Question 1

do you need wifi to fly it with a tablet?

Accepted Answer

The WI-FI is built into the Parrot Drone and your tablet will see it just as it would see your home Wi-FI unit..  You connect to it and then launch your Free Flight 3 Application.  I'd recommend that you test your device on the bench with your drone before hitting the air ways.   One thing I discovered that when my iphone had for some reason disconnected from the drone while the drone was in the air.  You have to go into free flight and click on the top left pull down menu and click on the drone there before the app will connect to your drone.  You will find out that the very first time connect to the drone's WI-FI and open Free Flight you will see the prompt to connect to the drone.  However, if you disconnect from the drone.. It will not automatically reconnect with out performing the afore mentioned steps. FOR BENCH TESTINGFirst remove all props.. so that you don't have a fly away in the house when accidentally clicking on the launch button.  Mount the drone battery, and place it on a table top facing a TV so you can watch the motion on the TV.  Optionally place a fan on the drone to keep it cool as it will get warm with all the hardware running inside. Launch Free Flight and whamo you can now control the drone.  You will want to see what happens when you receive a call during connection.. when some one sends you a text message.  Etc..  Will fully turn off the WI-FI and then on again and get familiar with the steps needed to connect back to the drone.   Finally watch to see how much delays and jerks you see between real time (looking at the TV) as compared to the video on the iphone or other device.   I had noticed some stop and go interruptions in the video but it all went away when I did the following... Close all unused apps, free up the memory (using the app called "Battery Doctor" for my iPhone +) ... When first in the air remember to let go your controls if you get in trouble.  The GPS will take over and hold your drone steady until you are ready to fly again : ).  Test the RTH feature,  Return to Home... but remember that you have about 11-12 mins of air time... so don't spend 10 mins going out as far as you can and then initiate the RTH feature as you drone will not make it back.  Once the battery gets to about 11% It will auto land... no matter where it is...   Implement the mapping feature in free flight and download the map of your area.  I was able to download the whole island of Oahu in 17 segments into my Iphone.  The theory being you have a map mode that will show you where the GPS is... that is cool.   Have fun.. Just do it... : )

Question 2

I would like to take this backpacking, but i am confused about recharging the batteries.  can this be done through a usb connection?

Accepted Answer

I take mine backpacking it fits well in my pack and I use my goal zero Sherpa to charge it.

Question 3

what is the battery life

Accepted Answer

Battery life is around 11 minutes. Two batteries are included in the Bebop Drone pack.

Question 4

Is there an option to turn off the automatic recording when it starts flying?

Accepted Answer

By going into the FreeFlight Pro app, press the icon that looks like a movie camera, and select the proper mode you want.  It will stay in still image mode until it is restarted.  Do note, however, that this does not significantly improve battery life and you can take 1080p still photos even when flying with video by pressing the camera button.

Product Dimensions	33.53 x 9.65 x 36.58 cm; 1.2 kg
Batteries	1 Lithium Polymer batteries required. (included)
Manufacturer recommended age	14 years and up
Item model number	PF722001
Number of pieces	8
Assembly Required	No
Engine Type	electric
Batteries Required?	Yes
Batteries included?	Yes
Battery Type(s)	lithium_polymer
Material Type(s)	Plastic
Remote Control Included?	No
Remote Control Type	radio
Radio Control Suitability	Outdoor
Radio Control Number of Channels	4
Radio Control Frequency	Wi-Fi
Colour	Blue
Release date	1 Jan. 2015
ASIN	B00OOR90J2

Parrot Bebop Drone (Blue)

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