XD500CFR Ready-to-Fly 

Made in the USA by Xcellent Drones @ www.xceldrones.com

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Updated picture to be added 

Ready-to-Fly 

XD500CFR APM Controlled System 

USER MANUAL 

 
XD500CFR Ready-to-Fly 

Made in the USA by Xcellent Drones @ www.xceldrones.com

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Congratulations you on your purchase of the Ready-to-Fly XD500CFR 

APM** controlled and GPS enabled quadcopter multi-rotor system. 

The newly designed XD500CFR offers engineering advancements in the 

mid-sized quadcopter multi-rotor platform, for example; dihedral angled arms 

for greater stability in flight and aerial video / photography; a carbon fiber rod 

embedded in each arm creates a more robust vehicle capable of carrying 

higher payloads. 

Just a few quick steps before you are enjoying your flying experience. 

• Charge the 5500mAh battery 

• Read the multi-rotor safety guidelines 

• Attach the propellers 

• Take the XD500CFR outdoor and enjoy the flight! 

Xcellent Drones’ Ready-to-Fly XD500CFR kit contents: 

a) XD500CFR Quadcopter multi-rotor with 5.8GHz wireless radio 

transmitter 

b) Ground station with 7” HD monitor and 5.8GHz wireless receiver 

c) Lipo 5500mAh battery 

d) Turnigy 9x radio transmitter 

e) 2D Tarot gimbal 

f) User manual 

g) CD with Mission Planner software and training videos (quadcopter flying 

and creating waypoints) 

** Notes: 

APM is an award winning flight controller based on the open source project from 3D Robotics, 

available under creative commons license. 

 
XD500CFR Ready-to-Fly 

Made in the USA by Xcellent Drones @ www.xceldrones.com

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Table of Contents 

1 Charge the 5500mAH battery for the XD500CFR............................................................................ 4 

2 Attach the propellers ............................................................................................................................. 4 

3 Instructions for the navigation lights, status lights and battery monitor ........................................ 4 

4 Transmitter functions and general settings ....................................................................................... 6 

6 Flight Modes Explained ........................................................................................................................ 8 

7 Failsafe Mode ....................................................................................................................................... 12 

8 Mission Planner Software .................................................................................................................. 12 

9 XD500CFR Spares/Parts Lists ......................................................................................................... 13 

Multi-rotor Safety Guidelines .................................................................................................................. 14 

General ...................................................................................................................................................... 14 

Before starting .......................................................................................................................................... 14 

During the flight ........................................................................................................................................ 15 

After the flight ........................................................................................................................................... 15 

Checklist (pre-flight check) ..................................................................................................................... 15 

In-the-Field Pre-flight Checklist .............................................................................................................. 16 
XD500CFR Ready-to-Fly 

Made in the USA by Xcellent Drones @ www.xceldrones.com

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1 Charge the 5500mAH battery for the XD500CFR

DO NOT INSTALL THE PROPELLERS ON THE XD500CFR AT THIS TIME! 

Connect the 5500mAH battery to your charger. Plug the charger into an outlet, so it can begin to 

charge the battery. The battery must be fully charged before each flight. 

** Flight time varies with payload, wind conditions, altitude, temperature, humidity, flying style, and 

pilot skills. 

2 Attach the propellers 

i.Use the red caps to attach propellers to the motors on the XD500CFR arms labeled ‘3’ and ‘4.’ 

These motors spin clockwise. 

ii. Use the black caps to attach propellers to the motors on the XD500CFR arms labeled ‘1’ and 

‘2.’ These motors spin counter-clockwise. 

• Failure to install the propellers correctly or on the correct motor could cause your 

XD500CFR to flip over when throttle is applied for takeoff. 

• Do not over tighten the caps on the prop adapters.

3 Instructions for the navigation lights, status lights and battery monitor 

Status lights at the rear of the 

XD500CFR 

Large RED indicator LED light for 

arm/dis-arm 

- Flashing when dis-armed and solid 

when armed 

- The XD500CFR is ready for takeoff 

when the red indicator remains 

steady. 

The GREEN indicator LED 

light for GPS signal lock. The 

green indicator blinks when 

less than 7 satellites from the 

GPS system is detected. The 

green indicator light remains 

steady when 7 or more 

satellites are detected by the 

GPS system. 
XD500CFR Ready-to-Fly 

Made in the USA by Xcellent Drones @ www.xceldrones.com

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Navigation lights on the 

XD500CFR - 

downward facing GREEN LED 

lights on the two front arms 

Downward 

facing RED LED 

lights on the two 

rear arms 

The motors will begin to spin when the XD500CFR is armed – large RED led remains 

solid. 

The orange ball at the front of the XD500CFR helps with orientation during flight. 

The GREEN indicator LED must be solid before you put the XD500CFR in 

LOITER/GPS Hold or RTL modes. 

Battery voltage monitor and alarm 

Connect the battery alarm/monitor to the balance leads of the 

battery before each flight. This provides a visible and audible 

indicator as to the status of the battery voltage before, during, and 

after the flight. 

Land immediately when the battery monitor begins to emit audible 

beeps. 

Flying on a low battery can cause damage to the Lipo battery and crash the 

XD500CFR.

 
XD500CFR Ready-to-Fly 

Made in the USA by Xcellent Drones @ www.xceldrones.com

Page | 6 

4 Transmitter functions and general settings 

Flight Mode F. MODE GEAR 

Stabilize / Manual N Down 

Altitude Lock N Up 

Loiter/GPS Hold 1 Down 

Direction Lock 1 Up 

Auto 2 Down 

Return-to-Launch (RTL) 2 Up 

Before the XD500CFR can be armed for flying, the flight mode switches must 

all be in the normal position. Flight modes are explained in Section 6. 

Power on/off 

(Up position on) 

Flight mode/F. Mode 

selector

Forward/Backward 

Left/Right 

Up/Down (Throttle) 

Rotate Left /Rotate Right 

GoPro Camera 

Tilt Up/Down 

Up/Down trim 

Rotate left/Rotate Right 

trim 

Edit keys LCD Display Panel 

Menu/Edit keys 

Forward/Backward 

trim 

Left/Right trim 

Hook 

(for optional neck strap) 

Gear
XD500CFR Ready-to-Fly 

Made in the USA by Xcellent Drones @ www.xceldrones.com

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5 Basic Operation

1) Binding 

a) Turn on the transmitter first. Check before turning on the transmitter that the throttle stick is 

at the lowest point. 

b) Install the battery on the top plate of the XD500CFR and secure it using the Velcro strap. 

Connect the battery connector (connected to the red/black cable) to the XD500CFR 

connector and the smaller connector to the battery alarm/monitor. A fully charged battery 

should read between 12.1 and 12.6 volts on the battery monitor. The Red indicator light 

and the Green indicator light, at the back of the XD500CFR, will blink rapidly. Please do not 

move or shake the XD500CFR at this time. 

2) XD500CFR Arm/Dis-Arm 

a) XD500CFR Arm: Put the throttle stick of the radio to the bottom right position. When the 

Red light becomes steady, the motors will begin to spin. The XD500CFR is ready for 

takeoff! 

b) XD500CFR Dis-Arm: Put the throttle stick of the radio to the bottom left position. When the 

Red light begins to flash, after a few seconds the motors will stop spinning. The 

XD500CFR is dis-armed. Disconnect the battery before handling the XD500CFR. 

Generally when arming you should stand behind the XD500CFR with its nose pointing directly 

away from you. While flying you should try to keep the XD500CFR flying in front of its starting 

position because if it flies behind you all the controls will feel reversed. 

3) GPS lock 

a) When the green indicator light remains solid, the XD500CFR has locked unto 7 or more 

GPS satellites. 

b) To avoid accidents, please do not use the GPS modes (Loiter/GPS Hold and Return-toLand) indoors. 

 
XD500CFR Ready-to-Fly 

Made in the USA by Xcellent Drones @ www.xceldrones.com

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4) The Controls 

Below is a brief description of how each of the transmitter controls works and how they are used 

to fly Xcellent Drones’ XD500CFR 

a) Aileron control moves the XD500CFR in the left and right directions. This is also referred 

to as roll. 

b) Elevator control moves the XD500CFR forwards and backwards. This is also referred to 

as pitch. 

c) Rudder control rotates the XD500CFR, right=>clockwise or left=>counter-clockwise. This 

is also referred to as yaw. 

d) Throttle controls the up and down vertical movements of the XD500CFR. 

• The XD500CFR will not arm if any of the flight modes are selected on the radio 

transmitter.

• The transmitter must be turned on before powering up the XD500CFR multi-rotor.

• After landing, disconnect the power to the XD500CFR before turning off the 

transmitter.

6 Flight Modes Explained 

Xcellent Drones’ XD500CFR is configured for six (6) flight modes, which are activated using the 

various switches on the Turnigy 9X transmitter. As your experience and comfort level increases, 

you can try the more advanced flight modes, like Acro mode. You can also connect the 

XD500CFR, via the USB port, to your computer and use Mission Planner to modify the flight 

modes and access additional features, for example, waypoint programming. 

a) Stabilize / Manual Mode 

After the XD500CFR is armed, push the throttle stick up to lift off. Small movements of the rudder 

(left/right), elevator (forward/backward) and aileron (rotate the XD500CFR) on the radio 

transmitter are required to fly the XD500CFR. Large movements of the control sticks on the radio 

transmitter could result in the system responding faster than you may be able to control. 

b) Altitude Lock 

In altitude hold mode, the XD500CFR maintains a consistent altitude or height above the ground 

while allowing roll, pitch, and yaw to be controlled by the pilot. 
XD500CFR Ready-to-Fly 

Made in the USA by Xcellent Drones @ www.xceldrones.com

Page | 9 

c) GPS Hold / Loiter Mode 

Once the XD500CFR is several feet above the ground and the green LED indicator light is steady, 

move the Flap switch to position ‘1.’ The system is now in GPS Hold / Loiter mode. Since GPS 

Hold / Loiter mode attempts to maintain the XD500CFR’s position, it relies on the GPS system in 

the unit, which must be on (GREEN LED is solid and not flashing) and indicating that it is locked 

before takeoff. While in GPS Hold / Loiter mode altitude can still be manually changed by raising 

or lowering the throttle. Disable GPS Hold / Loiter. 

d) Direction Lock 

This mode allows you to fly the XD500CFR as though it were pointed in the direction it was 

pointed when it was armed regardless of its current heading orientation. So if you hold the pitch 

stick forward the copter will fly away from you, pull the pitch stick back and it will come back 

towards home. You can even apply yaw to spin the copter in any direction but the movement of 

the copter’s position relative to the stick inputs will behave exactly as it did at takeoff. 

 
XD500CFR Ready-to-Fly 

Made in the USA by Xcellent Drones @ www.xceldrones.com

Page | 10 

e) Auto 

In Auto mode the XD500CFR will follow a pre-programmed mission script stored in the autopilot 

which is made up of navigation commands (i.e. waypoints). 

If starting the mission while the XD500CFR is on the ground the pilot should ensure the throttle is 

down, then switch to the Auto flight mode, then raise the throttle. The moment that the throttle is 

raised above zero, the XD500CFR will begin the mission. 

If starting the mission from the air the mission will begin from the first command the moment that 

the flight mode switch is moved to Auto. If the first command in the mission is a take-off 

command but the vehicle is already above the take-off command’s altitude the take-off command 

will be considered completed and the vehicle will move onto the next waypoint. 

At any time the pilot can retake control from the autopilot by returning the flight mode switch to 

another flight mode such as Stabilize or Loiter. If the pilot then switches to AUTO again, the 

mission will restart from the first command. 

f) Return-to-Launch (RTL) 

RTL is a GPS-dependent mode, so it is essential that GPS lock is acquired before attempting to 

use this mode. Before arming, ensure that the XD500CFR Green LED is solid and not flashing. 

The XD500CFR will record the current GPS coordinates as the home point. RTL will command 
XD500CFR Ready-to-Fly 

Made in the USA by Xcellent Drones @ www.xceldrones.com

Page | 11 

the copter to return to the home position, meaning that it will return to the location where it was 

armed. 

When commanded to RTL, the XD500CFR will: 

a) Achieve a minimum altitude of 15m (50ft) or maintain current altitude if above 15m, 

b) Move to launch point and loiter for 5 seconds, 

c) Land at launch point. 

You can intercept the RTL mode by moving the GEAR switch to position ‘0,’ then continue to fly 

the XD500CFR as in the manual / normal mode. 

• Be sure that you are in a large open area. 

• The home position is always supposed to be your XD500CFR’s actual GPS takeoff 

location, unobstructed and away from people, trees, buildings, etc.

• If you get GPS lock (XD500CFR Green LED is solid and not flashing) and then 

ARM the XD500CFR, the home position is the location the system was in when it was 

armed.
XD500CFR Ready-to-Fly 

Made in the USA by Xcellent Drones @ www.xceldrones.com

Page | 12 

7 Failsafe Mode 

The XD500CFR quadcopter will enter Failsafe mode when its connection to the Remote 

Controller is lost. The Flight Control System will automatically control the aircraft to return to home 

and land to prevent injury or damage. 

Failsafe will activate when: 

1. The Remote Controller is powered off. 

2. The XD500CFR has flown out of effective communication range. 

3. The signal between the Remote Controller and the XD500CFR has been blocked. 

4. There is interference causing a signal problem with the Remote Controller. 

8 Mission Planner Software 

1) Use the CD provided to install the latest version of Mission Planner on your computer. 

2) Using the micro USB-cable provided, connect the XD500CFR to your computer. 

3) Launch Mission Planner on your computer and in the top right corner of the screen 

connect to the correct com port. 

Add note that user can view video (on CD provided) showing the steps to create and 

fly waypoints.
XD500CFR Ready-to-Fly 

Made in the USA by Xcellent Drones @ www.xceldrones.com

Page | 13 

9 XD500CFR Spares/Parts Lists 

Spares and/or replacements parts for the XD500CFR can be purchased from our website at 

www.xceldrones.com. 

Item Number Description

GF1045B 10x4.5 Propellers (sold in pairs, 1CW and 1CCW) 

XD500CFR_ARM_BLU XD500CFR Replacement Arm – Blue 

XD500CFR_ARM_WHT XD500CFR Replacement Arm – White 

XD500CFR_BM 1000KV Base Motor 

 11.1V/3s 5500mAH Lipo battery 

XD500CFR_CRASH_PKBM XD500CFR crash pack 

Fly with confidence! Get the XD500CFR crash pack at and be prepared to quickly repair 

your multi-rotor quadcopter in the event of a crash. 
XD500CFR Ready-to-Fly 

Made in the USA by Xcellent Drones @ www.xceldrones.com

Page | 14 

Multi-rotor Safety Guidelines 

A Multi-Rotor is not a toy. These safety instructions are intended not only for the protection of the 

aircraft, but also to protect your own safety or others. Improper operation can cause serious injury 

and property damage. We do not guarantee error-free behavior of the electronics or software. 

Despite careful preparation and review, we do not assume any warranty or liability (direct or 

indirect) for the accuracy of the software, hardware or information. Use the electronics at your 

own risk (this also applies to associated computer programs). Furthermore, we assume no liability 

for consequential damage to property or persons caused by the application. It is your 

responsibility to perform a full system test. In case of improper use a Multi-Rotor can be 

dangerous. Do not fly over people! 

 General 

• A Quadcopter Multi-Rotor is not a toy and not suitable for children under 14 years. 

• If you don’t have sufficient knowledge about the control of a model aircraft, please contact 

someone with experience. 

• An appropriate (model aircraft) liability insurance is required. In general, model aircraft are not 

covered by standard liability insurance. 

Before starting 

• Check the reliability of the Quadcopter Multi-Rotor. 

• The flight battery and transmitter battery must be fully charged. 

• Always turn on the transmitter first and then the Quadcopter Multi-Rotor. 

• Watch for visible damage such as loose screws, broken, unbalanced or damaged propellers, 

and faulty connectors or solder joints, broken props etc. especially after a crash. 

• The propeller must be in a good condition and securely mounted. The rotors must spin 

smoothly. Please ensure that there are no objects are in the rotational plane of the propellers 

or within a distance that poses a risk of obstruction. Rotating propeller ends are dangerous to 

touch – never touch a rotating propeller with fingers or other body parts. 

• Ensure the appropriate audible beeps are head after connecting the Lipo battery balance port 

to the battery alarm/monitor. 

• Ensure that the selected channel on the remote control is free and that you’re within range of 

the transmitter. 

• After starting the motors, check that all motors are running and rotate evenly. Please fly 

carefully at a low altitude until you know that everything is working fine. 

• Perform a pre-flight check (see checklist below). 

• Start manually – the quadcopter will not arm if any of the flight modes is selected on the 

transmitter switches. 

 
XD500CFR Ready-to-Fly 

Made in the USA by Xcellent Drones @ www.xceldrones.com

Page | 15 

During the flight 

• Do not take risks! Your own safety and that of your environment depend on the good behavior 

of the pilot. Always maintain a safe distance from people, animals and objects. Improper 

operation can cause serious injury and property damage! Never fly towards viewers and avoid 

flying over spectators. 

• Keep in mind that viewers could get close to the Quadcopter Multi-Rotor, without being aware 

of potential dangers. 

• Always turn off the Quadcopter Multi-Rotor first and disconnect the flight battery before turning 

off the transmitter. 

• Only fly in sight. In the case of manual control, you must be able to see the position and 

attitude. 

• Never rely 100% on functions such as GPS, compass, or altitude control. You must always be 

able to take manual control of the Quadcopter Multi-Rotor. 

• Reduce the throttle or switch off the motors in case of a crash or failure. 

• Do not fly in blocked air space, such as in the vicinity of airports, etc. 

• Pay attention to under-voltage warning -flying on a low battery can cause damage to the Lipos 

and crash. 

• If a defect or malfunction has occurred, it must be corrected before the next start. 

• When using GPS, take note that the position of the Quadcopter Multi-Rotor can change 

suddenly some meters. This is due to the earth’s movement in relation to the satellites in 

space. 

After the flight 

• Disconnect the battery and check all over for damage. Make sure that there is no damage to 

the propellers. 

• Always turn off the transmitter after disconnecting the batteries from the Quadcopter 

Multi-Rotor. 

• After a crash the sensors and electronics might be damaged. Before the next start everything 

must be checked. 

Checklist (pre-flight check) 

• Weather conditions suitable (Beginners are advised to fly in conditions less than 15kts). 

• Frame and all screws are tight. 

• Propeller not damaged and tightly fixed. 

• Battery fully charged, securely mounted and plugged into the battery alarm/monitor. 

• Transmitter battery charged and the antennas are free. 

• Check RC (TX/RX) operation range (on the ground!) from time to time (and before 1st flight). 

• Ensure there is nothing in the danger zone of the propeller. 

• Ensure enough space for launch and flight. 

• Ensure the GPS module (if any) has GPS fix – GPS green led light is solid and not blinking. 

For manual start ensure GPS and altitude controls are turned off. 

• Ensure the trim of the remote control is in neutral position. And the throttle is at the lowest 

level. 

 
XD500CFR Ready-to-Fly 

Made in the USA by Xcellent Drones @ www.xceldrones.com

Page | 16 

In-the-Field Pre-flight Checklist 

Item Pass/Fail Notes

Weather conditions suitable 

(Beginners are advised to fly in conditions less than 15kts). 

Frame and all screws are tight 

Propellers not damaged and tightly attached to motors 

Battery securely mounted and balanced lead plugged into 

battery alarm/voltage monitor 

 

Battery voltage for all cells reads between 12.3-12.5 V 

Transmitter batteries ok and the antenna free 

Check RC (TX/RX) operation range (on the ground!) from 

time to time (and before 1st flight). 

There is nothing in the danger zone of the propeller 

There is enough space for launch and flight (no power 

wires close by or trees) 

GPS module has a GPS signal lock (GPS green indicator 

led light is SOLID and not flashing) 

 

Trim of the remote control is in neutral position

Throttle stick (left hand) is at the lowest level 

All flight mode switches are disabled