Whether you’re just starting out with soccer drones or aiming to become a professional operator, a well-structured training program is essential. This series will break down the key operations, safety protocols, and tactical techniques involved in soccer drones, progressing from basic to advanced concepts. By following this guidance, you’ll be able to train effectively, compete confidently, and truly embody the principle of “Train smart, Compete real”. Below, you’ll find the first two lessons in the series, which focus on fundamental operations that every beginner needs to master to build a strong flying foundation.
Lesson 1 | How to Turn on the Soccer Drone (Startup & Shutdown Order)
Soccer Drone Safety Guide: Avoid These Startup/Shutdown Mistakes—Essential for Beginners
When first learning to operate a soccer drone, nearly every new user faces a common question: When powering a soccer drone on or off, should you activate the drone itself first, or the remote controller? While this step may seem insignificant, it serves as the primary line of defense for safe flight. It directly impacts equipment protection, flight security, and even the prevention of unexpected loss of control. In this guide, we’ll explain the core rules for startup and shutdown in detail, helping beginners steer clear of mistakes and fly with confidence.
1. Core Question: Should You Start the Drone or Controller First?
If you’re new to soccer drones, there’s no need for trial and error—simply memorize this golden rule:
Startup Sequence: Activate the remote controller first, followed by the drone’s power.
Shutdown Sequence: Turn off the drone first, then switch off the remote controller.
This is not a random guideline; it is determined by the wireless binding logic of soccer drones and the requirements for safe flight, and it must be strictly followed by all beginners.
2. Why This Startup Order Is Non-Negotiable
Activating the remote controller before the drone ensures that you maintain full control of the device at all times, minimizing potential safety risks—especially in crowded training environments.
Maintain Full Device Control: Turning on the remote controller first establishes an exclusive signal connection before the drone’s motors start running. This guarantees that the drone recognizes your controller as its only operator from the moment it powers on, preventing it from entering a “search mode” for nearby controllers and avoiding sudden loss of control during use.
Avoid Accidental Binding Risks: Soccer drones connect to controllers through wireless binding technology. If you power on the drone first, it may automatically pair with other nearby controllers (such as those used by other trainees in the same area). If another user unlocks their controller, your drone could take off unexpectedly—a scenario that poses serious collision or injury risks in crowded spaces.
Protect Equipment and Extend Its Lifespan: Incorrect startup sequences can cause signal interference, which may damage the drone’s navigation system or the controller’s signal module. Adhering to the standard process reduces the likelihood of equipment malfunctions and lowers repair costs.
3. Shutdown Order: Just as Critical, Don’t Overlook It
Many beginners focus heavily on startup order but neglect the shutdown process—yet mistakes during shutdown can be just as dangerous. Turning off the drone first and then the remote controller is key to preventing the drone from malfunctioning after losing its signal.
If you switch off the remote controller while the drone is still powered on, the device will immediately lose its signal and may trigger “emergency landing” mode. At best, this could cause the drone to drift and collide with obstacles; at worst, it may restart the binding process and connect to another person’s controller. Imagine this scenario: In a busy training facility, you turn off your remote controller but forget to power down the drone. It could pair with a nearby trainee’s device, and when that user unlocks their controller, your drone might take off suddenly—potentially damaging equipment or endangering those nearby.
4. 3 Essential Safety Tips for Beginners
In addition to mastering the correct startup and shutdown sequences, these basic soccer drone operation tips can help you further reduce risks and fly safely:
Inspect the Environment Before Flying: Ensure the training area is free of obstacles, bystanders, and other drones, and that there is plenty of space for flight;
Verify the Signal Connection: After turning on both the controller and the drone, check the controller’s signal indicator—only begin operating when the signal is full;
Never Leave Powered-On Drones Unattended: Even if you step away for just a moment, power off the drone to prevent accidental activation by others.
