dji PHANTOM 4 User Manual

PHANTOM 4

User Manual

2016.03

V1.0

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Using this manual

Legends

Warning Important Hints and Tips Reference

Read Before the First Flight

Read the following documents before using the Phantom 4:

1. In the Box

2. Phantom 4 User Manual

3. Phantom 4 Quick Start Guide

4. Phantom 4 Disclaimer and Safety Guidelines

5. Phantom 4 Intelligent Flight Battery Safety Guidelines

We recommend that you watch all tutorial videos on the official DJI website and read the Disclaimer

before you y. Prepare for your rst ight by reviewing the Phantom 4 Quick Start Guide and refer to the

User Manual for more details.

Video Tutorials

Please watch the tutorial videos at the link below, which demonstrates how to use Phantom 4 safely:

http://www.dji.com/product/phantom-4/video

Download the DJI GO app

Download and install the DJI GO app before using the aircraft. Scan the QR code to the right to download the latest version.

The Android version of the DJI GO app is compatible with Android 4.1.2 or later. The iOS version of the DJI GO app is compatible with iOS 8.0 or later.

Contents

Using this manual

Legends 2

Read Before the First Flight 2

Video Tutorials 2

Download the DJI GO app 2

Product Prole

Introduction 6

Features Highlights 6

Preparing the Aircraft 6

Aircraft Diagram 8

Remote Controller Diagram 8

Aircraft

Flight Controller 11

Flight Mode 11

Flight Status Indicator 12

Return-to-Home (RTH) 13

Smart RTH 13

Low Battery RTH 13

Failsafe RTH 14

Obstacle Avoidance During FailSafe RTH 16

TapFly 16

ActiveTrack 18

Obstalce and Vision Positioning System 20

Detection Range 21

Calibrating Front Sensors 21

Flight Recorder 22

Attaching and Detaching the Propellers 23

DJI Intelligent Flight Battery 24

Remote Controller

Remote Controller Prole 30

Using the Remote Controller 30

Remote Controller Status LED 34

Linking the Remote Controller 35

Remote Controller Compliance Version 36

Camera and Gimbal

Camera Prole 38

Gimbal 39

DJI GO app

Camera 42

Library 45

Discovery 45

Me 45

Flight

Flight Environment Requirements 47

Flight Limits and No-Fly Zones 47

Preight Checklist 51

Calibrating the Compass 51

Auto Takeoff and Auto Landing 52

Starting/Stopping the Motors 53

Flight Test 53

FAQ

Appendix

Specications 60

Firmwares Update 62

Intelligent Flight Mode 62

After-Sales Information 63

FCC Compliance 63

Product Prole

This section introduces the Phantom 4 and lists the components of the aircraft and remote controller.

Product Prole

Introduction

The DJI Phantom 4 is an extremely smart flying camera able to intelligently track objects without a separate device, avoid obstacles and fly with a tap of your finger. All while shooting 4K video or 12 megapixel stills.

Features Highlights

Product Profile

Tapy and ActiveTrack are two brand new commands in the DJI GO app, unique to the Phantom 4. Now with a simple tap you can y anywhere visible on your screen or track a moving subject smoothly and

easily.

Camera and Gimbal:

capturing 12 megapixel photos that look crisper and cleaner than ever. An enhanced sensor gives you

greater clarity, lower noise, and better pictures than any previous ying camera.

HD Video Downlink:

version of DJI Lightbridge.

DJI Intelligent Flight Battery:

cells and an advanced power management system to provide ight at up to around 28 minutes*.

Flight Controller:

ight experience. A newly implemented ight recorder stores critical data from each ight and the Vision Positioning System enhances hovering precision when ying indoors or in environments where GPS is

unavailable. A dual IMUs and compasses design provides redundancy to the aircraft.

With the Phantom 4, you’re shooting 4K video at up to 120 frames per second and

The low-latency long range (up to 5 km) HD downlink is powered by an enhanced

The new 5350 mAh DJI Intelligent Flight Battery features upgraded battery

The next-generation ight controller has been updated to provide a safer, more reliable

Preparing the Aircraft

Removing Gimbal Clamp

Remove the gimbal clamp from the camera as shown below:

*At sea level in calm environments when ying in ATTI mode, This will vary due to different ight patterns,

weather conditions and altitudes.

Phantom 4 User Manual

Attaching the Propellers:

Mount the propellers with black propeller rings to the motors with black dots. Mount the propellers with sliver propeller rings to the motors without black dots. Press the propeller down onto the mounting plate and rotate in the lock direction until it is secured in its position.

Check that all the propellers are secure before each ight.

Battery Installation

Slide battery into the battery compartment according to the arrow’s direction shown below. Make

sure that you hear a click sound indicates the battery is rmly installed. Failure to do so may affect the ight safety of your aircraft.

Product Profile

Preparing the Remote Controller: The mobile device holder is designed for securing tablet or mobile device. Tilt the mobile device holder to the desired position, then adjust the antennas so they are facing outward.

1. Press the button on the top right side of the mobile device holder to release the clamp, then adjust the

clamp to t the size of your mobile device.

2. Secure your mobile device in the clamp by pressing down, and connect your mobile device to the remote controller using a USB cable.

3. Plug one end of the cable into the mobile device, and the other end into the USB port on the back of the remote controller.

Phantom 4 User Manual

Aircraft Diagram

[6]

[5]

Product Profile

[11]

[1]

[1] GPS

[2] [3]

[2] Propeller

[4]

[3] Motor

[4] Front LED Indicator

[5] Gimbal and Camera

[6] Obstacle Sensing System

[7]

[7] Intelligent Flight Battery

[8]

[8] Aircraft Status Indicator

[9] Camera / Linking Status Indicator

and Link Button

[10] Micro-USB Port

[11] Camera Micro SD Card Slot

[9]

[10]

[12] Vision Positioning Sensors

Remote Controller Diagram

[8] [7]

[6]

[12]

[1] Antennas

Relays aircraft control and video

[1]

[2]

signal.

[2] Mobile Device Holder

Securely mounts your mobile device to the remote controller.

[3]

[3] Control Stick

[4]

[5]

Controls the orientation and movement of the aircraft.

[4] Return Home (RTH) Button

Press and hold the button to initiate Return to Home (RTH).

[5] Battery Level LEDs

Displays the battery level of the remote controller.

[6] Status LED

Displays the remote controller's system status.

[7] Power Button

Used to turn the remote controller on and off.

[8] RTH LED

Circular LED around the RTH button displays RTH status.

[9] Camera Settings Dial

Turn the dial to adjust camera settings. (Only functions when the remote controller is connected to a mobile device running the DJI GO app. )

[10] Intelligent Flight Pause Button

Press once to allow the aircraft to eixt from TapFly , ActiveTrack and Advanced mode.

[11] Shutter Button

Press to take a photo. If burst mode is selected, the set number of photos will be taken with one press.

[12] Flight Mode Switch

Switch between P-mode, S-mode, and A-mode.

[13] Video Recording Button

Press to start recording video. Press again to stop recording.

[14] Gimbal Dial

Use this dial to control the tilt of the gimbal.

Phantom 4 User Manual

[15] [16]

[14]

[13]

[12]

[15] Mircro-USB Port

Reserved port.

[16] USB Port

Connect to mobile device for running the DJI GO app.

Product Profile

[9] [10]

[11]

[17] C1 Button

Customizable through the DJI GO app.

[18] C2 Button

Customizable through the DJI GO app.

[19] Power Port

Connect to the Charger to charge the battery of the remote controller.

[18]

[19]

[17]

Aircraft

This section introduces the features of the Flight Controller, Vision Positioning System, and the Intelligent Flight Battery

Aircraft

Flight Controller

The Phantom 4’s ight controller features several important upgrades, including a new ight mode. Safety

modes include Failsafe and Return-to-Home. These features ensure the safe return of your aircraft if the

control signal is lost. The ight controller can also save critical ight data from each ight to the on-board storage device. The new ight controller also provides increased stability and a new air braking feature.

Flight Mode

Three ight modes are available. The details of each ight mode are found below:

P-mode (Positioning)

and Obstacle Sensing System to automatically stabilize itself, navigate between

obstacles or track a moving object. Advanced features such as TapFly and ActiveTrack are enabled in this mode.

S-mode (Sport)

the maneuverability of the aircraft in S-mode. The maximum ight speed of the aircraft is increased to 20 m /s in this mode. Note that Obstacle Sensing

system is disabled in this mode.

A-mode (Attitude)

will only use its barometer for positioning to control the altitude.

The Obstacle Sensing System is disabled in S-mode (Sport), which means the aircraft will

not be able to automatically avoid obstacles in its ight path. Be vigilant and stay clear of nearby obstacles.

The aircraft’s maximum speed and breaking distance are signicantly increased in S-mode

(Sport). A minimum breaking distance of 164 feet (50 meters) is required in windless

conditions.

The aircraft’s responsiveness is signicantly increased in S-mode (Sport), which means a small

stick movement on the remote controller will translate into a large travel distance of the aircraft.

Be vigilant and maintain adequate maneuvering space during ight.

The aircraft’s descent speed is signicantly increased in S-mode (Sport). A minimum breaking

distance of 50 meters is required in windless conditions.

Use the Flight Controller mode switch to change the ight mode of the aircraft, refer to the “Flight

Mode Switch” on Page 33 for more information.

P-mode works best when the GPS signal is strong. The aircraft utilizes the GPS

：

The handling gain values of the aircraft are adjusted in order to enhance

：

When neither the GPS nor the Obstacle Sensing System is available, the aircraft

：

Aircraft

Phantom 4 User Manual

Flight Status Indicator

The Phantom 4 has Front LEDs and Aircraft Status Indicators. The positions of these LEDs are shown in

the gure below:

Front LED

Aircraft

The Front LEDs show the orientation of the aircraft. The Front LEDs glow solid red when the aircraft is turned on to indicate the front (or nose) of the aircraft. The Aircraft Status Indicators communicate the

system status of the ight controller. Refer to the table below for more information about the Aircraft Status

Indicators:

Aircraft Status Indicator

Aircraft Status Indicator Description

Normal

Red, Green and Yellow Flash

Alternatively

Green and Yellow Flash Alternatively Warming Up

Green Flashes Slowly

X2 Green Flashes Twice

Yellow Flashes Slowly

Warning

Fast Yellow Flashing Remote Controller's Signal Lost

Slow Red Flashing Low Battery Warning

Fast Red Flashing Critical Battery Warning

Red Flashing Alternatively IMU Error

— Solid Red Critical Error

Red and Yellow Flash Alternatively Compass Calibration Required

Turning On and Self Diagnostic Testing

Safe to Fly (P-mode or S-mode with GPS , Vision Positioning and Obstacle Sensing)

Safe to Fly (A-mode but No GPS and Vision

Positioning and Obstacle Sensing)

Phantom 4 User Manual

Return-to-Home (RTH)

The Return-to-Home (RTH) function brings the aircraft back to the last recorded Home Point. There are three types of RTH procedures: Smart RTH, Low Battery RTH, and Failsafe RTH. This section describes these three scenarios in detail.

GPS

Description

If a strong GPS signal was acquired before takeoff, the Home Point

Home Point

is the location from which the aircraft was launched. The GPS signal strength is indicated by the GPS icon ( ). The aircraft status indicator will blink rapidly when the home point is recorded.

Failsafe RTH

If the Home Point was successfully recorded and the compass is functioning normally, Failsafe RTH will be automatically activated if the remote controller signal is lost for more than three seconds. The Returnto-Home process may be interrupted and the operator may regain control of the aircraft if the remote controller signal connection is re-established.

Failsafe Illustration

1 Record Home Point

2 Conrming Home Point

3 Remote Controller Signal Lost

Aircraft

Blinking Green

Signal Lost Lasts (after 3 sec.)

>3S

Fast Blinking Yellow

Blinking Green

RTH (adjustable altitude)

Fast Blinking Yellow

Height over HP>20m

Elevate to 20m

20m

Height over HP<=20m

Fast Blinking Yellow

6 Landing (after hovering for 5 secs)

Fast Blinking Yellow

Aircraft cannot return to the Home Point when GPS signal is weak ( [ ] displays grey) or

unavailable.

Aircraft automatically descends and lands if RTH is triggered when the aircraft ies within a 20

meters (65 feet) radius of the Home Point. Aircraft will stop ascending and immediately return to the Home Point if you move the throttle stick if the aircraft reaches 20 meters (65 feet) altitudes or beyond during Failsafe.

The aircraft cannot avoid obstruction during the Failsafe RTH, therefore, it is important to set an

suitable Failsafe altitude before each ight. Launch the DJI GO app and enter “Camera” and

select “MODE > Advanced Settings > Failsafe mode” to set the Failsafe altitude.

User cannot control the aircraft while the aircraft is ascending to its failsafe altitude. However,

user can press RTH button once to exit ascending and regain control.

Phantom 4 User Manual

Smart RTH

Use the RTH button on the remote controller (refer to “RTH button” on page 33 for more information) or tap the RTH button in the DJI GO app and follow the on-screen instructions when GPS is available to initiate Smart RTH. The aircraft will then automatically return to the last recorded Home Point. You may use the remote controller’s control sticks to control the aircraft’s position to avoid a collision during the Smart RTH process. Press and hold the Smart RTH button once to start the process, and press the Smart RTH button again to terminate the procedure and regain full control of the aircraft.

Low Battery RTH

Aircraft

The low battery level failsafe is triggered when the DJI Intelligent Flight Battery is depleted to a point that may affect the safe return of the aircraft. Users are advised to return home or land the aircraft immediately when prompted. The DJI GO app will display a notice when a low battery warning is triggered. The aircraft will automatically return to the Home Point if no action is taken after a ten-second countdown. The user can cancel the RTH procedure by pressing the RTH button on the remote controller. The thresholds for these warnings are automatically determined based on the aircraft’s current altitude and distance from the Home Point.

The aircraft will land automatically if the current battery level can only support the aircraft long enough to descend from its current altitude. The user can still use the remote controller to alter the aircraft’s orientation during the landing process.

The Battery Level Indicator is displayed in the DJI GO app, and is described below:

Battery Level

Warning

Low battery level warning

Critical Low battery level warning(Red)

Low battery level warning(Yellow)

Remark

The battery power is low. Please land the aircraft.

Sufcient battery

level(Green)

Power requires

to return home

Battery level Indicator

Aircraft Status

Indicator

Aircraft status indicator blinks RED slowly.

Remaining ight time

12:29

DJI GO app Flight Instructions

Tap “Go-home” to have the aircraft return to the Home point and land automatically, or “Cancel” to resume normal flight. If no action is taken, the aircraft will automatically go home and land after 10 seconds. Remote controller will sound an alarm.

Fly the aircraft back and land it as soon as possible, then stop the motors and replace the battery.

Phantom 4 User Manual

20 m

Critical Low battery level warning

Estimated remaining

ight time

The aircraft must land immediately.

Estimated

remaining ight

based on current battery level.

Aircraft status indicator blinks

RED quickly.

N/A N/A N/A

The DJI GO app display will

ash red and the aircraft will

start to descend. The remote controller will sound an alarm.

Allow the aircraft to descend and land automatically.

When Critical battery level warning is triggered and the aircraft begins to land automatically,

you may push the throttle upward to make the aircraft hover at its current altitude, giving you an opportunity to navigate to a more appropriate landing location.

The colored zones and markers on the battery level indicator bar reflect the estimated

remaining ight time. They are automatically adjusted according to the aircraft’s current location

and status.

Failsafe Safety Notices

The aircraft cannot avoid obstruction during the Failsafe RTH when theObstacle Sensing System is disabled. Therefore, it is important to set

an suitable Failsafe altitude before each ight. Launch the DJI GO app

and enter “Camera” and select “MODE > Advanced Settings > Failsafe mode” to set the Failsafe altitude.

If the aircraft is ying under 20 meters (65 feet) and Failsafe (including

Smart RTH, Lower Battery RTH ) is triggered, the aircraft will first

20 m

automatically ascend to 20 meters (65 feet) from the current altitude. You can only cancel the ascending by exiting the Failsafe. Refer to “RTH Button” on page 33 for more information on how to exit the Failsafe and regain the control of the remote controller.

Aircraft automatically descends and lands if RTH is triggered when the

20 m

aircraft ies within a 20 meters (65 feet) radius of the Home Point. Aircraft

will stop ascending and immediately return to the Home Point if you move the throttle stick if the aircraft reaches 20 meters (65 feet) altitudes or beyond during Failsafe.

Aircraft

Aircraft cannot return to the Home Point when GPS signal is weak ( [ ] displays grey) or unavailable.

if you move the throttle stick after the aircraft rises above 65 feet (20m) but below the pre-set Failsafe RTH altitude, the aircraft will stop ascending and immediately return to the Home Point.

Phantom 4 User Manual

ON OFF

Auto Hold

Obstacle Avoidance During FailSafe RTH

Aircraft can now sense and actively attempt to avoid obstale during FailSafe RTH, provided that the light condition is ideal for the Obstacle Sensing System. The details on how the aircraft will behave during obstacle avoid is listed below:

1. Aircraft decelerates when an obstacle is sensed at 65 feet (20 meters) ahead.

2. Aircraft stops and hover then start ascending vertically to avoid the obstacle. Eventually, the aircraft will

stop climbing when it is at least 16 feet (5 meters) above the detected obstacle.

3. Failsafe RTH procedure resume, the aircraft will continue ying to the Home Point at the current

altitude.

Aircraft

5 meters

15 meters

To ensure the aircraft is heading towards the static direction, you cannot rotate the aircraft during FailSafe RTH while Obstacle Sensing System is enabled. The aircraft cannot avoid the obstacle that is is direct above the aircraft.

TapFly

Introduction

With the TapFly feature, use now can tap on the mobile device screen to guide the aircraft to y toward the

designated direction without using the remote controller. Aircraft can automatically avoid obstacle or initiate

break and then hover automatically during the ight, provided that the lighting is not too dark ( < 300 lux) nor

too bright ( > 10,000 lux).

Using TapFly

Ensure the battery level is more than 50 % for the Intelligent Flight Battery. And the aircraft is in P-mode.

Then follow the steps below to use TapFly:

Take off and ensure the aircraft is ying at least 9 feet (3 meters) above the ground.

3 meters

Phantom 4 User Manual

Launch DJI GO app and tap at the bottom of the camera view, read and understand the prompt

statements.

OPTI OPTI

TapFly SmartNormalActiveTrack

Safe to Fly (GPS)Safe to Fly (GPS)

Tap once on the target direction and wait for icon to appear. Tap again to conrm the selection and the aircraft will automatically y towards the target direction.

OPTI

39M 210M

V.S

M/S

Safe to Fly (GPS)

可安全飞行 (GPS)

ISO 100

H.S

232M

4.22.3

M/S

4821

JPEG

1/320

EV 0

6.2m/s

Tap t

Aircraft

DO NOT guide the aircraft to fly towards people, animals, small and fine objects (e.g. tree

branches and power lines) or transparent objects (e.g. glass or water surface).

Watch for the obstacles that is on the ight path and stay clear of them. There may be deviations between the expected and the actual ight path of Tapy selection.

The selectable range for the target direction is limited. You cannot make TapFly selection that is close to the upper or lower edge of the screen.

TapFly mode may not work properly when the aircraft is ying over water surface or snow covered

area.

Be extra cautions when ying in extremely dark (< 300 lux ) or bright (>10,000 lux) environments.

Phantom 4 User Manual

After conrmed with the TapFly selection, the aircraft will y automatically towards the area that marked by

icon. Note that you can still use the control stick to control the movement of the aircraft during the ight.

Safe to Fly (GPS)

OPTI

STOP

可安全飞行 (GPS)

ISO 100

4821

JPEG

1/320

EV 0

Aircraft

39M 210M

V.S

H.S

232M

M/S

4.22.3

M/S

Note that the aircraft will also automatically adjust its speed when it sensed there is obstacle at the front of

the aircraft it is ying too close to the ground. However, the user should not rely on this feature to navigate

the aircraft between the obstacles. Meanwhile the FailSafe procedure will override the TapFly operation,

given that if the GPS signal is week, the aircraft will exit the autonomous ight from TapFly and y back to

the Home Point automatically.

Exit TapFly

Use the following methods to exit TapFly:

1. Press once on the Intelligent Flight Pause button on the remote controller or pull back the pitch stick on the remote controller.

2. Tap “STOP” button on the screen.

Intelligent Flight Pause button

STOP

OR OR

Aircraft will stop and hover after exit from TapFly. You may either tap a new target direction to proceed to

the next ight or bring back the aircraft to the Home Point manually.

ActiveTrack

ActiveTrack allows you to mark and track a moving object on your mobile device screen. The aircraft will

automatically avoid obstacles in its ight path.

Phantom 4 User Manual

ON OFF

Auto Hold

Using ActiveTrack

Ensure the Intelligent Flight Battery has more than 50% power and the aircraft is in either P-mode or S-mode. Then follow the steps below to use ActiveTrack:

1. Take off and hover at least 9 feet (3 meters) above the ground.

3 meters

2. In the DJI GO app, tap to bring up the ight modes and then select.

Aircraft

OPTI OPTI

TapFly SmartActiveTrack Normal

Safe to Fly (GPS)Safe to Fly (GPS)

ACTMETRACK SMART

3. Drag a box around the object you want to track and tap it to conrm the selection. The box will turn green when tracking is in progress. If the box turns red, the object was not identied and you

should try again.

OPTI

39M 210M

V.S

M/S

Safe to Fly (GPS)

ISO 100

ActiveTrack

H.S

232M

4.22.3

M/S

4821

JPEG

1/320

EV 0

Phantom 4 User Manual

DO NOT select an area containing people, animals, small, ne objects (e.g. tree branches and

power lines) or transparent objects (e.g. glass or water surface).

Stay clear of obstacles near the ight path, particularly when the aircraft is ying backward.

Be extra vigilant when using ActiveTrack in any of the following situations:

a)The tracked subject is not moving on a level plane.

b)The tracked subject changes shape drastically while moving.

c)The tracked subject could be blocked or out of sight for a long time.

d)The tracked subject is moving on a snowy surface.

e)The lighting is extremely low (< 300 lux) or high (> 10,000 lux).

Aircraft

f)The tracked subject has a similar color or pattern as its surrounding environment.

You must follow local privacy laws and regulations when using ActiveTrack.

The aircraft will sense and avoid obstacles on its ight path.

If the aircraft loses track of the subject, because it is moving too fast or obscured, re-select the subject to resume tracking.

Exiting ActiveTrack

There are two ways to exit ActiveTrack:

1. Press the Intelligent Flight Pause button on the remote controller.

2. Pull the pitch stick backward.

STOP

After exiting ActiveTrack, the aircraft will stop and hover in place, at which point you may choose to start a

new mission or bring the aircraft back to the Home Point.

Obstalce and Vision Positioning System

The Phantom 4 is equipped with an Obstacle Sensing System that constantly scans for obstacles in front of it, allowing it to avoid collisions by going around, over or hovering. The DJI Vision Positioning System uses ultrasound and image data to help the aircraft maintain its current position. With the help of Vision

Positioning, your Phantom 4 can hover in place more precisely and ﬂy indoors or in other environments

where a GPS signal is not available. The main components of the Vision Positioning System are located on the bottom of your Phantom 4; they include [3] two ultrasonic sensors and [1] [2] four monocular sensors.

[1]

[2] [3]

+ 45 hidden pages

dji PHANTOM 4 User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Using this manual

Legends

Read Before the First Flight

Video Tutorials

Download the DJI GO app

Introduction

Features Highlights

Product Profile

Preparing the Aircraft

Aircraft Diagram

Remote Controller Diagram

Aircraft

Flight Controller

Flight Mode

Flight Status Indicator

Return-to-Home (RTH)

Obstacle Avoidance During FailSafe RTH

TapFly

ActiveTrack

Obstalce and Vision Positioning System