PARROT BEBOP 2 - I Wasn't Using The SkyController Correctly!!

Parrot Bebop 2 FPV Pack: amzn.to/2Wek3fW
After updating my Parrot Bebop 2 to the latest firmware (4.2.1) I was unable to get my Sky Controller to connect like it used to.
After reading about the issue in the Parrot discussion forums and talking to Parrot support, I realized that this whole time, I was setting up and using the Skycontroller 2 incorrectly and wanted to share what I learned.
Test Flight- 2:56
Proper way to connect - 5:38
Make sure Airplane mode is ON and wifi OFF, as the Skycontroller will connect to the Bebop 2 and the iPhone is only used to see the telemetry info and the view of the drone! This ensures maximum Skycontroller range and no wifi interference from iPhone/mobile device!
Happy flying!
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[@rossalexander9598]

So I did know this BUT only cos of seeing a similar video previously. The point being that the bebop 2 is indeed a great bit of kit... but the guys that write the instruction manuals at parrot need a serious rethink of their careers. Thanks to people like you we find out the right way to use the kit, no thanks the manufacturer!

[@johnposey5909]

sure u right...

[@richardsimmons6470]

THe Anafi is much better

[@thewezzley]

Honestly don't know what I would do without helpful videos like this. Thank you!

[@Chorizo915]

Thanks for posting this, it was very useful! I just recently bought one (how could I not with their insane summer sale), and I love it. Still learning, and I rely on a lot of videos like yours to guide me through and help me get the most enjoyment from my Bebop as I can.

[@romanmohylevyts]

I think connecting the drone via WiFi is meant only if you don't have the skycontroller with you.

[@louis3998]

I've seen about 20 video and none were able to solve my issue with the range disconnect. After seeing this video I was able to fly at higher attitudes than I ever had. Thank you so much. Keep making videos

[@louididdy]

Bob Bob Thank you so much for your support! I'm glad your range has increased and that I was able to help you. Theres nothing like the feeling of flying these things, aren't they great? Happy flying!

[@adamshortnacy5911]

@@louididdy hey friend I tried this today but when I did my GPS turned off. My GPS for drone was red and my return home showed off. Are you saying it will still return. How is that possible. I certainly would be afraid to fly long distance like it is. How do we know it'll work.

[@IsolationGaming94]

Thank you very much sir for this! Helps a ton can't wait to test a flight this afternoon!

[@davinwilliams3130]

Just ordered one of these and will definitely keep this video In mind. You have earned a like from me, great video

[@elis747]

Thank you sooo much, I’ve been doing it wrong, now it makes sense And great video by the way, you don’t talk for nothing, straight to the point A+++

[@dashobie]

Thank you i've been looking for someone to explain the connection the right way and easy to follow.

[@cruzy1969]

I was doing exactly the same lol easy done, thanks for the info. Happy flying.

[@charlieclark7900]

I'm going top try this right now! Thank you for the video. I have had my Bebop for almost 2 weeks and love it!

[@billydarley6925]

hows the video? dji fanboys talking out their asses say its horrible. they also are dumb enough to compare it to a 4k camera.

[@charlieclark7900]

I did a lot of research and for $500 I decided on the Bebop. Very happy with the decision and the video/pictures are as good as a smart phone. Have not had one problem so far with the Bebop.

[@billydarley6925]

thats exactly what i figured :) i plan to get one someday. maybe next summer. i want to explore and see what im exploring. i have no desire to do professional anything. ill already have a job if i can afford a drone. lol

[@dandanh007]

OMG, I been using my skycontroller incorrectly all this time too; Now i know why my flight range is bad. I through it was the city electrical grid that's blocking my connection. Thank you.

[@davidvillarreal9686]

Thanks bro I’ve been trying to figure this out forever

[@sirj9]

Thank you for the nugget of knowledge. Very useful.

[@thebridgechristianfellowsh9349]

Awesome. Thanks for the info!!

[@hjohnstone6921]

thank you for shearing your video my friend!... very helpful! Super cool vid of the train👌🏻👍🏻😊

[@collera05]

Thankyou so much!!! All this time I thought something's wrong with my bebop.

[@wilbradford619]

Very useful information 😎👍 Thanks for sharing.

[@Andrew-wz5vy]

Thank you very much!!! I was having the same issue and didn’t know why?

[@JollyPeanut]

So why do Parrot tell you to connect to available wifi networks on smartphone in their setup instructions ? I just received my bebop 2 have not flown it yet trying to sus it out setup looks confusing to me...

[@kitt28]

im not getting the usb sign on my phone im using all up to date firmwares, im only getting 210m, with the skycontroller 2

[@francisczekalski6821]

Thanks for this Video !

[@evvignes]

Yes, useful information. Thanks

[@matthewzwicker]

I currently have a ticket open with Parrot on this very issue, but your video was just an amazing revelation that saved me some serious frustration. At no point did I ever think that the Skycontroller 2 was the substitution for the Wi-Fi network that the Bebop 2 produces when turned on. That was not written down or made clear anywhere. So it’s likely ive been using this incorrectly the past 3 years. I’m now rejuvenated to take flight with the full potential of the controller + drone. But more important, it’s all connecting and working again. Thanks again!

[@louididdy]

Matthew Zwicker I appreciate your comment, time to take to the skies my friend! Happy flying!

[@chrisshanewelch]

Wow, I was doing this wrong as well. Thanks so much for the video

[@GavinMCox]

Thanks man!! It worked- woohoo!

[@wolfman0791]

Thanks for this info . I had the same problem.

[@tasmedic]

I was doing the same thing. I didn't see this information in any of Parrot's videos, or their setup guide/ Thanks for the help.

[@leyaaboumrad3053]

useful and helped me a lot

[@skybox-fs6dv]

I use to think over a year ago, that you had to connect to some external wifi. So I'm thinking, if I'm out in the middle of nowhere land, how am I going to fly my drone if there is no wifi connection in remote areas? Then Parrot explained to me that the wifi connection is only between the drone and the skycontroller! Hahaa! I never put my drone in airplane mode and I didn't even look to connect to a wifi because I knew it wasn't there. I flew my drone this year in Ha Long Bay,Vietnam over water while on a boat (among large limestone rocks) from the top deck. I took off flew around at around 200 feet, took great video and safely landed back on the boat deck. No lost connection....nada. Got great video and I was nervous as heck flying over water 100% of the entire flight!

[@banorafrank]

thanks louidy , great help

[@andrewap77]

Parriot Bebop2 is a fantastic drone, and it to me a almost a year to a constant solid connection.

[@produccionesBC]

Thank you!

[@florinel181]

God bless you !!! Thanks for the tip !

[@keithsingleton1698]

Thank you for this video! I have noticed the lack of clear documentation from Parrot. I love the products but the instructions are lacking. For instance the new “hand launching” mode. I have read everything I can find on it but nobody shows how to enable this or what to push when launching. It’s cool but not well documented. Videos like this are invaluable! Thanks

[@johnposey5909]

very helpful video.....

[@Diversity_gr]

Great vid😊

[@botterboysypher9569]

My free flight pro doesn't show that USB sign/logo any fixes?

[@raizdesuenos]

Great vid

[@bens259]

im disconnected to my bebop 2 power at about 1500 feet away without turning off my wifi and not in airplane mode. Im just wondering its to close on your takeoff area to be disconnected.

[@sinkingdragon]

so in case I missed it somewhere, what was the "max" range ended up getting?

[@calebjohnson8881]

THANK YOU SOOO MUCH, I just got to 1000 ft finally!!!!!!

[@southernscientist5439]

holy crap i had no idea! i wondered why i got nowhere close to the advertised range...

[@Laserwurks]

Very Interesting

[@fwcsgo5703]

i know im late but does this work with the bebop 1 and skycontroller 1 aswell ?

[@VokiHoundsyTurbine]

How do you record using just the sky controller? I tried once before without pressing the record button and once pressing the record button and got nothing.

[@timwieczerza2027]

I see you have FEET rather than meters in this. I use Android, is this option only for iOS? Also, how do I make sure I get the USB symbol? Because even with my wifi off on my phone, it doesn't show a USB symbol and sometimes I cant get a GPS lock on the controller

[@lupin3lupin361]

Bel video complimenti

[@MBCBeats]

Very helpful, I would not of considered this at all

[@XxSp4art4nxX]

I can't seem to be able to do this using Bebop1 and skycontroller 1?

[@user-le6hb5fm8r]

Do you have the fpv glasses? Do you know if an iPhone XR fits in them?

[@kennykeagy7584]

I get the green gps on the drone but not the sky controller 2. What could this be and how could I fix it

[@tonymcclendon-hobbytime7727]

Good info video. I have always flown in airplane mode. I knew WiFi will shorten your flight distance.

[@KaizerTest]

Thanks for the video. You and MrKent helped a lot on this topic. I tried with wifi for my first flight and got 360m or 1181 feet and then lost my FPV signal. I pressed return to home and it came back. I guess it comes back automatically on fpv video loss. So it came back started to decend..and at about 30 feet up it ran out of battery and dropped to the grass upside down. No damage that I can see. It was at 30% when I lost FPV view at 1181 feet away. By the time I got reception back it was 10 %battery....lol. That could have ended off very badly. This was my maiden voyage. So any distance flights I will only attempt with my battery at 100 percent and Im going to try no wifi mode.

[@MrJetplanemusic]

LOL. I always forget the lens cap. I wonder, "Why don't I have a dang picture?!" Then, finally it hits me.

[@G0dkill3r]

same

[@Dlive2005]

I always used wifi and lost connection a couple of times n 1 crash maybe this will help

[@juditheneric8811]

I tried it and it was perfect. The only issue i got is that when i use a tablet, the app wants to synchronise before running. So, i have to switch to my phone which ha 4 g for sync. Do you experience the same?

[@MarcRCAddict]

But if you turn the WiFi off you don't get the skycontroller 2 antenna to drone signal in the circle showing the position of the drone and the optimal position you should be pointing the antenna, or the gps map..

[@alfie.3325]

great vid

[@ludvigvansandoval4408]

I was doing it over WiFi too and was constantly disconnecting, I will try this, thank you😃

[@louididdy]

Glad to help out other pilots, please report back with your results if you could.

[@richardsimmons6470]

When I turn on my controller it is RED. Cant get it to go to GREEN IS THIS CORRECT

[@phantomx.t.v6610]

Should I turn my cellphone service off also

[@anthonyfromkansascity7943]

Does this work with the SC 1 as well?

[@jasonwheat9836]

but the app required gps location, if airplane mode is on than of course I have no data for GPS so how is it supposed to startup

[@Swagops101]

Jason Wheat turn WiFi on and look at the map and load some parts in. When you are ready to fly turn on airplane mode

[@mcberic12]

Need some help. Using Iphone 6s, skycontroller with bebop 2. Firmware 4.7.1 GPS version 3.01F With airplane modus turned on, wifi out and connect the Iphone using a usb cable to the skycontroller. Problem: - nu USB sign in the freeflight app - no GPS signal from Bebop in the freeflight app. (only the left one indicating the skycntroller is green). Thanx from the Netherlands

[@sjhollar]

I don't own a Bebop 2 and am planning on getting an Anafi within a week or two. I will assume this info is valid for both. Getting very anxious.

[@sr.liamthegreat6461]

It can go higher than that though right?

[@harshveerthind3627]

Thanks it was a great video but can I ask why all my pictures ore of globe type and not normal pics

[@miamilifestyle5656]

Omg thank you so much I been using it wrong too ....you the best

[@louididdy]

MIAMILIFE STYLE Shout out to the 305. 😉😎

[@mattman5031]

thank you soooooooooooooooooooooooooooo much

[@FishnTv]

Just bought my kit on Thanksgiving for 249.00 and ready to go. Glad I found your vid. I subbed too seeing as how your my city neighbor. Im in San Antonio.

[@louididdy]

Reel Yakin That’s an amazing price! Where did you find it at that price? Start slow and enjoy it!

[@FishnTv]

@@louididdy at best buy. It's still on sale right now. Only problem I see is that no one carrys the spare batteries in store. Gonna have to order one now. Oh I will start slow at first. This isnt my first drone, I had a yuneec typhoon.

[@KryonTV]

@@FishnTv Same Here! Except Amazon for $249.99. I signed up for the amazon prime credit card and they gave me $60 Gift Card, then just paid it off. I flew it today in 10 MPH wind, with no problems and did great. Thank you for the video!

[@FlyingSasquatch1]

Try pinching your sticks instead of thumbing I bet you will be able to smooth out those rotations. Great spot to get some cool shots!!

[@DroneUpp]

Thanks for this information! I am about to buy the Parrot Bebop 2 and I have been watching many KZbin videos on it! This, by far is probably one of the most important things to understand! Not sure why others have not addressed this. I had a feeling that using WIFI would mean range limitations as my understanding is that it is not meant for long range use. Hmmm? Go figure! Thanks again.

[@theurbanartist775]

What it do drone up 👍🏼 rainy day here and I’m just watching videos 😂 I remember the days of the Bebops. They were my start.... I can remember when Bebop 1 was the best drone out several years ago.

[@4132286]

What city is this? looks beautiful

[@HotMannaMinute]

Great video, what city is that?

[@josephburrows3711]

Thank you for that ,Aeroplane mode stops any interferance from getting calls coming through interupting the flight.getting messages saying cord not connected.

[@justincasimir457]

As most of us I was doing the same mistake and it was taking ages (when not impossible) to connect all devices together (controller, phone, drone). I contacted Parrot about the issue and they wanted me to send back the whole kit to Amazon for refund, which I didn't as I still wanted my Parrot. I will try this next time but it seems it will solve my problems. Crazy that Parrot does not mention this "trick" when I was in contact with them for weeks.

[@joebiddy3699]

Well when I bought my Bebop 2 I found that not only would the battery in the Sky Controlled 2 not hold a charge, but had an obsolete battery in it which could not be replaced. Parrot told me they would replace the controller with one that had the new style battery. That was over a month ago. Finally they told me to send them my old controller and they would replace it, that was two weeks and two phone calls ago, and I still have heard nothing and I have no controller at all. Might be a good drone as long as you don't have trouble with it.

[@dyrreunshelvin]

I think u just solved my problem.. I was wondering why my bebop keep losing connection and returning to home after a very short range... I always connected it through the bebop 2 hot-spot.. Thanks

[@SuperBelnap]

I had a similar problem and my Bebop 2 Power took off on its own and was found more than a half mile away. It had a terrible crash and brock the central cross. The instructions from Parrot are not clear. I still have my drone, and I'm getting parts.

[@guglielmodicarlo4139]

nice video, I just added this aircraft to my stable, question, is there a way to dampen the movements, in particular the yaw? seems very jerky and harsh? thanks

[@louididdy]

South West Florida Aerial There is a sport mode and a camera mode that will affect the movement. I tend to be a little nervous when flying, so keep that in mind. It could be my jittery fingers on the control.

[@ben_the_gamer6342]

I have tried this but sadly it doesn't work for me.firstly the connected controller symbol on the app is a different colour to yours because mine is green.secondly I don't have to green arrows I have one orange/yellow and one green. Please help

[@russavery56]

Hi Ben, can you elaborate on this? I want to see if I can provide any advice or help.

[@ben_the_gamer6342]

Russ Avery ok so I followed all the steps but when my device is on airplane mode instead of 2 green arrows I get 2 amber or red with no extra range and I'm afraid it won't return because of this any help will be appreciated thanks

[@Dyin_gull]

Did you get this problem resolved

[@pdtech4524]

The instructions that come with the Parrot Bebop drones are very poor and very vague. I basically got 1 sheet with very little detail about how to connect the Bebop up, also it talked about downloading an app that didn't exist, it took me a while to figure out the Freeflight Pro app had basically become the new app to download. It is quite a process and has to be done in a specific order the first time you connect everything up, it didn't help that the drone and skycontroller both wanted to update in their own different ways while I was connecting everything, just to confuse me even more. I basically knew how it all connected but in practise it was not easy. Had to abort my first flight out in the field, came home and figured it all out at home. The main problem most people encounter is connecting their Bebop to the phone instead of the skycontroller ⚠️ On the Bebop 1 the phone connects to the skycontroller via a wifi connection, not by USB, just to be even more confusing! The Skycontroller establishes it's own wifi connection to the Bebop again via wifi. On the Bebpp 2, everything is the same except your phone connects to the Skycontroller 2 via USB, in my opinion a much better connection, avoiding any wifi interference issues 👍😎

[@braknazwy4803]

Is this working on my Parrot disco I will try to do this in todays afternoon. I will tell you results :)

[@richardtabloff1773]

How about helping me out with the proper setup for the FPV. Parrot has been NO help what it tells me to do on pages 34 and 35 of the manual doesn’t work for me! Help please thank you.

[@Roboticdoughbull3k]

Put video on 720 for fpv fast refresh rate

[@keithheavey]

Hey @louididdy that's a great help! Thanks for clearing that up, I have my bebop 2 for about 2 weeks now and I noticed that the image distorts very quickly on the FPV, that must be the wifi. Does the image stay more "Solid" at further distances by using your method?

[@louididdy]

Keith Heavey Yes! In the flight in the video (my second one in the same area, same kind of flight path/distance as before) it didn't lose the image where before it had (Video called "Catching The Train").

[@keithheavey]

louididdy I can't wait to give it a try this week! I will report to my findings 🤗🤗

[@keithheavey]

John Sterling it worked! Like if your path is clear that is, Nothing obstructing the signal. It went much further for me than it did when hooked on wifi, anytime I fly now I get airplane mode and fly on the Skycontroller 2!!

[@Roboticdoughbull3k]

For fpv goggles put video on 720 for clearer video and faster refresh rate

[@magendavid22]

thanks.

[@seferon100]

Thank you for video , what about IPad same set up Airplane Mode On , wi-fi OFF ??

[@louididdy]

Edvin Komarov Thank you. It doesn't really matter unless it's the cellular iPad model.

[@brentonburpee227]

Whats the max range

[@Northstar-Media]

I was going to get the bebop 2 good flyer & good video for stablised video. Got the Anafi May still get Bebop later after Christmas. That looks like same location as Al Duran flys Duranfy channel.

[@madsciencemedia873]

Dude! thanks for this video. I've been having a problem with losing video shortly after the flight begins. I will try these settings as well. I assume that it works the same with android too.

[@louididdy]

It should yes, but I haven't used it myself. Let us know what you find out!

[@madsciencemedia873]

Sorry it took so long to get back in touch. it does work with Android as well. thanks for this MUCH NEEDED video!

[@DavidJSamko]

I would just individually disable the WiFi and leave cellular on. That way you have access to real time maps should provide the same functionality but I will try this out.

[@tendietime3390]

I’ve been doing the same thing this evening when I get home I’m gonna put bebop 2 back together from a crash and hopefully it works bc I only got like 1900 feet out

[@pdtech4524]

Thanks for the info! I originally followed parrots instructions which were woefully thin on detail, including mentioning an app that didn't even exit, I had to use free flight pro instead. I have the bebop 1 and skycontroller 1 but the same thing applies. I have been flying my bebop with my phone connected to the skycontroller via wifi, flight mode on but wifi on as well, making sure it says skycontroller on my phone wifi settings, not bebop! But I should be connecting my phone via USB! Turning the wifi off on my phone will help reduce wifi interference! I'm still getting good range this way because the skycontroller is connected to my bebop. Next time I fly I'll connect my USB cable. New supporter for your channel, hopefully you'll check out my bebop related channel and naybe support? 👍😎🙂

[@alaincaris6436]

wifi off !? and how to FPV ?

[@omarqb]

Dont you need wifi signal to have the return to home fiture enabled??

[@louididdy]

I don’t think so because GPS.

[@OnlinecarshowNet1]

If you still have the drone and want to sell let me know.

[@randomvideoguy5277]

I just got this drone for t Christmas so far I love it but yesterday I was out flying it and it totally lost connection and would not reconnect at no matter what I did luckily I had it low and was flying around the yard with it so I had to just let the battery drain down to the point where I dropped I don't know exactly what happened but maybe this was the reason why tomorrow if the weather permits for flying I'm going to definitely try this out thanks for taking the time to share this with us

[@juicejesse]

Danielle Ackerson try calibrating it with the app. Or recalibrate if you need to because I fell into the same situation but I found that both the controller and the drone need to be calibrated. To do so it is within the app but you have to connect both the Skycontroller and drone to your phone to be able to calibrate it. Calibrating is easy where you physically have to roll your controller/drone. Then spin it and rotate it as the diagram on the app shows. Hope it helped! If you have any questions I’ll try my best to answer them!

[@randomvideoguy5277]

@@juicejesse ok ty

[@omarqb]

Why is it my images and video look terrible on play back, unlike urs?

[@TimKaseyMythHealer]

This could be the single most significant reason you have so many people believing their drone has 'flown away' they most likely had their phone on wifi. After watching many of the live fly-away drone videos, they all have the exact same distance where the drone disconnects, and this indicates to me that they may have had their phone wifi on, and not set to airplane mode. The other factor is that when you depend on your phone, the drone manufacturer assumes you don't have malware and 10 apps trying to connect and send info. over the phone service at the same time, and this can't be good for drone flights.