Pack and Prepare the Skycat Phantom 4 Drone Parachute Launcher

This guide will help you pack and prepare the Skycat Phantom 4 Drone Parachute Launcher. You can purchase the Phantom 4 Drone Parachute with SATS-MINI Failsafe here. Before starting make sure you have done the initial folding of the Iris parachute. Refer to How to Fold a Parachute. Follow this guide up to the beginning of Step 4, stopping after "fold the parachute canopy into thirds to create a long rectangle shape." Also, first assemble the Phantom 4 Launcher.

Step 1 - Install the Harnesses

We start with a P4, the two short harnesses and a wire tie.
Step 2 - Hook Harnesses

Hook each of the harnesses by taking one end through the loop on the other then drawing it tight. Hook around apposing corners of either side of center. Wrap the harness inside the landing gear.
Step 3

This shows the final harness connections. Use a wire ties at the center to hold the harnesses at the center.
Step 4

Another view showing the harnesses and how they will connect to the parachute once installed.
Step 5 - Strap down Flip Board

Now use the Velcro strap to pull down the flip plate to make loading easier. Tighten the strap so its pulled within one inch of the carbon fiber mount plate. This shows the flip-plate side.
Step 6

This shows the strap on the component side. Be careful to not damage any of the components.
Step 7 - Prepare and fold Chute

Now prepare the parachute. First un-tape the lines and stretch out the parachute lines. Unfold the panels on the parachute. Do not completely open up the parachute. You can find out how to do the initial folding of the Iris parachute here: https://fruitychutes.com/help_for_parachutes/how_to_fold_a_iris_parachute.htm. Follow the guide up to Step 22.
Read More...
Step 8

Now fold over the sides of the parachute panels toward the center.
Step 9

Continue to fold over the sides toward the center until you have a rectangle the same width as the flip board. While doing this do not tangle the shroud lines.
Step 10

This shows the parachute at the same same width of the launcher flip board. It's Ok if it's perhaps 1/2" wider or so.
Step 11

Now Z-Fold the shroud lines back and forth the width of the shroud lines at the base of the parachute. Do not roll the lines!
Step 12

Begin to fold over the canopy starting at the base.
Step 13

Starting at the parachute base fold the parachute over the lines.
Step 14 - Chute Folded

Fold 2 or 3 times so the folded parachute size is the same size as the flip board. The chute bridle should come out the side of the parachute.
Step 15 - Check Size

Verify the folded parachute is the same size as the flip board.
Step 16

Put a weight on the parachute to keep it folded. I'm using a parachute rigger weight here, but you can use whatever you want!
Step 17 - Connect Shock Cord

Now hook the 2 yard Spectra shock cord to the parachute bridle attachment loop.
Step 18

Pull tight.
Step 19 - Put chute into blanket

To protect the chute it is wrapped in a protective blanket. Put the chute in the corner.
Step 20 - Fold Over Flap

Fold the short flap over the parachute.
Step 21 - Z-Fold main shock cord

Then Z-Fold the shock cord and place it against the side of the parachute.
Step 22 - Wrap the chute

Wrap over the long side of the blanket around the parachute. Leave the end loop of the shock cord sticking out to connect later.
Step 23 - Place on Flipboard

Place the wrapped chute in the Flipboard.
Step 24 -Hook the flap

Pull the flap over the parachute holding the end loop.
Step 25 - Connect to Servo

Hook the loop over the servo arm. Make sure the servo is in the hold position.
Step 26 - Parachute Installed

The parachute is not installed in the launcher. Note the shock cord loop exits on the top left side of the launcher.
Step 27 - Remove Velcro Strap

Remove the Velcro strap now holding down the flip board.
Step 28

After undoing the strap pull it out from behind the chute.
Step 29

Pulling the strap out.
Step 30

Here is where we recommend putting the Mayday and the Battery. Note the wedge on the back of the Mayday. This keeps the Mayday exactly vertical once installed on the Phantom.
Step 31 - Snap in Launcher

Install the launcher on the left side of the P4 so it does not block the micro-sd and USB ports on the other side. To install first position the top "ears" of the launcher behind the landing gear legs of the P4. NOTE: The harnesses are not shorter and cut to length.
Step 32

Then snap into place the bottom hooks.
Step 33 - Complete Installation

Use the quick link to connect the shock cord loop to each of the harness ends.
Step 34 - Done

A view of the completed installation. You may want to add a couple of pieced of tape to the harnesses to make sure they do not get into the rotor blades.