FP700 Tutorial Videos

Full Tutorial & Support Guide –  including drone setup, safety, autonomous flight, maintenance, and troubleshooting

Lesson 08: Basic Controls & Manual Operation

This lesson covers the fundamentals of manually controlling the FP700 using the remote controller, particularly in M+ (Manual Plus) mode, which is ideal for irregular plots or when precise manual control is needed. We’ll assume Mode 2 (American Hand) configuration.

Understanding Mode 2 Controls (American Mode):

  • Left Stick:
    • Up/Down: Controls Throttle (Ascend/Descend).
    • Left/Right: Controls Yaw (Rotate Left/Rotate Right).
  • Right Stick:
    • Up/Down: Controls Pitch (Fly Forward/Backward).
    • Left/Right: Controls Roll (Fly Left/Right).

Manual (M+) Operation Workflow:

  1. Pre-Flight: Complete all pre-flight checks as outlined in Lesson 07.
  2. Enter Manual Mode: In the Agri Assistant App, ensure you are in a manual control mode like M+.
  3. Set Parameters:
    1. Adjust operational parameters like target application rate (dosage per acre/hectare), desired flight altitude, spray droplet size/flow rate, or spreader rate/width as needed for the task.
  4. Take-off:
    1. Ensure the area is clear.
    2. Unlock motors using the appropriate stick command.
    3. Smoothly increase the throttle (left stick up) to lift off vertically.
    4. Ascend to a safe initial altitude.
  5. Flying:
    1. Use the right stick for directional movement (forward, backward, left, right).
    2. Use the left stick (left/right) to control the drone’s heading (yaw).
    3. Use the left stick (up/down) to control altitude.
    4. Maintain smooth, controlled inputs. Avoid abrupt stick movements.
  6. Spraying/Spreading:
    1. Use the designated button on the RC or app interface to start/stop spraying or spreading manually. In M+ mode, the application rate often adjusts automatically with flight speed.
  7. Obstacle Awareness:
    1. Continuously scan the flight path visually and via the FPV feed for obstacles (trees, power lines, poles, people, animals).
    2. Remember that obstacle avoidance radar provides assistance but does not replace pilot vigilance. Be prepared to take manual evasive action.
  8. Landing:
    1. Choose a clear, flat landing spot.
    2. Approach the landing zone slowly and controllably.
    3. Smoothly decrease the throttle (left stick down) to descend vertically.
    4. Once landed, lower the throttle stick completely.
    5. Lock the motors using the appropriate stick command (e.g., both sticks down and outwards) or wait for auto-lock (throttle low for 3 seconds).
  9. Post-Flight: Power down the drone (disconnect battery) first, then the remote controller.

Practice these basic controls in an open area until you feel comfortable and proficient. Manual operation provides flexibility but requires constant attention and skill.