> ## 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.

# Fly with your keyboard

> Use echo.pitsco.com's built-in keyboard control to fly the drone live from your laptop.

## Fly live from your laptop

Before you write full programs, echo.pitsco.com has a fun built-in feature: **keyboard control**. Once your drone is connected, you can fly it live using the keys on your laptop - no controller and no code needed. It's a great way to get comfortable flying from the computer.

<Warning>
  Keyboard control flies the drone in real time. Use it in a clear space, watch the drone (not just the screen), and start with a low speed. Keep the red **LAND NOW** button in reach.
</Warning>

## Open keyboard control

<Steps>
  <Step title="Connect first" icon="bluetooth">
    Make sure your drone is connected (the toolbar shows **DISCONNECT**).
  </Step>

  <Step title="Click the controller icon" icon="gamepad-2">
    Click the blue **game controller icon** in the top-right of the workspace to open the **Control Echo With Your Keyboard** panel.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Enable keyboard control" icon="square-check">
    Check the **Enable keyboard control** box. Now your key presses fly the drone.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Frame caption="The built-in keyboard control panel">
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/intellectualpoint/eW7U9shBQKKM3XX9/images/drones/echo-keyboard.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=eW7U9shBQKKM3XX9&q=85&s=d658fb9fa5d66816d2a952eb0a99d9cb" alt="echo.pitsco.com keyboard control panel showing the key map and speed slider" width="1024" height="623" data-path="images/drones/echo-keyboard.png" />
</Frame>

## The key map

The panel shows two groups of keys, like the two sticks on a controller:

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Left hand: Altitude & Spin" icon="rotate-3d">
    Controls going **up/down** and **spinning (yaw) left/right** - the Z, Q, E, and C keys.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Right hand: Direction" icon="move">
    Controls flying **forward, back, left, and right** - the W, A, S, D keys.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

| Key           | Action                     |
| ------------- | -------------------------- |
| **T**         | Take off                   |
| **R**         | Land                       |
| **W / A / D** | Fly forward / left / right |
| **Z / C**     | Go up / down               |
| **Q / E**     | Spin (yaw) left / right    |

<Frame caption="The two key clusters, mapped onto a laptop keyboard like a game controller">
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/intellectualpoint/eW7U9shBQKKM3XX9/images/drones/keyboard-keymap.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=eW7U9shBQKKM3XX9&q=85&s=da646966b83259660e49a07320c764d8" alt="Laptop keyboard diagram mapping keys to drone flight controls" width="1536" height="1024" data-path="images/drones/keyboard-keymap.png" />
</Frame>

<Info>
  The exact key layout is shown right on the panel, and the **Controls Help** button explains each one. Glance at the on-screen pad if you forget a key.
</Info>

## Adjust the speed

The **slider** at the top of the panel sets how fast the drone responds (it starts around 50). Start low while you're learning - a slower drone is much easier to control - and turn it up as you get comfortable.

## Practice

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Take off and hover" icon="plane-takeoff">
    Press **T**, let it hover, then press **R** to land. Repeat until it feels natural.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Gentle moves" icon="move">
    Tap W, A, and D briefly to nudge the drone around. Small taps beat holding keys down.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Up and around" icon="rotate-3d">
    Practice Z/C to change height and Q/E to spin and face new directions.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Land on a target" icon="target">
    Put a target on the floor and practice flying to it and landing with R.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

<Tip>
  Keyboard control is perfect for quick, hands-on flying. When you're ready to make the drone fly a path **on its own**, that's what programs are for - which is exactly what you'll build next.
</Tip>

<Check>
  You enabled keyboard control, took off with T, flew the drone around with the keys, and landed with R.
</Check>