We first reviewed the Phantom 2 Vision + last summer – see this article. Since that time, DJI has done a major upgrade to to motors, propellers and transmitter. The new version is usually named “V3.0” and represents, in our opinion, the most mature RTF Video and Photography hobby quadcopter on the market today. This model is by far the largest selling quad of it’s type in the world. This being the case, we decided that a longer term review on a newer model would be of benefit to our readers.
I purchased a new model V3.0 in February of 2015 and am starting to put this bird through it’s paces. At the same time, I am trying to take my own advice (given in our books and many articles here) and be very careful and conservative in our operation…I want to pamper this Phantom so that it survives and serves for as long as possible!
Initial Purchase and Preparation
I purchased the unit direct from DJI so as to make certain we were getting the latest model. The units were/ore on sale for a discounted price of about $1170 shipped with 2 batteries. Current pricing (DJI has a Spring Sale on as I write this post) can be found at the DJI Site, Amazon or your favorite DJI dealer.
Before attempting flight I decided to take a few steps to improve the odds of long term survival:
1. I purchased and installed a “gimbal protector” which holds the gimbal together in the event of a crash or very rough landing. I purchased the Phantom Fix 2 model, although there are other units also on the market.
2. A camera-gimbal protector was cut from a piece of sign plastic and installed flush with the bottom of the landing gear. This also helps protect the very sensitive gimbal in the event of a hard landing or contact with any object from below.
3. Although I purchased prop guards, I did not install them yet – preferring to get the feel of the flight manners of this new version without them.
4. I connected the Phantom to my Macbook Air and used the Phantom Assistant Software (DJI) to activate IOC and to configure the right hand switch (S1) to activate Return to Home (RTH) when in the bottom position. This is far superior, IMHO, to turning off the Transmitter to activate RTH.
In addition to the above, I followed the DJI instructions to charge up the wireless extender, the transmitter and a flight battery. I also downloaded the DJI Vision App for my iphone 5.
Ready to Fly?
After all of the above, the Phantom was ready for it’s first trial. A point which should be made is that setting up and flying the Phantom is fairly complicated and requires basic technical and mechanical skills. This is not to say that the Phantom is harder to use than similar models – in fact, it’s probably easier to setup and fly than most other models. However, those who don’t take the time to learn and understand all the various systems are likely to be parted with their precious Phantom quicker than those who do. Forewarned is forearmed. Droneflyers.com has a couple articles about this topic which are linked below:
Preventing Flyaways and other problems
Should you buy or fly a Drone?
Flying South
Flight testing in mid-winter New England can be difficult – in fact, even opening the door and walking a few feet was quite a chore this winter! Still, I wanted to make sure that the basic flight systems were working so, against my own usual advice (start in a large field), I went for a short flight in my cul-de-sac. All systems were go – I calibrated the compass, checked out the camera, gimbal operation, etc. and everything seemed to work fine.
After the initial test flight I packed up the Phantom and shipped it down to sunny Sarasota, Florida where it will be easier to do some late winter flight testing.
The Big Field
Once in sunny Florida, I took the Phantom out to the largest open area I could find – the Sarasota Fairgrounds. Flying in a very large open area is HIGHLY recommended by both DJI and Droneflyers.com as the best way to start out and test both your piloting skills and the aircrafts systems. The fairgrounds allowed for approx. 100 meters (330 feet) in any direction from my takeoff point. This would allow for plenty of room to test RTH and other flight systems.
The Compass was calibrated and the DJI app showed 7 GPS satellites – which is about the minimum you’d want to safely use GPS assisted flight. Since I am well versed in ATTI (semi-manual GPS off) flight, I wasn’t too worried. Takeoff was without problems – now it was time to check out the basic flight systems. The first thing I did was take the Phantom up to about 20 feet high and switch back and forth between GPS mode (S1 switch up) and ATTI mode (S1 switch in mid-position). The read LED’s (on Phantom underside arms) changed from Green (GPS) to Yellow/Amber (ATTI) as I toggled between the two settings. In ATTI mode, the Phantom would maintain altitude yet drift with the wind – in GPS mode it hovered more accurately in one place.
Next, I flew the Phantom a bit higher and further away, getting the feel for the upgraded propulsion system. My first impressions are that the V3.0 is much more capable and mannerly than the older version. Whereas the first version flew “heavy”, this seems to be properly designed for it’s weight load.
My next test involved Return to Home (RTF). This is the mode that can allow for recovery of your Phantom when all other methods have failed. It is usually invoked when the TX is turned off (intentionally) or when the Phantom gets out of range, but I activated it by switching the S1 TX switch to the lower position (this must be set in the Phantom Assistant before it will work!). The RTH function worked perfectly – I tried it twice and each time it brought the craft right back to my original starting position. This assures me that the “home point” function in the Phantom is functioning properly…improperly set home points are one of the leading causes of flyaways and crashes! The “Find your Phantom” feature in the DJI app is one way of making sure that your quadcopter knows where it is – check it before you take off and you will be safer!
After these tests I felt confident about taking the Phantom up a little higher and getting a view of Sarasota from the Fairgrounds. I also took a small amount of video which I will put together with others and present in the #2 post in this series.
That’s all for part #1. Here are some takeaway points to consider:
Basics:
1. Even the best RTF Quadcopters require technical knowledge and piloting skill – do your homework and learn FIRST and you will save time, aggravation and money.
2. Consider using enhanced protection and safety systems such as prop guards, gimbal guards, etc – always use the gimbal lock (provided by DJI with the Phantom) and lens cover.
3. Be Patient when setting up and testing your Phantom. Get some experience before you run out and try to fly it in confined or heavily forested areas.
Operation
1. Always start your flights with a fully charged Phantom battery. Plan your return and landing before the battery level drops below 50%.
2. Turn on your TX first, then the Phantom. When the flight is finished, turn off the Phantom first and then the TX.
3. Consider learning about and activating IOC and S1 RTH (failsafe) with the DJI Assistant.
4. Check your home point – especially if you are relying on GPS features such as Return to Home or Waypoint flying.
Do not be tempted to “see what this thing can do” – at least hold off on such experimentation until you have a number of hours of flight under your belt.
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