Parrot Bebop User Quick Start Guide

***Frequently Updated***

This information is for the Parrot Bebop, Bebop 2, Bebop 2 Power, and the Bebop-Pro Thermal airframes.

Parrot Drones are training-drones for a lot of people. The Bebop's are very good despite the low prices that draws in the masses. There are some aspects of using these systems that can become problems as these systems are still very technically involved despite the lack of included instructions. To help curb the learning-curve and possible problems beginners will have here is a list of the information that can improve anyone's enjoyment duration. The more you know...the longer you can fly. It involves some reading...but the knowledge will pay you back with maximum fun.

I have been a part of the Bebop Facebook groups for 4+ years. I visit daily and help users understand what they are experiencing. The problems I see are very common because the Bebop's are attracted by a unique type of user. No Offense meant..Most of the users have very little technical experience...few are ready when they rip open the box and fly it as high/far as it can go before the battery is even fully-charged for the first time. No manual read. Just go at it expecting Parrot and the drone to take care of everything. It is a "Ready-to-fly" kit carrying extremely high expectations. Everything that could go wrong is then perceived as a fault of the drone. Misperceptions are very easy at that point and blaming everything else without any placed on operator error is very common. It is a combination of conditions and Parrot is not free of blame. The manuals are not included and very hard to find...out of date...and not as informative as they could be for the target demographic they sell these drones to. There are hidden pitfalls and even environmental impacts that contribute to users having bad experiences and hating Parrot. I can help.

I come from a very technical background. I have also been involved with R/C everything for decades. I am a robotics and software developer. I was a Space Shuttle Quality Assurance Inspector for NASA. But, I also read everything before using a Bebop. I have never had a "fly-away" and none of my Bebops have ever done anything that I didn't cause it to do. I can help new users with the difficulties these systems can force upon us.

The information below is not complete. I will add more as I can gather the time. If you can manage reading this you will gain years of usage from your investment.

First, Mind The Rules...

In most developed countries around the world...the common airspace is governed by some authority. They have set forth regulations for certain aircraft so safety for everyone can be maintained. In some areas it is very dangerous to use any small unmanned aircraft system (sUAS) and flying can be illegal without the operator/aircraft being registered. There are not many regulations and most are rather common-sense points for safety. In the USA, any aircraft like a Parrot Bebop weighing 0.55lbs. (250grams) or more is required to be registered before flying outdoors. If you enjoy your freedom I recommend you to become familiar with the sUAS regulations in your country. Operators in the USA should go to FAA's site (the second registration option HERE) for details before jumping into the deep end.

Manuals:
--Bebop 1: HERE
--Bebop 2: HERE
--Skycontroller 2 & FPV Kit: HERE
--FreeFlightPro App, FlightPlan, FollowMe: HERE
--Skycontroller 1 (Red/Blue/Yellow/Blk Ed): HERE
--Preflight Checklist w/ SC1: HERE
--Preflight Checklist w/ SC2: HERE

Battery Quick Tips:
--Always watch batteries charge. Never leave them alone and go out for lunch or go to bed.
--New Battery...fly gently for the first few charge/discharge cycles. They need some time/exercise to reach their full true capacity and performance potential. Land at 40%-60% for a few cycles and recharge. Stay low and close and don't push too hard or cells can dump charge and drop a Bebop unexpectedly.
--Let packs rest for 30-45 minutes after charging and flights.
--Do not leave packs fully-charged for more than 1-2 days. Do not leave packs discharged for more than 1 day. Storage-charge packs to 3.75V-3.85V per cell.
--Stock charger flashing red...means the battery is too low to trigger the stock charger to start charging. I recommend using an aftermarket LiPo Balance Charger. But, if the stock charging setup must be used, the charger can be tricked with a good battery to start charging then very quickly swap in the low battery. There are other methods to input a little charge into the low battery. YouTube has many examples. It is not very safe or healthy for flight batteries. Do not leave batteries charging unsupervised indoors.
--Measure the individual cell voltages before & after charging & flights. Voltages suggest battery condition and health.
--Battery Measurements: HOW HERE
--Do not charge aftermarket battery packs with the stock charging setup. Aftermarket batteries do not have the internal balance circuit board inside like the stock battery packs. The aftermarket battery will be harmed and become a potential fire hazard.
--Important Kit Version & Charging VIDEO.
--Reasons to buy an aftermarket balance charger and a Bebop adapter cable from me.
--Bebop 2 & Power Charging: HERE
--Bebop 1 Charging: HERE
--Balance Charging & Adapter Cables: HERE
--If you are handy...Modify your Bebop 2 stock charge cable into a balance charge cable for use with an aftermarket balance charger...HERE.

Proper Preflight Flattrims & Calibration:
Before flight...get a green GPS lock outdoors, Flattrim, Calibrate with smooth quick movements, and Flattrim again on a very level surface outside away from metal, power and communication utilities.
Video: HERE
--Reasoning: the first Flattrim cleans up some shared memory and zeros sensors and improves accuracy in preparation for the following Calibration. The second Flattrim sets a clean more accurate final zero orientation for stable flight and levels the horizon in flight views and imagery. Before each flight is optimum. The Earth's magnetic fields are always changing. Frequent Calibrations provide more accurate GPS data. Consumer GPS accuracy is approximately +/- 30 feet.

Skycontroller 1 Updating:
In some fresh kits and configurations or if FreeFlightPro has bern updated the Skycontroller 1 may not connect to a Bebop or if FreeFlightPro. The SC1 just needs to be updated. Do Not Use The SC1 Firmware Update File Currently On Parrot's Website! If you did, follow the options below to unbrick the SC1.
--Good v1.7.4 Update File Link: HERE
--Clean SC1 Firmware Update Steps: HERE

--SC1 UnBricking Options: HERE

Propeller Tips:
--To maximize prop longevity remove the props after flight sessions and before transport or storage. Store the props without applied pressure.
--Locking screws should be tight but still barely removable with bare fingers. Never too tight to struggle with the tool.
--Check/re-check prop installation between flights.
--Use only Parrot brand Props. Trust me on this one.
--Props Installed Reference Pic: HERE
--Prop Install Trick & Tool Use Video: HERE
--Prop Balancing Video: HERE

Reset the Bebop...When, Why & How:
--Before Updates...Reset, Reset, Update, Reset again.
--Transfer Any Valued Stored Media First. Resets erase stored videos and pictures. Big DNG picture files require direct Bebop cable to PC transfer.
--Reset the Bebop anytime you see or suspect strange behaviors. To Reset the Bebop...while powered on hold the power button for 10 seconds and release. The Bebop will rethink life and reboot itself beeping it's motors and starting it's fan when complete. It takes about 2-3 minutes.

Optimizing the WiFi Setup:
--When using the Skycontroller 2, turn off WiFi and Bluetooth in the phone/tablet before connecting to the Bebop.
--Always point the Skycontroller's antenna towards the Bebop. Directly overhead is a WiFi deadspace and connection risk.
--Connect to the Bebop, in FreeFlightPro's Network Screen, use USA settings, select "Manual", select a clear or clearest  channel 2-3 clear channels apart from the congested channels in use by other networks in the entire flight area even downrange. Use a WiFi scanner app.
--The Skycontroller 2 can only use the 2.4ghz WiFi band. If you find that the Bebop doesn't connect..it may have been accidentally manually switched to the 5ghz WiFi band. To switch it back...while powered on...hold the power button for 5 seconds and release. The Bebop will switch between WiFi bands. Alternatively, Reset the Bebop to return to its default 2.4ghz WiFi band.
--The Skycontroller 1 can use both the 2.4ghz and the 5ghz WiFi bands simultaneously. Use the 5ghz band between the SC1 and the phone/tablet, then use the 2.4ghz WiFi band to the Bebop.

Return To Home:
-When RTH is initiated: If under 20m altitude, the Bebop will rise to 20m and return in a straight line back to its liftoff point. If over 20m altitude, the Bebop will maintain the current altitude during its return. Obstacles will not be avoided. So, plan ahead.

Control Sensors vs. Altitude:
-8m and under the Bebop uses its belly camera and Ultrasonic sensor to maintain height and stability. The belly camera is low rez and needs plenty of light and discernible ground patterns.
-Above 8m the Bebop uses its barometer and magnetometer to maintain altitude, stability, and orientation. Additional data from the GPS system is also used.

Repair Guides:
Bebop 1 Disassembly Video: HERE
Bebop 2/Power Repair Guides (PDF): HERE

Helpful Facebook Groups:
--Bebop 1&2 +Power Discussion Group
--Parrot Bebop 2 Drone Group USA
--Parrot Bebop and Bebop 2 Drone Group

For more specific information about The.High.Pro.Glow Drone Reflectors for Search&Rescue and Bird Deterrents or many other flight tips...look at my full blog list HERE.

I hope you had a blast learning how to keep the fun flying..if you want to show me your appreciation by buying me a cup of coffee or a Beer...here's how...click the link below and type in some amount. Its safe and easy as pie!

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Thank You!