Operational & Environmental Conditions:

• Drone Flight Mode = Normal Mode

• Drone Maximum Tilt Angle = 30° Degrees

• Maximum Take-Off Weight = 1.05 kg (2.31 lbs)

• Minimum Deployable Altitude Rating at 1.05 kg = 33.9 m (111.2 ft)

• ATS Arming Height = 33 m (108 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) = 15 mph (13 knots)

• Regular Wind Limit = 12 m/s (23.3 knots)

Legends

Disclaimer

• You must register your PRS-M3E 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 M3E. This refers to the DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise, DJI Mavic 3 Thermal, and DJI Mavic 3 Multispectral.

• 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 drone is operating.

• This product is designed to increase the safety of both people and property on the ground during drone operations while potentially helping drone 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 drone manufacturers’ documentation to determine if this product complies with specific operating requirements and warranty conditions of the drone. Failure to comply with the operating requirements of this product and/or drone manufacturer product may result in damage to the drone, 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 drone. The use of AVSS products is at the risk of the user.

• Do not store the PRS-M3E 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° and +45° C

  • For storage more than 3 months, store between +22° and +28° C

• 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. Please contact AVSS customer support for firmware updates.

Onboard Power

• The PRS-M3E EM is equipped with an independent capacitor to supply power to the PRS-M3E in the event of a power loss from the Drone.

• The PRS-M3E EM interfaces and charges directly from the Drone 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-M3E 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-M3E’s Payload Source Development Kit (PSDK) for motor shutoff.

4. The mounting bracket, strap, and mounting screws, which attach the PRS-M3E to the Drone and allow for easy removal.

First Time Setup:

When the user receives the product, the PRS will come fully assembled and ready for installation. The required hardware for installation will be included in an accessories bag. For first-time installation on a drone, the top forward gasket door will need to be removed on the PSDK USB-C port to properly seat the PRS for mounting.

General Use

To use the PRS-M3E for a flight, the Drone shall be inspected prior to flight, once configured for flight and installed, you will be ready to begin. Once the aircraft is in its flight configuration, the AVSS PRS-M3E can be mounted to the Drone. Once the PRS-M3E is secured to the Drone as per the Installation instructions, the PRS will be ready for use. The PRS-M3E will turn on automatically when the Drone is turned on.

The Manual Triggering Device (MTD) is done through the Drone transmitter through the PSDK onboard interface. The manual trigger function through the PSDK interface has a dedicated arm icon/button that must be activated before the parachute can be deployed. To perform a manual trigger of the PRS-M3E, 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 Drone transmitted, which will deploy the parachute immediately if armed. Any error with the Drone will be communicated to the user via the Drone transmitter. During the flight, the PRS-M3E ATS will arm itself only once it has reached the minimum deployable barometric altitude above takeoff. Afterward, if the Drone 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.

1. Installation Checklist

• Ensure that the PRS-M3E is not damaged.

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

• Ensure the Drone PSDK port is clear of damage or debris.

• Plug in the PRS-M3E to the top Drone plug.

• Ensure the top mounting screws (QTY2) are properly secured and the rear strap is installed correctly around the body of the Drone with the rear strap mounting screw (QTY1) as outlined in the installation instructions.

2. Pre-Flight Checklist

• Perform the Drone's preflight checks.

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

• Ensure the Drone is in normal mode.

• Ensure the Drone is level.

• Turn on PRS-M3E by turning on the Drone.

• Move at least five (5) meters (16 feet) away from the Drone.

• Wait for successful initialization.

• Ensure no errors are present using the PSDK info screen on the Drone's transmitter.

• Ensure the Drone's downward-facing sensors are enabled.

• Takeoff and climb to 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 Drone gently on a level surface at a safe distance from people.

• The ATS should disarm when the Drone is five (5) meters (16 feet) from the ground. The MTD will indicate when the ATS disarms. Do not approach the Drone 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-M3E is disarmed, turn off the Drone.

• After the Drone is off, the PRS-M3E will turn off after a few seconds.

5. Post-Flight Checklist (No Deployment)

• DO NOT STAND DIRECTLY OVER THE PRS-M3E WHEN APPROACHING THE DRONE.

• Ensure PRS-M3E is disarmed before approaching the Drone.

• Turn off the Drone and wait 3 seconds for the PRS to automatically turn off BEFORE handling the Drone.

• Inspect PRS-M3E and the Drone 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 Drone’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-M3E.

• Turn off Drone.

• Disconnect the PRS-M3E from the Drone.

• Verify that no components are missing.

Maintenance and inspection intervals of the AVSS PRS-M3E are required to maximize the safety of each flight and ensure proper functionality for parachute deployment whenever it may be required. The PRS-M3E’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-M3E to ensure there is no damage.

Storage

• Always ensure the power is off.

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

Extended Storage Considerations

1. Store in a dry room at room temperature.

2. Uninstall the AVSS PRS-M3E assembly from the drone.

3. Visually inspect the USB-C located on the underside of the PRS. 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 12-month inspection period, contact AVSS for further information.

• AVSS warrants that the PRS-M3E and its accessories are free from defects and fit for the operational purpose intended.

• The warranty period for the PRS-M3E 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-M3E 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-M3E 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-M3E data

  • Drone DAT data

  • Drone text file

• If the PRS-M3E 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-M3E is not used for the intended operational uses and/or if alterations, tampering, or any actions deemed comprising by AVSS, directly or indirectly, of the PRS-M3E This includes, but 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-M3E purpose is to assist in decreasing the ground impact energy caused by the Drone mid-flight failure. Under no circumstance can the end-user pursue any compensation or allowance if their Drone 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-M3E status, also referenced as “Heartbeat” is indicated using a combination of LED colours. The PRS-M3E status LED is located on the side of the PRS-M3E facing the rear of the Drone. The LED colour on the PRS-M3E indicates the stage of the flight.

PRS-M3E Status Indications:

MTD Interface and Info Screen:

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) of the PRS-M3E.

In the event an IMU calibration is required, the following message will become visible on the main screen of the Drone flight transmitter. This is also indicated on the PRS-M3E itself by the status LED, which will flash yellow (see chart at top of previous section).

To properly calibrate the IMU, the PRS-M3E 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 Drone through each orientation with the PRS-M3E 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 Drone transmitter. The LED status light will also change to green to indicate normal operations. If a successful calibration is not indicated, restart the Drone to re-pair the PRS-M3E with the Drone.

Independently, the Drone 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 Drone transmitter screen. It is recommended that while calibrating the compass, the PRS-M3E be attached to the Drone to avoid changes to the Drone's magnetic field readings.

The PRS-M3E "deploy" and "arm" functions can be mapped to buttons on the Drone's transmitter by the user. The "Emergency Trigger" function will deploy the parachute immediately if the system is armed and the button is pressed. This is in contrast to the button on the main status screen, which requires holding the button for 3 seconds before deploying.

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 12 months. To return a used and/or unused PRS-M3E, an end-user may do so by sending the PRS-M3E directly to AVSS or by returning the PRS-M3E to their Authorized Dealer.

Sending to AVSS:

• Before sending the PRS-M3E to AVSS, contact to request a shipping label and to order a replacement unit.

• To return your PRS-M3E, utilize the same box the replacement unit arrives in, with the provided shipping label to send the PRS-M3E to AVSS.

Sending to an Authorized Dealer:

• Contact your Authorized Dealer to notify them that you will be returning and/or requesting a new PRS-M3E.

The PRS-M3E has been designed to easily integrate with the DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise, DJI Mavic 3 Thermal, and DJI Mavic 3 Multispectral. The PRS mounting holes and screws secures the PRS-M3E without interfering with onboard sensors. 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 Drone 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 Drone descending under an inflated parachute.

Features

Specifications

Parachute Recovery System

Parachute Pod™

Flight Termination System (FTS)

Manual Triggering Device (MTD)

First Time Setup

Attaching the PRS-M3E to the Drone