SKYHAWK Foldable Video GPS Drone

Part 1: Product Profile

This section introduces the functions and installation guidelines of the DRC-447 and lists the components of the aircraft and remote controller.

Introduction

Thank you for purchasing the VTI SkyHawk Foldable Video GPS aircraft, item DRC-447. This remote-controlled aircraft is designed specifically for outdoor flying. To achieve the best possible results, please read this user's manual carefully before use. Keep this manual in a safe place for future reference.

Setting Up Your DRC-447

Unfold the aircraft

The aircraft is folded inside the package. Please unfold the aircraft before use.

Diagram: Shows the aircraft being unfolded from a folded state to its flying configuration.

Battery installation

Insert the drone battery into the battery case at the back of the aircraft. Ensure you hear a clicking sound to confirm the battery is securely inserted.

Diagram: Shows the drone battery being inserted into the aircraft.

Attention: Failure to securely insert the battery can lead to the aircraft losing power mid-flight and crashing.

Setting Up the Remote Control

Inserting Batteries Into Your Remote Control

Use a screwdriver to open the battery compartments on the rear of your remote control. Insert 3 AAA 1.5V batteries, ensuring correct polarity (+/-) as indicated in the battery compartment. Once inserted, replace the battery compartment covers and secure them with a screwdriver.

Diagram: Shows the remote control with the battery compartment open, indicating where to insert batteries.

Important Battery Notes:

• Do not mix rechargeable and non-rechargeable batteries.
• Do not mix old and new batteries or different types of batteries.
• Remove exhausted batteries and dispose of them according to local regulations.
• Remove batteries from the remote control if it will not be used for an extended period.

A Quick Look at Your Device

Top View:

• 1. Power switch
• 2. Coreless motor
• 3. Propeller

Bottom View:

• 4. Camera
• 5. Battery
• 6. Guard rails

Diagrams: Illustrate the top and bottom views of the drone, labeling key components.

Note: Camera shooting angles can be adjusted by hand.

Part 2: Aircraft

This section introduces functions and features of the DRC-447.

Flight Modes

Your DRC-447 has 2 flight modes:

• GPS Mode: The aircraft automatically enters GPS mode when powered on.
• Normal flying mode: Press and hold the GPS/Normal Flying mode button to switch to normal flying mode.

Diagram: Shows the remote control with the GPS/Normal Flying mode button highlighted.

Aircraft Status Indicator Lights

Aircraft status indicator table:

Rear Light Status Under GPS Mode:

Diagram: Shows the drone with labels pointing to the rear light.

Return to Home (RTH)

The Return-to-Home (RTH) function brings the aircraft back to the last recorded Home Point. There are 3 types of RTH: smart RTH, low battery RTH, and failsafe RTH.

Attention:

• The aircraft cannot avoid obstacles when the RTH function is initiated.
• The aircraft cannot return to the Home Point if the GPS signal is weak or unavailable.

Smart RTH

When the GPS signal is available (more than 7 satellites), use the RTH button on the remote control (Pic. 1) or tap the RTH button in the "VTI SkyHawk" APP (Pic. 2) and follow the on-screen instructions to initiate Smart RTH.

Diagrams: Pic. 1 shows the remote control with the RTH button highlighted. Pic. 2 shows the VTI SkyHawk app interface with the RTH button.

Low Battery RTH

When the battery level is low, the aircraft automatically returns directly to the take-off point. During low battery state, the aircraft cannot be controlled beyond 20 meters. If the aircraft is within 20 meters of the take-off point, it can be controlled. If it is beyond 20 meters, the aircraft enters landing protection mode and will safely land immediately when the battery is totally depleted.

Note: When the aircraft is in a low battery state, the front white light is on, and the rear red light flashes.

Aircraft guard rails installation

Align the guard rails with the hole in the boom position of the aircraft, and install and fasten it.

Diagram: Shows the drone with guard rails being attached.

Aircraft Power Switch

Turn on the aircraft

Once the battery is inserted securely, press and hold the power button for 3 seconds. The aircraft will make beeping sounds and the rear light will keep flashing.

Turn off the aircraft

Press the power button; the aircraft's light will go off, and the aircraft will power off.

Diagram: Shows the drone with the power button location indicated.

Aircraft Battery

• Made by high-energy battery cells
• Standard battery capacity is 7.4V 1500mAh

Diagrams: Show the aircraft battery and USB cable.

Charging the aircraft battery

• The aircraft's battery needs to be fully charged before every flight.
• Use the included USB cable to charge the aircraft's battery.
• The battery takes approximately 200 minutes to charge fully.

Diagram: Shows the battery being charged via USB cable and a power adapter (not included).

Attaching and Detaching the Propellers

Attach the propellers

Install propeller A and propeller B on the corresponding motor shaft and fix the propellers screws tightly by rotating them in a clockwise direction. (A/B markings are at the bottom of each propeller.)

Diagram: Shows the drone with propellers A and B being attached in a clockwise direction.

Detach the propellers

Unscrew by rotating them in a counter-clockwise direction and then remove the propellers.

Diagram: Shows the drone with propellers A and B being detached in a counter-clockwise direction.

Important Notes on Propellers:

• Ensure propellers are attached to the correct motors; incorrect attachment will prevent normal flight.
• Be aware of the sharp edges of the propellers. Handle with care.
• Use only original default propellers. Do not mix propeller types.
• Stand clear of motors and do not touch propellers when they are spinning.
• Check that propellers and motors are installed correctly and securely before each flight.
• Ensure all propellers are in good condition before each flight. Do not use aged, chipped, or broken propellers.
• To avoid injury, stand clear of and do not touch propellers or motors when they are spinning.
• Only use original default propellers for a better and safer flight experience.

Part 3: Remote Control And APP

This section describes the features of the remote control and app, and includes instructions on how to operate the DRC-447.

Remote Control & APP Functions

Photo/Video

Photo: Tap the photo/video button on the remote control and app to take a photo.

Video: Press and hold the photo/video button on the remote to start video recording, and press and hold again to stop. Tap the video button on the app to start video recording, and tap again to stop.

All photos and videos will be saved to your phone.

Diagrams: Show the remote control and the app interface with photo and video buttons.

One-key unlock/landing

• Tap the button, and the aircraft will be unlocked. Pull up the throttle stick, and the aircraft will fly up.
• Tap the same button to land.

Diagram: Shows the remote control with the unlock/landing button highlighted, and the app interface.

Emergency stop

Press the button for 3 seconds to stop the flight immediately. Only use this in urgent, emergency situations as it may cause the aircraft to crash.

Diagram: Shows the remote control with the emergency stop button highlighted.

Part 4: App Download & Installation

This section explains how to download the "VTI SkyHawk" APP and connect with a mobile device.

Diagram: Shows the drone.

Installing the Mobile Phone Holder

1. Open the mobile phone holder (Pic. 1).
2. Adjust the mobile phone holder upward or downward according to the size of your mobile phone (Pic. 2).

Diagrams: Pic. 1 shows the phone holder being opened on the remote. Pic. 2 shows adjusting the holder.

Downloading the "VTI SkyHawk" Software Application

Where to download "VTI SkyHawk" APP

1. For Apple iOS users, go to the Apple App store and search "VTI SkyHawk" or scan the QR code below to download the software application.
2. For Android users, go to the Google Play store and search "VTI SkyHawk" or scan the QR code below to download the software application.

Diagram: Shows the VTI SkyHawk Drone logo.

How to link the app to the aircraft's camera

Power on the aircraft, then go to your phone's settings menu. Turn on WiFi, find "VTI SkyHawk ****" on the list and connect. When the Wi-Fi symbol appears, it means WiFi has been successfully connected. Exit the settings menu and tap the "VTI SkyHawk" APP on your mobile device. Select your aircraft model on the home page and click "GO" to enter the real-time image transmission interface.

Diagrams: Show the phone's Wi-Fi settings connecting to "Sky Hawk Drone", the VTI SkyHawk App icon, and the "Click GO" button.

Photo and video saving feature: Video and Photos will be saved at the app.

Part 5: Flight

This section reviews safe flight requirements and basic aircraft operations.

Diagram: Shows the drone.

Environmental Requirements

1. Do not fly in areas with extremely high temperatures, snow, strong wind (level 5), rain, or fog.
2. Always choose a wide open area for every flight. Tall structures and large metal structures may affect the accuracy of the onboard compass and GPS system.
3. Never fly directly over people or animals.
4. To minimize interference, do not fly the aircraft near power lines, base stations, electrical substations, and broadcasting towers.
5. Aircraft and battery performance are subject to environmental factors like temperature. Be cautious when flying over 1000ft above sea level, as performance may be affected.
6. Your aircraft cannot use GPS within polar regions.

Flight limits and GEO zones

Abide by all laws and regulations when flying your aircraft. Flight limitations are applied by default to help users operate this product safely and legally. Flight limitations include altitude limits, distance limits, and GEO Zones. Altitude limits, distance limits, and GEO Zones function concurrently to manage flight safety when operating in GPS Mode.

Pre-flight Checklist

Before flight, ensure that:

1. The aircraft, remote control, and mobile device are fully charged.
2. The propellers are installed correctly.
3. The arms and propellers are properly unfolded.
4. The camera lens is clean.

Calibrating Your aircraft (Preparing for Flight)

Before preparing your aircraft for flight, ensure a suitable environment. Avoid flying in rain, snow, or windy conditions. Stay away from people, trees, power lines, tall buildings, airports, and signal towers. Your aircraft is designed for outdoor flying; do not attempt to fly or calibrate it indoors.

To power on your remote control, press the Power ON/OFF button. You will hear a beep upon powering on. To power on your aircraft, press and hold the Power button. The LED light on the aircraft will flash rapidly. Once your aircraft and remote control are powered on, follow the calibration steps below.

Diagrams: Show various environmental factors to avoid (people, trees, power lines, buildings, signal towers) and the remote control and aircraft power buttons.

Calibrating Your Aircraft with Your Remote control

• With your aircraft and remote control powered on, pull the throttle stick on the remote control all the way up, then push it all the way down and hold it.
• When you hear your remote control beep, your aircraft is synchronized with your remote control.

NOTE: Once you turn on your aircraft, it will automatically enter GPS mode.

Aircraft compass calibration

Compass calibration should be performed after your aircraft is successfully initialized, and prior to flying for the first time in a new location. If flying from the same location, recalibration is not needed. Your aircraft can then fly under GPS mode.

If the environment is not suitable for flying, your aircraft will quickly recover stable altitude and return to the take-off position after circling for a few seconds.

1. Press and hold the geomagnetic calibration button (Pic 1).
2. Rotate your aircraft horizontally, spinning it clockwise until the white lights on the front flash and the lights on the back shine solid yellow. Your aircraft will emit a beep sound (Pic 2).
3. Turn the head downwards and rotate your aircraft vertically, spinning it continuously until the white lights on the front and the red lights on the back stop blinking and shine steadily. Calibration is complete. After a few seconds, when the aircraft finds a GPS signal, the front LEDs will turn solid white, the back LEDs will turn green, and your aircraft will emit a beep sound (Pic 3).

Diagrams: Pic 1 shows the remote control with the calibration button. Pic 2 and Pic 3 illustrate the aircraft's rotation during calibration.

Exiting GPS Mode

To exit GPS flying mode and enter normal flying mode, press and hold the GPS/Normal Flying Mode button.

Gyroscope calibration

When compass calibration is finished, place the aircraft on a flat surface and follow the actions in the graphic below to calibrate the gyroscope. Once the aircraft's rear light turns from flashing to solid, the gyroscope has been calibrated successfully.

Diagram: Shows the aircraft and remote control for gyroscope calibration.

Note: The gyroscope is pre-calibrated by default. Recalibration is only needed if the aircraft is not initializing properly. Ensure the aircraft is placed on a horizontal surface during calibration; failure to do so will affect flight.

How to lock and unlock the aircraft

Method 1: Move the left stick all the way down and to the right. Simultaneously, move the right stick all the way down and to the left (Pic 1).

Method 2: Move the left stick all the way down and to the left. Simultaneously, move the right stick all the way down and to the right (Pic 2).

Diagrams: Pic 1 and Pic 2 show the remote control sticks being moved for locking/unlocking.

Tips:

• Do not lock the aircraft by pressing the emergency button directly during flight.
• Press the emergency button for 3 seconds to stop the flight ONLY when the aircraft encounters an emergency or has crashed.

Operating the aircraft

Ascent/Descent/Backward/Forward:

Diagrams: Show the remote control sticks and corresponding aircraft movements (up, down, backward, forward).

Turn Right/Turn Left/Shift Left/Shift Right:

Diagrams: Show the remote control sticks and corresponding aircraft movements (turning right, turning left, shifting left, shifting right).

Speed Adjustment

Your aircraft has three speed modes. To cycle through the speed modes, press the right throttle down. Each mode is identifiable by a series of beeps. The default speed is low speed. Press the right throttle once to change the speed.

• Low Speed Mode: One beep
• Medium Speed Mode: Two beeps
• High Speed Mode: Three Beeps

Speed (30%: Slow, 60%: Medium, 100%: Fast) (Press Down)

Diagram: Shows the remote control with the speed adjustment button.

Point of Interest (Surrounding Flight Mode)

When activated, Point of Interest will make the aircraft circle around a desired point of interest.

To activate Point of Interest, aim the aircraft at the desired point of interest and then press the Surrounding Flight Mode button on the remote controller; it will beep.

1. Push the right throttle stick to the right to make the aircraft circle the target clockwise while focusing on the target.
2. Move the right throttle stick forward and backward to change the radius distance between the aircraft and the point of interest.
3. Continue moving the right throttle stick to the right to increase flight speed. Move the right throttle stick to the left to decrease flight speed. When in a lower speed by continuing to move the right throttle left, the aircraft will circle the target counter-clockwise while focusing on the target.

Diagram: Shows the app interface with the Point of Interest function active.

Follow Me

When activated, the Follow Me function will make the aircraft follow your smartphone's GPS location. To activate Follow Me, press and hold the Follow Me Mode button on the top left of the remote controller.

Note: It is important that the GPS and smartphone are correctly connected to the aircraft, and the horizontal distance between the aircraft and your smartphone is greater than 8 meters. Follow Me function only starts after the map of your position has loaded completely.

Diagram: Shows the remote control with the Follow Me button highlighted, and the app interface.

Test Flight

Basic flight operation steps

1. Place the aircraft in a wide open area, facing the front of the aircraft.
2. Turn on the aircraft and remote control.
3. Connect the remote control with the aircraft and proceed to aircraft initialization.
4. Connect the DRC-447 with your phone.
5. Unlock the aircraft after gyroscope detection is complete.
6. Pull up the throttle stick for the aircraft to take off. Control the aircraft using the left and right sticks.
7. Pull down the throttle stick to land the aircraft.
8. Turn off the aircraft.
9. Remove the battery from the aircraft and then turn off the remote control.

Video suggestion and tips

1. Perform a pre-flight checklist.
2. Camera shooting angles can be adjusted by hand.
3. Fly in good weather with no wind.
4. Perform test flights to establish flight routes and preview scenes.
5. Push the control stick gently to keep the aircraft movement smooth and stable.

Please keep proper operation and flight safety guidelines in mind for your own safety and others. For more information.

Important Statement

• This aircraft is not a toy. It should be assembled and operated properly. Pilots must operate this aircraft safely. Improper operation may cause injury or property damage.
• This aircraft is suitable for pilots aged 14+ with experience piloting aircraft.
• The manufacturer is not responsible for damages caused by misuse.
• Keep small accessories away from children and the infirm to avoid accidents.

Flight Safety Guidelines

Uphold the principle of "safety comes first" when flying this aircraft. Never fly near airports, above crowds, or in zones storing dangerous goods. Be mindful of potential damage from improper operation.

• Stay away from obstacles, crowds, power lines, trees, or water.
• Always choose a wide open area, away from people and property. Never fly directly over people or animals. Do not fly in bad weather conditions (high temperature, snow, strong wind (level 5), rain, or fog). Maintain a 7ft (2m) distance from the aircraft when taking off and landing.
• Keep the aircraft in a dry environment. The aircraft is composed of sophisticated electronic components and mechanical parts. To avoid damage, keep the aircraft in a dry environment and use a clean, soft cloth to wipe the surface.
• Practice flying with a skilled, experienced pilot. Beginners should practice with guidance and not fly alone.
• Keep proper operation and safe flight guidelines in mind. Review this manual for important information regarding the product's functions and operating tips. Stay informed of and abide by relevant local laws and regulations. Keep away from any non-flight zones and respect others' privacy.
• Safe flying: Ensure you are in good mental shape before every flight. Fly according to your experience. Never fly under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Keep the remote control at least 20 cm away from your body when flying.
• Keep distance from a flying aircraft: Never touch a flying aircraft. Do not approach or touch a landed aircraft until its propellers have completely stopped.
• Keep away from heat sources. This aircraft is made of metal, fiber, plastic, electronic components, and other materials. Keep it away from heat sources to avoid deformation or damage from sun exposure and high temperatures.
• Environmental protection requirements: To protect our planet, please recycle this aircraft according to local laws and regulations.

FCC Compliance Statement

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

This device 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.

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 causes 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.

VIVITAR 1 YEAR WARRANTY

This warranty covers the original consumer purchaser only and is not transferable.

This warranty covers products that fail to function properly UNDER NORMAL USAGE, due to defects in material or workmanship. The product will be repaired or replaced at no charge for parts or labor for a period of one year.

What Is Not Covered by Warranty

Damages or malfunctions not resulting from defects in material or workmanship, and damages or malfunctions from other than normal use, including but not limited to, repair by unauthorized parties, tampering, modification, or accident.

To Obtain Warranty Service and Troubleshooting Information:

Call 1-800-592-9541 in the U.S. or visit www.vivitar.com.

To receive warranty service, along with the name and address of an authorized product service center, the original consumer purchaser must contact Vivitar for problem determination and service procedures. Proof of purchase (bill of sale or receipted invoice) MUST be presented to obtain service. It is your responsibility to properly package and send any defective products, along with a dated copy of proof of purchase, a written explanation of the problem, and a valid return address to the authorized service center at your expense. Do not include any other items or accessories with the defective product. Any products received by the authorized service center that are not covered by warranty will be returned unrepaired.

RF Exposure Compliance (for Camera)

This equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment. This equipment should be installed and operated with a minimum distance of 20cm between the radiator and your body.

This transmitter must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter.

Diagram: Shows the VTI SkyHawk Drone logo.