thunderdrone 500 in the georgia dome racer...

F3Expo.com | @F3Expo | #F3Expo | [email protected]

Hey FPV Pilot!

We are excited to provide you with this Pilot Brief for the ThunderDrone 500 at F3Expo Friday November 13th at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Georgia. Inside is a lot of the information you will need to make your experience with us an enjoyable one, and hopefully an award-winning one as well!

In combination with all of our presentations, competitions and showcases at F3Expo we are proud to have an International Field of FPV Pilots with incredible talents preparing to wage battle on our massive, oval race course using this unique team enduro format.

Any questions regarding the Racing Format, Rules, Technology, Regulations or Execution may be addressed to:Joe Scully, Race DirectorFPV Racing [email protected]

See you on the Flight Line!

F3Expo

ThunderDrone 500 in the Georgia DomeRacer Introduction


Thursday, November 12th5p - 7p Pilot Registration Foyer, GWCC7p - 9p Invitation Only: Pilot and VIP Welcome Georgia Dome Reception and Fly Around *** Enter at Gate “C”

Friday, November 13th7a - 10a Pilot Registration Foyer, GWCC7a - 10a Masters of Freestyle Warmup Georgia Dome9:50a ThunderDrone 500 Pilot Meeting Georgia Dome *** Enter at Gate “C”10a - 11a ThunderDrone 500 Controlled Practice Georgia Dome11a - 12p ThunderDrone 500 Qualifier Heat/Groups #1 Georgia Dome12p - 1p ThunderDrone 500 Qualifier Heat/Groups #2 Georgia Dome1p - 4p Masters of Freestyle Qualifier Georgia Dome4p - 5:10p BREAK Georgia Dome5:10p ThunderDrone 500 / Masters of Freestyle Georgia Dome Finalist Meeting (Top 5 TD 500, Top 8 MoF)5:30p - 6:30p ThunderDrone 50 Finals Georgia Dome6:30p - 7pm Intermission Georgia Dome7p - 9p Masters of Freestyle Championship Event Georgia Dome

* Note: the full conference schedule is available at www.F3Expo.com

ThunderDrone 500 in the Georgia DomeRacer and Freestyle Pilot Schedule


We are excited to present an Oval Track exceeding 102,000 Square Feet (inside line) in the largest FPV Racing Venue yet!

All Racing Pilots will be provided table space with access to power in a relatively controlled area in the End Zone between turns 3 and 4, while the management and pilots flying will be on the 50-yard line.

ThunderDrone 500 in the Georgia DomeCourse Layout and Event Space

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D 1511583-1113N0-DSLMF-JET11/03/15 2 JC �� DSLMF

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11/13/15 .. 10A-9P. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .

******DOME SET-UP*************214 - TERRA COVERS.36 - DOME BLACK CHAIRS.16 - 8' X 30'' TABLES.4 - 6' X 30'' TABLES.1 - 8' X 18'' TABLES.3 - 16/24''h STG FRAMES 3'x8'.3 - STG DECKS 3'X8'.40 FT OF BLACK 8'h DRAPE.******DOME ENGINEERING*******1 - ELECTRICAL DROP.*******CONTRACTOR************4 - CHAIRS5 - 10x10 TENTS*******************

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Team Pit Tentswith a tableEach with a Power Strip

Pit Lane

Pit LanePit LanePit Lane

Race Line

Pit Boxes

Flight Line

Pit Lane

Start / Finish Line

Turning Cone

Turning Cone

Turning Cone

Turning Cone

Speaker

Speaker

ThunderDroneJudges Table - 4 LCD Screens

ThunderDroneRace Director Table - 1 LCD Screen- Audio Mixer Jump- 2 VGA Signals to Tents- 5 Composite going to Flightline

Speaker

Scre

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PrefaceThe ThunderDrone 500 is a race featuring the Top-5 Teams of 3-5 Racers from Qualifying, racing to be the first to hit 100 Laps around the Georgia Dome ThunderDrone 500 Oval. Pilots will need to work together to land, power off/ on VTX units and take off again until all laps are completed in each round. The teams with the fastest crafts, best pilots, most solid pit strategy and most streamlined team management will compete in the finals for a chance to win $5,000.

The Key is in the Transition. From the Tone, the first pilot from each team takes off from the Pit Boxes, go up around Turn #3 and across the Start/Finish Line to officially start lap #1. Each time they cross is another lap towards the goal. Traditionally, most craft last 3 minutes of “high speed”, so, after about 5 laps, the pilot will begin the “Pit Change Maneuver”. After Turn #2, they follow the pit lane, and land back on the pit box FROM THE LEFT. The next pilot on the team’s quad is also staged on the Pit Box. A team member powers off pilot #1’s quad, powers on pilot #2’s quad, and pilot #2 enters the course to the right of Turn #3 and heads to the start/finish line to complete the “pit lap”... and this process repeats through all of the pilots in a batting order like baseball.

Strategy: Determine the # of Laps each pilot’s goal will be, attempting to schedule the fastest pilot last, the correct # of LiPo, and timing the # of Pit Stops. Our recommendation is to have Pilot #2 Stage their quad in the pit box after Pilot #1 takes off, and then join Pilot #1 on the Flight Line, Goggle up during the Pit Box maneuver and wait for the VTX Power Switch Over, then Take Off. Pilot #1 then returns to Change LiPo’s, etc.

Schedule / Format10a - 11a - Controlled Practice There are 2 heats of teams, so Heat #1 goes for 25 minutes, then Heat #2 goes for 25 minutes. Laps will be counted, but only for team statistical analysis.11a - 12p - Qualifier Heat #1 Group #1 goes on a 100 Lap Race. 50 Minute Time Limit Enforced.12p - 1p Qualifier Heat #2 Group #2 goes on a 100 Lap Race. 50 Minute Time Limit Enforced.*********************The Top - 5 Teams Advance to the Finale to race to 100 laps and $5,000.005:10p Finalist Meeting5:30p Opening Ceremonies (Introductions, Anthem) Green6:30p Victory Lane Celebration and Award Ceremony

ThunderDrone 500 in the Georgia DomeCompetition Description


TechnologyEach Quad on Each Team will be provided with an Immersion RC Raceband VTX and Antennae.The flight line consists of an Immersion RC Raceband Base Station that has 2 available outputs for goggles/screens for each team. Each Team is on the same channel (i.e Immersion RC Raceband #5)

Craft• MultiRotor Flown through FPV• 330mm Maximum Wheelbase• Each Pilot must Start and Finish each of their laps with their own quads

Pits• Teams may provide their own Tents for their Pits• A Table and Power Bar / Power Strip will be provided

Pit Boxes• A 10’ x 10’ Square• Teams may provide their own banner to identify their pit box

ScoringJudges will be handscoring via software each pass of the start-finish line and tallying any missed corners. Missed corners will be penalized 15 seconds per corner.

Key Safety ComponentsNo pilot is to leave the astroturf on the infield. Any down quads on the main race line (above the red seats) will be retrieved by Marshals, brought to the lowest section (the boards) and powered off by either the Marshall or your team Retriever. Do not spin your blades when you are down (other than the brief moment of attempting re-take-off). Marshals will attempt to “Thumbs Up” if take-off is possible. Teams leaving this area will be disqualified.

Pit Lane may be treated as race line, until approaching the Pit Boxes. Pilots approach on the left hand side, pit crew work from the right-hand side. Pit crew are not to touch their pit box while a craft is landing until it has landed.

Overshooting the Pit Box results in a 15 Second Penalty.

Take-off must include a sharp - UP, and the pilot must not come within 10’ of air space of an adjacent pit box. Failure to comply results in a one-lap Penalty.

Cautions will be announced: Speed doesn’t need to change, but a 30’ minimum above the raceline will be enforced in that area. (i.e. Caution between turns 1 and 2)

ThunderDrone 500 in the Georgia DomeCompetition Notes


PrefaceF3Expo and FPV Racing Events want to ensure a SAFE and Fun Experience All participants and spectators must be aware of and adhere to the following regulations for RACEDAY.

ALL ATTENDEES:1. Do Not Enter the Racing area FlightLine / Pit Boxes until directed.2. Be Aware of All Restrooms and Fire Extinguishers.3. Do not fly or power-up any object to be controlled remotely without approval from the Race

Director. Hovering in the pits (with VTX Disconnected) must be done safely, and not exceeding a 5' distance from the Pilot and 5' distance from the ground.

4. Do not enter the Flight Line unless it is your time to race or prepare to stage. Only scheduled racing pilots may enter the Flight Line during these timeframes.

5. If you are injured, please immediately bring it to the attention of the Race Director.

RACE FORMAT:1. Advertised/Posted Formats and schedules may be modified at the discretion of the Race

Director. To contribute to a "full program", ensure that you are prompt and punctual before, during and after your heat(s), and aware of what race is on the track.

2. Practice - Each Team will have 25 Minutes in a Heat. There are 2 heats of teams, so Heat #1 goes for 25 minutes, then Heat #2 goes for 25 minutes. Laps will be counted, but only for team statistical analysis.

3. Qualifying - Each Team will go in a Heat/Group on a 100 Lap Race. 50 Minute Time Limit Enforced.

4. The Top - 5 Teams Advance to the Finale to race to 100 laps and $5,000.00 When the leading pilot moves onto lap 99, all teams will cross over onto their final lap.

CLASSIFICATION:1. Flown through FPV2. MultiRotor3. 330mm Maximum Wheelbase

ThunderDrone 500 in the Georgia DomeRules and Regulations


ALL PILOTS:1. Pit Preference is awarded on a first-come, first serve basis for Practice and Qualifying. Pits / Pit

Boxes will be assigned based on Qualifying for the Finale.2. ANY VTX OFF THE TRACK FROM THE START OF REGISTRATION UNTIL PODIUM

AWARDS IS NOT PERMITTED.3. ANY DAMAGE CAUSED TO A "LOST" CRAFT OR CAUSED BY THAT CRAFT WILL BE THE

LIABILITY OF THE PERSON NOT ADHERING TO THE ABOVE RULE. (ALL CRAFT ARE TO USE ASSIGNED CHANNELS ONLY, AT THE SCHEDULED TIME/HEAT.)

4. Ensure that your failsafe mode is "down", not "hover".5. Be Knowledgeable and READY! Be next to the Flight Line the race BEFORE YOURS for VTX

mounting. Once your race heat is called to the grid, you will forfeit your heat if you are not ready.

6. As the race before yours is staging and running, place the VTX on your craft.7. Be gentle with all provided equipment (VTX). Damage results in liability for replacement.8. You will be assigned a NUMBER before your session/heat/race. This correlates to VTX

Channel provided by Race Management. 9. DO NOT POWER UP VIDEO UNTIL DIRECTED BY FLIGHT LINE DIRECTOR OR RACE

DIRECTOR. THIS WILL BE IMMEDIATELY BEFORE YOUR RACE.10. Place your craft on the Pit Box when it is clear when directed. Power up of video is to be on the

take-off zone only. 11. Tone starts will be in place.12. Do Not Do Extra Laps. Do not "freestyle" at the end of your race.13. Do not fly your craft anywhere but on the race track or designated line of site flying areas.14. A 60' Ceiling is in place. Do not exceed it. Failure to do so will result in Disqualification. 15. Keep your LiPo in a LiPo Sack if under cover or indoors. Failure to do so will

result in Disqualification.16. Missed gates result in 15-second penalties.17. Overshooting a PitBox will result in a 15-second penalty.18. Pit Lane may be treated as race line, until approaching the Pit Boxes. Pilots approach on the left

hand side, pit crew work from the right-hand side. Pit crew are not to touch their pit box while a craft is landing until it has landed.

19. Do not spin blades after crashing (albeit a brief re-attempt is ok). A Marshal will attempt to retrieve your quad, and will give you a “thumbs up” on camera if you are clear for take-off, and will place your quad in an optimum position.

20. Leaving the Astroturf will result in disqualification. Any down quads on the main race line (above the red seats) will be retrieved by Marshals, brought to the lowest section (the boards) and powered off by either the Marshall or Retriever. Teams leaving this area will be disqualified.

21. Take-off must include a sharp - UP, and the pilot must not come within 10’ of air space of an adjacent pit box. Failure to comply results in a one-lap Penalty.

ThunderDrone 500 in the Georgia DomeRules and Regulations Continued


22. Once you are done racing and the race is over, retrieve your craft, gently remove VTX and return it to the Flight Line Director.

23. Cautions will be announced: Speed doesn’t need to change, but a 30’ minimum above the raceline will be enforced in that area. (i.e. Caution between turns 1 and 2)

24. Additional Important Commands:1. "On the tone in less than 5" - command prior to a tone start.2. "3, 2, 1, Go" - in lieu of a tone start3. "Stop, Drop or Hover" - immediately cease forward direction. Save your craft as best as

possible.25. Proper sportsmanship and conduct is to be exemplified. Examples of poor conduct would

include, but are not limited to: affecting another Pilot's Race or Equipment by speech or any sort of tampering or aggressive behavior.

26. Penalties - First Time May Be a Warning unless stated otherwise, 2nd: Lose your fastest qualifier / podium placing, 3rd: Exit

27. No harassment of officials, pilots, sponsors or spectators will be tolerated.

JUDGING:1. Judges will be handscoring via software each pass of the start-finish line and tallying penalties.2. Any grievances will be settled by the Flight Line Director and/or Race Director.

1. A DVR Video Replay system is supplied by management and the Racer may request a Video Review via the Video Review Process.

2. The Racer will notify the Flight Line Director and/or Race Director of his request, and provide a $50 Video Review Fee.

3. The Race Director will inform the Racer of the time the Video Review will take place.4. The Flight Line Director and/or Race Director will review the race, and inform the Racer

of their decision.5. If the Video Review is deemed in the Racers Favour, the $50 Video Review Fee is

returned to the Racer.3. Any discrepancy regarding the printed results are to be brought to the Race Director's attention

via written claim.4. Results will be deemed final following 30 minutes of posting.

RE-RACES, RE-STARTS:1. If a Racer is fouled due to reasons outside of their control (lost video, crashed into at the start of

a race, major scoring discrepancy, etc.) the Flight Line Director and/or Race Director may offer a Re-Race.

2. If a race is started and was not deemed clean or fair (i.e. lost video for a number of racers, object on the track, etc.), a Re-Start may be called by the Race Director.

3. Re-Starts will either happen right away, only following a majority vote of the racers in that heat, or as late as possible in the program (i.e. the end of the round, or immediately before the next-higher main).

ThunderDrone 500 in the Georgia DomeRules and Regulations Continued


Race Management Supplied VTX Installation and Use:Pilots operating FPV transmitters at this event will be handed Immersion Raceband FPV transmitters operating on 5.8Ghz band allocated for amateur radio use. Pilots DO NOT have the right to change frequencies, neither to use any transmission devices other than the VTX’s handed to them by the VTX Director. All other video transmitters will be grounded or impounded impounded for the duration of the event.The only frequencies used in the race will be the 5.8Ghz Raceband frequencies, on 25mW or 250mW transmitters (which of these two will be determined later. The VTX Director is responsible for making sure the Raceband transmitters operate within the frequencies allocated and that these do not exceed the power levels of the allocated/allowed.

Race setupThere will be a total of 8 flying stations. During the test races we might decide to roll less than 8 pilots in a race to allow better frequency separation in case we detect issues with interferences or certain frequencies not performing well. The 8 flight stations will be set up before the race, the pilots can bring their own goggles to connect it to the diversity receivers at each flight station.Each of the 8 stations will have its own frequency allocated and should not be changed throughout the race. The frequencies will be as follows:

For best performance, the transmission polarity will be alternated from one station to the next.These frequencies will be used exclusively for racing at this event.

ThunderDrone 500 in the Georgia DomeVTX Mounting


Goggle RequirementsPlease note at this time we do not know if we will be able to provide goggles or not at every station. Our recommendation is that everybody will need to bring and use their own goggles for racing. The video feed provided will be through a standard Fatshark/Immersion AV cable terminated in a 4 position 3.5mm jack. The pinout for attaching your own goggles (if not Fatshark) is displayed below:

If your goggles receive a composite (yellow video, red audio left, white audio right) input, please provide your own cable, as the Immersion RC Raceband Station also offers a Female Composite Out.

Transmitter Pinout Requirements:To attach the transmitter provided by the VTX director to your racing quad, standard ImmersionRC type 5 position Molex type connectors will be used, just like in the picture below. The cable connector set is composed of 2 different connectors.

One is a 2 position Molex connector supplying power to the video transmitter (VTX). The Black is ground (battery negative) and the red is the positive voltage coming from your battery, up to 16V. The second is a 5 position connector and the signal pins are as follows: RED – +5V out from the transmitter, supplying power to the camera, BLACK – ground connection, YELLOW – Video signal coming from the camera, WHITE – Audio left, GREEN – Audio right. Depending on what type of camera you are using the schematic of connecting the camera will change.

ThunderDrone 500 in the Georgia DomeVTX Mounting Continued

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For 5V Cameras:If you use 5V cameras from Fatshark – or with cables compatible with them, you can just simply plug those in to the transmitter. In this case your camera already comes with a connector matching the transmitter. For any other 5V cameras, if you do not have one, you can purchase an Immersion RC wIre-set from here and wire it up yo your camera as the signal lines describe below: (we will have some

available onsite)

From the 5 Pin connector: You will need the RED – 5V to power your camera, BLACK – ground to the camera, YELLOW – video signal from your camera. You can ignore the audio signals if you do not have them.From the 2 Pin connector: You will need to wire up the RED to your battery positive lead and the BLACK to your battery ground lead – with this supplying battery power to the VTX.

For 12V cameras:In case you use a 12V camera for your setup, you cannot use the RED (+5V) supply line form the transmitter to power your camera. In this case your camera will have to be powered separately, and you only needc to bring in the Video and Ground signal to the raceband VTX:

As you can see the camera power is not even represented on this image due to the fact that is separately handled on your own installation. On the 5 pin Molex connector the only two signal lines required are the Video out from your camera (YELLOW) and the ground (BLACK). On the two pin connector the RED is connected to your battery positive lead and the BLACK is connected to your battery ground.

All transmitters will be provided with strong Velcro strips attached, and mating patches will be provided for each quads.

Looking forward to seeing you at F3Expo in the First-Person!

*** END TRANSMISSION ***

ThunderDrone 500 in the Georgia DomeVTX Mounting Continued

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