QUICK START GUIDE V1.2

ActionDrone, Inc. | Quick Start Guide v1.2 | 1
ActionDrone, Inc. | Quick Start Guide v1.2 | 2

Table of Contents

1.0 Getting Started...........................................................3-10

1.1 AD1 Contents ..................................................................................................3

1.2 AD1 Hardware Basics ..................................................................................4

 1.2.1 The Radio

 1.2.1.1 Roll, Pitch, Yaw, and Thrust joyticks

 1.2.1.2 Flight Mode Switch ........................................................................ 5

 1.2.1.3 Intelligent Orientation Control (IOC) Switch

 1.2.1.4 Gimbal Control Slider

 1.2.1.5 Gain Control Knob..........................................................................6

 1.2.1.6 Fail-Safe, “Return to Home” Switch

 1.2.1.7 Radio Menu and Menu Interface Buttons............................ 7

 1.2.1.8 Antenna and Orientation

 1.2.2 The Frame...................................................................................................8

 1.2.2.1 Propeller Orientation

 1.2.2.2 Opening and Closing the Frame Arms

 1.2.3 The Battery and Charger .....................................................................9

 1.2.3.1 Battery Mounting and Connecting

 1.2.3.2 Battery Use

 1.2.3.3 Battery Charger Use

 1.2.4 FPV Equipment ...................................................................................... 10

2.0 Flight .........................................................................10-11

	 2.1	 Preflight Preparation Checklist ............................................................ 10

	 2.2	 Basic Take-Off, Flying, and Landing Actions...................................11

 2.2.1 Initial Sequence

	 	 2.2.2 	Take-Off

 2.2.3 Maneuvering

	 	 2.2.4 	Landing and Shutdown Sequence

3.0 Information and Questions........................................12

3.1 Resources

3.2 Terms and Conditions
ActionDrone, Inc. | Quick Start Guide v1.2 | 3

1.1 AD1 Contents

1.0 Getting Started

1x Fully assembled

AD1 Carbon Fiber Frame

4x 650kv motors &

4x 11x3.7" carbon fiber propellers

1x 5300 mAh LiPo Battery

1x LiPo battery charger/discharger/balancer

1x Naza-M V2 flight 

controller with GPS

1x 4-in-1 ESC 1x 2-axis gimbal

1x Taranis 2.4 gHz Radio

If applicable, purchased FPV (First 

Person View) contents:

Figure 2: Optional FPV and components

1x FPV LCD screen

(not pictured: iOSD, video switcher)

1x Rx “cloverleaf” antenna

1x Tx “cloverleaf” antenna 1x Rx “flat panel” antenna

Action Drone AD1 RTF 

(Ready to Fly) contents:

Figure 1: RTF components
ActionDrone, Inc. | Quick Start Guide v1.2 | 4

1.2 AD1 Hardware Basics

1.2.1 Radio

The four main components you will use are the Radio, Frame, 

Battery, Charger, and FPV equipment (if applicable).

1.2.1.1 Joysticks - Roll, Pitch, Yaw, and Thrust

The left joystick controls the thrust and yaw (altitude and 

heading) of your AD1. The right joystick controls the roll and 

pitch (left/right and forward/backward) movement of your 

AD1. Controls are in reference to the AD1’s tail-end pointing 

towards you (Figure 4).

To “arm” the AD1 motors for flight, simultaneously move both

joysticks downwards and towards the center (Figure 5). Motors 

will turn on. Set thrust to 50% (halfway on the throttle stick). 

Wait a few seconds and bring thrust above 50% to take off.

A

I

J

D

E

B

H

F G

K

M

C

L

Figure 3: Radio functions

Figure 4: Frame Orientation

Figure 5: Joystick arming/disarming sequence

A Right joystick Roll/Pitch control

B Left joystick Yaw/Thrust control

C “SA” switch (blue) (IOC) Intelligent 

Orientation Control 

D “SD” switch (white) Flight modes

E Right slider Gimbal control

F “S1” knob (green) Gain control

G “SG” switch (red) Fail-Safe 

“Return-to-home” 

H Radio menu and menu interface buttons

I Power switch

J Antenna

K “SH” switch (green) Timer Value

L “SF” switch (yellow) Video switcher

M “S2” knob (yellow) Volume control

NOSE

TAIL

LEFT RIGHT
ActionDrone, Inc. | Quick Start Guide v1.2 | 5

1.2.1.2 Flight Mode Switch

Switch labeled “SD” on radio switches between three 

different flight modes of the AD1:

1. 	 “Manual” mode is flying without an auto leveling

feature. 

2. “Attitude” mode (“Atti mode”) is the recommended 

flight mode. If you return the stick to a neutral

position, the AD1 would level and drift to a halt in 

hover level.

3.	 “GPS” mode allows further stabilization in flight

and beneficial for GPS locking and Fail Safe

features. However, not recommended for standard 

flying or indoor flying.

1.2.1.3 Intelligent Orientation 

Control (IOC) Switch

Switching on the IOC (labeled “SA”), 

the AD1’s flight controller orientation is

automatically reoriented so that the side 

of the AD1 that faces yourself becomes 

the new “tail.” As a result in activating 

IOC, you can pilot the AD1 regardless of 

what direction the actual tail is facing.

1.2.1.4 Gimbal Control Slider

Turning the gimbal control slider on the radio 

changes the the vertical “pitch” view of the 

camera (how far up/down the camera faces).

The flight mode switch also has the ability the calibrate the GPS compass.

Activating the calibration mode using the flight mode switch sequence will

allow you the calibrate the GPS compass for safe and proper operation of 

the “GPS” mode and “fail-safe” features of the AD1.

Figure 6: Flight mode “SD” switch control positions

Figure 7: IOC and Gimbal Controls

Activating compass calibration. 

Your AD1 arrives calibrated, but if you 

reside outside the Pacfic Standard Time 

Zone, visit our YouTube channel to watch 

details on re-calibrating your compass:

youtube.com/user/ActionDroneUSA1/videos

youtu.be/AIPeF7XOtQg

“SA” Switch

Orientation 

Control (blue)

Gimbal 

Control 

Slider

1. Manual: 

First position

2. Attitude: 

Center position

3. GPS: 

Last position
ActionDrone, Inc. | Quick Start Guide v1.2 | 6

1.2.1.5 Gain Control Knob

We have programmed a Gain Control knob 

(green color, labeled “S1”). This gives the ability 

to change how docilely or aggressively the AD1 

flies with respect to your joystick input. This is

useful for changing your AD1 handling in flight

to equivocate for your flight skill level, flight

conditions, etc.

In all AD1 RTF’s, we have accurately preprogrammed the Gains percentages according 

to our Action Drone USA performance standards.

Figure 8: “S1” Gain control knob positioning

Figure 9: Activating/deactivating “SG” Fail-Safe control stick

Fail-Safe

“Return to 

Home”

(red color)

origin. The switch may be turned off

(switched away from you) when it is 

safe again to pilot the AD1.

Fail-safe/”return to home” can also 

be activated without the use of the 

control switch. In the cases in which 

the AD1 loses signal with the radio 

because of anomalous conditions or 

even by turning it off, the AD1 will

conduct its Fail-Safe function until 

radio signal once again attained or 

reaches its point of origin.

1.2.1.6 Fail-Safe, “Return to Home” Switch

This switch is used as an absolute, last resort, emergency in instances where your AD1 is positioned too far. 

Whether you can’t re-orient it to fly it back to yourself by line of sight (and/or is no longer pilotable by FPV, due to

an anomaly), activating the switch (switching towards you) will cause the AD1 to return to its’ launching point of 

IMPORTANT NOTE:

If you adjust the Gains without a full understanding of the 

mechanics, it will cause your craft to drift (yaw), upon flight. 

For AD1’s outfitted with a DJI Naza m V2 Flight Controller, you can 

download the Naza-M Assistant Software (also install DJI WIN Driver):

http://www.dji.com/product/naza-m/download
ActionDrone, Inc. | Quick Start Guide v1.2 | 7

1.2.1.7 Radio Menu and Menu Interface Buttons

Radio functions such as audible warning adjustment, timer calibration, 

and the access and creation of customizable flight profiles can be done

by using the menu buttons. Adjustment and alterations to these radio 

functions beyond stock delivery setup is to your own discretion.

Figure 11: Properly positioning the antenna orientation

1.2.1.8 Antenna and Orientation

The antenna is the main transmitting 

mechanism of the radio. It shall be oriented 

properly to allow full control of the AD1.

MODEL SETUP

Model Name

ModelImage

TImer 1

Persistent

Minute call

Countdown

Timer 2

MODEL SETUP

Quad

THs 12:00

OFF 12:00

2/13

MODEL SELECTION

01

02 AD1

03

04

05

06

07

30618 bytes free 1/13

109

272

AD1

SA^ 

SB^ 

SC^ 

SD^ 

SE^ 

SF^ 

SG^ 

SH^ 

7.4v

THs

12:

16 33

Figure 10.2: Accessing menu functions for flight 

profile access and flight profile adjustment

Figure 10.1: Welcome Panel

Figure 10.2: Page Access

Detailed manuals can be found on 

the FrSky website for Taranis radios: 

www.frsky-rc.com
ActionDrone, Inc. | Quick Start Guide v1.2 | 8

1.2.2 The Frame

1.2.2.1 Propeller Orientation

1.2.2.2 Opening and Closing the Frame Arms

The carbon frame holds all the major components 

together critical to flight and operations of the AD1.

As with all multirotors, the AD1 

propeller orientation is designed 

to stabilize motion and counteract 

torque in flight.

The AD1 quadcopter arrangement 

has one pair of propellers set to 

spin counterclockwise (CCW) and 

the second pair in clockwise (CW) 

direction.

When screwing on propellors, 

the washer plate must be placed 

between the propellors and the 

screws – to prevent carbon fiber

from damages.

Figure 12.2: Order from bottom to top: 

motor, propellor, plate, screws.

For portability and easy deployment, the AD1’s arms can be folded “closed”, to be stored away and “opened” for 

flight. When opened and closed, arms are respectively tightened and loosened with allen wrenches and ratchet tools

provided with the AD1 RTF kit.

Figure 12.1: AD1 propeller orientation

Figure 13: Locking/loosening arms

M1:

CCW

M3:

CCW

M2:

CW

M4:

CW
ActionDrone, Inc. | Quick Start Guide v1.2 | 9

1.2.3 The Battery and Charger

1.2.3.2 Battery Use

1.2.3.3 Battery Charger Use

1.2.3.1 Battery Mounting and Connecting

The battery provides the charge needed to power all the systems of the AD1. 

Flight times should never exceed the alarm timer limit value incorporated 

into the radio. Exceeding the timer value is at your own risk.

Follow the safety instructions on the Li-Po battery. Practice safe-handling

when using and storing Li-Po batteries. Never fully drain battery charge

upon use. 

The user declares that he/she has read and understood all safety 

instructions before use and agrees to take full responsibility of results 

caused by improper use.

Not only is the charger capable of charging the battery, it also can

perform other primary functions such as cell balancing and discharging. 

Never leave battery charger unattended while charging. Always unplug

fully charged batteries from charger (listen for beeping alerts).

The Li-Po battery is securely mounted underneath the frame by use of velcro surfaces and straps.

After mounting and returning the AD1 right side up, the battery can then be connected with the external power cable 

attached to the AD1. Also conduct battery connections on ground.

Figure 14: Mounting the LiPo battery underneath tail-end of the AD1

Figure 15.1: Battery

Figure 15.2: Battery Charger
ActionDrone, Inc. | Quick Start Guide v1.2 | 10

1.2.4 FPV Equipment

2.1 Preflight Preparation Checklist

The FPV (first person view)

equipment allows you to see 

through the onboard camera of 

the AD1 through either a pair 

of FPV goggles or a standard 

definition (SD)/high definition

(HD) FPV LCD screen. Both

equipment have a series of 

buttons that help you interface 

with the goggles/LCD screen

for proper usage.

2.0 Flight

Figure 16: 

LCD Screen and goggles

In order to ensure safe and smooth flight with your AD1, please perform this following checklist before flying:

1 Frame

Fully open & lock arms (ensure all screws are fastened securely)

Mount propellers onto motors (secure disc on top of the propeller) 

Check propeller orientation* (see diagram below)

Check for hanging loose parts

2 Battery

	 Check LiPo battery life is fully charged (16.8v)

	 Inspect for punctures or severe puffing (if so, discontinue use)

Secure battery with velcro straps/surface to bottom of AD1 (do not plug into AD1 yet)

3 Radio

Check radio battery life is fully charged

Inspect knobs, switches, and sticks for full range of motion

Orient antenna to receiver (recommend folded)

Check if timer is functioning correctly

4 GoPro Camera

Check GoPro camera battery life is fully charged

	 Verify memory card has sufficient space for recording footage

Inspect GoPro camera is securely fastened to gimbal mount

5 FPV Equipment (if applicable)

Check screen/goggles battery life is fully charged

Inspect antennas are fastenend 

Tune FPV equipment to the same channel

Check if FPV equipment on AD1 are plugged into onboard camera(s)

NOSE

TAIL

LEFT RIGHT

M2:

CW

M3:

CCW

M1:

CCW

M4:

CW

PropellEr Orientation
ActionDrone, Inc. | Quick Start Guide v1.2 | 11

2.2 Basic Take-Off, Flying and Landing Actions

2.2.1 Initial Sequence

Always start with the tail-end of the AD1 pointing directly towards you.

Left joystick = throttle/thrust and yaw (altitude and heading).

Right joystick = the roll and pitch (left/right and forward/backward) movement.

Please read carefully and follow these steps to have a safe flight with your AD1.

1 Frame and propeller preparation (pre-flight).

2 Mount the battery (do not plug in). Power on FPV screen/goggles.

3 Radio - Make sure all switches are in off position (pushed away from you) and throttle stick down. Turn on

	 radio. Set flight mode preference (Manual, Atti, GPS)*

4 Place AD1 on ground, tail-end towards you. Plug in the battery. Listen for 7-beep chime.

5 Wait for full GPS lock (flashing green lights); compass calibration may apply*.

	 If flying in conditions where GPS lock is unattainable or where GPS features are not needed, you can forgo

compass calibration at your own risk.

6 Power on GoPro camera; set record button.

7 Step 2 meters away from AD1. Initiate start sequence to turn on motors. Maneuver both joysticks downwards 

and towards the center. Motors will turn on.

2.2.2 Take-Off

8 	Set thrust to fifty percent, or halfway on the throttle stick. Wait a few seconds and then bring thrust above

	 	 50% to take off.

2.2.3 Maneuvering

Practice basic flight maneuvers: take off/landing, hover, rotate heading (yaw), forward/back/left/right (pitch/

roll). Intermediate maneuvers: 4-point box/circle formations, directional rotation, orbit turns, 

“Figure-8” formations. Review our Pilot Manual for detailed instructions: http://bit.ly/ADPilotManual

1. Take time familiarize yourself with hovering as well as ascending and descending by carefully 

manipulating thrust.

2. While in the air, perform careful and slow pitch and roll maneuvers to get a good feel on the lateral and 

longitudinal motion of the AD1.

3.	 When comfortable, gradually execute yaw turns when flying. Gradually familiarize yourself on the

orientation of the sticks with respect to the AD1 to the point where you can pilot it easily line of sight 

regardless of where the nose of the vehicle points.

2.2.4 Landing and Shutdown Sequence

9 Bring to a hover at a low height.

10 Slowly and incrementally bring thrust down until AD1 has landed.

11 When AD1 has landed bring thrust to zero. 

	 	 If motors remain idle, execute arming stick sequence to disarm and shut off motors.

12 Unplug AD1 battery on frame.

13 Turn off camera.

14 Turn off FPV equipment.

15 Turn off radio.
ActionDrone, Inc. | Quick Start Guide v1.2 | 12

3.0 Information and Questions

3.1 Resources

For more details regarding the information and use of provided equipment, please consult the printed supplemental 

documentation provided with your AD1 quadcopter. 

YouTube

Useful How To videos are available on our YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/user/ActionDroneUSA1/videos

Facebook Community

For Q/A or to interact with fellow AD1 enthusiasts, join our official Facebook Group Page:

www.facebook.com/groups/ActionDroneTeam

Email Support

However if further assistance and information is required regarding the use of your AD1, 

please contact support@actiondroneusa.com

3.2 Terms & Conditions

By using this product, it’s website and/or products manufactured by Action Drone, Inc., you automatically agree to the terms and policies laid out 

herein, this Quick Start Guide, and all other revised versions set forth. 

GENERAL | Action Drone USA sells multi-rotor platforms, components, and a variety of products made by manufacturers. Action Drone USA requires 

the Purchaser to be familiar with the proper use of multi-rotor technologies. All products are sold as is, without any guarantee that you have the 

right to use it in your country. The Purchaser is fully responsible for ensuring and obtaining the proper radio licensing (in the USA, “HAM” required 

for FPV and/or UHF long range systems or video transmission equipment), adhering to your government’s rules and regulations.

LIABILITY | Action Drone USA will not be held responsible for your actions, injuries, or damages caused by or through any products sold or endorsed 

on this website, by improper or even proper use, under any circumstance whatsoever. Action Drone USA flying platforms and products are for 

recreational and personal video use only.

SAFETY | The Purchaser acknowledges full understanding of the inherent danger involved when operating multi-rotor and other aerial models. 

Spinning propellers can cause severe injury. Warning: Never work on your models with mounted propellers.

WARRANTIES | Action Drone USA provides no warranties of any kind with the use of the systems sold.

LIABILITY | Action Drone USA will not be held responsible for your actions, injuries, or damages caused by or through any products sold or endorsed 

on this website, by improper or even proper use, under any circumstance whatsoever.

SHIPPING | The Purchaser must accept all Mail Carriers used by Action Drone USA (USPS, UPS, FedEx, etc). Each product is carefully packaged 

to prevent shipping damage. Action Drone USA has no control over the internal processes, delays of Mail Carriers, nor will be held liable for any 

damages, mistakes, custom holds, lost packages, or other issues made by the Mail Carriers or the local postal system in your country. For orders 

shipped outside USA, you are fully responsible for any and all import duties your local customs office may impose on your order. If a package is 

returned to Action Drone USA due to the Mail Carrier’s inability to collect customs duties or deliver the package to your provided ship-to address, 

Action Drone USA will not refund shipping costs when and if the package is returned to Action Drone USA.

RETURNS | Each assembled Flying Platform is flight tested and approved. Action Drone USA will only accept returns for items unused and in their 

original packaging, manuals, cables, etc. A 10% restocking fee will be required. The Purchaser is responsible for shipping fees and items packaged 

must be protected with packaging that prevents shipping damage. It may take up to 2-3 weeks for funds to be refunded into the Purchaser’s bank.

If the item is repairable, Action Drone USA can assist in walk-through repair recommendations via phone or email, but will not be responsible for any 

damages further caused by the Purchaser or Mail Carrier. Action Drone USA can repair the items for a negotiable fee. The Purchaser will responsible 

for all shipping fees.

 

IN NO EVENT SHALL ACTION DRONE USA BE LIABLE FOR SPECIAL, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES RELATED TO THE 

USE OF PRODUCTS SOLD. INDEMNITy: PURCHASER SHALL INDEMNIFY AND HOLD HARMLESS ACTION DRONE USA, ITS OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, 

AGENTS, REPRESENTATIVES, MANUFACTURERS, VENDORS AND EMPLOYEES FROM ANY AND ALL CLAIMS, LIABILITIES, DAMAGES, AND 

EXPENSES (INCLUDING ATTORNEYS FEES ACTUALLY INCURRED) ON ACCOUNT OF DEATH OR INJURY TO ANY PERSON OR DAMAGE TO ANY 

PROPERTY ARISING FROM OR IN CONNECTION WITH ANY GOODS SUPPLIED. THIS INDEMNITY SHALL APPLY WITHOUT REGARD TO WHETHER 

THE CLAIM, DAMAGE, LIABILITY OR EXPENSE IS BASED ON BREACH OF CONTRACT, BREACH OF WARRANTY, NEGLIGENCE, STRICT LIABILITY, OR 

OTHER TORT.