2
Tip: None of the Co-Pilot II components are particularly susceptible to vibration. In
many cases, the components can be mounted using double-sided adhesive tape.
Mounting the Main Sensor Module
General information
The Main Sensor Module can be mounted anywhere on the aircraft, as long as the following re-
quirements are met:
Must be horizontal when the aircraft is in level flight.
Must be oriented so that two opposite infrared sensors are parallel with the longitudinal axis
of the aircraft (i.e., directly fore and aft), or at 45° to the longitudinal axis.
All infrared sensors must have a clear view of the horizon. E.g., if mounted directly behind a
canopy, rotate Module so IR sensors are positioned 45° to aircraft’s longitudinal axis.
Must not be installed under a canopy or inside a cockpit (the infrared sensors cannot sense
temperature differences through a canopy or plastic windows).
Should be at least 6 inches from other components (including the Vertical Sensor Module,
IRNet Router, digital servos, vertical stabilizer, horizontal stabilizer and landing gear) and at
least 12 inches from engine and muffler.
On fuel-powered aircraft, should be located where exhaust will not accumulate on the infrared
sensors during flights.
Must be mounted absolutely securely so it cannot move or come loose during flight. If the
Main Sensor Module comes loose during flight, the aircraft may crash.
Additional mounting guidelines:
Can be installed with label up (toward the sky) or down (toward the ground).
Sensor orientation does not matter, as long as Module is parallel to or 45° to aircraft’s lon-
gitudinal axis. Choose the orientation that has the most effective cable routing. The “Quick
Setup” programming procedure will ask you about the Sensor’s orientation.
Use double-sided adhesive strips (included) or hook-and-loop fasteners (not included) to se-
cure Module to wing or fuselage. Use the special heli mounts (included) to secure the Sensor
to a helicopter boom (boom mounting details below).
If needed, use a standard servo extension to connect Main Sensor Module to Computer.
Safety precautions
Follow all instructions in this manual to assure
safe operation.
If you have not assembled and operated a radio
controlled model before, obtain help from an
experienced modeler. You will need guidance to
successfully assemble, test and operate radio con-
trolled models.
Never fly radio controlled aircraft near people,
buildings, telephone or power lines, cars, trees or
other objects on the ground or in the air.
Never allow a helicopter to fly within 20 feet of you
or another person. If a helicopter flies toward you
or another person, stop the engine or motor imme-
diately to prevent personal injury.
In many areas of the country, you cannot legally
operate radio controlled models except at ap-
proved fields. Check with local authorities first.
When using an FM or PCM transmitter, observe
frequency control. If someone else is operating
a radio controlled model on the same channel as
your transmitter, do not turn on your transmit-
ter—even for a short time. For safety, most
RC flying fields have formal frequency control
rules. Follow them carefully.
Do not operate your FM or PCM radio control
transmitter within 3 miles of another flying field.
Even at a distance, your transmitter can cause
interference.
Co-Pilot™ II is designed for flight stabilization only.
It cannot navigate the aircraft or prevent a stall.
You must control the aircraft’s flight path.
Co-Pilot II is for recreational use only. Do not in-
stall it in aerial photographic aircraft where there is
a possibility of flying over people.
Mount the Main Sensor Module and optional Verti-
cal Sensor Module securely. If a Sensor Module
comes loose during a flight, the aircraft will crash.
Keep fuel off the Sensor Modules. Fuel on the
infrared sensors can affect Co-Pilot II operation for
as long as 10 minutes.
Besides your regular preflight check, also perform
the Co-Pilot II preflight check before each flight.
If you are not using the optional Vertical Sensor
Module, perform a manual infrared calibration at
the beginning of each flying session (via the “Do
Field Calib.” option in the Main Menu), and repeat
the calibration if there are major weather changes.
7
b. When the Programmer identifies the IRNet Router, the screen will show:
IRNet Router
Vx.x
c. Simultaneously press the DEC and ENTER buttons. The screen may briefly show:
Searching...
for a Device
Note: If other IRNet devices are connected to the Router, you may see screens identi-
fying them. Simultaneously press DEC and ENTER until you see the Co-Pilot II screen.
d. When the Programmer identifies Co-Pilot II, the screen will show:
Co-Pilot II
Vx.xx
e. Press the ENTER button to connect to the Co-Pilot II Computer. The screen will show the
Main Menu:
CHOOSE TASK?
>[task]
5. Press INC or DEC to select a programming task—“Preflight,” “Preferences” or “Quick Set-
up” (or “Do Field Calib.” if the Vertical Sensor Module is not detected)—then press ENTER
to view screens for that task.
6. If this is the first time accessing the Computer, navigate to “Quick Setup” and follow the on-
screen instructions to configure Co-Pilot II.
The general approach to programming
Use the “Quick Setup” screens to initially set up Co-Pilot II to work with the aircraft on which
it is installed. Return to the “Quick Setup” screens if the sensor installation, radio system,
servos or flight surfaces change. Also use “Quick Setup to configure Flight Modes the first
time.
Use the “Preferences” screens to configure how Co-Pilot II operates. Also use “Preferences”
to change Flight Modes without having to navigate all the screens in “Quick Setup.”
Use the “Preflight” screens to check Co-Pilot II, the receiver battery voltage, sky-to-ground
temperature differential and other functions before each flight.
If the Vertical Sensor Module is not installed, use the “Do Field Calib.” screens to perform a
manual infrared calibration at the beginning of each flying session, or whenever the weather
changes significantly.
Tip: For help navigating the Programmer’s screens, refer to the flowcharts in the Co-
Pilot II Reference Manual (www.fmadirect.com/support_docs/item_1284.pdf) or the one-
page flowchart (www.fmadirect.com/support_docs/item_1275.pdf).
Updating the Co-Pilot II Computer firmware
Note: Internet Explorer must be the default browser during this procedure.
1. Download the Co-Pilot II updater from
www.fmadirect.com/downloads.htm
The updater should install automatically.
2. Launch the updater: Start > Programs > FMA Direct > Co-Pilot II Update.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions.
