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MARS
QUADCOPTER OPERATOR’S MANUAL
MAiNTENANCE
Firmware updates may periodically be released that provide enhancements and fixes that improve flight performance
and user functions. Updating the flight controller’s firmware is fast and easy.
PRIOR TO UPDATING THE FIRMwARE, YOU MUST REMOVE THE PROPELLERS FROM THE QUADCOPTER!
This must be done for safety reasons. Once you have installed the updated flight controller firmware, verified the
correct default programming values and tested and verified the quadcopter’s flight controls, only then should you
reinstall the propellers.
Connecting Your Quadcopter:
Performing a firmware update requires the use of the Autopilot Configuration program. Please make sure you’ve
installed the Autopilot Configuration program onto your PC or laptop as described in the Installing the Autopilot
Configuration Program section on page 23.
Be aware that the connection sequence for updating the flight controller firmware is the opposite of the
connection sequence for changing programming values and the position of the Flight Mode Switch is different.
1) Connect the quadcopter to your PC or laptop a using a mini USB cable (not included).
2) Pull throttle control stick all the way back, verify that the Flight Mode Switch is in the Return to Home (3) position,
then turn the transmitter ON.
We recommend placing the Flight Mode Switch in the Return to Home (3) position prior to turning the
transmitter ON as an extra measure of safety during the firmware update process.
Downloading the Current Flight Controller Firmware:
Download the current flight controller firmware version to your desktop from the Files section of the Mars series
quadcopter’s product page at
www.hobbypeople.net
. Both the standard and FPV versions use the same firmware.
3) Place the quadcopter right-side up on a flat, level surface, then plug your
LiPo battery into the matching power connector. Three quick audible tones
will sound, followed by a single audible tone.
Do not move the quadcopter for 10 seconds after plugging your LiPo
battery in to allow the gyros and flight controller to initialize (about 5
seconds after the final single audible tone sounds).
3) Connect the Bind Plug (attached to the transmitter handle) to the Bind Port on the receiver.
The Bind Port is the only
free port on the receiver.
4) Plug your LiPo battery into the quadcopter. The Bind LED on the receiver
will flash Green.
5) With the transmitter within 2 feet of the quadcopter, turn the transmitter ON.
The Bind LED will go out. Remove the Bind Plug from the receiver. The Bind
LED will turn solid Green, indicating the bind process is complete.
6) Unplug your LiPo battery and turn the transmitter OFF, then carefully
reassemble the two quadcopter halves and reinstall the propellers, making
sure you install them correctly.
biNDiNG ThE TRANSMiTTER AND RECEivER, CONTiNUED....
UPDATiNG fLiGhT CONTROLLER fiRMwARE
Updating the Flight Controller Firmware:
1) With the quadcopter connected to your PC or laptop, open the Autopilot
Configuration program. Press the Open USB button. A USB Connected dialog box will appear. Press OK to close
it. The Update Firmware dialog box will appear.
If the Update Firmware dialog box does not appear, you may have connected the quadcopter in the
incorrect order. Unplug your LiPo battery, turn the transmitter OFF, then unplug the USB cable. Reconnect
the quadcopter, making sure to do it in the correct order - connect the USB cable, turn the transmitter ON, then
plug your LiPo battery in.