DJI Phantom 3 Standard Complete Starters Tutorial

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Published 2016-07-04

This video is for new Phantom 3 Standard owners. It is for absolute beginners looking to fly as quickly as possible with a decently thorough tutorial. This video covers many resources. If you wish to jump to a particular section just click the time listed next to the topic you are interested in below.

0:54 - How to connect and charge, plus charging times and battery life for both the drone and controller
2:41 - Installing the DJI GO app
4:01 - DJI's recommended phone/tablet list - www.dji.com/product/phantom-3-standard/info#specs
4:25 - Firmware update (done with the DJI GO app with wifi)
4:48 - Phantom Assembly
10:12 - Explanation of parts on the drone and controller
15:20 - Introduction to the DJI GO app camera interface
19:10 - IMU Calibration
23:43 - Calibrating the Compass
25:42 - Takeoff, flight, recording with the DJI GO app and landing

I'm still only slightly above a beginner myself for my phantom 3 standard. So if you see something incorrect here or a better way to explain to a novice how to use their phantom or do a specific procedure here then please leave a comment! I'm always happy to improve a resource and want it to be as accurate as possible. This video isn't meant to be exhaustive, but instead a good starting point for getting your drone in the air, getting hooked with it and then learning all the extra features, upgrades possible, etc. Many thanks to DJI for such a great product and all the wonderful people online for providing some of the material I used to make this video.

Lastly, two quick questions I get asked a lot and their answers:

1) What are the S1 and S2 switches for that I mention in the video? I didn't discuss them in detail in the video but they can serve several functions for each of them. The user manual I link above gives full details in the remote control section starting on page 23, but here is a quick synopsis...

The S1 switch :
*Allows you to regain control of your drone during the failsafe return to home process. I consider this the most important function of the S1 switch.
*Can allow you to calibrate the aircraft's compass, but you can do this through the DJI app too.
*Changes your flight modes (P-Mode, A-Mode or F-Mode) but you can do that through the DJI app as well.

The S2 switch:
*Can initiate a smart return to home process. I consider this the most important function of the S2 switch.
*Can be used in conjunction with the Gimbal dial to link the remote with the aircraft.
*Can be used to reset the WiFi password.
*Can be used to Reset the WiFi Video Downlink.

2) What is the maximum distance for the DJI phantom 3 standard? This is also covered in the manual I linked above on page 21. It states the remote controller is capable of transmitting signals to the aircraft at up to 0.62 miles (1km). They say "up to" because your transmission range can be affected by various things like objects, power lines which cause interfering signals, etc. If you go out of signal range your drone should automatically sense this and initiate a return to home procedure. You should know how to activate it using the switches in case it doesn't work. In fact, you should read the whole user manual to know your drone thoroughly. For example, there are potential risks with an automatic return to home procedure that you should be aware of. This video is an overview that covers a lot about the P3S but is not completely comprehensive. It is an aid for initial flight, not an exhaustive resource for complete details.

Also, one more note: If you can't get anywhere close to the maximum range for your drone then you may have to re-link your controller with the drone, update your firmware, move to another location with less interference or there's always the possibility that your drone has a manufacturing issue. I cover the RC link procedure and how to do a manual firmware change in another video here - • DJI Phantom 3 Standard RC Signal Lost...

All Comments (21)

@boogie27896 6 years ago

How could someone down thumb this video? This is one of the most informative videos i have ever seen. Good job bro you have helped thousands including myself.
@KSFWG 7 years ago

I just ordered my Phantom 3 Standard and have been looking for a video like this. I'll probably watch this video 2 or 3 times just to be thorough. Thank you for taking the time to make this excellent video.
@oldnerdreviews 5 years ago

I absolutely love and appreciate how detailed and step-by-step you make this, never assuming we know something already. Thank you so much for taking the time to make this video!
@jimfarrior 6 years ago

as a 70 year old male first timer this was just what I needed. I went through numerous other tutorials but yours was the best at going over what I needed to lean how to set up and fly... thanks a bunch
@rcdude9437 7 years ago

This is a very nice video for the beginner. I would like to mention a few things that might also help. 1. The app has a beginner mode which limits altitude and distance from the point of take off to about 100 feet. Its found under settings. This feature is set to default when you power the system for the first time. Verify this and leave it on until you're comfortable with basic navigation. 2. On the transmitter/remote. The toggle switch on the left is a emergency return to home. To engage toggle back-and-forth twice. This comes in handy should your phone or tablet loses Wi-Fi signal or other like error with your viewing device.
@jeff0566jsm 6 years ago

This is bar none! The Very, Very, Best Video of the “Exact” procedures you go thru from beginning to end of the DJI Phantom 3 Standard Drone setup, nothing...”I repeat” nothing else is needed or comes close to this instructional video, and it doesn’t get boring... I would like to Thank this gentleman for taking the time out of his day to put this out here, it’s perfect! I’ve watched this probably 3X’s and if I forget something...this is the video I Return to, to help clarify things I may have missed or forgotten. Respectfully, Jeff Mercer Mentor, Ohio
@thomasloaiza2172 5 years ago

This is by Far the most comprehensive video I've seen on the internet. Although some of the glare and reflection's are somewhat Poor at times, YOU DID GOOD Thanks a MILLION!!
@jacquejudd277 6 years ago

This was an EXTREMELY understandable video and learned more on your teachings than the dozen others I watched. I am a first time drone owner and have been scared to death to even try my Phantom 3 Standard. You gave me a lot of confidence watching you. Thank you
@bobshaw7254 7 years ago

Great job! I'm a little gun-shy about flying my phantom for the first time, as my previous drone (Bebop) was horrible to fly. This video gives me more confidence to take my new Phantom standard out for its first flight. Thank you!
@mikemcgraw6488 6 years ago

Thank you. This is a superb and detailed guide to get anyone to set up and fly the DJI 3 Standard. Gives the first time flyer complete confidence. Excellent!
@mpar64 7 years ago

Just got my Phantom 3, and really grateful for your time in putting this tutorial together. I also had a communication failure with a firmware update, of which one of your other videos helped to resolve that issue. Hopefully, I can get to more flying soon. Many thanks!
@latran3127 7 years ago

Just got the Phantom 3 Standard delivered yesterday. Can't wait to fly this machine. Thanks for the video.
@_mx_gram_5497 7 years ago

Thank you so much me and Me and my brother have been trying to get my drone started for 3 days. My dad found this video and it really helped me out! Thank you so much!
@keno3167 7 years ago

By far, the BEST startup video! Thank you!
@b2bizze 4 years ago

This is the most complete video for beginners. Great job with being in order of the steps to fly your dji drone. Thank u your the man !
@Maver1ck12 7 years ago

Thanks for taking the time to share your information. I'm just getting started with the Standard as well. It is complicated at first look but now I have the confidence to enjoy my new drone. Your attention to detail is appreciated!
@bootssummers3126 6 years ago

Great Job on the Video!I am a little older than maybe most of the people that fly drones and I needed the detail you offered. You answered a lot of the questions I had on this drone.I Appreciate you taking the time to go into the detail you did! A lot of the other videos, like you said assumed we knew might have knew more that we did.Again Great Job!
@julianmartin347 7 years ago

Thank you so much mate. this video was perfect, there should be a link to your vid on the box saying watch this. well done on taking the time to help us all out.
@chrisgagiano3576 5 years ago

Thank you for this video. I bought my Phantom 3 Standard a few days ago and took it for a first flight this morning. Well, explained!
@pixandmore437 6 years ago

Very informative. I have had my 3 Standard for 3 weeks and have have flown it 5 times. I viewed this prior to my first flight as a buddy had bought the SE model a few weeks prior and I wanted to get an idea of its operation as he invited me to assist in helping him fly his. I felt like this gave me lots of info and when my turn at the controls came, I was able to get it up and flying. He crashed his into a tree twice over his first four flights, the first hitting a branch and falling with no damage. The second time happened the same time I took the maiden flight with my own Standard and his drone is still in the top of the tree 3 weeks later in a County Park. He bought another one. I learned quickly to not just rely on my judgement of the position of the aircraft to hazards by sight but use the camera as well to be sure it cleared hazards. I love flying mine and am getting better at smooth controlling my drone. I am watching this again and have learned new things, especially about the app, that didn't mean much the first time. So, before the next flight, I will be revisiting the app to make settings adjustment as needed and as I am flying. Thanks for your detailed presentation as it definitely helps me feel more confident. Dave