In early March, DJI released Phantom 4 in New York, lots of bros got it now. Let me show you how to use it.

  

This article is divided into the following chapters:

  

Chapter 1 DJI Phantom Family Review

   

Chapter 2 DJI Phantom 4 Inside the Box

  

Chapter 3 Introducing DJI Phantom 4 Main Modules

  

Chapter 4 DJI Phantom 4 Pre-Flight

  

Chapter 5 Activating DJI Phantom 4

  

Chapter 6 DJI Phantom 4 Basic Flying Skills

  

Chapter 7 DJI Phantom 4 Visual Flight Demonstration（TapFly／ActiveTrack）

  
  
  
  

Chapter 1 DJI Phantom Family Review

  
  

1. Chapter 1 DJI Phantom Family Review

  

  
  

2. Phantom Series Main Feature Comparison

  

  
  

3. Phantom Series Key Specs

  

  
  

4. Shooting Experience Comparison of Phantoms For Sale

  

Chapter 2 DJI Phantom 4 Inside the Box


1.Outer Packing
  
  

a. Clean design，perfectly matching with the Phantom 4；

  

b. Inner packing is a suitcase made of synthetic, eco friendly materials. It is easy to store and carry, no need to buy an extra backpack.

  

c. Important information is printed on the outer packaging：

  

       DJI GO app QR code；

  

       Tag claiming the product is for the 18 years old and above ；

  

       Main feature description，serial number，authentication tag and more.

2.Inner Packing

  
  

a. Made of synthetic and eco-friendly material, protects and stores the aircraft and its accessories, easy to use.

  

b. Can be used as a take-off platform when flying outdoors, especially when flying in wet or sandy environments

  

c. Strong and reliable，supports the weight of an adult；

  

d. Simple, modern design

3.Packing Demonstration

a. Outer Packing Demonstration

b. Inner Packing Demonstration

4.How to open inner packing

a. Pull out the buckle

b. Rotate it clockwise

c. Pull it upward and open the case

5.What’s in the box

6.In the Box

Chapter 3 Introducing DJI Phantom 4 Main Modules

1.Sense and Avoid——Obstacle Sensing System

Phantom 4 is equipped with two front cameras—like eyes—that constantly scan for obstacles in front of it, allowing it to avoid collision.

  
  

The Flight Controller is like the brain of the Phantom, which will automatically make a decision—stop and hover, fly around or fly over after receiving information about obstacles from the eyes.  

2.Obstacle Detection——Downward Facing Cameras

Phantom 4 is equipped with two downward facing cameras which can read the environment at up to 33 ft. off the ground. The cameras  can give the Phantom accurate positioning information in environments where there is no GPS or the signal is very weak..

Apart from providing positioning information, downward facing cameras also measure the height and speed of the aircraft.

3.Obstacle Detection——Ultrasonic Module

Like the Phantom 3 series, the Phantom 4 contains dual ultrasonic sensors, one for emitting and one for receiving. Used in non-ideal environments, it provides accurate positioning information to the flight controller.

When used over highly absorbent surfaces such as thick carpet or 30°slopes, this module may fail.

4.Gimbal and Camera

  
  

The gimbal and camera has been redesigned, adding a U-frame camera support structure that provides better stabilization, for better support and a sharper image. It now shoots crisper, cleaner and smoother video in 4K 30fps and Full HD 1080p at 120fps for slow motion. A range of color profiles are available. Moreover, the gimbal is now fully integrated into the body of the aircraft increasing agility and stability.

  
  

Due to movement limits in the gimbal, video quality may be affected when using Sport Mode or during vigorous maneuvers. Try to avoid turning too fast or flying sideways when shooting aerials.

5.Push-and-release Propellers

The propellers are easy and fast to set up with a push and a twist. They also increase performance making it possible to fly and brake faster in the air. The propellers can only be installed when they match with the motors, so there is no need to worry about installing them to the wrong ones.

6.Redundant Design

Previous versions of the Phantom used an on-board Inertial Measurement Unit and Compass to provide accurate positioning and heading information to the flight controller. With the Phantom 4 we now feature TWO IMUs and TWO Compasses to improve the platform’s overall performance and reliability.

Chapter 4 DJI Phantom 4 Pre-Flight

Step 1 Charge Intelligent Flight Battery

Phantom 4 charger can charge both remote controller and battery

a.How to charge the Intelligent Flight Battery

b. How to charge the remote controller

Step 2 How to use the mobile device holder

a. Remove the protective film

Otherwise, you are not able to adjust the holder.

b. Press the button on the right to extend the holder.

You can clamp mobile phone or tablets in the holder.

c. Pull up the brackets on both sides to secure your mobile device. You don’t need to do this if you are using a tablet.

Here we use an iPhone 6 Plus as an example.

a. Secure you phone.

b. Avoid pressing the volume button on the phone.

c. Adjust the clamp to secure your phone.

Step 3 Connecting Mobile Device

(iPhone 6 Plus for an example）

a. Plug the iPhone USB cable to the Phantom 4 Remote controller’s USB port

b. Plug the iPhone USB cable to iPhone

Step 4 Pull out and Plug in the Battery Before Flight

a. Pull out the battery with one hand.

b. Pull out the battery with  both hands.

c. Hold down top and bottom buttons to plug in the battery.

Step 5 Matching the Propellers

a. Take out propellers

b. Two Counter-clockwise propellers and two clockwise propellers

（Marked with black rings and silver rings respectively.）

c. Remove the protective covers on the propellers

d. Attach propellers to corresponding motors.

Mount propellers with silver rings to motors with silver dots

Mount propellers with black rings to motors with black dots

Read warning sticker on airframe arm before removing.

e. Insert propeller into motor slots.

(Using propeller with black ring as example)

f. Press propeller down and rotate in the lock direction until it is secured.

(Lock direction of the propeller with the black ring is counter-clockwise.)

g. Attach all propellers. Or press down and rotate against the lock direction to detach the propellers.

Step 6 Before Flight—Gimbal Clamp

Detaching the Gimbal Clamp

a. Invert the Phantom 4 and remove the clamp attached to the landing gears.   

b. Remove the gimbal clamp from the camera vertically.

Installing the Gimbal Clamp

a. Align the clamp at the mark line  

b. Otherwise, the camera will be crooked.

Step 7 Before Flight—Remove Lens Sticker

Remove the protective film on the camera lens.

Chapter 5 Activating DJI Phantom 4

Step 1.Go to App Store or scan the QR Code to download DJI GO

  (Using iOS device as example)

Step 2. Launch DJI GO

Step 3. Click “Next” to activate P4

Step 4. Set Operating Mode. Remote Controller is set to Mode 2 by default and can be adjusted.

Step 5. Log in to the DJI GO app with a registered email address and password.(Network connection is required)

Step 6. Select “Flight Parameter” and “Video Standard”

Step 7. Beginners should select “Beginner Mode”

（There are limits on height and distance in this mode)

Step 8. Enter your “Account”

Step 9. Click the “Activate” button

Step 10. Wait for server confirmation

Step 11. Activated successfully

Enter “Tutorials” to watch the tutorials;Or enter “Flight Simulator” to practice flying;

Chapter 6 DJI Phantom 4 Basic Flying Skills

Phantom 4 Basic Flying Step 1——Flight Environment

1. Select an open and flat area;

2. Make sure there is no tall trees or telegraph poles;

3. There is no other person flying.

Phantom 4 Basic Flying Step 2——Preflight Checklist

1.Check the equipment

(Battery, propellers, data cable and mobile device)

2. Make sure the battery is installed firmly

3. Check that all the propellers are secure and are in good condition.

4.Check that the motors are in good condition.  

5. Remove the gimbal clamp

6. Secure the mobile device in the clamp

7.Check the battery level of the Remote Controller.

Press the Power Button once. The battery is fully charged when the Battery Level LEDs are all on.

8.Check the battery level of the Phantom 4 battery

Press the Power Button once. The battery is fully charged when the Battery Level LEDs are all on.

Phantom 4 Basic Flying Step 3——Turning on the Phantom 4

1.Turn on the Remote Controller Battery

Press and hold the Power Button for 2 seconds to turn on the remote controller.

The Remote Controller Status LED is solid red when the remote controller is disconnected from the Phantom 4

2. Turn on the Phantom 4 battery

Press and hold the Power Button for 2 seconds to turn on the aircraft.

The Power LED will be solid green after the aircraft is turned on.

Phantom 4 Basic Flying Step 4——Enter DJI GO

1. Click DJI GO

2. Launch DJI GO

3.Click “OK” button to learn about this feature

4. Connect the Phantom and enter camera view

Phantom 4 Basic Flying Step 5——Check the Aircraft Status

1. Tap the Aircraft Status Bar in the app.

2. Check the “Overall Status” and make sure the firmware is the latest version.

3. Ensure every item is normal.

4. Select the Remote Controller Mode you are used to.

Phantom 4 Basic Flying Step 6——Calibrating the Compass

1. It is suggested to calibrate the compass as part of your pre-flight preparations.

2. Click “OK” to start calibrating. Aircraft Status Indicators will display a solid yellow.

3. Hold the aircraft horizontally and rotate 360°. Aircraft Status Indicators will display a solid green.

4. Hold aircraft vertically, with nose pointing downward, and rotate it 360° around the center axis. Recalibrate the compass if the Aircraft Status Indicator glows solid red.

Chapter 7 DJI Phantom 4 Visual Flight Demonstration（TapFly／ActiveTrack）

Demo 1——TapFly

Step 1 Recording Home Point

1.Before taking off, ensure the Aircraft Status Bar indicates “Safe to Fly (GPS)” and Phantom 4 will record the Home Point automatically.

2.The Home Point is successfully recorded if there is an “H” shown at the map at the left corner.

Step 2 Auto Takeoff

1.Tap the Auto Takeoff Button in the upper left of the camera view;

2.Slide to take off;

3. Phantom 4 will take off automatically with a prompt showing “Taking Off”;

4. After takeoff, Phantom 4 will hover and wait for further commands.

Step 3 Launch TapFly

1. After “Auto Takeoff”, tap the remote controller icon to the left;

2. Select “TapFly” in the left corner of the camera view;

3. Tap the screen and to set a target direction;

4. Tap “GO”

5. Phantom 4 will fly in indicated direction;

6. If an obstacle is sensed an indicator will pop up.

7. Phantom 4 will automatically fly over the obstacle;

8. After avoiding a collision, it will continue flying in that direction.

Step 4 （Auto）Return to Home

1. TapFly flight complete, tap RTH Button;

2. Slide to Return to Home;

3. Phantom 4 returning to Home Point;

4. Phantom 4 hovers above Home Point and starts auto landing;

5. Phantom 4 automatically lands near Home Point.

6. Phantom 4 lands safely and demo is complete.  

Demo 2——ActiveTrack

Step 1 Auto Takeoff

1. Tap the Auto Takeoff Button in the upper left of the camera view and slide to take off;

2. Phantom 4 takes off automatically and then  hovers waiting for further commands.

Step 2 Launch ActiveTrack

1. Tap the remote controller icon to the left to enter flight modes;

2. Tap ActiveTrack;

3. Phantom 4 automatically sets camera parameters;

4.Drag a box around the object you want to track;

Note: After selecting an object to be tracked, such as a person, it is recommended that the subject turns 360 degrees so that the Phantom 4 can learn about it, helping it keep the subject in frame when it moves.

Select an object with a different color or pattern from its surrounding environment.

Keep an adequate distance from the object. Otherwise, it will not be identified.

Step 3 （Auto）Return to Home

Step 4 Remove the propellers, install the gimbal lock and turn off the Phantom 4.

1. Turn off aircraft power.

2. Turn off remote controller.

3. Remove propellers and attach the gimbal clamp, then put everything into the case.

To be continued

Nice one !  Still can't see the other chapters yet...

DJI-Tim Posted at 2016-3-22 17:15
Nice one !  Still can't see the other chapters yet...

Now,it's ok

TouchSky Posted at 2016-3-22 03:44
Chapter 7 DJI Phantom 4 Visual Flight Demonstration（TapFly／ActiveTrack）Demo 1——TapFlyStep 1 Rec ...

Nice job, great for the first time pilots.

I just used my label maker to mark the spots where the gimbal locke should go.

Why is it that my rubber landing pad doesn't have the mark that is listed in this image?

I also, and I've only flown the P4 a few times now, just had the RTH landing issue where it wanted to land when I wanted to return it to home because i had looked down at the app and lost site of it and it just started to land instead of returning to the homepoint.

I called the local DJI and was given the answer that this (AND THE P3) lands if you RTH within 20 meters of the RC which sounded ludicrous when I was told it and never happened with my P3.

She told me it was on page 16 of the manual and it does not say it will land when it is 20 meters from the homepoint but that it will "decelerate".

I also did several obstacle avoidance tests and it will only stop at walls or a giant tree trunk.  It won't recognize a whole tree and will fly right into leaves which makes it pointless.

I am getting a little frustrated and happier I changed my purchase to Apple.  I need some proper answers to these questions, or this bird is going back to it's nest.

Sorry for the frustration but I have been flying for quite a while to be told that the bird lands 20 meters away from the homepoint.  It's almost as if the person that told me that has never flow one before.  That would be a useless and dangerous function and I have heard now quite a few stories of birds landing when they should be returning.

Luckily I was BARELY quick enough to figure out where I was and it was way more than 20 meters, I had to enlarge the map and by the time I got it home, I caught it with LITERALLY 2% battery left. I was over a valley and if it landed or lost battery power, it would have been buy buy birdie.

I have never come close to losing a bird until today and it was because of this "landing" bug.

Not explain.  The non-marked rubber bar is enough to make me want to bring it back.  How is the one in this thread marked for the gimbal but I had to put a label on mine?  Not to mention I wonder if I've done any damage before I figured out why I should mark it.

Ugh.

TouchSky Posted at 2016-3-22 15:43
Chapter 4 DJI Phantom 4 Pre-FlightStep 1 Charge Intelligent Flight BatteryPhantom 4 charger can char ...

My Phantom 4 doesn't have the marks as indicated in step "a" to install the kimball clamp.

saltygx Posted at 2016-3-24 06:44
My Phantom 4 doesn't have the marks as indicated in step "a" to install the kimball clamp.

There are different batches, not all phantom 4  have it .However, this does not influence its performance.When you Align the clamp,please keep the gimbal perpendicular to aircraft.

ArtistFirst Posted at 2016-3-24 06:14
I just used my label maker to mark the spots where the gimbal locke should go.

Why is it that my r ...

There are different batches, not all phantom 4  have it .However, this does not influence its performance.When you Align the clamp,please keep the gimbal perpendicular to aircraft.

ArtistFirst Posted at 2016-3-24 06:14
I just used my label maker to mark the spots where the gimbal locke should go.

Why is it that my r ...

well.  normally if your failsafe set to RTH it will go home when the aircraft is out of the 20m radius.  If your failsafe is set to Landing drone will land even it's  out of the 20m radius.
Also not all of the phantom 4 have that marks for gimbal lock, my p4 doesn't have it as well.

Any still photo RAW files for Sample? thanks

Great job, You must have a lot of time invested in this Post. Check out DJI Patrick's tutorials. They are very helpful as well and in English for us foreigners.

ronald.logrono@ Posted at 2016-3-28 00:28
Any still photo RAW files for Sample? thanks

Hold on，just wait for my new threads.

rodger Posted at 2016-3-31 18:40
Great job, You must have a lot of time invested in this Post. Check out DJI Patrick's tutorials. The ...

Thanks for your recommendation

Thanks for the info TouchSky.  I just returned from BestBuy with my new Phantom 4.  

TouchSky Posted at 2016-4-1 02:52
Thanks for your recommendation

Thank you, looking forward to more of your work.

I have tried many times to upgrade the Phantom 4, and every time after downloading 100% firm ware it gives the message Upgrade failed!!  I followed the instructions, Googeld for help and again followed instructions. Messages on the RC screen say disconnect the USB cable and when I do that the DJI Assistant 2 says: Disconnected. Also after rebooting the Phantom 4 I cannot download the firmware into the Phantom 4. I am working on an iMac and am connected to the internet .

HELP!!!!!

Perfetto,completo di tutte le fasi pre-post decollo.Grazie!