# User Manual 

# TM

# 3DR Support Contact 3DR Support for questions and technical help. online: 3dr.com/support email: support@3dr.com call: +1 (858) 225-1414 (direct) +1 (855) 982-2898 (toll free in the US and Canada) Support line hours: Mon-Fri 8 am to 5 pm PST

3D Robotics (3DR) 1608 4th Street, Suite 410 Berkeley, CA 94710 Tel. +1 (858) 225-1414 3dr.com

Solo User Manual V9 © 2015 3D Robotics Inc. Solo is a trademark of 3D Robotics, Inc. GoPro, HERO, the GoPro logo, and the GoPro Be a HERO logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of GoPro, Inc.

# 1 Contents 1 Introduction 1 1.1 System Overview 1 1.2 Aircraft Overview 2 1.3 Controller Overview 3 1.4 Operating Parameters 4 1.5 Autopilot 5 1.6 Propulsion 5 1.7 LED Meanings 5 2 Setup 6 2.1 In the Box - Solo with The Frame 6 2.2 In the Box - Solo with 3-Axis Gimbal 6 2.3 Battery 6 2.4 Controller 8 2.5 Propellers 9 2.6 Camera 10 2.7 Mobile App 11 3 The Solo Gimbal 16 3.1 In the Box 16 3.2 Gimbal Installation 16 3.3 Gimbal Operation 22 4 Safety 25 4.1 Location 25 4.2 Environmental Awareness 25 4.3 Visual Line of Sight 25 4.4 Flight School 26 4.5 Propellers 26 4.6 GPS 26 4.7 Home Position 27 4.8 Altitude Limit 27 4.9 Emergency Procedures 27 4.10 Flight Battery 28 4.11 Controller 28 4.12 Antenna Configuration 29 5 First Flight 30 5.1 Preflight Checklist 30 5.2 Takeoff 30 5.3 Landing 31 5.4 Return Home 32 5.5 In-Flight Data 34 5.6 Joystick Control 35 6 Using the Solo App 38 6.1 App Interface Overview 38 6.2 Smart Shots 47 6.3 Selfie 48 6.4 Cable Cam 50 6.5 Orbit 55 6.6 Follow 57iv 7 Alerts 60 7.1 Preflight Errors 60 7.2 In-Flight Errors 61 8 Advanced Settings 65 8.1 Advanced Flight Modes 65 8.2 Enabling Advanced Flight Modes 66 8.3 Accessing Advanced Flight Modes 66 8.4 Home Position Safety 66 8.5 Performance Adjustment 66 8.6 Units 67 8.7 Maximum Altitude Adjustment 67 8.8 Map Tile Provider (Android only) 67 9 Support 68 10 Maintenance 69 10.1 Controller Battery Replacement 69 10.2 Calibrations 69 10.3 Pairing the Controller 70 10.4 Legs 71 10.5 Battery Tray 75 10.6 Motor Mods 76 10.7 Factory Reset 78 11 Appendix 80 11.1 Specifications 80 11.2 Warranty 81 11.3 Regulatory Compliance 81v 

# 1.1 Figures Figure 1.1.3.1: Solo System Context Diagram 1 Figure 1.2.4.1: Solo Overview 2 Figure 1.3.10.1: Controller Overview 4 Figure 1.4.1: Solo Operating Parameters 4 Figure 1.6.1: Solo Motor Order 5 Figure 2.1.1: Solo Parts 6 Figure 2.2.1: Solo with 3-Axis Gimbal Parts 6 Figure 2.3.1.1: Charing the Solo Smart Battery 7 Figure 2.3.2.1: Powering Solo 8 Figure 2.4.1.1: Controller Charging 8 Figure 2.4.2.1: Power On Controller 9 Figure 2.5.1.1: Attach Propellers 9 Figure 2.6.1.1: Attach Camera 10 Figure 2.6.2.1: Camera Configuration Process 10 Figure 2.7.3.1: Connect to Solo Link 11 Figure 2.7.4.1: App - Settings Menu 11 Figure 2.7.4.2: App - Wi-Fi Settings 12 Figure 2.7.5.1: Controller Preflight Update Prompt 12 Figure 2.7.5.2: App - Software Update 12 Figure 2.7.5.3: App - Connecting Instructions 12 Figure 2.7.5.4: App - Instructions List 13 Figure 2.7.5.5: App - Download Update 13 Figure 2.7.5.6: App - Start Update 13 Figure 2.7.5.7: Controller - Updating 13 Figure 2.7.5.8: App - Update Disconnection Confirmation 14 Figure 2.7.5.9: Controller Update Complete Displays 14 Figure 2.7.5.10: Controller - Waiting for Solo 14 Figure 2.7.5.11: App - Update Success 14 Figure 2.7.6.1: App - Viewing Video 15 Figure 3.1.1: Solo Gimbal Parts 16 Figure 3.2.1.1: Removing The Frame 17 Figure 3.2.2.1: Connecting cables 17 Figure 3.2.3.1: Positioning the Gimbal Cable 18 Figure 3.2.3.2: Positioning the HDMI Cable 18 Figure 3.2.4.1: Mounting the Gimbal 19 Figure 3.2.5.1: HDMI Plug Positioning 19 Figure 3.2.5.2: Attach GoPro 20 Figure 3.2.5.3: Fasten Camera 20 Figure 3.2.6.1: GoPro Weight Balancing 20 Figure 3.2.7.1: Adding the Sunshade 21 Figure 3.2.9.1: Camera Configuration Process 22 Figure 3.3.1.1: Gimbal Controls 22 Figure 3.3.2.1: LED Gimbal Signal 23 Figure 4.4.1: App Flight School 26 Figure 4.9.5.1: Controller - Motor Shutoff 28 Figure 4.12.1: Controller Antenna Orientation 29 Figure 5.2.1.1: Controller - Start Motors Prompt 30 Figure 5.2.2.1: Controller - Takeoff Prompts 31 Figure 5.3.1: Controller - User-Initiated Landing 31 Figure 5.4.1: Return Home Button 32 Figure 5.4.1.1: The Cone Zone 32 Figure 5.4.2.1: Above Return Home 33 Figure 5.4.2.2: Within the Cone 33 Figure 5.4.2.3: Below Return Home and Outside the Cone 34 Figure 5.5.1: Controller - In-Flight Data 34 Figure 5.6.1: Controller Left Joystick 35 Figure 5.6.2: Throttle Joystick Behaviors 35 Figure 5.6.3: Yaw Joystick Behavior 36vi Figure 5.6.4: Controller Right Joystick Controls 36 Figure 5.6.5: Pitch Joystick Controls 37 Figure 5.6.6: Roll Joystick Controls 37 Figure 6.1.1: Solo App Home Screen 38 Figure 6.1.1.1: App - Plan your flight screen 39 Figure 6.1.1.2: App - Planning map zoomed out 39 Figure 6.1.1.3: App - Proscribed area description 39 Figure 6.1.1.4: App - List of proscribed locations 40 Figure 6.1.1.5: App - Filters 40 Figure 6.1.2.1: App - Main Interface 42 Figure 6.1.2.2: Advanced telemetry data 42 Figure 6.1.3.1: Initial Map Screen 43 Figure 6.1.3.2: Map Screen During Caching 43 Figure 6.1.4.1: Camera button states 44 Figure 6.1.4.2: Tap for Camera Settings 45 Figure 6.1.4.3: In-App Camera Settings 45 Figure 6.1: App - Main Screen 47 Figure 6.2: App - Shot List 47 Figure 6.3.1: Selfie Path and Settings 48 Figure 6.3.1.1: App - Selfie Activation 48 Figure 6.3.2.1: App - Selfie Control 49 Figure 6.3.2.2: Controller - Selfie Control 49 Figure 6.3.3.1: App - Selfie Settings 49 Figure 6.4.1.1: App - Cable Cam Setup 50 Figure 6.4.2.1: App - Cable Cam Controls 51 Figure 6.4.2.2: Controller - Cable Cam Controls 51 Figure 6.4.3.1: App - Cable Cam Settings with Time Lapse off 52 Figure 6.4.3.2: App - Cable Cam Settings with Time Lapse on 52 Figure 6.4.4.1: App - Cable Cam Smart Shots screen 53 Figure 6.4.4.2: App - Cable Cam Smart Shots screen 53 Figure 6.4.5.1: App - Selecting Saved Shots for Deletion 54 Figure 6.4.6.1: App - Prompt to Correct Solo Position 54 Figure 6.4.6.2: App - Prompt to load saved Cable Cam sequence 55 Figure 6.5.1.1: App - Orbit Setup 56 Figure 6.5.2.1: App - Orbit Controls 56 Figure 6.5.2.2: Orbit Controls 56 Figure 6.5.3.1: App - Orbit Settings 57 Figure 6.6.1.1: Follow in Look At Me mode 58 Figure 6.6.1.2: Follow in Follow mode 58 Figure 6.6.2.1: Follow Controls 58 Figure 6.6.3.1: App - Follow Settings 59 Figure 6.6.3.2: App - Free Look warning 59 Figure 7.1.1.1: Controller - Calibration in Progress Alerts 60 Figure 7.1.1.2: Controller - Uneven Surface Alert 60 Figure 7.1.1.3: Controller - Re-Calibration Required Alerts 60 Figure 7.1.1.4: Controller - Calibration Error Alert 61 Figure 7.1.2.1: Controller - Service Alerts 61 Figure 7.2.1.1: Controller - Altitude Limit Alert 61 Figure 7.2.2.1: Controller - App Connection Alerts 62 Figure 7.2.3.1: Controller - Controller Disconnected Alert 62 Figure 7.2.3.2: Controller - Controller Signal Alerts 62 Figure 7.2.4.1: Controller - GPS Signal Alerts 63 Figure 7.2.5.1: Controller - Low Battery Alerts 63 Figure 7.2.5.2: Controller - Critical Battery Alert 63 Figure 7.2.6.1: Controller - Controller Battery Alerts 64 Figure 8.2.1: App - Advanced Settings 66 Figure 8.3.1: App - A and B Presets 66 Figure 8.5.1: App - Performance Sliders 67 Figure 8.6.1: App - Change Units 67 Figure 8.7.1: App - Altitude Limit 67vii Figure 9.1: App - Submit Trouble Ticket 68 Figure 10.1.1: Controller Battery Installation 69 Figure 10.2.1.1: App - Compass Calibration Setup 69 Figure 10.2.1.2: App - Compass Calibration Procedure 70 Figure 10.2.2.1: App - Level Calibration 70 Figure 10.3.1: Pair Button 70 Figure 10.3.2: Detected Solo 71 Figure 10.3.3: Solo Paired 71 Figure 10.4.1: Leg Types 71 Figure 10.4.1.1: Standard Leg Replacement Process 72 Figure 10.4.2.1: Detaching the Antenna from the Leg 72 Figure 10.4.2.2: Attaching a New Leg with an Existing Antenna 72 Figure 10.4.2.3: Attaching an Existing Antenna to a New Leg 73 Figure 10.4.3.1: Compass Connector on Mainboard 73 Figure 10.4.3.2: Insert New Leg with Compass 74 Figure 10.5.1.1: GPS Cover Removal 75 Figure 10.5.2.1: Battery Tray Removal 75 Figure 10.5.2.2: Battery Tray Detachment 75 Figure 10.6.1: LED Cover Removal 76 Figure 10.6.2: Motor Pod Removal 76 Figure 10.6.3: Motor Pod Disconnection 77 Figure 10.6.4: Motor Pod Connection 77 Figure 10.6.5: Motor Pod and LED Cover Attachment 77 Figure 10.7.1: Pair Button 78 Figure 10.7.2: Strobing Pairing Light 78 Figure 10.7.3: Controller Reset 79 Figure 10.7.4: Controller Update 79 Figure 10.7.2.5: Controller Screen After Reset 791 

# 1 Introduction We designed Solo to be the perfect aerial-video tool. It’s powerful, simple and reliable with intuitive Smart Shots inspired by our favorite cinema pilots. With Solo, you don’t need a professional camera crew, you can get the perfect shot every time. We’re excited to share our passion with you and help you see your world from a new perspective. Join us in capturing the next evolution of creative videography 

# 1.1 System Overview The Solo system includes Solo, the Controller, and the Solo App. As the operator, you interact with the controller and app on the ground, and the controller communicates with Solo during flight.
1.1.1 Solo Solo is a small unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) powered by four motors and four propellers. Solo’s onboard computers control navigation, attitude, and communications in flight while sending real-time telemetry and video output and receiving control inputs over the 3DR Link secure Wi-Fi network. Solo is optimized for capturing aerial video using a GoPro® HERO camera.
1.1.2 ControllerThe controller provides control mechanisms and displays in-flight data on a full-color screen. Using twin longrange antennas, the controller acts as the central hub for all communication on the 3DR Link network, receiving all communications from Solo and the app, forwarding telemetry outputs to the app, and managing the transmission of all control inputs to Solo. 1.1.3 App The Solo App outputs a live video stream from an onboard GoPro® camera to an Android or iOS device. The App allows you to view the live video with overlaid telemetry and access a simplified graphic interface for controlling Solo’s advanced functions. The App also connects to the 3DR SoloLink network to receive video and telemetry outputs and send control inputs.

Figure 1.1.3.1 : Solo System Context Diagram 1.1.4 3-Axis Gimbal The 3-Axis Solo Gimbal provides greater control of GoPro® HERO cameras. The Gimbal is included, fully installed, in the package Solo with 3-Axis Gimbal and is also available separately for Solo. This powerful accessory is fully covered in Chapter 3 of this manual. Video output Telemetry output Control input

Operator 3DR Solo Controller 3DR Solo 3DR Solo

App Air Ground

3DR Link Secure WiFi

Network2 

# 1.2 Aircraft Overview

1.2.1 Smart Battery The battery connects to Solo’s battery bay. Solo’s power button is located on the battery; Solo can be powered only when the battery is connected.
1.2.2 Motors and Propellers Solo’s arms are labeled 1 through 4 on the ends of the arms. Motors on arms #1 and #2 spin counterclockwise and use clockwise-tightening propellers with silver tops. Motors on arms #3 and #4 spin clockwise and use counterclockwise-tightening propellers with black tops.
1.2.3 Orientation LEDs Each arm contains an LED for ground-to-air directional awareness; when armed for flight, the two front arms (#1 and #3) display white, and the two rear arms (#2 and #4) display red. This LED scheme mimics the headlight and taillight style of a car.
1.2.4 Fixed Camera Mount and HDMI Cable Solo includes a GoPro® The Frame fixed mount to mount a GoPro® HERO camera. The HDMI cable connects to the GoPro® to output video during flight.

Figure 1.2.4.1 : Solo Overview Silver-top propeller Power button Battery Rear orientation LEDs Black-top propeller Motor Arm numbering Front orientation LEDs
Fixed camera mount HDMI cable Height: 10.2” Motor-to-motor: 18.1” Weight (no camera): 3.3 lbs.3 

# 1.3 Controller Overview

1.3.1 Mobile-Device Holder Mount an Android or iOS device to run the Solo App and effortlessly integrate the App into the controller’s operational flow. A user-supplied smartphone or tablet is required to initialize Solo and use Smart Shots.
1.3.2 Joysticks The controller’s left and right joysticks provide direct manual control of Solo and physical control mechanisms for use with Smart Shots.
1.3.3 Screen The controller’s full-color screen provides live in-flight data and prompts for certain Solo functions.
1.3.4 Power Button Press the power button once to check the controller’s battery level. Hold the power button until you see the controller startup screen to power on the controller.
1.3.5 Fly Button The Fly button lets you control Solo’s main flight functions: starting motors, takeoff, land, and activating GPS flight.
1.3.6 Return Home The Return Home button allows you to end your flight automatically at any point by returning Solo to its original launch point and landing.
1.3.7 Pause Button The Pause button is Solo’s emergency air brake. Press Pause to stop Solo and hover in place at any time.
1.3.8 Option Buttons The A and B buttons change functionality based on where you are in the operational flow. The screen shows the currently assigned functions of A and B at all times. You can program A and B to specific functions using the App. By default, the A button is assigned to Cable Cam and the B button is assigned to Orbit.
1.3.9 Antennas The controller’s long-range dipole antennas communicate with Solo during flight. See Section 4.12 for proper antenna configuration.
1.3.10 Gimbal Controls Use the paddle, buttons, and dial on the top of the controller are used to control the Solo Gimbal. You can also use them in some Smart Shots.4 Figure 1.3.10.1 : Contr Antennas

Mobile-device holder

Gimbal controls Joysticks

Screen

Pause Return home Fly Power Options oller Overview 

# 1.4 Operating Parameters The following operating parameters apply to Solo. Always operate Solo within these parameters. Solo’s performance and behaviors may vary significantly if flying in that conditions violate the paramet ers listed below.

Figure 1.4.1 : Solo Operating Parameters * 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. ** To adjust maximum altitude, see Section 8.7. *** Depending on environmental conditions **** This top speed corresponds to Solo when operating in Fly mode. Maximum speeds for advanced modes may vary; see Section 8.1 for more information. Estimated flight time up to 25 minutes* Default maximum altitude 150 ft. (46 m) above ground level** Range .5 mile*** (.8 km) Payload capacity 1 lb. (450 g) Cruise speed 18 mph (8 m/s) Maximum speed 33 mph (15 m/s)  Wind speed limitation 25 mph (11 m/s) Operating temperature 32° F - 113° F (0° C to 45° C)5 

# 1.5 Autopilot Solo uses a Pixhawk 2 autopilot running ArduPilot Copter software. ArduPilot is open-source flight control based on the MAVlink communication protocol. Pixhawk 2 runs an ARM Cortex-M4 STM32F427 processor with 2 MB of flash memory and 256 KB of RAM. Combined with an array of CAN, I2C, SPI, PWM, and UART interfaces, Pixhawk 2 uses a suite of onboard sensors to calculate Solo’s orientation and motion in flight. This data is input into ArduPilot’s inertial navigation and position-estimation algorithms and combined with control inputs to send commands to Solo’s propulsion system. 

# 1.6 Propulsion Solo uses four brushless 880 K v motors and four self-tightening propellers for propulsion. For control and aerodynamic efficiency, two motors spin clockwise and two motors spin counterclockwise. Navigation in the air is achieved by mixing propulsion of the four motors to actuate flight control along the roll, pitch, and yaw axes. Each of the four motors is numbered by the marking on the arm. These numbers correspond to the autopilot calculations for these commands and are used for indicating motor replacement procedures. Each motor is controlled by an ESC (Electronic Speed Controller) that regulates the rotation of the motors to achieve the speed commanded by the autopilot.

Figure 1.6.1 : So 03 01

02 04

lo Motor Order 

# 1.7 LED Meanings Solo’s four LEDs indicate its status during startup and in flight.

• Solid white (front) and red (back): Ready to fly, standard flight configuration
• Pulsing white (front) and red (back): Solo is flying under autopilot control
• Flashing red alternating front and back: Controller signal lost
• Flashing rainbow: Update in progress
• Solid green, then turning off one-by-one: Startup successful
• Solid green without turning off automatically: Startup unsuccessful, please restart Solo6 

# 2 Setup This section covers everything you need to set up Solo out of the box. 

# 2.1 In the Box - Solo with The Frame The Solo package includes the Solo Vehicle with The Frame (for mounting a GoPro camera), the Solo Controller, propellers (four plus two spares), the Solo Smart Battery, the Solo Smart Battery charger, and a charger for the Solo Controller.

Figure 2.1.1 : Solo Parts 

# 2.2 In the Box - Solo with 3-Axis Gimbal The Solo with 3-Axis Gimbal package includes the Solo Vehicle with 3-Axis Gimbal installed, the Solo Controller, propellers (four plus four spares), the Solo Smart Battery, the Solo Smart Battery charger, and a charger for the Solo Controller.

Figure 2.2.1 : Solo with Installed Gimbal Four silver-top props & four black-top props

Controller

Solo charger Controller charger

Solo with 3-Axis Gimbal Parts 

# 2.3 Battery Solo is powered by the rechargeable Solo Smart Battery, which provides up to 25 minutes of flight time per full charge. (Note: Flight time depends on payload, wind conditions, elevation, temperature, humidity, flying style and Solo Three silver-top props & three black-top props

Controller

Solo charger Controller charger7 pilot skill, so the actual flight time may vary.) As a lithium polymer battery, the Solo Smart Battery requires specific handling practices to ensure safe operation and prevent accidents. For more information about battery safety, see Section 4.10, Flight Battery, on page 28
. 2.3.1 Charging The level of the battery charge is indicated by the lights below the power button. Press the power button once to display the current power level. The Solo Smart Battery ships with approximately 50% charge, so charge fully before your first flight for maximum flight time. Remove the battery from Solo before charging by holding the release button and sliding the battery towards the back of Solo. Charge the battery using the designated Solo charger only; using a different charger can damage the battery or cause a fire. To charge the battery, connect the Solo charger to the battery and a wall outlet. While charging, the indicator lights pulse at the current level. An additional indicator on the battery charger turns from red to green when the battery is fully charged. The battery takes approximately 1.5 hours to charge to 100%. The optimal storage charge for the Solo Smart Battery is 50%. Storing the Solo Smart Battery at an excessively depleted charge (7 percent and under) for an extended period might result in shorter battery life or permanent damage to the battery.

Figure 2.3.1.1 : Charing Charge indicator

Charge indicator
the Solo Smart Battery
2.3.2 Powering To power Solo, insert the Smart Battery into Solo’s battery bay and slide the battery forward until it clicks into place. To turn on Solo, press and hold the battery power button. When Solo powers on, the battery displays an LED animation and you hear the startup tone. Power Solo only with the designated 3DR Solo Smart Battery; using a different battery can permanently damage Solo.
Before powering on, make sure Solo is level and keep Solo still during startup and while the sensors initialize. Moving Solo during this process causes the sensors to calibrate incorrectly and can create a preflight error or affect in-flight performance.8 Figure 2.3.2.1 : Poweri 

### 1 Slide to connect 2 Hold to power

ng Solo 

# 2.4 Controller The Solo Controller includes a pre-installed rechargeable lithium ion (Li-ion) battery.
2.4.1 Charging Charge the controller using the designated controller charger only; using a different charger can damage the controller or cause a fire. To charge the controller, connect the controller charger to the barrel jack on the side of the controller and to a wall outlet. To check the battery level of the controller, press the power button. A fully charged controller lasts for approximately 6 hours. Always check the controller’s battery level before you fly, and recharge when prompted by the controller. The controller takes approximately three hours to charge to 100%.

Figure 2.4.1.1 : Controll er Charging9 2.4.2 Powering To power on the controller, press and hold the controller power button until you see the startup screen.

Figure 2.4.2.1 : Power On C ontroller 

# 2.5 Propellers Solo uses two types of self-tightening propellers, indicated by the color of the circle at the center of the propeller.
2.5.1 Attaching Attach the propellers with silver tops to the motors with a silver dot on the top of the motor shaft, and attach the black-top propellers to the motors with black dots. Make sure to remove the paper labels from the motors before attaching the propellers. Silver-top propellers tighten clockwise; black-top propellers tighten counterclockwise. Check the lock and unlock icons on each propeller to see the correct directions for tightening and removing.

Figure 2.5.1.1 : Attac h Propellers10 

# 2.6 Camera The Solo package includes a fixed GoPro® The FrameTM mount for your GoPro® HERO 3, 3+ or 4. Note : If you have Solo with 3-Axis Gimbal or have installed the Gimbal separately, see Section 3.2.5, Camera Installation, on page 19
. 2.6.1 Attaching GoPro to The Frame To attach the camera to the GoPro® The FrameTM fixed mount, insert your GoPro® upside down and connect the Solo HDMI cable to the camera.

Figure 2.6.1.1 : Attach C GoPro ® The Frame TM Your GoPro ® HERO 3, 3+ or 4 Mount your GoPro ® upside down. Connect the HDMI cable.

amera 2.6.2 Settings For best results, adjust the camera settings for inverted orientation and medium field of view. (Setting the field of view to medium ensures that you won’t see the propellers in the frame.)

Figure 2.6.2.1 Set the GoPro ® HERO3 to inverted orientation:

Enable GoPro ® HERO4 auto-orientation:

Set the GoPro ® to medium field of view: GoPro ® Settings Camera Orientation

GoPro ® Settings ORIENTATION

SETUP OFF
:OFF :UP :VIDEO ORIENTATION OFF
:OFF :AUTO :VIDEO EXIT

EXIT RESET CAM

ORIENTATION SETUP OFF
:OFF :UP :VIDEO ORIENTATION OFF
:OFF :AUTO :VIDEO EXIT

EXIT RESET CAM

: Camera Configuration Process Make sure the Wi-Fi on your GoPro ® is turned OFF. Otherwise, it can interfere with Solo’s communication signals and cause unexpected behavior.11 

# 2.7 Mobile App The Solo App provides a streaming-video link to a mobile device and a simple graphic interface for using Smart Shots and other advanced Solo features. 2.7.1 Install Visit 3dr.com/soloapp or download “3DR Solo” from the App Store or Google Play Store. 3DR Solo works with iOS 8.0 or later and Android 4.3 or later. For Android, you must also install the “3DR Services” app to your device. 2.7.2 Register The first time you run the App, you’re prompted for registration information and the Solo serial number. You also have the option to view some intro videos. Once you’ve completed this process, you’re taken to the home screen of the App. 2.7.3 Connect to Solo To connect the App to Solo’s 3DR Link Wi-Fi network, tap the Connect button on the home page of the App and follow the prompts. When in the Wi-Fi settings on the mobile device, connect to SoloLink_####. Enter the temporary password “sololink”. Once connected, return to the app to continue. Both Solo and the controller must be powered on to connect to the App.

Figure 2.7.3.1 : Connect to So Settings
Airplane Mode WI-FI Bluetooth Cellular Solo_Link-#### On

Notifications Control Center Do Not Disturb 7:34 PM L T E

General Sounds Wallpapers & Brightness Privacy lo Link 2.7.4 Change SoloLink Password Once connected to Solo Wi-Fi, change your password to secure your SoloLink network as follows: Access the Settings section by tapping Settings at the bottom-right of the home screen, then choose Solo to access the options for your drone.

Figure 2.7.4.1 : App - Settings Menu In the Solo section, select Solo Name & Wi-Fi, and set a new password. The password should be between 8 and 32 characters with no spaces. Select Apply to enable your changes. If you forget your SoloLink password, perform the factory reset procedure described in Section 10.7 to reset the password to the temporary password (sololink).12 Figure 2.7.4.2 : App - Wi- Fi Settings
2.7.5 Update Before your first flight, use the App to perform the required first-flight update of Solo and the Controller. The Controller will prompt you for the update with the preflight update alert. Ensure that both the controller and Solo are powered, the Controller has at least 50% battery remaining, and the app is connected to Solo Wi-Fi. The total update process can take up to 10 minutes.

Figure 2.7.5.1 : Controller Preflig ** ARTOO UPDATE SCREEN FEEDBACK V10C**
Update Requirement Screen



### Controller updated Controller update in progress screen Is displayed after user initiates update in app. Persists until controller update is successful.

Update complete feedback. Tells the user that controller update was successful. HAPTIC: Three 20 millisecond pulses, to communicate update completion. A-Press required to dimiss (same as current implementation) 

### Controllerupdating Update will take about 5 minut es Please ensure charger is connected Controller may go dark while updating

Please reconnect to Sololink wifi **Press to continue**

Returns user to hold-Fly-button screen Green Solo LEDs (showing update complete) change to standard red and white when this screen is displayed 

### preflight update Required before first flight! Use 3DR Solo App to update 

### update error Solo and Controller have different software versions Use 3DR Solo app to update the system

Waiting for Solo Persists until Solo reconnects
or Artoo auto-shutdown Solo-Artoo version mismatch If Solo and Artoo have a mismatched version on startup this message is displayed in the update ow in place of the “preight update” screen.

**Press when LEDs are green**
Update complete (Connects to matching version Solo)

Prompt stays on screen until update is successful. Post Unlock Behavior After system is unlocked, user should be able to y using Artoo / Solo versions that were last successfully installed. (Even if they have failed in their most recent update attempt.) Update unsuccessful (Artoo and Solo version mismatch) Update Timeout If update does not complete in X minutes Update-unsuccessful screen is displayed Update Timeout If update does not complete in X minutes “update-unsuccessful” screen is displayed Update failure If update fails, display “update unsuccessful” screen



### update unsuccessful

Please use 3DR Solo app to try the update again 

### waiting for Solo

**Cable Cam Orbit**  FLY 12

**FLY**

Hold to start motors ht Update Prompt To start the update, open the Settings menu in the App, and select Software Update.

Figure 2.7.5.2 : App - Software Update Because your mobile device has never connected to this Solo before, you will need to link your device with Solo Wi-Fi (SoloLink).

Figure 2.7.5.3 : App - Connectin g Instructions13 Then follow these instructions to connect to Solo Wi-Fi:

Figure 2.7.5.4 : App - Instructi ons List Once connected, return to the App and you will be notified of the current version you are about to update to. To continue, select Download Update. For this step you will need an Internet connection, either cellular data or Wi-Fi. If you opt to use Wi-Fi, you’ll need switch from SoloLink to your Wi-Fi network.

Figure 2.7.5.5 : App - Downloa d Update When the App detects an active connection with the controller, it prompt you to begin the update. (Solo and the controller must be powered on to connect to Solo Wi-Fi.) To start the update, select Begin.

Figure 2.7.5.6 : App - Star t Update While the update is in progress, the controller shows the controller updating display. The controller completes a full restart as part of the update process, which can take up to five minutes.

Figure 2.7.5.7 : Controller - Updating

**ARTOO UPDATE SCREEN FEEDBACK V10C**
Update Requirement Screen



### Controller updated Controller update in progress screen Is displayed after user initiates update in app. Persists until controller update is successful.

Update complete feedback. Tells the user that controller update was successful. HAPTIC: Three 20 millisecond pulses, to communicate update completion. A-Press required to dimiss (same as current implementation) 

### Controllerupdating Update will take about 5 minut es Please ensure charger is connected Controller may go dark while updating

Please reconnect to Sololink wifi **Press to continue**

Returns user to hold-Fly-button screen Green Solo LEDs (showing update complete) change to standard red and white when this screen is displayed 

### preflight update Required before first flight! Use 3DR Solo App to update 

### update error Solo and Controller have different software versions Use 3DR Solo app to update the system

Waiting for Solo Persists until Solo reconnects
or Artoo auto-shutdown Solo-Artoo version mismatch If Solo and Artoo have a mismatched version on startup this message is displayed in the update ow in place of the “preight update” screen.

**Press when LEDs are green**
Update complete (Connects to matching version Solo)

Prompt stays on screen until update is successful. Post Unlock Behavior After system is unlocked, user should be able to y using Artoo / Solo versions that were last successfully installed. (Even if they have failed in their most recent update attempt.) Update unsuccessful (Artoo and Solo version mismatch) Update Timeout If update does not complete in X minutes Update-unsuccessful screen is displayed Update Timeout If update does not complete in X minutes “update-unsuccessful” screen is displayed Update failure If update fails, display “update unsuccessful” screen



### update unsuccessful

Please use 3DR Solo app to try the update again 

### waiting for Solo

**Cable Cam Orbit**  FLY 12

**FLY**

Hold to start motors14 Because the Controller must restart as part of the update process, your device will lose its connection to Solo Wi-Fi. When you see the following screen, select Next to continue.

Figure 2.7.5.8 : App - Update Disconnecti on Confirmation The Controller restarts and displays a green checkmark to indicate its update was successful. When you see the green checkmark on the controller, reconnect to Solo Wi-Fi in the app and press A on the controller to continue the update.

Figure 2.7.5.9 : Controller Update Complete Displays After you press A, Solo restarts to complete the update. While Solo restarts, the controller displays “waiting for Solo.”

Figure 2.7.5.10 : Controller - Waiting for Solo When the update is complete, Solo’s LEDs turn green, the controller returns to the standard takeoff screen, and the App shows that the software is up to date. After displaying green, Solo’s LEDs return to the standard white-and-red pattern. If you do not see white-and-red LEDs after a few minutes following the update, restart Solo.

Figure 2.7.5.11 : App - Update Success **ARTOO UPDATE SCREEN FEEDBACK V10C**
Update Requirement Screen



### Controller updated Controller update in progress screen Is displayed after user initiates update in app. Persists until controller update is successful.

Update complete feedback. Tells the user that controller update was successful. HAPTIC: Three 20 millisecond pulses, to communicate update completion. A-Press required to dimiss (same as current implementation) 

### Controllerupdating Update will take about 5 minut es Please ensure charger is connected Controller may go dark while updating

Please reconnect to Sololink wifi **Press to continue**

Returns user to hold-Fly-button screen Green Solo LEDs (showing update complete) change to standard red and white when this screen is displayed 

### preflight update Required before first flight! Use 3DR Solo App to update 

### update error Solo and Controller have different software versions Use 3DR Solo app to update the system

Waiting for Solo Persists until Solo reconnects
or Artoo auto-shutdown Solo-Artoo version mismatch If Solo and Artoo have a mismatched version on startup this message is displayed in the update ow in place of the “preight update” screen.

**Press when LEDs are green**
Update complete (Connects to matching version Solo)

Prompt stays on screen until update is successful. Post Unlock Behavior After system is unlocked, user should be able to y using Artoo / Solo versions that were last successfully installed. (Even if they have failed in their most recent update attempt.) Update unsuccessful (Artoo and Solo version mismatch) Update Timeout If update does not complete in X minutes Update-unsuccessful screen is displayed Update Timeout If update does not complete in X minutes “update-unsuccessful” screen is displayed Update failure If update fails, display “update unsuccessful” screen



### update unsuccessful

Please use 3DR Solo app to try the update again 

### waiting for Solo

**Cable Cam Orbit**  FLY 12

**FLY**

Hold to start motors **ARTOO UPDATE SCREEN FEEDBACK V10C**
Update Requirement Screen



### Controller updated Controller update in progress screen Is displayed after user initiates update in app. Persists until controller update is successful.

Update complete feedback. Tells the user that controller update was successful. HAPTIC: Three 20 millisecond pulses, to communicate update completion. A-Press required to dimiss (same as current implementation) 

### Controllerupdating Update will take about 5 minut es Please ensure charger is connected Controller may go dark while updating

Please reconnect to Sololink wifi **Press to continue**

Returns user to hold-Fly-button screen Green Solo LEDs (showing update complete) change to standard red and white when this screen is displayed 

### preflight update Required before first flight! Use 3DR Solo App to update 

### update error Solo and Controller have different software versions Use 3DR Solo app to update the system

Waiting for Solo Persists until Solo reconnects
or Artoo auto-shutdown Solo-Artoo version mismatch If Solo and Artoo have a mismatched version on startup this message is displayed in the update ow in place of the “preight update” screen.

**Press when LEDs are green**
Update complete (Connects to matching version Solo)

Prompt stays on screen until update is successful. Post Unlock Behavior After system is unlocked, user should be able to y using Artoo / Solo versions that were last successfully installed. (Even if they have failed in their most recent update attempt.) Update unsuccessful (Artoo and Solo version mismatch) Update Timeout If update does not complete in X minutes Update-unsuccessful screen is displayed Update Timeout If update does not complete in X minutes “update-unsuccessful” screen is displayed Update failure If update fails, display “update unsuccessful” screen



### update unsuccessful

Please use 3DR Solo app to try the update again 

### waiting for Solo

**Cable Cam Orbit**  FLY 12

**FLY**

Hold to start motors15 2.7.6 View Video After the update is complete, to view video in the app, first make sure Solo, the controller, and the GoPro® are powered on, and that the App is connected to Solo via Wi-Fi. Then, on the App home screen, tap Fly Solo. Before your first flight, verify that you can see video. If the video is inverted, see section 2.6.

Figure 2.7.6.1 : App - V iewing Video16 

# 3 The Solo Gimbal The optional Solo Gimbal holds your GoPro® camera and lets you control it remotely. It taps Solo’s intelligence to get perfectly automated shots, plus rock-solid footage, GoPro® control and charging, and long-range HD video feed. With the 3-Axis Solo Gimbal, you get:

• Smooth and fluid HD footage every flight.
• Start and stop recording (HERO4 models) while you fly so you can pick and choose the shots you want.
• Footage stabilized to within 0.1 degree of pointing accuracy for enhanced Smart Shots.
• Fine-grain camera tilt control, including angle presets and instant speed adjustment. Note : If you purchased the Solo with 3-Axis Gimbal package, skip to section “Camera Installation” on page 19
. 

# 3.1 In the Box The Solo 3-Axis Gimbal package includes the Solo Gimbal, the sunshade, four balance weights for the GoPro® camera, and a screwdriver for installing the Gimbal.

Figure 3.1.1 : Solo Gimbal Parts To install the Solo Gimbal and start utilizing its features, follow these Solo Gimbal installation instructions: 

# 3.2 Gimbal Installation Before installing the Solo Gimbal, make sure the firmware on Solo and your GoPro as well as the Solo App on your mobile device are up to date for the best performance. Recommended versions:
• Solo: 1.2.0 or higher
• Solo App: 1.2.0 or higher
• GoPro: 3.00.00 or higher 3.2.1 Remove The Frame 1. Flip Solo over to access the bottom of the vehicle. 2. The Frame is secured to Solo by three captive screws (permanently attached to the mount to prevent losing them). Since these screws don’t come out all the way, loosen each screw until they can’t be backed out any further. 3. Detach the mount from Solo by gently lifting up on it. 4. Route the HDMI cable out through the mount to complete the separation. Balance weights (4)

Solo Gimbal Sunshade Sc r ewdriver17 Figure 3.2.1.1 : Removing The Fram T

u r n over Solo.

Loosen the th r ee sc r ews securing the mount. Gently detach the plate.

F r ee the cable, and r emove the mount.

e
3.2.2 Connect Gimbal 1. Remove the foam insert holding the gimbal in place and set it to the side (this piece is used to help protect the gimbal during travel). 2. On the bottom of the gimbal plate are two ports: one for the HDMI cable and one for the gimbal cable. Plug in the cables running from Solo to their respective ports on the gimbal, as shown following.

Connect gimbal cable. Connect HDMI cable.

Figure 3.2.2.1 : Connecting cables
3.2.3 Position Cables With both cables now connected to the Solo Gimbal, it is important to position each cable out of the way of other internal components. When configuring the HDMI and gimbal cables, the HDMI cable should rest on top of the gimbal cable. 1. Position the gimbal cable out out of the way by pushing any slack towards the front of the Solo Shell.18 Tuck the Gimbal Cable’s slack into the front of the Solo body

Figure 3.2.3.1 : Positioning the Gimbal Cable 2. Loop the HDMI cable around and inside the front of the body, pushing any extra slack towards the pocket of Arm #01 as seen below.

Tuck the HDMI Cable’s slack into the side of the Solo body

Figure 3.2.3.2 : Positioning the HDMI Cable
3.2.4 Mount the Gimbal 1. Position the gimbal plate over the opening in the Solo Shell, making sure that the three screw positions are aligned (two in the back and one in front). 2. Slide the back of the plate in first, and then pinch the two front prongs in and down to insert the plate.19 Figure 3.2.4.1 : Mounting the Gimbal 3. When the plate is inserted and resting flush with the Solo Shell, tighten each of the three captive screws. If the plate isn’t resting flush with the Solo Shell, the most likely cause is that the screws didn’t catch correctly. If the screws are misaligned, do not try to tighten them. Back out any crooked screws with the screwdriver, then realign them manually before tightening with the screwdriver.
3.2.5 Camera Installation The 3-Axis Solo Gimbal holds your GoPro® HERO 3, 3+ or 4. To install your GoPro camera, follow these directions: 1. To create space for your GoPro inside the camera housing, move the the rubber HDMI plug out and away from the camera housing.

Figure 3.2.5.1 : HDMI Plug Positioning

2. Slide your GoPro into place from the front and gently press it in until it is flush with the back of the camera housing. Have extended feet? (Optional) Install for added clearance.20 Figure 3.2.5.2 : Attach GoPro 3. Take the rubber HDMI plug and insert into the exposed side of your GoPro. This simultaneously fastens the GoPro into place and secures the HDMI connection. Your GoPro is now installed!

Figure 3.2.5.3 : Fasten Camera

3.2.6 Add Balance Weights Out of the box, the Solo Gimbal is perfectly weighted for use with the GoPro HERO4 Black. If you are using the GoPro HERO4 Silver or the GoPro HERO3+, then you need to add balance weights to optimize these cameras for use with the Solo Gimbal. To balance your GoPro, attach the corresponding balance weights to the threaded inserts on the top and bottom of the camera housing, as shown following.

Figure 3.2.6.1 : GoPro Weight Balancing 

### GoPro Weight Balancing ®
HERO4 Black No blalance weights needed HERO4 Silver Add the 2.7g balance weights HERO3+ Silver Add the 6g balance weights21 3.2.7 Add Sunshade Flying on a sunny day? Use the sunshade to protect your video from glare. Simply press-fit the sunshade onto the GoPro lens to install.

Figure 3.2.7.1 : Adding the Sunshade
3.2.8 Update Your GoPro The GoPro HERO4 Silver and HERO4 Black are fully optimized to work with the Solo Gimbal. To use functions like Start Recording and Stop Recording, your GoPro HERO4 must be fully up to date. You can update your GoPro in either of two ways: Update through an iOS or Android mobile device, or through your computer. Option 1: Download the Update Using your iOS or Android Device 1. Make sure you have the GoPro App downloaded onto your iOS or Android device, and that you have an SD card with plenty of available memory installed in your GoPro. 2. On the GoPro camera, go to Setup and then Wireless. Choose the Pair/Connect option, then GoPro App, and then follow the directions. 3. Open the GoPro app. 4. Connect your camera. 5. When you get to the screen with the live video preview, tap the downloads button at the top of the screen. It’s a circle with an arrow in the middle. 6. Follow the prompts to download and install the update. 7. Before flying, make sure the GoPro’s Wi-Fi is off! Hold the button on the side. Option 2: Download the Update Using Your Computer 1. On your computer, navigate to ‘gopro.com/update’. 2. Choose your camera model from the list on the left. 3. Select “Update Your Camera Manually”. 4. Follow the instructions to register and update your GoPro.22 3.2.9 Recommended GoPro Settings For optimal results, adjust your camera settings to these recommended values. If you’re using the Solo Gimbal with the GoPro Hero3+ Black or either Hero4 model (Silver or Black), you can change settings in flight: For details, see Section 6.1.3, Camera Controls and Settings, on page 40
.

Figure 3.2.9.1 : Camera Configuration Process



# 3.3 Gimbal Operation The Solo Gimbal is a nearly autonomous tool. For example, it handles camera balancing and stabilization for you automatically. However, we recommend that you be aware of some operational aspects of the Solo Gimbal, as well as a handful of controls you can use.
3.3.1 Controlling the Solo Gimbal To manually adjust the tilt angle of the Solo Gimbal, use the tilt control paddle to move the gimbal up and down. You can also set up an automatic tilt control using the ‘1’ and ‘2’ button presets. These buttons are located above and below the tilt speed dial, as shown in Figure 3.3.1.1. To tilt to a preset angle, simply press either button and use the dial to adjust the tilt speed. To save a new preset angle, hold ‘1’ or ‘2’.

Figure 3.3.1.1 : Gimb Solo cont r oller (top view) Automatic tilt cont r ol: P r ess 1 or 2 to tilt to a p r eset angle, hold 1 or 2 to save new angles Manual tilt cont r ol

Adjust tilt speed

al Controls Resolution 1080P or 2.7K Field of View Medium Low Light Off Spot Meter Off Protune On (if available) White blance Auto Color GOPRO ISO 400 Sharpness Medium EV Comp 0

Make sure that the Wi-Fi on your GoPro ® is turned OFF. Otherwise, it can interfere with Solo’s communication signals and cause unexpected behavior.23 3.3.2 LED Signals On the back of the Solo Gimbal is an LED that signals different status modes of the gimbal.

Figure 3.3.2.1 : LED Gimbal Signal The Gimbal LED displays several different signals:

• Breathing green: the gimbal is functioning properly and ready for use. • Blinking orange: the gimbal is booting up (commonly seen while performing an update). • Blinking blue: the gimbal has lost the communication signal. Please contact customer support. • Breathing red: the gimbal is in a temporary fault mode. Restart the gimbal, and if the issue persists, please contact customer support. • Solid red: the gimbal is in an unrecoverable fault mode. Restart the gimbal, and if the issue persists, please contact customer support.
3.3.3 Troubleshooting If the Solo Gimbal is not working properly, follow the steps below to troubleshoot the problem: 3.3.3.1 The gimbal is not centered with respect to Solo

• Sy mptoms: The gimbal angle seems cockeyed or the beauty plate (at the top of the gimbal) does not mount flush with the Solo bottom surface. • Reason: Improper cable routing can cause the gimbal to be off-center. This also hurts gimbal performance because of interference on dampers. • Resolution: Make sure the HDMI cable is coiled from left to right in the big radius following the contour of the Solo. The Gimbal Data cable can interfere, make sure the Gimbal Datacable is unwound and is not twisted. For details, go to https://3drobotics.com/kb/gimbalinstallation/. 3.3.3.2 Frozen GoPro

• Symptoms: GoPro doesn’t respond to a button press, either on the camera (physical button) or in the Solo App. • Reason: GoPro firmware is not up to date. • Resolution: Your GoPro model must be Hero 3+ or higher. If so, follow these steps: 1. Remove the GoPro from the gimbal. 2. Remove the battery from the GoPro. 3. Wait 20 seconds. 4. Replace the battery. 5. Power on the GoPro. At this point, make sure the GoPro firmware is the latest version.24 3.3.3.3 The gimbal is not turning on or responding

• Symptoms : Gimbal appears not to be receiving power. • Reason: Possible connectivity issues. • Resolution: Check the LED on the gimbal (behind the GoPro) and refer to the color guide in Section 3.3.2. If the LED is off, make sure the gimbal connector is plugged in and seated properly. If none of the preceding steps resolved your gimbal issue, please contact customer support at 3dr.com/support.25 

# 4 Safety The following best practices will help ensure safe, successful flights and help reduce the risk of accident and serious injury: • Always fly under adult supervision and with your full attention at all times. • Do not fly under the influence of drugs or alcohol or when your ability to operate Solo safely is impaired. • Use common sense to avoid unsafe situations and always operate Solo responsibly.



# 4.1 Location When choosing an appropriate place to fly Solo, keep these location factors in mind: • Don’t fly Solo indoors. • Always fly outside in clear, open areas at a safe distance from yourself, other people, power lines, animals, vehicles, trees, and buildings. • When flying in areas with potential hazards, maintain a distance of at least 100 feet (30 m) from any people, vehicles, or structures. As the operator, you are responsible for navigating Solo to avoid obstacles, including during Smart Shots. • Don’t fly within five miles of an airport or within any airspace restricted by your local, state, or national airspace authority. As the operator, you are responsible for knowing and understanding the regulations that govern small, unmanned aircraft like Solo in your jurisdiction. 

# 4.2 Environmental Awareness Don’t fly Solo in extreme weather conditions such as rain, high winds, snow, or fog. Such weather conditions can permanently damage Solo or cause instability in flight. Before flying, determine the boundaries of the safe flying area at your location. Be aware of any risks, including bodies of water, structures, trees, power lines, etc, and designate a few areas where you can land Solo in case of an unsafe situation. Throughout your flight, be prepared to recover Solo manually or use an emergency procedure if Solo flies outside the safe flying area. 

# 4.3 Visual Line of Sight Always fly Solo within your visual line of sight. Don’t let Solo get so far away from you that you cannot see its orientation or so that any physical obstructions block your view of Solo. Read and understand these important safety instructions before your first flight to help reduce the risk of accident and serious injury.

Physical obstructions can also block communication signals with the controller, causing Solo to attempt to Return Home along an obstructed path26 

# 4.4 Flight School If you’re new to flying, review the video tutorials in the Flight School area of the App before your first flight (make sure your device is connected to the Internet). Flight School provides useful tips for learning to operate Solo safely and correctly.

Figure 4.4.1 : App Flight S chool 

# 4.5 Propellers

To avoid hazardous contact with Solo’s high-speed propellers, always power off Solo before handling Solo or the propellers. When prompted to start motors before takeoff, always ensure that the propellers are clear of any obstructions and at least 20 feet away from any people, animals, or property before activating. Do not touch moving propellers or approach Solo while the propellers are spinning. After landing or returning home, Solo automatically detects the landing and stops the motors. Do not approach Solo until the propellers stop spinning, and always power off Solo before picking it up. 

# 4.6 GPS Solo requires an active GPS signal for flight. After powering on, Solo can take up to five minutes to acquire a strong GPS lock. Always choose a flying location with a clear view of the sky to improve GPS signal strength. The following requirements define a GPS lock:

• Reported horizontal position accuracy < 16 ft. (5 m) • Reported speed accuracy < 2 mph (1 m/s) • Number of satellites ≥ 6 • Difference between GPS and inertial navigation vertical velocity < 2 mph (1 m/s) If satellite coverage drops beneath a reliable threshold during flight, Solo will automatically switch to Fly:Manual mode. This mode does not provide the flight-stabilizing GPS functionality, but it still lets you control Solo. Spinning propellers can cause serious injury. Never touch moving propellers or place any objects in the way of the propeller arcs while Solo is powered. 400 ft 400 ft27 

# 4.7 Home Position Solo’s home position is the latitude and longitude coordinates of the launch point and is used by the autopilot as the end point of a return-home command. The autopilot saves the home position location to where the motors are started, assuming GPS lock has been achieved. If Solo has taken off without GPS lock and then achieves GPS lock mid-flight, the home position will be set to wherever GPS lock was acquired. The location of the home position depends on GPS signal strength and is usually within one to two meters of accuracy. Always take off from an open location with a clear path for Solo to return home safely. For home position safety in advanced mode, see Section 8.4. 

# 4.8 Altitude Limit Always fly at appropriate altitudes for your flying location and local regulations. Solo cannot avoid obstacles on its own, so always select altitudes that avoid any obstacles, such as trees, buildings, and power lines. Solo includes a safety fence enabled by default at 150 ft. (46 m). If Solo reaches the altitude limit, it stops ascending and limits throttle input to stay below the altitude limit. To adjust the altitude limit, see Section 8.7. FAA regulations mandate a maximum altitude of 400 ft. to avoid potential conflicts with manned aircraft and represents a safe line-of-sight altitude. 

# 4.9 Emergency Procedures If you experience a problem in flight, use one of the following emergency procedures to stop Solo, end your flight, or shut off the motors.
4.9.1 Pause The controller’s Pause button allows you to stop Solo in mid-air. Solo hovers at the paused location until given another command. Use the Pause button to stop Solo from hitting an obstacle or to reorient Solo for navigation. During Return Home or Land, you can pause Solo and stop the landing by pressing Pause. Pause is available only with GPS lock. 4.9.2 Regain Manual Control Keep the controller easily accessible at all times during flight, including during Smart Shots, and be prepared to regain manual control at any time. To return to standard flight during Smart Shots, Return Home, or Land, press the Fly button. 4.9.3 Return Home If Solo acquired GPS lock prior to takeoff, you can return it to the launch point and land by pressing Return Home on the controller. If you receive a low-battery notification or want to quickly end your flight, press Return Home. Solo does not avoid obstacles while returning home; always verify that the return path is clear before activating Return Home. 4.9.4 Land To land Solo at its current position, press and hold the Fly button. To exit the landing procedure at any time, lift the throttle. If Solo does not have GPS lock, automatic positioning is not available as Solo descends, and drifting can occur depending on environmental conditions.28 4.9.5 Motor Shutoff In the event that Solo’s motors do not stop after landing or for an emergency in-flight kill switch, Solo includes an emergency motor shutoff procedure. To shut off the motors at any time, either in flight or on the ground, hold the A, B, and Pause buttons at the same time. An initial screen will appear on the controller to confirm the shutoff command; continue to hold A, B, and Pause buttons to activate motor shutoff. Use the emergency motor shutoff only as a last resort.

Figure 4.9.5.1 : Controller - Motor Shutoff 

# 4.10 Flight Battery Use caution when handling the Solo Smart Battery; lithium polymer batteries can cause a fire if handled incorrectly. Never alter, puncture, throw, bend, or impact the battery. Keep the battery away from liquids, fire, microwaves, and other hazardous or combustible materials. Don’t expose the battery to extreme temperatures. If the battery is hot to the touch, wait for it to cool before using or charging. Inspect the battery before and after each flight. It is possible for the battery to be damaged in shipping, use or charging. If you notice any abnormal features such as damage to the exterior shell, swelling, deformation of the battery, abnormal smell, leakage, or other unexpected behavior, do not use the battery! These can be signs of serious damage that can cause the battery to catch fire. To prevent a hazard in case of fire or explosion, disconnect the battery, and place the battery in a safe area outside of any buildings or vehicles and away from flammable materials. Do not dispose of the battery in the trash; bring it to a battery recycling center as soon as possible. In the US and Canada, visit call2recycle.org to find a location. For long-term storage, store the battery in an 64° F (18° C) to 82° (28° C) F environment, between 45-85% relative humidity and with 50% charge. Always store the battery in a place where it won’t be exposed to extreme temperatures or direct sunlight. 

# 4.11 Controller The controller’s rechargeable lithium ion (Li-ion) battery is housed inside the controller, accessible by the battery door on the back of the controller. The controller battery is pre-attached to the controller, and shouldn’t be disconnected unless: • You plan to store the controller for over three months without using it. In this case, disconnect the battery from the controller and leave the battery inside the controller to store it. • You need to replace or upgrade the controller battery. Upgraded controller batteries with double the capacity are available from store.3dr.com or an authorized retailer. In the case where you need to store the extra controller battery, store it in a location where it will not come into contact with metal objects or other batteries. If the battery’s connector comes into contact with a metal object, it can short circuit the battery and cause a fire. Keep the controller away from liquids, fire, microwaves, and other hazardous or combustible materials. Don’t expose the controller to extreme temperatures. If the controller is hot to the touch, wait for it to cool before using or charging. Perform periodic visual inspections of the controller battery to check for any damage, and handle the controller battery using the same safety precautions as the flight battery. **KILL SWITCH UI - EMERGENCY MOTOR SHUTOFF**

Progress bar completes After 3000 millisecond hold

Shuto Banner Banner shows shuto taking place PERSISTENT: banner persists until user: -rearms with Fly button -restarts vehicle Kill Switch Feedback If users holds AB + Pause in ight notication is displayed User holds AB + Pause to shut o motors

**Spot lock Hold +**  **to shut off motors** FLY 12

**Spot lock Hold +**  **to shut off motors** FLY 12

Cable Cam Orbit 

# 5 **FT** 

# 0 **FT** HOME 

# 30 **%** FLIGHT BATTERY

ALTITUDE LAND 12

**MOTOR SHUTOFF ACTIVATED KILL SWITCH UI - EMERGENCY MOTOR SHUTOFF** 

Progress bar completes After 3000 millisecond hold

Shuto Banner Banner shows shuto taking place PERSISTENT: banner persists until user: -rearms with Fly button -restarts vehicle Kill Switch Feedback If users holds AB + Pause in ight notication is displayed User holds AB + Pause to shut o motors

**Spot lock Hold +**  **to shut off motors** FLY 12

**Spot lock Hold +**  **to shut off motors** FLY 12

Cable Cam Orbit 

# 5 **FT** 

# 0 **FT** HOME 

# 30 **%** FLIGHT BATTERY

ALTITUDE LAND 12

**MOTOR SHUTOFF ACTIVATED**29 

# 4.12 Antenna Configuration For the strongest connection to Solo, position the antennas down and away from the controller so they are approximately perpendicular to Solo in flight, and tilt each antenna out and away from one another at a 20° angle.

Figure 4.12.1 : Controller Antenna Orientation 

### 20°30 

# 5 First Flight This section covers basic Solo flight procedures, including takeoff, landing, and manual control. 

# 5.1 Preflight Checklist Before flying, check the following conditions: 5.1.1 Location

» Your current location and environmental conditions are suitable for flight. (Section 4.1)
» Solo is on a level surface at a clear launch point a sufficient distance from yourself and others. (Section 4.1) 5.1.2 Components

» The propellers are correctly attached. (Section 2.4)
» The propellers can spin smoothly and without obstruction when turned.
» No components on Solo appear loose or damaged. 5.1.3 Power

» The controller is powered on with at least 50% charge. (Section 2.3)
» Solo is powered on with a fully charged battery. (Section 2.2) 5.1.4 Video (Optional)

» The Solo app is connected to Solo and streaming video. (Section 2.6)
» The GoPro® is recording. If have the Solo Gimbal and the GoPro HERO4, you can start and stop recording midflight. You can also change camera settings in flight while not recording. 

# 5.2 Takeoff The takeoff process has two steps: start the motors, then take off. Always place Solo at a clear launch point for takeoff, at least 20 feet away from you, other people, and structures.

5.2.1 Activating Motors When Solo is ready to fly, the controller will prompt you to hold the Fly button to start Solo’s motors. Hold Fly until the propellers spin. Solo is now active, ready for takeoff, and needs to be treated with appropriate caution to avoid safety hazards. To stop the motors, press the Pause button any time Solo is on the ground with the motors spinning.

Figure 5.2.1.1 : Controller - Start Motors Prompt Flying close to obstacles like buildings and trees can reduce GPS accuracy and might result in unexpected flight behavior.

**MOTOR START & TAKEOFF V4**

Fly button safety sequence Progress bar feedback while user holds down “Fly” button.

Takeo prompt When motor-on progress bar is lled, motor-on text switches to takeo prompt. Haptic: press and hold feedback is given. Motors o Landing screen after startup, before motors are turned on.

**Cable Cam Orbit**  FLY 12

**FLY**

Hold to start motors

Cable Cam Orbit FLY 12

**FLY**

Hold to start motors

Cable Cam Orbit FLY 12

**FLY**

Hold to start motors Spinning propellers can cause serious injury! Always make sure Solo is clear of any obstructions and all people and animals are away from Solo before spinning the props. 400 ft 400 ft31 5.2.2 Initiating Takeoff Hold Fly again to initiate takeoff. Solo will rise to 10 feet (3 m) and hover until it receives further control inputs.

Figure 5.2.2.1 : Controller - Takeoff Prompts



# 5.3 Landing To land Solo at its current location, hold the Fly button.

Figure 5.3.1 : Controller - User-Initiated Landing

After landing, the propellers will stop spinning automatically; wait until the propellers stop spinning before approaching Solo. If the propellers do not stop, press the controller’s Pause button or use the emergency shutoff option described in Section 4.9.5. **TAKEOFF PART 2**

Auto-takeo User holds “Fly” to initiate auto-takeo. “Fly” button LED blinks on Artoo when motors are on. LED becomes solid white when takeo begins.

Telemetry Back on telemetry screen after auto-takeo. Auto-takeo message During auto-takeo, target altitude message is displayed. Message times out after 3000 milliseconds. Auto-takeo User holds “Fly” to initiate auto-takeo. “Fly” button LED blinks on Artoo when motors are on. LED becomes solid white when takeo begins. Haptic: press and hold feedback is given. Auto-takeo Green bar returns to zero progress position on transition. User holds “Fly” to initiate auto-takeo. “Fly” button LED blinks on Artoo when motors are on. LED becomes solid white when takeo begins.

**Cable Cam Orbit**  FLY 12

**FLY** Hold to take off

**Cable Cam Orbit**  FLY 12

**Cable Cam Orbit**  FLY 12

Cable Cam Orbit 

# 9999 **FT** 

# 700 **FT** HOME 

# 100 **%** FLIGHT BATTERY

ALTITUDE FLY 12

**GOING TO 5 FT ALTITUDE**

Cable Cam Orbit 

# 9999 **FT** 

# 700 **FT** HOME 

# 100 **%** FLIGHT BATTERY

ALTITUDE FLY 12 **FLY** Hold to take off

**FLY** Hold to take off **TAKEOFF PART 2**

Auto-takeo User holds “Fly” to initiate auto-takeo. “Fly” button LED blinks on Artoo when motors are on. LED becomes solid white when takeo begins.

Telemetry Back on telemetry screen after auto-takeo. Auto-takeo message During auto-takeo, target altitude message is displayed. Message times out after 3000 milliseconds. Auto-takeo User holds “Fly” to initiate auto-takeo. “Fly” button LED blinks on Artoo when motors are on. LED becomes solid white when takeo begins. Haptic: press and hold feedback is given. Auto-takeo Green bar returns to zero progress position on transition. User holds “Fly” to initiate auto-takeo. “Fly” button LED blinks on Artoo when motors are on. LED becomes solid white when takeo begins.

**Cable Cam Orbit**  FLY 12

**FLY** Hold to take off

**Cable Cam Orbit**  FLY 12

**Cable Cam Orbit**  FLY 12

Cable Cam Orbit 

# 9999 **FT** 

# 700 **FT** HOME 

# 100 **%** FLIGHT BATTERY

ALTITUDE FLY 12

**GOING TO 5 FT ALTITUDE**

Cable Cam Orbit 

# 9999 **FT** 

# 700 **FT** HOME 

# 100 **%** FLIGHT BATTERY

ALTITUDE FLY 12 **FLY** Hold to take off

**FLY** Hold to take off Be aware of Solo’s orientation before takeoff so you can safely navigate Solo up and away from you once it’s in the air. If Solo is facing towards you at takeoff, move the right stick back; if Solo is facing away from you, move the right stick forward.

**AUTO-LAND**

Auto-land User holds “Fly” to initiate auto-land. Haptic: press and hold feedback is given.

Auto-landing message During auto-land, landing status is messaged. Messgae stays on screen until copter has landed. **Spot lock Rewind**  555656

Auto-landing complete Auto-land complete screen shown when copter has touched down. (In case user is not able to see copter.) Message times out after 5000 milliseconds. Auto-land prompt If user presses “Fly” in ight, the auto-land prompt appears. User holds “Fly” to initiate auto-land.

**Spot lock Rewind** 

Telemetry Back on telemetry screen after auto-landing, prior to auto or user initiated disarming. FLY 12

FLY 12

Cable Cam Orbit 

## 5 **FT** 

## 0 **FT** HOME 

# 30 **%** FLIGHT BATTERY

ALTITUDE FLY 12

Cable Cam Orbit 

## 9999 **FT** 

## 700 **FT** HOME 

# 100 **%** FLIGHT BATTERY

ALTITUDE LAND 12

**LANDING IN PROGRESS**

Cable Cam Orbit 

## 5 **FT** 

## 0 **FT** HOME 

# 30 **%** FLIGHT BATTERY

ALTITUDE LAND 12

**LANDING COMPLETE FLY**  Hold to land

**FLY** Hold to land **AUTO-LAND**

Auto-land User holds “Fly” to initiate auto-land. Haptic: press and hold feedback is given.

Auto-landing message During auto-land, landing status is messaged. Messgae stays on screen until copter has landed. **Spot lock Rewind**  555656

Auto-landing complete Auto-land complete screen shown when copter has touched down. (In case user is not able to see copter.) Message times out after 5000 milliseconds. Auto-land prompt If user presses “Fly” in ight, the auto-land prompt appears. User holds “Fly” to initiate auto-land.

**Spot lock Rewind** 

Telemetry Back on telemetry screen after auto-landing, prior to auto or user initiated disarming. FLY 12

FLY 12

Cable Cam Orbit 

## 5 **FT** 

## 0 **FT** HOME 

# 30 **%** FLIGHT BATTERY

ALTITUDE FLY 12

Cable Cam Orbit 

## 9999 **FT** 

## 700 **FT** HOME 

# 100 **%** FLIGHT BATTERY

ALTITUDE LAND 12

**LANDING IN PROGRESS**

Cable Cam Orbit 

## 5 **FT** 

## 0 **FT** HOME 

# 30 **%** FLIGHT BATTERY

ALTITUDE LAND 12

**LANDING COMPLETE FLY**  Hold to land

**FLY** Hold to land

When you command Solo to land, it will land at the current location, wherever it is. Always make sure there is a clear path to a safe landing point directly below Solo before landing.

Never approach Solo while the propellers are spinning. After an auto-landing or return-to-home, always wait until the propellers stop before approaching or touching Solo.32 

# 5.4 Return Home The Return Home function brings your flight to an end by recalling Solo to its launch location and landing. You can initiate Return Home manually by pressing the Return Home button on the Controller. Alternatively, in certain circumstances, Solo initiates Return home autonomously; for details, see Section 7.2, In-Flight Errors, on page 61
. Keep in mind that Return Home requires enough battery charge to get back to the launch point. If you need to end your flight immediately, land manually or hold the Fly button. Return Home requires GPS lock prior to takeoff.

Figure 5.4.1 : Return H ome Button

5.4.1 Smart Return Home Functionality When a call to Return Home is triggered, it is critical that Solo make a swift and safe journey back to the Home Position. Among the factors involved in balancing these priorities are:
• The farther away Solo is, the greater the likelihood that it could encounter unforeseen obstacles (buildings, trees, etc.). Because of this, longer-distance scenarios benefit from climbing in altitude before traversing back home.
• The closer Solo is to the Home Position, measured laterally, the more confident we can be that there are fewer obstacles in the return path, and thus the safer it would be for Solo just to land. To help eliminate unnecessary ascents in favor of more efficient return flights, we developed the “Cone Zone.”

Figure 5.4.1.1 : The Cone Zone The Cone Zone represents the volume that is least likely to be filled with problematic obstacles. The shape of thiscone is based on a 1:3 ratio of horizontal distance to altitude. So as your altitude increases, so does the crosssectional area of the cone. Once Solo reaches the boundaries of the cone or is already within the cone, then its main priority is to traverse to directly over the Home Position and land. Always verify that there is a clear path to the home point before activating Return Home.33 5.4.2 Obstacle-Free Cone Zone The following examples walk you through the different flight scenarios and how the Cone Zone affects the Return Home behavior in each scenario.
Case #1: Above the Return Home Altitude

Figure 5.4.2.1 : Above R eturn Home When a call to Return Home is triggered and Solo is flying above the Return Home Altitude (default: 25m), Solo: 1. Climbs 10m 2. Traverses to the Home Position 3. Descends and lands
Case #2: Within the Cone

Figure 5.4.2.2 : Within the C one When Solo is inside the cone and Return Home is triggered, Solo: 1. Climbs 2.5m 2. Traverses to the Home Position 3. Descends and lands34 Case #3: Below the Return Home Altitude and Outside the Cone

Figure 5.4.2.3 : Below Return Home and Outside the Cone The radius of the Cone Zone expands at a 1:3 ratio of lateral distance to altitude. This means that the Cone radius is directly related to the Return Home altitude. As Solo’s altitude increases, so does the radius of the cone. If Solo’s lateral distance from the Home Position exceeds this ratio, it is then outside the cone. In the occurrence of a call to Return Home, Solo: 1. Either climbs to the boundary of the cone or to the Return Home Altitude, whichever happens first 2. Moves to the Home Position 3. Descends and lands 

# 5.5 In-Flight Data Use the controller’s main data display to monitor Solo’s status in flight.

Figure 5.5.1 : Controller - In-Flight Data
1 Flight battery percentage remaining 2 GPS signal strength and number of active satellites 3 Active mode or Smart Shot (“Fly” indicates standard flight.) 4 Controller battery level 5 Solo Wi-Fi signal strength 6 Horizontal distance from the home position (launch point) 7 Current altitude 8 Currently assigned functions of controller A and B buttons 2 3 4 5 6 7
8 135 

# 5.6 Joystick Control The controller’s two joysticks allow you to navigate Solo in flight. The left stick controls Solo’s altitude and rotation.

Figure 5.6.1 : Controller Left Joystick To control Solo’s altitude and acceleration, move the left stick vertically.

Figure 5.6.2 : Throttle Joystick Behaviors UP

DOWN ROTATE LEFT ROTATE RIGHT

Left Stick Move the left stick back from center to decrease altitude. Set the left stick to center to maintain the current altitude. Left Stick

Set the left stick fully back to land once Solo is a few inches above the ground. Left Stick To take off and to gain altitude, move the left stick slightly past the center position. Left Stick36 To rotate Solo and control orientation, move the left stick horizontally.

Figure 5.6.3 : Yaw Joystick Behavior
Use the right stick to fly Solo forward, back, left, and right. These movements are relative to Solo’s current orientation, so always maintain awareness of Solo’s forward-facing direction be fore using right-stick controls.

Figure 5.6.4 : Controller Right Joystick Controls 

## Activate Hold until propellers start spinning.

T

ake-off + Lif t Raise just slightly for take of f

Hover + Land Lower just slightly to hover

Left Ya w Left Back Forward

Right

Right Ya w

Deactivate Hold until propellers stop spinning Activate Hold until propellers start spinning.

T

ake-off + Lif t Raise just slightly for take of f

Hover + Land Lower just slightly to hover

Left Ya w Left Back Forward

Right

Right Ya w

Deactivate Hold until propellers stop spinning Move the stick to the left to rotate counterclockwise.

Move the stick to the right to rotate clockwise. Left Stick

Release the stick to stop rotating and maintain the current orientation

LEFT RIGHT FORWARD

BACK37 To control pitch, move the right stick vertically.

Figure 5.6.5 : Pitch Joystick Controls To control roll, move the right stick horizontally.

Figure 5.6.6 : Roll Joystick Controls 

## Activate Hold until propellers start spinning.

T

ake-off + Lif t Raise just slightly for take of f

Hover + Land Lower just slightly to hover

Left Ya w Left Back Forward

Right

Right Ya w

Deactivate Hold until propellers stop spinning Activate Hold until propellers start spinning.

T

ake-off + Lif t Raise just slightly for take of f

Hover + Land Lower just slightly to hover

Left Ya w Left Back Forward

Right

Right Ya w

Deactivate Hold until propellers stop spinning Move the right stick forward to fly forward.

Move the right stick back to fly backward. 

## Activate Hold until propellers start spinning.

T

ake-off + Lif t Raise just slightly for take of f

Hover + Land Lower just slightly to hover

Left Ya w Left Back Forward

Right

Right Ya w

Deactivate Hold until propellers stop spinning Activate Hold until propellers start spinning.

T

ake-off + Lif t Raise just slightly for take of f

Hover + Land Lower just slightly to hover

Left Ya w Left Back Forward

Right

Right Ya w

Deactivate Hold until propellers stop spinning Move the right stick left to fly left.

Move the right stick right to fly right.

If you’re new to drones, take some time to learn the basics before your first flight. Visit 3dr.com/solo/info or check out Flight School in the Solo app to learn about flight controls and best practices.38 

# 6 Using the Solo App 6.1 App Interface Overview The Solo App provides a simplified interface for viewing Solo’s video feed and managing Smart Shots. The first screen in the App is the home screen:

Figure 6.1.1 : Solo App Home Screen The primary function here is to go to the main screen by tapping Fly Solo on the left side of the screen. Also, if you’re not connected to Solo and are using the Android version of the App, a Connect button appears in the top-left corner; you can connect to Solo by tapping the Connect button and following the directions. The iOS version of the app displays a Connection Instructions button instead. Before you start flying, it’s important to become familiar with your environment. The Plan Your Flight overlay shows your current location and weather conditions. For more information about this feature, see the section immediately following this one. Additional controls at the bottom of the App home screen are as follows:
• Settings : Go to the section of the app where you can change setttings for Solo, the Controller, and the App. You can also update the software and firmware from here.
• Flight School : Takes you to a listing of instructional videos for getting started with Solo. To view the videos, your device must be connected to the Internet.
• Support : Provides resources for solving problems, logging support tickets, and related issues. Also, the home screen might display a notice: Software Update Available. This indicates that updated firmware is available for Solo, the Controller or both. The update typically features improved performance and new features. To get the update, simply tap the notice and follow the directions. 6.1.1 Plan Your FlightWhen you start the Solo App, or whenever you’re on the home screen, a rectangular, three-layer overlay in the topright corner provides several types of information (see preceding illustration):
• At the top of of the overlay is the message “Plan your flight.” To access this part of the App, tap the banner at the top of the overlay (see following). Note : This message can vary based on current flying conditions.
• The second layer of the overlay provides mission-related information: the current location (city, town, etc.), wind speed and direction, outdoor temperature, and current rainfall. Tip : You can change how this information displays with the Metric/Imperial switch in Settings > Units.
• The bottom layer shows a miniature map of your current location.39 When you tap the overlay, the App opens a map of your current location:

Figure 6.1.1.1 : App - Plan your flight s creen The blue dot in the center shows your position on the map. You can scroll, zoom, and rotate the map with standard touchscreen gestures. Typically, to see areas that are off limits for flying drones, zoom out:

Figure 6.1.1.2 : App - Planning map zoom ed out Proscribed areas are marked with colored circles, as the preceding illustration shows. To get further information on a proscribed area, tap its circle to open a descriptive panel:

Figure 6.1.1.3 : App - Proscribed area description40 Below the map are three icon buttons:

• Centers the map on your current location.

• Opens a list of locations where flying drones is prohibited, categorized by filter (see following illustration). Tap an item to see its location on the map.

• Opens a search dialog. Enter a search term to get a list of matching locations in your area, then tap a result to see its location on the map.

Figure 6.1.1.4 : App - List of proscribed lo cations To change the type of flight-related information the map displays, tap FILTER at the top right. This opens a list of categories of proscribed areas that you can turn on and off to customize the display, as well as options for the overall map display:

Figure 6.1.1.5 : App - Filt ers The map-display options are:
• Standard : A typical two-dimensional map showing the names of major thoroughfares and locations
• Satellite : The map uses satellite photographs for greater realism
• Hybrid : A combination of Standard and Satellite styles The FILTER options, which generally show you where flying is prohibited, are:
• TFRs (Temporary Flight Restrictions): A TFR is a geographically limited, short-term airspace restriction. Temporary flight restrictions often encompass major sporting events, natural disaster areas, air shows, space launches, and presidential movements.41 • Prohibited Airspace
• Airports
• Restricted Airspace
• Controlled Airspace
• Heliport
• Infrastructure: Includes buildings around which pilots need to exercise caution, including structures such as schools, hospitals, and bridges.
• National Parks
• NOAA Marine Protection: Includes areas along the U.S. coastline that are sanctuaries for wildlife and should be avoided.42 6.1.2 Main Interface This is the screen you’ll use most of the time when flying Solo. It’s available by tapping Fly Solo on the home screen. The main screen provides the live video feed from the GoPro camera, telemetry statistics, access to Smart Shots and the map view, and more.

Figure 6.1.2.1 : App - Main Interface 1. Live video feed: Shows video from the camera mounted on Solo. 2. Go to home screen: Returns to app start. 3. Horizontal distance from launch point: Solo’s distance from the starting point, disregarding height. 4. Altitude: Solo’s vertical distance from starting point. 5. Current flight mode: Fly by default, or active Smart Shot. 6. Solo battery percentage remaining: Also visible on Controller screen. 7. Controller signal strength 8. Shot List: Access to Smart Shots. 9. Map view (see following for details) 10. Camera controls (see Section 6.1.4 for details) 11. Alerts and instructions To toggle advanced telemetry data, tap any of the telemetry readouts at the top of the screen: item 3, 4, 6, or 7. The additional information appears as follows:

Figure 6.1.2.2 : Advanced tel emetry data 1. Solo’s current air speed 2. Number of satellites and HDOP 3. Solo battery voltage and amperage 4. Wi-fi signal strength between Solo and Controller43 6.1.3 Map View To access the small map view, swipe left a short distance from the right edge of the app. To full-screen the map,swipe left again. To hide the small map, swipe to the right. To return from the full-screen map, tap the picture-inpicture video display at the top-left of the map. A live map view is normally available only with GPS lock and on devices with mobile data (cellular Internet). With a Wi-Fi only iOS device, you can cache map data automatically by connecting to the Internet, then opening the map in the Solo App and navigating to the area you want to map. Then, when you connect the device to Solo, the App automatically remembers the map. Note : iOS controls the map-data cache procedurally; 3DR cannot guarantee its availability. For best results, make sure your iOS device has a reasonable amount of free storage. If you’re using an Android Wi-Fi-only device such as a tablet, with a bit of preparation, you can cache a map section and call it up as needed even if mobile data is not available. You need not be connected to Solo to follow these steps: 1. Connect your Android device to Internet-enabled Wi-Fi. 2. Open the Solo App and tap Fly Solo. This takes you to the main screen, which informs you that Solo is not connected. 3. Position your finger at the right side of the screen and swipe all the way left. This takes you to the map screen, which should resemble the following illustration after loading map data:

Figure 6.1.3.1 : Initial Map Screen 4. To begin the caching process, tap the Download button ( ) at the right-center of the screen.

Figure 6.1.3.2 : Map Screen During Caching44 Important : If you do not see the Download button, you can enable it by going to Solo App home screen > Settings > Map Tile Provider and choosing Map Box. 5. Use standard touch-screen gestures to find the map area to cache (that is, the area you’re planning to fly in), then, to save the map, tap the “Pan and zoom ...” message at the bottom of the screen. During caching, a progress bar appears, and then the message “Map area saved!” appears shortly above the “Disconnected ...” message. 6. Proceed to the mapped area with your Solo, start flying, and access the map as usual. If the map is fullscreen, and you have a live video feed, the video appears in the picture-in-picture (PiP) rectangle near the top-left corner of the screen. To return to the main flying screen, tap the PiP rectangle (whether or not it’s displaying video). 6.1.4 Camera Controls and Settings The Record button on right side of the main App screen lets you start and stop recording with the GoPro camera (3-Axis Gimbal only). When Video Mode is active the button is red, and when Photo Mode is active it’s white. When recording video, the red circle changes to a smaller square and the small “LED” icon above the button pulses red. To stop recording, tap the square button. The area just above the button contains status icons. From left to right, these are Camera Roll (recording video to the mobile device), GoPro (recording video to the camera), and video-recording status. Below the button is a sliders icon that provides access to camera settings. The following illustration shows different states of the record button and associated icons:

Figure 6.1.4.1 : Camera button states

• A: Video mode, not recording
• B: Video mode, recording (note camera settings disabled)
• C: Photo mode
• D: Video mode, GoPro recording disabled (camera might be off or missing memory card)
• E: Video mode, Camera Roll recording disabled by Camera Settings control45 To access the camera settings, tap the sliders icon immediately below the record button:

Figure 6.1.4.2 : Tap for Camera Se ttings Tip : You can change camera settings while flying as long as you’re not recording. The two camera-settings areas, available from the buttons on the right side of the screen, are Camera Mode and Camera Settings:

Figure 6.1.4.3 : In-App C amera Settings

• Camera Mode : Determines what happens when you tap the Record button on the main App screen.

Choose Video Mode for recording continuous video; choose Photo Mode for shooting stills.

• Camera Settings : Provides access to the following parameters. The available values for each parameter

vary depending on the GoPro model and other current parameter values. For details, consult your GoPro manual. For recommended values, see the table in Section 3.2.9, Recommended GoPro Settings, on page 22
. Note : All of these settings apply to Video Mode only, except for Photo Resolution, which applies to Photo Mode only.

• Video Resolution (in pixels): The resolution the camera uses to capture video. To set still-image

resolution, use the Photo Resolution setting instead.