I upgraded my P3 Advanced's firmware from 1.3.20 to 1.4.10 to enable the IOC features & 2.7K camera resolution. After performing an IMU & compass calibration I performed a close in shakedown flight to verify performance. Everything worked perfectly so I headed back to Ft. Armistead Park for another range test. I've always gotten great results here so, aside from the inherent risk of going down in the Bay, this site has proven an excellent area for range testing. Weather conditions were 50 degrees with ground level winds out of the south @ 5-10 mph. This would put the wind on the Phantom's starboard side & I believed would be mostly neutral as far as power calculations.
I launched from Ft. Armistead Park & headed towards the toll plaza on the opposite side of the Bay. I engaged Home Lock right after lift off so I could just keep the stick forward & pan around a bit as I flew out. I slowly climbed out to 400' altitude to ensure I was well above the high-voltage power lines I would encounter along the way. A guy was watching as I prepared for the flight & came over to observe & ask questions. I always enjoy the opportunity to show the tech to folks who are naturally curious, though this sometimes proves distracting when flying.
In no time at all I had passed the toll plaza ~10,000' distant & in only a little over 7 minutes found myself 18,410' away & getting a RTH battery alert with the battery @ 71%. It was only then & AFTER the flight I realized she was booking along at >40 mph so winds aloft were out of the SW & pushing her along. I'd be fighting a headwind on the return trip. Initially I engaged RTH but noticed forward progress was only around 20 mph so I decided to use Home Lock to try & increase speed. Distracted by the bystander's questions I pulled back on the stick not realizing RTH had disengaged Home Lock & it was at least a minute before I realized I had backed away 2000'!
I flipped the switch back to P-mode & reengaged RTH. I used a combination of RTH & manual control OTW back but speed into the wind was limited to ~21 MPH. I was @ 40% when I reached the toll plaza with nearly 2 miles left to go. At 1800' distant Auto-land kicked in @ 15% battery. I had previously changed that setting to 10% & realized it must have been altered with the firmware update. I took back control and piloted her back manually the remaining 1800' & landed with 7% battery remaining. My visitor was impressed at how calm I remained when he asked what all the beeping was about & at just that moment "Auto-landing initiated" was announced & we couldn't even see the Phantom! He didn't seem to notice but my hands were trembling & I felt a big sense of relief as I landed her in front of us.
I have to say I am totally impressed with the P3. The video down-link was absolutely perfect the entire flight & I am curious just how far this bird will actually fly?. I don't see much of a need for any range upgrades as she can already out fly the battery. Once Spring arrives, the weather warms, & I get a Flytrex installed I will be taking her over to the Eastern Shore where I can let it all hang out over open farmland & dry land where remote landing is feasible. If you would have told me 20 months ago you could buy this thing for only $799 I wouldn't have believed it. DJI....too cool!
I launched from Ft. Armistead Park & headed towards the toll plaza on the opposite side of the Bay. I engaged Home Lock right after lift off so I could just keep the stick forward & pan around a bit as I flew out. I slowly climbed out to 400' altitude to ensure I was well above the high-voltage power lines I would encounter along the way. A guy was watching as I prepared for the flight & came over to observe & ask questions. I always enjoy the opportunity to show the tech to folks who are naturally curious, though this sometimes proves distracting when flying.
In no time at all I had passed the toll plaza ~10,000' distant & in only a little over 7 minutes found myself 18,410' away & getting a RTH battery alert with the battery @ 71%. It was only then & AFTER the flight I realized she was booking along at >40 mph so winds aloft were out of the SW & pushing her along. I'd be fighting a headwind on the return trip. Initially I engaged RTH but noticed forward progress was only around 20 mph so I decided to use Home Lock to try & increase speed. Distracted by the bystander's questions I pulled back on the stick not realizing RTH had disengaged Home Lock & it was at least a minute before I realized I had backed away 2000'!
I flipped the switch back to P-mode & reengaged RTH. I used a combination of RTH & manual control OTW back but speed into the wind was limited to ~21 MPH. I was @ 40% when I reached the toll plaza with nearly 2 miles left to go. At 1800' distant Auto-land kicked in @ 15% battery. I had previously changed that setting to 10% & realized it must have been altered with the firmware update. I took back control and piloted her back manually the remaining 1800' & landed with 7% battery remaining. My visitor was impressed at how calm I remained when he asked what all the beeping was about & at just that moment "Auto-landing initiated" was announced & we couldn't even see the Phantom! He didn't seem to notice but my hands were trembling & I felt a big sense of relief as I landed her in front of us.
I have to say I am totally impressed with the P3. The video down-link was absolutely perfect the entire flight & I am curious just how far this bird will actually fly?. I don't see much of a need for any range upgrades as she can already out fly the battery. Once Spring arrives, the weather warms, & I get a Flytrex installed I will be taking her over to the Eastern Shore where I can let it all hang out over open farmland & dry land where remote landing is feasible. If you would have told me 20 months ago you could buy this thing for only $799 I wouldn't have believed it. DJI....too cool!
Last edited:
