I see his issues were back in april..surely the firmware they are asking you to update to now is free of issues?...So far charged my batteries downloaded the app anything I should do to make this as smooth as possible?
From the app calibrate the IMU whether it says needed or not - this is done beforehand with it set on a level surface.
In an open area do the Compass calibration (turning 360 in both axis).
Some will suggest doing this before every flight but there's no need once you have a good calibration for your area (like UK).
It's better to have a quick look at the sensor readings via the app rather than calibrating for the sake of it.
In any case if something has upset it like being near large metal object or magnet the app will tell you.
The auto take-off is a bit wimpy and only goes 2 or 3 feet off the ground - not always enough if there's any wind.
You are better doing it manually. Start motors and give it full throttle up to about 15 feet then let it settle before doing further gentle inputs.
Don't be tempted to do first flight in your back garden or other 'tight' area.
It is way too easy to get a bit dis-orientated after turning and hit something.
You want a large open area to start with.
Get up pretty high above any nearby trees and get the feel of 'driving about' using gentle yaw to steer while going forward, then move on to more complicated stuff like circles and arcs while simultaneously yawing very gently to keep camera pointing inwards.
When you come in to land do not stop the motors using the CSC like when starting - it will often tip over.
Just hold the left stick down and after 3 seconds the motors stop. This can't happen in the air as it has to sense the lack of further descent too
Hand catching is usually best option when done properly, though check out videos on doing it safely above your head.
Landing on the ground it can easily bump gimbal or tip over - and it throws up dust or drops of water can get on motors or camera.
A surprising number of people don't remove all packaging and the gimbal guard before turning it on.
This is important as it goes through a little dance to self level and any resistance is bad for the gimbal motors.
Firmware: They are constantly issuing minor updates.
The only ones worth getting were months ago - for more flight options like POI and an update for batteries which reduced sudden drop syndrome in cold weather.
One bought now will surely have this already.
The main problem areas are compatibility between firmware on the controller and Phantom. If not done in the correct sequence it can be panic stations with no link between them.
It will work just fine out of the box initially and I would advise ignore the update messages for at least a couple of weeks.
There's nothing wrong with the latest firmware, but it will be important to update everything once you start, and it could be a rather nerve wracking lengthy process.
Lots of help on phantompilots.com
