Idea-fly apollo A1 User manual

1
APOLLO A1
QUADCOPTER OPERATOR’S MANUAL
Thank you for purchases the Idea-Fly Apollo A1 GEN2 quadcopter. The Apollo A1 is a ready-to-fly quad-rotor
heli designed for quadcopter enthusiasts and amateur photography/video hobbyists alike. The integrated
flight-control system includes GPS that provides precise Position-Hold, Fail-Safe, Semi-Autopilot and
Return-to-Home functions. Equipped with high-performance brushless motors, ESCs and carbon fiber propellers,
the Apollo A1 is a top-of-the-line, fully-featured advanced quadcopter. Advanced performance has never been
so easy!
Ready to take amateur video and images? The Apollo A1 includes a 2-axis, auto-stabilization camera mount
ready for any GoPro, Boscam or similar-sized action video camera (not included). The Apollo A1 puts you in
control too. While flying in auto-hover mode, you’ll not only have stabilization of the camera, you’ll have tilt
control directly from the transmitter.
It’s very important that you read through all of the information included with your quadcopter and fully
understand not only how to operate your quadcopter, but also to fully understand the responsibility you
have for its proper use - both for your safety and the safety of others.
APOLLO A1
Operator’s Manual
Quadcopter Rotor-Drone
If you have any questions about setting up or flying your quadcopter after you’ve read this Operator’s Manual and
viewed the included How-To videos, please contact the Authorized Hobby People/Affiliates service department
using the information in the Service and Support section on page 2 before trying to fly your quadcopter.

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APOLLO A1
QUADCOPTER OPERATOR’S MANUAL
Liability and Warranty Information ............................................3
Service and Support ........................................................................3
Firmware Updates ....................................................................3
How-To Videos ...........................................................................3
Replacement Parts and Option Parts ..............................3
Tips and Suggestions ......................................................................4
Features and Specifications ........................................................5
Features .........................................................................................5
Specifications ..............................................................................5
Kit Contents...........................................................................................5
Items Required ....................................................................................5
Warnings and Safety Notes .........................................................6
Safe and Legal Use of Your Quadcopter .......................6
Propeller Safety ..........................................................................6
General Warnings .....................................................................6
LiPo Battery Safety ....................................................................7
Radio Control System Warnings........................................8
Charging the LiPo Battery .............................................................8
Charging Precautions .............................................................8
Charging the LiPo Battery .....................................................8
Transmitter Overview ......................................................................9
Functions Overview ..................................................................9
Switch Setup ................................................................................9
Audible Low Voltage Alarm ...............................................10
Audible Trim Switch Tones................................................10
Quadcopter Overview ..................................................................10
LED Condition Indicator ......................................................10
Preparing for Flight ........................................................................11
Installing the Transmitter Batteries ................................11
Initializing the Gyros and Flight Controller ................. 11
Calibrating the Compass ....................................................12
Flying the Apollo A1 Quadcopter ............................................13
Propeller Safety .......................................................................13
Arming the Motors .................................................................14
Flight Controls ..........................................................................14
Manual Flight Mode Flying Tips ......................................15
Manual Flight Mode Flying Basics .................................15
Flight Trimming the Quadcopter ....................................16
Using the GPS Flight Mode .......................................................17
GPS Flight Modes ...................................................................18
GPS Flight Mode Warnings ...............................................18
GPS Flight Mode Flying Tips .............................................19
Flying Using the GPS Flight Mode ................................. 19
TAbLE Of CONTENTS
Using the Return to Home Function ................................... 20
Return to Home Function Warnings ...........................20
Using the Return to Home Function ...........................20
Resetting the Return to Home Function ...................20
Failsafe Function ...........................................................................21
Checking the Failsafe Function .....................................21
Maximum Altitude and Distance Limits .................... 21
Autopilot Configuration Program .......................................... 22
Installing the Autopilot Configuration Program .....22
Connecting Your Quadcopter ........................................22
Changing Programming Values ................................... 22
Saving Programming Values ......................................... 23
Programming Value Definitions ....................................23
Updating Firmware ...................................................................... 25
Downloading the Current Firmware ........................... 25
Connecting Your Quadcopter ........................................25
Updating the Firmware ..................................................... 25
Using the Camera Gimbal ...............................................26
Controlling the Camera Gimbal ....................................26
Adjusting the Center of Gravity ...................................... 27
Maintenance ...................................................................................27

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APOLLO A1
QUADCOPTER OPERATOR’S MANUAL
Idea-Fly/Hobby People guarantees this product to be free from manufacturer defects in both material and
workmanship at the time of purchase. Idea-Fly/Hobby People will repair or replace at our discretion, equipment
determined to be defective, otherwise, the user is responsible for any charges for the repair or replacement of the
equipment in question.
This warranty does not cover cosmetic damage, nor does it cover damage caused by misuse, modification,
negligence, abuse, improper connections, acts of God or damage caused by alterations by unauthorized persons.
This warranty only applies to the original purchaser and requires proof of purchase to redeem.
Idea-Fly/Hobby People shall not be liable for any damage resulting from the use of this product. As Idea-Fly/Hobby
People has no control over the use, setup, modification or misuse of this product, no liability shall be assumed nor
accepted for any resulting damage or injury. By the act of using this product, the user accepts all resulting liability.
In no case shall Idea-Fly’s/Hobby People’s liability exceed the original cost of the purchased product.
Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, or allow limitations on
how long an implied warranty lasts, so the above limitations may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific
legal rights, and you may have other rights which vary from state to state.
Crash damage and damage caused by improper use, misuse or other mishandling of your quadcopter is your
sole responsibility and will not be covered under warranty.
Propeller damage caused by improper use, misuse or other mishandling (e.g. rough landings, contacting
objects, etc.) is your sole responsibility and will not be covered under warranty.
LiAbiLiTy AND wARRANTy iNfORMATiON
We strongly suggest that when you first open your new quadcopter that you read through all of the information
included and fully understand not only how to operate your quadcopter, but also to fully understand the responsibility
you have for its proper use - both for your safety and the safety of others.
If a problem is found, please contact the authorized Hobby People/Affiliates service department using the information
below. Warranty repair requires proof of purchase. A copy of your original purchase receipt will be required. Once
used, we do offer repair services as well as replacement parts for those customers who purchased the Apollo A1
quadcopter through Hobby People, Global Hobby Distributors or one of its affiliate authorized dealers.
SERviCE AND SUPPORT
Periodically, updates to the flight controller firmware may be released that provide enhancements and fixes that
improve flight performance and user functions. For information about updating the flight controller firmware using
the Autopilot Configuration program, see the Updating Firmware section on pages XX and XX.
fiRMwARE UPDATES
REPLACEMENT PARTS AND OPTiON PARTS
We stock a complete assortment of stock replacement parts, such as a frame kit, motor, ESCs propellers and more,
in addition to a number of optional parts like titanium alloy landing gear, a brushless camera gimbal, a protection ring
set and more. For more information, see the Replacement Parts and Option Parts section on page XX.
HOw-TO viDEOS
An assortment of various How-To videos are provided on the included CD. We strongly recommend watching these
videos to help you visually understand the most important aspects of setting up and flying your new quadcopter.
Hobby People/Affiliate Service:
Global Services
18480 Bandilier Circle
Fountain Valley, CA 92708
U.S.A.
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [email protected]
www.hobbypeople.net
Factory Service:
Shenzhen Idea-Fly Technology Co., Ltd.
6th Floor, A3 Building,
China Rich Crown Industrial Park,
Longhua New District, Shenzhen, China.
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [email protected]
www.idea-fly.com
To contact the Authorized Hobby People/Affiliates service department
or to purchase replacement parts or option parts:

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APOLLO A1
QUADCOPTER OPERATOR’S MANUAL
TiPS AND SUggESTiONS
This section includes a number of important tips and suggestions that we recommend you familiarize yourself with
before flying your new quadcopter.
PLEASE READ BEFORE FLYING! THESE TIPS AND SUGGESTIONS ARE IMPORTANT!
• The quadcopter can only use a 3S 2200mAh LiPo battery. Larger batteries may be too large to fit inside the body.
The battery dimensions should not exceed 4 x 1-3/8 x 1 (102.0 x 35.0 x 25.4mm).
• When you plug the LiPo battery into the quadcopter, it’s important that the quadcopter be sitting on a flat, level
surface and that you wait to move the quadcopter for 10 seconds after plugging the LiPo battery in to allow the
gyros and flight controller to initialize.
• The compass must be calibrated prior to the first flight of your new quadcopter. After this initial calibration process,
the calibration process must be repeated under any conditions listed in the Calibrating the Compass section on
page XX.
• The quadcopter features three Flight Modes - Manual Mode, GPS Mode and Return to Home. We strongly suggest
learning to setup and fly the quadcopter in the Manual Mode first, then learn about using the GPS Mode and the
Return to Home function.
• For the best flight performance, particularly when using the camera gimbal, we strongly suggest balancing the
quadcopter before flight by moving the LiPo battery forward or backward. This will improve flight performance,
increase flight times and increase motor and ESC life.
• The SHAKE-COMPENS value should be adjusted before the first flight of each day to fine-tune the quadcopter to
the current flight conditions. This will improve flight performance. In addition you are able to verify the Autopilot
Configuration settings and control stick calibration. For more information, see the Autopilot Configuration
Programming section on pages XX through XX.
• In the default configuration, the quadcopter has a maximum range of 328 feet (100 meters) altitude and 985 feet
(300 meters) radius distance from the transmitter. If the quadcopter exceeds these maximum distances for any
reason during flight, the quadcopter’s Failsafe function will activate. For more information, see the Failsafe section
on pages XX and XX.
NEVER EXCEED THE ALTITUDE AND FLIGHT DISTANCE LIMITS AT ANY TIME FOR ANY REASON!
• If you don’t push the throttle control stick forward within 5 seconds, or if you’re flying and pull the throttle control
stick all the way back to turn the motors OFF after landing, you will need to re-arm the motors again if you don’t
push the throttle forward again within 5 seconds. This is a safety feature to help prevent accidentally turning the
motors ON, which could result in injury.
• While in the GPS Flight Mode, you should never pull the throttle control stick below the 10% throttle position or
the quadcopter can flip over and crash.
• If the quadcopter loses its GPS lock while flying in the GPS Mode, it may start to drift, it may or it may even begin
to lose power and altitude. In extreme cases, the motors may shut off. Pay attention to the quadcopter at all times!
If at any time the quadcopter seems to be flying unusually or you feel there is a problem, switch to the Manual
Flight Mode and take over the flight controls.
• Once you switch to the Return to Home function, you cannot switch to the GPS Flight Mode. You can only switch
to the Manual Flight Mode. If you switch to the Manual Flight Mode during the Return to Home maneuver, you
cannot switch back to the Return to Home function. You must continue the landing manually.
• There are some instances that the Failsafe function may not work all the time and the quadcopter could crash.
For example, if the quadcopter does not have a GPS lock when the failsafe activates, if there is a problem with the
onboard electronics or if the LiPo battery fails. The failsafe function is not guaranteed to save your quadcopter,
so it should not be relied upon as such.
• Prior to updating the firmware or calibrating the control sticks, you must remove the propellers from the quadcopter!
Updating the firmware and calibrating the control sticks can cause the motors to turn on unexpectedly, causing
extreme damage.
• If the camera gimbal is not level when the quadcopter is sitting on a flat level surface, or if when you rotate the
Camera Gimbal Control Dial, the camera gimbal binds, making the servos buzz, use the Autopilot Configuration
program to adjust the PTZ-ROLL-STAB and PTZ-PITCH-STAB values. For more information, see the Autopilot
Configuration Programming section on pages XX and XX.
• Prior to flying using the GPS Flight Mode and using the Return to Home function, please read and understand
the warnings associated with each. For more information, see the GPS Flight Mode Warnings section on page XX
and the Return to Home Function Warnings section on page XX.

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APOLLO A1
QUADCOPTER OPERATOR’S MANUAL
The following parts should be included in your kit. If you find a part missing or damaged, please contact the Authorized
Hobby People/Affiliates service department using the information in the Service and Support section on the previous
page. Contents may differ in both appearance and what’s included, and are subject to change at any time
without notice.
kiT CONTENTS
• Length: .................................................................. 12.25 Inches
• Width: .......................................................................... 11 Inches
• Diagonal Span: ....................................................... 22 Inches
• Flying Weight: .......................Approximately 2.6 Pounds
• Propeller Size and Type: ..................8 x 4 Carbon Fiber
• Flying Time: ..............................Approximately 8 Minutes
• Operating Temp: .......... 14°F to 122ºF (-10ºC to 50ºC)
• Power Consumption: ...................................................3.12W
• GPS Hovering Precision: ......................+/- 0.8M Vertical
+/- 2.5M Horizontal
• Maximum Yaw Angular Velocity: ...............300deg/sec
• Maximum Tilt Angle: .........................................45 Degrees
• Maximum Ascent/Descent Speed: ...................+/- 4ms
fEATURES AND SPECifiCATiONS
fEATURES
SPECifiCATiONS
• Easy to Operate and Fun to Fly
• Durable Factory-Assembled Frame
• 2.4GHz Digital Transmitter and Receiver
• C6W Digital Programmable Flight Control System
• Precise Hovering and Self-Leveling with GPS
• Return to Home GPS Function
• 2-Axis Camera Gimbal w/Remote Pitch Control
• Low Noise, High Performance Brushless Motors
• Stiff, Efficient Carbon Fiber Propeller Blades
• Fail-Safe and Low-Voltage Protection
• Bright LEDs Ensure Good Visibility
• Custom Programming and Updateable Firmware*
• Replacement Parts and Option Parts Available
*Mini USB cable required for PC or laptop connection.
The following items are required to fly your new Apollo A1 quadcopter. Items required can be purchased through
your local Hobby People retail store or online at www.hobbypeople.net.
• 8 ‘AA’ Alkaline Batteries for Transmitter (P/N 849440)
• Mini USB Cable (P/N 163452) and Windows PC or Laptop for Programming and Firmware Updates**
* When the LiPo battery voltage drops to the low voltage cutoff value during flight, the LED Condition Indicator will
flash red rapidly to indicate you must land immediately. For extra precaution, we suggest using a programmable
LiPo Battery Voltage Alarm that can be mounted with the LiPo battery inside the quadcopter. You are able to
program the alarm to sound at a higher cutoff voltage value to give you more time to safely land before the
battery voltage drops too low and results in a crash.
**Not required for basic flying, but programming is required for best performance.
iTEMS REQUiRED
• LiPo Battery Low Voltage Alarm* (P/N 118531)
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Apollo A1 GEN2 Quadcopter
MC6 2.4GHz Digital Transmitter
3S 11.1V 2200mAh 30C LiPo Battery
AC LiPo Charger w/Power Cord
Camera Gimbal w/Digital Servos
Foam Landing Pads
Assorted Mounting Screws
Jumper Wire Plug
(Attached to Transmitter Handle)
CD w/Operator’s Manual PDF,
Software and How-To Videos
Quick-Start Guide (Not Pictured)
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APOLLO A1
QUADCOPTER OPERATOR’S MANUAL
These warnings and safety notes are important and must be followed closely. Please abide by this information and
follow the instructions in this Operator’s Manual to ensure maximum safety. It’s important that you fully understand
not only how to operate your quadcopter, but also to fully understand the responsibility you have for its proper use - both
for your safety and the safety of others.
wARNiNgS AND SAfETy NOTES
SAfE AND LEgAL USE Of yOUR QUADCOPTER
Your quadcopter is not intended for commercial use. It must be used in a safe and legal manner only. By operating
your quadcopter, the user accepts full responsibility for its safe and legal use. Follow all privacy laws and property
laws when operating your quadcopter, and especially when using a still or video camera. The camera gimbal included
with the quadcopter is to be used for hobbyists and/or amateur video or photography only.
For Safe Operation Guidelines, please contact the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) at www.modelaircraft.org.
PROPELLER SAfETy
The quadcopter’s propellers are thin, stiff and very sharp. The material they are made from is carbon fiber. This
material makes the propellers very strong and enhances the flight performance of the quadcopter. Be careful! Do
not allow your fingers, hands or other body parts to come into contact with the spinning propeller blades or
serious injury will result!
The propellers must be removed from the motors whenever you calibrate the transmitter control sticks, whenever
you program the quadcopter or update the firmware using your PC or laptop, or whenever there’s any question
about safely operating the quadcopter.
• Do not attempt to fly the quadcopter if one or more of the propellers are damaged. Flying with damaged propellers
is not safe and can make the quadcopter fly uncontrollably.
• For less experienced pilots, we recommend using plastic propellers (P/N 116404).
• Always make sure the propellers are installed correctly and that the prop nuts are secured tightly.
• The quadcopter should never be flown in rain, sand, mud, snow or dirt. The quadcopter is manufactured with
delicate components that must be kept dry and free of debris to ensure the best flight performance. Exposure to
moisture or excessive heat can result in damage that will not be covered under warranty.
• Just because the quadcopter is powered by electric motors doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t exercise caution
when flying and operating it. The quadcopter can be dangerous if you do not fly it in a safe manner or do not pay
close attention while flying it. You alone are responsible for its actions during flight.
• We strongly suggest that when you first begin flying the quadcopter that you perform only basic maneuvers, until
you are more familiar with its flight characteristics. Do not attempt to use the GPS Flight Mode or the Return to
Home function without first reading about and understanding how to use these features. In addition, we don’t
recommend installing the camera gimbal until after you’ve flown the quadcopter a couple of times. This will
allow to learn the steps required for flight and allow you to become familiar with the quadcopter’s flight characteristics
before using the camera gimbal.
• For the best flight performance, particularly when the camera gimbal is installed, we strongly suggest balancing
the quadcopter before flight by moving the LiPo battery forward or backward. This will improve flight performance,
increase flight times and increase motor and ESC life.
• We suggest using an audible low voltage alarm or a flight timer to help ensure that you don’t accidentally run the
LiPo battery down too far, which could result in a crash.
• Always unplug the LiPo battery from the quadcopter after use.
• Always fly the quadcopter in a suitably large area free of obstructions. The quadcopter can be flown in a large
indoor area or outdoors. Make sure any spectators are behind you.
• Even though the quadcopter is equipped with a GPS that can hold the quadcopter in a stable hover and perform
automatic landings using the Return to Home function, the quadcopter is not an autonomous drone. You must
pay careful attention and fly it at all times.
• When in the GPS Flight Mode and/or when using the Return to Home function, if at any time the quadcopter
seems to be flying unusually or you feel there is a problem, flip the Flight Mode Switch to the Manual Flight Mode
and take over the flight controls.
• The compass must be calibrated correctly and in the same location you are flying from for the Return to Home
function to operate correctly, otherwise a crash can result.
gENERAL wARNiNgS

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APOLLO A1
QUADCOPTER OPERATOR’S MANUAL
wARNiNgS AND SAfETy NOTES
To ensure your safety, please read and carefully follow the guidelines in this section. It’s important that you follow
these warnings closely. LiPo batteries are significantly more volatile than Alkaline or NiCd and NiMH batteries.
Charging Safety:
Your LiPo battery must be charged with a LiPo balancing charger or fire will result. Do not use or charge your LiPo
battery unattended.
LiPo Explosions/Fire:
All energy storage devices are dangerous. They contain stored (potential) energy, which if mishandled, will cause
failure, and in some cases that failure can be very dangerous. Avoid all conditions that cause battery failure. These
conditions include, but are not limited to:
Severe Heat - Anything over 160ºF can limit the battery’s life. If heated to extremes (with fire, a soldering iron, etc.),
the battery may fail and/or explode!
Severe Damage - Examples of severe damage would be: breaking the battery or putting a hole in the battery.
Over Charge - The charger is either the wrong type or it simply fails and puts more energy at a higher voltage than
the battery is designed to handle. LiPo batteries must never be charged above 4.2v per cell.
Over Discharge - This usually comes from an improper ESC that allows the voltage to go well under 3.0v per cell.
Also, this term is sometimes used to mean exceeding “C” discharge rating. If the battery is rated for 64 amps
continuous discharge, do not discharge it at a continuous rate of 70 amps! This will destroy the battery.
Charging a damaged or over-discharged battery will eventually result in fire!
Warning Signs that Failure and Possible Explosion Might Occur:
If you cause or observe any of the conditions listed above, you can experience battery failure, so if any of these things
do happen, be prepared that the battery could fail.
Swelling of the Battery - Swelling is caused by internal pressure that goes beyond the normal amount of pressure
in every battery. This pressure makes the cell swell up like a balloon. Do not use a swelled battery! A swelled battery
is a battery that has failed and needs to be discarded before explosion or fire results. Here is what to do with a
battery that is on the verge of exploding or is starting to show signs of exploding:
Do Not Handle Directly - The material spitting out (if it comes to that) is spitting out at as much as 2000ºF.
Try to Contain the Fire - We recommend always charging your LiPo battery using a LiPo safety bag (available
separately). If you don’t use a LiPo safety bag, we recommend a fire-proof container with a lid be kept near the
proximity of any battery being used or charged. Fill the bottom with sand. Have this ready to use at a moment’s
notice. If the battery looks suspicious, put it in the container and drop another large amount of sand on top, then
drop the lid. Let it burn out. It will smoke and fume, but the sand will contain the sparks and reduce the transfer
of heat. A fire extinguisher will help, but it will not stop the chemical reaction. The only thing that can be done is
to contain the fire until the fire goes out.
Practical Advice for Using LiPo Batteries:
While there are precautions that must be taken and dangers that must be considered, LiPo batteries today are very
safe and very easy to use. Here is a list of practical advice for using this type of battery.
Assembly of the Battery - Do not solder directly to the battery!
Charging - Always use a LiPo balance charger. Always make sure the settings on the charger match the battery
(voltage and amperage) and that the polarity is correct! Never charge if the battery is hot (over ambient temperature
or 105ºF). Let it cool first!
Storage - We suggest a fireproof container for storing any rechargeable batteries. LiPo batteries in storage for an
extended period of time should be stored at 60 percent of their capacity. If storing for only a short time, then leaving
them with a full charge is fine. Never store them in a discharged state! Do not store the battery in high-heat
conditions. 60º to 72ºF is acceptable.
Damaged Battery - Damaged battery’s must be discarded immediately. We suggest removing the insulation from
around the battery, then submerging the battery in a bowl of saltwater for 24 to 36 hours. This will completely
discharge the battery. Cut off the wires, place the battery in a sealed bag, then discard it in the trash.
Never charge your battery unattended. Not ever! Never charge your LiPo battery inside your car and Never
leave your battery in a place where it will be stored over 120ºF (i.e., in your car in the summertime).
LiPO bATTERy SAfETy

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APOLLO A1
QUADCOPTER OPERATOR’S MANUAL
1) Plug the AC power cord into the charger, then plug the power cord into a
110v AC wall socket or power strip. The three Charge LEDs will illuminate
Green, indicating the charger is powered.
2) Plug the white balance connector on the LiPo battery into the matching
11.1V balance port in the charger. The three Charge LEDs will illuminate
Red, indicating the LiPo battery is charging. Do not plug anything into the
red power connector!
The charger’s output is 0.8A (800mAh), therefore, it can take up to 2.5 hours or more to fully charge the LiPo
battery, depending on its discharge level. Never allow the charger to charge for more than 3 hours! If
desired, an after-market LiPo Balance Charger with a Charge Current of no more that 1C (2.2 Amps) can be used to
charge the LiPo battery in approximately 1 hour.
3) Allow the LiPo battery to charge. When the LiPo battery is fully balance charged, all three Charge LEDs will
illuminate Green. Unplug the LiPo battery from the charger, then unplug the charger from its power source.
Near the end of the charging process, the Charge LEDs may turn Green momentarily, then turn Red again.
This is normal. Allow the battery to continue charging. The charging process is complete when all three
Charge LEDs illuminate Green continuously for more than 30 seconds.
• The charger and the LiPo battery should be placed on a heat-resistant, non-flammable and non-conductive
surface. Never place them on carpet or similar.
• Do not attempt to charge the LiPo battery through the red power connector. The LiPo battery should always be
charged through the white balance connector.
• Always allow the LiPo battery to cool down after use prior to recharging it.
• Keep flammable and volatile materials well away from the operating area during use.
• Never charge the LiPo battery if it appears swollen or damaged in any way.
• Never leave the LiPo battery unattended during the charging process. If any malfunction is observed, unplug the
charger from its power source immediately.
• If the LiPo battery becomes hot to the touch during the charging process, unplug the charger from its power
source immediately.
• Keep the charger away from moisture, dust, dirt, heat, direct sunlight and vibration. Do not drop it.
• The radio system operates on the 2.4GHz frequency band. The 2.4GHz connection is determined by the transmitter
and receiver pair. Unlike ordinary crystal-based systems, the quadcopter can be flown without frequency control.
• Always turn the transmitter ON before plugging the LiPo battery into the quadcopter and always unplug the LiPo
battery from the quadcopter before turning the transmitter OFF.
• The operational range of the quadcopter is beyond sight, so be careful when flying the quadcopter to keep it
within sight at all times.
• Because the quadcopter is operated by radio control, it’s important to make sure you are always using fresh
transmitter batteries. Never allow the transmitter batteries to run low or you might experience loss of control.
• Do not expose the transmitter to moisture or excessive heat and never attempt to disassemble or modify any of
the radio control system components.
RADiO CONTROL SySTEM wARNiNgS
wARNiNgS AND SAfETy NOTES
Your quadcopter includes a 3S 11.1 volt 2200mAh LiPo battery that is charged using the included balance charger.
CHARgiNg PRECAUTiONS
CHARgiNg THE LiPO bATTERy
CHARgiNg THE LiPO bATTERy
Flight times average between 6 to 8 minutes, but can vary widely based on many factors. We suggest timing your
flights using an electronic flight timer (P/N 163170), available from Hobby People. This is an ideal way to ensure
you don’t run the LiPo battery too low, forcing yourself into a fast and unsafe landing.

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APOLLO A1
QUADCOPTER OPERATOR’S MANUAL
Before flying your quadcopter, verify that the Flight Mode Switch, Trim Switches and the Mixing and Servo Reversing
Switches are in the positions described in the table below and shown in the photo above.
The Flight Mode Switch should be left
in the Manual Mode (1) position for
programming, takeoff, normal landings
and for the majority of flight and all four
trim switches should be centered.
The two Mixing Switches and four
Servo Reversing Switches should never be moved from their default positions.
Flight Mode Switch
Trim Switches
Mixing Switches
Servo Reversing Switches
MANUAL MODE (1)
CENTERED
ELEVON / A-NOR
AIL (REV) / ELE (REV) / THR (NOR) / RUD (NOR)
SWITCH TYPE SWITCH POSITION
SwiTCH SETUP
The transmitter comes paired and programmed from the factory to work with the Apollo A1 quadcopter. Read this
section to familiarize yourself with the transmitter’s functions.
Before flying your quadcopter, please ensure that the transmitter is set up exactly as described in this section.
fUNCTiONS OvERviEw
Pitch/Roll Control Stick
Throttle/Yaw Control Stick
On/Off Switch
Yaw Trim Switch
Throttle Trim Switch Pitch Trim Switch
Camera Gimbal Control Dial
Antenna
Power/Bind LED
Roll Trim Switch
Flight Mode Switch
Manual Mode (1)
GPS Mode (2)
Return to Home (3)
Mixing and Servo
Reversing Switches
TRANSMiTTER OvERviEw
Antenna - Transmits the RF signal from the transmitter to the integrated receiver in the quadcopter.
Camera Gimbal Control Dial - Controls the Pitch axis of the camera gimbal during flight.
Flight Mode Switch - Used to change Flight Modes. Choose from Manual Mode (1), GPS Mode (2) and the Return
to Home function (3). Also used in the Compass Calibration process. The Flight Mode Switch should be left in the
Manual Mode (1) position for the majority of flight.
Mixing and Servo Reversing Switches - Allows you to change the transmitter’s electronic mixes and change the
direction of control travel. See the Switch Setup section below for more information.
On/Off Switch - Turns the transmitter ON and OFF.
Pitch/Roll Control Stick - Controls the quadcopter’s Forward/Backward (Pitch) and Right/Left (Roll) flight axes.
Pitch Trim Switch - Used to make fine-tuned adjustments to the pitch axis to level the quadcopter during flight.
Power/Bind LED - Indicates the current status of the transmitter.
Roll Trim Switch - Used to make fine-tuned adjustments to the roll axis to level the quadcopter during flight.
Throttle/Yaw Control Stick - Controls the quadcopter’s Throttle (Power Up/Down) and Yaw (Spin Right/Left) flight axes.
Throttle Trim Switch - Used to make fine-tuned adjustments to the throttle axis to keep the motors from turning ON
when the throttle control stick is pulled all the way back.
Yaw Trim Switch - Used to make fine-tuned adjustments to the yaw axis to keep the quadcopter from spinning right
or left during flight.
If it’s ever necessary to pair the transmitter and receiver again, see the Binding the Transmitter and Receiver
section on page XX.

10
APOLLO A1
QUADCOPTER OPERATOR’S MANUAL
Use the information in this section to familiarize yourself with the basic layout of the quadcopter, including motor
direction, front, back, left and right orientation, center of gravity and the LED Condition Indicator.
Do not pick up or carry the quadcopter by the GPS dome or it could be damaged or even broken off. Always
pick up and carry the quadcopter by one of the outrigger arms or the main body.
Front
Back
RightLeft
Clockwise
Rotation
Counter-Clockwise
Rotation
Clockwise
Rotation
Counter-Clockwise
Rotation
LED Condition
Indicator
TRANSMiTTER OvERviEw
AUDibLE LOw vOLTAgE ALARM
The transmitter features a Low Voltage Alarm that will sound continuously when the transmitter battery voltage drops
below a safe value. When this occurs, land as soon as is safely possible and replace the transmitter batteries.
AUDibLE TRiM SwiTCH TONES
When you move a trim switch, a short audible tone is heard. When a trim switch is centered, a longer audible tone
will sound (transmitter must be turned ON).
C
G
C.G.
Position
Camera Gimbal
Connections
GPS Dome
QUADCOPTER OvERviEw
For the best flight performance, particularly when using the camera gimbal, we strongly suggest balancing the
quadcopter before flight by moving the LiPo battery forward or backward. This will improve flight performance,
increase flight times and increase motor and ESC life. For more information, see the Adjusting the Center of Gravity
section on page XX. For information about installing, connecting and controlling the camera gimbal, see the Camera
Gimbal section on pages XX and XX.
Power Connector
USB Connector
Flight
Controller
Connector*
*Only used when required by Customer Service.
No GPS Signal (Manual Mode)
No GPS Signal (GPS Mode)
6 or More GPS Satellites (Manual Mode)
Manual Set Altitude
GPS Set Altitude (Head-Lock)
GPS Set Altitude (Head-Free)
Return to Home
Low LiPo Battery Voltage Caution
Low LiPo Battery Voltage Warning
GPS Connection Wire Unplugged
STATUS LED CONDITION When the quadcopter is sitting
on the ground, place a piece
of white paper, white cardboard or
a CD turned upside down below the
quadcopter. The LED will reflect off
this surface, making it easier for your
to see the color and flashing pattern.
Make sure to remove before flight.
LED CONDiTiON iNDiCATOR
The LED Condition Indicator will flash red and/or green to indicate the current status of the quadcopter. Use the table
below to determine the current status based on LED condition.
•
Green Flash
•
Red Flash
Red Solid
Yellow Solid