DJI AVATA 2 Manual Mode: Not What I Expected!

How does the DJI Avata 2 fly in Manual (Acro) Mode? Can you power loop the Avata 2? How is the Avata 2 in a dive? In this video we go through how to set up manual mode on the DJI Avata 2, share our impressions of how it flies with the Remote Controller 3, and try some freestyle tricks with the Avata 2. We were surprised by the results and we think you will be too!
Buy DJI Avata 2 (affiliate link): bit.ly/RSDAvata2
FPV Remote Controller 3: store.dji.com/product/dji-fpv...
Check out Kris' channel: / sunrisewatermedia
Check out Kelly's Podcast: dirtnapcity.buzzsprout.com
The music in this video is from Epidemic Sound.
bit.ly/RSD_Epidemic_Sound
If you want inexpensive, hassle-free music that sounds great for all of your social media channels, you should definitely check out Epidemic Sound.
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Kelly Shores is a FAA Part 107 certified drone pilot. He enjoys flying toy drones, camera drones, RC airplanes, and FPV quads. When he's not flying drones, Kelly enjoys photography, biking, travel and hanging out with his family!
00:00 Intro
00:19 Overview
01:10 Binding Avata 2 and Controller 3
02:36 Setup for Manual Mode
04:02 Loosen Throttle
06:05 First Impressions in Manual Mode
07:10 Adjusting Rates
09:53 Flying Gaps and Commenting About Performance
11:16 Freestyle Concept
13:25 Powerloop Practice on Avata 2
18:31 Summary
20:53 Outtakes

[@jcflying8763]

This is by far the BEST video with the AVATA 2 I've seen. I received mine (3 btry combo) Thursday but weather prevents me from trying it out. Rain. Next week will be fantastic 4/22. I've been a follower for years and thank you for all you do for us all.

[@readysetdrone]

Thank you, John! Hopefully you'll get some sunny weather soon!

[@DingleBerryschnapps]

😂 I've seen a comment like this under every Avata 2 video haha. ✌️

[@m.anas8009]

I like the genuity of you guys doing reviews.

[@Eat_More_Possum]

This channel has the best real-world info on the Avata 2!

[@SunriseWaterMedia]

We appreciate it, Brent. 👊 We're intentionally trying to show (when possible and appropriate) more of the "mistakes," the journey (and humor), rather than only the polished answers and dry information, while also at the same time, editing it all down so as not to waste the viewer's time.

[@DirtyBird]

Unlike previous DJI drones, the MC3 & FPV Controller 3 do NOT directly link to the drone. They link to the Goggles 3 via Bluetooth, which passes through the RC commands to the Avata 2. This is why the MC3 & FPV Controller 3 are so much lighter than the previous versions, why their batteries last much longer, & why there is no external antenna on the FPV Controller 3. Consequentially when linking the FPV Controller 3 you want to link it to the Goggles 3, NOT the Avata 2.

[@readysetdrone]

Great info. Thank you!🙏

[@pianomans1]

I'm enjoying the Avata 2 a lot so far. It's not a freestyle beast, but it wasn't made for that. I believe DJI did a great job with this whole set up. I can't wait for backwards compatibility with the goggles three. I wore my goggles to yesterday for the first time in a week or so. They are not nearly as comfortable as the goggles three. Sorry voice to text lol. One thing I'm having an issue with is when I put it in manual mode and try to take off the drone automatically takes off in normal mode then it switches to manual then I'm getting that crazy prompt where I have to use the sticks to get and stay on the green line to open manual mode. I didn't notice that on your video. If anyone knows how to get rid of that I would love some input. Lastly, is one of the buttons and arm and disarm button? I came in for a landing in manual mode and drop the throttle and landed on my pad and the drone flipped around like a fish out of water for a few seconds. Thanks in advance. Great video guys! Thank you

[@michaelwallen5652]

So when I lose connection on my goggles won’t I lose connection via the controller and not be able to control it anymore?

[@bodeksrc8007]

​​@@michaelwallen5652well, how would you want to control it if you lose video feed? Latest 04 technology will give you up to 13km range and if you do lose connection drone will simply return to home if you set it up that way

[@michaelwallen5652]

@@bodeksrc8007 I like to know I can move the drone around to prevent it from auto returning to home so I can ensure that it doesn’t go straight into a tree on the way up. If I lose connection then I can’t cancel return to home right?

[@allanfarrow5391]

This is a great video...very down to earth and full of good information and flying. Thanks!

[@Spinnen372]

Best review for the avata 2 I've seen so far. Usually just people saying everthing about is the best and pumping their affiliate link. Super informative and fun, love it

[@BobCaseyAerial]

This was intuitive and will be helpful for future reference. Nice flying Kelly

[@kydawg1684]

Great review guys. Thanks.

[@SCAerialsSteveCarpenter]

Hello Kelly & Kris, thank you for your excellent test flights in manual mode with the new RC3 controller. WOW, what an outstanding difference between the A1 and A2. A big thanks for showing how to convert the controller into FPV mode👏👏. Kudos to both of you with your first flights in FPV mode.👍👍

[@readysetdrone]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@mikeschultz6444]

Nicely done, good real world review of the remote 3.👍

[@Harleyfpv357]

Thanks for the breakdown

[@georgekelly1948]

Thanks for the review, Kelly. Cheers from Wisconsin.

[@readysetdrone]

You are so welcome!

[@CrobraStrike27]

Just found your channel by pure happenstance after I got my new controller delivered. Congrats, you are the first youtuber I've purchased merchandise from. That shirt you had was pretty neat, thanks for the video and take care.

[@readysetdrone]

Thank you and enjoy the shirt!

[@novax7176]

Enjoyed watching thx

[@SunriseWaterMedia]

21:12 I blame the wind for my crash. 100% the wind! 🤔😉

[@johnnymac26]

Great insight to this drone which i am so tempted to buy lol

[@fpvkevlar8101]

Great video

[@DashIceland]

Thanks for this video

[@woodydroneson]

Great review and film by Chris :) I want one when I get the time to fly more :)

[@FlyinFlynnMedia]

Some pretty great Acro flying there K and K! It looks like fun and I hope to try it one day soon!

[@LowryDroneography-Steve]

Great video guys! Loved it. Also great flying!

[@SunriseWaterMedia]

Thanks, Steve! I'm surprised it's still working after being crashed into metal soccer goals and concrete etc!

[@LowryDroneography-Steve]

@@SunriseWaterMedia Must be tougher than some people think! Those powerloops got really nice. I should try one soon. Just had a nice sunset flight. Looked gorgeous through the goggles. 👌🏼

[@SunriseWaterMedia]

@@LowryDroneography-Steve Nice! You have some really picturesque villages and greenery around. I bet that sunset looks amazing!

[@LowryDroneography-Steve]

@@SunriseWaterMedia Yeah Worcestershire and Warwickshire are pretty good for it if you’re away from the towns a bit.. and some of the towns and villages are really nice. Would be ace to fly over the other side of the pond at some point but we’ll see! I’ll have a mess with the footage but may hold it back from the ‘tube until after my next ‘content’ upload. Re-shooting something in the morning!

[@readysetdrone]

Thanks a ton!

[@user-ks5jh1rp6d]

It's a great video.

[@f.s.7615]

cheers from Lugano, CH

[@mavs8888]

Thanks for this wonderful video... and -of course- also a big thankyou to your unseen, but for sure charming, video-assistant 😉

[@readysetdrone]

For sure charming indeed.

[@garyhendryvideo]

Wow amazing...i have Mini 2 SE Pro...but after watching this...i really need 1..for my video..thanks for sharing

[@readysetdrone]

Thanks for watching

[@speeddemon467]

I’ve had the Avata 2 for a little over a week now and I love it. I bought the FPV controller v3 with it as well because I know I wanted to be able to fly in manual/acro mode, though I haven’t tried it yet. I’ve got about 30 hours on the simulator (mostly LiftOff), but I’m still a bit nervous to try full manual for real with the Avata 2. You experienced guys make it look too easy! 😂 I’ve flown collective pitch helis for about 10 years, so I probably shouldn’t be this intimidated by acro mode on an FPV drone. Hoping to get to a good, big open area soon so I can take the training wheels off and just go for it.

[@readysetdrone]

Flying in manual is a whole different experience - definitely worth learning. My biggest advice would be to fly in a big open and grassy field. If you get in trouble, just cut the throttle. The Avata 2 can take a bit of bashing, so you should be OK to crash it a few times - especially over grass. Good luck and have fun!

[@DingleBerryschnapps]

I don't know if you've done it already, but I wouldn't recommend flying manual. It's really not made for that. They included the easy acro just to sucker people into buying it that want to do freestyle. This is the last drone I would freestyle with, and I have experience doing it. I do own It by the way, but I also build my own quads. I bought the Avata 2 to just cruise around. That's pretty much what it's made for. The problem is when you crash it it's not really repairable, and you can only get a few replacements.

[@jesusgjchuza6491]

Cool 😎

[@FlyZoneFpv]

Heck yeah Kelly and Kris. Amazing review Boyz . Lets go 👍🏻🫶🤘🏻🚀 Avata 2 is definitely Better for sure

[@DroningVeteran]

Great video Kelly and Kris. Now we just need a pause button for the wind 💡 now wouldn’t that be awesome 😎

[@SunriseWaterMedia]

Thanks, Dan. Yes! Please let us know if you find a pause button. 😅

[@DroningVeteran]

@@SunriseWaterMediaoh you know I will brother 👍

[@nyrubin]

I think more highly about your review than the avata 2 thank you. Plan on purchasing as my first fpv drone

[@readysetdrone]

Thanks!

[@oneeyeblind]

Nice video, thanks. I see, I should really buy the controller 3 for my Avata 2 😝 and do some practicing in the simulator before 🤭 Greets from Germany!

[@readysetdrone]

Yes. It is a lot of fun!

[@Kana7782]

Did not know about the throttle stick that can be adjusted. Thank you!

[@readysetdrone]

Happy to help!

[@DavidReynolds-kr6yh]

I love my new avata 2 even though I only have the motion controller 3 . I’d ordered the fpv 3 and they stuffed me around and found that they couldn’t get it and just canceled my order. Of course I wasn’t happy with them. I’ve since ordered one through another source that I’ve used before, but of course it’s on back order ugh. I still haven’t worked out how to go into easy acro, but then I just have to find a video on that. You’ve shown that they are a decent acro quad and I’m looking forward to receiving my fpv controller 3 so that I can practice true acro.

[@SunriseWaterMedia]

You might have to update everything (Goggles 3, Motion 3, and Avata 2) to get the Easy Acro option when you use the goggles joystick to swipe down from the top of the screen. Here's a Ready Set Drone video showing that near the beginning. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eJDKeXxnjbuaqKMsi=zRSiTSiU5zbMKcZD

[@DingleBerryschnapps]

The motion controller is the best controller considering that cruising is how the Avata 2 was meant to be flown. I actually see no point in flying this quad in manual, unless you have no other quad and really want to try manual.

[@jessicaekberg5902]

Really good review I think I'm gonna save the video because I am saving for the avata 2. But it isn't cheap...

[@rogerbivins9144]

I got my A2 last week and the remote controller 3 yesterday. I do have some experience building / flying FPV drones and had high hopes for this A2 once paired with the RC3 controller in manual mode. It is a fun flyer with a great camera system, far better than anything in my custom builds that still have analog Vtx's, but, after getting some manual flights in I am a little disappointed by the speed and that it requires a bit over 1/2 throttle just to hover. I havnt turned the rates up completely yet, or looked to see if its possible to adjust the throttle exponential value but I wouldn't think that would change the stick % required to just hover. Also, some of my property has extreme grade slopes which I like to fly fast and close to the ground and I have trouble getting the A2 to drop anywhere nearly as quick as I am accustomed to and so have had several close calls while expecting the drone to drop clear of branches in fast flight. Im sure I can get used to it even if the issues cant be tuned out, I just pray DJI will get the Goggles 3 software caught up so I can buy the DJI air packs to upgrade my other fpv drones. Cheers.

[@thesaltypro5842]

From what you have seen from this drone how do you feel about the durability? I have an air 3 looking to get into basic fpv but want to make sure if I do crash it’s okay

[@yoinxisgonebtw8859]

I completely agree with everything you said. Ive only been flying my avata 2 for a week now and im having tons of fun. As my first drone I think it will take me some time to adjust to manual mode

[@divingfalconfpv4602]

Do you those same rates on your betaflight fpv drones . Curious cause first time i seen some one use different rates on pitch and roll axis

[@readysetdrone]

Great observation. Agreed that pitch and roll should be the same. I like 550 for pitch and roll, it's quick but not "crazy quick". I also need to turn the expo up a bit on this quad. What you saw in the video was just me experimenting a bit, but I agree completely that pitch and roll should be the same. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@brandon9689]

It felt like all these sponsored motion Rc only Reviews were hiding something. Glad to see more manual flight content! I have my FPV3 controller and it works great in DRL Simulator on PC. I'm waiting a month minimum to buy the drone In case of patches or hot fixes.

[@readysetdrone]

Cool, thanks

[@MattDvc]

I recommend practicing head tracking with motion controller. feels bad at first, but when you start nailing it its great.

[@txarchdroneguy4731]

Kelly, thanks for the manual review. I love flying the Avata 2 with the MC3, but i do have the RC3 on order, expected to receive between May 12-25. I anxious to attempt manual flight. And #NuttierThanSquirrelPoop.

[@readysetdrone]

It’s a blast to fly with either of the controllers Mike!

[@exclusiveaerials]

hi there! thanks for your video. How do I get the controller 3 back to be able to fly sport and normal mode again? i've released the tension again on F1 and F2, so that the stick is sort of centered again, but I can't even get it to take off by increasing throttle. am i missing something?

[@exclusiveaerials]

I got it working again after recalibrating the controller :D

[@jimsdroneing]

great power loop guys nice flyin kelly kris avata 2 looks lot more agile great edit how many times did kelly say windy🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@SunriseWaterMedia]

Did we mention it was windy? 😂😅 Thanks, Jim! 👊

[@jimsdroneing]

@@SunriseWaterMedia 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@readysetdrone]

You have to do a shot of tequila every time I say windy! You’re welcome….

[@jimsdroneing]

@@readysetdrone good contest kelly guess how many windy🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@Distrax]

Thanks for the update! i am a drone flyer for 6 years give or take 150km in the record, mostly gps and stable drones, and now would like to explore M mode, during M mode and you loose or think that the bridge or corner you cannot make, can you just flip the switch to N mode or S and the GPS takes over again?

[@readysetdrone]

You are correct. Just flip into a stabilized mode and you'll be hovering safely again.

[@Distrax]

@@readysetdrone awesome thanks!!

[@john82312]

Nice video! Just curious, if you're flying in manual during a flip and 180 degrees upside down, and clicking the start/stop button on the controller. What will happen? Will it auto correct itself to hover and N mode? Or it will just crash? Planning on using start/stop button as a panic button but doesn't know whether it works😂

[@readysetdrone]

It will crash! 😯 Just flip the mode switch to "normal" or "sport" if you panic.

[@john82312]

@@readysetdrone got it! Thank you for saving me from trying!

[@MrEddieNunez]

Good video to get us started. Nice ebike too!! Every youtuber needs an ebike. 😅

[@SunriseWaterMedia]

Thanks for watching, Eddie! And yes, you're right...😅 Everyone knows that you're not a real KZbinr unless you have an e-bike!

[@readysetdrone]

Yes we do

[@jessemiller5375]

The remote link connects directly to the goggles now, so you would do the pairing process from the goggles not the drone now.

[@SunriseWaterMedia]

Ah, that's interesting. Good to know!

[@kavorka8855]

so the throttle stick must be adjusted with screws before turning on the manual mode? Do other modes work with the stick adjusted?

[@readysetdrone]

Loosening the throttle stick isn't mandatory, but if you fly in manual mode, not having to flight against the spring is easier. The other modes work fine with a loosened throttle stick. The only downside to a loosened throttle stick in normal or sport mode is that it won't automatically keep its hovering altitude when you let go of the sticks.

[@Joe_Fotoleo]

😂#sproing I like your rates, but higher expo...like .7 Awesome video you guys 😂

[@SunriseWaterMedia]

Nice, Joe. We'll try that adjustment next time we get the chance. 😂 #sproing I thought Kelly was making up words again, but apparently, that's a real word -- maybe not quite the meaning it's intended for though. Lol

[@WildpixFPV]

Hi, thanks for the video! Don't touch the gimbal in manual flight! I tried to look down, it started to overcorrect or sth, no idea... it went backwards like a maniac, I couldn't stop it and had to disarm at about 50feet up. It fell on grass, something ratteling inside now. I'm thinking about sending it all back now. Care Refresh activated luckily.

[@SunriseWaterMedia]

Ouch! I did try it once and things got squirrelly.

[@9adriano21]

Loving my Avata 2, and the MC is super fun and easy to get great shots. However after a few flights I just order the RC3, not for acro stuff, mainly interested in the extended top speed flaying manual.

[@big1matt]

In manual mode you can get a higher top speed?

[@9adriano21]

@@big1matt Sport mode tops at 35mph, Manual Mode (RC Only) is supposed hit up to 60mph

[@readysetdrone]

Yes, because you can pitch the drone over more.

[@nujinabi]

👍👍

[@stewartabel]

Nice video, really funny actually, nice job :-D hahahah

[@SunriseWaterMedia]

Thanks so much for the feedback! We tried to keep it informative and engaging, while also letting our playfulness shine through here and there. It was a fun video to film and edit.

[@readysetdrone]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@petejones5920]

How long can you fly a 6S?

[@jcflying8763]

Question, Can I still use my remote controller that came with the DJI FPV that I use for the AVATA? as I'm so use to it.

[@readysetdrone]

I don’t think you can because the new remote control uses a different protocol. But it feels almost exactly the same.

[@jcflying8763]

@@readysetdrone Thank you so much for the reply

[@jcflying8763]

Yes and all of the other goggles as well as of a few days ago. Do the new update. I flew mine yesterday with my DJI FPV goggles and controller

[@daily_dose_of_flying]

I got my rc controller today, I followed the setup process and I barely have any throttle, how do I adjust the throttle settings so I can use the full power? Right now if I do a dive I can't recover because I don't have any power

[@readysetdrone]

That's worrisome! Try recalibrating the controller.

[@deardaughter]

ugh i want one so badly.

[@SeeFPv-qm6ie]

Do you have to connect your phone to fly your avata 2

[@readysetdrone]

No need! The Goggles 3 have remote ID built in.

[@SlackerU]

So it doesn't track like the Mini 4 Pro or the Air 3? Amazing either way.

[@readysetdrone]

It does not

[@joestewart5692]

Along time ago i heard somone say" you have a perfect face for radio"...after that day i realize this would come in handy.

[@readysetdrone]

Thanks man! Have a great day!

[@Ender_FPV]

I agree with your overall assessment. Okayish and capable of freestyle, but meant for filming.

[@Trevor_Fuss]

Great review video, You need to stop blaming the wind for your crashes. Interesting that you got Kris to ride the bike while you chased him, I believe it should have been the other way around, you need the exercise. which thet would have been #NuttierThanSquirrelPoop. Keep the great videos comming

[@SunriseWaterMedia]

😂 Trevor, when I was editing this video and heard Kelly call me nuttier than squirrel poop, I laughed out loud. I hadn't ever been described in that way before! Lol

[@backcountryexplorer6841]

Do you recommend this drone for beginners?

[@readysetdrone]

Depends on what you want to do with it. If you want to learn to fly FPV with goggles, then yes. If you want to take aerial photos and video, then I would recommend a DJI Mini.

[@backcountryexplorer6841]

@@readysetdrone yes I have the DJI mini 2 and flown it for about a year now I still consider myself a beginner. I’m looking to shoot awesome vids and photos with the Avata 2 and with the goggles is a definite, plus.

[@Beauty_of_flight]

Does the RC Motion 3 support Manual mode for the Avata 2?

[@readysetdrone]

No, but it has Easy Acro. Check out our video about that. You can do flips and rolls and 180 slides with the Motion 3. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eJDKeXxnjbuaqKMsi=EP9r66u57t5zAX0J

[@Beauty_of_flight]

@@readysetdrone great! But how about speed? Is sport mode and manual on par?

[@chrishope82666]

#spongieness Definitely got to have the sticks to fly. It looks tough, how did it fare after the crashes. Thanks for the review.

[@readysetdrone]

It’s a bit scuffed but no issues with flying or camera so far.

[@adamisvoid]

your posture the whole flight! my back would be having none of it lol

[@readysetdrone]

Yeah, you kinda forget about posture and head position when you are in the goggles

[@adamisvoid]

@@readysetdrone haha yeah, I’ve have to stop myself rolling all over the place when I really get in to it 😂

[@cktrading72]

Hi, what's Yah means? Newbie

[@Actionmannin]

camera angle degrees?

[@SunriseWaterMedia]

See at 14:38, Kelly changes the angle for powerloops.

[@readysetdrone]

Depends on what you’re doing. Nice thing about Avata is that you can adjust camera angle while you’re flying!

[@pshecks]

I wonder if it was windy out

[@readysetdrone]

Yes, it was a bit windy.

[@_vacationer_]

How to Do acro using Remote Controller 3?

[@readysetdrone]

The video explains it all.

[@robskyful]

Nail biting .

[@JoeJ523]

Why can’t the controller 2 be used with the avata 2.

[@readysetdrone]

I believe it will be compatible in the future. Not certain, but hopefully after an update, it will be made compatible.

[@CoasttoCoastDrones]

29 minutes !!

[@SunriseWaterMedia]

😅 I was prepared to film every minute of that search! Lol

[@CoasttoCoastDrones]

@@SunriseWaterMedia LOL

[@MarcellJjr]

At least im not the only one! We gotta do some sims before using that thing. DO NOT GO INTO MANUAL WITHOUT PRACTICING ON THE COMPUTER!

[@kentao4]

Not*

[@MarcellJjr]

@@kentao4 thanks fam :) Corrected. Im going to go fly now but still practicing with the FPV 3.

[@kentao4]

@@MarcellJjr no problem! And im waiting for my controller. Hopefully I get it by Tuesday! I need to dive back into it and get some practice on a sim. Does that still exist within DJI for this one? I remember there was a sim for the fpv.

[@DronePsyche]

I never understood why the remote couldn’t control menus in goggles. Come on DJI!

[@ramxerdapar6416]

Video quality of avatar 2 not quite good after uploading in the social media.

[@Kana7782]

Which controller did you find easier to use? Especially for an old fart like myself?

[@DFD1]

Definitely motion controller is WAY easier. Start with that and when you're comfortable with it, then think about learning manual mode.

[@helloman4251]

Eventually I will be able to afford one....😢

[@londenard]

Hey, I have that t-shirt!!! Copycat!!!

[@SunriseWaterMedia]

Lol

[@londenard]

Those that can't do, coach...

[@SunriseWaterMedia]

😅 Kelly's a heck of a good coach!

[@Sleeperknot]

Great. The thing is that you can build a freestyle quad for (1/3)rd of the price of this Avata2. Yes, (1/3)rd.