Can you do much without the Pilot app?

[KevinfromUK]

I don't have a smartphone or tablet, and I was thinking of buying a P3 and using it without one until I save up a bit more money.

But is this possible? I'm asking because I recently saw a video that seemed to suggest that you need the Pilot app even to calibrate the compass and set RTH.

I wouldn't risk launching a P3 without being certain that it could pick up enough satellites for reliable GPS, that the compass was calibrated, the RTH feature was working - in short, that I had all the possible safeguards against a flyaway.

But is this possible without a smartphone or tablet? Thanks.

 

[Meta4]

Kevin .. you need the app to be able to fly the P3.
It's going to be a paperweight without it.
You can get a good suitable tablet without spending a mint.
The Nexus 7 (2013 version) is a good one that is reasonably priced secondhand.

 

[Motorotor]

Hey Kevin,

...even a capable used smart phone would be cheaper I would think.

Cheers.

 

[Mako79]

Don't consider just getting a display for a P3. Look into getting a new/upgraded phone that will double as your display. This way, you don't have to factor in the cost.