Hey there! In this video tutorial on how to fly a DJI Phantom 3 Standard drone, Carson Miller, a tech enthusiast, provides all the necessary information for beginners. Not only will you learn how to operate the drone, but you may also find the video entertaining. Carson covers frequently asked questions about the drone, such as the purpose of the lightning cable and the app used to connect to the drone. He explains that the recorded videos are stored on a micro SD card in the camera and that the video was shot in 4K. Carson also shares the default controls for the drone and provides tips on adjusting flight altitude and using the camera mode. Overall, this tutorial is a comprehensive guide for beginners looking to embark on their drone-flying journey.
Compass Calibration
Importance of compass calibration
Compass calibration is a crucial step before flying your drone. The compass helps the drone maintain its stability and orientation in the air. By calibrating the compass, you ensure that the drone’s navigation system functions accurately and reliably. Without proper calibration, the drone may experience navigation errors or difficulty in maintaining a stable flight.
How to calibrate the compass
To calibrate the compass of your DJI Phantom 3 Standard drone, follow these steps:
- Turn on the controller first and place it on a stable surface.
- Remove any gimbal guards or protectors from the drone.
- Press the power button on the drone once and hold it for two seconds until it powers on.
- Place the drone on a flat and stable surface.
- Open the DJI GO app on your phone and connect to your drone’s Wi-Fi.
- Click on the “Ready to Go” GPS indicator on the app and select “Calibrate.”
- Follow the on-screen instructions to calibrate the compass. Typically, this involves lifting the drone and rotating it in a full 360-degree circle, both horizontally and vertically.
Once the calibration process is complete, your drone’s compass will be properly calibrated, ensuring accurate navigation during flight.
Gimbal Calibration
Why gimbal calibration is recommended
The gimbal calibration is a highly recommended step after compass calibration. The gimbal is responsible for stabilizing the camera and ensuring smooth footage during flight. By calibrating the gimbal, you ensure that it functions optimally and provides stable and clear footage.
Steps to calibrate the gimbal
To calibrate the gimbal of your DJI Phantom 3 Standard drone, follow these steps:
- Open the DJI GO app on your phone and connect to your drone’s Wi-Fi.
- Tap on the three dots menu at the top right of the app.
- Select the camera settings option with the camera icon.
- Locate the gimbal auto calibration option and tap on it.
- Allow the gimbal to calibrate for about 30 seconds until the process is complete.
By performing the gimbal calibration, you ensure that the camera remains stable and provides high-quality footage during your drone flights.
Beginner Mode
Benefits of using beginner mode
For new drone users, the beginner mode feature is extremely beneficial. It helps in preventing accidental crashes and enables users to familiarize themselves with the controls and flying techniques in a controlled and safer manner. The beginner mode limits the drone’s flight capabilities, making it easier for beginners to learn and gain confidence in their flying skills.
Activating beginner mode
To activate beginner mode on your DJI Phantom 3 Standard drone, follow these steps:
- Open the DJI GO app on your phone and connect to your drone’s Wi-Fi.
- Tap on the three dots menu at the top right of the app.
- Scroll down and find the “Beginner Mode” option.
- Toggle the switch to turn on beginner mode.
Once activated, the drone’s flight capabilities will be limited, allowing beginners to fly with more ease and control.
Flight Altitude and Return to Home Altitude
Understanding flight altitude
Flight altitude refers to the height at which your drone is flying above the ground. It is important to set a suitable flight altitude based on your surroundings, regulations, and personal preferences. Flying too low may risk obstacles, while flying too high can exceed regulations or limit the visibility of the drone.
Setting return to home altitude
The return to home altitude is the altitude at which your drone will automatically ascend and fly back to its takeoff location when the return to home feature is activated. It is crucial to set an appropriate return to home altitude to avoid any obstacles, such as trees or buildings, during the drone’s automated return.
To set the return to home altitude on your DJI Phantom 3 Standard drone, follow these steps:
- Open the DJI GO app on your phone and connect to your drone’s Wi-Fi.
- Tap on the three dots menu at the top right of the app.
- Go to the drone settings, and select the “Advanced Settings” option.
- Locate the return to home altitude option and set it to your desired altitude.
By setting an appropriate return to home altitude, you ensure that your drone returns safely to its takeoff location without any obstacles in its path.
Takeoff
Using the takeoff icon
The DJI Phantom 3 Standard drone provides an easy and convenient way to take off using the takeoff icon in the DJI GO app. The takeoff icon allows the drone to automatically ascend and hover at a safe altitude.
To take off using the takeoff icon, follow these steps:
- Open the DJI GO app on your phone and connect to your drone’s Wi-Fi.
- Tap on the takeoff icon in the app.
- The drone will automatically ascend to a safe altitude and hover in place.
Using the takeoff icon is a beginner-friendly method to initiate flight with your drone.
Manual takeoff using the sticks
For more experienced users or those who prefer manual control, the DJI Phantom 3 Standard drone also allows manual takeoff using the sticks on the controller.
To perform a manual takeoff, follow these steps:
- Ensure that the left stick on the controller is in the center position and the right stick is in the down position.
- Push the left stick up to gradually increase the throttle and lift the drone off the ground.
- Use the right stick to maintain control and adjust the drone’s altitude, direction, and orientation.
Manual takeoff using the sticks gives users more control over the drone’s flight and allows for more advanced maneuvers.
Default Drone Controls
Role of the left stick
The left stick on the controller of the DJI Phantom 3 Standard drone plays a crucial role in controlling the drone’s altitude and turning.
To control the altitude, push the left stick up to ascend and down to descend. The left stick also controls the drone’s rotation. Pushing the left stick to the left or right will rotate the drone in the respective direction.
Mastering the control of the left stick is essential for maintaining the drone’s stability and achieving smooth flight maneuvers.
Role of the right stick
The right stick on the controller of the DJI Phantom 3 Standard drone controls the drone’s forward, backward, left, and right movements.
To move the drone forward, push the right stick up. Pushing the right stick down will make the drone move backward. Moving the right stick to the left or right will make the drone shift its position in the respective direction.
Understanding and mastering the control of the right stick is vital for navigating the drone effectively and capturing desired footage.
Camera Mode
Switching to camera mode
To switch to camera mode and capture photos or videos with your DJI Phantom 3 Standard drone, follow these steps:
- Open the DJI GO app on your phone and connect to your drone’s Wi-Fi.
- Tap on the camera icon in the app.
- You will be in camera mode, ready to capture photos or videos.
Switching to camera mode allows you to utilize the drone’s camera capabilities and capture stunning aerial footage.
Taking pictures and recording videos
Once in camera mode, you can take pictures and record videos using your DJI Phantom 3 Standard drone.
To take a picture, tap the shutter button on the screen, or use the physical shutter button on the controller if available.
To record a video, tap the video recording button on the screen. The video will start recording, and you can tap the button again to stop recording.
Ensure that you have sufficient storage space on the drone’s micro SD card and frame your shots carefully to get the desired footage.
Accessing Recordings
Locating the app’s editor section
To access the recorded videos and pictures on your DJI Phantom 3 Standard drone, you can navigate to the app’s editor section.
- Open the DJI GO app on your phone and connect to your drone’s Wi-Fi.
- Tap on the editor icon in the app, usually represented by a film or editing icon.
- In the editor section, you will find all the recorded videos and pictures.
The app’s editor section allows you to review, edit, and share your captured footage directly from your phone.
Finding recorded videos and pictures
When you open the app’s editor section, all the recorded videos and pictures from your DJI Phantom 3 Standard drone will be displayed. You can browse through the files and select the ones you wish to view or edit.
The recorded videos and pictures are stored on the drone’s micro SD card, which is located in the camera. By accessing the editor section, you can easily locate and manage your captured footage.
Adjusting Camera Angle
Using the knob on the controller
The DJI Phantom 3 Standard drone features a knob on the controller that allows you to adjust the camera angle during flight.
To adjust the camera angle using the knob, follow these steps:
- Ensure that your drone is in the air and in a stable hover.
- Locate the knob on the controller, usually located on the top right or left side.
- Rotate the knob clockwise or counterclockwise to tilt the camera up or down, respectively.
- Observe the live feed from the camera on your phone to determine the desired camera angle.
The knob provides convenient control over the camera angle, allowing you to capture the desired perspective during your drone flights.
Finding the desired camera angle
To find the desired camera angle for your DJI Phantom 3 Standard drone, it is essential to experiment and explore different angles during flight.
By adjusting the camera angle, you can capture unique shots and perspectives. Tilt the camera up for aerial views or down for ground-level shots. Take your time to find the perfect camera angle that complements your aerial photography or videography goals.
Landing the Drone
Utilizing the auto land feature
The DJI Phantom 3 Standard drone offers an auto land feature that allows the drone to land automatically at its current location.
To utilize the auto land feature, follow these steps:
- Ensure that your drone is at a suitable altitude and in a safe landing area.
- Open the DJI GO app on your phone and connect to your drone’s Wi-Fi.
- Tap on the auto land button in the app.
- The drone will begin descending and land gently at its current location.
The auto land feature is convenient for landing your drone safely and accurately without requiring manual control.
Descending manually for a safe landing
If you prefer manual control over the landing process or if the auto land feature is not available or suitable, you can manually descend the DJI Phantom 3 Standard drone for a safe landing.
To descend manually, follow these steps:
- Ensure that you are in a suitable landing area and have a clear line of sight to the drone.
- Use the left stick on the controller to gradually decrease the throttle and lower the drone’s altitude.
- Continue to descend slowly and carefully until the drone lands softly on the ground.
Manually descending the drone allows for more precise control over the landing process and ensures a safe and controlled landing.
By following the outlined steps and guidelines, you will be able to fly and operate your DJI Phantom 3 Standard drone efficiently and safely. Remember to always adhere to local regulations and fly responsibly for an enjoyable and fulfilling drone flight experience.