Operational & Environmental Conditions:

• DJI M3D/T Flight Mode = Normal Mode

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

• Maximum Take-Off Weight = 1.61 kg (3.55 lbs)

• Minimum Deployable Altitude Rating at 1.61 kg = 34.8 m (114.17 ft)

• ATS Arming Height = 34 m (111.5 ft)

• Maximum Operational Altitude = 120 m (400 ft) AGL

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

• Manual Triggering Device Arming Height = 5 m (16.4 ft)

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

• Ingress Protection (IP) Rating = IP54

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

The PRS-M3DTEX has been designed to easily integrate with the DJI M3D/T. The PRS mounting holes and screws secure the PRS-M3DTEX 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)

Legends

Disclaimer

• You must register your PRS-M3DTEX 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-M3DTEX 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.

The PRS-M3DTEX is composed of two (2) main components. The first of these is the PRS-M3DTEX enclosure itself, which contains the following three (3) 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 mounting bracket, strap, strap insert, and mounting screws, which attach the PRS-M3DTEX to the DJI M3D/T and allow for easy removal.

The second main component is the external flight termination system (EFTS), an external module that enables the power shutoff for the drone. The EFTS contains the following two (2) internal functional components:

1. The Sleeve, which contains the electronics for the Flight Termination System and which houses the drone's battery.

2. The cable, which connects the EFTS to the PRS and allows for the PRS to trigger the Flight Termination System.

Setup:

When the user receives the product, the PRS-M3DTEX 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 EFTS sleeve will need to be greased along the gasket track to properly install the sleeve within the DJI M3D/T battery compartment. Upon installation of the sleeve, the top forward gasket door will need to be opened and positioned correctly on the PSDK USB-C port to properly seat the PRS-M3DTEX for mounting. Further information can be found in the "Installation" section.

General Use

To use the PRS-M3DTEX for a flight, the DJI M3D/T shall be inspected prior to flight. Once configured for flight and installed in the DJI Dock 2, you will be ready to begin. Once the aircraft is in its flight configuration, the AVSS PRS-M3DTEX can be mounted to the DJI M3D/T. Once the PRS-M3DTEX is secured to the DJI M3D/T as per the Installation instructions, the PRS-M3DTEX will be ready for use. The PRS-M3DTEX 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-M3DTEX, the system will need to be armed (see the "Status Indications" section for instructions), and the deploy button will need to be held down for three (3) seconds. During flight, the PRS-M3DTEX MTD can only be armed once an altitude of 5 metres (16.4 ft) AGL is achieved, as measured by the onboard barometer.

The deploy function can be mapped to buttons on the DJI M3D/T transmitted, which will deploy the parachute immediately if armed (only if using firmware version 3.6.3 or earlier). Any error with the DJI M3D/T will be communicated to the user via the DJI M3D/T transmitter. During the flight, the PRS-M3DTEX 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.

EX Specific Overview

The PRS-M3DTEX 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 via a USB-C cable connected to a laptop. See the Geofencingsection for more information on transferring the Geofence.

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: 34 meters (34 meter altitude, wind speed of 1 m/s) 25 + 1.1*W*34/4.34.

Ground Risk Buffer Prescription

The formula below provides a method to calculate the ground risk buffer zone for your operation according to the Specific Operation Risk Assessment. The max altitude (Alt) 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 25 meter buffer added to the PRS-M3DTEX geofence, which provides a buffer to avoid unintended triggers of the geofence when flying near the geofence. The wind speed (Wind) is the environmental wind speed for that operation in meters per second (not including gust). The equation is as follows:

The PRS-M3DTEX status, also referenced as “Heartbeat” is indicated using a combination of LED colours. The PRS-M3DTEX status LED is located on the side of the PRS-M3DTEX facing the rear of the DJI M3D/T. The LED colour on the PRS-M3DTEX indicates the stage of the flight.

PRS-M3DTEX 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.

Onboard Power

• The PRS-M3DTEX EM is equipped with an independent capacitor to supply power to the PRS-M3DTEX in the event of a power loss from the DJI M3D/T.

• The PRS-M3DTEX 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.

Firmware updates must 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.

Accessing Firmware Updates

If a new firmware update is required, an email will be sent from the AVSS support team informing all users that an update is needed. Users can then visit the AVSS website (URL https://www.avss.co/), navigate to "Products" - "Drone Parachute Recovery Systems" and click on the relevant product page to see the updated firmware file. The file will be in a ZIP format with the version indicated in the title, as shown below:

Installation Using AVSS Assistant

Upon accessing and downloading the latest firmware file, users can then import the firmware update onto their PRS using the AVSS Assistant. The AVSS Assistant can be downloaded from the AVSS website (usually in a ZIP format file). The current version number of the software will be included in the file name, as shown below.

The AVSS Assistant can then be installed on a local computer by extracting the "setup.exe" file (as indicated below) and following the installation instructions (also indicated below).

Upon completing the installation, users should see the following screen when they open the AVSS Assistant. The red coloring of the charging cord in the "PRS Connect" box (at top left of screen) indicates that there is presently no PRS-M3DTEX attached to the computer. If the PRS-M3DTEX is connected via USB cord to the computer (see second image below), this icon will turn green to indicate a successful connection.

Upon a successful connection between the PRS-M3DTEX and the AVSS Assistant program, the updated firmware file can be imported into the PRS-M3DTEX by first placing the PRS-M3DTEX into "SD Mode".

Once the PRS-M3DTEX is placed into "SD Mode", the PRS-M3DTEX should automatically disconnect from the local computer, which is indicated to the user with a dialog box.

When in "SD Mode", the PRS-M3DTEX acts as a standard USB device, where its file directory is visible as an external connection to the local computer.

To apply the firmware update, simply navigate to the .sfb files (located within the updated firmware's ZIP file) and copy/paste these files into the PRS-M3DTEX's main directory.

Upon pasting the firmware update into the PRS-M3DTEX's main directory, the user should close the SD card directory window and then cycle the PRS-M3DTEX's power by unplugging the PRS-M3DTEX from the computer and then re-plugging it in.

The PRS-M3DTEX will then update the firmware accordingly, which is indicated to the user by the PRS-M3DTEX's status LED displaying as white.

Upon successful completion of the firmware update, the PRS-M3DTEX status light will change from white to green. Leave the PRS-M3DTEX connected to the computer and navigate to the "Device Information" tab in AVSS Assistant to verify the current firmware version.

Attaching the PRS-M3DTEX to the DJI M3D/T Drone

As discussed previously in the "" section, an additional "Emergency Trigger" function exists for the user in the configuration menu if using firmware version 3.6.3 or earlier. If activated, this function will deploy the PRS-M3DTEX 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-M3DTEX deploying.

Examples of the original configuration menu interface with the "Emergency Trigger" option included are attached below:

Extreme caution must be exercised if operating the PRS-M3DTEX with version 3.6.3 or earlier, as the parachute will deploy if the "parachute arm" and "emergency trigger" functions are both toggled on. As such, users shall ensure that the "Emergency Trigger" option is toggled off at all times before and during flight.

As well, if using version 3.6.3 or earlier, the "RF binding" function displayed in the above images is an obsolete function and shall be ignored.

Download Logs

The AVSS Assistant also contains a function to download flight logs to a local computer. To initiate this process, click on the “Download Log” button. A new box “Download Log” will appear. In the “Number of Logs” box type the number of the most recent logs that are to be downloaded and click on the “DOWNLOAD” button. The download will always start from the most recent log and work backward.

At this time, the PRS-M3DTEX will disconnect from the AVSS Assistant application and initiate the log recovery and transfer indicated by the blinking blue colour of the PRS LED. This process might take several minutes.

Clearing Error Codes

Error codes will appear on the PRS-M3DTEX whenever a critical error occurs in flight. These error codes will appear in the PSDK display window until they have been cleared. When a critical error shows up, contact AVSS first. After AVSS analyzes the error, if it is safe to do so, you will be advised to manually clear the error.

To clear the error, click on the “Clean Error Code” and click on the “Clean” button.

IMU Calibration From The DJI M3D/T Transmitter

Regardless of whether the DJI M3D/T flight transmitter or DJI FlightHub 2 is used as the control method, the configuration menu contains two additional options not described above - calibration and parachute packing date. The parachute packing date option (only available for firmware version 3.6.4 or later) allows the user to see when their parachute is due to be re-packed (see the "" section for further information on re-packing timelines). The calibration option (available for all firmware versions) is used to re-calibrate the inertial measurement unit (IMU) of the PRS-M3DTEX.

In the event an IMU 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-M3DTEX itself by the status LED, which will flash yellow (see chart at top of "" section).

To properly calibrate the IMU, the PRS-M3DTEX 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-M3DTEX 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, restart the DJI M3D/T to re-pair the PRS-M3DTEX with the DJI-M3D/T.

Compass Calibration From the DJI M3D/T Transmitter

Independently, the DJI M3D/T may prompt a user that the on-board compass needs to be calibrated. In this case, a user shall simply follow the instructions displayed either on the DJI M3D/T transmitter screen or in FlightHub 2. It is recommended that while calibrating the compass, the PRS-M3DTEX be attached to the DJI M3D/T to avoid changes to the DJI M3D/T's magnetic field readings.

IMU Calibration From AVSS Assistant

It is also possible to calibrate the PRS-M3DTEX's IMU by using the "Calibrate Mode" function in AVSS Assistant. To access this feature, click on the “Calibration Mode” button to calibrate the PRS’s sensors. Note that if using this option, there is a 300-second time window to complete the calibration maneuver; otherwise, the calibration is automatically cancelled.

As with conducting a calibration from the DJI M3D/T transmitter, imagine the PRS-M3DTEX as being inside of a 3D cube and place the PRS-M3DTEX on every 6 faces of this cube. Keep the PRS-M3DTEX stationary for 10 seconds on every face. In the end, return the PRS to its initial orientation and wait 10 seconds. If the calibration is successful, the PRS-M3DTEX will restart. If a successful calibration is not indicated, restart the DJI M3D/T to re-pair the PRS-M3DTEX with the DJI-M3D/T.

1. Installation Checklist

• Ensure that the PRS-M3DTEX 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.

• Ensure the FTS Sleeve is installed in the DJI M3D/T and that the clips on the FTS sleeve are locked

• Ensure the battery is installed in the FTS Sleeve and that the clips on the battery are locked.

• Plug in the PRS-M3DTEX 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 FTS Check

• The PRS-M3DTEX performs an automatic pre-flight FTS diagnostic check on each startup of the system

• The diagnostic verifies that the FTS functionality is operational without shutting down the drone.

• If the diagnostic fails, the PRS will send a "WARNING: EFTS Diagnose Failed" message to the DJI transmitter and/or Flight Hub 2 PSDK Window.

• If the diagnostic passes, there will no messages about the Diagnostic.

3. 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-M3DTEX 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.

• Ensure that you takeoff within the Geofence that was transferred to the PRS.

• 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.

4. In-Flight Checklist

• Always fly in Normal Mode.

• Fly in a safe and controlled manner.

• Avoid flying over people if unnecessary.

5. 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-M3DTEX is disarmed, turn off the DJI M3D/T.

• After the DJI M3D/T is off, the PRS-M3DTEX will turn off after a few seconds.

6. Post-Flight Checklist (No Deployment)

• DO NOT STAND DIRECTLY OVER THE PRS-M3DTEX WHEN APPROACHING THE DJI M3D/T.

• Ensure PRS-M3DTEX is disarmed before approaching the DJI M3D/T.

• Turn off DJI M3D/T and PRS-M3DTEX BEFORE handling the DJI M3D/T.

• Inspect PRS-M3DTEX and DJI M3D/T for damage.

7. 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.

8. 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-M3DTEX.

• Turn off DJI M3D/T.

• Disconnect the PRS-M3DTEX from the DJI M3D/T.

• Verify that no components are missing.

The Parachute Pod™ must be repacked every twelve (12) months. To return a used and/or unused PRS-M3DTEX, an end-user may do so by sending the PRS-M3DTEX directly to AVSS or by returning the PRS-M3DTEX to their Authorized Dealer.

Sending to AVSS:

• Before sending the PRS-M3DTEX to AVSS, contact customersupport@avss.co to request a shipping label and to order a replacement unit.

• To return your PRS-M3DTEX, utilize the same box the replacement unit arrives in, with the provided shipping label to send the PRS-M3DTEX to AVSS.

• Once AVSS receives the PRS-M3DTEX 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-M3DTEX.

Maintenance and inspection intervals of the AVSS PRS-M3DTEX are required to maximize the safety of each flight and ensure proper functionality for parachute deployment whenever it may be required. The PRS-M3DTEX’s Parachute Pod™ is intended as a single-use item that must be repacked in either twelve (12) month intervals, or after a deployment.

Post-Flight (Monthly)

• Visually inspect the PRS-M3DTEX 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-M3DTEX assembly from the DJI M3D/T drone.

3. Visually inspect the USB-C located on the underside of the PRS-M3DTEX. 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.

External FTS Maintenance

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

• TO DETACH FLIGHT TERMINATION SYSTEM, REMOVE THE PRS FROM THE TOP OF THE DRONE, THEN UNCLIP THE BATTERY CLIPS ON THE BATTERY. GENTLY 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

• AVSS warrants that the PRS-M3DTEX and its accessories are free from defects and fit for the operational purpose intended.

• The warranty period for the PRS-M3DTEX 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-M3DTEX 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-M3DTEX 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-M3DTEX data

  • DJI M3D/T DAT data

  • DJI M3D/T text file

• If the PRS-M3DTEX 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-M3DTEX 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-M3DTEX. 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-M3DTEX 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.

DJI has not yet released the functionality in the FlightHub 2 platform to export Custom Task Areas (i.e., geofences). This document will be updated when this feature is released. Meanwhile, AVSS PRS-M3DTEX users can use the QGroundControl platform to design their desired geofence and import it to the AVSS PRS-M3DTEX.

Download and Installation

Follow the instructions at the link below to install the QGroundControl platform onto a local computer: https://docs.qgroundcontrol.com/master/en/qgc-user-guide/getting_started/download_and_install.html

If prompted to select a firmware and vehicle type during the process, ensure that "PX4 Pro" and "Multi-Rotor" are both selected.

Designing Geofence

Open QGroundControl and then click the “Fly Plan” icon to create the Geofence.

Refer to the instructions at the link below to design the desired geofence:

https://docs.qgroundcontrol.com/master/en/qgc-user-guide/plan_view/plan_geofence.html

Ensure that "inclusion" is selected as the Fence type, as this will match the green “Custom Task Area” in DJI Flight Hub 2. Ensure that your fence matches the fence created in DJI Flight Hub 2 as closely as possible.

Exporting Geofence File

The following link shows how to export the designed geofence. Please save the geofence file as “PX4_mission.plan” as this is the name that the AVSS PRS recognizes as its current geofence mission.

https://docs.qgroundcontrol.com/master/en/qgc-user-guide/plan_view/plan_view.html

Importing Geofence File to AVSS PRS Using AVSS Assistant

As outlined previously in the "Firmware Updates" section of this manual, firmware updates are conducted by connecting the PRS to a local computer, accessing AVSS Assistant and placing the PRS into "SD mode". These steps are repeated here.

Similar to a firmware update, the user will then copy-pase the geofence file exported in the previous step (labeled as "PX4_mission.plan") into the main directory of the PRS's SD card.

Checking Geofence Data

After successfully transferring the geofence file to the PRS SD Card storage, cycle the power of the PRS by unplugging the PRS fron the computer and then re-plugging it in.

Upon re-connecting the PRS to the computer, follow the process detailed in the "Firmware Updates" section of this manual to put the PRS into "SD mode".

Once in "SD mode", navigate to the latest event log"

Ensure that the geofence information in the event log (i.e. shape, coordinates) is consistent with the key information in the "PX4_mission.plan" file. Note that the first two images shown below correspond to a circular geofence and the next two images correspond to a polygon geofence.

Geofence Status in Flight

Once the geofence information on the PRS is confirmed, the user can install the PRS-M3DTEX on the DJI drone and check the status of the Geofence triggering function on the remote using the DJI Pilot float window. The following status indications will be shown in the window.

Geofence Design and Operational Considerations

Geofence Data Size Limit

Polygon geofences must have fewer than 50 vertices in total. Circle geofences must have fewer than 15. If these limits are exceeded, the PRS-M3DTEX will fail to fully import the geofence information and record one of the following messages in the event log: "The geofence file is too large to import", or "Out of memory. DISARMED".

Operational Considerations

Arming and Disarming: Auto arming/disarming conditions of the Geofence triggering function are the same as ATS’s. Please also note that when the geofence triggering function is armed, the drone must have already been in an inclusive geofence and outside of exclusive geofences. Therefore, make sure the whole flight from takeoff to land stays in an inclusive geofence zone and outside of any exclusive geofence zone.

VERTICAL_BUFFER_BASELINE and HORIZONTAL_BUFFER_BASELINE: The geofence triggering function in PRS considers a vertical and horizontal buffer at the boundaries of the geofences where the parachute deployment command is masked. The baseline values for vertical and horizontal buffers are 30m and 20m, respectively. However, note that if the onboard GNSS module of the PRS estimates that vertical or horizontal accuracies are better, those values DO NOT overwrite the baseline values. For instance, if the GNSS module estimates that the vertical positioning accuracy is 25m, the vertical buffer is still the baseline value of 30m; however, if the GNSS module estimates that the horizontal positioning accuracy is 25m, the horizontal buffer will be set to 25s instead of the baseline value of 20m.

GEOFENCE_TRIGER_DELAY: If the drone crosses the geofence boundary and also passes the buffer distance discussed before, the pilot has 5 seconds to react and bring the drone back to a safe zone before the parachute is deployed.

VERTICAL_BUFFER_MAXIMUM and HORIZONTAL_BUFFER_MAXIMUM: If the onboard GNSS positioning error grows above a certain threshold, the PRS will disable the Geofence trigger function. The vertical and horizontal thresholds are 50m and 30m, respectively.

Ceiling - Maximum Altitude

The maximum altitude is based off of the Barometric Altitude Above Takeoff provided by the onboard barometer. To set the ceiling of the PRS open the AVSS Assistant software and connect the PRS to the computer via the provided USB-C cable.

After connecting to the PRS, click “Device Parameters”

Then set the ceiling by adding a value in meters Above Takeoff Level in the “Set Maximum Safety Height” text box, then click “SET”. You should see the “Maximum Safety Height” change in the list of parameters above.

When planning a mission, provide a sufficient buffer in the altitude so that you clear any elevations in the terrain in your flight area.