OPERATIONS

MANUAL
Version 1.0
 CONTENTS
Your Drone.............................................................................................................................3

Flight Safety..........................................................................................................................4

Whats in the Box................................................................................................................5

Charger...................................................................................................................................6

Battery Safety......................................................................................................................7

Preflight Instructions.........................................................................................................8

Flight....................................................................................................................................... 11

Post Flight............................................................................................................................ 12

Learn to Fly......................................................................................................................... 13

Flight Modes....................................................................................................................... 18

Replacing Propellers........................................................................................................ 19

Rear Arm Placement....................................................................................................... 20

Camera Attachment........................................................................................................ 20

Learn More........................................................................................................................... 21

Support................................................................................................................................. 21

Disclaimer, Limited Warranty

and Limitation of Liability.............................................................................................. 21

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Thank you for purchasing the Pocket Drone from AirDroids

The Pocket Drone is your vehicle to all new landscapes of adventure.

Whether youre a first time flyer or a seasoned pilot, the Pocket Drone
will bring your flying experience to new heights. The Pocket Drone is the
worlds first multicopter that is powerful enough to carry a high-quality
action camera and folds up smaller than a 7-inch tablet. Your personal
flying robot will enable you to capture breathtaking aerial video and photos
everywhere you go. Please read all instructions carefully before turning on
your drone for the first time and happy flying.

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 FLIGHT SAFETY
The Pocket Drone is a powerful aircraft and can cause severe damage
to person and property if used improperly. By following a few simple
guidelines, we can ensure that flying drones remains a safe and fun activity
for everyone.

D
 ont fly higher than 400 feet above ground level. If you go above that
height, you run the risk of colliding with manned helicopters and planes.
We want to keep our drones as far away from manned aircraft as possible.

If you are flying within 5 miles of an airport, call the airport operator or
flight control facility to let them know that you are operating in the area.
Never fly so close to an airport that you would be near to the flight path
of a plane that is taking off or landing.

N
 ever place your hands or extremities near propellers while the drone is
armed. This can cause severe damage to yourself as well as to the drone.

A
 lways turn on the controller before turning on the drone. This will help
you avoid the drone making any uncontrolled movements.

Do not turn off the transmitter until you have disconnected the battery.

W
 hen the battery is connected, always assume the vehicle is live and the
motors are armed.

B
 e aware of your surroundings before take off. Avoid flying close to
people.

W
 hen flying in automated modes such as navigation by waypoint, make
sure that you always have a way to rapidly regain manual control of the
craft. Generally this means having the radio controller within arms reach
to make a quick adjustment.

Be aware of and fly within all local laws and regulations.

D
 ont collect imagery of people who dont want to be photographed or
of property where the owner objects or would object if they knew what
you were doing.

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 WHATS IN THE BOX
A. Pocket Drone

B. R
 C Transmitter (Flysky T6), which allows direct manual control of the
Pocket Drone

C. Battery pack and Charger

D. Carrying case

E. USB telemetry module USB OTG cable

A. B. C.

D. E.

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 CHARGER
The Pocket Drone is powered by a rechargeable 4000 mAh 3 cell lithium
polymer (LiPo) battery. LiPo batteries are shipped with only a 50% charge
for safety. For all flights you must fully charge battery pack prior to use. A
full charge will provide a maximum 20 - 25 minute flight time.

Always charge just before use.

1. C
 onnect the power cable to the charger and wall outlet. Connect the
white connector plug on battery pack to the corresponding port on
charger.

2. C
 harge batteries in an open, well ventilated area. Place batteries on a
non- flammable surface while charging.

Never charge batteries unattended.

3. C
 harge until all 3 LED indicator lights are green. One indicator LED will
light for each battery cell in the pack.

Red indicates Green indicates

charging charge complete

A
 llow the battery pack to cool down to ambient temperature before
charging.

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 BATTERY SAFETY
Lithium Polymer batteries are volatile. Failure to read and follow safety
precautions may result in fire, personal injury, and damage to property if
charged or used improperly.

Never leave charging batteries unattended. If at any time you witness a

battery starting to balloon or swell up, discontinue the charging process
immediately. Disconnect the battery and observe in a safe place for at
least 20 minutes. Continuing to charge a battery that has begun to swell
will result in fire. Only charge the battery with a designated LiPo balance
charger such as is included with the Pocket Drone. Do not charge batteries
in series. Always charge a battery pack individually.

Store batteries in a cool, dry place at room temperature between 40 and

80 degrees F for best results. Never store batteries in a vehicle in extreme
temperatures. Do not expose battery packs to direct sunlight or heat.

Before charge or use of batteries always make a visual inspection of the

battery pack. Look for any damaged leads, connectors, broken areas of
shrink, swelling of cells or other irregularities. Discontinue use if you find
any of the above issues with your battery pack. Do not dispose of batteries
in the trash. Please locate your local battery recycling center.

Flying with a low battery is a safety risk and may render the battery
unusable. Immediately cease flight operations and safely land drone when
the low battery indicator comes on or is heard.

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 PREFLIGHT INSTRUCTIONS
The pocket drone is assembled and ready for use. Always follow preflight
instructions and ensure battery pack is fully charged.

1. S
 wing out the two front
arms to a fully extended
position and lock them
into place.

2. P
ull rear arm out until 3. Landing gear is folded
fully extended. under each arm.

4. U
 nfold landing gear until 5. Insert bottom of peg
fully extended. into leg.

NOTE: Landing gear peg

support is located on
Velcro pad between the
two camera vibration
mounting plates.

6. G
 ently bring leg up until can 7. Insert top of peg into arm.
attach to arm.

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 PREFLIGHT INSTRUCTIONS
8. Landing gear complete. 9. Turn on transmitter.

CAMERA TIP: When using a small camera or no camera just unfold the
gear one step.

A
 lways confirm the transmitter is on before powering up the drone. The
left stick should always be fully down at the start of each flight.

The top switches should all be preset in the down position at the start of
each flight.

10. Slide battery box into place until it locks.

11. Point antenna downward.

12. Place the drone on level ground at your chosen launce site.

13. Connect battery pack to drone.

WARNING! The transmitter must be on before connecting the battery

pack to the drone.

Confirm the drone is armed by looking through the right rear hole in the
case to verify LEDs are on. Verify which flight mode the controller is set
to before takeoff away from you.
Armed
14. Arm the drone.

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 COLLAPSIBLE PROPELLERS
AirDroids propellers are designed to fold for
more compact storage. Please keep in mind
that you can collapse the propellers in either
direction.

It is recommended that for each hub set, you

alternate the direction in relationship to the
hub. This will create a more uniform wear and
keep propellers as a balanced pair.

PLEASE NOTE: Folding propellers past the

centerline of the hub, when folded towards
the hub protrusion, may cause interference
and damage to the propeller.

AVOID DAMAGE!

Dont collapse past 90 degrees.

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 FLIGHT
As the pilot, it is your responsibility to maintain control of the aircraft at all
times and to avoid any obstructions while operating the drone.

Take off by raising left stick towards center.

Hover by setting left stick To the center.

Gain altitude by raising left stick.

Fly forward and backwards by moving right

stick in desired direction.

Fly left or right by moving the right stick left

or right in the desired direction.

Rotate face clockwise and counter-clockwise

by moving left stick right or left.

Slowly move left stick down to descend until

landing.

Lower left stick down fully once drone has

landed.

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 POST FLIGHT
Refer to steps shown here, in preflight and flight every time you fly.

1. L
 and the drone and disarm
Disarm
by; holding the left stick in a
downward, left position.

2. D
 isconnect battery, holding the
left stick in a downward, left
position.
Never leave a battery pack connected to the drone for an extended
period of time.
3. Turn off 4. R
 emove the battery
transmitter. from bottom of
drone by holding tab
up while sliding box
out.

5. R
 emove peg before fold up leg 6. F
 old up lower half
and arm. Place peg on Velcro pad of landing gear.
between the two camera vibration
mounting plates.

7. F
 ully close landing gear. Push 8. C
 lose rear arm. Push and
and hold tab under arm, rotate hold tab to push rear arm
legs back into place. back into place.

9. C
 lose front arms. Spread tabs apart move arm back
into place.

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 LEARN TO FLY
Control drone motion using the transmitters left and right sticks.
The drone will only respond after it has been armed, as described
below in the preflight instructions.

The left stick controls movement in a stationary position. Move the left stick
up and down to control altitude and acceleration. Move the left stick left or
right to control which direction the drone faces.

Before takeoff, hold left stick fully

down centered.

Take off by gently raising stick

towards center.

To increase altitude place stick in up

position.

Move stick gently for slower accent.

To maintain altitude keep stick

approximately center.

Slowly lower stick to decrease

altitude.

B
e sure to gradually lower the stick into the down position.
Failure to descend at a slow rate may cause aircraft to crash.

Slowly decrease altitude until the

drone is a couple inches above
ground.

Slowly lower the drone to the ground.

Once the drone is landed place the
stick fully down.

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 LEARN TO FLY
To aim the front of the drone in a different direction, move stick left or right.
For a slow rotation, move stick slightly from center in desired direction. For
a faster rotation, move stick further away from center.

Move stick left to turn counterclockwise.

Move stick right to turn clockwise.

To stop at desired orientation release

left stick.

FLIGHT TIP: Pay attention to control stick sensitivity. When first learning
to fly new drone, use small movements until you have mastered control
of the aircraft.
The right stick controls the horizontal direction you want your drone to fly.
The further away from the stick is from the center position, the faster drone
will fly.

Move stick up to fly forwards.

Move stick down to move backwards.

Move stick left to fly left.

Move stick right to fly right.

FLIGHT TIP: Always be aware what direction your drone is facing before
operating the right stick.

In most flight modes the drone will move forward, backward, left and
right relative to the direction drone is facing, not relative to the direction
of the operator.

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 BASIC FLIGHT MANEUVERS
Before flying any remote controlled aircraft, get to know the machine
and its capabilities. Practice these exercises to help you master the flight
controls.
FORWARD AND BACK

Pinpoint a spot on the ground 8 feet away from the launch site. Place the
drone on ground facing away from you. Lift off 4 feet from ground and
slowly fly towards pinpoint and land. Then fly drone back still facing same
direction and land again.

Lift off Forward

Rotate Forward
and back

Land Backward

FLIGHT TIP: Remember the farther you place the

stick from center the faster drone will fly.

Pinpoint a spot on the ground 8 feet away from the

launch site. Face drone away from you. Lift off 4 feet
from ground and slowly fly towards pinpoint and hover.
Rotate drone to 180 degrees to face you. Bring back to
launch site and land.

Forward

Rotate
left

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 BASIC FLIGHT MANEUVERS
BASIC BOX

From launch site lift drone in air 4 feet facing drone away from you and
proceed to fly an 8 foot square formation going counter-clockwise. Be sure
to maintain control and if need be hover in place at each point of box.

Forward

Left Right

Backwards

START/FINISH

FLIGHT TIP: Make sure to fly the drone in box formation in front
of you, not around

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 BASIC FLIGHT MANEUVERS
BOX WITH ROTATION

From launch site lift drone in air 4 feet facing drone away from you and
proceed to fly a 8 foot square formation going counter-clockwise. At each
point, hover then face drone in new flight direction. Proceed through box
to finish. After you have mastered counter clockwise, practice clockwise.

Forward

Rotate
left

START/FINISH

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 FLIGHT MODES
The Pocket Drone comes programmed to have the SWA
switch of the FlySky T6 (pictured to the right) toggle
between altitude hold and loiter modes. Other transmitters
will utilize channel 5 for these modes. When the SWA
switch is up the drone will be in altitude hold mode. When
the switch is down the drone will be in loiter mode. The
SWA switch is located on the upper right hand corner of
the Flysky T6.

You can use Mission Planner software to adjust the drones

settings, such as rates and flight modes. Connect the drone to the computer
with a micro usb cable or using the telemetry connection. If the drone does
not hold position properly, or slowly makes larger circles around a point,
please perform a compass calibration, see http://www.airdroids.com or
http://copter.ardupilot.com/wiki/initial-setup/configuring-hardware/
to learn more.

FLIGHT TIP: The APM copter webpage provides more in depth

information about settings and other options available at
http://copter.ardupilot.com/.

Altitude Hold: Holds altitude but allows full user control of movement and
rotation. User can manually override altitude.

Loiter: Holds GPS position relative to ground. Allows manual user override.

Stabilize Mode: Full user control of drone.

Return to Launch: Moves to a specified altitude, moves back to launch

point, then lands.

Acro/Sport Mode: Controls angular velocity of the drone. Release sticks

and it will maintain its current attitude and not return to level. Useful for
aerobatics (flips) NOT RECOMMENDED FOR INEXPERIENCED FLYERS

Auto Mode: Used for flying missions uploaded by a computer or tablet.

Circle Mode: The drone will circle with the nose pointed towards a spot at
the center of the circle. Adjusting the circle radius will change how big the
circle is.
Drift Mode: Allows the user to fly the drone like a plane. The roll is controlled
by the autopilot but the yaw and pitch is controlled by the user.
Simple and Super Simple: Used with stabilize, sport, drift modes.

Simple Mode: Drone will always be controlled relative to the drones heading
(forward direction) at take off. The drone will continue to go in whatever
direction you select no matter what way the drone is facing relative to its

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 FLIGHT MODES
original orientation. This is designed to make flying simple when you keep
your flight pattern located in front of your launch site. If you change the
direction you are facing the drone will not recognize your new orientation
which may cause a loss of control when pilot does not take into account
change needed in controls.

Super Simple: Is always controlled based on the location relative to the

home position. The drone will continue to go in whatever direction you
select no matter what way the drone is facing. You can change your
orientation and the control sticks will respond the same. Both are enabled
or disabled in the flight mode setup (from a computer).

Follow Me Mode: Makes it possible for you to have your copter follow you
as you move, using a telemetry radio and a ground station.

REPLACING PROPELLERS
Your drone is equipped with two sets The rear and right arms rotate
of folding propellers for clockwise counterclockwise. The left arm
and counterclockwise rotation. rotates.

A
 lways ensure you have the proper set
of propellers attached to the correct
corresponding arm.

TIP: With drone facing you make sure the rear and right arms props are
arched up and towards you on the left propeller.
Make sure the left arm prop is Insert corresponding propellers
arched up and towards you with into left and right slots.
the right propeller.

Attach propellers with

screws. Tighten until secure.

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 REAR ARM PLACEMENT
To ensure a smooth and safe flight you
must maintain the correct positioning of
the rear motor. This will keep the drone
from rotating on its own while hovering.
For optimal flight rear tail motor should
be slanted to the right at approximately
10 degrees when viewing from backside
of drone.

To restore correct alignment back to factory settings first have the drone
powered and operational by following steps 1 through 9 of the preflight
section. Before use firmly hold the rear arm while using free hand to adjust
motor to correct position. There will be resistance.

WARNING: Do not handle drone while drone while it is armed.

CAMERA ATTACHMENT
The Pocket Drone has a camera mounting plate located directly in front of
the battery box for your action camera. This area was designed to reduce
vibration of the camera and ensure proper balance during flight.

1. M
 ake sure the battery box 2. A
 lign the flat adhesive mount
is locked in place. centered directly on mounting plate.

3. E
 nsure edge is flush with 4. A
 ttach the flat adhesive mount to
the battery box. the bottom of the drone.

FLIGHT TIP: Correct placement of the

camera will ensure a smoother video,
flight quality and battery life of the
Pocket Drone.

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 LEARN MORE
Visit Airdroids.com for more information about:

Product updates and news

Ordering parts

Pocket Drone accessories

SUPPORT
For additional questions, please check the AirDroids faq at
www.airdroids.com/faq . If your question isnt answered there, please send
us an email at support@airdroids.com.

The Pocket Drone uses the open source APM flight controller and features
all the flight modes used by ArduCopter. You can view additional details
about this system http://copter.ardupilot.com/.

DISCLAIMER, LIMITED WARRANTY

& LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
WARNING: Read the entire instruction manual to become familiar
with the features and controls of the purchased Air Droids, Inc.
product (the Product) before operating.
This is a sophisticated Product, which must be operated with
caution and common sense and requires some basic mechanical ability. Failure
to operate this Product in a safe and responsible manner may result in injury or
damage to the product or other property and cause serious injury.
Please read this disclaimer carefully before using the Product. By keeping your
Product, you agree to be bound by the terms set forth herein and agree that
you are responsible for your conduct while operating the Product and for any
resulting injury or damage. If you do not agree to these terms, do not keep your
Product and contact Air Droids, Inc. for a refund.
Do not operate the Product if you are under the age of 18.

1. LIMITED WARRANTY INFORMATION

A. What this Warranty Covers: Air Droids, Inc. warrants to the original purchaser
that the Product will be free from defects in materials and workmanship at the date
of purchase. All products have a 90-day warranty. Orders cannot be canceled once
they have shipped. Goods cannot be returned for any reason including a customer
no longer needing or wanting a product or lack of product knowledge unless the
item is defective or faulty

B. What is Not Covered: This warranty is not transferable and does not cover:
(i) cosmetic damage, (ii) damage due to acts of God, accident, misuse, abuse,
negligence, commercial use, or due to improper use, installation, operation or

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maintenance, (iii) failure to comply with Federal Aviation Administration rules,
guidelines and/or recommendations, (iv) modification of or to any part of the
Product, (v) attempted service by anyone other than an Air Droids, Inc. authorized
service center, or (vi) Products not purchased directly from Air Droids, Inc.

OTHER THAN THE EXPRESS WARRANTY ABOVE, AIR DROIDS, INC. MAKES NO
OTHER WARRANTY OR REPRESENTATION, AND HEREBY DISCLAIMS ANY AND
ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, THE IMPLIED
WARRANTIES OF NON-INFRINGEMENT, MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR
A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. THE PURCHASER ACKNOWLEDGES THAT THEY
ALONE HAVE DETERMINED THAT THE PRODUCT WILL SUITABLY MEET THE
REQUIREMENTS OF THE PURCHASERS INTENDED USE.

C. Purchasers Remedy: Air Droids, Inc.s sole obligation and purchasers sole and
exclusive remedy shall be that Air Droids, Inc. will, at its option, either (i) service, or
(ii) replace, any Product determined by Air Droids, Inc. to be defective. Air Droids,
Inc. reserves the right to inspect any and all Product(s) involved in a warranty claim.
Service or replacement decisions are at the sole discretion of Air Droids, Inc. Proof
of purchase is required for all warranty claims. SERVICE OR REPLACEMENT AS
PROVIDED UNDER THIS WARRANTY IS THE PURCHASERS SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE
REMEDY.

D. Warranty Requirements: For warranty consideration, you must include your

original sales receipt verifying proof-of-purchase and the date of purchase. Provided
warranty conditions have been met, your Product will be serviced or replaced free
of charge. Service or replacement decisions are at the sole discretion of Air Droids,
Inc.

E. Questions, Assistance, and Services: Your local hobby store cannot provide
warranty support or service for the Product. Once assembly, setup or use of the
Product has been started, you must contact AirDroids, Inc. directly. This will enable
Air Droids, Inc. to better answer your questions in the event that you may need
any assistance. For questions or assistance, please direct your email to support@
airdroids.com.

2. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY: AIRDROIDS, INC. SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR

SPECIAL, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, LOSS OF
PROFITS OR PRODUCTION OR COMMERCIAL LOSS IN ANY WAY, REGARDLESS
OF WHETHER SUCH CLAIM IS BASED IN CONTRACT, WARRANTY, TORT,
NEGLIGENCE, STRICT LIABILITY OR ANY OTHER THEORY OF LIABILITY, EVEN IF
AIR DROIDS, INC. HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.

FURTHER, IN NO EVENT SHALL THE LIABILITY OF AIR DROIDS, INC. EXCEED THE
INDIVIDUAL PRICE OF THE PRODUCT ON WHICH LIABILITY IS ASSERTED. AS AIR
DROIDS, INC. HAS NO CONTROL OVER USE, SETUP, MODIFICATION OR MISUSE
OF THE PRODUCT, NO LIABILITY SHALL BE ASSUMED OR ACCEPTED FOR ANY
RESULTING DAMAGE OR INJURY. BY THE ACT OF USE, SETUP OR ASSEMBLY,
THE USER ACCEPTS ALL RESULTING LIABILITY. IF YOU AS THE PURCHASER OR
USER ARE NOT PREPARED TO ACCEPT THE LIABILITY ASSOCIATED WITH THE
USE OF THE PRODUCT, PURCHASER IS ADVISED TO RETURN THE PRODUCT
IMMEDIATELY IN NEW AND UNUSED CONDITION TO THE PLACE OF PURCHASE.

Software is subject to the separate software license agreement accompanying or

made available to you in connection with the software. A portion of the software
may contain or consist of open source software, which you may use under the

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terms and conditions of the specific license under which the open-source software
is distributed. You agree that you will be bound by any and all such license
agreements, and that your usage of this product indicates your acceptance of
those agreements, title to software remains with the applicable licensor(s). In no
event will AirDroids be liable to you for damages, including any general, special,
incidental, or consequential damages arising out of the use or inability to use the
software.

3. LAW: This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other
rights which vary from state to state. AirDroids, Inc. reserves the right to change or
modify this warranty at any time without notice.

4. PRIVACY WARNINGS
A. By keeping this Product, you agree that you are responsible for the attachment
and use of any camera in connection with the Product and for any resulting claims
for damages by any third-party arising out of or related to the attachment and use
of any such camera.

B. Do not use the Product to defame, abuse, harass, stalk, threaten or infringe in
any way upon the legal rights of others.

C. Do not photograph or film people on private property without their consent.

D. Do not photograph or film in areas where photography is prohibited without

authorization.

E. Do not use the Product for any illegal purpose.

F. Do not violate applicable local laws and administrative rules, including without
limitation, any law or rule prohibiting the use of remote controlled aircraft.

G. Do not use the Product in such a way that results in the violation of any
copyright law or other restriction governing the copying of images and videos from
events, performances, exhibitions or commercial property.

TM

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For the most up-to-date flight and control information register your
product with AIrDroids and check the AirDroids website for updates.
Printed: December 2014

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