How to Set Up Parrot ANAFI AI: Step-by-Step Drone Setup Guide

Set up your Parrot ANAFI AI drone with our complete guide. Includes battery charging, gimbal lock removal, controller pairing, and pre-flight preparation:

Step 1: Unboxing the Parrot ANAFI AI

Inside the box, you’ll find:

  • ANAFI AI Aircraft with a pre-installed gimbal lock (protects the camera and obstacle avoidance system).
  • Skycontroller 4 with removable control sticks.
  • Intelligent Flight Battery.
  • Battery Charger with multi-country plugs.
  • Spare Propellers for left and right sides.
  • USB-C to USB-C Cables (2) for charging and connectivity.
  • USB-C to Lightning Cable for iPhone users.
  • Quick Start Guide and Wi-Fi Password Sticker for linking the remote and drone.

Step 2: Charging the Battery and Controller

2.1 Charging the Drone Battery

  1. Connect the Intelligent Flight Battery to the included fast charger using a USB-C cable.
  2. Plug the charger into a power outlet using the appropriate plug adapter.
  3. The battery LEDs will indicate charging progress. Wait for all LEDs to show solid light for a full charge.

2.2 Charging the Skycontroller 4

  1. Use the second USB-C cable to connect the controller to the fast charger.
  2. Ensure the LEDs on the controller indicate charging. Wait until the LEDs turn off, indicating a full charge.

Step 3: Setting Up the Drone

3.1 Removing the Gimbal Lock

  • Remove the gimbal lock from the camera carefully before flying. Always reattach it after use for protection.

3.2 Inserting the SD Card

  • On the left side of the drone, locate the SD card slot.
  • Insert a compatible SD card until it clicks into place.

3.3 Inserting the 4G SIM Card (Optional for 4G operations)

  • On the right side of the drone, locate the SIM card slot.
  • Insert a 4G SIM card for extended range or beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations.

Step 4: Preparing the Skycontroller 4

4.1 Attaching Control Sticks

  • Screw in the control sticks on the Skycontroller 4 for operation.
  • Unscrew and store them in the controller when not in use for safe transport.

4.2 Connecting a Smart Device

  • Open the phone holder on the Skycontroller 4.
  • Attach your smartphone and connect it to the controller using the USB-C cable (or USB-C to Lightning for iPhones).

4.3 Understanding Ports on the Controller

  • USB-C Port (Bottom): For charging the controller.
  • HDMI Out Port (Bottom): For live video streaming.
  • USB-C Port (Right Side): To connect your smartphone to the controller.

Step 5: Powering On and Pairing

5.1 Powering On the Devices

  1. Press and hold the Power Button on the drone until the LEDs light up.
  2. Turn on the Skycontroller 4 by holding its power button for 2 seconds.

5.2 Pairing the Drone with the Controller

  1. Use the Wi-Fi password found on the sticker inside the drone case to pair the devices.
  2. Follow the prompts on your connected smartphone in the FreeFlight 7 App.

Step 6: Installing Propellers

  1. Match the marked propellers (A and B) with their corresponding motors.
  2. Push the propellers down onto the motor shafts and rotate them to lock into place.
  3. Ensure all propellers are securely fastened.

Step 7: Final Pre-Flight Checks

  1. Confirm that the battery and SD card are securely installed.
  2. Check that the gimbal lock is removed.
  3. Ensure the Skycontroller 4 and drone are connected via Wi-Fi or 4G.
  4. Perform a quick calibration in the FreeFlight 7 App if prompted.

Step 8: First Flight

Basic Controls

  • Left Joystick:
    • Up/Down: Ascend/Descend.
    • Left/Right: Rotate Counterclockwise/Clockwise.
  • Right Joystick:
    • Up/Down: Move Forward/Backward.
    • Left/Right: Move Left/Right.

Takeoff and Landing

  1. Press the Takeoff Button in the FreeFlight 7 App to lift off automatically.
  2. Use the joysticks for manual flight control.
  3. Press the Land Button to return the drone safely to the ground.

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