Operation Manual

Read before 

flying!

IMPORTANT
Contents

01 Meet IRIS-M

03 Parts

04 Charging the Battery

05 Battery Safety

06 Attaching Propellers

07 Camera Operation

07 DroneDeploy Account Setup

08 Safety

10 Quickstart: 1-Click Map

12 Learning More about DroneDeploy

13 Manual Flight

16 Modes

18 Return to Launch

18 Controller Flight Data

19 Manual Flight Procedure

24 Camera Setup

25 Specifications and Resources

26 Learn More and Support
01

Thank you for purchasing IRIS-MPro. 

IRIS-MPro is a professional aerial survey platform powered by 3DR 

autonomous technology and DroneDeploy mapping software.

Please read this manual carefully before your first flight and pay 

close attention to safety information.

Happy flying!

Meet IRIS-MPro
02

Front

Rear

Status LED

Battery 

compartment

USB port

Front arms 

(blue)

Safety button

(safety switch)

Rear arms 

(black)

DroneDeploy 

CoPilot

Gimbal
03

Parts

Controller

Your direct link to IRIS-M

Ground station radio 

with USB and Android adapters

Battery kit

Three batteries, guard bag, and charger 

with international travel adapters

Propellers and tool kit

Four propellers and four spares with propeller 

tool and small, medium, and large hex keys 

(1.5 mm, 2 mm, 2.5 mm, and 3 mm)

Tablet

Verizon® Ellipsis 7

Camera

GoPro® HERO4 Silver

Spare short legs

for lightweight flying without gimbal

IRIS-M quadcopter

with Tarot Gimbal
04

Charging the Battery

IRIS-M includes three rechargeable lithium polymer (LiPo) batteries. Store 

the batteries at half charge then charge fully before flying. 

Batteries ship at half charge, so please charge before your first flight. 

Each full battery provides up to 10 minutes of flight time.*

Connect charger to the 

power adapter cable and 

a wall outlet.

Connect the red cable to the 

+ port and the black cable 

to the - port.

Set the charger to 

LiPo and 3A.

Connect the white 

connector to the 3S port. 

Join the two yellow 

connectors together.

1

2

+

–

LiPo 3A

3S

3
05

Battery Safety

Secure battery inside the guard bag 

while charging. Charge until the status 

indicator displays green.

Charging Complete

4

Protect the batteries from extreme heat, extreme cold, puncturing, 

and flammable surfaces. Always charge the batteries in the guard 

bag.

Charge the batteries using the designated LiPo balance charger 

only. Always monitor the battery while charging.

Flying with a low battery is a safety risk and can render the batteries 

unusable. Always discontinue use when you receive a low battery 

notification, and always fly with a fully charged battery.

Inspect the battery for damage before takeoff and after landing. 

If you observe any swelling of the package or the battery ceases 

to function, do not use the battery. Locate your local battery 

recycling center to dispose of the battery. In the US and Canada, 

visit call2recycle.org to find a location. Do not dispose of the 

battery in the trash.

*Flight time varies with payload, wind conditions, elevation, 

temperature, humidity, flying style, and pilot skill. See the Flight 

Checklist for instructions on managing battery levels during flight.
06

IRIS-M uses four propellers: two with black nuts and two with silver 

nuts. Attach the propellers with black nuts to the motors with black tops 

and the propellers with silver nuts to the motors with silver tops.

Attaching Propellers

For propellers with black nuts:

Spin clockwise to attach.

Spin counterclockwise 

to remove.

For propellers with silver nuts:

Spin counterclockwise 

to attach.

Spin clockwise to 

remove.

Each propeller has locking and unlocking direction symbols. To attach, spin 

the propeller in the direction of the locking symbol. The propellers will 

automatically tighten onto the motors before takeoff.

To remove, hold the motor in place with 

the propeller tool, and spin the propeller 

in the direction of the unlocking symbol.
07

Camera Operation

To power on the camera, press 

and hold the power button on the 

front of the camera until it triplebeeps, flashes red and displays 

the startup screen.

To enable the camera’s WiFi, hold the button with the wrench icon on 

the side of the camera until the WiFi icon appears on the display. This 

indicates that the camera’s WiFi is active.

1

2

Before creating a map, power on the camera and enable the WiFi. The 

camera’s WiFi allows it to communicate with the CoPilot during flight.

DroneDeploy Account Setup

Power on the tablet and select the DroneDeploy icon on the main home screen. 

Select “Not signed up yet” and create an account. Enter the DroneDeploy activation code included with your IRIS-M.

Retrieve the confirmation link from your email to activate your account and set 

your password. Once you’re inside the DroneDeploy dashboard, take the tour 

and get to know DroneDeploy.

Hold to power

Hold to enable WiFi

Charge the tablet fully before your first flight.

DroneDeploy Sign in/Sign up DroneDeploy Dashboard
08

Familiarize yourself with these safety instructions before your first flight.

Safety

400 ft

(120 m)

400 ft

visual line 

of sight 400 ft

(120 m)

100 ft (30 m) 

visual line 

of sight 400 ft

(120 m)

100 ft (30 m) 5 miles (8 km)

visual line 

of sight 400 ft

(120 m)

100 ft (30 m) 

visual line 

of sight 400 ft

(120 m)

100 ft (30 m) 

visual line 

of sight 400 ft

(120 m)

100 ft (30 m) 5 miles (8 km)

Power Management

Environmental conditions, payload, and flying style can 

affect power consumption. Use the DroneDeploy flight 

data display to monitor the battery voltage during flight. 

If the battery reaches 25%, IRIS-M lands automatically at 

the current position, indicated by a blinking yellow status 

LED and a quick repeating tone. If IRIS-M reaches the 

low battery limit during a mission, it returns to the launch 

point before landing.

Injury Prevention

IRIS-M has powerful motors and high-speed propellers. Never 

place your hands near propellers while IRIS-M is armed or the 

safety button displays solid red. Always press the safety button 

until it displays blinking red before handling the copter. Always 

follow the preflight and postflight steps in the order described 

in this manual, and remain attentive at all times while flying.

Environmental Awareness

Don’t fly in low light, high winds, rain, or other conditions that might impede 

visibility. Before you fly, assess the features of your flying area. Determine 

the boundaries of the safe flying area, and be prepared to recover the copter 

manually if it goes outside this area. Be aware of any risks at your location, 

including bodies of water, structures, trees, etc. Designate a few areas as safety 

zones where you can safely land the copter in case of an unsafe situation.

Location

Always fly in an open area away from 

people and buildings; do not attempt to 

fly indoors or in a confined space. Do not 

fly over people, near airports, or in any 

situation that could pose a hazard to those 

around you. Always fly within your line 

of sight and in compliance with local 

regulations. IRIS-M does not avoid 

obstacles on its own. As the operator, 

it is your job to recognize and avoid 

obstructions while flying. 
09

RC Signal Management

Always use the controller as a primary or backup control system when flying. 

Ensure that the controller is turned on any time IRIS-M is powered. Flying 

behind solid objects, like buildings and trees, blocks radio signals. Always 

maintain visual contact with the copter to ensure that the radio signal is 

unobstructed. Radio towers, cell phone towers, and nearby WiFi signals can 

also cause interference with the radio system and decrease its range. Avoid 

flying in populated areas to avoid sources of interference. If contact with the 

controller is lost during manual flight, IRIS-M returns to the launch point 

automatically. (See page 18 for more information about RTL.) If the controller 

signal is lost during a mission, IRIS-M continues with the mission.

GPS Management

IRIS-M requires an active GPS signal for AUTO (missions), LTR, and RTL. If 

IRIS-M loses GPS signal in flight, it lands at the current position, indicated by a 

blinking blue and yellow LED with a high-high-high-low tone. Always choose 

an unobstructed flying area to improve GPS signal strength. 

Safety (cont.)

400 ft

(120 m)

Emergency Recall

If IRIS-M moves outside your designated flying area or displays instability in 

flight, initiate a recall command by selecting RTL or land using the controller. 

See pages 17 and 18 for more information on these commands.

Regaining Manual Control

Always be prepared to regain manual control of IRIS-M at any time while flying 

in AUTO mode. To switch to manual control during a mission, switch the mode 

on the controller from AUTO to LTR (recommended) or STD mode. See page 

13 for manual fight control instructions.
10

Quickstart: 1-Click Map

Choose your Location 1

Before you start, make sure:

- You have one fully charged battery. (See page 4.)

- You’ve attached the propellers to IRIS-M. (See page 6.)

- The camera is powered and the WiFi is turned on. (See page 7.)

- You’ve created a DroneDeploy account, logged in, and familiarized yourself 

 with the DroneDeploy app. (See page 7.)

- You’ve reviewed the safety information on pages 8 and 9, and the 

 environmental conditions at your mapping location are suitable for flight.

2

The 1-click map covers a 10-acre square area around the launch point at an altitude 

of 328 feet (100 meters). Launch IRIS-M from the center of the 10-acre area you 

want to map, and ensure that there are no obstacles above 300 feet. 

Power IRIS-M

Press the sides 

of the battery 

compartment 

together and 

rotate the door 

down.

Squeeze the door, and 

rotate up until it clicks 

into place. Ensure that 

the battery cables do not 

interfere with the LED 

cables.

Insert battery, and 

attach the yellow 

connectors.

If you see a flashing yellow status LED, it’s likely that the sensors did not calibrate correctly during 

startup. Re-connect the battery and keep IRIS-M absolutely still and level during the blue-and-red 

LED indicator.

Power on the 

controller.

Stabalize

Altitude Hold

Loiter

Full Autonomy

Return to Launch

Set the controller 

to AUTO mode.

Wait 10 seconds before 

closing the battery door or 

moving IRIS-M at all while 

the internal sensors 

calibrate and the status 

LED shows blue and red.
11

3 Set Camera to Face Down

Turn the tilt knob fully to the left 

to tilt the camera straight down.

4 Start Mission

When powered, IRIS-M and DroneDeploy 

CoPilot automatically connect to your 

DroneDeploy dashboard. On your 

dashboard, select 1-Click Map to start 

the mapping mission. DroneDeploy Dashboard

Mission Pre-Flight Checks

Now you’re ready to fly!

Stand back and select “Auto Launch” 

from your DroneDeploy dashboard.

Do not touch the gimbal while it is starting up. Ensure that the camera 

is powered on with the WiFi enabled. (See page 7 for instructions.)

DroneDeploy automatically runs the pre-flight checklist. When all the checks are 

passed, press and hold the safety button on the IRIS-M until it displays solid red. The 

DroneDeploy pre-flight check reminds you to press the safety button before takeoff.
12

Learn More about DroneDeploy

5 See Map

Monitor the mission using the DroneDeploy dashboard. As the IRIS-M captures 

images, DroneDeploy overlays the map onto the satellite image as it processes. 

After landing, press and hold 

the safety button until it 

displays blinking red before 

picking up IRIS-M.

In addition to the 1-click map, DroneDeploy lets you create custom planned 

maps using the Ortho Map and 

Custom Map options. You can also 

create NDVI maps, 3D models, and 

digital elevation models. To learn 

more about DroneDeploy, visit the 

Documentation link by selecting the 

menu icon on the dashboard.

When the map is completely processed, select the Map button next to 

your flight from the main dashboard to view the completed map.

Mission Imagery View

DroneDeploy Dashboard

DroneDeploy Menu

View map
13

Maneuver IRIS-M in flight 

using the controller sticks.

left stick:

throttle

& yaw

right stick:

pitch

& roll

Left Stick

Left Stick

Lower the throttle 

stick below center 

to decrease altitude. 

Set the throttle stick 

to center to maintain 

the current altitude.

left stick

Left Stick

Left Stick

Move the left stick up and down to control altitude.

Throttle

Manual Flight

Set the throttle stick 

fully down to land 

once IRIS-M is a few 

inches above the 

ground.

Left Stick

To take off and to 

gain altitude, raise the 

throttle stick slightly 

above center position.

Left Stick Left Stick
14

Flight Tip

When adjusting orientation, move the left stick horizontally without changing its 

vertical position.

ver + Land

wer just slightly

hover

ft Yaw

Left

Righ

ght Yaw

activate

d until propellers

p spinning

ver + Land

wer just slightly

hover

ft Yaw

Left

Righ

ght Yaw

activate

ld until propellers

p spinning

Move the stick to 

the left to rotate 

counterclockwise.

Move the stick 

to the right to 

rotate clockwise.

left stick

Left Stick

Release the stick to 

stop rotating and 

maintain the current 

orientation.

Move the left stick horizontally to rotate IRIS-M and change orientation. 

For a slow rotation, move the stick slightly away from the center

in either direction. Moving the stick farther from the center creates 

a faster rotation.

Yaw

Left Stick
15

Left

Back

Forward

Right

Left

Back

Forward

Right

Move the right 

stick forward to 

fly forward.

right stick

Move the right 

stick back to fly 

backward.

The right stick allows you to control IRIS’ position in the air. Move the right 

stick to tell IRIS-M to move in that direction: forward (toward the blue arms), 

back (toward the black arms), left (toward the left arms), or right (towards 

the right arms). How far you move the stick from the center before releasing 

it tells IRIS-M how fast to move. 

Pitch and Roll

Left

Back

Forward

Right

Left

Back

Forward

Right

Move the right 

stick left to fly 

left.

Move the right 

stick right to fly 

right.

Flight Tip

IRIS-M moves according to its orientation. The blue arms and white lights face 

forward, and the black arms and red lights face backward. Before using the right 

stick, use yaw to keep IRIS-M facing in outward orientation so that the black arms 

face towards you and the blue arms face away from you.
16

Standard (altitude hold mode)

STD

fly manually

Start your flight in standard to select altitude hold 

mode, and fly IRIS-M manually using the controller.

Loiter mode

LTR

hover

Select loiter to set IRIS-M to hover in place automatically. Use the 

controller to adjust IRIS’ position then release the sticks to hold 

that position. Loiter is a great way for beginners to learn how to fly! 

If you’re new to flying, start your first flight in loiter instead of standard.

Modes

Stabalize

Altitude Hold

Loiter

Full Autonomy

Stabalize

Altitude Hold

Loiter

Full Autonomy

Return to Launch

mode switch

IRIS-M includes three flight modes: manual flight 

(STD-altitude hold), hover mode (LTR-loiter), and 

mission flight (AUTO). Use the switch on the 

right side of the controller to select a flight mode.

To avoid sudden changes in altitude, set the throttle stick 

to center position before switching modes.

Advanced Operator Note: If you choose to modify the flight mode configuration to 

include Stabilize mode, please fly only with the provided set of tall legs. Flying in Stabilize 

with short legs can cause vibrations that may interfere with autopilot calculations and 

produce unexpected behavior.
17

Auto mode

AUTO

fly a mission

Select auto mode to fly an autonomous mission. IRIS-M will 

automatically fly the series of waypoints saved to the autopilot. 

Select AUTO mode to fly a DroneDeploy mapping mission.

Altitude Hold

Loiter

Full Autonomy

Return to Launch

Gimbal control

TILT

tilt the camera up and down

Use the TILT knob to control the angle of the camera in flight. Stabalize

Altitude Hold

Loiter

Full Autonomy

Land

CH 7

land at the current position

Set the CH 7 switch to ON to end your flight and land IRIS-M at its 

current position. Once you activate land, set the throttle stick fully 

down, and IRIS-M will automatically disarm after landing. IRIS-M 

will not disarm automatically unless the throttle stick is set fully 

down.

Reposition during landing: During landing, use the 

right stick on the controller to adjust IRIS’ position.
18

land at the launch point

Set the RTL switch to ON to end your flight and return 

IRIS-M to the launch point automatically. Ensure that 

the RTL switch is set to OFF before takeoff.

RTL returns IRIS-M to the location where IRIS-M was armed. 

Always arm IRIS-M in a safe, unobstructed launch point.

When commanded to RTL, IRIS-M will:

1 Achieve minimum altitude of 15 m (50 ft) 

or maintain current altitude if above 15 m.

2 Move to launch point and loiter for 5 seconds.

3 Land at launch point. launch point

1 15 meters 2

3

hover 5 seconds

Altitude Hold

Loiter

Full Autonomy

Return to Launch

Return to Launch (RTL)

Reposition during landing: During landing, use the 

right stick on the controller to adjust IRIS’ position.
19

Manual Flight Procedure

Select an open area for flying, away from people and buildings, and 

remember to bring the Flight Checklist and a fully charged battery. 

Determine the boundaries of your flying area before takeoff, and select 

a level, unobstructed space as a launch point. Follow these preflight 

and postflight steps in the order shown here and on the Flight Checklist 

every time you fly.

1

Preflight

Check 

IRIS-M.

Point the controller antenna up 

and the IRIS-M antenna down 

for the strongest signal.

Ensure that the RTL switch 

is set to OFF.

Set the mode switch to standard (STD).

If you’re new to flying, try starting your first 

flight in loiter (LTR) instead of standard.

2 Power on 

controller.

Ensure that the controller is always turned on while 

IRIS-M is powered. If IRIS-M loses communication 

with the controller in flight, IRIS-M will initiate an 

automatic return to launch.
20

3 Connect battery.

Press the sides 

of the battery 

compartment 

together and 

rotate the door 

down.

To close, squeeze the 

door, and rotate up 

until it clicks into place, 

ensuring that the battery 

cables do not interfere 

with the LED cables.

Connect the radio to your ground station, and select Connect.

A ground station (recommended) lets you view live data in 

flight and unlock IRIS-M’s advanced autonomous features. 

To download a ground station app for you laptop or 

Android device, visit 3dr.com/irism.

Place IRIS-M at the launch 

point with the black arms 

facing towards you and 

the blue arms facing away 

from you.

Wait 10 seconds before 

closing the battery door 

or moving IRIS-M at all 

while the internal sensors 

calibrate and the status LED 

shows blue and red.

Insert battery, and 

attach the yellow 

connectors.

If you see a flashing yellow status 

LED, it’s likely that the sensors 

did not calibrate correctly during 

startup. Re-connect the battery 

and make sure to keep IRIS-M 

absolutely still and level during the 

blue-and-red status LED indicator.
21

Do not handle IRIS-M while the 

safety button is solid red and 

IRIS-M is live. Always press the 

button until it displays blinking 

red before approaching 

the propellers.

Autopilot ready, GPS locked

Acquiring GPS, please wait.

Initializing, hold IRIS-M still, please wait. 

4 Press safety 

button.

Press the safety button 

until it is solid red.

IRIS-M is now live. 

Stand back!

5 Check LED.

Check the LED to view the status of IRIS. Wait 

to proceed until you see the blinking green light 

indicating that IRIS-M has acquired GPS lock.

Pre-arm safety check failure. Connect 

to a ground station and see the troubleshooting guide at 3dr.com/irism.

6

To activate the motors, 

hold the left stick down-right 

until the motors spin. 

Now you’re ready for takeoff! 

Arm motors.

IRIS-M will spin its propellers 

when armed. Ensure that the 

launch point is clear of 

obstructions before arming. 

Always disarm the motors 

before approaching IRIS.

Motors inactive, safe to handle Motors active, deactivate before 

handling

GPS lock requires a clear view of the 

sky. IRIS-M may take a few minutes to 

acquire GPS lock depending on your 

flying location. Always fly in an open 

area to improve GPS signal strength, 

and review the GPS failsafe 

information on page 9.
22

Flight

Left Stick

Take off and gain altitude by 

raising the left stick slightly 

above center.

Left Stick

Fly forward, backward, left, or right 

by moving the right stick in the 

direction you want to fly.

Left Stick

Release the right 

stick to level IRIS.

Left Stick

Lower the left 

stick below center 

to descend.

Left Stick

Set the left stick to 

center to maintain 

the current altitude.

Rotate counterclockwise and 

clockwise by 

moving the left 

stick left and right. 

IRIS-M is a powerful and agile 

flier. Move the sticks in small 

increments until you feel 

comfortable with how IRIS-M 

responds to controls.

Left Stick

Set the left stick fully 

down to land once IRISM is a few inches above 

the ground.

!
23

Postflight

1 Disarm 

motors.

After landing, hold 

the left stick downleft until the motors 

stop spinning.

2 Press safety 

button.

Press the safety 

button until it 

displays blinking 

red to make IRISM safe to handle.

3 Disconnect 

battery. 4 Power off 

controller.

Your first flight is now complete!

Follow the steps shown here and 

on the Flight Checklist every time 

you fly.

Tips for New Fliers: Practice these exercises to help you master flight controls.

Skill 1: Hover

Your first step is to maintain a consistent altitude while keeping IRIS-M oriented so 

the black arms face towards you and the blue arms face away from you. Practice 

taking off, rising to a comfortable hovering altitude, and keeping IRIS-M in place 

without allowing for any changes in orientation or position. If IRIS-M drifts forward, 

backward, left, or right, or rotates clockwise or counterclockwise, use the 

corresponding stick controls to correct.

Skill 2: Box

When you feel comfortable with your ability to maintain a consistent hovering 

altitude, try flying a box pattern. To practice this, take off, reach your hovering 

altitude, then fly forward, right, backward, and left by making small adjustments 

to the right stick. Make sure to fly the box in front of you and not around you. 

Use the left stick to rotate IRIS-M so the black arms face towards you and blue arms 

face away from you for the duration of the exercise.

Skill 3: Figure Eight

When you can confidently navigate a box while maintaining altitude and 

orientation, try flying a figure-eight pattern. Once again, make sure to fly the figure 

eight in front of you and not around you. Use the right stick to create a smooth 

flight path while using the left stick to correct orientation and maintain altitude.
24

Camera Setup

Remove the two screws securing the blue face plate to the 

gimbal, and remove the plate.

face plate

remove

Slide the camera into the housing 

with the lens nearest the top-right 

corner.

remove

Place the blue face plate over the camera, and secure from the 

back with the two original screws.

Add face plate.

tighten

1

2

3

Attach the GoPro® HERO to the gimbal.

Connect the mini-USB cable to the camera’s mini-USB port. Insert the 

mounting screw through the cable plate and attach to the hole in the 

gimbal marked below. This secures the cable to the camera.

4
25

Specifications

Autopilot: Pixhawk v2.4.5

Firmware: ArduCopter 3.2

GPS: 3DR uBlox GPS with Compass (LEA-6H module, 5 Hz update)

Telemetry radio: 3DR Radio Telemetry v2 (915 mHz or 433 mHz)

Motors: 950 kV

Frame type: V

Propellers: 9.5 x 4.5 T-Motor multirotor self-tightening counterclockwise (2)

 9.5 x 4.5 T-Motor multirotor self-tightening clockwise (2)

Gimbal: Tarot 2-D Brushless Gimbal

Battery: 3S 5.1 Ah 8C lithium polymer

Low battery voltage: 10.5 V

Maximum voltage: 12.6 V 

Battery cell limit: 3S

Battery weight: 320 g

IRIS-M is compatible with 3S lithium polymer batteries only. Using a 4S battery can 

cause permanent damage to the gimbal electronics and will void the warranty.

Weight with battery: 1,764 g (3.8 lbs)

Height: 210 mm 

Motor-to-motor: 550 mm 

Payload capacity: 330 g (.7 lbs)

Radio range: up to 1 km (.6 miles)

Flight time: 10 minutes*

*Flight time varies with payload, wind conditions, elevation, temperature, 

humidity, flying style, and pilot skill. Listed flight time applies to elevations 

less than 2,000 ft above sea level.

Resources

Hardware: 3dr.com/irism

Firmware: copter.ardupilot.com

Software: dronedeploy.com

3DR Store: store.3dr.com

Community: diydrones.com

Happy flying!
Support

Learn More

Visit 3dr.com/irism to learn about:

» 3PVTM Follow Me and Tower

» Replacing the arms and motors

» Updating firmware

» LED meanings and tones

» Calibrations

Visit copter.ardupilot.com to learn about:

» Additional flight modes

» Configuring parameters, including yaw behavior during 

 autonomous flight, descent speed during RTL, and more

Join the community and share your experience at diydrones.com.

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter @3drobotics.

We’re here to help.

online: 3dr.com/support

email: support@3dr.com

call: +1 (855) 982-2898 (toll free)

+1 (858) 225-1414 (direct)

IRIS-M Operation Manual vD | DCT0085 | ©3D Robotics, Inc. | 2015

GOPRO and HERO are trademarks or registered trademarks of GoPro, Inc.

Support line hours:

Mon-Fri 8 am to 5 pm PST