Overview:
The high pressure payload allows operators to softwash and pressure wash with the same payload on Sherpa only. The high pressure payload IS compatible with the window cleaning payload on Sherpas manufactured after 5.1.24.
Flight Tuning Update:
All existing customers who receive the high pressure payload must be on software version 3.2.9 or newer. This update will improve overall flight performance as spray is turned on/off for all pump types. The software has been updated to quickly and smoothly counteract forces experienced by the drone when using high pressure pumps and allows it to hold a more consistent position during valve actuation and yawing while spraying.
For new customers, this update will come standard on newly-built drones.
Operating Specs:
- Max PSI: Do not exceed 4,500psi at any flow rate
- Max temp: 212F
- Max flow rate: 10gpm
- Valve actuation: 75kg torque-limiting servo motor (safety feature that prevents servo from over-drawing power in the event that poor maintenance causes the valve to bind).
- In-field repairable: YES
- Valve material: 316 Stainless (marine-grade w/ exceptional corrosion resistance)
- Nozzle quick connect size: 1/4” (same as softwash payload)
Max Estimated FAA Legal Operating Altitude:
- 110ft is roughly max altitude with high pressure using this exact hose
Recommended Usage:
- We recommend using 3,500psi pumps at 8pgm. This is not required but these pumps are common on many commercial systems and customers find these pumps to be extremely effective for most applications
- The following guidelines should be adhered to for optimal performance: NOTE: Higher flow (5-8gpm) and “moderate” psi (2700-3500psi) are where you want to be.
- Bad: 1.5gpm at 5,500psi
- Bad: 2gpm at 2,700psi
- Good: 4gpm at 4,400psi
- Better: 6gpm at 2,700psi
- Great: 6gpm at 3,500psi
- Great: 8gpm at 3,500psi
- We recommend using a downstream injector system immediately after the pressure washer if higher volume cleaning chemicals (such as sodium hypochlorite) are being used with a high pressure system for cleaning
- The high pressure payload will handle both softwashing pumps as well as pressure washing pumps within the above specs without issue
- Use a “live” swivel on the hose end to avoid loops and twists in pressure washing hose:
- WE RECOMMEND THIS SWIVEL BE ATTACHED TO THE HOSE-END
- Select swivel based on the thread size of the hose - customer will need to know the thread size of their hose and whether they need male or female connections on either end of the swivel they select
- WE RECOMMEND THIS SWIVEL BE ATTACHED TO THE HOSE-END
- USE THE HOSE IN THIS LINK
- When asked, “will ___ hose work with the system” the answer is:
- “It’s possible, but we cannot guarantee it and are unable to test all hoses, flow rates and pressure combinations.”
- “We never advise using 1/2” hose and strongly advise using 1/4" or 3/8” hose. Any hose that is excessively rigid may negatively impact flight performance.”
- Generally speaking, larger-diameter, heavy hoses limit flight time and rigid hoses without a swivel negatively impact flight performance and can lead to yaw drift if coiled heavily
- When asked, “will ___ hose work with the system” the answer is:
- Nozzle recommendations:
- The primary nozzle we recommend and has worked great in our testing: X-Jet M5DS Twist Injection Nozzle, select the GPM option that best fits your pump specs.
- We always recommend straight (0 degree) nozzles and do not advise using fan-tip nozzles with over a 15-degree pattern. Broader fan-tips produce a substantial amount of undesirable overspray.
- Nozzle selection is highly specific to a customers’ system as well as individual preference and should be selected based on pump output.
- Generally speaking, our recommended approach is to purchase 3-5 (0-degree) nozzle tips with varying orifice sizes to arrive at your personal preference. These nozzles can be sourced from most pressure washing stores or KleenRite for between $4-$6 each.
- [Here’s one of many resources available online to assist customers with nozzle size selection based on their pump system](https://www.royalbrassandhose.com/blog/post/how-to-select-a-replacement-nozzle#:~:text=Determine the nozzle size by,you will need is 3.5.)
- The stock nozzle supplied with the Sherpa tends to work well with many pumps but may not be ideal for others.
Compatibility:
- Compatible with Lucid Sherpa
- NOT compatible with Rev E
- NOT compatible with window cleaning payload (yet) - this is on our roadmap and will be developed, tested and released soon
DO:
- DO use a high quality swivel on the hose-end that allows the hose to spin freely - ensure that it can spin freely while pressurized
- DO use the recommended hose above. If unavailable, use the lightest-weight and most flexible pressure washing hose you can find
- DO ensure that the section of hose connected to the drone is not rigid such that it makes direct vertical contact with the ground
DO NOT:
- DO NOT attempt to take off while the valve is open and drone is spraying
- DO NOT use extremely rigid pressure washing hose
- DO NOT attempt to operate within 5ft of a building surface
- DO NOT use hose with a rigid hose-end section that will contact the ground before the landing gear legs when landing. For example, many hoses come installed with a “grip” on the hose end. In almost all cases, this should be cut off before use.