> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://manual.fotokite.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://manual.fotokite.com/getting-started/getting-started-with-transport-case.md). # Getting started with Transport Case

Fotokite Sigma Transport Case

The following section contains information about standard setup and operating procedures. The Fotokite is designed for autonomous takeoff, flight, and landing. Without the need to pilot the system, your team can access aerial situational awareness without taking away resources from mission-critical tasks. {% hint style="danger" %} DO NOT STORE THIS PRODUCT WITHOUT CHARGING. To comply with international shipping safety regulations, this system is delivered with batteries at only 30% capacity. * Immediate Action: Fully charge the system before its first use. * Storage Risk: If left uncharged, the batteries will enter a "deep discharge" state within 6 months, rendering the system permanently inoperable and voiding the warranty. {% endhint %} {% hint style="info" %} To ensure compliance, operators must regularly check the official aviation authority or relevant governmental agency's website for the latest updates. Local regulations may vary, and it is the operator's responsibility to adhere to current rules. Please find more details in [Regulations per Region](/operational-guidelines/regulations-per-region.md) or reach out to your local sales representative for assistance. {% endhint %} {% embed url="" %} Getting started with Transport Case {% endembed %} To start flying your Fotokite system, begin by going through the following steps: ## Preflight Checklist 1. **Verify power is provided to the Fotokite system**: Remove the top of the case cover and plug-in AC power cable. Unfold all propellers. Ensure you are deploying in a level and stable area. Ground Station LEDs will begin to flash a faded Green, indicating the Kite is powered on and in standby. You will hear an audible startup noise whenever the system is powered on. {% hint style="info" %} For operation in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, this system must be connected via a Class A GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) protected outlet or the provided GFCI cord set to meet outdoor safety requirements. Never bypass the ground pin or operate without ground-fault protection. {% endhint %} 2. **Check your Airspace**: Ensure you are deploying within a Class G airspace or pre-approved restricted airspace. Find more details in [Regulations per Region](/operational-guidelines/regulations-per-region.md). 3. **Open Fotokite Live Application on the tablet**: Check the connection status in the Fotokite Live Status Bar at the top of the screen. The name of the connected system should be visible. Also check the status of Handoff Control. An eye icon (with orange warning icon) means that you do not have control over the system yet. Open the dialog and take control. If your system is not connected, please follow the instructions described in [Connecting to a Fotokite system](/fotokite-live-walkthrough/connecting-to-a-fotokite-system.md). * If you have an Android or iOS tablet, you can find the corresponding download links of Fotokite Live in [Fotokite Live iOS/Android](/fotokite-live-walkthrough/fotokite-live-ios-android.md#download-fotokite-live). * We recommend changing the Wi-Fi password of your Fotokite system to keep it secure. Visit [Connecting to a Fotokite system](/fotokite-live-walkthrough/connecting-to-a-fotokite-system.md#change-wi-fi-password) for more details. 4. **Check surroundings and weather:** Confirm the Fotokite is at least 15 ft (\~5 m) horizontally from trees, poles, buildings and at least 50 feet (\~15 meters) from power lines. If wind speed or weather are prohibitively hazardous, do NOT attempt to fly. * You can learn more about safe weather conditions in [Operational Guidelines](/operational-guidelines.md). 5. **System Check**: Check that you do not have any warning notifications in the Activity Log. Confirm that you have a video feed (or camera sleep mode) prior to launching. Check all the propellers for any wear or chipping. * Owing to shipping regulations surrounding LiPo batteries, they must be shipped at a low state of charge. Before first-time use, you will need to fully charge the backup batteries of the system. This process may take some time. ## Launch & Flight 1. Press Start Button below the Altitude Slider. * Ground Station LEDs will flash Green, and it will start to emit an audible takeoff sound, indicating the Kite is entering Flight Mode. * The Kite will begin to perform automatic preflight checks and its LEDs will start to flash. * After approximately ten seconds, the motors will begin to spin and the Kite will take off to a predetermined altitude and position - the takeoff parameters are configured during installation based on your vehicle specifications 2. **Carefully Observe the System during Takeoff**. * During takeoff, the Kite should remain steady with its heading aligned with the heading of the Ground Station. * Once the Kite reaches its takeoff altitude, the Kite should maintain this position and not deviate until further commands are sent. Take 15 seconds to make sure it is not shifting significantly from this position. Check to see if the Kite begins to rotate or is pitching in any direction more than 10 degrees. * If you are at all uncomfortable with the way the Kite is behaving, immediately land the system and contact your Fotokite Representative to provide further guidance. 3. **Set the desired altitude using the Altitude Slider on the Main Screen**. It is recommended to first set your altitude to approximately 30 ft (9 m). Maintain this altitude for around 30 seconds and again check to see if any behavior is outside of the **Operating Parameters**. Once you have confirmed that everything is working you can raise to a higher altitude. 4. **Pan and Tilt the Camera**. Double-tap on the screen to center the image on the selected point or use the Joystick on the left hand side of the screen. Swap between the Thermal- and Color-Video by tapping the Picture-in-Picture (PIP) window. You can also zoom the Color-Video by pinching with two fingers or use the Zoom Control Interface on the right-hand side of the screen. 5. **Always have a Visual Observer**. It is recommended that at least one operator is assigned to perform a quick visual inspection of the System during flight. **The tablet should never be left without an assigned user nearby to land the system**. ## Recording Video 1. **Record video by pressing the Red Record Button**. Both Thermal- and Color-Video will be recorded simultaneously. * Video is recorded onto a solid state drive in the Ground Station. To access recorded video you can use the Video Library in the Main Menu. 2. By pressing the **Take Photo Button**, you will take a screenshot of both the Thermal- and Color-Video with a time-stamped overlay. * Screenshots are stored in the screenshot folder on the desktop of the tablet. 3. **Backtrack your stream**. By adjusting the time slider on the left portion of the application, you can instantly scan video footage mid-flight. Simply return the time slider to the original position to return to the current video feed. ## Landing **Press Land Button on the Main Screen**. The Kite will begin descent automatically. Once it reaches a lower altitude, the Kite will begin to realign itself with the Ground Station. The Kite will land directly onto the pad and power off its motors. The System will remain powered on and ready to launch for any additional flights. **Always keep bystanders at least 10 ft (3 m) away from the Ground Station during a landing**. {% hint style="danger" %} During normal operations, the system must remain connected to the primary vehicle power supply. Intentionally disconnecting mains power to initiate a landing on the backup battery is strictly prohibited for standard pack-up procedures. The internal backup battery is a redundancy feature designed to ensure a safe recovery in the event of an unplanned power loss. Landing in backup battery mode is reserved exclusively for emergency situations. {% endhint %} {% hint style="danger" %} If at any time the Kite begins to behave outside of these parameters it is important to initiate a Safety Landing, either using the Ground Station button or via the Fotokite Live Application. Familiarize yourself with the [Operational Guidelines](/operational-guidelines.md) section of this manual. More information on Emergency Protocols can be found in the Safety Landing section. {% endhint %} {% hint style="warning" %} If your tablet begins to experience video stuttering issues or the Application notifies you of System communication issues, it could mean that you are outside of the WiFi range. The Kite will continue to operate normally and record footage / maintain height. {% endhint %} --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter: ``` GET https://manual.fotokite.com/getting-started/getting-started-with-transport-case.md?ask=&goal= ``` `ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. `goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.