M3DT Status Indications:

MTD Interface and Info Screen:

Note that two different user interfaces are presented here. The first, at top, is the interface seen when connecting to the DJI M3D/T through the DJI M3D/T transmitter. The second, at bottom, is the interface seen when connecting to the DJI M3D/T through the DJI FlightHub 2 application.

Attaching the PRS-M3DT to the DJI M3D/T Drone

Regardless of whether the DJI M3D/T flight transmitter or DJI FlightHub 2 is used as the control method, the configuration menu contains additional options not described above - calibration and RF binding. RF binding refers to a procedure used on older PRS systems and may be disregarded. The calibration option is used to re-calibrate the inertial measurement unit (IMU).

In the event a calibration is required, the following message will become visible on the main screen of the DJI M3D/T flight transmitter or of DJI FlightHub 2. This is also indicated on the PRS-M3DT itself by the status LED, which will flash yellow (see chart at top of previous section).

To properly calibrate the IMU, the PRS-M3DT must be rotated through the six physical orientations, with a minimum of five (5) seconds spent in each orientation. Note that this actually results in seven (7) changes in orientation. The easiest way to accomplish this is simply to rotate the DJI M3D/T through each orientation with the PRS-M3DT attached, as shown below.

After an additional thirty (30) seconds, a successful calibration will be signaled by the disappearance of the calibration warning from the main screen of either the DJI M3D/T transmitter or DJI FlightHub 2. The LED status light will also change to green to indicate normal operations. If a successful calibration is not indicated within this timeframe, restart the DJI M3D/T to re-pair the PRS-M3DT with the DJI-M3D/T.

1. PRS-M3DTEX Overview

The PRS-M3DTEX is a version of the PRS-M3DT that includes an External FTS (EFTS) module for Enhanced Containment Compliance under MOC2511. The PRS-M3DTEX uses both the PSDK FTS and an additional external FTS module that is installed between the drone and the drone battery. The PRS-M3DTEX EFTS is triggered via a geofence function. This geofence will trigger when armed and when either a user-defined ceiling is breached, or a user-defined boundary is breached. The PRS-M3DTEX has an independent GNSS receiver that measures the position of the drone. The geofence is transferred to the PRS-M3DTEX through the drone when the user sends the geofence to the drone through a cloud service such as Flytbase or Flight Hub 2 or through the DJI M3D Transmitter.

2. External FTS Installation

• Install the PRS-M3DTEX, using the steps from the Installation section

• Insert the sleeve over the DJI M3D/T battery

• Insert the extended clips over the battery clips on the DJI M3D/T battery

• Insert the battery with EFTS into the drone

• Connect the PRS-M3DTEX and EFTS using the supplied USB cable

3. External FTS Limitations

• Maximum number of activations: 266.

• The GNSS receiver does not have range limitations; however, the user should define the ceiling based on the maximum Average Mean Sea Level altitude expected over the takeoff altitude

• Minimum extent of Ground Risk Buffer: 23 meters (34 meter altitude, wind speed of 1 m/s) 10 + 4 + 1.1*W*34/4.34.

4. External FTS Maintenance

• MAKE SURE ALL CONNECTORS ARE PROPERLY ATTACHED THE EFTS Module, AND PRS-M3DTEX

• TO DETACH FLIGHT TERMINATION SYSTEM, SLIDE THE BATTERY FROM THE DJI M3D/T COMPARTMENT.

• Do not leave metal terminals exposed to open air when not in use .

• After exceeding the maximum number of FTS activations contact AVSS to determine if a servicing of the FTS is required.

• Always update the PRS-M3DTEX to the latest firmware version

5. Pre-Flight FTS Check

• The PRS-M3DTEX allows for a pre-flight FTS check on the ground for the DJI M3D/T. This pre-flight check is only enabled on the ground with the motors initially disarmed. This Pre Checking Mode is only enabled for 1 minute, after which the PRS-M3DTEX will auto shutdown and must be restarted

• To initiate the Pre-Flight FTS Check turn on the drone with the PRS-M3DTEX installed and either use the DJI Transmitter or the Cloud Software to locate the "PSDK" menu.

• In the "PSDK" menu, select "Pre-Checking Mode" and then press the trigger button for the parachute.

• This will activate the FTS, but will NOT deploy the parachute

6. Ground Risk Buffer Prescription

The table below provides a method to calculate the ground risk buffer zone for your operation according to the Specific Operation Risk Assessment. The rows that are not highlighted are values that are specific to the operation. The DJI M3DT max speed in N-Mode is 15 m/s, the wind speed is based on the time and place of the operation. The max altitude is based on the operation. The descent rate should be based off the maximum takeoff weight which is 4.34 m/s. There is a 10 meter buffer added to the PRS-M3DTEX geofence, which provides a buffer to avoid unintended triggers of the geofence when flying near the geofence. An additional 4 meter buffer is added for GNSS uncertainty. The equation is as follows:

If using the DJI M3D/T transmitter, an additional option exists for the user to map the PRS-M3DT "deploy" and "arm" functions to buttons on the DJI M3D/T transmitter. As outlined previously, the "Emergency Trigger" function will deploy the PRS-M3DT immediately if the system is armed and the button is pressed. This differs from the "deploy" button on the main status screen, which must be held down for 3 seconds prior to the PRS-M3DT deploying.

Deployment Button Mapping Guide:

Follow the screenshots below to customize the button mapping for the PRS functions. Click on the 3 dots on the top right and then the remote controller icon. Then click "Customize RC Buttons".

Click on the button that you would like to map the PRS function to (e.g. C3 below)

Click the "PSDK" tab in the menu and then select the appropriate function.

The Parachute Pod™ must be repacked every twelve (12) months. To return a used and/or unused PRS-M3DT, an end-user may do so by sending the PRS-M3DT directly to AVSS or by returning the PRS-M3DT to their Authorized Dealer.

Sending to AVSS:

• Before sending the PRS-M3DT to AVSS, contact to request a shipping label and to order a replacement unit.

• To return your PRS-M3DT, utilize the same box the replacement unit arrives in, with the provided shipping label to send the PRS-M3DT to AVSS.

• Once AVSS receives the PRS-M3DT and completes the visual inspection, you will be notified and will receive your deposit within fourteen (14) business days.

Sending to an Authorized Dealer:

• Contact your Authorized Dealer to notify them that you will be returning and/or requesting a new PRS-M3DT.