Mini Drone Kit
Cetus Pro FPV Kit (4 Drones)
Welcome to the Georgia Public Library Service (GPLS) Mini Drone Kit page. This kit is designed to introduce users to the world of drone flying and First-Person View (FPV) piloting. It’s perfect for beginners who want to learn the basics of drone operation in a safe and fun way. The Mini Drone Kit can be used for library programs, tech workshops, maker spaces, and community outreach.
What's in the Kit?
The Mini Drone Kit includes the following items:
4 Cetus Pro FPV Drones: Brushless whoop drones designed for FPV beginners, equipped with protective cages for added safety.
4 FPV Goggles: For an immersive first-person flying experience.
4 Controllers: To pilot the drones in three different modes (Beginner, Normal, and Sport).
12 Batteries: Three batteries for each drone, allowing for extended flight sessions.
4 Battery Chargers: To recharge the batteries between uses.
4 Sets of Spare Propellers: In case propellers need to be replaced.
1 Rugged Case: For safely storing and transporting the kit.
Setup and Usage Instructions
Unpacking the Kit
Carefully remove each item from the rugged case. Verify that all components are present and undamaged.
Locate the drones, controllers, FPV goggles, batteries, and chargers.
Charging the Batteries
Plug the battery chargers into an available power outlet.
Insert the batteries into the chargers. The indicator lights will show when the batteries are fully charged.
Inserting just one battery on one side of the charger will tell you the current battery voltage.
Controller Layout and Controls Overview
The controller has two main sticks:
Left Stick: Controls throttle (up/down) and yaw (rotation left/right).
Right Stick: Controls pitch (forward/backward) and roll (side-to-side movement).
Familiarize yourself with the buttons and switches, including the switches to change flight modes (Beginner, Normal, Sport) and speeds (Slow, Mid, Fast).
Pairing the Drone and Controller
Turn on the drone by pressing the power button on the top.
Turn on the controller by holding the power button until the lights flash.
The drone will automatically connect to the controller.
Connecting the FPV Goggles
Power on the FPV goggles by pressing the power button.
Use the channel scan button to find the live feed from the drone’s camera.
Adjust the head strap for a secure fit.
Flight Mode Descriptions
Beginner Mode: Provides extra stability assistance, making it ideal for first-time pilots.
Normal Mode: Offers more control for users who are comfortable with basic flying.
Sport Mode: Allows for advanced maneuvers and faster speeds, best suited for experienced pilots.
7. Pre-Flight Checklist
Ensure the batteries in both the drone and controller are fully charged.
Confirm the propellers are securely attached and undamaged. Check the motors for debris or hair and carefully remove if needed.
Make sure the transmitter (controller) is set to the desired flight and speed modes (Beginner mode and Slow speed is recommended for first flights).
Choose a safe, open (indoor) space with minimal obstacles.
8. Flying the Drone (Beginner Mode Recommended)
Start with Beginner mode for stable controls and smoother handling.
Fly indoors in a calm area with no people that can be hit while learning. We do not recommend flying outside until you have practice and feel comfortable.
Take off slowly, practice basic hovering, and try gentle turns before attempting more complex maneuvers.
If the drone gets away from you or feels out of control you can flip the "SA" switch to quickly disarm it.
Example Use Cases
Beginner Drone Workshops: Host a series of workshops teaching patrons how to fly drones. Start with basic hovering skills and gradually progress to more advanced tasks like navigating obstacle courses.
STEM Programs: Incorporate drones into educational programs about physics (flight dynamics), engineering (drone design), and computer science (programming drone flight paths).
Youth Tech Clubs: Use the drones in tech clubs to introduce new skills like FPV flying, drone maintenance, and troubleshooting.
Basic Flight Exercises
Hovering Practice: Try to keep the drone hovering in one spot for 30 seconds.
Square Pattern: Fly the drone in a square pattern, focusing on precise turns.
Landing Practice: Practice smooth landings by lowering the throttle gently.
Video Tutorials and Resources
Cetus Pro FPV Kit Tutorial: Watch here. This video covers everything from unboxing the kit to your first flight. A shorter video can be found here.
User Manual for Cetus Pro FPV Kit: Download here.
Want one for your library? Buy here for $230.
Troubleshooting Tips
Drone Won’t Pair with Controller: Make sure both the drone and controller are fully charged. Try resetting both devices if the issue persists.
Video Feed is Unclear or Glitchy: Adjust the channel on the FPV goggles or move to an area with less signal interference.
Propellers Won’t Spin: Ensure the battery is properly connected and fully charged. Also, check that the transmitter is in the "armed" position.
Emergency Procedures
If the drone becomes difficult to control, switch back to Beginner mode (flip all switches other than "SA" to their lowest positions) to safely land.
In case of a crash, immediately disarm and turn off the drone to avoid further damage.
Safety Tips and Best Practices
Fly the drones indoors or in calm outdoor environments.
Avoid flying near people, animals, or delicate objects.
Always wear the FPV goggles securely and adjust the strap for comfort.
Keep batteries and chargers away from extreme heat or moisture.
Maintenance Tips
Clean the drone regularly to remove dust and debris.
Inspect propellers for damage and replace if necessary.
Store the drones in their case when not in use to protect them and keep from losing parts.
Do not fully charge the batteries before returning them (thought not required, it is best to store batteries at around 3.7-3.8v. This can be checked with the included chargers.
Checklist for Returning the Kit
Confirm that all drones, controllers, FPV goggles, batteries, chargers, and spare propellers are accounted for.
Securely pack all items in their cases.
Lock the Pelican case using the provided combination lock.
Complete the post-use survey upon return.