Launching from a metal hull ship?

gringorio · Dec 11, 2016

Does anyone know if launching from a metal-hulled ship is an issue? If I am able to calibrate the compass on-shore away from the ship will I be able to safely launch from the ship in GPS mode? Or, should I launch in ATTI mode? Using a mavic and Phantom 3 Pro...

Kenneth Coggin · Dec 12, 2016

I couldn't launch off a concrete picnic table. I pulled out my P4, set it down to warm up, got a compass error. Calibrated it, set it on the table. Compass Error. Calibrated again, set it down, error. Moved it to the ground - error cleared!! My assumption is the rebar in the table. So I would _assume_ your going to have an issue with a steel ship.

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Loz · Dec 12, 2016

I'd say you may have an issue rather than you will. I would not calibrate compass on or near metal, be willing and capable to fly ATTI mode if you need to, and understand YOU are taking a risk and may damage or loose your aircraft, if that risk is acceptable, go for it

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With The Birds · Dec 12, 2016

Calibrate before you board the ship and hand launch/catch. If you don't have a compass issue when you power on you should be fine. Compass
May be effected when in close but all will be good once you are in the air. Looking at the radar in GO will give you a good idea of the effect if the ship on the compass (pointer off AC orientation) as will the compass mod value in the sensor screen. My roof is 10" thick slab with a lot of rebar. I can't take off normally but hand launching from above my head no issues.

42FrankZ · Dec 12, 2016

Also consider any compass error you have while hand launching is likely to be there during catching as well. During catching you might have unpredictable behavior to make the catch more challenging.

Drestin Black · Dec 14, 2016

I held mine over my head (I'm 6'4" tall) aboard a metal hulled boat. No issue. But, won't know till you try it yourself.

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Mako79 · Dec 14, 2016

Make sure boat is anchored if catching. Look at the back (battery) of the quad when hand launching/catching. And advise everyone around you on what you are doing.

gringorio · Dec 21, 2016

With The Birds said:
Calibrate before you board the ship and hand launch/catch. If you don't have a compass issue when you power on you should be fine. Compass
May be effected when in close but all will be good once you are in the air. Looking at the radar in GO will give you a good idea of the effect if the ship on the compass (pointer off AC orientation) as will the compass mod value in the sensor screen. My roof is 10" thick slab with a lot of rebar. I can't take off normally but hand launching from above my head no issues.

Thanks for this reply! I know it's very a late response but in January I'll finally be onboard the ship with my Mavic and P3P. I will practice the hand-launch before hand.