Documentation changelog This section details the major changes to Parrot’s technical documentation since the previous update. What changed? Where? Piloting modes chapter updated. Page 77 Appendix: Operational checklist updated. Page 101 Screenshots updated. Throughout document Notes, Warnings, Cautions, Tips, and Important text boxes are now color- Throughout document coded for clarity.
IMPORTANT: Parrot strongly recommends that you regularly refer to the Release Notes available on the Parrot website, to ensure that you have the latest versions of the ANAFI USA and Skycontroller USA firmware, and the FreeFlight 6 USA App. If you are an offline user, you must contact your local Parrot Partner or Parrot Contact to obtain the .apk file to perform an...
Refer to Presentation of Skycontroller USA on page 17 for more information. 4. If permitted in your configuration, Parrot recommends you connect the Skycontroller USA integrated tablet to a network over Wi-Fi to perform the required updates (operating system, Android applications, etc.) and to begin personalizing it.
Page 5
Skycontroller USA has FreeFlight 6 installed instead of FreeFlight 6 USA, you can download FreeFlight 6 USA on the Skycontroller USA’s integrated tablet directly from the Play Store. Alternatively, contact your Parrot reseller who upon request can provide you with the application APK file.
Table of contents Regulations Documentation changelog Flight conditions Using this guide Getting started Prerequisites Taking off Table of contents Ground take-off Foreword Hand launch ANAFI USA ecosystem Deployment from a moving vehicle Flying 4K video formats Optimal speeds ANAFI USA smart batteries Optimal autonomy (flight time) Auto-RTH (Return to Home) Optimal elongation (distance)
Page 8
CoT HUD Overview CoT Calibration FLAT maps CoT parameters Screenshots Maintenance and troubleshooting Changing propeller blades Rebooting all systems Reinstalling FreeFlight 6 USA ANAFI USA drone hard reset Skycontroller USA hard reset ANAFI USA's smart battery hard reset Recover ANAFI USA Drone end of service life Frequently asked questions Appendix: Operational checklist...
ANAFI USA MIL Foreword ANAFI USA was designed and optimized to fly as is. Parrot strongly discourages the use of any add-on or accessory which could be mounted on, or attached to ANAFI USA (feet extensions, buoys, hulls, etc.). Accessories impose extra weight on the drone and its motors. Electronic accessories may also interfere with the drones’...
Furthermore, for software reasons, the stream broadcast by Skycontroller USA is better defined in the 1080p video mode than in 4K (or any photo mode), especially when using zoom. For this reason, Parrot recommends favoring default video settings (1080p, 30 fps) for direct observation. 4K video recording should be reserved for post-mission data exploitation.
If you are an offline user, contact your local Parrot reseller to obtain the .apk file to perform an offline system update. Refer to the FreeFlight 6 USA offline update via .APK file on page 20 for more information.
Page 12
7. TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, Parrot Drones SAS, ITS SUBSIDIARIES, AND THEIR RESPECTIVE DISTRIBUTORS AND RETAILERS SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES ARISING FROM, OR IN CONNECTION WITH NON-COMPLIANCE OF PARROT DOCUMENTATION OR THE APPLICABLE REGULATIONS BY YOURSELF OR ANY PERSON USING...
ANAFI USA MIL Technical specifications PARROT ANAFI USA IMAGE STABILIZATION Size folded: 252 x 104 x 84 mm (9.9 x 4.1 x 3.3”) 3-camera IR/EO Stabilized gimbal: Hybrid: 3-axis Size unfolded: 282 x 373 x 192 mm (11.1 x 14.7 x 7.6”) Mechanical: 2-axis roll / pitch Mass: 520 g (1.15 lb)
Presentation of ANAFI USA 1. Front foldable arms and propellers 6. Charge level LED indicators 2. Gimbal protective cover Power button 3. Rear foldable arms and propellers 8. Smart battery 4. Microhard antenna folded 9. USB-C port 5. Microhard antenna unfolded, ready to fly...
Presentation of Skycontroller USA 1. + / - EV Visible IR 2. Left joystick Screenshot RTH (Return to Home) button Video stream/Map view toggle 4. Left external antenna connector 13. Integrated tablet 5. Status LED 14. Gimbal tilt trigger 6. Microhard antenna 15.
If the tablet's internal memory is not detected by the computer during the procedure, verify that the Skycontroller USA and the computer are properly connected. If the controller and the computer are properly connected and the problem persists, verify that the tablet allows you to transfer files by following this procedure: A.
A USB-A to USB-C cable, or an external USB drive The FreeFlight 6 USA APK file NOTE: You can also download FreeFlight 6 USA from the Play Store, or alternatively, Parrot or your Parrot reseller can provide you with it. Transfer the APK file There are 2 methods to transfer the .apk file;...
Page 21
6. Tap on the FreeFlight 6 USA folder. 7. Tap the FreeFlight6Usa-release.apk file to install, or update FreeFlight 6 USA. A pop-up appears which asks you to allow the installation of unknown apps. 8. Enable the tablet to install third-party applications. 9.
Firmware updates IMPORTANT: Parrot strongly recommends switching to Wi-Fi before you update the ecosystem from a new FreeFlight 6 USA release. Skycontroller USA On the FreeFlight 6 USA home screen, tap the Controller button. The Skycontroller USA screen opens, it displays the: ...
Check the weather. Do not fly ANAFI USA in fog, or in wind exceeding 15 m/s (33 MPH). Due to the operating mode of its vertical camera and ultrasonic sensor, Parrot recommends you do not fly ANAFI USA lower than 10 m (30 ft) over water, or other reflective surfaces, such as mirrors, glass, etc.
FreeFlight 6 USA App. If you are an offline user, you must contact your local Parrot Partner or Parrot Contact to obtain the .apk file to perform an offline system update. Refer to FreeFlight 6 USA offline update via .APK file on page 20 for more information.
Propeller blades can cause deep cuts if your fingers, or other body parts, come into contact with them. Keep the drone as far away from your face as possible. PARROT STRONGLY RECOMMENDS THAT YOU DO NOT PERFORM A HAND LAUNCH PROCEDURE INDOORS, DUE TO LOW STABILITY, AND INCREASED RISK.
CAUTION: In environments with sand, use hand launch, instead of ground take-off to prevent sand from penetrating the motors. Deployment from a moving vehicle Points of attention for the deployment of the drone from a moving vehicle: Whenever possible, mobilize two operators for the deployment of the drone from a moving vehicle.
Flying Left joystick (Default mode) Right joystick (Default mode) You can modify ANAFI USA’s controls through the PREFERENCES menu of FreeFlight 6 USA. Refer to Controls on page 48 for more information. As a safeguard measure, ANAFI USA is programmed to instantly cut its motors in case of impact on one of its propeller blades;...
Returning home: Smart RTH To return ANAFI USA to its take-off position, press RTH on Skycontroller USA, or tap the RTH on your screen. ANAFI USA rises to 30 meters higher than the take-off point height and returns to hover over its take-off position.
CAUTION: By activating advanced RTH features, the drone might not be able to reach its destination in case of low battery, if you select return to Pilot, or a Custom position. Parrot will not be held responsible in the event that the drone lands in a different location.
Landing Fly ANAFI USA directly over a flat, even, and clear surface, then press Take-off/Land, or tap the orange LAND box on the screen. The orange LAND box changes to LANDING. ANAFI USA lands. Recovery from a moving vehicle WARNING: Be especially careful when you recover ANAFI USA from a moving vehicle. It requires complete focus.
Page 36
Keep the drone as far away from your face as possible. Only attempt a hand landing on a stable surface, with no obstacles in the immediate vicinity. PARROT STRONGLY RECOMMENDS THAT YOU DO NOT PERFORM A HAND LANDING PROCEDURE INDOORS, DUE TO LOW STABILITY, AND INCREASED RISK.
1 hour 55 minutes. IMPORTANT: Parrot does not recommend ANAFI USA users to invest in a USB-PD power bank, as not all of them support USB-C to USB-C charging of ANAFI USA’s battery. Due to the nature of the USB-C technology, some USB-PD power banks recharge on ANAFI USA’s smart battery,...
Performance and warranty are only guaranteed when using the genuine charger included in the Parrot drone system. When the battery is charging, its 4 LEDs indicate in real time the charge level:...
Never leave the battery unattended while charging; Never expose the battery to extreme temperatures, neither hot, nor cold; Never charge the battery when it is still warm from use (wait for at least 20 minutes); Never use or recharge a damaged or swollen battery; ...
TIP: Parrot recommends you backup your photos and videos, and you empty your microSD card after each flight, to ensure you always have available memory space to capture new still or moving images. Compatible microSD cards For more information, refer to Parrot’s List of compatible microSD cards.
Page 43
If you create a new profile, the Create profile screen opens. 4. Type your own Password or tap GENERATE PASSWORD. 5. Tap the green ENCRYPT SD CARD button to launch the encryption. The Encryption profiles screen opens again. A green loading circle shows that the encryption process is underway.
Page 45
10. Click Save to save your selection, and to close the Simple Preferences interface. 11. In the top menu bar, click Media. A dropdown menu opens. 12. Click Open Network stream. The Open Media interface opens. 13. In Network Protocol, in the input field under Please enter a network URL, Enter the following URL: rtsp://192.168.53.1/live 14.
Temperature range DEFAULT / VERY HIGH TEMPERATURES Thermal post-processing Tap Info for more information about Thermal post-processing. Parrot recommends NO for real time operations, and YES for post flight analysis operations. Thermal calibration AUTO mode is recommended for most users. If you select the MANUAL mode, the application will periodically remind you to calibrate your thermal camera, through the dedicated button of your HUD.
NOTE: By activating advanced RTH features, if you select return to Pilot or Custom position, the drone might not be able to reach its destination in case of low battery. Parrot will not be held responsible in case the drone lands in a different location.
Wi-Fi band AUTO / MANUAL Tap PASSWORD to define the Wi-Fi key shared by ANAFI USA and the Skycontroller USA. Parrot defines a unique random password for each ANAFI USA and Skycontroller USA package, but Parrot highly recommends you define your own password.
External antennas Skycontroller USA is equipped with two external 50 ohm coaxial female antenna connectors (TNC), which enable you to connect it to external antennas. Compatible passive antennas must respect the following specifications: Connectors male TNC Frequencies 2400-2480 MHz, 5150-5250 MHz, and 5750-5850 MHz Gain >5 dBi Polarization...
FreeFlight 6 USA release. Activating the Microhard connection Parrot recommends keeping ANAFI USA and the Skycontroller USA at least 5 meters (15 ft) apart to optimize the Microhard connection procedure. NOTE: This procedure does not function if ANAFI USA is connected to a computer via USB.
Page 55
The drone LEDs start to flash. 10. Under Configuration, in the Bandwidth dropdown menu, select the appropriate bandwidth. NOTE: Parrot recommends that you select 4 MHz as it provides the best video quality. However, if you experience difficulties with establishing a connection, experiment with the other options.
Parrot recommends you use the 4 MHz Bandwidth, as it offers the best video quality. As seen on the following datasheet, the 4 MHz Bandwidth spreads from channel 3 (1.813 MHz) to channel 57 (1.867 MHz).
After approximately 10 seconds, the Skycontroller USA’s LED is back to steady dark blue. The switch back to Wi-Fi is complete. NOTE: Parrot recommends performing a full system power cycle (reboot of drone and controller) after switching from Wi-Fi to Microhard or Microhard to Wi-Fi.
TIP: You can film and take pictures using your device as ANAFI USA’s controller. However, Parrot recommends that you use the Skycontroller USA and your device, for the best flight experience. Video mode To access ANAFI USA’s video options:...
The HUD Soft shutter button animates and displays a cycle between a red square and red circle. The timer starts running. Press the Media recording button (or tap the Soft shutter button) again to end the recording. The HUD’s Soft shutter button returns to steady red, and round. The timer resets. Photo mode To access ANAFI USA’s photo options: 1.
Page 61
NOTE: ANAFI USA locks the exposure of the frame with which you start your panorama. For this reason, Parrot recommends you always frame the main subject of the intended panorama before pressing the shutter button. Refer to Lock AE on page 66 for more information.
Gimbal tilt control ANAFI USA features a controllable gimbal (180° tilt range, nadir to zenith). Gimbal tilt is controlled with Skycontroller USA’s Gimbal tilt trigger (left trigger). It is available in all video and photo modes, and in all manual piloting modes. ...
Page 65
NOTE: FreeFlight 6 USA may require you to carry out this procedure (as it may require you to perform a drone magnetometer calibration) before allowing you to fly ANAFI USA. Camera's alignment (exceptional procedure) Use this option to align the images of your visible and thermal spectrum cameras. As the interface advises, due to cameras parallax, use the farthest possible object as your alignment reference, ideally, at least 16.3 m (53.5 ft).
To activate this function, follow the AE procedure of the preceding section. When the exposure is locked, touch the part of the frame you want to base your exposure on. A yellow square animates around this spot and the yellow AE box is replaced by a yellow AE Touch box.
Page 69
Select the WB option that is best suited for your shooting conditions, your subject, or both. The HUD reflects the chosen settings and helps you make the best choice. Auto WB Incandescent WB Fluo WB Sunny WB Cloudy WB Shaded WB WB 2000k WB 10000k...
Page 71
Tap the RESET button, on the right of the screen, to bring all values to 0 (zero). Tap the < back, on the left of the screen, to confirm your settings and exit the ADJUSTMENT menu.
NOTE: ANAFI USA is a multicamera system (two EO lenses for one visible camera, one thermographic camera). However, photo or video mode selection is independent from the cameras. In other words, for example, switching from Visible Spectrum photo mode calls the last Thermal Spectrum photo mode that was selected;...
Cineshots ANAFI USA features a series of automated shots, which enable you to capture scenes professionally. Select the video settings you require and tap CINESHOTS in the bottom bar of the HUD to access cineshots. NOTE: Cineshots are available in the visible spectrum only. Tap one of the following Cineshots to select it: ...
Piloting modes Tap the PILOTING MODE box in FreeFlight 6 USA's HUD to access the 7 piloting modes options: Manual flight Cameraman Flight Plan Follow Me Touch & Fly SmartDronies WARNING: Monitor all piloting modes with care. Always check your flight plan is safe, and the trajectory of your subject is safe and clear from obstacles (when using a tracking piloting mode).
When no target is selected, or when the tracking has been ended by the pilot, ANAFI USA’s behavior is similar to that of the Manual flight mode. Follow Me mode Dronie options To select a Dronie: 1. Follow steps 1 - 5 in the Follow Me chapter on the previous page 2.
Page 81
3. To start a new flight plan, tap the screen to create the initial waypoint, ideally, very close to your intended take-off point. Alternatively, you can select a previously saved flight plan to continue editing. Refer to Start your flight plan on the facing page Waypoints appears as green circles.
CAUTION: Activate Touch & Fly Waypoint with care. After the initial confirmation, any tap on the map will immediately send ANAFI USA to the corresponding spot. Parrot recommends you set your FreeFlight 6 USA filming or photography options before activating the Touch & Fly Waypoint mode.
How to prepare your map This chapter describes how to prepare a map for flight. There are 2 ways to prepare a map: Save your future flying area map on FreeFlight 6 USA while connected to the Internet, then use it offline in the field.
Page 86
IMPORTANT: FreeFlight 6 USA automatically renames duplicate files by adding a number in parentheses after the file name, for example: MyMap(1). Parrot recommends that you name each map file differently before you transfer the map file in order to easily distinguish between 2 regions.
Page 87
D. Tap the circle showing the map on the bottom right of the screen. You can now see your map. You may need to zoom to the correct location. 13. Select the file(s) to add the map to the Custom maps list. A green joystick symbol indicates that the map is downloaded to the Skycontroller USA tablet memory.
Page 89
3. Drag and drop your GeoTIFF file from your computer into the main QGIS window to bring your GeoTIFF file into the software's main interface. 4. Ensure that your GeoTIFF file has been imported onto your PC screen. It appears in the Layers menu on the left-hand side of the screen.
Cursor on Target The Cursor on Target (CoT) function provides location coordinates of the ANAFI USA, the Skycontroller USA, and a target (object or person), as well as the distance between these 3 elements. CoT HUD Overview Target MSL (Mean Sea Level) altitude Coordinate display lock button AGL (Above Ground Level) altitude Calibration button...
In case of a bad calibration, you can restart the calibration at any time. Calibration is valid for the entire flight. TIP: Parrot recommends that you perform the calibration each time after the drone is stored. It is not necessary to calibrate every time the battery is changed, but it does increase the coordinates precision estimate.
(For example: at 500m/200m, the CoT will have 125m of difference from the real ground level if you took off from 40m high). If you are at sea, Parrot recommends loading the DTED 0 of the area, to have the altitude 0 in the correct place.
CoT parameters You can modify some parameters specific to the CoT function in the options menu: 1. Coordinates system: LATLNG, MGRS, UTM and DMS Go to PREFERENCES > Interface > Coordinates system 2. Time zone (of screenshots): in Local or UTC Go to PREFERENCES >...
6 USA media, as media may be deleted along with the application. ANAFI USA drone hard reset Hard resetting ANAFI USA reverts the drone’s most recent firmware to its original state. Parrot recommends the drone hard reset as a first intent procedure for several issues, notably gimbal calibration troubles.
ANAFI USA MIL ANAFI USA's smart battery hard reset A hard reset of ANAFI USA’s battery can correct battery issues. Parrot recommends a battery hard reset whenever the battery’s behavior is unexpected. You must reset your battery if: the battery behavior is not consistent with the information in Smart LiPo battery on page 37, ...
Ensure that your smart battery is “awake”. Plug it into a power source to take it out of wintering mode. Its LEDs should start flashing to acknowledge that it is charging. Parrot recommends you always fully charge your smart battery before you fly ANAFI USA.
Page 100
A FreeFlight 6 USA alert asks you to contact your Parrot Support Partner. In this case, you must provide the Parrot Support Partner with: A. The serial number of your ANAFI USA;...
FreeFlight 6 USA App. If you are an offline user, contact Parrot/ Parrot reseller to obtain the .apk file to perform an offline system update. Refer to FreeFlight 6 USA offline update via .APK file on page 20 for more information.
Need help?
Do you have a question about the ANAFI USA MIL and is the answer not in the manual?
Questions and answers