Phantom 3 Professional Drone User Manual v1.2 en

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PHANTOM 3

PROFESSIONAL

User Manual
2015.07

V1.2

Using this manual


Legends
Warning

Important

Hints and Tips

Reference

Read Before the First Flight


Read the following documents before using the Phantom 3 Professional:

1. In the Box
2. Phantom 3 Professional User Manual
3. Phantom 3 Professional Quick Start Guide
4. Phantom 3 Professional / Advanced Safety Guidelines and Disclaimer
5. Phantom 3 Professional / Advanced Intelligent Flight Battery Safety Guidelines
We recommend that you watch all tutorial videos on the official DJI website and read the Disclaimer
before you fly. Prepare for your first flight by reviewing the Phantom 3 Professional Quick Start Guide and
refer to the User Manual for more detailed information.

Video Tutorials
Please watch the tutorial videos at the link below, which demonstrates how to use Phantom 3 Professional
safely:
http://www.dji.com/product/phantom-3/video

Download the DJI Pilot app


Download and install the DJI Pilot app before using the aircraft. Scan the QR code to the right
to download the latest version.
The Android version of the DJI Pilot app is compatible with Android 4.1.2 or later.
The iOS version of the DJI Pilot app is compatible with iOS 8.0 or later.

2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved.

Contents
Using this manual

Legends

Read Before the First Flight

Video Tutorials

Download the DJI Pilot app

Product Profile

Introduction

Feature Highlights

Preparing the Aircraft

Aircraft Diagram

Remote Controller Diagram

Aircraft

Flight Controller

11

Flight Mode

11

Flight Status Indicator

11

Return-to-Home (RTH)

12

Smart RTH

12

Low Battery RTH

13

Failsafe RTH

14

Vision Positioning System

14

Flight Recorder

16

Attaching and Detaching the Propellers

16

DJI Intelligent Flight Battery

17

Remote Controller

Remote Controller Profile

23

Using the Remote Controller

23

Remote Controller Status LED

27

Linking the Remote Controller

28

Remote Controller Compliance Version

29

2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved.

Camera and Gimbal


Camera Profile

31

Gimbal

32

DJI Pilot App


Camera

35

Director

38

Store

38

Discovery

38

Flight

Flight Environment Requirements

40

Flight Limits and No-Fly Zones

40

Preflight Checklist

44

Calibrating the Compass

44

Auto Takeoff and Auto Landing

45

Flight Test

46

Starting/Stopping the Motors

46

Troubleshooting (FAQ)
Appendix

Specifications

54

Intelligent Orientation Control (IOC)

56

FCC Compliance

57

2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved.

Product Profile
This section introduces the Phantom 3
Professional and lists the components of
the aircraft and remote controller.

2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved.

Product Profile
Introduction
The Phantom 3 Professional represents the next generation of DJI quadcopters. It is capable of capturing
4K video and transmitting an HD video signal out of the box. The built-in camera has an integrated gimbal
to maximize stability while minimizing both weight and size. Even when no GPS signal is available, the
Vision Positioning System allows the aircraft to hover accurately in place.

Product Profile

Feature Highlights
Camera and Gimbal: With the Phantom 3 Professional, youre shooting 4K video at up to 30 frames per
second and capturing 12 megapixel photos that look crisper and cleaner than ever. An enhanced sensor
gives you greater clarity, lower noise, and better pictures than any previous flying camera.
HD Video Downlink: The low-latency long range HD downlink is powered by an enhanced version of DJI
Lightbridge.
DJI Intelligent Flight Battery: The 4480 mAh DJI Intelligent Flight Battery features upgraded battery cells
and an advanced power management system.
Flight Controller: The next-generation flight controller has been updated to provide a safer, more reliable
flight experience. A newly implemented flight recorder stores critical data from each flight and the Vision
Positioning System enhances hovering precision when flying indoors or in environments where GPS is
unavailable.

2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved.

Phantom 3 Professional User Manual

Preparing the Aircraft


Removing Gimbal Clamp

Remove the gimbal clamp by sliding it to the right (when facing the nose of the aircraft), as shown below.

Mount the propellers with black dots on to motors with black axes and spin counter-clockwise to secure.
Mount the propellers with sliver dots on to motors with sliver axes and spin clockwise to secure. Be sure
all propellers are securely in place.

Place all propellers onto the correct motors and tighten by hand to lock them in position.
Preparing the Remote Controller:
The mobile device holder is designed for securing tablet or mobile device. Tilt the mobile device holder to
the desired position, then adjust the antennas so they are facing outward.
1. Press the button on the top right side of the mobile device holder to release the clamp, then adjust the
clamp to fit the size of your mobile device.
2. Secure your mobile device in the clamp by pressing down, and connect your mobile device to the
remote controller using a USB cable.
3. Plug one end of the cable into the mobile device, and the other end into the USB port on the back of
the remote controller.
2

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Product Profile

Attaching the Propellers:

Phantom 3 Professional User Manual

Aircraft Diagram
[1]
[2]
[3]
[4]

[8]
[7]
[6]

[5]

[1]GPS
[2]Propeller
[3]Motor
[4] Front LED Indicator

Product Profile

[5] Landing gear


[9]
[10]
[11]

[6] Gimbal and Camera


[7] Camera Status Indicator
[8] Aircraft Micro-USB Port

[12]

[9] Aircraft Status Indicator


[10] Intelligent Flight Battery
[11] Vision Positioning Sensors
[13]

[12] Antennas
[13] Camera Micro-SD Card Slot

4K

[14] Camera Micro-USB Port


[15] Link Button

[15]

[14]

Remote Controller Diagram


[1]Antennas
[1]
[2]

Relays aircraft control and


video signal.
[2] Mobile Device Holder

Securely mounts your mobile


device to the remote controller.
[8]
[7]
[6]

[3]
[4]
[5]

[3] Control Stick

Controls the orientation and


movement of the aircraft.
[4] Return Home (RTH) Button

Press and hold the button to


initiate Return to Home (RTH).

2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved.

Phantom 3 Professional User Manual


[5] Battery Level LEDs

Displays the battery level of the remote


controller.
[6] Status LED

Displays the remote controller's system status.


[7] Power Button

Used to turn the remote controller on and off.


[8] RTH LED

[15]

Product Profile

Circular LED around the RTH button displays


RTH status.
[16]

[9] Camera Settings Dial

Turn the dial to adjust camera settings.


(Only functions when the remote controller is
connected to a mobile device running the DJI
Pilot app. )
[10] Playback Button

[14]
[13]

[9]
[10]

[12]

[11]

Playback the captured images or videos.


(Only functions when the remote controller is
connected to a mobile device running the DJI
Pilot app.)
[11] Shutter Button

Press to take a photo. If burst mode is


selected, the set number of photos will be
taken with one press.
[12] Flight Mode Switch

[14] Gimbal Dial

Use this dial to control the tilt of the gimbal.


[15] Mircro-USB Port

Switch between P-mode, A-mode, and


F-mode.
[13] Video Recording Button

Connect to a SD card reader to upgrade the


firmware.
[16] USB Port

Press to start recording video. Press again to


stop recording.

Connect to mobile device or to a USB port for


firmware upgrade.

[17] C1 Button

Customizable through the DJI Pilot app.


[18] C2 Button

[18]

[17]

Customizable through the DJI Pilot app.


[19] Power Port

Connect to the DJI Phantom 3 Charger to


charge the battery of the remote controller.

[19]

2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved.

Aircraft
This section introduces the features of
the Flight Controller, Vision Positioning
System, and the Intelligent Flight Battery

10

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Aircraft
Flight Controller
The Phantom 3 Professionals flight controller features several important upgrades, including a new flight
mode. Safety modes include Failsafe and Return-to-Home. These features ensure the safe return of your
aircraft if the control signal is lost. The flight controller can also save critical flight data from each flight
to the on-board storage device. The new flight controller also provides increased stability and a new air
braking feature.

Flight Mode

Use the Flight Controller mode switch to change the flight mode of the aircraft, refer to the Flight
Mode Switch on Page 26 for more information.

Flight Status Indicator


The Phantom 3 Professional has Front LEDs and Aircraft Status Indicators. The positions of these LEDs
are shown in the figure below:

Aircraft Status Indicator


Front LED

The Front LEDs show the orientation of the aircraft. The Front LEDs glow solid red when the aircraft is
turned on to indicate the front (or nose) of the aircraft. The Aircraft Status Indicators communicate the
system status of the flight controller. Refer to the table below for more information about the Aircraft Status
Indicators:
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11

Aircraft

Three flight modes are available. The details of each flight mode are found below:
P-mode (Positioning) : P-mode works best when GPS signal is strong. There are three different states
of P-mode, which will be automatically selected by the Phantom 3 Professional depending on signal
strength of GPS and Vision Positioning sensors :
P-GPS: GPS and Vision Positioning both are available. The aircraft is using GPS for positioning.
P-OPTI: Vision Positioning is available but the GPS signal strength is not sufficient. The aircraft is
using only the Vision Positioning System for positioning.
P-ATTI: Neither GPS nor Vision Positioning is available. The aircraft is using only its barometer for
positioning, so only altitude can be stabilized.
A-mode (Attitude): GPS and Vision Positioning System are not used for stabilization. The aircraft only uses
its barometer. The aircraft can still automatically return to the home point if the control signal is lost and
the Home Point was recorded successfully.
F-mode (Function): Intelligent Orientation Control (IOC) is activated in this mode. For more information
about IOC, refer to the IOC section in the Appendix.

Phantom 3 Professional User Manual

Aircraft Status Indicator Description


Normal
Alternatively

Red, Green and Yellow Flash

Green and Yellow Flash Alternatively

Warming Up
Safe to Fly (P-mode with GPS and Vision
Positioning)

Green Flashes Slowly

Aircraft

X2

Turning On and Self Diagnostic Testing

Safe to Fly (P-mode with Vision Positioning but


without GPS)

Green Flashes Twice

Safe to Fly (A-mode but No GPS and Vision


Positioning)

Yellow Flashes Slowly


Warning
Fast Yellow Flashing

Remote Controller's Signal Lost

Slow Red Flashing

Low Battery Warning

Fast Red Flashing

Critical Battery Warning

Red Flashing Alternatively

IMU Error

Solid Red

Critical Error

Red and Yellow Flash Alternatively

Compass Calibration Required

Return-to-Home (RTH)
The Return-to-Home (RTH) function brings the aircraft back to the last recorded Home Point. There are
three types of RTH procedures: Smart RTH, Low Battery RTH, and Failsafe RTH. This section describes
these three scenarios in detail.
GPS
Home Point

Description
If a strong GPS signal was acquired before takeoff, the Home Point
is the location from which the aircraft was launched. The GPS signal
strength is indicated by the GPS icon (
). The aircraft status
indicator will blink rapidly when the home point is recorded.

Smart RTH
Use the RTH button on the remote controller (refer to RTH button on page 26 for more information) or
tap the RTH button in the DJI Pilot app and follow the on-screen instructions when GPS is available to
initiate Smart RTH. The aircraft will then automatically return to the last recorded Home Point. You may use
the remote controllers control sticks to control the aircrafts position to avoid a collision during the Smart
RTH process. Press and hold the Smart RTH button once to start the process, and press the Smart RTH
button again to terminate the procedure and regain full control of the aircraft.

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Phantom 3 Professional User Manual

Low Battery RTH


The low battery level failsafe is triggered when the DJI Intelligent Flight Battery is depleted to a point that
may affect the safe return of the aircraft. Users are advised to return home or land the aircraft immediately
when prompted. The DJI Pilot app will display a notice when a low battery warning is triggered. The
aircraft will automatically return to the Home Point if no action is taken after a ten-second countdown. The
user can cancel the RTH procedure by pressing the RTH button on the remote controller. The thresholds
for these warnings are automatically determined based on the aircrafts current altitude and distance from
the Home Point.

The Battery Level Indicator is displayed in the DJI Pilot app, and is described below:
Critical Low battery level
warning(Red)

Sufficient battery
level(Green)

Low battery
level warning(Yellow)

Remaining flight time

Power requires
to return home
Battery level Indicator

Battery Level
Warning

Remark

Aircraft Status
Indicator

DJI Pilot app

Flight Instructions

Tap Go-home to have the


aircraft return to the Home
point and land automatically,
or Cancel to resume normal
flight. If no action is taken,
the aircraft will automatically
go home and land after 10
seconds. Remote controller
will sound an alarm.

Fly the aircraft


back and land
it as soon as
possible, then
stop the motors
and replace the
battery.

Low battery
level warning

The battery
power is low.
Please land the
aircraft.

Aircraft status
indicator blinks
RED slowly.

Critical Low
battery level
warning

The aircraft
must land
immediately.

Aircraft status
indicator blinks
RED quickly.

The DJI Pilot app display will


flash red and the aircraft will
start to descend. The remote
controller will sound an alarm.

Allow the aircraft to


descend and land
automatically.

Estimated
remaining
flight time

Estimated
remaining flight
based on current
battery level.

N/A

N/A

N/A

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13

Aircraft

The aircraft will land automatically if the current battery level can only support the aircraft long enough
to descend from its current altitude. The user can still use the remote controller to alter the aircrafts
orientation during the landing process.

Phantom 3 Professional User Manual


When Critical battery level warning is triggered and the aircraft begins to land automatically,
you may push the throttle upward to make the aircraft hover at its current altitude, giving you an
opportunity to navigate to a more appropriate landing location.
The colored zones and markers on the battery level indicator bar reflect the estimated
remaining flight time. They are automatically adjusted according to the aircrafts current location
and status.

Failsafe RTH
Aircraft

If the Home Point was successfully recorded and the compass is functioning normally, Failsafe RTH will
be automatically activated if the remote controller signal is lost for more than three seconds. The Returnto-Home process may be interrupted and the operator may regain control of the aircraft if the remote
controller signal connection is re-established.

Failsafe Illustration
1 Record Home Point

2 Confirming Home Point

3 Remote Controller Signal Lost

Blinking Green

Blinking Green

Fast Blinking Yellow

4 Signal Lost Lasts (after 3 sec.)

5 RTH (adjustable altitude)

6 Landing (after hovering for 5 secs)

>3S

Height over HP>20m

20m

Elevate to 20m

Height over HP<=20m

Fast Blinking Yellow

Fast Blinking Yellow

Fast Blinking Yellow

Aircraft cannot return to the Home Point when GPS signal is weak ( [
] displays grey) or
unavailable.
Aircraft automatically descends and lands if RTH is triggered when the aircraft flies within a 20
meters (65 feet) radius of the Home Point. Aircraft will stop ascending and immediately return to
the Home Point if you move the throttle stick if the aircraft reaches 20 meters (65 feet) altitudes
or beyond during Failsafe.
The aircraft cannot avoid obstruction during the Failsafe RTH, therefore, it is important to set a
suitable Failsafe altitude before each flight. Launch the DJI Pilot app and enter Camera and
select MODE > Advanced Settings > Failsafe mode to set the Failsafe altitude.
User cannot control the aircraft while the aircraft is ascending to its failsafe altitude. However
the user can press Smart RTH button to regain control to cancel the ascending.

Vision Positioning System


The DJI Vision Positioning System uses ultrasound and image data to help the aircraft maintain its current
position. With the help of Vision Positioning, your Phantom 3 Professional can hover in place more precisely
and y indoors or in other environments where a GPS signal is not available. The main components of the
Vision Positioning System are located on the bottom of your Phantom 3 Professional; they include [2] two
ultrasonic sensors and [1] one monocular camera.

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Phantom 3 Professional User Manual

[1]
[2]

Using Vision Positioning

Follow the steps below to use Vision Positioning:

1. Toggle the flight mode switch to P-mode.


2. Place the aircraft on a flat surface. Note that the Vision Positioning system cannot work
properly on surfaces without clear pattern variations.
3. Turn on the aircraft. The aircraft status indicator will flash green two times, which indicates the Vision Positioning system is ready. Gently push the throttle up to lift off and the aircraft will
hover in place.
The performance of your Vision Positioning System is affected by the surface over which it is
flying. The ultrasonic sensors may not be able to accurately measure distances when operating
above sound-absorbing materials. In addition, the camera may not function correctly in
suboptimal environments. The aircraft will switch from P-mode to A-mode automatically if neither
GPS nor Vision Positioning System are available. Operate the aircraft with great caution in the
following situations:
Flying over monochrome surfaces (e.g. pure black, pure white, pure red, pure green).
Flying over a highly reflective surfaces.
Flying at high speeds(over 8 m/s at 2 meters or over 4 m/s at 1 meter).
Flying over water or transparent surfaces.
Flying over moving surfaces or objects.
Flying in an area where the lighting changes frequently or drastically.
Flying over extremely dark (lux < 10) or bright (lux > 100,000) surfaces.
Flying over surfaces that can absorb sound waves (e.g. thick carpet).
Flying over surfaces without clear patterns or texture.
Flying over surfaces with identical repeating patterns or textures (e.g. tiles with the same design).
Flying over inclined surfaces that will deflect sound waves away from the aircraft.
2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved.

15

Aircraft

Vision Positioning is activated automatically when the Phantom 3 Professional is turned on. No
further action is required. Vision Positioning is typically used in indoor environments, where GPS
is unavailable. Using the sensors that are built into the Vision Positioning system, the Phantom 3
Professional can hover precisely even without GPS.

Phantom 3 Professional User Manual


Keep the sensors clean at all times. Dirt or other debris may adversely affect the effectiveness
of the sensors.
Vision Positioning is only effective when the aircraft is at altitudes of 0.3 to 3 meters.
The Vision Positioning System may not function properly when the aircraft is flying over water.
The Vision Positioning System may not be able to recognize pattern on the ground in low light
conditions (less than 100 lux).
Do not use other ultrasonic devices with frequency of 40 KHz when Vision Positioning system is
in operation.
Vision Positioning System may not be able to stabilize the aircraft when flying close to the
ground (below 0.5 meters) at fast speeds..
Aircraft

Keep the animals away from the aircraft when Vision Positioning system is activated. The sonar
sensor emits high frequency sounds that are only audible to some animals.

Flight Recorder
Flight data is automatically recorded to the internal storage of the aircraft. This includes flight
telemetry, aircraft status information, and other parameters. To access these data, connect the
aircraft to the PC through the Micro-USB port and launch the DJI Pilot app.

Attaching and Detaching the Propellers


Use only DJI approved propellers with your Phantom 3 Professional. The grey and black nuts on
the propeller indicate where they should be attached and in which direction whey should spin. To
attach the propellers properly, match the nut color with the motor axis color.
Propellers

Silver Dot

Black Dot

Figure
Attach On
Legends

Motors with a grey axes

Motors with a black axes

Lock : Turn the propellers in the indicated direction to mount and tighten.
Unlock : Turn the propellers in the indicated direction to loosen and remove.

Attaching the Propellers

1. Be sure to remove the warning stickers from the motors before attaching the propellers.
2. Attach the propellers with silver dots onto the motors with silver axes and spin the propellers clockwise
to secure them in place. Attach the propellers with black dots onto the motors with black axes and spin
the propellers counter-clockwise to secure them in place. Be sure to tighten each propeller by hand
before flight.

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2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved.

Phantom 3 Professional User Manual


Ensure propellers are attached to its corresponding motors, otherwise the aircraft cannot take off.
Wear gloves when handling propellers.
Hand tighten each of the propellers on the corresponding motors to ensure it is attached firmly.

Detaching the Propellers

Hold the motor in place with one hand, then spin the propeller in the indicated unlock direction.

DJI Intelligent Flight Battery


The DJI Intelligent Flight Battery has a capacity of 4480 mAh, a voltage of 15.2 V, and a smart charge/
discharge functionality. It should only be charged using an appropriate charger that has been approved
by DJI.

Intelligent Flight Battery

Charger

The Intelligent Flight Battery must be fully charged before using it for the first time. Refer to
"Charging the Intelligent Flight Battery" for more information.
Be aware that the output power of the supplied Phantom 3 Professional charger is 100W.

DJI Intelligent Flight Battery Functions

1. Battery Level Display: the LED indicators display the current battery level.
2. Battery Life Display: the LEDs display the current battery power cycle.
3. Auto-Discharging Function: To prevent swelling, the battery automatically discharges to below 65% of
total power when it is idle for more than ten days. It takes around two days to discharge the battery to
65%. It is normal to feel moderate heat being emitted from the battery during the discharge process.
Discharge thresholds can be set in the DJI Pilot app.
4. Balanced Charging: Automatically balances the voltage of each battery cell when charging.
5. Overcharge Protection: Charging automatically stops when the battery is fully charged.
6. Temperature Detection: The battery will only charge when the temperature is between 0C (32F) and
40C (104F).
7. Over Current Protection: The battery stops charging when high amperage (more than 8 A) is detected.
8. Over Discharge Protection: To prevent over-discharge damage, discharging automatically stops when
the battery voltage reaches 12 V.
9. Short Circuit Protection: Automatically cuts the power supply when a short circuit is detected.
2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved.

17

Aircraft

Check that the propellers and motors are installed correctly and firmly before every flight.
Ensure that all propellers are in good condition before each flight. DO NOT use aged, chipped,
or broken propellers.
To avoid injury, STAND CLEAR of and DO NOT touch propellers or motors when they are spinning.
ONLY use original DJI propellers for a better and safer flight experience.

Phantom 3 Professional User Manual


10. Battery Cell Damage Protection: The DJI Pilot app displays a warning message when a damaged
battery cell is detected.
11. Battery Error History: Browse the battery error history in the DJI Pilot app.
12. Sleep Mode: To save power, the battery enters sleep mode after 20 minutes of inactivity.
13. Communication: Information pertaining to the batterys voltage, capacity, current, etc. is transmitted to
the aircrafts main controller.
Refer to Phantom 3 Professional / Advanced Intelligent Flight Battery Safety Guidelines before
use. Users take full responsibility for all operations and usage.
Aircraft

Using the Battery


LED1
LED2
LED3
LED4
Power Button (Bulit-in LED)
Battery Level Indicators

Turning ON/OFF

Turning On: Press the Power Button once, then press again and hold for 2 seconds to turn on. The
Power LED will turn red and the Battery Level Indicators will display the current battery level.

Turning Off: Press the Power Button once, then press again and hold for 2 seconds to turn off. The

battery power LED will flash when powering off the Phantom to allow automatically stopping
of a recording during the event recording wasnt stopped.

Low Temperature Notice:

1. Battery capacity is significantly reduced when flying in low temperature (< 0C) environments.
2. It is not recommended that the battery be used in extremely low temperature (< -10C) environments.
Battery voltage should reach the appropriate level when operating environment with temperatures
between -10C and 5C.
3. End the flight as soon as the DJI Pilot app displays the Low Battery Level Warning in low temperature
environments.
4. Keep the battery indoors to warm it before flying in low temperature environments.
5. To ensure optimal performance of the battery, keep the battery temperature above 20C.
6. The charger will stop charging the battery if the battery cells temperature is not within the operating
range (0C ~ 40C ).
In cold environments, insert the battery into the battery compartment and allow the aircraft for
approximately 1-2 minutes to warm up before taking off.

Checking the Battery Level

The Battery Level Indicators display how much power remains. When the battery is turned off, press
the Power Button once. The Battery Level Indicators will light up to display the current battery level. See
below for details.

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Phantom 3 Professional User Manual


The Battery Level Indicators will also show the current battery level during charging and
discharging. The indicators are defined below.
: LED is on.
: LED is off.

: LED is flashing.

Battery Level

LED1

LED2

LED3

LED4

Battery Level
87.5%~100%
75%~87.5%
Aircraft

62.5%~75%
50%~62.5%
37.5%~50%
25%~37.5%
12.5%~25%
0%~12.5%
=0%

Battery life

Battery life refers to how many more times the battery can be discharged and recharged before it must
be replaced. When the battery is turned off, press and hold the Power Button for 5 seconds to check the
battery life. The Battery Level Indicators will light up and/or blink for two seconds, as shown below:
Battery Life

LED1

LED2

LED3

LED4

Battery Life
90%~100%
80%~90%
70%~80%
60%~70%
50%~60%
40%~50%
30%~40%
20%~30%
below 20%

When battery life reaches 0%, it can no longer be used.


For more information about the battery, launch the DJI Pilot app and check the information that is
listed under the battery tab.

2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved.

19

Phantom 3 Professional User Manual

Charging the Intelligent Flight Battery

1. Connect the Battery Charger to a power source (100-240 V 50/60 Hz).


2. Open the Protection Cap and connect the Intelligent Flight Battery to the Battery Charger. If the battery
level is above 95%, turn on the battery before charging.
3. The Battery Level Indicator will display the current battery level as it is charging.
4. The Intelligent Flight Battery is fully charged when the Battery Level Indicators are all off.
5. Air-cool the Intelligent Flight Battery after each flight. Allow its temperature to drop to room temperature
before storing it for an extended period.

Aircraft

We do not recommend charging the Intelligent Flight Battery and remote controller with the
standard charger at the same time, otherwise the charger may overheat.
Always turn off the battery before inserting it or removing it from the Phantom 3 Professional.
Never insert or remove a battery when it is turned on.

Intelligent Flight Battery

Charger

Power Outlet

Battery Level Indicators While Charging

LED1

LED2

LED3

LED4

Battery Level
0%~25%
25%~50%
50%~75%
75%~100%
Fully Charged

Battery Protection LED Display

The table below shows battery protection mechanisms and corresponding LED patterns.
Battery Level Indicators while Charging

LED1

LED2

LED3

LED4 Blinking Pattern


LED2 blinks twice per second

Battery Protection Item


Over current detected

LED2 blinks three times per second Short circuit detected


LED3 blinks twice per second

Over charge detected

LED3 blinks three times per second Over-voltage charger detected


LED4 blinks twice per second

Charging temperature is too low

LED4 blinks three times per second Charging temperature is too high

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Phantom 3 Professional User Manual


After these issues are resolved, press the Power Button to turn off the Battery Level Indicator. Unplug the
Intelligent Flight Battery from the charger and plug it back in to resume charging. Note that you do not
need to unplug and plug in the charger in the event of a room temperature error; the charger will resume
charging when the temperature is within the allowable range.
DJI does not take any responsibility for damage caused by third-party chargers.

2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved.

21

Aircraft

How to discharge your Intelligent Flight Battery:


Slow : Place the Intelligent Flight Battery into the Phantom 3 Professionals Battery Compartment
and turn it on. Leave it on until there is less than 8% of power left, or until the battery can no
longer be turned on. Launch the DJI Pilot app to check battery levels.
Rapid : Fly the Phantom 3 Professional outdoors until there is less than 8% of power left, or until
the battery can no longer be turned on.

Remote Controller
This section describes the features
of the remote controller and includes
instructions for controlling the aircraft
and the camera.

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2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved.

Remote Controller
Remote Controller Profile
The Phantom 3 Professional remote controller is a multi-function wireless communication device that
integrates the video downlink system and aircraft remote control system. The video downlink and aircraft
remote control system operate at 2.4 GHz. The remote controller features a number of camera control
functions, such as taking and previewing photos and videos, as well as controlling gimbal motion.
The remote controller is powered by a 2S rechargeable battery. The battery level is displayed via LED
indicators on the front panel of the remote controller.

Remote Controller

Compliance Version: The remote controller is compliant with both CE and FCC regulations.
Operating Mode: Control can be set to Mode 1 or Mode 2, or to a custom mode.
Mode 1: The right stick serves as the throttle.
Mode 2: The left stick serves as the throttle.
To prevent transmission interference, do not operate more than three aircrafts in the same area.

Using the Remote Controller


Turning the Remote Controller On and Off

The Phantom 3 Professional remote controller is powered by a 2S rechargeable battery that has a
capacity of 6000 mAh. The battery level is indicated via the Battery Level LEDs on the front panel. Follow
the steps below to turn on your remote controller:
1. When the remote controller is turned off, press the Power Button once. The Battery Level LEDs will
display the current battery level.
2. Press and hold the Power Button to turn on the remote controller.
3. The remote controller will beep when it is turned on. The Status LED will rapidly blink green, indicating
that the remote controller is linking to the aircraft. The Status LEDs will glow solid green when linking is
complete.
4. Repeat Step 2 to turn off the remote controller.

Charging the Remote Controller

Charge the remote controller using the included charger. Refer to the figure on next page below for more
details.
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Phantom 3 Professional User Manual

Power Outlet
Charger
Power Button

Controlling the Camera


Remote Controller

Shoot videos/pictures, view recorded images, and adjust camera settings via the Shutter Button, Camera
Settings Dial, Playback Button, and Video Recording Button on the remote controller.

[5]
[4]

[1]
[2]
[3]

[1] Camera Settings Dial

Turn the dial to adjust camera settings such as ISO, shutter speed, and aperture without letting go of
the remote controller. Move the dial to left or right to scroll through pictures and videos in playback
mode. Press down on the dial to toggle between these settings.
[2] Playback Button

Press to view images and videos that have already been captured.
[3] Shutter Button

Press to take a photo. If burst mode is activated, multiple photos will be taken with a single press.
[4] Video Recoding Button

Press once to start recording video, then press again to stop recording.
[5] Gimbal Dial

Use this dial to control the tilt of the gimbal.

Controlling Aircraft

This section explains how to control the orientation of the aircraft through the remote controller. The
Remote Control is set to Mode 2 by default.

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Phantom 3 Professional User Manual


Stick Neutral/Mid-Point: Control sticks are in the center position.
Moving the Control Stick: The control stick is pushed away from the center position.

Remote Controller
(Mode 2)

Aircraft
( Indicates Nose Direction)

Remarks

Moving the left stick to the left or right controls the


rudder and rotation of the aircraft.
Push the sick left to rotate the aircraft counterclockwise, push the stick right to rotate the aircraft
clockwise. If the stick is centered, the Phantom 3
Professional will maintain its current orientation.
The more the stick is pushed away from the center
position, the faster the Phantom 3 Professional will
rotate.
Moving the right stick up and down changes the
aircrafts forward and backward pitch.
Push the stick up to fly forward and down to fly
backward. Phantom 3 Professional will hover in
place if the stick is centered.
Push the stick further away from the center position for
a larger pitch angle (maximum 30) and faster flight.
Moving the right stick control left and right changes
the aircrafts left and right pitch.
Push left to fly left and right to fly right. The
Phantom 3 Professional will hover in place if the
stick is centered.
Gimbal Dial: Turn the dial to the right, and the
camera will shift to point upwards. Turn the
dial to the left, and the camera will shift to point
downwards. The camera will remain in its current
position when dial is static.

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25

Remote Controller

Moving the left stick up and down changes the


aircrafts elevation.
Push the stick up to ascend and down to descend.
When both sticks are centered, the Phantom 3
Professional will hover in place.
The more the stick is pushed away from the center
position, the faster the Phantom 3 Professional will
change elevation. Always push the stick gently
to prevent sudden and unexpected elevation
changes.

Phantom 3 Professional User Manual


Adjusting Controller Sticks

Hold and twist the controller sticks clockwise or counter clockwise to adjust
the length of the controller sticks. A proper length of controller sticks can
improve the controlling accuracy.
Flight Mode Switch

Toggle the switch to select the desired flight mode.


You may choose between; P-mode, F-mode and Amode.
Position

Figure

Position 1

Flight Mode

Remote Controller

Position 1

F-mode

Position 2

A-mode

Position 3

P-mode

Position 2

Position 3

P-mode (Positioning): P-mode works best when the GPS signal is strong. There are three different
versions of P-mode, which will be automatically selected by the Phantom 3 Professional depending on
GPS signal strength and the Vision Positioning sensors:
P-GPS: GPS and Vision Positioning both are available; the aircraft is using GPS for positioning.
P-OPTI: Vision Positioning is available but a sufficient GPS signal is not available. Aircraft is using
only Vision Positioning for position holding.
P-ATTI: Neither GPS nor Vision Positioning is available, the aircraft is using only its barometer for
positioning, so only altitude is maintained.
A-mode (Attitude): GPS and Vision Positioning System are not used for stabilization. The aircraft uses
only its barometer to stabilize. The aircraft can automatically return to the Home Point if remote controller
signal is lost and the Home Point was recorded successfully.
F-mode (Function): Intelligent Orientation Control (IOC) is activated in this mode. For more information
about IOC, refer to the IOC section in the Appendix.
By default, the Flight Mode Switch is locked to P-mode. To unlock other flight modes, launch the DJI Pilot
app, enter the Camera page, and tap Mode, then activate Multiple Flight Mode.
RTH Button
Press and hold the RTH button to start the Return-to-Home (RTH) procedure. The LED ring around the RTH
Button will blink white to indicate that the aircraft is entering RTH mode. The aircraft will then return to the
last recorded Home Point. Press this button again to cancel the RTH procedure and regain control of the
aircraft.

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Phantom 3 Professional User Manual

Connecting Your Mobile Device

Tilt the mobile device holder to the desired position. Press the button on the side of the mobile device holder
to release the clamp, and then place your mobile device into the cradle. Adjust the clamp down to secure the
mobile device. To connect your mobile device to the remote controller using a USB cable, plug one end of
the cable into your mobile device and the other end into the USB port on the back of the remote controller.

Remote Controller

Optimal Transmission Range

The transmission signal between the aircraft and the remote controller is most reliable within the area that
is depicted in the image below:
Optimal Transmission Range

strong

weak

Ensure that the aircraft is flying within the optimal transmission zone. To achieve the best transmission
performance, maintain the appropriate relationship between the operator and the aircraft.

Remote Controller Status LED


The Status LED reflects the strength of the connection between the remote controller and the aircraft. The
RTH LED indicates the Return-to-Home status of the aircraft. The table below contains more information
about these indicators.

RTH LED

Status LED

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Phantom 3 Professional User Manual


Status LED

Alarm

Remote Controller Status

Solid Red

Chime

The remote controller is disconnected from the aircraft.

Solid Green

Chime

The remote controller is connected to the aircraft.

Slow Blinking Red D-D-D......

Remote controller error.

/
Red and Green/ Red and
Yellow Alternate Blinks

None

HD downlink is disrupted.

RTH LED

Sound

Remote Controller Status

Solid White

Chime

Aircraft is returning home.

Remote Controller

Blinking White

D...

Sending Return-to-Home command to the aircraft.

Blinking White

DD .. .. ..

Return-to-Home procedure in progress.

The Remote Status Indicator will blink red and sound an alert, when the battery level is critically low.

Linking the Remote Controller


The remote controller is linked to your aircraft before delivery. Linking is only required when using a new
remote controller for the first time. Follow these steps to link a new remote controller:
1. Turn on the remote controller and connect to the mobile device. Launch the DJI Pilot app.
2. Turn on the Intelligent Flight Battery.
3. Enter Camera and tap on
and then tap Linking RC button as shown below.

RC Control Setting

RC Calibration
Stick Mode
Default stick mode is Mode 2, changing stick modes alters the way the aircraft is controlled.
Do not change unless familiar with your new mode.

C1

Not Defined

C2

Not Defined

You can customize the C1 and C2 buttons on the back


of the RC.

Linking RC

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Phantom 3 Professional User Manual


4. The remote controller is ready to link. The Remote Controller Status Indicator blinks blue and a beep is
emitted.

RC Control Setting

RC Calibration
Stick Mode
Searching for aircraft frequency,
timeout
in 54
seconds
Default stick mode is Mode 2, changing
stick
modes
alters the way the aircraft is controlled.
Do not change unless familiar with your new mode.
Press the linking button on the aircraft
to link this remote controller

Not Defined

C2
Cancel

Not Defined

Remote Controller

C1

You can customize the C1 and C2 buttons on the back


of the RC.

Linking RC

5. Locate the linking button on the side of the aircraft, as shown in the figure below. Press the link button
to start linking. The Remote Controller Status Indicator LED will display a solid green once the remote
controller is successfully linked to the aircraft.

Link Button

The remote controller will un-link itself from an aircraft if a new remote controller is linked to the
same aircraft.

Remote Controller Compliance Version


The remote controller is compliant with both CE and FCC requirements.

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29

Camera and Gimbal


This section provides the technical
specifications of the camera and
explains the gimbals operation modes.

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Camera and Gimbal


Camera Profile
The on-board camera uses the 1/2.3 inch CMOS sensor to capture video (up to 4096x2160p at 24fps or
4K at up to 30fps with the Phantom 3 Professional) and 12 megapixel stills. You may choose to record
the video in either MOV or MP4 format. Available picture shooting modes include burst, continuous, and
time-lapse mode. A live preview of what the camera sees can be monitored on the connected mobile
device via the DJI Pilot app.

Camera Micro-SD Card Slot

Do not remove the Micro-SD card from the Phantom 3 Professional when it is turned on.

Camera Data Port

Turn on the Phantom 3 Professional and connect a USB cable to the Camera Data Port to download
photos and videos to your computer.

The aircraft must be turned on before attempting to access the files on the Micro-SD card.
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31

Gimbal Camera

To store your photos and videos, insert the Micro-SD card into the slot, as shown below, before
turning on the Phantom 3 Professional. The Phantom 3 Professional comes with a 16 GB Micro-SD
card and supports Micro-SD cards up to 64 GB. A UHS-1 Micro-SD card is recommended due to
their fast read and write speeds allowing you to save high-resolution video data.

Phantom 3 Professional User Manual

Camera Operation

Use the Shutter and Video Recording buttons on the remote controller to shoot the images or videos
through the DJI Pilot app. For more information about how to use these buttons, refer to Controlling the
Camera Page 24.

Camera LED Indicator

Camera LED Indicator lights up after the flight battery is powered on. It provides information on the
working status of the camera.
Camera LED Indicator

Camera status

Gimbal Camera

Green Fast Blink (0.2s off, 0.1s on )

System is warming up.

Green Blink Once (0.5s off, 0.4s on )

Taking a single picture.

Green Blink 3 Times (0.3s off, 0.1s on )

Taking 3 or 5 photos per shot.

Slow Red Blink (1.6s on, 0.8s off )

Recording.

Fast Red Blink (0.5s off, 0.2s on )

SD card error.

Double Red Blink (0.1s on, 0.1s off, 0.1s on, 0.1s off)
Solid Red

Overheated Camera
System error.

Green and Red Blink (0.8s green on, 0.8s red on)

Firmware Upgrading

Gimbal
Gimbal Profile

The 3-axis gimbal provides a steady platform for the attached camera, allowing you to capture clear,
stable images and video. The gimbal can tilt the camera within a 120 range.

30
0

-90
Use the gimbal dial on the remote controller to control the tilt movement of the camera.

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Phantom 3 Professional User Manual

Gimbal Operation Modes

Two gimbal operation modes are available. Switch between the different operation modes on the camera
settings page of the DJI Pilot app. Note that your mobile device must be connected to the remote
controller for changes to take effect. Refer to the table below for details:

Follow Mode

The angle between gimbals orientation and aircrafts nose remains


constant at all times.

FPV Mode

The gimbal will synchronize with the movement of the aircraft to provide a
first-person perspective flying experience.

Anti-Drop Kit

The anti-drop kit helps keep the gimbal and camera connected to the aircraft. Two pins have been
mounted prior to shipping. If new or additional pins are required, see the diagram below. Press Part
through the hole of the vibration absorber and into the center hole of Part , then lock them together
as shown . Mounting the anti-drop kit pins diagonally from each other is recommended.

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33

Gimbal Camera

A gimbal motor error may occur in these situations: (1) the aircraft is placed on uneven ground
or the gimbals motion is obstructed (2) the gimbal has been subjected to an excessive
external force, such as a collision. Please take off from flat, open ground and protect the gimbal
at all times.
Flying in heavy fog or clouds may make the gimbal wet, leading to temporary failure. The
gimbal will recover full functionality after it dries.

DJI Pilot App


This section introduces the four main
functions of the DJI Pilot app.

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DJI Pilot App


The DJI Pilot app is a mobile application designed specifically for the Phantom 3 Professional. Use this
app to control the gimbal, camera, and other aircraft functions. The app also features Map, Academy,
and User Center, which are used for configuring your aircraft and sharing your photos and videos with
others. It is recommended that you use a tablet for the best experience.

DJI Pilot App

United States

Mountain View

CAMERA

STORE

DIRECTOR

DISCOVERY

Camera
The Camera page contains a live HD video feed from the Phantom 3 Professionals camera. You can also
configure various camera parameters from the Camera page.
[1]
[18]

MODE

[2]

[4]

[3]

P-GPS

[5] [6]

[7]

[8]
[9]

Safe to Fly (GPS)

CL

[17]

ISO 100

1/320

EV 0

4821

JPEG

[16]

[15]

[10]

[14]

[13]

H:

39M

D:

1039M

V.S: 8.3M/S

[12]

H.S: 24.2M/S

1.2M

[11]
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Phantom 3 Professional User Manual


[1] Flight Mode
: The text next to this icon indicates the current flight mode.
Tap to configure the MC (Main Controller) Settings. These settings allow you to modify flight limits and
set the gain values.
The aircraft is set to Beginner Mode by default. The aircraft cannot fly 30 meters (98 feet) higher
and beyond the recorded Home Point under beginner mode. Disable this mode in the MODE
setting page.
[2] GPS Signal Strength
: This icon shows the current strength of GPS signals. Green bars indicate adequate GPS
strength.

DJI Pilot App

[3] IOC Settings


CL : This icon displays the IOC setting when the aircraft has entered F-mode. Tap to view the IOC
settings menu and select the desired IOC setting.
[4] System Status
: This icon indicates the current aircraft system status and GPS signal strength.
[5] Battery Level Indicator
: The battery level indicator provides a dynamic display of the battery level. The colored
zones on the battery level indicator represent the power levels needed to carry out different functions.
[6] Remote Controller Signal
: This icon shows the strength of remote controllers signal.
[7] HD Video Link Signal Strength
: This icon shows the strength of the HD video downlink connection between the aircraft and
the remote controller.
[8] Battery Level

: This icon shows the current battery level.


Tap to view the battery information menu, set the various battery warning thresholds, and view the
battery warning history.
[9] General Settings

: Tap this icon to view the General Settings page. From this page, you can set flight parameters,
reset the camera, enable the quick view feature, adjust the gimbal roll value, and toggle the flight
route display.
[10] Camera Operation Bar
Shutter and Recording Settings

: Tap to enter various camera value settings, including color space for the recording, resolution of
the videos, image size and so on.

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Phantom 3 Professional User Manual

Shutter

: Tap this button to take a single photo. Press and hold this button to select single shot, triple shot
or time-lapsed shooting modes.
Record
: Tap once to start recording video, then tap again to stop recording. You can also press the
Video Recording Button on the remote controller, which has the same functionality.

Playback
: Tap to enter the playback page. You can preview photos and videos as soon as they are
captured.
Camera Settings

: Tap to set ISO, shutter and auto exposure values of the camera.

: This icon shows the distance between the surface and the Vision Positioning Systems sensors.

[12] Flight Telemetry


H:

39M

D:

1039M

V.S: 8.3M/S

H.S: 24.2M/S

1.2M

The Vision Positioning Status icon is highlighted when the Vision Positioning is in operation.
Flight attitude is indicated by the flight attitude icon.
(1) The red arrow shows which direction the aircraft is facing.
(2) Light blue and dark blue areas indicate pitch.
(3) The angle of the boundary between the light blue and dark blue areas indicates the roll angle.
[13]Map

Display the flight path of the current flight. Tap to switch from the Camera GUI to the Map GUI.

[14] Dynamic Home Point

: Press this button to enable the dynamic home point feature, the home point then will be reset to
position of the mobile device.

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DJI Pilot App

[11] Vision Positioning

Phantom 3 Professional User Manual


[15] Return to Home (RTH)

: Initiate RTH home procedure. Tap to have the aircraft return to the last recorded home point.
[16] Auto Takeoff/Landing

: Tap to initiate auto takeoff or landing.

[17]Livestream

: Livestream icon indicates the current video feed is broadcasting live on YouTube. Be sure the
mobile data service is available on the mobile device.
[18]Back

: Tap to return to the main GUI.

DJI Pilot App

Director
Director is an automatic video editor built into the DJI Pilot app. After recording several video clips, simply
tap Director from the apps home screen. You can then select a template and a specified number of
clips, which are automatically combined to create a short film that can be shared immediately.

Store
Tap Store to visit the official DJI Online Store to see the latest information about DJI products and easily
buy new products.

Discovery
Sync pictures and videos to your mobile device, view flight logs, and check your DJI account status in
"Discovery". Use your registered DJI account to login to "Discovery".

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Flight
This section describes safe flight
practices and flight restrictions.

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39

Flight
Once pre-flight preparation is complete, it is recommended that you use the flight simulator in the DJI Pilot
app to hone your flight skills and practice flying safely. Ensure that all flights are carried out in an open
area.

Flight Environment Requirements

Flight

1. Do not use the aircraft in severe weather conditions. These include wind speeds exceeding 10 m/s ,
snow, rain and fog.
2. Only fly in open areas. Tall structures and large metal structures may affect the accuracy of the onboard compass and GPS system.
3. Avoid obstacles, crowds, high voltage power lines, trees, and bodies of water.
4. Minimize interference by avoiding areas with high levels of electromagnetism, including base stations
and radio transmission towers.
5. Aircraft and battery performance is subject to environmental factors such as air density and
temperature.Be very careful when flying at altitudes greater than 19, 685 feet (6000 meters) above sea
level, as the performance of the battery and aircraft may be affected.
6. The Phantom 3 Professional cannot operate within the polar areas.

Flight Limits and No-Fly Zones


All unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) operators should abide by all regulations set forth by government and
regulatory agencies including the ICAO and the FAA. For safety reasons, flights are limited by default,
which helps users operate this product safely and legally. Flight limitations include height limits, distance
limits, and No-Fly Zones.
When operating in P-mode, height limits, distance limits, and No-Fly Zones function concurrently to
manage flight safety. In A-mode, only height limits are in effect, which by default prevent the aircraft
altitude from exceeding 1640 feet (500 m) .

Maximum flight altitude & Radius Limits

Maximum flight altitude and radius limits may be changed in the DJI Pilot app. Be aware that the
maximum flight altitude cannot exceed 1640 feet (500 meters). In accordance with these settings, your
Phantom 3 Professional will fly in a restricted cylinder, as shown below:

Maximum Flight Altitude

Max Radius

Home Point
Height of aircraft
when turned on

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GPS Signal Strong

Blinking Green
Flight Limits

DJI Pilot app

Aircraft Status Indicator

Maximum Flight
Altitude

Aircraft's altitude cannot


exceed the specified value.

Warning: Height
limit reached.

None.

Max Radius

Flight distance must be within


the max radius.

Warning: Distance
limit reached.

Rapid red flashing


when close to the
max radius limit.

GPS Signal Weak

Blinking Yellow
DJI Pilot app

Aircraft Status Indicator

Maximum
Flight
Altitude

Height is restricted to 400


feet. (120m) and under.

Warning: Height limit


reached.

None.

Max Radius

No limits

Flight

Flight Limits

If you fly out of the limit, you can still control the Phantom 3, but cannot fly it any father. If the
Phantom 3 flies out of the max radius in Ready to Fly (non-GPS) mode, it will fly back within
range automatically.
If the Phantom 3 flies out of the max radius in Ready to Fly (non-GPS) mode, it will fly back
within range automatically.

No-Fly Zones

All No-Fly Zones are listed on the DJI official website at http://flysafe.dji.com/no-fly. No-Fly Zones are
divided into Airports and Restricted Areas. Airports include major airports and flying fields where manned
aircraft operate at low altitudes. Restricted Areas include border lines between countries or sensitive
institute. The details of the No-Fly Zones are explained as follow:
Airport

(1) Airport No-Fly Zone are comprised of Take-off Restricted zones and Restricted Altitude Zones. Each
zone features circles of various sizes.
(2) R1 miles (value of the R1 depends on the size and shape of the airport) around the airport is a Takeoff restricted zone, inside of which take off is prevented.
(3) From R1 mile to R1 + 1 mile around the airport the flight altitude is limited to a 15 degree inclination.
Starting at 65 feet (20 meters) from the edge of airport and radiating outward. The flight altitude is
limited to 1640 feet (500 meters) at R1+1 mile
(4) When the aircraft enters within 320 feet (100 meters) of No-Fly Zones, a warning message will appear
on the DJI Pilot app.

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Phantom 3 Professional User Manual

1640
feet
66 feet
1 mile

R1
R2

320 feet

1640
feet
66 feet
1 mile
320 feet

R1
R2

Restricted Area

Flight

(1) Restricted Areas does not have flight altitude restrictions.


(2) R miles around the designated restriction area is a Take-off Restricted area. Aircraft cannot take off
within this zone. The value of R varies based on the definition of the restricted areas.
(3) A warning zone has been set around the Restricted Area. When the aircraft approaches within 0.062
miles (100 m) of this zone, a warning message will appear on the DJI Pilot app.

100 m

100m

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GPS Signal Strong


Zone

No-fly Zone

Warning zone
Free zone

Aircraft
Status
Indicator

Restriction

DJI Pilot App Prompt

Motors will not start.

Warning: You are in a No-fly


zone. Take off prohibited.

If the aircraft enters the


restricted area in A-mode, but is
switched to P-mode, the aircraft
will automatically descend, land,
and stop its motors.

Warning: You are in a no-fly zone.


Automatic landing has begun.

If the aircraft enters the restricted


area in A-mode, but is switched
to P-mode, it will descend to an
appropriate altitude and hover
15 feet below the altitude limit.

R1: Warning: You are in a


restricted zone. Descending to
safe altitude.
R2: Warning: You are in a
restricted zone. Maximum flight
altitude is restricted to between
20m and 500m. Fly cautiously.

No flight restriction applies, but


there will be a warning .

Warning: You are approaching a


restricted zone, Fly cautiously.

No restrictions.

None.

Red flashing
Flight

Restrictedaltitude flight
zone

Blinking Green

None.

Semi-automatic descent: All stick commands are available except the throttle stick command
during the descent and landing process. Motors will stop automatically after landing.
When flying in a safety zone, the aircraft's status indicator will blink red rapidly and continue
for 3 seconds, then switch to indicate current flying status and continue for 5 seconds at which
point it will switch back to blinking red.
For safety reasons, please do not fly close to airports, highways, railway stations, railway lines,
city centers, or other sensitive areas. Fly the aircraft only within your line of sight.

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Phantom 3 Professional User Manual

Preflight Checklist
1. Remote controller, Intelligent Flight Battery, and mobile device are fully charged.
2. Propellers are mounted correctly and firmly.
3. Micro-SD card has been inserted, if necessary.
4. Gimbal is functioning normally.
5. Motors can start and are functioning normally.
6. The DJI Pilot app is successfully connected to the aircraft.

Calibrating the Compass


IMPORTANT: Always calibrate the compass in every new flight location. The compass is very sensitive
to electromagnetic interference, which can produce abnormal compass data and lead to poor flight
performance or flight failure. Regular calibration is required for optimal performance.

Flight

Do not calibrate your compass where there is any possibility of strong magnetic interference.
Sources of potential interference include magnetite, parking structures, and subterranean
metal structures
Do not carry ferromagnetic materials with you during calibration such as keys or cellular
phones.
Do not calibrate in direct proximity to large metal objects.
DO NOT calibrate indoors.

Calibration Procedures

Choose an open area to carry out the following procedures.


1. Ensure that the compass is calibrated. If you did not calibrate the compass as part of your pre-flight
preparations, or if you have moved to a new location since the last calibration, tap the Aircraft Status
Bar in the app and select Calibrate, then follow the on-screen instructions.
2. Hold the aircraft horizontally and rotate 360 degrees. The Aircraft Status Indicators will display a solid
green light.

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3. Hold the aircraft vertically, with nose pointing downward, and rotate it 360 degrees around the center
axis. Recalibrate the compass if the Aircraft Status Indicator glows solid red.

Flight
If the Aircraft Status Indicator blinks red and yellow after the calibration procedure, move your
aircraft to a different location and try again.
Calibrate the compass before each flight. Launch the DJI Pilot app and follow the on-screen
instructions to calibrate the compass. DO NOT calibrate the compass near metal objects such
as a metal bridge, cars, scaffolding.

When to Recalibrate

1.When compass data is abnormal and the Aircraft Status Indicator is blinking green and yellow.
2.When flying in a new location or in a location that is different from the most recent flight.
3.When the mechanical or physical structure of the Phantom 3 Professional has been changed.
4.When severe drifting occurs in flight, i.e. Phantom 3 Professional does not fly in straight line.

Auto Takeoff and Auto Landing


Auto Takeoff
Use auto takeoff only if the Aircraft Status Indicators are blinking green. Follow the steps below to use the
auto takeoff feature:
1. Launch the DJI Pilot app, and enter Camera page.
2. Ensure the aircraft is in P- mode.
3. Complete all steps on the pre-flight checklist.
4. Tap , and confirm that conditions are safe for flight. Slide the icon to confirm and takeoff.
5. Aircraft takes off and hovers at (1.2 meters) above ground.
Aircraft Status Indicator blinks rapidly when it is using the Vision Position System for stabilization.
The aircraft will automatically hover below 3 meters. It is recommended to wait until there is
sufficient GPS lock before using the Auto Take-off feature.

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Phantom 3 Professional User Manual


Auto-Landing
Use auto-landing only if the Aircraft Status Indicators are blinking green. Follow the steps below to use the
auto-landing feature:
1. Ensure the aircraft is in P- mode.
2. Check the landing area condition before tapping , to begin landing. Then follow the on-screen
instructions.

Starting/Stopping the Motors


Starting the Motors

A Combination Stick Command (CSC) is used to start the motors. Push both sticks to the bottom
inner or outer corners to start the motors. Once the motors have started spinning, release both sticks
simultaneously.
OR

Flight

Stopping the Motors

There are two methods to stop the motors.


Method 1: When Phantom 3 Professional has landed, push the throttle down , then conduct the same
CSC that was used to start the motors, as described above . Motors will stop immediately. Release both
sticks once motors stop.
Method 2: When the aircraft has landed, push and hold the throttle down. The motors will stop after three
seconds.

OR

Method 1

Method 2

Do not perform a CSC when the aircraft is in midair, otherwise the motors will suddently stop.

Flight Test
Takeoff/Landing Procedures

1. Place the aircraft in an open, flat area with the battery level indicators facing towards you.
2. Turn on the remote controller and your mobile device, then turn on the Intelligent Flight Battery.
3. Launch the DJI Pilot app and enter the Camera page.
4. Wait until the Aircraft Indicators blink green. This means the Home Point is recorded and it is now safe
to fly. If they flash yellow, the Home Point has not been recorded.
5. Push the throttle up slowly to take off or use Auto Takeoff.
6. Shoot photos and videos using the DJI Pilot app.
7. To land, hover over a level surface and gently pull down on the throttle to descend.
8. After landing, execute the CSC command or hold the throttle at its lowest position until the motors stop.
9. Turn off the Intelligent Flight Battery first, then the Remote Controller.

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Phantom 3 Professional User Manual


When the Aircraft Status Indicators blink yellow rapidly during flight, the aircraft has entered Failsafe
mode.
A low battery level warning is indicated by the Aircraft Status Indicators blinking red slowly or
rapidly during flight.
Watch our video tutorials for more flight information.

Video Suggestions and Tips

1. Go through the full pre-flight checklist before each flight.


2. Select the desired gimbal operation mode in the DJI Pilot app.
3. Only shoot video when flying in P-mode.
4. Always fly in good weather and avoid flying in rain or heavy wind.
5. Choose the camera settings that suit your needs. Settings include photo format and exposure compensation.
6. Perform flight tests to establish flight routes and preview scenes.
7. Push the control sticks gently to keep the aircrafts movement smooth and stable.
Flight

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47

FAQ

48

2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved.

Troubleshooting (FAQ)
What is the difference between the Phantom 3 Professional and the Phantom 3 Advanced?

The biggest difference between the Phantom 3 Professional and the Phantom 3 Advanced is in the
camera. The Phantom 3 Professional is capable of shooting spectacular 4K video at up to 30 frames per
second, and the Phantom 3 Advanced is capable of shooting at resolutions up to 1080p60. Both models
shoot 12 megapixel photos.
The other main difference is the Intelligent Flight Battery charger. The Phantom 3 Advanced comes with a
57-watt charging unit and the Phantom 3 Professional comes with a 100-watt charger, the latter of which
allows for shorter charging times.
Can I remove the camera and attach my own?

No. The cameras that come with both models are permanently attached. Attempting to remove, replace, or
modify the camera may damage the product and will void your warranty.
Can I charge my Remote Controller and Intelligent Flight Battery at the same time?

While the Remote Controller charger and Intelligent Flight Battery charger have been integrated into one
you never charge both items using the same charger at the same time.
What are the buttons on the back of my Remote Controller for?

The two buttons on the back of the Remote Controller can be customized and assigned to function as you
choose through the DJI Pilot app. Refer to the manual for more information.
How far can I fly my Phantom 3?

The signal transmission distance will vary depending on environmental conditions, but the Phantom 3
series can reach distances of up to 1.2 miles (2 kilometers) away from the pilot.
What app should I use with my Phantom 3?

The Phantom 3 is compatible with the DJI Pilot app for iOS and Android, which is already used with the DJI

Inspire. The app will detect which aircraft is connected and automatically adjust accordingly.
Which mobile devices are compatible with the app?

The DJI Pilot app is only compatible with devices running iOS 8.0 or later or Android v4.1.2 or later.
The following devices are recommended:
iOS: iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPad Air, iPad Air Wi-Fi + Cellular, iPad mini 2, iPad mini 2 Wi-Fi
+ Cellular, iPad Air 2, iPad Air 2 Wi-Fi + Cellular, iPad mini 3, and iPad mini 3 Wi-Fi + Cellular. This app is
optimized for iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, and iPhone 6 Plus
Android: Samsung S5, Note 3, Sony Z3 EXPERIA, Google Nexus 7 II, Google Nexus 9, Mi 3, Nubia Z7 mini
Support for additional Android devices will become available as testing and development continues.

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49

FAQ

unit for your convenience, it is recommended that you only charge one item at a time. We recommend that

Phantom 3 Professional User Manual


How do I use the Director automatic video editor?

Director is an automatic video editor built into the DJI Pilot app. After recording several video clips, simply
tap Director from the apps home screen. You can then select a template and a specified number of
clips, which are automatically combined to create a short film that can be shared immediately.
How do I change the control mode of my Phantom 3?

By default, the Remote Controller is set to Mode 2. This means that the right control stick controls the
movement of the aircraft and the left control stick controls the throttle and orientation of the aircraft. These
controls can be changed to Mode 1 or set to a customized configuration in the DJI Pilot app. This is only
recommended for advanced users.
Can I use a Phantom 2 Remote Controller with the Phantom 3?

No. The Phantom 2 Remote Controller operates on a different frequency. The Phantom 2 Remote Controller
operates at 5.8 GHz and the new Phantom 3 Remote Controller operates at 2.4 GHz.
Can I use a Phantom 2 Intelligent Flight Battery with the Phantom 3?

FAQ

No. The Phantom 3 uses a newly designed Intelligent Flight Battery with greater power. The Phantom 3 has
a 4 cell battery with a capacity of 4480 mAh and a voltage of 15.2 V.
My Phantom 3 does not turn off right away, is something wrong?

This is normal. After you attempt to power off the Intelligent Flight Battery, it may remain on for a few
seconds as any video data is saved to the Micro SD card. This helps prevent your data from being lost or
corrupted.
Do I have to buy the Remote Controller separately?

No, there is no need to buy a separate Remote Controller. Your Phantom 3 comes with a Remote Controller
that is already linked to the aircraft.
Does my Phantom 3 support dual Remote Controllers?

No. The included Remote Controller can be used to control both the aircraft and the gimbal tilt at the same
time.
What does the P, A, F switch on the Remote Controller do?

This switch, called the Flight Mode Switch, allows you to toggle different flight modes:
P-mode, or Positioning mode, indicates that both GPS and the Vision Positioning System are active and
your Phantom 3 will attempt to stabilize using both.
In A-mode, or Attitude mode, the aircraft does not use GPS or the Vision Positioning System. Only the
barometer is used for stabilization. The aircraft can still return to the Home Point as long as a sufficient GPS
signal is available.
F-mode, or Function mode, activates Intelligent Orientation Control (IOC) functionality. Refer to the IOC
section in the Appendix of the User Manual.
By default, only P-mode may be used. Refer to your user manual for instructions on unlocking the other
modes.

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Phantom 3 Professional User Manual


What is the Phantom 3 flight time?

Flight times will vary depending on environmental conditions and usage patterns, but the Intelligent Flight
Battery is designed to provide up to 23 minutes of uninterrupted flight time when fully charged.
How can I restore a video file if the power is turned off during recording?

Do not remove the Micro-SD card from the camera. If it has been removed, place it back in the camera.
Turn the Phantom 3 on and wait approximately 30 seconds as the video file is restored.
How can I ensure that my pictures and videos will be synchronized to my iOS album?

You may need to adjust the settings of your mobile device. Open the Settings menu, select the Privacy
tab, select the Photos tab, and then toggle the switch next to the DJI Pilot app icon. If the Pilot app has not
been granted access to your albums, the photos and videos cannot be synchronized.
What should I do to land my Phantom 3 smoothly as possible?

Hover the aircraft over a flat, level surface. Slowly pull the throttle stick down until the aircraft touches the
ground.

FAQ

Why is the discharge time of the battery not zero, even though I have never used it?

Every battery is tested prior to being packaged and shipped. This affects the discharge time of a new
battery and is the reason that the discharge time is not zero. The battery is safe to use.
Can the mobile device holder be used on the Phantom 2 series Remote Controller?
No, it cannot.

How to safely operate the aircraft when encountering compass error?

A compass error may occur when the aircraft is flying close to strong electric magnetic sources (e.g.
power transmission lines). Aircraft Status Indicators blink red and yellow rapidly when a compass error
occurs and the DJI Pilot app will display one of the following messages:
Compass error, calibration required
This warning message indicates the aircraft is receiving abnormal compass readings. It is recommended
to power off the aircraft and re-calibrate the compass at a different location and then resume the flight.
Compass error, exit P-GPS Mode
This warning message indicates that the aircraft is drifting severely. Bring the aircraft to a higher altitude
to gain enough GPS satellite locks when this warning message is prompted. The flight controller will
automatically adjust the orientation of the aircraft in the midair to mitigate the drifts. The aircraft will switch
back to P-GPS mode when the automatic adjustment is completed.
How to troubleshoot aircraft initialization error?

If you observe the following symptoms, it indicates the aircraft has failed to initialized:
The aircraft status indicator display flashing red, yellow and green. Even the aircraft is stationed on the
flat surface.
The System Status Bar in the app prompts Initialization Error.
No resistance drive if felt on the gimbal.
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51

Phantom 3 Professional User Manual


Various factors contribute to the aircraft initialization error, try resolve the issue by following the suggestions
listed below:
Sensor performance degraded. This may be due to the excessive bias detected from the IMU or the
compass reading is interfered. Try restarting and calibrating the IMU and compass to resolve this issue.
Sensor is defective. If the sensors remains unchanged at all time and the problem persist even when the
aircraft is restarted, it indicates the sensor is not working normally. Users should return the aircraft to DJI
for repairing.
Minor vibration is detected during aircraft initialization. Put the aircraft on the flat surface, power on the
aircraft and ensure the aircraft is stationed for more than 5 seconds to resolve the issue.
Serious vibration is detected during aircraft initialization. This instance generally occurs when the aircraft
is being initialization on the violent moving surface, for instance, ships that are on the rough sea. Do not
attempt to power on the aircraft in this scenario.

FAQ

52

2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved.

Appendix

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53

Appendix
Specifications
Aircraft

Weight (Battery &


Propellers Included)

1280 g

Max. Ascent Speed

5 m/s

Max. Descent Speed

3 m/s

Max. Speed

16 m/s (ATTI mode, no wind)

Max. Flight Altitude

6000 m

Max. Flight Time

Approximately 23 minutes

Operating Temperature

0C to 40C

GPS Mode

GPS/GLONASS

Gimbal

Controllable Range

Pitch: - 90 to + 30

Vision Positioning

Appendix

Velocity Range

< 8 m/s (2 m above ground)

Altitude Range

30 cm-300 cm

Operating Range

30 cm-300 cm

Operating Environment

Brightly lit (lux > 15) patterned surfaces

Camera
Sensor

Sony EXMOR 1/2.3 Effective pixels:12.4 M (total pixels: 12.76 M)

Lens

FOV 94 20mm(35mm format equivalent ) f/2.8

ISO Range

100-3200(video) 100-1600(photo)

Electronic Shutter Speed

8s -1/8000s

Image Max. Size

4000 x 3000
Single shot
Burst shooting: 3/5/7 frames

Still Photography Modes

Auto Exposure Bracketing (AEB): 3/5


Bracketed frames at 0.7EV Bias
Time-lapse

Supported SD Card Types

Micro SD
Max. capacity: 64 GB. Class 10 or UHS-1 rating required
UHD : 4096x2160p 24/25, 3840x2160p24/25/30

Video Recording Modes

FHD:1920x1080p 24/25/30/48/50/60
HD:1280x720p 24/25/30/48/50/60

Max. Bitrate Of Video


Storage

60 Mbps
FAT32/exFAT

Supported File Formats

Photo: JPEG, DNG


Video: MP4/MOV (MPEG-4 AVC/H.264)

Operating Temperature
Range

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0C to 40C

Phantom 3 Professional User Manual


Remote Controller
Operating Frequency

2.400 GHz-2.483 GHz

Transmitting Distance

2000 m (Outdoor And Unobstructed)

Video Output Port

USB

Operating Temperature Range

0C- 40C

Battery

6000 mAh LiPo 2S

Mobile Device Holder

Tablets and smartphones

Transmitter Power(EIRP)

FCC: 20 dbm; CE:16 dbm

Working Voltage

1.2 A @7.4 V

Charger
Voltage

17.4 V

Rated Power

100 W

Intelligent Flight Battery ( PH3-4480 mAh-15.2 V )


4480 mAh

Voltage

15.2 V

Battery Type

LiPo 4S

Energy

68 Wh

Net Weight

365 g

Operating Temperature

-10C- 40C

Max. Charging Power

100 W

Appendix

Capacity

Aircraft Status Indicator Description


Normal
Alternatively

Red, Green and Yellow Flash

Turning on and Self-Diagnostics

Green and Yellow Flash Alternatively Aircraft Warming Up


Green Flashes Slowly
X2

Green Flashes Twice


Yellow Flashes Slowly

Safe to Fly (P-mode with GPS and Vision Positioning)


Safe to Fly (P-mode with Vision Positioning but without GPS)
Safe to Fly (A-mode but No GPS and Vision Positioning)

Warning
Fast Yellow Flashing

Remote Controller Signal Lost

Slow Red Flashing

Low Battery Warning

Fast Red Flashing

Critical Battery Warning

Red Flashing Alternatively

IMU Error

Solid Red
Red and Yellow Flash Alternatively

Critical Error
Compass Calibration Required

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55

Phantom 3 Professional User Manual

Intelligent Orientation Control (IOC)


IOC allows users to lock the control orientation of the aircraft in different modes. There are three working
modes for IOC that can be selected in the DJI Pilot app. IOC only works when the aircraft is in F-mode,
therefore the user must toggle the flight mode switch to activate IOC. Refer to the table below:
Course Lock (CL)

The nose direction, at the time that CL is set, will remain the forward direction
regardless of how the orientation and position of the aircraft changes. This will
remain fixed until you reset it or exit CL mode.

Home Lock (HL)*

Record a Home Point (HP) and enter HL mode. The forward and backward
controls will move the aircraft farther from and closer to the established Home
Pont, regardless of how the orientation and position of the aircraft changes.

Point of Interest (POI)*

Point of Interest. Record a point of interest (POI). The aircraft can then circle
around the POI and the nose will always points toward the POI.

*Home Lock and Point of Interest feature are coming soon.

IOC Requirements

IOC is only available under the following conditions:

Appendix

Modes IOC

GPS enabled

GPS counts

Course Lock

No

None

Home Lock

Yes

POI

Yes

Flight Distance Limits


None
Aircraft
Aircraft

10m
5m~500m

Home Point
Point of Interest

Using IOC

Toggle the Flight Mode Switch F-mode and follow the instructions prompted on the DJI Pilot app to select
the desired IOC mode.

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Phantom 3 Professional User Manual

FCC Compliance
FCC Compliance

This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and
(2) This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired
operation.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the
user's authority to operate the equipment.
Compliance Information

FCC Warning Message

Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void
the users authority to operate the equipment.
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

This equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment.
This equipment should be installed and operated with minimum distance 20cm between the radiator&
your body. This transmitter must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or
transmitter.
Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device,
pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against
harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates uses and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful
interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in
a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception,
which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct
the interference by one or more of the following measures:
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

IC RSS warning

This device complies with Industry Canada licence-exempt RSS standard (s). Operation is subject to the
following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause interference, and (2) this device must accept any
interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.
Le prsent areil est conforme aux CNR d'Industrie Canada licables aux areils radio exempts de licence.
L'exploitation est autorise aux deux conditions suivantes:
(1) l'areil ne doit pas produire de brouillage, et
(2) l'utilisateur de l'areil doit accepter tout brouillage radiolectrique subi, mme si le brouillage est
2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved.

57

Appendix

FCC Radiation Exposure Statement:

Phantom 3 Professional User Manual


susceptible d'en compromettre le fonctionnement.

IC Radiation Exposure Statement:

This equipment complies with IC RF radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment.
This transmitter must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter.
This equipment should be installed and operated with minimum distance 20cm between the radiator&
your body.
Any Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could
void the users authority to operate the equipment.

KCC Warning Message


.

NCC Warning Message

Appendix

58

2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved.

The content is subject to change.


Download the latest version from

http://www.dji.com/product/phantom-3
If you have any questions about this document, please contact DJI by
sending a message to [email protected].

2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved.

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