> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.flytbase.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.flytbase.com/in-flight-modules/how-to-manage-your-flight-operations/how-to-control-your-drone/manual-drone-controls.md).

# Manual Drone Controls

This feature not only ensures that you have direct control over your drone's movements but also helps you navigate through complex environments or make on-the-fly adjustments. Manual Controls offer the precision and responsiveness you need during remote drone operations. 

## Types of Manual Controls

There are three methods available for operators to take manual control of the drone using the FlytBase dashboard:

1. On-screen Joypad
2. Keyboard and Mouse
3. Xbox 360 Joystick (Wired) or Thrustmaster (Model T.16000M FCS )

## Essential Settings for Manual Controls

Setting the Pitch, Roll, and Throttle speeds of the drone before engaging manual controls is crucial. For guidance on fine-tuning the key sensitivity (aircraft speed) for manual functions like Pitch, Roll, and Throttle, you may refer to the [Advance Drone Controls guide](/pre-flight-modules/platform-settings/preferences.md).

## Taking Drone Access Control

Before taking manual controls, ensure that you have access to control the drone. Refer to the following documentation to learn more on how to take '**Drone Access Control**' from other members within an organization.

{% content-ref url="/pages/JAPnZFbCLZkmYrr0EY0z" %}
[Drone Access Control](/in-flight-modules/how-to-manage-your-flight-operations/how-to-control-your-drone/drone-access-control.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

## How to Activate Manual Controls?

1. During a mission, click on the 'Pause' button located on the drone control panel. 
2. To gain manual control of the drone, click the 'Manual control button' located on the drone control panel.

<figure><img src="/files/bmY6e6c86FYCvdgUoP9S" alt=""><figcaption><p>Manual controls button</p></figcaption></figure>

3. Next, a pop-up will appear, asking if you'd like to take manual control of the drone. Upon confirmation, the control of the drone is transferred to the remote drone operator for manual operations.

<figure><img src="/files/Kg1VX07PbDVNNVcZ6Hgq" alt=""><figcaption><p>Manual Controls Confirmation</p></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="info" %}
The 'On-screen Joypad' is the default control mode when manual controls are activated. To switch to the Keyboard or use Joystick (Xbox 360 or Thrustmaster), click on the <img src="/files/SFZ3P0HABQrhjVG7qXqw" alt="" data-size="line"> or <img src="/files/R9gaMZN4PZQz8petjD4V" alt="" data-size="line">button to enable the respective modes.
{% endhint %}

{% tabs %}
{% tab title="On-screen Joypad" %}

### Steps to use the 'On-screen Joypad' for Manual Controls

* The 'On-screen Joypad' is the default control mode when manual controls are activated.
* To operate the drone with the on-screen joypad, simply click on the relevant buttons, which follow the standard notation for Yaw, Throttle, Pitch, and Roll, similar to any drone remote controller set to mode 2.

<figure><img src="/files/i1dBV3LU5iHObymk3AZX" alt=""><figcaption><p>On-screen joypad</p></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="/files/Ix3KOkXzNveOzXCOmnuP" alt=""><figcaption><p>DJI Notations</p></figcaption></figure>
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="Keyboard" %}

### Default Keyboard Commands

<figure><img src="/files/VsFvxPeW4EWsZGs8AE4k" alt=""><figcaption><p>Default Drone Controls for Keyboard</p></figcaption></figure>

### Customized Keyboard Commands

To learn how to tailor keyboard settings to suit your preferences, you may refer to the "Advanced Settings" documentation.

{% content-ref url="/pages/To35FURnVBiw0ZAHYsFy" %}
[Key Bindings](/pre-flight-modules/platform-settings/key-bindings.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

### Steps to use 'Keyboard' for Manual Drone Controls

* Click the keyboard button <img src="/files/SFZ3P0HABQrhjVG7qXqw" alt="" data-size="line"> located on the drone control panel.

<figure><img src="/files/siTxjPzp9UWzFAonu20H" alt=""><figcaption><p>Taking Manual Control using Keyboard</p></figcaption></figure>

* Upon clicking, the 'Keyboard' option is illuminated in blue, indicating that the keyboard is now active for manual control input.
  {% endtab %}

{% tab title="Joystick" %}

### Default Joystick Commands

FlytBase currently supports the following Joysticks:

1. Thrustmaster (Model T.16000M FCS)
2. Xbox 360 (Wired)

<figure><img src="/files/xxYE9ZCxVbfqO8k993jI" alt=""><figcaption><p>Default Drone Controls for Xbox 360 Joystick</p></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="/files/nKnVd973wu2MbrxN1R3s" alt="" width="313"><figcaption><p>Default Drone Controls for Thrustmaster</p></figcaption></figure>

Refer to the following documentation to know more about the key bindings for Thrustmaster and Xbox 360 Joystick:

{% content-ref url="/pages/To35FURnVBiw0ZAHYsFy" %}
[Key Bindings](/pre-flight-modules/platform-settings/key-bindings.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

### Steps to use 'Xbox 360 Joystick' for Manual Drone Controls

{% hint style="warning" %}
A wired 'Xbox 360 Joystick' is only supported on FlytBase.
{% endhint %}

* Click on the <img src="/files/7DMBYWHy4my0Sli3DfaN" alt="" data-size="line"> Joystick button located on the drone control panel.
* Select 'X-BOX' as the desired Joystick.

<figure><img src="/files/RtL8JrHsIAPl23nFY27c" alt="" width="536"><figcaption><p>Taking Manual Control using Xbox 360 Joystick</p></figcaption></figure>

* To test Xbox 360 controls in the joystick simulator, refer to the following [link](/pre-flight-modules/platform-settings/key-bindings.md).

{% hint style="info" %}
Currently, only the Xbox 360 joystick is supported in the Joystick Simulator.
{% endhint %}

### Steps to use 'Thrustmaster' for Manual Drone Controls

* Click on the <img src="/files/7DMBYWHy4my0Sli3DfaN" alt="" data-size="line"> Joystick button located on the drone control panel.
* Select 'Thrustmaster' as the desired Joystick.

<figure><img src="/files/uj1vTpCuMXsyWJMq2gUC" alt="" width="554"><figcaption><p>Taking Manual Control using Thrustmaster</p></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="info" %}
FlytBase currently does not offer customization of Joystick commands.
{% endhint %}
{% endtab %}
{% endtabs %}

## Disabling Manual Controls

* You can deactivate manual controls by using the downward arrow button on the On-screen Joypad.

<figure><img src="/files/A1kXSexdxHzZWOLSUkni" alt=""><figcaption><p>Disabling Manual Controls</p></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="success" %}
If the drone is engaged in a "Go To Location" maneuver, you have the option to take manual control of the drone upon its arrival at the desired location.
{% endhint %}