Web Site: www.parallax.com
Forums: forums.parallax.com
Sales: sales@parallax.com
Technical: support@parallax.com
Office: (916) 624-8333
Fax: (916) 624-8003
Sales: (888) 512-1024
Tech Support: (888) 997-8267
ELEV-8 Quadcopter Kit (#80000) Information and Assembly Guide
Features
Four-rotor system with fixed-pitch blades
Propeller P8X32A microcontroller flight control board
Pre-programmed with flight-control software
Custom plates protect motors and electronics
Designed to easily attach a camera mount
Specifications
Weight, without battery: 2.5 lbs (1.13 kg) fully assembled
Payload capacity, excluding battery: ~ 2 lbs (0.9 kg)
Average assembly time: 8 hours
Height (assembled): 7.5 in (19 cm)
Rotor-to-rotor width (centers, diagonal): 26 in (66 cm)
Additional Items Required
RC radio controller and receiver, 5-channel minimum for flight
LiPo Battery, 3000 to 4400 mAh 3-cell 30 C discharge rate
LiPo Battery Charger
Application Ideas
Hobby RC flying
Aerial photography
Flying tele-presence platform
CAUTION: READ ALL WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (PAGE 2) BEFORE ASSEMBLY OR OPERATION!
Copyright © Parallax Inc.
ELEV-8 Quadcopter Kit (#80000)
Version 1.1
Page 1 of 26
READ THIS FIRST – IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION!
READ ALL WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS ON THIS PAGE BEFORE
ASSEMBLY OR OPERATION!
WARNING: CUTTING HAZARD. Rotating ELEV-8 quadcopter blades can cut
skin and underlying tissues. Stay away from a powered ELEV-8 quadcopter
and never become complacent during operation.
WARNING: ENTANGLEMENT HAZARD. Secure long hair and loose clothing
or jewelry when building, testing, and operating your ELEV-8 quadcopter to
avoid entanglement with motors.
WARNING: EYE HAZARD. Always wear eye protection when assembling,
soldering, operating, or repairing your ELEV-8 quadcopter.
Customer agrees to fly at Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) approved
flying fields, maintaining insurance through their AMA membership.
Inform yourself of and follow all current federal, state, and local laws
regarding the use of hobby RC aircraft in the area where you plan to
operate your ELEV-8 quadcopter. Review the FAA’s rules in entirety – you
are responsible for following them.
An ELEV-8 quadcopter assembled and used as directed in in this document
is an RC hobby aircraft and does not constitute the use of an autonomous
UAV or drone. Modifying your ELEV-8 quadcopter to function as an
autonomous UAV or drone is not supported, recommended, or endorsed by
Parallax Inc. If you choose to modify your ELEV-8 quadcopter to function as
an autonomous UAV or drone, you do so entirely at your own responsibility
and risk.
This kit is not for beginners. Advanced mechanical skill is required for
building and flying an ELEV-8 quadcopter. RC aircraft experience is highly
recommended.
Follow the instructions carefully; incorrect assembly of your ELEV-8
quadcopter could cause risk of catastrophic equipment failure, personal
injury to you or others, and property damage.
Perform initial electronic speed controller (ESC) programming before
installing the propeller blades. Remove propeller blades before
reprogramming the ESCs.
Establish and test the radio link between the RC controller and RC receiver
before installing the propeller blades. Remove propeller blades before
testing a different controller.
Always disconnect the battery when not in use.
Store your ELEV-8 quadcopter and its radio controller out of reach of
children, pets, and those who do not know how to use them safely.
Only operate your ELEV-8 quadcopter in an area with no children,
unsecured pets, or livestock, which can be harmed by contact with rotating
blades. For example, children and dogs may try to jump and catch a flying
quadcopter, or may run to investigate one that has just landed.
Only operate your ELEV-8 quadcopter outdoors and away from crowded
areas. All observers should stand a safe distance
behind
the operator.
Only operate your ELEV-8 quadcopter in an environment where you can
maintain unobstructed visual contact with it. Do not operate at night, or
where there is fog, smoke, or dust that could limit visibility.
Keep your ELEV-8 quadcopter dry! Do not submerge your ELEV-8
quadcopter or operate it in rainy or damp conditions. Beware of sprinklers
and of landing in wet vegetation.
Check the wind speed before flying your ELEV-8 quadcopter. Even a light
breeze can make flying difficult for beginners. No one should fly in high
winds.
DISCLAIMER OF LIABILITY: PARALLAX INC. IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL
DAMAGES AND PERSONAL INJURIES, INCLUDING THAT TO LIFE AND HEALTH, RESULTING FROM THE CUSTOMER’S APPLICATION
AND USE OF ANY PARALLAX INC. PRODUCTS. YOU, THE CUSTOMER, ASSUME FULL AND UNLIMITED RESPONSIBILITY FOR ALL
CUSTOMER ELEV-8 QUADCOPTER APPLICATIONS AND USES.
Copyright © Parallax Inc.
ELEV-8 Quadcopter Kit (#80000)
Version 1.1 Page 2 of 26
Bill of Materials
This bill of materials is provided so you may inventory each bag in your ELEV-8 Quadcopter Kit before beginning construction. If you are missing
any parts, contact
sales@parallax.com
directly for assi stance. Note th at some items are small sub-kits with additional compon ents not listed
separately. Parts and quantities subject to change without notice. Some items are available online from www.parallax.com.
ELEV-8 Quadcopter Kit Contents (#80000)
Part #
31500
700-10003
80050
80060
80070
85000
Qty
1
1
1
1
1
1
Description
Hoverfly OPEN Board
Safety glasses
ELEV-8 Airframe Kit
ELEV-8 Hardware Kit
ELEV-8 Electronics Kit
ESC Programming Card*
Part #
900-00021
725-00067
720-28001
713-00051
713-00043
713-00025
712-00004
ELEV-8 Airframe Kit Contents (#80050)
Part #
730-00060
721-80010
721-80007
721-80005
721-80003
721-80002
Qty
4
1
4
4
2
1
Description
ELEV-8 Boom (Black)
ELEV-8 Control Board Top Plate
ELEV-8 Landing Gear
ELEV-8 Motor Mount Top/Bottom
ELEV-8 Quad Chassis
ELEV-8 Control Board Mount Plate
710-00100
710-00042
710-00039
710-00036
710-00002
700-00106
700-00093
700-00059
700-00024
ELEV-8 Hardware Kit (#80060)
Qty
2
1
1
4
16
4
4
8
4
16
24
16
1
12
16
4
Description
Nylon Strap, Black
1.5 mm Hex Key
Light Pipe
Spacer,#4x1/2",NY
Standoff, #4-40, 5/8", Nylon
Standoff, #4-40,1 1/4", Nylon
Washer, #6, 3/8" OD, Zinc
Screw, #4-40, 1/4", PH, Black
Screw, #4-40, 1-1/4", PH, SS
Screw, 3x6 mm,0.5 thread, black
Screw, #4-40, 3/8", PH, SS
Screw, #4-40, 1",PH,SS
Loctite 242
Zip Tie, 4" Black
Internal-tooth Lock Washer, #4, Zinc
Locknut #4-40, 1/4"
Part #
800-00080
800-00039
800-00036
800-00023
800-00022
800-00021
750-90002
750-90000
750-00059
750-00058
750-00056
721-80001
721-80000
452-00088
450-00050
350-00045
350-00044
120-00007
120-00006
800-00080
ELEV-8 Electronics Kit (#80070)
Qty
5
6”
24”
27”
2
2
4
4
18”
1.5
15
2
2
1
2
8”
8”
8”
8”
5
Description
3-wire ext.,22AWG,F/F,8"
1/2" Heat Shrink Tubing (black)
3/4” Heat-shrink Tubing ( clear )
3/16” Heat-shrink Tubing (black)
16" Black Pluggable Jumper-Male
16" Red Pluggable Jumper-Male
Brushless 1000Kv Motor
Gemfan 30A ESC Speed Controller
12AWG Red Wire
12AWG Black Wire
16AWG Red Wire
10x4.7 Slow Flyer CW 1045R Blade
10x4.7 Slow Flyer CCW 1045 Blade
EC3 Plugs(10 pairs/sets)
Extra Gold Bullet Conn 10-Pak
White LED Tape
Red LED Tape
Red/White Checkered Sticker
Black/White Checkered Sticker
3-wire ext.,22AWG,F/F,8"
*Note: The ESC Programming Card was added to kits in April 2013. They are also available separately from
www.parallax.com;
search “85000”.
Version 1.1: Bill of Materials correction.
Copyright © Parallax Inc.
ELEV-8 Quadcopter Kit (#80000)
Version 1.1 Page 3 of 26
ELEV-8 QUADCOPTER ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
These instructions are for assembling the ELEV-8 quadcopter in its most standard configuration. Some steps are optional; we’ll explain those
along the way. The ELEV-8 quadcopter platform is designed for creative experimentation and adaptation; however, we recommend that you try
the standard configuration first, and then experiment at your own educated risk.
These instructions are available online as a full-color PDF; go to
www.parallax.com
and search “80000”.
Preparation
1. Read the entire assembly instructions before beginning.
Assembly and testing takes about eight hours on average.
2. If you are missing any components, email
support@parallax.com or call 888-512-1024 (inside
continental US) or 916-624-8333.
3. Gather all of the additional items and tools required.
4. Charge your LiPo batteries with their charger.
Additional Items Required
RC radio controller and receiver; 5-channel minimum required
for flight
LiPo Battery, 3000 to 4400 mAh 3-cell 30 C discharge rate
LiPo Battery Charger
Tools Required
Soldering iron, solder, and flux
Component vise
#1 Phillips screwdriver
1/4 inch wrench, box-end or socket
11/32 inch wrench or nut driver
Wire strippers/cutters (12-16 AWG)
Scissors
Needle-nose pliers
Ruler or measuring tape
Heat gun or blow dryer (for heat-shrink tubing)
Step 1: Motor Set Screws
Start by applying Blue Loctite to the motor set screws, to prevent them from coming loose during flight and causing equipment failure.
1. Locate the Blue Loctite 242, the four motors, and the small Allen wrench in the ELEV-8 Hardware Kit.
2. Refer to the drawing on the next page. Using the Allen wrench, carefully remove the Motor Set Screws (item 2) from each motor (item 1).
The screws may be very tight; be careful not to break your Allen wrench.
3. For each motor, apply a small amount of Blue Loctite to the Set Screw threads and carefully reinstall the screws. Seat each screw firmly but
do not over-tighten. Allow the Blue Loctite to set for 10 minutes. It fully cures in 24 hours.
Copyright © Parallax Inc.
ELEV-8 Quadcopter Kit (#80000)
Version 1.1 Page 4 of 26
Copyright © Parallax Inc.
ELEV-8 Quadcopter Kit (#80000)
Version 1.1 Page 5 of 26