DJI Phantom Vision, Vision+ drones get app support for autonomous flight paths
An update to DJI's iOS and Android app now allows you to drop GPS waypoints, among other things, so you can concentrate on your video and photos instead of flying.
- More than two decades experience writing about PCs and accessories, and 15 years writing about cameras of all kinds.
When DJI first announced its latest camera-toting quadcopter, the Phantom Vision+ , the company said it would be fully compatible with DJI's Ground Station capabilities -- meaning you could plot a GPS path for the Phantom to navigate autonomously.
That wasn't the case, however, when the new model was first available for purchase -- but it is now.
Current owners of the Phantom 2 Vision and Phantom 2 Vision+ just need to update the Vision app for Android or iOS, as well as the Phantom's firmware, to version 3.04 to start using it. Once updated you'll be able to set up to 16 GPS waypoints simply by dropping pins on a map.
| Key flight parameters | |
|---|---|
| Maximum distance from pilot | 1,640 feet (500 meters) |
| Maximum altitude | 656 feet (200 meters) |
| Maximum flight distance per flight | 3.1 miles (5 kilometers) |
| Mandatory distance from airports | 5 miles (8 kilometers) |
You'll also be able to adjust the altitude for each waypoint as well as the Phantom's speed just by tapping on your screen. Once everything is set, it'll take off and fly on its own at your command.
The Ground Station update also gives you a Return-to-Home button to automatically recall the Phantom and at any point you can regain stick control with a flip of a switch on the remote control.