How to Calibrate Compass on Phantom 4

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If there is one critical process that you need to take seriously when flying your DJI Drone, it's your calibrations. From compass to gimbal and camera calibration, everything on these wonderful machines needs to be in-sync to achieve the magic these drones make happen. Performing your calibrations on a regular basis helps to ensure your drone is operating within the tolerances set by the software; allowing for years of proper function. We know these situations can be confusing and oftentimes frustrating, that's why DJI Arizona is here to break it down in an easier format.

There are four types of calibrations most drones will need. Some forms of calibrations will only apply to drones with those types of features built into the aircraft. If you still aren't sure of what types of calibrations you need to perform after reading this, stop by our Scottsdale Showroom and speak with a Drone Specialist who will be able to help! Now let's cover those calibrations; what each one does, and when they need to be carried out.

Compass Calibration:

Your Compass is one of the more important forms of calibration that will be required more often than the rest. This process is extremely important because it allows your drone to understand where it is; relative to the world. Our team suggests performing a compass calibration before starting each flight, however you only need to do this calibration when you move 50 miles in location from your last flight location, or change approximately 1,000 feet in elevation . It is always better to be safe than sorry, that's why we will calibrate our compass before the first flight that day. To quickly learn about this procedure, check out our Tips & Tricks video…

How To: Compass Calibrations

Gimbal Calibration:

DJI Drones are very robust and strong, but that doesn't mean that some parts are invincible! Your drones' gimbal is one of the more sensitive components that requires your attention, and keeping up with your calibrations is rather important! The time and place for this step is whenever you change filters, after a hard landing or crash, any rough handling of the drones camera, after an IMU calibration, or once every 6 months. This is important as it ensures all the gimbal motors are functioning properly, and there is no restricted movement from the gimbal unit itself. To calibrate your gimbal, follow these simple steps (N/A on DJI Spark).

For Mavic's, Phantom's, & Inspire Series Drones

1. Ensure your drone is on a flat level surface.

2. Power on your drone and remote, and open the DJI App that corresponds with your drone.

3. Press the THREE DOTS in the upper right corner to access the Settings Menu.

4. Press the CAMERA Icon, and then select AUTO CALIBRATION .

5. Your drone will begin the calibration process at this time. DO NOT MOVE the drone while the calibration is being performed, as this will result in a failed calibration.

6. Once finished, you will receive a "CALIBRATION SUCCESS" message on-screen.

7. In the case that your gimbal calibration fails; this usually means there is some form of damage to your aircraft's gimbal. If you do receive this message, please be sure to stop by our location and check your drone in for repair with our DJI Authorized Repair Center here in house at DJI Arizona.

8. Repair tickets can also be created online and shipped to our location. Please follow the steps on our Repair Page .

For Mavic Mini Drone

1. With your Mavic Mini & Remote Controller turned on and paired together, open the DJI Fly App.

2. While in the camera view of the drone, tap the THREE DOTS in the upper right hand corner to access the Settings Menu.

3. In the menu, tap on CONTROL , scroll down to Gimbal Calibration and press AUTO .

4. The calibration will perform and will give you a "CALIBRATION COMPLETE" prompt on screen when complete.

5. If calibration fails, please be sure to stop by our location and check your drone in for repair, or open a repair ticket online by following the steps on our Repair Page .

IMU Calibration:

DJI Drones have an Inertial Measurement Unit onboard all of their aircrafts, or IMU. An example of a drone that does not have an IMU on board is an FPV Drone (First Person View). The job of the IMU is to balance the drone and allow it to understand which way is up, down, left, right, and so forth. Compass Calibrations and IMU Calibrations work hand in hand, but perform different functions. The compass allows the drone to understand its bearings by magnetism; the IMU consists of gyroscopes and accelerometers that provide the drone with information to balance and hover in place. This form of calibration is only required once every 6 months, after a rough handling, hard landings, or if your DJI Drone is requiring an IMU calibration. The drone will inform you if an IMU Calibration is required before flight, so there is no second guessing! To perform this calibration follow these simple steps:

For Mavics, Inspire, and Phantom Series Drones:

1. Ensure your drone is cold to the touch. Performing an IMU calibration when the drone is warm or hot will increase the start up or initialization time on your drone.

2. Power on your drone, remote, and connect your device.

3. From the camera view screen, tap the THREE DOTS in the top right corner to access the settings menu.

4. Press the SMALL DRONE icon on the left hand side of the menu to access MC SETTINGS .

5. Scroll to the bottom of the page and select ADVANCED SETTINGS .

6. From the Advanced Settings Menu, select SENSOR STATE .

7. From this page, you are able to Select IMU CALIBRATION , as well as manually select Compass Calibration.

8. Follow the on-screen instructions and manipulate your drone as shown on your device.

9. If your IMU Calibration fails, try again on a different level surface. If calibration continues to fail, please be sure to stop by our location and check your drone in for repair, or open a repair ticket online by following the steps on our Repair Page .

For Mavic Mini Drones:

1. Ensure your drone is cold to the touch. Performing an IMU calibration when the drone is warm or hot will increase the start up time on your drone.

2. Power on your drone, remote, and connect your device.

3. Open the DJI Fly App to the camera view, press the THREE DOTS in the upper right hand corner.

4. Tap on the SAFETY menu selection.

5. Scroll down to the section titled SENSORS .

6. Press "CALIBRATE" on the right side of the IMU.

7. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the IMU Calibration.

8. If calibration fails, ensure the drone is on a completely level surface and attempt to calibrate again. If calibration continues to fail, please be sure to stop by our location and check your drone in for repair, or open a repair ticket online by following the steps on our Repair Page .

Vision Sensor Calibration:

DJI Collision Avoidance Systems rely on cameras and sensors placed around the drone to see and understand their environment. These sensors will often require calibration, and when they do, it will need to be performed using the DJI Assistant Software. Crashes, constant direct sunlight, and extended usage of your drone will usually lead to this situation. This process is something you are able to perform yourself with a little bit of extra time, or you can easily head over to our Scottsdale, Arizona location and check your unit in for a calibration with one of our Certified DJI Repair Technicians. To calibrate these sensors:

1. Download and install the DJI Assistant Software necessary for your drone model (located on DJI's website).
2. Plug in your drone to the computer using the provided USB cable and power on the unit.
3. Once recognized, press CALIBRATIONS on the left side menu.
4. Once the Calibration has started, follow the on-screen instructions to complete this process. The calibration will walk you through the directions and movements.

DJI Drones are just like any other precision tool, they will require maintenance and some minor work on the users end to keep them operational and functioning. Our world and our uses are sometimes a little rough on these flying-fellows, but some simple calibrations and a good looking over will keep your unit functional and flying for years to come. Always pay attention to any error messages you may receive about any of these four calibrations, as error messages usually mean it's time for service! We are Arizona's #1 choice for DJI Drone Repairs, and we would love to help fix your drone and keep you flying. To learn more about our Repair and Service Center, head to our website www.djistoreaz.com to view what we have to offer.

How to Calibrate Compass on Phantom 4

Source: https://djistoreaz.com/2020/03/29/calibrations-and-when-to-perform-them/

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