Newbie here. I mean... SUPER newbie!

[T_B]

Hello everyone. I live in Texas and have seen drones on TV; THAT'S how new I am. I've raced 1/8th and 1/10th scale nitro methane RC cars/trucks, so a controller in my hand isn't completely foreign to me.
I just bought a Phantom 4 Pro v2 and should have it in my grubby hands in about 2 weeks.
I've chased/read the threads to ExpertPower aftermarket batteries and FAA licensing.
I plan on NOT using it commercially but would like to fly it (and take pics/videos) in remote areas to look at personally owned properties.

Do y'all remember the 1st drone you bought and knew NOTHING about.... anything drone related? Well, that's me. I'm in my early 50's and want to give this hobby a try.

ANY advice is welcomed and extremely appreciated: FAA TRUST test, maintenance, firmware updates, flying in Sport Mode or "you ain't ready for that, idiot" mode, iPhone and iPad compatibility issues, apps that I have-to-have, how to walk and chew gum and fly a drone, etc.

Also, I'm new here. If I'm not posting this correctly or should be saying something in a different way, please let me know.

Thanks for letting me be an absolute new guy.... dripping with... newness.

 

[RodPad]

#1,
Stay away from Phantom Magnets ()

#2,
Check out @msingers help site.

DJI Phantom 4 Pro Accessories & Tips | Phantom Help

Phantom Help is a site for help with DJI Phantom 4 Pro drones. Find the latest fixes, how-tos, guides, accessories, modifications, and more.

www.phantomhelp.com

#3,
They are really good members here!, mods keep it #1!

#4,
Ignore me, I love twisted humor!

#4.1,
Krap, forgot welcome to the forum!

Rod ..

 

[T_B]

Thanks, Rod. I'm all over it. Going to search @msingers now.

 

[RodPad]

BTW, don't fart with firmware, unless you get conformation from at least 3+ good members!

Rod ..

 

[captainmilehigh]

Hey T_B, ...welcome to the Forum.

Don't worry about being 'new', and remember that ALL of us here on the Forum were 'new' at one time......and there are no stupid questions.

As @RodPad mentioned above, msingers site Phantomhelp.com is a wealth of information that you can check out on most drone related subjects or concerns. And, if you can't find what you're searching for, just ask. Like I said.....there are NO stupid questions.

Couple points to remember:

Firmware updates are only considered as a last resort to correct a problem. Most firmware updates cause more harm than good.

For inside bench testing, or if you're not sure of the drones' condition......startups should be done with the PROPS OFF the drone. Safety for one, and to prevent accidental takeoffs into terrain or objects. Get nicked or cut by a prop and you won't want to do it again.

Again, Welcome to the Forum. You're gonna have a great time .

 

[TexasJohn]

Welcome from another guy in Texas ( Fort Worth).

 

[Daniel NZDF]

Welcome to the forum! REMEMBER: NO messing with firmware!!! Anyways, I hope you enjoy flying your p4!

 

[cneedelman]

Let us know where you are and maybe someone will go out with you when you fly to give you some pointers. I've done it for a few people.

 

[Droneted]

Welcome! Your post reminded me of my first post. You’ve come to the right place.

 

[T_B]

Hey T_B, ...welcome to the Forum.

Don't worry about being 'new', and remember that ALL of us here on the Forum were 'new' at one time......and there are no stupid questions.

As @RodPad mentioned above, msingers site Phantomhelp.com is a wealth of information that you can check out on most drone related subjects or concerns. And, if you can't find what you're searching for, just ask. Like I said.....there are NO stupid questions.

Couple points to remember:

Firmware updates are only considered as a last resort to correct a problem. Most firmware updates cause more harm than good.

For inside bench testing, or if you're not sure of the drones' condition......startups should be done with the PROPS OFF the drone. Safety for one, and to prevent accidental takeoffs into terrain or objects. Get nicked or cut by a prop and you won't want to do it again.

Again, Welcome to the Forum. You're gonna have a great time .

Mannn!! Those subcategories! That took a lot of time. I appreciate you two. I'm assuming I use "Phantom 4 Pro" for my Phantom 4 Pro v2? (That's the closest match)
Any suggestions for "must haves list", so it's sitting on the work bench when the drone arrives?

 

[captainmilehigh]

A "must have list" is mainly a matter of personal preference.

Two choices come to mind for my drone flying.

(1) A preflight checklist....both for the drone AND for the GoApp settings. Once everything is checked off, you are safe to fly.

(2) Like many members here, I run a tracker attached to the drone in case of 'fly-away', or unexpected flight into terrain...(like those dern 'Phantom Magnet Trees) that get in the flight path when you're not looking. I use a 'Marco Polo' brand tracker that has a range of about two miles. There are other brands of trackers out there......some use GPS signals to locate a downed drone. The Marco Polo doesn't need GPS, and is 100% self operating. I never fly without it.

I'm sure others will chime in with their suggestions.

 

[T_B]

A "must have list" is mainly a matter of personal preference.

Two choices come to mind for my drone flying.

(1) A preflight checklist....both for the drone AND for the GoApp settings. Once everything is checked off, you are safe to fly.

(2) Like many members here, I run a tracker attached to the drone in case of 'fly-away', or unexpected flight into terrain...(like those dern 'Phantom Magnet Trees) that get in the flight path when you're not looking. I use a 'Marco Polo' brand tracker that has a range of about two miles. There are other brands of trackers out there......some use GPS signals to locate a downed drone. The Marco Polo doesn't need GPS, and is 100% self operating. I never fly without it.

I'm sure others will chime in with their suggestions.

That's a great suggestion. Thank you!

 

[T_B]

....x2

 

[GFields]

Greetings from Birmingham Alabama

 

[T_B]

Greetings from Birmingham Alabama

Thanks GFields.