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

11
APOLLO A1
QUADCOPTER OPERATOR’S MANUAL
iNSTALLiNg THE TRANSMiTTER bATTERiES
1) Remove the battery holder, then install 8 new ‘AA’ alkaline batteries into the
battery holder, double-checking to make sure that the polarity is correct.
Reinstall the battery holder and the battery cover.
Do not mix old and new batteries and do not mix battery types. The
transmitter is designed to use Alkaline batteries only. Using NiCd,
NiMH or Lithium batteries will result in an error due to incorrect voltage
and the transmitter will not function properly.
If when you turn the transmitter ON after installing new batteries, the Power LED does not illuminate, first twist the
batteries in the battery holder. If that doesn’t fix it, double-check the polarity of each battery.
Follow the information in this section to install the transmitter batteries, install the LiPo battery, initialize the gyros and
flight controller, calibrate the compass to prepare the Apollo A1 quadcopter for flight.
It’s important that you follow the steps in this section very carefully. Failure to follow these steps correctly and
in the order written may result in your quadcopter not flying as designed or not flying at all.
This section lists the steps that are required to prepare your new quadcopter for flight in the Manual Flight Mode.
Do not attempt to fly your quadcopter yet using any other Flight Mode (GPS or Return to Home). It’s important that
you first learn to setup and fly your new quadcopter using the Manual Flight Mode.
Aside from installing the transmitter batteries, each of these steps must be completed in the order described in this
section, unless otherwise noted.
PREPARiNg fOR fLigHT
iNiTiALiziNg THE gyROS AND fLigHT CONTROLLER
1) Install the LiPo battery into the quadcopter, making sure to push the LiPo
battery as far forward as possible into the body. Do not plug the LiPo battery
into the power connector yet.
We suggest installing and removing the LiPo battery with the quadcopter
upside down. This will allow the USB and auxiliary connectors to lay
in the notched area in the top of the quadcopter, preventing them from
unplugging or getting damaged when you install or remove the battery.
2) Pull throttle control stick all the way back, verify that the Flight Mode Switch
is in the Manual Mode (1) position, then turn the transmitter ON.
It’s important that when you plug the LiPo battery into the quadcopter
in the next step, 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.
3) Place the quadcopter right-side up on a flat, level surface, then plug the LiPo battery into the matching power
connector. Three single audible tones will sound, followed by a short audible chime.
Do not move the quadcopter for 10 seconds after plugging the LiPo battery in to allow the gyros and
flight controller to initialize (about 5 seconds after the audible chime sounds).
4) Carefully push power connector wires and USB connector into the back of the body.
The LiPo battery should fit snug. If the fit seems loose, a thin piece of foam rubber (not included) can be affixed to
the top or bottom of the battery to help hold it more securely in place.

12
APOLLO A1
QUADCOPTER OPERATOR’S MANUAL
CALibRATiNg THE COMPASS
Please follow the tips below when calibrating the compass. Completing the compass calibration process correctly
is important to ensure the quadcopter will fly properly.
PREPARiNg fOR fLigHT
2) Carefully rotate the quadcopter clockwise along its horizontal axis
for three complete 360º rotations, while watching the LED Condition
Indicator throughout the entire process. Lift the quadcopter only
enough to rotate it and make sure to keep the quadcopter level
throughout the entire process.
If the quadcopter does not stay level while you’re rotating it,
the LED Condition Indicator will go out. If this occurs, stop and
level the quadcopter until the LED turns solid Green again, then
continue rotating it until you finish three complete 360º rotations.
Rotate
360º x 3
Horizontal Calibration:
The quadcopter should be sitting on a flat, level surface with the front of the quadcopter pointing away from you and
you should have completed steps 1 through 4 in the Installing the LiPo Battery and Initializing the Gyros and Flight
Controller section on the previous page.
1) Cycle the Flight Mode Switch from the Manual Mode (1) position to the Return to Home (3)
position and back to the Manual Mode (1) position three times quickly in a row. The LED
Condition Indicator on the bottom of the quadcopter will turn solid Green.
x 3
• When calibrating the compass, do not do so in an area that may cause magnetic interference, such as a parking
garage, near an area with steel reinforcement, near metal fencing, etc. In addition, remove keys, cell phones and
any other metal objects from your pockets that could interfere with the calibration process.
• You should perform the compass calibration process in the location that you will be flying the quadcopter at.
• The LED Condition Indicator should illuminate solid Green while you’re rotating the quadcopter. If the LED goes
out, stop rotating the quadcopter and hold it level (either horizontal or vertical, depending on the calibration axis),
wait for the LED to illuminate solid Green again, then continue rotating the quadcopter.
• When calibrating the vertical axis, rotate the quadcopter by spinning it with your fingertips around its vertical axis.
Do not simply hold the quadcopter out and spin your whole body around. This will not work.
The calibration process MUST be performed before the first flight of your NEW quadcopter. After this initial
calibration process, the calibration process must be repeated under any of the following conditions:
• If you fly in a location that is greater than 20 miles (32 kilometers) away from the location you last calibrated the
compass at.
• If you fly in a location with an altitude difference that is greater than 500 feet (152 meters) from the location
you last calibrated the compass at.
• If the temperature is 20ºF higher or lower than when you last calibrated the compass.
• If the quadcopter drifts noticeably and it’s not caused by wind interference (cross-wind, etc).
CALIBRATING THE COMPASS IS REQUIRED FOR FLIGHT! DO NOT SKIP THIS PROCEDURE!
3) After rotating the quadcopter three complete 360º rotations, set the quadcopter down in the same position you
started in, then cycle the Flight Mode Switch from the Manual Mode (1) position to the Return to Home position (3)
and back to the Manual Mode (1) position three times quickly in a row. The LED Condition Indicator will go out.
Continue with the Vertical Calibration and Saving Calibration Settings section on the next page!

13
APOLLO A1
QUADCOPTER OPERATOR’S MANUAL
Vertical Calibration and Saving Calibration Settings:
The quadcopter should be sitting on a flat level surface with the front of the quadcopter pointing away from you when
you finished the horizontal calibration process. Now continue with the vertical calibration process.
2) Grasp the vertical rudder on the back of the quadcopter and lift
the tail of the quadcopter up so that the quadcopter is in a vertical
position with the bottom of the quadcopter facing toward you.
Next, carefully rotate the quadcopter clockwise along its vertical
axis for three complete 360º rotations, while watching the LED
Condition Indicator throughout the entire process. Make sure to
keep the quadcopter vertical throughout the entire process.
If the quadcopter does not stay level while you’re rotating it,
the LED Condition Indicator will go out. If this occurs, stop
and jiggle the quadcopter in the vertical position until the LED
turns solid Green again, then continue rotating it until you finish three complete 360º rotations.
3) After rotating the quadcopter for three complete 360º rotations, you should be holding the quadcopter vertical
and the bottom of the quadcopter should be facing toward you like when you started. While still holding the
quadcopter in this position, use your other hand to cycle the Flight Mode Switch from the Manual Mode (1) position
to the Return to Home (3) position and back to the Manual Mode (1) position three times quickly in a row. The LED
Condition Indicator will continue to illuminate solid Green.
4) Carefully pivot the quadcopter down and set it in the same position you started in and wait for the calibration
settings to be saved. The LED Condition Indicator will continue to illuminate solid Green. It can take up to 1 minute
or more for the settings to be saved. Do not move the quadcopter or make any adjustments to the transmitter
during this time! When the calibration settings are saved, the LED Condition Indicator will go out, then flash Red
and Green (No GPS lock) or flash Green (GPS lock), indicating the quadcopter is ready for flight.
The LED Condition Indicator should illuminate solid Green when you set the quadcopter back down,
indicating the settings are being saved. If the LED Condition Indicator goes out when you lower the quadcopter
back down, this indicates the quadcopter is still in calibration mode. If this happens, repeat the vertical calibration
process starting at step 2.
If the calibration process should fail for any reason, for example, if the LED Condition Indicator is constantly
flashing, unplug the LiPo battery, turn off the transmitter, then repeat the calibration steps from the beginning.
Rotate
360º x 3
1) Cycle the Flight Mode Switch from the Manual Mode (1) position to the Return to Home (3)
position and back to the Manual Mode (1)
position three times quickly in a row. The
LED Condition Indicator on the bottom of
the quadcopter will turn solid Green.
x 3
CALibRATiNg THE COMPASS, CONTiNUED....
PREPARiNg fOR fLigHT
After calibrating the compass, your quadcopter is now ready for flight. Follow the steps in this section to arm the
motors and fly your quadcopter using Manual Mode.
We strongly recommend flying your quadcopter in Manual Mode for at least the first few flights before attempting
to use the GPS Mode or the Return to Home function. This will allow you become familiar with not only how to set
up the quadcopter and prepare it for flight, it will allow you to become familiar with the quadcopter’s flight
characteristics, since the majority of flying is done in Manual Mode.
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!
fLyiNg THE APOLLO A1 QUADCOPTER

14
APOLLO A1
QUADCOPTER OPERATOR’S MANUAL
Right Control Stick: Move the
right control stick left and right
to move the quadcopter left
and right.
Move Left Move Right
BACK VIEW
ARMiNg THE MOTORS
Before the throttle will operate, the motors must be armed. Before arming the motors and flying your quadcopter,
make sure you’ve completed the following steps:
• Install the LiPo battery, turn the transmitter ON and make sure the Flight
Mode Switch is in the Manual Mode (1) position.
• Set the quadcopter on a flat level surface, plug in the LiPo battery and
allow the gyros and flight controller to initialize for 10 seconds.
• Complete the compass calibration process. The LED Condition Indicator
should be flashing Red and Green (No GPS lock) or flashing Green (GPS lock).
1) Pull the left control stick and the right control stick to the lower left and lower right corners as shown in the photo,
then release the control sticks. The motors are now armed.
2) Within 5 seconds, push the throttle control stick forward to turn the motors ON.
Left Control Stick: Move the
left control stick left and right
to spin the quadcopter left and
right.
Spin Right
Spin Left TOP VIEW
fLigHT CONTROLS
fLyiNg THE APOLLO A1 QUADCOPTER
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.
Left Control Stick: Move the
left control stick forward and
backward to move the
quadcopter up and down
(increase and decrease throttle).
Move Down
Move Up
SIDE VIEW
Right Control Stick: Move
the right control stick forward
and backward to move the
quadcopter forward and
backward.
Move Forward Move Backward
SIDE VIEW

15
APOLLO A1
QUADCOPTER OPERATOR’S MANUAL
MANUAL fLigHT MODE fLyiNg TiPS
The Apollo A1 quadcopter is a powerful, high-performance quad-rotor heli and you must use caution at all times
when flying it. In this section we’ve provided some basic flying tips to help you get started.
• If at any time during flight you begin to lose control of the quadcopter and are unable regain control before
crashing into something or someone, pull the left control stick (throttle) all the way back to shut the quadcopter
down and allow it to crash land on its own.
• Always fly the quadcopter in a suitably large area free of obstructions. The quadcopter can be flown in a large
indoor area or outside. Flying in strong or gusty winds can make the quadcopter more difficult to control and
should not be attempted until you are a very proficient flier.
• When moving the control sticks, use only small, smooth control inputs. Using large, abrupt control inputs can
cause you to over-control, making the quadcopter more difficult to fly and possibly result in a crash.
• Quadcopters in general do not need to be re-corrected as helicopters do, so control inputs should be given and
the control stick(s) returned to center before the next control input.
• When the front of the quadcopter is facing toward you, the right and left roll and yaw controls will seem reversed.
This takes some time to get used to until it becomes second nature. Imagining yourself sitting in the “cockpit” will
help you get used to this.
fLyiNg THE APOLLO A1 QUADCOPTER
MANUAL fLigHT MODE fLyiNg bASiCS
When learning to fly, we suggest always trying to keep the quadcopter about 3 feet off the ground and in a relatively
small flying area. To be successful when learning, make small control inputs. Over-controlling is a mistake all new
pilots make. Never move the control sticks more than halfway except the throttle, and only when necessary.
You should have completed the following steps prior to flight:
• Fully charge and install the LiPo battery.
• Verify the correct positions of all transmitter switches (trim switches centered and Flight Mode Switch in the
Manual Mode (1) position.
• Pull the left control stick all the back and turn the transmitter ON, then plug the LiPo battery in and initialize the
gyros and flight controller. Make sure to wait 10 seconds before moving the quadcopter.
• Calibrate the compass. (This only needs to be done before your first flight or under any of the circumstances
described in the Calibrating the Compass section on pages XX and XX).
• Verify the LED Condition Indicator is flashing Red and Green (no GPS lock) or Green (GPS lock), then arm the motors.
1) With the front of the quadcopter facing away from you, slowly push the throttle forward until the propeller blades
begin to spin. Continue to push the throttle forward to increase the speed of the motors and take off. Remember,
you must advance the throttle within 5 seconds of arming the motors or you’ll need to re-arm the motors.
2) Gently move the right control stick as required in small increments to keep the quadcopter hovering in the same
general area about 3 feet off the ground. At the same time you will need to increase or decrease the throttle to
keep the quadcopter hovering a consistent distance off the ground.
As you take off, it’s normal for the quadcopter to drift backward until you climb higher out of the ground effect.
To counter-act this, gently push the right control stick forward.
3) While making small adjustments to the throttle to keep the quadcopter hovering in the same general area about 3
feet off the ground, gently move the right control stick to the right and left and see how the quadcopter banks and
moves to the right and left, then slowly move the right control stick forward and backward and see how the
quadcopter banks and moves forward and backward. Remember, make gentle, small control inputs. Now gently
move the left control stick to the right and left and see how the quadcopter spins around its center axis right and left.
4) Repeat moving the right and left control sticks slowly to the left and right, and forward and backward to get used
to how the quadcopter moves, all while at the same time making small adjustments to the throttle to keep the
quadcopter hovering about 3 feet off the ground.
5) Now try placing the quadcopter in a stable hover and release the control sticks. The quadcopter should stay in
the same general position on its own. If the quadcopter is continually moving one direction or the other when
the control sticks are centered, and it’s not caused by a constant cross-wind, the quadcopter may require flight
trimming. For more information, see the Flight Trimming section on pages XX and XX.

16
APOLLO A1
QUADCOPTER OPERATOR’S MANUAL
fLyiNg THE APOLLO A1 QUADCOPTER
First, practice hovering in a small space, using small control inputs to keep the quadcopter in one place (Fig. 1). Next,
practice flying a square or rectangular pattern (Fig. 2), then practice flying in a figure-8 pattern (Fig. 3). After getting
better at flying these patterns, practice flying different patterns, spinning the quadcopter 360º and changing the
position at which you stand relative to the front of the quadcopter (Fig. 4).
Fig. 1
Practice Patterns:
Once you become comfortable with the basics, start practicing the different patterns described below to help you
increase your skills and confidence flying the quadcopter.
MANUAL fLigHT MODE fLyiNg bASiCS, CONTiNUED....
Fig. 2 Fig. 3 Fig. 4
fLigHT TRiMMiNg THE QUADCOPTER
The quadcopter is stable and easy to fly, and in general should require very little to no flight trimming. Follow the tips
below if and when flight trimming your quadcopter.
If you feel the quadcopter requires flight trimming that is not caused by a continuous cross-wind, do the following first:
• Ensure all four trim switches are centered. When you move a trim switch, a short audible tone is heard. When a
trim switch is centered, a longer audible tone will sound. Re-arm the motors and continue flying.
• Land and let the quadcopter’s center points reset on their own automatically by landing on a flat, level surface
and holding there without any movement for at least 10 seconds. Re-arm the motors and continue flying.
• It’s possible that the compass is out of calibration or was not calibrated correctly. Perform the compass calibration
process, re-arm the motors and continue flying. If you still feel that the quadcopter requires flight trimming go
ahead and adjust the trim switches as described below and on the next page.
1) Push the throttle forward to take off and place the quadcopter in a stable hover, about 3 feet off the ground, then
release both control sticks and watch how the quadcopter reacts, then trim the quadcopter as described:
We suggest flight trimming the quadcopter while hovering no less than 3 feet off the ground. Flying any lower
will make it more difficult to trim the quadcopter due to the ground effect caused by the spinning propellers. We
also suggest flight trimming in a calm environment (little to no wind).
If the quadcopter spins left, push the Yaw Trim Switch
RIGHT several times until the quadcopter stops
spinning left.
Spins Left
Push Right
If the quadcopter spins right, push the Yaw Trim Switch
LEFT several times until the quadcopter stops spinning
right.
Spins Right
Push Left

17
APOLLO A1
QUADCOPTER OPERATOR’S MANUAL
Moves Forward
Moves Backward
fLigHT TRiMMiNg THE QUADCOPTER, CONTiNUED....
If the quadcopter moves left, push the Roll Trim
Switch RIGHT several times until the quadcopter
stops moving left.
Push Right
If the quadcopter moves right, push the Roll
Trim Switch LEFT several times until the
quadcopter stops moving right.
Push Left
The Throttle Trim Switch should be left centered at all times. In addition, if for any reason the motors will not
arm after you’ve adjusted the trim switches, center the trim switches on the transmitter. In some cases, if too
much trim is used, it can cause the quadcopter’s safety features to not allow the motors to be armed.
fLyiNg THE APOLLO A1 QUADCOPTER
Moves Right
Moves Left
Push Forward
Push Backward
If the quadcopter moves backward, push the
Pitch Trim Switch FORWARD several times until
the quadcopter stops moving backward.
If the quadcopter moves forward, push the
Pitch Trim Switch BACKWARD several times
until the quadcopter stops moving forward.
USiNg THE gPS fLigHT MODE
The Apollo A1 quadcopter features a GPS Flight Mode that provides Auto-Hover, Auto-Hover with Head Lock Position
Hold and Auto-Hover with Head Free Position Hold. Using the GPS Flight Mode allows you manually fly the quadcopter
to the desired altitude and position, then have the GPS hold that altitude and position, allowing you to control the
camera gimbal to shoot amazing, stable aerial video.
Three GPS Flight Modes can be programmed to the Flight Mode Switch GPS Mode (2) position as listed below. In
the default configuration, GPS Set Altitude (Head Lock) is programmed, and this is the mode we recommend you
use. For more information about these different Flight Modes, see the next page.
• Manual Set Altitude
• GPS Set Altitude (Head Lock) - Default
• GPS Set Altitude (Head Free)
To change which GPS Flight Mode the Flight Mode Switch will control when moved to the GPS Mode (2)
position, see the Autopilot Configuration Programming section on pages XX and XX.

18
APOLLO A1
QUADCOPTER OPERATOR’S MANUAL
USiNg THE gPS fLigHT MODE
gPS fLigHT MODES
Manual Set Altitude:
Provides Altitude Hold, but not Position Hold. With the throttle control stick at 50% (half throttle), the quadcopter will
hover at the current altitude, but won’t hold its current position. For example, you can use the control sticks to place
the quadcopter in the desired position and at the desired altitude, then reduce the throttle to half throttle and the
quadcopter will hold the current altitude; however, the quadcopter will drift because this mode does not feature a
Position Hold function.
• Throttle at 50% = Altitude Hold (Auto-Hover)
• Throttle Greater Than 50% = Climb
• Throttle Less Than 50% = Descend
• Right and Left Control Sticks Control Pitch, Roll and Yaw (Limited Control)
GPS Set Altitude (Head Lock):
Provides both Altitude Hold and Position Hold with Head Lock. With the throttle control stick at 50% (half throttle), the
quadcopter will hover at the current altitude and hold its current position. For example, you can use the control sticks
to place the quadcopter in the desired position and at the desired altitude, then reduce the throttle to half throttle and
the quadcopter will hold the current altitude and position. In this mode, the forward flight direction is locked to the
nose of the quadcopter. For example, if you spin the quadcopter right or left, then fly forward, the quadcopter will fly
forward in the direction the nose is pointing.
• Throttle at 50% = Altitude Hold (Auto-Hover)
• Both Control Sticks Centered = Position Hold
• Throttle Greater Than 50% = Climb
• Throttle Less Than 50% = Descend
• Right and Left Control Sticks Control Pitch, Roll and Yaw (Limited Control)
GPS Set Altitude (Head Free):
Provides both Altitude Hold and Position Hold with Head Free. This Flight Mode functions the same as the GPS Set
Altitude (Head Lock) Flight Mode, except the forward direction is not locked to the nose of the quadcopter (e.g., the
forward direction is a defined direction other than the nose of the quadcopter. For example, if you spin the quadcopter
right or left, then fly forward, the quadcopter will fly forward in the defined direction, not in the direction the nose is pointing.
We don’t recommend using this mode because it can be difficult to keep the quadcopter oriented during flight.
gPS fLigHT MODE wARNiNgS
Please read and understand the warnings in this section prior to flying your quadcopter using the GPS Flight Mode.
Failure to follow these warnings can result in erratic performance or worse, a crash.
• When the LiPo battery is plugged in and the gyros and flight controller have been initialized, the quadcopter will
automatically attempt to acquire a GPS lock. Please observe the following:
• The quadcopter should have a clear view to the sky. There should be no trees, buildings or other obstructions
nearby that could affect the ability to receive a GPS signal.
• Cloud cover can affect the GPS signal. The GPS works best when the sky is clear.
• The quadcopter may need to be placed in a hover about 10 feet off the ground to help acquire a GPS lock.
• In some cases it can take up to two minutes or more to acquire a GPS lock.
• The GPS must be locked (LED Condition Indicator flashing all Green) for the GPS Flight Mode to function. The
GPS will not function if there is no GPS lock (LED Condition Indicator flashing Red and Green).
• The quadcopter is not an autonomous drone. You must pay careful attention and fly it at all times.
• When in the GPS Flight Mode, 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.
• Do not use the GPS Flight Mode until you’ve manually flown the quadcopter to the desired altitude and position
and stabilized it in that spot. Only then should you switch to the GPS Flight Mode.
• When flying in the GPS Flight Mode, never pull the throttle back to the low throttle position or a crash could occur.
For more information, see the red notation box in the Flying Using the GPS Flight Mode section on the next page.

19
APOLLO A1
QUADCOPTER OPERATOR’S MANUAL
fLyiNg USiNg THE gPS fLigHT MODE
USiNg THE gPS fLigHT MODE
1) Prepare the quadcopter for flight as summarized below:
• Transmitter turned ON and Flight Mode Switch in the Manual Mode (1) Position
• LiPo battery plugged in and Gyros and Flight Controller Initialized
• Compass Calibrated
• GPS Locked (LED Condition Indicator flashing GREEN)
If the GPS won’t lock on the ground, it will usually lock once you get about 10 feet in the air. This can be
verified by looking at the LED Condition Indicator during flight. For more information, see the GPS Flight
Mode Warnings section on the previous page.
2) Arm the motors and take off. Using the Manual Flight Mode, fly the quadcopter to the desired area you want to
shoot photos or video from.
3) While still in the Manual Flight Mode, place the quadcopter in a stable hover, then switch to the GPS Flight Mode.
Place the throttle control stick at the 50% (half throttle) position and release the right control stick. The quadcopter
will Auto-Hover at the current altitude and hold its current position on it’s own. You can now control the camera
gimbal pitch angle using the Camera Gimbal Control Dial and adjust the direction the camera is pointing by
spinning the quadcopter right and left around its yaw axis, using the left control stick. Refer to the GPS Flight Mode
Flying Tips section above about controlling your quadcopter while in the GPS Flight Mode.
• Before switching to the GPS Flight Mode, you must manually fly the quadcopter (using the Manual Flight Mode)
to the desired altitude and position and place it in a stable hover. Only after the quadcopter is stable should you
switch to the GPS Flight Mode.
• When flying in the GPS Flight Mode, the throttle control stick must be at the 50% (half throttle) position to activate
the Altitude Hold function (Auto-Hover) and the right control stick must be centered
to activate the Position Hold function.
Remember, there will be no Position Hold if you’ve programmed Manual Set Altitude
to the Flight Mode Switch GPS Mode (2) Position. For more information, see the
Autopilot Configuration Programming section on pages XX through XX.
• The GPS Flight Mode is designed to keep the quadcopter in the same general
position, but you can use the control sticks to ‘fly’ the quadcopter to a different
altitude or to a different position, even with the Altitude Hold and Position Hold
functions active.
• When in the GPS Flight Mode, control stick sensitivity will be reduce by about half,
ensuring smooth operation while taking photos and video.
gPS fLigHT MODE fLyiNg TiPS
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.
100%
10%
50%
Climb
Auto-Hover
Descend
Warning - Crash
4) If you want to move the quadcopter to a different location that is far away, switch to the Manual Flight Mode, then
manually fly the quadcopter to its new location. Upon reaching the new location, place the quadcopter in a stable
hover, then switch to the GPS Flight Mode. Place the throttle control stick at the 50% (half throttle) position and
release the right control stick. The quadcopter will Auto-Hover at the current altitude and hold its current new position.
Remember, while in the GPS Flight Mode, you can use the throttle control stick to move the quadcopter up and
down, but NEVER EVER pull the throttle control stick below the 10% throttle position or the quadcopter can flip over
and crash. Refer to the Throttle Range Chart in the GPS Flight Mode Flying Tips section above.
• If you want to move the quadcopter to a different location that is far away, we recommend you switch to the
Manual Flight Mode, then switch back to the GPS Flight Mode once you position the quadcopter in the new
location.
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.

20
APOLLO A1
QUADCOPTER OPERATOR’S MANUAL
USiNg THE RETURN TO HOME fUNCTiON
RETURN TO HOME fUNCTiON wARNiNgS
Please read and understand the warnings in this section prior to using the Return to Home function. Failure to follow
these warnings can result in erratic performance or worse, a crash.
• The GPS must be locked (LED Condition Indicator flashing all Green) for the Return to Home function to work. The
Return to Home function will not work if there is no GPS lock (LED Condition Indicator flashing Red and Green).
For more information, see the Using the GPS Flight Mode Warnings section on page XX.
• Once the GPS is locked and the motors are armed, the flight controller will record the current Home Point. The
Home Point determines the location the quadcopter will fly back to when you switch to the Return to Home
function. To ensure the best performance, you should acquire a GPS lock on the ground, prior to takeoff. If you
can’t acquire a GPS lock until after takeoff, Return to Home function performance will not be as accurate.
• The compass must be calibrated correctly as described in the Calibrating the Compass section on pages XX
through XX. If compass calibration was not completed correctly, Return to Home function performance will not
work as expected.
• When the Return to Home maneuver begins, you will not have any control over the flight controls. When the
quadcopter nears the Home Point and begins to descend, the autopilot will allow you to control the pitch, roll
and yaw controls to make small adjustments to the landing position, but the throttle cannot be controlled.
• At any time during the Return to Home maneuver, if 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.
• The throttle control stick should be placed at the 50% (half throttle) position or higher during the Return to Home
maneuver. This will ensure that the quadcopter won’t experience a sudden loss of altitude if you need to switch
to the Manual Flight Mode for any reason.
• Since the Return to Home function is fully automated, you cannot alter the quadcopter’s flight path until the
quadcopter nears the Home Point and begins to descend. For this reason, never switch to the Return to Home
function to close to you or spectators, or if there are any objects, such as trees, buildings, etc., between the Home
Point and the quadcopter.
When you switch to the Return to Home function the quadcopter will start to fly back towards the Home Point. If the
quadcopter is at an altitude of less than 65 feet (20 meters), the quacopter will first rise above 65 feet (20 meters),
then execute the Return to Home maneuver. If the quadcopter is above 65 feet (20 meters) when you switch to the
Return to Home function, the quadcopter will attempt to hold the same altitude until it nears the Home Point and
begins to descend.
USiNg THE RETURN TO HOME fUNCTiON
1) During your flight, when it’s time to land and you want to use the Return to Home function, flip the Flight Mode
Switch to the Return to Home (3) position. The quadcopter will begin the Return to Home maneuver and start to
fly back towards the Home Point.
During this time you will not have any control over the quadcopter; however, you should place the throttle
control stick at the half throttle position or higher to ensure the quadcopter won’t experience a sudden loss
of altitude if you need to switch to the Manual Flight Mode for any reason.
2) When the quadcopter nears the Home Point, it will begin to descend. At this point, you will have control of the
pitch, roll and yaw controls to allow you make minor changes to the landing position; however, you will not have
control of the throttle. Throttle control is fully automatic from descent through landing. If necessary, use gentle
control stick movements to move the quadcopter to the desired landing position as it descends and lands.
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.
The Apollo A1 quadcopter features a Return to Home function, that when activated, commands the quadcopter to
automatically return to its Home Point and land, all automatically.
RESETTiNg THE HOME POiNT fUNCTiON
1) After using the Return to Home function to land, the function must be reset to use it again. You can either pull the
throttle all the way back and move the Flight Mode Switch to the Manual Mode (1) position and let the quadcopter
sit powered ON for 10 seconds, or you can simply unplug the LiPo battery, then plug it back in.