Helicute HONOR MAX Drone User Manual

1.0 WELCOME

Thanks for purchasing a HONOR MAX Drone. Please take the time to read the following safety warnings and operating instructions carefully. Keep this manual for future reference and maintenance.

1.1 BEFORE YOU GET UP IN THE AIR

Connect the Drone battery to the included charging base and insert the USB charging cable into any computer USB port. While the battery is charging, read the instructions and familiarize yourself with the controls of your HONOR MAX.

WARNING: PLEASE DO NOT MOVE THE CAMERA MANUALLY; IT CAN DAMAGE THE GIMBAL AND CAMERA.

1.2 GENERAL SAFETY

• Do not fly your Drone closer than 30 meters from people, animals, or buildings. Ensure you are no closer than 5.5 kilometers from any airfields or airports.
• Fly only during the day and keep your drone within visual line-of-sight.
• Do not attempt to touch the Drone when the Remote Control is powered on, or if the rotor blades are turning.
• When flying your Drone, please keep in mind the privacy of others.
• This product should be operated by people over 14 years old. It is a precision device requiring correct assembly and debugging to avoid accidents. The user should operate and control this product safely. Incorrect operation may cause serious injury or property damage.
• This product is suitable for experienced UAV pilots no less than 14 years of age.
• In case of problems during use, operation, or maintenance, contact the local sales agent, retailer, or responsible staff of the company.
• Use original Helicute parts for any re-equipping or maintenance to ensure flying safety. Operate and use only under the scope of the product function permitted. Using un-approved parts will void the warranty. Do not use for any illegal purpose or use beyond the scope of local laws and regulations.

1.2.1 Warning

• You are responsible for ensuring this model of aircraft does not cause injury to others or damage to property.
• The company and distributors are not responsible for any incorrect operation causing loss, damage, or injury.
• Children aged 14 and up should use this product under adult guidance. This product is FORBIDDEN for use by children under 14 years old.
• Flying on roads or near high traffic areas is strictly FORBIDDEN to prevent accidents.
• Small parts are included. Keep them beyond the reach of children to avoid a CHOKING HAZARD or accidental swallowing.

1.3 BATTERY INSTALLATION & CHARGING

DRONE

• Insert the Drone battery into the charging base, then insert the charging cable of the charging base into any USB port.
• Remark: Do not turn on the battery when charging.
• Only use the provided Battery charging base and USB charging cable.

NOTE: PLEASE MAKE SURE THE BATTERY IS TURNED OFF BEFORE CHARGING, OTHERWISE THE BATTERY WILL NOT CHARGE.

CONTROLLER

• Insert one side of the USB connector into the remote control's port and the other side into any computer USB port.
• Remark: Do not turn on the controller when charging.
• Only the original charging cable from the factory can be used.

1.3.1 Safety

• Please DO NOT disassemble or re-equip the aircraft as it may cause a breakdown during flight.
• Batteries in the charger's compartment should be inserted into the designated power source with the same logo as the product.
• When charging the battery, conduct it under adult supervision. Keep it far away from combustible objects and within eyesight.
• Keep the aircraft far away from other electric compliance or equipment, or places with magnetic objects, as they may cause interference.
• Keep a safe distance from high-speed rotating rotors to avoid injury.
• The engine will heat up. Please DO NOT touch it to avoid burns or injury.
• Comply with magnetic environment requirements formulated by the Aviation Radio Bureau and related authorities. During regulated periods in certain areas, stop using the remote controller when such commands are issued.
• Understand airspace restrictions and requirements.

1.3.2 BATTERY SAFETY

• Always unwind all cables before charging.
• Do not overcharge the battery. Remove the battery from the charger as soon as charging is complete.
• Only use the included or replacement charging cable and batteries.
• Charge the Lithium polymer battery in a safe area away from flammable materials.
• The battery is only to be charged under adult supervision; do not leave charging batteries unattended.
• Do not charge the battery in temperatures hotter than 40°C or colder than 0°C.
• Do not cover batteries when charging or leave them in direct sunlight.
• Do not bend, puncture, crush, or scratch the drone's battery. Do not store batteries in pockets, on your person, or in extreme temperatures.
• Never plug in a battery and leave it to charge unattended overnight.

2.0 CONTROLLER OVERVIEW

Image of the Helicute HONOR MAX drone controller with detailed labels.

Key Controls and Indicators:

• Camera zoom: Adjusts zoom level.
• Gimbal dial: Controls the tilt of the camera.
• Speed mode switch: Changes flight speed modes (Press).
• Fill light ON/OFF: Controls the fill light (Press and hold).
• Take picture / Record video: Takes a photo (Press) or records video (Press and hold).
• Gyro calibration / Compass calibration: Initiates calibration sequences (Flashing).
• Headless mode: Activates headless mode (Flashing).
• GPS signal searching: Indicates GPS signal acquisition (Flashing).
• GPS signal connecting: Indicates successful GPS connection (Remain on).
• Drone signal: Indicates drone connection status.
• Speed: Displays current flight speed.
• Drone battery level: Shows remaining battery power of the drone.
• Flight distance: Displays distance from the takeoff point.
• Flight height: Displays current altitude.
• GPS ON/OFF: Toggles GPS mode (Press).
• Number of satellites: Shows the number of satellites connected.
• Controller battery level: Shows remaining battery power of the controller.
• Speed mode: Indicates current speed mode (Mode1: America, Mode2: Japan).
• LCD screen: Displays flight information and status.
• Power ON/OFF: Powers the controller on or off.
• Return home: Initiates the Return to Home function (Press).
• Left joystick: Controls ascent/descent (up/down), and rotation (left/right).
• Controller charging port: Port for charging the controller.
• Cruise control: Activates cruise control (Press).
• GPS/Non GPS mode: Switches between GPS and Non-GPS modes (Long press for 3S).
• Power indicator: Shows power status.
• Antenna: Transmits and receives signals.
• One key gimbal up/down: Adjusts gimbal angle (Press).
• Compass calibration: Initiates compass calibration (Long press for 2S).
• Right joystick: Controls forward/backward movement and left/right sideways flight.
• Take off/landing: Initiates automatic takeoff or landing (Long press for 2S).
• Phone connecting port: Connects the mobile device.
• Phone holder: Holds the mobile device.

3.0 INSTALLING MICRO SD CARD*

Slot the Micro SD Card into the slot with copper tracks facing upwards and the SD card notch on your left side. Gently press the card in until you hear the lock click into place.

3.1 REMOVING A MICRO SD CARD

1. Press the Micro SD Card in until a click is heard and the card releases.
2. The card will now release and be removable.

NOTE: Micro SD card not included (Class 10 or above up to 128GB Capacity).

4.0 GETTING STARTED

1. Once the fully charged battery is inserted in your Drone and the remote control is charged, conduct a complete check of your surroundings to ensure a safe takeoff location. Unfold the aircraft arms and propellers; then remove the Gimbal Cover before flying.
2. Press and then long press the Power button to turn on your Drone. Place it on a level section of ground free of obstacles. The drone will enter signal searching mode (Front and Rear lights flashing slowly in red). The camera gimbal will rotate for auto calibration; it will stop rotating once finished.
3. Press and then long press the Power button to turn on the Controller. It will emit "DiDi-DiDi" sounds and enter signal searching mode. Once connected with the drone, the controller will stop "DiDi" sounds, and the drone's Front lights will be blue and Rear lights will be green, flashing.

REMARK:

• A. GPS mode is on by default.
• B. Please switch to Non-GPS mode when playing the drone indoors (Front lights blue, Rear lights green, flashing slowly). Refer to section "GYROSCOPE CALIBRATION" and skip steps.

4.1 GPS MODE - CALIBRATING THE DRONE

After pairing the drone with the controller, long press the Compass calibration button for 3 seconds. The controller will "beep", and the Compass calibration mode will be activated, indicating the drone is ready for calibration.

Once GPS calibration mode is activated, the Front LED lights will flash quickly in purple and the Back LED lights will flash quickly in yellow, indicating the drone is ready for calibration.

NOTE:

• Once your drone has been calibrated for GPS Mode, you only need to press the GPS Mode ON/OFF button to turn GPS Mode ON and OFF during flight.
• If GPS flight operation is malfunctioning, long press the Calibration button to recalibrate the drone.

4.2 LEVEL CORRECTION

Lift the drone slightly off the ground (approx 50cm) and rotate the drone in a clockwise direction. The controller will emit a "beep" sound upon successful calibration.

Diagram illustrating the drone being lifted and rotated clockwise for level correction.

4.3 VERTICAL CORRECTION

Lift the drone slightly off the ground (approx 50cm) and rotate vertically until the controller emits a "DI~ DI~" sound. The Front LED will flash slowly in blue, indicating successful calibration.

4.4 CONNECTING GPS SIGNAL (GPS ONLY WORKS OUTDOOR)

After finishing the Level Correction and Vertical Correction process, place the drone on a level surface/ground. It will automatically start to connect to a GPS signal. Once connected, the Front lights will change from flashes to solid Blue, and Rear lights will change from flashes to solid Green.

4.5 GYROSCOPE CALIBRATION

Keeping the drone placed on the ground outdoors, move the left and right control sticks down simultaneously (7 o'clock and 7 o'clock). The LEDs on the drone will start flashing rapidly, indicating that the drone has entered Gyroscope calibration mode. After successful calibration, the drone's lights will change from flashing rapidly to solid.

After successful calibration, the motors need to be unlocked. Please move the left and right control sticks down simultaneously (5 o'clock and 7 o'clock). The Drone rotors will start rotation and it is ready to take off.

CAUTION: MAKE SURE DRONE IS AT A SAFE DISTANCE BEFORE INITIATING TAKE OFF.

NOTE: Depending on the drone mode, the drone LEDs will change colour.

5.0 BASIC FLIGHT

UP AND DOWN

Diagrams illustrating basic flight controls: Up and Down.

FORWARD AND BACKWARD

Diagrams illustrating basic flight controls: Forward and Backward.

LEFT SPIN AND RIGHT SPIN

Diagrams illustrating basic flight controls: Left Spin and Right Spin.

LEFTSIDE AND RIGHTSIDE

Diagrams illustrating basic flight controls: Leftside and Rightside.

5.1 ONE KEY TAKE OFF/LANDING

The one-button take off and landing button allows you to easily get your drone off the ground and land once the drone is paired and the motors are unlocked. Long press the One Key Take-off button to get your drone off the ground around 1.5 meters.

NOTE: This button is different from the Return to Home button, as it will only land the drone from its current position in the air.

5.2 OPTICAL FLOW POSITIONING MODE

For Optical Flow to work best, the surroundings should not be dark and the surface type should not be of the same color type.

NOTE:

• If Drone's Optical Flow is not working well due to surroundings, Drone's rear lights will flash yellow.
• Drone's height must be limited to 10 meters for optical flow to work.
• Strong windy conditions will affect the Optical Flow performance.
• Optical Flow positioning is disabled under GPS Mode.

5.3 CONTROLLER ALERTS

When the Remote Control battery is low, the Remote Control will issue a slow series of beeps, signaling that the batteries need to be charged. When the Drone battery is running low: In GPS mode, the drone will return home automatically. When the GPS mode is off, the Drone's lights will flash red. In this case, you should immediately fly the drone back to your location, otherwise the drone will begin landing automatically at its current position.

NOTE: Do not ignore low power warnings as this may result in unplanned landings.

5.4 RETURN TO HOME

Return to Home brings the Drone back to the location it was launched from. To activate Return to Home, press the Return to Home button on the remote control.

Image showing the Return to Home button on the controller.

NOTE: Return to Home button will work only in GPS Mode.

It is important that the GPS is correctly connected before launch before activating Return to Home. Failing to do so may result in the drone flying away when Return to Home is attempted.

6.0 APP DOWNLOADED

Please scan the corresponding QR code to download the APP "HFun Pilot". Go to the "APP Store" for Apple devices or "Google Play" for Android devices to download the "HFun Pilot".

QR code for downloading the HFun Pilot app for iOS devices.

QR code for downloading the HFun Pilot app for Android (Oversea) devices.

QR code for downloading the HFun Pilot app for Android (Mainland China) devices.

CONNECT THE APP WITH DRONE

1. Select the appropriate RC cable.
2. Connect one end of the RC cable to the remote controller and the other end to the mobile phone.
3. Enter the App, and allow the permission to pop up. When you enter the CONTROL interface and see the image transmission screen of the aircraft, the connection is successful.

Diagram showing the RC cable connecting the remote controller to a mobile phone.

CAUTION:

1. When the data cable is connected to the phone, ensure that the plug of the data cable is installed in place. If installed incorrectly, it will result in the failure of data transmission with poor contact and inability to see image transmission.
2. Please correctly set the USB Settings option that pops up. Select "Transferring files" for Android phones, and "Trust" for iPhones. Some USB Settings of Android phones are hidden in the “Developer options”; you need to change the "Default USB configuration" to "Transferring files" after opening the developer mode.
3. The data cable cannot charge the mobile device. Please check the battery power of the mobile device before use.

6.1 APP NAVIGATION

Once you have connected your Smart-phone to the Drone and launched the HFun Pilot, you will be able to access the App's Control screen. This screen has all of the control options and settings, as well as access to the on-screen control system.

Screenshot of the HFun Pilot app control screen, displaying various flight parameters and controls.

Key App Interface Elements:

• Turn off the sound: Mute audio cues.
• Operation guide: Access flight tutorials.
• Personal center: User profile and settings.
• Aircraft calibration: Initiate aircraft calibration.
• Start flying: Begin flight.
• Geomagnetic: Geomagnetic sensor status.
• GPS interference information: Details on GPS signal interference.
• Satellite: Displays current flight mode and number of satellites. Red indicates fixed height mode; constant light indicates GPS mode.
• Battery: Displays battery status.
• WiFi: Displays chart signal strength.
• Flight status: Shows current flight status.
• Back: Return to previous screen.
• GPS mode: Indicates current GPS mode status.
• GPS tracking: Enables tracking the phone's GPS location.
• Surrounding flight: Initiates a circling flight pattern.
• No UI mode: Hides non-essential UI controls.
• Waypoint flight: Allows setting custom flight paths.
• VR: Activates Virtual Reality mode.
• Vertical screen: Switches to vertical screen display.
• Switch lens: Changes camera lens or view.
• Photo/video: Captures photos or records videos.
• Album: Accesses stored photos and videos.
• Night mode: Activates night vision mode.
• One-click return: Initiates the Return to Home function.
• Switch to map: Displays the flight map.

Battery Status

The battery status of the aircraft is indicated by 2-4 grids for normal power, allowing normal operation of returning, following, circling, and pointing functions in GPS mode. 1 grid (flicker state) represents the current low power state, and the aircraft will perform an automatic course reversal function. There is no following, circling, or pointing flight function in low power state.

GPS Information

Displays the current height and distance of the aircraft from the home point: Altitude (A), Distance (D), Horizontal speed (H), Vertical speed (V).

One-click return

In GPS mode, click this button for the drone to return home.

Flight Modes Descriptions

• Surrounding flight: After starting, the aircraft will automatically spiral. Pay attention to obstacles above to avoid injury! In case of emergency, immediately interrupt the flight with the remote control! In GPS mode, the aircraft nose will fly around clockwise or counter-clockwise with the current position of the aircraft as the center. During the surround process, you can control the rise, fall, forward, and reverse to adjust.
• Soaring into the sky: After starting, the aircraft will rise automatically. Pay attention to obstacles above to avoid injury! In case of emergency, immediately interrupt the flight with the remote control!
• Backward side ways flight: After starting, the aircraft will lean back away from the target and pay attention to the space behind to avoid damage! In case of emergency, immediately interrupt the flight with the remote control!
• AR: Embed AR 3D model in real-time video stream.
• 50x zoom: After opening, adjust the zoom multiples of the lens view by adjusting the right slider. After the view is enlarged, slide your finger on the screen to adjust the visual range of the movable view.
• GPS tracking: In GPS mode, click this button and the aircraft will follow the phone.
• No UI mode: Hide non-essential UI controls.

6.2 ONE KEY RETURN

Press the Return to Home button for the Drone to return to its starting position.

NOTE: If the battery is low or if the drone loses signal, it will fly back to its starting position. GPS mode has to be enabled for this function to work.

6.3 WAYPOINT MODE

1. In Multi-place flight mode, the screen will switch to the map. Click the pen icon and set your waypoint path. Waypoint Flight: Only applicable when GPS mode is on.
2. After selecting the waypoints, click on the ▲ Send Icon. The Drone will start flying and follow the marked points. The flight height of the drone can be controlled by the left control stick during flight.

When the drone does not have enough power during flight, it will automatically return to the starting point from its current position. If you feel that the path is too crowded, you can delete a single path by pressing the Single Delete Icon or delete all the waypoints by pressing the Delete Icon.

6.4 FOLLOW ME

Press the Follow icon on the App; the drone will follow your smartphone's GPS location.

Remark: This function only works in GPS mode.

6.5 Circle flight

Press the Circle flight icon on the HFun Pilot APP.

1. Expand the flight position within the drone's controllable range, then click the Circle flight icon.
2. Press the Circle flight icon, and the drone will set its current location as the interest point. You can then choose either clockwise or counter-clockwise flight on the App, and the drone will fly around it.
3. If you need to change the set center point, you can press the Circle flight icon again to cancel the surrounding flight. You can then fly to your new interest point and press the Circle flight icon again to start the surrounding flight.

Moving the right thumb stick right will make the Drone circle the target clockwise while focusing on the target.

Moving the right thumb stick left will make Drone circle the target counter clockwise while focusing on the target.

Moving the right thumb stick up will move the Drone away from the target, making the circle bigger.

Moving the right thumb stick down will move the Drone closer to the target, making the circle smaller.

6.6 OPTICAL FLOW POSITIONING

Optical flow position is a way to keep your drone flying stable, which ensures the drone can take pictures/video at high quality.

SPECIAL WARNING:

• The drone height cannot be more than 10 meters from the floor.
• Strong winds will interfere with the optical flow positioning of the drone.
• Optical flow will operate only when GPS mode is off.

7.0 DRONE MAINTENANCE

Avoid exposing your Drone and its accessories to dust, sand, and moisture, as these can damage the Drone. If the Drone is exposed to dust or sand, use a soft brush to remove any visible particles.

7.1 REPLACING ROTOR BLADES

DRONE

Replacing Damaged blades: Your set will come with 4 replacement rotors, two (A) type and two (B) type. You will see the "A" and "B" word on the rotor. Install the rotor on the motor accordingly.

Diagram showing the drone with labels A and B indicating the correct placement for type A and type B rotor blades.

FCC STATEMENT (DRONE)

This drone complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Changes or modifications to this unit not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.

NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

This device and its antenna(s) must not be co-located or operated in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter.

Radiation Exposure Statement

To maintain compliance with FCC's RF Exposure guidelines, this equipment should be installed and operated with a minimum distance of 20cm from your body.

FCC Statement (REMOTE CONTROL)

This remote control complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Changes or modifications to this unit not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.

NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

This device and its antenna(s) must not be co-located or operated in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter.

Radiation Exposure Statement

The device has been evaluated to meet general RF exposure requirement in portable exposure condition without restriction.