> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://stem-docs.intellectualpoint.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Unbox and build your drone

> Check your kit, attach the propellers and guards the right way, and get your Echo Drone flight-ready.

## Build it right, fly it well

Your Echo Drone arrives mostly assembled - your job is to fit the propellers and guards correctly, install the battery, and power up. Getting the propellers in the right spots is the single most important step: a mixed-up propeller means a drone that won't fly.

<Frame caption="Your Echo Drone (top) and controller">
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/intellectualpoint/eW7U9shBQKKM3XX9/images/drones/echo-drone-top.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=eW7U9shBQKKM3XX9&q=85&s=4350f6e1d7a6470d2d15082a41a3a3ec" alt="Top view of the black Pitsco Echo Drone with four propellers and prop guards" width="1024" height="768" data-path="images/drones/echo-drone-top.png" />
</Frame>

<Frame caption="The underside, showing the clip-in battery tray and power switch">
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/intellectualpoint/eW7U9shBQKKM3XX9/images/drones/echo-drone-bottom.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=eW7U9shBQKKM3XX9&q=85&s=ed72b638559dacb98b1974f7ee5b7a3e" alt="Bottom view of the Echo Drone showing the battery tray and vents" width="1024" height="768" data-path="images/drones/echo-drone-bottom.png" />
</Frame>

## Check your kit

Lay everything out first - it's easier to spot a missing piece now than mid-build.

<Frame caption="Lay out every part and check it against the list before you start">
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/intellectualpoint/eW7U9shBQKKM3XX9/images/drones/kit-contents-flatlay.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=eW7U9shBQKKM3XX9&q=85&s=6b11839de93de3c4d56d504a9b08087c" alt="Flatlay of the Echo Drone kit: drone, controller, battery, USB cable, four propellers, four prop guards, wrench, phone holder, and quick-start guide" width="1536" height="1024" data-path="images/drones/kit-contents-flatlay.png" />
</Frame>

<Check>
  Open your box and confirm you have every part. Some pieces may be tucked under the drone tray.
</Check>

| Part                           | Quantity                    |
| ------------------------------ | --------------------------- |
| Drone                          | 1                           |
| Controller                     | 1                           |
| Drone battery                  | 1                           |
| USB charger cable              | 1                           |
| Propellers                     | 4 (two A, two B)            |
| Prop guards                    | 4                           |
| Wrench (to remove propellers)  | 1                           |
| Phone holder                   | 1                           |
| Quick-start guide              | 1                           |
| AAA batteries (for controller) | Not included - have 2 ready |

## Propellers: A and B matter

Each propeller has a small **A** or **B** printed on its blade. They spin in opposite directions and are **not interchangeable**. Putting one in the wrong place makes the drone flip or refuse to take off.

<Frame caption="Match each propeller's letter to the correct arm">
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/intellectualpoint/0OezIcfdUd2uC_Gv/images/drones/propeller-types.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=0OezIcfdUd2uC_Gv&q=85&s=bd63a2954c655e87399d6449805e23ed" alt="Diagram showing A (forward) and B (reverse) propellers and where they go on the drone" width="1536" height="1024" data-path="images/drones/propeller-types.png" />
</Frame>

### The placement map

Look down at your drone from above. The **A** propellers go on one diagonal pair, and the **B** propellers on the other - always alternating around the drone.

<Frame caption="A and B propellers alternate around the drone - never two of the same next to each other">
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/intellectualpoint/eW7U9shBQKKM3XX9/images/drones/prop-placement-map.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=eW7U9shBQKKM3XX9&q=85&s=b67bb2ba0a17fe96d2529d850cfa5fd0" alt="Top-down map of the drone showing A and B propeller positions with spin-direction arrows" width="1024" height="1024" data-path="images/drones/prop-placement-map.png" />
</Frame>

<Warning>
  The #1 reason a freshly built drone won't take off is a propeller in the wrong spot. If your drone flips, wobbles, or refuses to lift, **check the A/B placement first**.
</Warning>

## Build steps

<Steps>
  <Step title="Attach the prop guards" icon="shield">
    Clip each circular prop guard onto its arm around the motor. Press until it clicks into place. These protect the blades, your fingers, and your walls.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Install the propellers" icon="fan">
    Match each propeller's **A** or **B** to the correct motor position (use the placement map above). Press each one firmly onto its motor shaft. Double-check every letter before flying.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Insert the drone battery" icon="battery-full">
    Slide the charged lithium battery into the drone's body until it clicks. It only fits one way - don't force it.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Power the controller" icon="gamepad-2">
    Put two fresh **AAA batteries** in the back of the controller.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Power on to check" icon="power">
    Switch the drone's power on and press and hold the controller's On/Off button. You'll pair them on Day 2 - for now just confirm both power up (lights come on).
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Warning>
  Never spin up the motors while handling the drone or with the propellers near your face. Set the drone on a flat surface, hands clear, before it ever powers its motors.
</Warning>

## Removing a propeller

If you ever need to swap a propeller, use the included **wrench** to grip and pull it straight off the motor shaft. When replacing, always use a new propeller with the **same letter** (A or B).

<Tip>
  For prop guards, if you need to remove one, don't yank it straight down - tip or push in the part attached to the motor and it pops right off.
</Tip>

## Common build mistakes

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Drone flips over on takeoff" icon="refresh-cw">
    Almost always an A/B propeller in the wrong position. Recheck against the placement map.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Propeller wobbles or flies off" icon="fan">
    It wasn't pressed all the way onto the motor shaft. Power off and press firmly until seated.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Battery won't go in" icon="battery-warning">
    It only fits one way - don't force it. Flip it and try again gently.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Nothing powers on" icon="power-off">
    Check the drone battery is charged and clicked in, and that the controller has fresh AAA batteries.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

<Check>
  All four propellers are installed in the correct A/B positions, the prop guards are clipped on, the battery is seated, and both the drone and controller power on.
</Check>
