3D R Solo Installation manual

Operation Manual

3DR Support
We’re here to help! If you have any questions about your Solo
or if you need technical support, don’t hesitate to contact us.
online: 3dr.com/support
email: [email protected]
call: [phone] (direct)
[phone] (toll free in the US and Canada)
Support line hours:
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3D Robotics (3DR)
1608 4th Street, Suite 410
Berkeley, CA 94710
Tel. [phone]
3dr.com
Solo Operation Manual vA
DCT0077
© 2015 3D Robotics Inc.
GoPro, HERO, the GoPro logo, and the GoPro “Be a HERO” logo are
trademarks or registered trademarks of GoPro, Inc.

Contents
1 System Description 1
1.1 System Overview 1
1.2 Aircraft Overview 2
1.3 Controller Overview 3
1.4 Operating Parameters 5
1.5 Autopilot 5
1.6 Propulsion 6
1.7 Electrical System 7
1.8 Communication 8
2 Setup 9
2.1 In the Box 9
2.2 Battery 9
2.3 Controller 11
2.4 Propellers 12
2.5 Camera 13
2.6 App 14
3 Safety 16
3.1 Location 16
3.2 Environmental Awareness 16
3.3 Propellers 16
3.4 Home Position 16
3.5 Altitude & Safety Fence 17
3.6 Emergency Procedures 17
3.7 Power Management 17
3.8 Flight Battery 18
3.9 Controller 18
3.10 GPS Management 19
3.11 Signal Management 20
4 Operating Procedures 21
4.1 Preflight Checklist 21
4.2 Takeoff 21
4.3 Land 22
4.4 In-Flight Data 23
4.5 Joystick Control 24
4.6 Smart Shots 27
5 Maintenance 28
5.1 Legs 28
5.2 Motors 29
5.3 Pairing 31
6 Appendix 32
6.1 Specifications and Operating Parameters 32
6.2 Warranty 33
6.3 Regulatory Compliance 33
6.4 Sensor Data Sheets 34

Figures
Figure 1.1.1: Solo System Context Diagram 1
Figure 1.2.1: Solo Exterior Overview 2
Figure 1.2.2: Solo Interior Overview 3
Figure 1.3.1: Controller Schematic Diagram 4
Figure 1.4.1: Solo Operating Parameters & Specifications Table 5
Figure 1.5.1: Solo Onboard Sensors Table 6
Figure 1.6.1: Motor Schematic Diagram 6
Figure 1.6.2: Solo Motor Order 7
Figure 1.7.1: Solo Electrical System 7
Figure 2.1.1: Solo Parts 9
Figure 2.2.1: Charge Solo Battery 10
Figure 2.2.2: Insert Solo Battery 10
Figure 2.3.1: Charge Controller 11
Figure 2.3.2: Power On Controller 11
Figure 2.4.1: Attach Propellers 12
Figure 2.5.1: Attach Camera 13
Figure 2.5.2: Camera Configuration Process 13
Figure 2.6.1: Connect to Solo Link 14
Figure 2.6.2: Controller Preflight Update Prompt 14
Figure 2.6.3: Solo App Update Process 14
Figure 2.6.4: Controller Updating Display 15
Figure 2.6.5: Controller Update Display 15
Figure 2.6.6: Solo Update Displays 15
Figure 2.6.7: Viewing Video on the App 15
Figure 3.5.1: Controller Maximum Altitude Warning 17
Figure 3.7.1: Low controller battery warning and return-home notifications 18
Figure 3.7.2: Low flight battery warning and auto-land notifications 18
Figure 3.10.1: Controller Waiting-for-GPS Prompt 19
Figure 3.10.2: Controller GPS Lost Notification 19
Figure 3.11.1: Controller Signal Lost Warnings With GPS 20
Figure 3.11.2: Controller Signal Lost Warnings Without GPS 20
Figure 4.2.1: Controller Start Motors Prompt 21
Figure 4.2.2: Controller Auto-Takeoff Prompt 22
Figure 4.3.1: Return Home Behavior 22
Figure 4.4.1: Controller In-Flight Data Display 23
Figure 4.5.1: Controller Left Joystick 24
Figure 4.5.2: Throttle Joystick Behaviors 24
Figure 4.5.3: Yaw Joystick Behavior 25
Figure 4.5.4: Controller Right Joystick Controls 25
Figure 4.5.5: Pitch Joystick Controls 26
Figure 4.5.6: Roll Joystick Controls 26
Figure 5.1.1: Leg Replacement Process 1 28
Figure 5.1.2: Leg Replacement Process 2 28
Figure 5.1.3: Leg Replacement Process 3 29
Figure 5.2.1: Motor Pod Replacement Process 1 29
Figure 5.2.2: Motor Pod Replacement Process 2 30
Figure 5.2.3: Motor Pod Replacement Process 3 30
Figure 5.2.4: Motor Pod Replacement Process 4 30
Figure 5.2.5: Motor Pod Replacement Process 5 31
Figure 5.3.1: Solo Pair Button 31
Figure 5.3.2: Controller Pairing Process 31

1
1 System Description
Solo is a reliable, easy-to-use quadcopter optimized for capturing aerial video and still imagery. This section
provides a technical description for the 3DR Solo system, including components, communication, control, telemetry,
and operator interaction.
1.1 System Overview
The 3DR Solo system includes the Solo quadcopter, Solo controller, “3DR Solo” app, and the human operator.
The operator interacts with the controller and app on the ground, and the controller communicates with the Solo
quadcopter during flight.
The 3DR Solo system includes the Solo quadcopter, controller, “3DR Solo” app, and the human operator. The
operator interacts with the controller and app on the ground, and the controller communicates with the Solo
quadcopter during flight.
Solo Quadcopter
Solo is a small unmanned aerial vehicle powered by four brushless motors and four propellers. Solo’s onboard
computers control navigation, attitude, and communications in flight while sending real-time telemetry and video
output and receiving control inputs over the 3DR Link secure WiFi network. Solo is optimized for aerial imagery
using a GoPro® HERO camera.
Controller
The controller provides joystick, button, and dial controls and displays in-flight data on a full-color screen. Using
twin long-range dipole antennae, the controller acts as the central hub for all communication on the 3DR Link
network, receiving all communications from Solo and the app, forwarding telemetry outputs to the app, and
controlling the transmission of all control inputs to Solo.
App
The “3DR Solo” app outputs a live video stream from Solo’s onboard camera to an Android or iOS device. The
operator can use the app to view the live video with overlaid telemetry and access a simplified graphic interface for
controlling Solo’s advanced functions. The app connects to the 3DR Link network to receive video and telemetry
outputs and send control inputs.
Figure 1.1.1: Solo System Context Diagram
Video output
Telemetry output
Control input
Operator
3DR Solo
Controller
3DR Solo
3DR Solo
App
AirGround
3DR Link
Secure WiFi
Network

2
1.2 Aircraft Overview
Smart Battery
The battery connects to Solo’s battery bay. Solo’s power button is located on the battery; Solo can only be powered
when the battery is connected.
Motors and Propellers
Solo’s arms are labelled one through four on the ends of the arms. Motors on arms #1 and #2 spin counterclockwise
and use clockwise-tightening propellers with silver tops. Conversely, motors on arms #3 and #4 spin clockwise and
use clockwise-tightening propellers with black tops.
Orientation LEDs
Each arm contains an LED for ground-to-air directional awareness; the two front arms (#1 and #3) display white, and
the two rear arms (#2 and #4) annunciate red. This LED scheme mimics the headlight and taillight style of a car for
easy association by any operator.
Fixed Camera Mount and HDMI Cable
Solo includes a GoPro® The Frame fixed mount to mount a GoPro® HERO camera. The HDMI cable connects to
the GoPro® to output video and charge the camera during flight.
Figure 1.2.1: Solo Exterior Overview
Solo Mainboard
The Solo mainboard connects all components onboard Solo. It acts as a voltage regulator and power distribution
system for the vehicle, sending power to all components and receiving voltage and current monitoring information
from the Solo Smart Battery.
3DR Pixhawk 2
The Pixhawk autopilot handles all attitude estimation, inertial navigation, and failsafe monitoring for Solo. It receives
data from internal sensors, the external GPS module, the external compass module, and 3DR Solo Link to calculate
Solo’s in-flight dynamics. Pixhawk outputs telemetry data to the 3DR Link network and send control commands to
Solo’s four electronic speed controllers. Pixhawk sends and receives all signal through the mainboard.
Silver-top propeller
Power button
Battery
Rear orientation LEDs
Black-top propeller
Motor
Arm numbering
Front orientation LEDs
Fixed camera mount
HDMI cable
Height: 10.2”
Motor-to-motor: 18.1”
Weight (no camera): 3.3 lbs.

3
Compass Module
The compass module is placed in leg #4 to avoid interference from other electronic components. Data from the
compass is sent to Pixhawk through the mainboard for use in attitude estimation.
GPS Module
The GPS module is located in front of the battery in a copper-shielded enclosure to reduce interference. GPS data is
essential for Solo’s automated flight capabilities. The GPS module sends data to Pixhawk through the mainboard.
Electronic Speed Controllers
Solo contains four electronic speed controllers (ESCs) to manage control of each of the four motors. ESCs receive
commands from Pixhawk through the mainboard and regulate the rotation of the motors to achieve the correct flight
speeds.
3DR Solo Link
The 3DR Solo Link module manages communication between Solo and the controller on the 3DR Link secure WiFi
network. 3DR Solo Link receives all control inputs, outputs telemetry, and outputs video signals to communicate
with the ground over the 3DR Link network. 3DR Solo Link also runs software processes regulating advanced
automated functions and data conversion. This module sends and receives data from Pixhawk through the
mainboard.
Antennas
Twin dipole antenna in the legs #1 and #2 send and receive signals from the 3DR Link WiFi network.
Figure 1.2.2: Solo Interior Overview
1.3 Controller Overview
Mobile-Device Holder
Mount an Android or iOS device to run the Solo app and effortlessly integrate the app into the controller’s operation
flow.
1
ESC
GPS
Mainboard
Compass
Antenna

4
Joysticks
The controller’s left and right joysticks provide direct manual control of Solo and physical control mechanisms for
using automated Smart Shots.
Screen
The controller’s full-color screen provides prompts for correct operation of Solo, live in-flight data, and control over
automated Smart Shots.
Power Button
The power button provides a quick check of the controller’s power level when pressed once and powers on the
controller when held. The controller provides vibration feedback to indicate that the power-up is successful.
Fly Button
The fly button lets you control Solo’s main flight functions: starting motors, auto-takeoff, auto-land, and activating
manual flight.
Return Home
The return-home button allows you to end your flight automatically at any point by returning Solo to its original
launch point and landing.
Pause Button
The pause bottom is Solo’s emergency air brake. Press pause to stop Solo and hover in place.
Option Buttons
The A and B buttons change functionality based on where you are in the operational flow. The screen will show
the currently assigned functions of A and B at all times. You can program A and B to specific functions using the
controller.
Figure 1.3.1: Controller Schematic Diagram
Antennae
Mobile-device holder
Gimbal controls
Joysticks
Screen
Pause
Return home
Fly
Power
Options

5
1.4 Operating Parameters
The operating parameters in Figure 1.4.1 apply to Solo. Always operate Solo within these parameters. Solo’s
performance and behaviors are not guaranteed when conditions violate the parameters listed below.
Figure 1.4.1: Solo Operating Parameters & Specifications Table
*Flight time varies with payload, wind conditions, elevation, temperature, humidity, flying style,
and pilot skill. Listed flight time applies to elevations less than 2,000 ft above sea level.
1.5 Autopilot
Solo uses a Pixhawk 2 autopilot running APM:Copter 3.3-dev software. APM:Copter is open-source flight control
based on the MAVlink communication protocol and part of the ArduPilot project. Pixhawk 2 runs an ARM Cortex-M4
STM32F427 processor with 2 MB of flash memory and 256 KB of RAM. Combined with an array of CAN, I2C, SPI,
PWM, and UART interfaces, Pixhawk 2 uses a suite of onboard sensors to calculate Solo’s orientation and motion in
flight. This data is input into APM:Copter’s inertial navigation and position estimation algorithms and combined with
control inputs to send commands to Solo’s propulsion system.
Communication frequency 2.4 GHz
Estimated flight time 25 minutes*
Maximum altitude 400 ft.
Range 2,000 ft. from launch point
Payload capacity 1.1 lbs.
Cruise speed 5 kts (2.5 m/s)
Maximum speed 55 mph (24.5 m/s)
Maximum climb rate 11 mph (4.9 m/s)
Maximum descent rate 6 mph (2.6 m/s)
Headwind limitation 17 mph (7.7 m/s)
Crosswind limitation 17 mph (7.7 m/s)
Operating temperature 32 F - 113 F
Operating relative humidity 0-85% RH
Max altitude above sea level 10,000 ft.

6
Figure 1.5.1: Solo Onboard Sensors Table
*Links to data sheets for sensors listed in this table are location in Appendix 6.4.
1.6 Propulsion
Solo uses four brushless, 880 KVmotors and four propellers for propulsion. For control and aerodynamic efficiency,
two motors spin clockwise and two motors spin counterclockwise. Navigation in the air is achieved by mixing
propulsion of the four motors to actuate flight control along the roll, pitch, and yaw axes.
Figure 1.6.1: Motor Schematic Diagram
Location Sensor Manufacturer / Part Number* Data Type
Pixhawk 2 FMU Accelerometer InvenSense / MPU6000 Orientation
Pixhawk 2 FMU Gyroscope InvenSense / MPU6000 Motion
Pixhawk 2 FMU Magnetometer Honeywell / HMC 5983 Cardinal direction
Pixhawk 2 FMU Barometer Measurement Specialties / MS5611 Altitude
Pixhawk 2 Stabilized IMU Accelerometer InvenSense / MPU6000 Orientation
Pixhawk 2 Stabilized IMU Gyroscope InvenSense / MPU6000 Motion
Pixhawk 2 Stabilized IMU Barometer Measurement Specialties / MS5611 Altitude
Pixhawk 2 Stabilized IMU Accelerometer STMicroelectronics / LSM303D Orientation
Pixhawk 2 Stabilized IMU Magnetometer STMicroelectronics / LSM303D Cardinal direction
Pixhawk 2 Stabilized IMU Gyroscope STMicroelectronics / L3GD20 Motion
3DR Solo GPS GPS u-blox / NEO-7N Longitude & latitude
3DR Solo GPS GPS patch antenna Taoglas / GP.1575.25.4.A.02 Longitude & latitude
3DR Solo Compass Magnetometer Honeywell / HMC 5983 Cardinal direction

7
Each of the four motors is numbered by the marking on the arm. These numbers correspond to the autopilot
calculations for these commands and are used for indicating motor replacement procedures. Each motor is
controlled by an Electronic Speed Controller (ESC) that regulates the rotation of the motors to achieve the speed
commanded by the autopilot.
Figure 1.6.2: Solo Motor Order
1.7 Electrical System
Battery
Solo’s onboard electrical system is powered by a rechargeable lithium polymer battery. The battery communicates
over I2C with the Solo mainboard to report information about it’s current voltage. This information is pushed over
the telemetry output to the operator to provide data for in-flight power management and battery failsafe.
Mainboard
The Solo mainboard passes regulated voltage to the computing components onboard Solo: Pixhawk 2, 3DR
Solo Link, 3DR Solo GPS, and 3DR Solo Compass. These components have a two-way serial signal link with the
mainboard to transfer data between them via the mainboard as a central hub. The LEDs on each arm of Solo are
components of the ESCs and receive power and I2C signals via the ESCs.
Figure 1.7.1: Solo Electrical System
03 01
02 04
Pixhawk 2
ESC 1
ESC 2
ESC 3
ESC 4
Motor 1
LiPo Battery
LED 1
Motor 2
LED 2
Motor 3
LED 3
Motor 4
LED 4
3DR Solo
Link
3DR Solo
GPS
3DR Solo
Compass
Solo
Mainboard
Solo Electrical System
Serial signal
I2C signal
PWM signal
Battery voltage
Regulated voltage

8
Controller
The controller is powered by a rechargeable lithium ion battery. The controller mainboard monitors the battery’s
voltage and passes regulated voltage to the other components of the controller. 3DR Controller Link, the LED
screen, and the controller’s input devices (buttons, dials, and joysticks) receive regulated voltage from the battery
via the mainboard. The data signals between the mainboard and the components are one-way with the exception of
3DR Controller Link, which communicates with the mainboard over a two-way serial link
1.8 Communication
To communicate with the operator, Solo runs three communication flows: joystick control input, video output, and
control input/telemetry output.
Controls
The operator can initiate control inputs from the controller or the app. On the controller, the mainboard receives
inputs from the joysticks, buttons, and dials and converts them to MAVlink commands. The mainboard sends the
MAVlink commands to 3DR Controller Link for transmission to Solo over the 3DR Link WiFi network. When initiated
from the app, control inputs are sent from the app over the 3DR Link network and received by 3DR Controller Link
which re-transmits the inputs to Solo over the 3DR Link network. The redirection of controls from the app is due to
the improved range of the controller’s antennas. Solo receives the controls through 3DR Solo Link and transfers to
the data to Pixhawk via the Solo mainboard.
Smart Shots
Solo’s Smart Shots are autonomous flight patterns that make it easy to create aerial video. Smart Shots allow the
operator to choose points of interest in 3D space and fly specific patterns in relation to those points. The operator
can control Smart Shots from either the controller or the app. When using the controller with Smart Shots, the
joysticks are re-mapped to restrict Solo’s movement within the limitations of the Smart Shot. On the app, touch-
screen controls provide the same functionality as the joysticks. To Smart Shot control inputs and telemetry outputs,
the Shot Manager software module runs on 3DR Solo Link and regulates all control inputs to ensure compatibility
with any active Smart Shots.
Telemetry Output
Telemetry data from Solo is pushed from Pixhawk to 3DR Solo Link via the mainboard and transmitted to the
controller over the 3DR Link network. On the controller, 3DR Controller Link receives the outputs, translates the
MAVlink commands, and displays the live values on the controller’s screen. To transmit data to the app, 3DR
Controller Link forwards the data to the app through the 3DR Link network.

9
2 Setup
This sections covers everything you need to set up Solo out of the box.
2.1 In the Box
Solo includes the quadcopter vehicle, controller, propellers (four plus two spares), Solo charger, and controller
charger.
Figure 2.1.1: Solo Parts
2.2 Battery
Solo is powered by the rechargeable Solo Smart Battery that provides approximately 25 minutes of flight time per
full charge. (Keep in mind that flight time depends on payload, wind conditions, elevation, temperature, humidity,
flying style and pilot skill, so the actual flight time may vary.) As a lithium polymer battery, the Solo Smart Battery
requires specific handling practices to ensure safe operation and prevent accidents. For more information about
battery safety, see section 20.
Charging
The level of the battery is indicated by the lights below the power button. Press the power button once to display
the current power level. The Solo battery ships with approximately 50% charge, so charge fully before your first
flight for maximum flight time.
Remove the battery from Solo before charging. Only charge the battery using the designated Solo charger; using a
different charger can damage the battery or cause a fire. Charge the battery in conditions between 32° F and 113° F
only.
To charge the battery, connect the Solo charger to the battery and a wall outlet. While charging, the indicator lights
pulse at the current level, and when fully charged, the lights turn off. There is an additional indicator on the battery
charger that turns from red to green when the battery is fully charged. The battery takes approximately 1.5 hours to
charge fully.
Solo Three silver-top props
& three black-top props
Controller
Solo charger
Controller charger

10
Figure 2.2.1: Charge Solo Battery
Powering
To power Solo, insert the battery into Solo’s battery bay and slide the battery forward until it clicks into place. Press
and hold the battery power button to turn on Solo. When Solo power on, the battery will display an LED animation
and you will hear the startup tone. Only power Solo using the designated 3DR Solo Smart Battery; using a different
battery can permanently damage Solo.
Figure 2.2.2: Insert Solo Battery
Charge indicator
Charge indicator
Make sure Solo is level before powering on and keep Solo still during
power up and while the sensors initialize. Moving Solo during this
process causes the sensors to calibrate incorrectly and can create a
preflight error or affect in-flight performance.

11
2.3 Controller
The rechargeable lithium ion (Li-ion) controller battery is housed inside the controller, accessible by the battery door
at the back of the controller. The controller battery is pre-attached to the controller, and shouldn’t be disconnected
unless:
• You plan to store the controller for over three months without using it. In this case, disconnect the battery
from the controller and leave the battery inside the controller to store it.
• You need to switch the controller battery for a new or upgraded controller battery. Upgraded controller
batteries with double the capacity are available from store.3dr.com. In the case where you need to store the
extra controller battery, store it in location where it will not come into contact with metal objects or other
batteries. If the battery’s connector comes into contact with a metal object, it can short circuit the battery and
cause a fire.
Charging
Only charge the controller using the designated controller charger; using a different charger can damage the
controller or cause a fire. Charge the controller in conditions between 32° F and 113° F only.
To charge the controller, connect the controller charger to the barrel jack on the side of the controller and to a
wall outlet. To check the battery level of the controller, press the power button. A fully charged controller lasts for
approximately 6 hours. Always check the controller’s battery level before you fly, and recharge when prompted by
the controller. The controller takes approximately 3 hours to charge fully.
Figure 2.3.1: Charge Controller
Powering
To power on the controller, press and hold the controller power button until you receive the vibration feedback and
see the startup screen.
Figure 2.3.2: Power On Controller

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2.4 Propellers
Solo uses two types of self-tightening propellers, indicated by the color of the circle at the center of the propeller.
Attaching
Attach the propellers with silver tops to the motors with a silver dot on the top of the motor shaft, and attach the
black-top propellers to the motors with the black dots. Make sure to remove the paper labels from the motors
before attaching the propellers.
Silver-top propellers tighten clockwise; black-top propellers tighten counterclockwise. Check the lock and unlock
icons on each propeller to see the correct directions for tightening and removing.
Figure 2.4.1: Attach Propellers
remove motor labelsremove motor labels

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2.5 Camera
Solo includes a fixed GoPro® The Frame™ mount for your GoPro® HERO 3, 3+ or 4.
Attaching
To attach the camera to the GoPro® The Frame™ fixed mount, insert your GoPro® upside down and connect the
Solo HDMI cable to the camera.
Figure 2.5.1: Attach Camera
Settings
For best results, adjust the camera settings for inverted orientation and medium field of view. (Setting the field of
view to medium ensures that you won’t see the propellers in the frame.)
Figure 2.5.2: Camera Configuration Process
Make sure that the Wi-Fi on your GoPro® is turned OFF. It can
interfere with Solo’s communication signals and cause unexpected
behavior.
GoPro®The Frame™
Your GoPro®
HERO 3, 3+ or 4
Mount your GoPro®
upside down. Connect the HDMI
cable.
Set the GoPro®to
inverted orientation:
Set the GoPro®to
medium field of view:
GoPro®
Settings
GoPro®
Settings
Camera
Orientation

14
2.6 App
“3DR Solo” provides a streaming video link to a mobile device and provides a simple graphic interface for
interacting with Smart Shots and other advanced Solo features.
Install
Visit 3dr.com/soloapp or download “3DR Solo” from the App Store or Google Play Store. 3DR Solo works with iOS
8.0 or later and Android 4.1.2 (Jelly Bean) or later.
Connect to Solo
To connect the app to the 3DR Link WiFi network, access the WiFi settings on the mobile device and select Solo_
Link-####. Enter the temporary password “sololink”. Once connected, return to the app to continue.
Figure 2.6.1: Connect to Solo Link
Update
Before your first flight, perform the required first-flight update for Solo and the controller using the app. The
controller will prompt you for the update with the screen shown in Figure 2.6.2.
Figure 2.6.2: Controller Preflight Update Prompt
To complete the update, open the app and select the settings menu in the top-left corner. Select Software Update
to begin the update process. Use a fully charged Solo battery, ensure that both the controller and Solo are powered,
and the app will automatically update the system wirelessly.
Figure 2.6.3: Solo App Update Process
Settings
Airplane Mode
WI-FI
Bluetooth
Cellular
Solo_Link-####
On
Notifications
Control Center
Do Not Disturb
7:34 PMLTE
General
Sounds
Wallpapers & Brightness
Privacy

15
Ensure that the controller is connected to the charger during the update process. While the update is in progress,
the controller will show the screen shown in Figure 2.6.4. The controller may complete a restart as part of the update
process.
Figure 2.6.4: Controller Updating Display
When the controller update is complete, the controller will display the screen shown in Figure 2.6.5. Press A to
continue the update.
Figure 2.6.5: Controller Update Display
After pressing A, Solo will update. The controller will display waiting for Solo and Solo updating (Figure 2.6.6) while
the update is in progress. When the update is complete, Solo’s LEDs will display green and the controller will return
to the standard startup screen.
Figure 2.6.6: Solo Update Displays
View Video
After the update is complete, select Fly Solo to view video. Solo, the controller, and the GoPro® must be powered
to view video. Verify that you can view video before your first flight.
Figure 2.6.7: Viewing Video on the App
Rusty Mitchell Support
FLIGHT SCHOOL
SOLO VIDEO

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3 Safety
The following best practices will help to ensure safe, successful flights and reduce the risk of accident and serious
injury.
3.1 Location
Don’t fly Solo indoors. Always fly in clear, open areas at a safe distance from yourself, other people, power lines,
animals, vehicles, trees, and buildings. When flying in areas with potential hazards, maintain 100 feet from any
people, vehicles, or structures. As the operator, you are responsible for navigating Solo to avoid obstacles, including
during automated flight.
Don’t fly within 5 miles of an airport or anywhere pilots operate manned aircraft, or within any airspace restricted by
your local, state or national airspace authority. As the operator, you are responsible for knowing and understanding
the regulations that govern small unmanned aircraft like Solo in your jurisdiction.
3.2 Environmental Awareness
Before flying, determine the boundaries of the safe flying area at your flying location. Be aware of any risks at your
location, including bodies of water, structures, trees, etc. Designate a few areas as safety zones where you can
safely land the copter in case of an unsafe situation. Throughout your flight, be prepared to recover Solo manually if
it goes outside the safe flying area.
Don’t fly Solo in extreme weather conditions such as rain, high winds, snow or fog. Environmental factors and GPS
irregularities can cause instability in flight, and this can affect Solo’s performance or cause an in-flight failure.
3.3 Propellers
When prompted to start motors before takeoff, always ensure that the propellers are clear of any obstructions and
away from any people, animals, or property before activating. Do not touch moving propellers or approach Solo
while the propeller are spinning. Always hold the fly button to stop the motors before approaching Solo.
After an auto-landing or return home, Solo will automatically detect the landing and stop the motors. Do not
approach Solo until the propellers stop spinning. After a manual landing, hold the throttle (left joystick) to the
bottom-left corner to stop the motors.
3.4 Home Position
Abstractly, Solo’s home position is the latitude and longitude coordinates of the launch point used by the autopilot
as the end point of a return home command. In practice, the autopilot saves the home position at the location where
the motors are started only after achieving GPS lock. If Solo does not acquire GPS lock before starting the motors,
no home position will be saved and the return-to-home feature will be unavailable.
Read and understand these important safety instructions before your
first flight to help reduce the risk of accident and serious injury.
Spinning propellers can cause serious injury. Never touch moving
propellers or place any objects in the way of the propeller arcs.
400 ft
400 ft