1. Introduction
The Parrot AR.Drone 2.0 Elite Edition is an advanced quadcopter designed for remote control piloting via a smartphone or tablet. It features 720p high-definition live video streaming and recording capabilities, allowing users to capture and share aerial footage. This manual provides essential information for setting up, operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting your AR.Drone 2.0.
2. What's in the Box
Upon unboxing your Parrot AR.Drone 2.0 Elite Edition, verify that all components are present:
- AR.Drone 2.0 Quadcopter
- Rechargeable Battery (Lithium Polymer)
- Battery Charger
- Indoor Hull (with protective bumpers)
- Outdoor Hull
- Quick Start Guide
Image 1: The Parrot AR.Drone 2.0 Elite Edition Quadcopter, featuring its distinctive snow camouflage pattern on the central body. This image shows the drone from an elevated side angle, highlighting its four propellers and protective rings.
3. Setup
3.1. Battery Charging
Before first use, fully charge the Lithium Polymer battery using the provided charger. Connect the battery to the charger and plug the charger into a power outlet. The indicator light on the charger will change to indicate a full charge. A full charge typically takes approximately 90 minutes.
3.2. App Installation
The AR.Drone 2.0 is controlled via the AR.FreeFlight application. Download and install the latest version of the AR.FreeFlight app from your device's app store (iOS or Android).
3.3. Connecting to the Drone
- Insert the charged battery into the AR.Drone 2.0. The drone will power on automatically.
- On your smartphone or tablet, go to your Wi-Fi settings.
- Select the Wi-Fi network broadcast by the AR.Drone (e.g., "ardrone_xxxxxx").
- Launch the AR.FreeFlight app. The app should automatically detect and connect to the drone.
4. Operating the AR.Drone 2.0
4.1. Piloting Controls
The AR.FreeFlight app provides an intuitive interface for piloting. Controls are typically displayed on-screen, allowing you to control altitude, rotation, and horizontal movement by tilting your device or using virtual joysticks. Familiarize yourself with the controls in a safe, open environment before attempting complex maneuvers.
- Take-off/Landing: A dedicated button in the app initiates automatic take-off and landing.
- Absolute Control Mode: This mode allows the drone to move relative to your device's position, simplifying orientation.
- Director Mode: (Availability may vary by device/app version) Offers advanced flight path programming.
Image 2: A man wearing sunglasses is shown outdoors, holding a remote control and looking up at a Parrot AR.Drone 2.0 flying in the distance. The background features mountains under a bright sky, illustrating an ideal environment for drone operation.
4.2. Video and Photo Recording
The AR.Drone 2.0 is equipped with a 720p HD camera. You can stream live video to your device and record videos or capture still images directly through the AR.FreeFlight app. Recorded media can be saved to your smartphone/tablet or to a USB drive connected to the drone.
5. Maintenance
Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and longevity of your AR.Drone 2.0.
- Propellers: Inspect propellers for damage after each flight. Replace bent or chipped propellers to maintain flight stability.
- Gears and Clips: Check the motor gears and propeller clips for wear or damage. Replacement parts are available.
- Hulls: The drone comes with an indoor hull (with protective bumpers) and an outdoor hull. Use the appropriate hull for your flying environment. Replace damaged hulls as needed.
- Battery Care: Store batteries in a cool, dry place. Avoid overcharging or fully discharging the battery. If a battery appears swollen, discontinue use immediately and dispose of it safely.
- Cleaning: Gently clean the drone body and camera lens with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid using liquids.
6. Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Drone does not connect to app. | Incorrect Wi-Fi network selected; app not launched; drone not powered on. | Ensure drone is powered on and broadcasting its Wi-Fi. Connect your device to the drone's Wi-Fi network. Launch the AR.FreeFlight app. Try restarting both the drone and your device. |
| Short battery life. | Battery not fully charged; aged battery; cold weather. | Ensure battery is fully charged before use. Consider purchasing additional batteries for extended flight time. Avoid flying in very cold conditions. |
| Drone is unstable or crashes frequently. | Damaged propellers or gears; strong wind; pilot error. | Inspect and replace any damaged propellers or gears. Avoid flying in winds exceeding 5-6 MPH. Practice piloting in a safe, open area. |
| Video feed cuts out or is choppy. | Drone too far from controlling device; Wi-Fi interference. | Keep the drone within approximately 75 feet of your controlling device. Ensure no major obstructions are between the drone and your device. |
7. Specifications
- Model Name: AR Drone 2
- Model Number: PF721801
- Color: Snow
- Connectivity: USB, Wi-Fi (b/g/n)
- Video Capture Resolution: 720p (1280x720 pixels)
- Effective Still Resolution: 16.1 MP
- Processor: ARM Cortex A8 1GHz 32 bit with 800MHz video DSP TMS320DMC64x
- RAM: 1GB DDR2 at 200MHz
- Operating System: Linux 2.6.32
- Battery Type: Lithium Polymer (rechargeable)
- Item Weight: 2.1 Kilograms
- Age Range: Adult (18+)
- Skill Level: Intermediate
8. Warranty and Support
8.1. Warranty Information
The Parrot AR.Drone 2.0 Elite Edition comes with a 1-year warranty from the date of purchase. This warranty covers manufacturing defects. Please retain your proof of purchase for warranty claims. The warranty does not cover damage caused by misuse, accidents, or unauthorized modifications.
8.2. Customer Support
For technical assistance, troubleshooting beyond this manual, or warranty inquiries, please refer to the official Parrot support website or contact their customer service. Always check the official Parrot resources for the most up-to-date support information and contact methods.
