sky rider Phoenix DRW329 User manual

User’s Guide for Model DRW329 v2363-01
Phoenix
Quadcopter Drone with Wi-Fi Camera

Warnings & Precautions
Important Safety Instructions
• Readandfollowallinstructions.
• Keeptheseinstructionsforfuturereference.
• HeedallWarnings.
• Intendedforchildrenages14andhigher.Adult
supervisionisrequired.
• Onlyuseattachments/accessoriesspeciedbythe
manufacturer.
• Beforeying,alwayscheckthebody,rotors,and
batteryforanydamageorobstructions.
• Batteryshouldbefreefromcracksorswelling.
• Keeptherotorsclearofanyobstructionsandbody
partstoavoidpotentialdamageandinjury.
• Manufactureranddealerassumenoliabilityfor
accidentaldamagesfromimproperuseorinstallation
ofparts,orfromdamageincurredfromwornor
brokenparts.
• Pilotsareresponsiblefortheiractionsandany
damagecausedfromimproperuse.
• Pilotsshouldkeepthecraftinsightatalltimes
duringight.Ifyoulosesightofthecraftatanytime,
powerdownandceaseightimmediately.
• Onlyyinlarge,openareasthatarefreefrom
obstaclesorpotentialhazards,suchastrees,power
lines,ceilingfans,andthelike.
• Flyingoverbodiesofwaterisnotrecommended.
• Flyingatnightisnotrecommended.
• Nevertrytoretrievethecraftfromareasyoucannot
safelyreach,suchasrooftopsortrees.
• Neverlaunchthecraftfromyourhand.
• Neverleavethecraftunattendedwhileitispowered
onorwhilethebatteryischarging.
FCC Warnings
Warning:Changesormodicationstothisunitnot
expresslyapprovedbythepartyresponsiblefor
compliancecouldvoidtheuser’sauthoritytooperate
theequipment.
NOTE:Thisequipmenthasbeentestedandfoundto
complywiththelimitsforaClassBdigitaldevice,
pursuanttoPart15oftheFCCRules.Theselimitsare
designedtoprovidereasonableprotectionagainstharmful
interferenceinaresidentialinstallation.Thisequipment
generates,uses,andcanradiateradiofrequencyenergy
and,ifnotinstalledandusedinaccordancewiththe
instructions,maycauseharmfulinterferencetoradio
communications.However,thereisnoguaranteethat
interferencewillnotoccurinaparticularinstallation.If
thisequipmentdoescauseharmfulinterferencetoradio
ortelevisionreception,whichcanbedeterminedby
turningtheequipmentoffandon,theuserisencouraged
totrytocorrecttheinterferencebyoneormoreofthe
followingmeasures:
• Reorientorrelocatethereceivingantenna.
• Increasetheseparationbetweentheequipmentand
receiver.
• Connecttheequipmentintoanoutletonacircuit
differentfromthattowhichthereceiverisconnected.
• Consultthedealeroranexperiencedradio/TV
technicianforhelp.
Additional Warnings & Precautions
• WARNING:Toreducetheriskofreorelectric
shock,donotexposethisapparatustorain,moisture,
dripping,orsplashing.
• CAUTION:Useofcontrolsoradjustmentsor
performanceofproceduresotherthanthosespecied
mayresultinpersonalinjury.
• WARNING:Changesormodicationstothisunit
notexpresslyapprovedbythepartyresponsiblefor
compliancecouldvoidtheuser’sauthoritytooperate
theequipment.
• CAUTION:Dangerofexplosionifbatteryis
incorrectlyreplaced.Replaceonlywiththesameor
equivalenttype.
• Lithiumbatteries,likeallrechargeablebatteries,are
recyclableandshouldberecycledordisposedof
accordingtostateandlocalguidelines.Theyshould
neverbedisposedofinnormalhouseholdwaste,
andtheyshouldneverbeincinerated,astheymight
explode.Contactyourlocalgovernmentfordisposal
orrecyclingpracticesinyourarea.
• WARNING:Shockhazard-DoNotOpen.
• Batteryshallnotbeexposedtoexcessiveheatsuchas
sunshine,re,orthelike.
• Keepnewandusedbatteriesawayfromchildren.If
thebatterycompartmentdoesnotclosesecurely,stop
usingtheproductandkeepitawayfromchildren.
• Ifyouthinkbatteriesmighthavebeenswallowedor
placedinsideanypartofthebody,seekimmediate
medicalattention.
• Donotmixoldandnewbatteries.
• Completelyreplacealloldbatterieswithnewones.
• Donotmixalkaline,standard(carbon-zinc),or
rechargeable(ni-cad,ni-mh,etc)batteries.
• Batteriesshouldberecycledordisposedofasper
stateandlocalguidelines.

3
Table of Contents
Thunderbird Wi-Fi Drone
FAA Information: Flying Your Drone Under
the Special Rule for Model Aircraft – 4
Features – 4
Includes – 4
Diagram & Specifications – 5
Assembly
Rotor Guards – 6
Landing Struts – 6
Camera Adjustment – 6
Remote Control
Functions – 7
Battery Installation – 8
Charging the Battery
Information & Procedure – 9
Flying
Remote Link & Calibration – 10
Flight Controls – 11
When You’re Finished Flying – 11
Emergency Stop – 11
Trim Adjustment & Countering Drift – 12
Gyroscope Recalibration – 13
Remote Trim Reset – 13
Tips for Safe Operation – 14
Speed Setting – 14
Headless Mode – 14
Auto-Spin – 15
Flips – 15
Sky Rider Control App
Free Download – 16
Connect to Wi-Fi – 16
Settings Screen – 17
Screen Controls – 18
Flight Controls – 19
Using the Remote & App Together – 20
3D Mode – 21
Parts & Repair
Parts Replacement – 22
Rotor Replacement – 22
Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting Guide – 23
Customer Support
Contact Information – 24
International Support – 24
Warranty – 24

4
Features
•360° flips & tricks
•6-axis gyroscope
•Free app for Wi-Fi viewing
•Adjustable angle Wi-Fi camera
•Altitude hold
•3 speeds
•Control distance: up to 328 feet
(Wi-Fi or remote)
•LED navigation lights
•Operating time: 6-8 minutes
•Charge time: approx. 120 minutes
Includes
•2.4GHz remote control: requires 4 AA
batteries (not included)
•USB charging cable
•Rechargeable lithium polymer battery
•2 replacement rotors
•Attachable smartphone cradle for
remote control
•Screwdriver
•User’s Guide
Thunderbird Wi-Fi Drone
FAA Information: Flying Your Drone Under the Special
Rule for Model Aircraft
To fly under the Special Rule for Model Aircraft you must:
•Fly for hobby or recreation ONLY
•Register your model aircraft
•Fly within visual line-of-sight
•Follow community-based safety guidelines and fly within the programming of a
nationwide community-based organization
•Fly a drone under 55 lbs. unless certified by a community-based organization
•Never fly near other aircraft
•Notify the airport and air traffic control tower prior to flying within 5 miles of an airport
•Never fly near emergency response efforts
You alone are responsible for safely and responsibly flying your drone. For more
information on FAA Rules and Guidelines for flying Unmanned Aerial Systems please visit:
http://www.faa.gov/uas/

5
Diagram & Specifications
•Dimensions: 300 x 300 x 113mm/11.8 x 11.8 x 4.4 in. (LWH)
•Weight: 100g/3.52oz/0.22lb
Camera (underside)
Rotor Guard
Rotor
Landing Skid
LED Lights
Blue LEDs indicate the front
of the craft.
Green flashing LEDs indicate
the rear of the craft.
Battery Compartment
(rear)
Power Switch
located next to
the camera.

6
Camera Adjustment
Rotate the camera lens to change the viewing angle.
Assembly
Landing Struts
Place each landing strut on the underside of the craft as
shown and press firmly into place.
Rotor Guards
Attach each rotor guard as shown, then tighten with a
screw in the center location using the included screwdriver.

7
Remote Control
Functions
1
4
9
6
5
1. Speed Setting
Press to set low/med/high speed.
2. Power Switch
3. Landing/Stop
Press for one key take off.
Press and hold for emergency stop.
4. Left Control Stick
Increase Throttle: push forward
Decrease Throttle: push backward
Yaw/Spin: push left or right
Headless Mode: press control stick
5. Right Control Stick
Pitch: push forward/backward
Roll/Bank: push left/right
Flip: press to perform a flip
6. Auto Spin/Lights
Press for auto-spin.
Press and hold to turn lights ON or OFF.
7. Power Indicator Light
8. Trim Adjustment
Press to enter Trimming Mode, then
move right control stick to adjust Pitch
and Roll trim.
Press and hold to finish Trimming
Mode, or wait 3 seconds to finish
automatically.
9. Trim Reset
Press to reset trim settings to default.
3
7
8
2

8
1.5V AA 1.5V AA
1.5V AA 1.5V AA
1.5V AA 1.5V AA
1.5V AA 1.5V AA
x4 AA batteries
Battery Installation
Remote Control

9
Charging the Battery
Information & Procedure
The craft’s battery must be charged before it can be flown. To avoid risk of injury or damage,
be sure the craft and remote control are both powered OFF and remove the battery
from the craft when charging. Charging time is approximately 120 minutes. Charge fully
before use for best performance.
Connect the USB charging cable (included) to the USB port of a powered ON computer or
USB power adapter (not included), then connect the charging plug to the battery plug.
While charging, the cable will display a red light.
When charging is complete, the light will turn OFF.
Be sure to correctly match the plug to the charging
port or damage may occur.
REMINDER: Do not charge overnight. Do not leave
unattended while charging.

10
Flying
Step 1
Power ON the craft and place it on a flat
surface. This is necessary for the craft’s
gyroscopes to properly align. The lights on
the craft will blink as it searches for a signal
from the remote.
Be sure the craft and yourself are facing
the same forward direction, this will help
with orientation while flying.
Step 2
Power ON the remote. The light on the remote will blink as it searches for the signal from
the craft. An audible chime will sound when the remote and the craft have linked.
Step 3
Push the Left Control Stick (throttle) fully
forward, wait for a chime to sound, then
pull the stick fully rearward, and wait for a
second chime.
Front
Remote Link & Calibration
Before flying, the craft and the remote must be linked together and the gyroscopes on the
craft must be allowed to calibrate.
Begin with the battery installed, the battery compartment closed, and the craft and
remote powered OFF.
Step 4
Press the Landing/Stop button to start the
motors. After the motors have started, the
craft will climb to a set height and hover in
place. The craft is ready to fly.

11
When You’re Finished Flying
After landing, keep the Left Control Stick (throttle) in the lowest position and wait for the
rotors to stop spinning. Power OFF the remote BEFORE powering OFF the craft. This will
ensure that no signals are accidentally sent by the remote, reducing the chance of injury.
After this is done, it is safe to pick up and power OFF the craft.
Emergency Stop
If the craft is having difficulty flying, is out of control, or otherwise behaving erratically, you
can press and hold the Emergency Stop button to stop the rotors and the craft will fall to
the ground.
altitude pitch
altitude pitch
roll
roll
yaw
yaw
Right Stick
controls Pitch (forward/
backward) and Roll
(left/right).
Left Stick
controls Altitude (throttle)
and Yaw (spin).
Flight Controls

12
Trim Adjustment & Countering Drift
Even after a craft is calibrated, it may still drift while airborne. To counter this effect you can
adjust the trim for better control. However, adjusting the trim may not entirely eliminate
drifting. Air currents and other factors can still affect the craft’s handling.
Making Trim Adjustments
Press the Trim button to enter Trimming Mode. While in Trimming Mode, move the Right
Control Stick ONCE in the opposite direction of the drift. The remote will chime once for
each adjustment. It may take multiple adjustments to set the trim to your liking.
For example, if the craft is drifting forward, enter Trimming Mode and pull rearward on the
stick to correct. If the craft is drifting right, pull left.
When you are finished, press the Trim button to exit Trimming Mode. You can also wait 3
seconds and Trimming Mode will finish automatically.
To avoid potential damage, adjust the trim while attempting a stable hover and adjust one
trim setting at a time to avoid confusion.
Note: While in Trimming Mode, the Right Control Stick only makes trim adjustments
and does not control the direction of the craft. You must exit Trimming Mode to resume
normal flight controls. The Left Control Stick is not affected by Trimming Mode.
Press to enter and exit
Trimming Mode.
Move Right
Control Stick
to adjust Pitch
and Roll trim.
Remote will chime
once for each
adjustment.
Flying

13
Gyroscope Recalibration
If the craft is having difficulty flying or is
behaving erratically, it’s gyroscopes may
need to be recalibrated. Do not attempt to
do this while flying, safely land the craft
first, and place it on a flat surface.
Note: The craft and the remote should
already be linked together.
Pull down and to the right on both control
sticks for 2-3 seconds. The remote will
chime once, and the lights on the craft will
blink rapidly. When the lights return to
normal, the recalibration is complete.
Remote Trim Reset
If you are still having difficulty flying, it may
help to reset the trim adjustments on the
remote. Do not attempt to do this while
flying, safely land the craft first.
Press the Reset button on the remote. The
remote will chime once, and the lights on
the craft will blink rapidly. When the lights
return to normal, the trim reset is complete.

14
Tips for Safe Operation
•It is recommended to only fly in large, open spaces that are free of obstacles like
power lines, trees, ceiling fans, etc.
•When flying indoors avoid walls and ceilings, as the craft may be drawn towards them
if closer than 2-3 feet.
•Stand behind the craft when first taking off, so that you and the craft are facing the
same “forward” direction. This will help with orientation when the craft is airborne.
•Novice pilots should move the controls slowly and deliberately to get used to the
craft’s flying characteristics. Try using one control at a time.
•Practice basic flight operations like take off, hovering, and landing.
•If you get into trouble or if anything obstructs the rotors, cut power immediately and
safely clear the obstruction. Check for possible damage before flying again.
Speed Setting
Press the Speed button on the remote to change the craft’s speed setting.
•Low: Provides smooth and predictable control of the craft. The remote will chime once
to indicate the low speed setting.
•Medium: The craft will move and respond faster to all control inputs. The remote will
chime twice to indicate the medium speed setting.
•High: Highest setting for maximum performance. The remote will chime three times to
indicate the high speed setting.
Headless Mode
Before using Headless Mode be sure you and the craft are facing the same “forward”
direction, otherwise the craft will not fly correctly. To activate Headless Mode, press
down on the Left Control Stick on the remote control. All of the LED lights will flash while
Headless Mode is ON. Press the button again to deactivate Headless Mode.
While Headless Mode is active the craft will fly in whatever direction the Right Control
Stick is moved, regardless of where the front of the craft is pointing. For example, if the
front of the craft was pointed straight ahead but is now pointed right 90°, when you push
forward on the stick the craft will fly forwards as if it was still pointed straight ahead. This
can be useful if you become disoriented while flying and cannot visually determine which
direction the craft is facing.
Flying

15
Auto-Spin
Press the Auto-Spin button to activate Auto-Spin. The craft will spin (yaw) in a clockwise
direction. Press the Auto-Spin button again or move the Right Control Stick in any direction
to cancel Auto-Spin.
Use the Left Control Stick to control the altitude of the craft while in Auto-Spin.
Flips
Before attempting a flip, be sure that there is enough clear space around the craft, ideally
9-10 ft. in all directions. It is not recommended to attempt to flip around or through any
obstacles, as this may result in unintended damage.
Press the Right Control Stick to activate Flip Mode, then move it in any direction and
the craft will perform a flip in the same direction. Press the Right Control Stick again to
deactivate without performing a flip.

16
Sky Rider Control App
The Sky Rider Control app will display the image from
the craft’s camera on your smartphone’s screen,
allowing you to capture images and video of your
flights. Connect your smartphone to the craft’s Wi-Fi
signal and start flying!
Free Download
Scan the appropriate QR code with your smartphone or search for
“Sky Rider Control” in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
Connect to Wi-Fi
NOTE: Wi-Fi control may be interrupted by interference from other
nearby Wi-Fi equipment.
Before beginning, make sure your phone’s Wi-Fi is enabled and the
craft is powered ON.
•From your smartphone, open the Wi-Fi settings menu, then
search for and select Sky Rider xxxx to connect to the craft.
•Once connected, open the app. You will see the Home Screen (image below). From here
you can adjust settings and start using the app.
1
2
1. Start
2. Settings
Android
Apple

17
Settings Screen
Flight Parameters
Auto Save Parameters - Trim settings
adjusted in the app will be saved for future
flights. Be sure to reset the parameters
before flying a different craft with the app.
Reset Parameters - Reset trim settings to
default.
Interface Parameters
Right Hand Mode - Reverses the locations
of the Left and Right flight controls on the
screen.

18
Sky Rider Control App
Screen Controls
1 2 3 4 5 67 8 9 10
1. Return to Home Screen
2. Take Photo
3. Record Video
4. Photo/Video Gallery
5. Speed Setting
6. Enable/Disable
Auto-Take Off (must
be enabled to fly)
7. Flip Camera View 180°
8. 3D View (VR Mode)
9. Intuitive Mode
10. Flight Controls ON/
OFF
Intuitive Mode uses the G-Sensor in your phone to control the craft. Tilt the phone forward,
back, left and right to control the pitch and roll of the craft. Throttle and yaw are still
manually controlled from the Left Directional Control.
Camera & Video
Use the Photo and Video buttons to document your flight. Images and video are saved to
your phone and can be viewed later by pressing the Gallery button.
When connected to the craft via Wi-Fi, the
view from the camera will be displayed here.

19
10
9
7
11 8
12
13
14
1. Throttle/Yaw Control
2. Pitch/Roll Control
3. Auto-Take Off
4. Emergency Stop
5. Auto-Land
6. Yaw Trim (tap arrow
once to adjust)
7. Roll Trim (tap arrow
once to adjust)
8. Pitch Trim (tap arrow
once to adjust)
9. Flip
10. Headless Mode
11. Gyro Reset
12. Trim Reset
13. Auto-Spin
14. Nav Lights ON/OFF
Flight Controls
1 2
3
4
5
66

20
To release, pinch
at arrows and
pull upwards on
the holder,
Sky Rider Control App
Using the Remote & App Together
It can be easier to capture photos and video by using the remote to fly the drone and using
the app in a viewing only method. Use the app and the remote together by attaching the
smartphone holder (included) to the remote and placing your phone in the holder.
Follow the steps below to connect to the remote and the app in the proper sequence.
•First, connect the remote to the craft like normal. Connecting the remote first
overrides any control signals from the app.
•Next, use your phone to connect to the craft’s Wi-Fi. Open the app and go to the Flight
Screen. Leave the Flight Controls off for the best view from the drone’s camera.
•Use the controls on the remote to fly the craft while the Wi-Fi camera streams to
your phone.
•When you’re finished flying, power down the remote and craft like normal.