©2013-2014 DJI Innovations. All Rights Reserved. 1 | 

 

PHANTOM FC40 User Manual V1.06 

March 21, 2014 Revision

For NAZA-M V2 Firmware V4.02

& Assistant Software V2.20

Thank you for purchasing our product. Read the entire manual strictly and follow these steps to use you product. Please 

visit the DJI website, PHANTOM FC40 section to confirm if the manual is the latest one according to the manual 

version. If not, please download and refer to the latest manual. 

Note: The built-in autopilot system is NAZA-M V2; you can obtain the current NAZA-M V2 Firmware Version according 

to the Assistant Software. If you ever upgrade your NAZA-M V2 Firmware, please carefully read the corresponding 

NAZA-M V2 release note and NAZA-M V2 quick start guide.

If you have any problem you cannot solve during installation and usage, please contact a DJI authorized dealer or DJI 

customer service.

 

www.dji.com 
©2013-2014 DJI Innovations. All Rights Reserved. 2 | 

Content

CONTENT .................................................................................................................................................... 2

DISCLAIMER & WARNING .................................................................................................................... 3

PRODUCT USAGE CAUTIONS ............................................................................................................ 4

TRADEMARKS ............................................................................................................................................ 4

BATTERY USAGE & CHARGING CAUTIONS ................................................................................. 5

IN THE BOX ................................................................................................................................................ 6

REQUIRED ITEMS ..................................................................................................................................... 6

INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................................................................... 7

Aircraft ............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 7

Transmitter ..................................................................................................................................................................................................... 7

TRANSMITTER OPERATION ................................................................................................................ 8

Link between the Transmitter and Receiver ........................................................................................................................................... 9

BEFORE FLYING ....................................................................................................................................... 11

FLIGHT TEST ............................................................................................................................................. 16

Test Procedure .............................................................................................................................................................................................16

The Failsafe and How to Regain Control ............................................................................................................................................... 17

Low Voltage Alert ........................................................................................................................................................................................18

USING THE DJI FC40 ............................................................................................................................ 19

ASSISTANT SOFTWARE INSTALLATION AND CONFIGURATION ..................................... 24

Installing the Driver and Assistant Software ........................................................................................................................................ 24

Using the NAZA-M Assistant Software on a PC ................................................................................................................................. 24

Firmware Upgrade of the PHANTOM FC40 ....................................................................................................................................... 25

PHANTOM RC Assistant Software Description .................................................................................................................................. 25

IOC FUNCTION ...................................................................................................................................... 27

APPENDIX .................................................................................................................................................30

LED Flight Indicator Description ............................................................................................................................................................ 30

Specifications of the Aircraft ................................................................................................................................................................... 30

Specifications of the FC40 ........................................................................................................................................................................ 31
©2013-2014 DJI Innovations. All Rights Reserved. 3 | 

Disclaimer & Warning

Please read this disclaimer carefully before using the product. By using this product, you hereby agree to this disclaimer 

and signify that you have read them fully. THIS PRODUCT IS NOT SUITABLE FOR PEOPLE UNDER THE AGE OF 18. 

PHANTOM FC40 is an excellent flight platform offering an excellent flight experience, only if it is powered normally 

and in a good working condition. Despite the product having a built-in autopilot system and our efforts in making the 

operation of the controller as safe as possible when the power battery is connected, we strongly recommend users to 

remove all propellers when calibrating and setting parameters. Make sure all connections are good, and keep children 

and animals away during firmware upgrade, system calibration and parameter setup. DJI Innovations accepts no liability 

for damage(s) or injuries incurred directly or indirectly from the use of this product in the following conditions:

1. Damage(s) or injuries incurred when users are drunk, taking drugs, drug anesthesia, dizziness, fatigue, nausea and 

any other conditions no matter physically or mentally that could impair your ability.

2. Damage(s) or injuries caused by subjective intentional operations.

3. Any mental damage compensation caused by accident.

4. Failure to follow the guidance of the manual to assemble or operate.

5. Malfunctions caused by refit or replacement with non-DJI accessories and parts.

6. Damage(s) or injuries caused by using third party products or fake DJI products.

7. Damage(s) or injuries caused by mis-operation or subjective mis-judgment.

8. Damage(s) or injuries caused by mechanical failures due to erosion, aging.

9. Damage(s) or injuries caused by continued flying after low voltage protection alert is triggered.

10. Damage(s) or injuries caused by knowingly flying the aircraft in abnormal condition (such as water, oil, soil, sand 

and other unknown material ingress into the aircraft or the assembly is not completed, the main components have 

obvious faults, obvious defect or missing accessories).

11. Damage(s) or injuries caused by flying in the following situations such as the aircraft in magnetic interference area, 

radio interference area, government regulated no-fly zones or the pilot is in backlight, blocked, fuzzy sight, and 

poor eyesight is not suitable for operating and other conditions not suitable for operating.

12. Damage(s) or injuries caused by using in bad weather, such as a rainy day or windy (more than moderate breeze), 

snow, hail, lightning, tornadoes, hurricanes etc.

13. Damage(s) or injuries caused when the aircraft is in the following situations: collision, fire, explosion, floods, 

tsunamis, subsidence, ice trapped, avalanche, debris flow, landslide, earthquake, etc.

14. Damage(s) or injuries caused by infringement such as any data, audio or video material recorded by the use of 

aircraft.

15. Damage(s) or injuries caused by the misuse of the battery, protection circuit, RC model and battery chargers.

16. Other losses that are not covered by the scope of DJI Innovations liability.
©2013-2014 DJI Innovations. All Rights Reserved. 4 |

Product Usage Cautions

Please check the following steps carefully before every flight. 

1. Before use of the product, please accept some flight training (Using a simulator to practice flying, getting

instruction from a professional person, etc.).

2. Check that all parts of the product are in good condition before flight. Do not fly with aging or broken parts.

3. Check that the propellers and the motors are installed correctly and firmly before flight. Make sure the rotation 

direction of each propeller is correct. Do not get close to or even touch the working motors and propellers to 

avoid serious injury.

4. Do not over load the aircraft (The total weight should be less than 1200g).

5. Make sure that the transmitter battery and the flight battery are fully charged.

6. Try to avoid interference between the transmitter and other wireless equipment.

7. Make sure to switch on the transmitter first, and then power on the aircraft before takeoff! Power off the aircraft

first, and then switch off the transmitter after landing!

8. Fast rotating propellers will cause serious damage and injury. Always fly the aircraft 3m or above away from you 

and the unsafe conditions, such as obstacles, crowds, high-voltage lines, etc. FLY RESPONSIBLY.

9. All parts must be kept out of the reach of children to avoid CHOKE HAZARD; if a child accidentally swallows any 

part you should immediately seek medical assistance.

10. Always keep the compass module away from the magnet. Otherwise it may damage the compass module and 

lead the aircraft to work abnormally or even be out of control.

11. DO NOT use the PHANTOM FC40 transmitter (receiver) with the other third party remote control equipment.

12. Make sure to use the NAZA-M Assistant Software of 2.20 version (or above) to carry out the firmware upgrade 

and parameter configuration.

13. Built-in ESCs of PHANTOM FC40 ONLY support 3S (11.1V) power supply.

14. ONLY use the DJI original motor and propeller.

15. If you want to put the PHANTOM FC40 in a car, please keep it away from the speaker, since the compass 

module may be magnetized.

16. DO NOT use the magnetic screwdriver. Otherwise, keep the screwdriver at least 10cm away from the compass 

module, to avoid magnetic interference.

17. For Mac user, please install the Windows system to run the Assistant Software.

Trademarks

DJI and PHANTOM are registered trademarks of DJI Innovations. Names of product, brand, etc., appearing in this 

manual are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owner companies. This product and manual are 

copyrighted by DJI Innovations with all rights reserved. No part of this product or manual shall be reproduced in any 

form without the prior written consent or authorization of DJI Innovations. No patent liability is assumed with respect to 

the use of the product or information contained herein.
©2013-2014 DJI Innovations. All Rights Reserved. 5 | 

Battery Usage & Charging Cautions

1. Do not put the battery into water; store the battery in a cool and dry environment.

2. Only use the correctly specified batteries.

3. Batteries must be kept out of the reach of children; if a child accidentally swallows the battery you should 

immediately seek medical assistance.

4. Do not use or store the battery near fire.

5. Battery should be charged with a DJI authorized charger.

6. Do not connect the battery reversed in positive and negative terminals in the charger or equipment.

7. Do not connect the battery directly to the wall plugs or vehicle-mounted socket.

8. Do not put the battery into a fire or heat the battery.

9. Do not let the battery terminals (+and-) touch together to cause short-circuit.

10. Do not transport or store the battery together with metal objects.

11. Do not hit or throw the battery.

12. Do not weld the battery terminals together.

13. Do not drive a nail in, hit with a hammer, or stomp on the battery.

14. Do not disassemble or alter the battery.

15. Do not use or store the battery in extreme heat environments, such as direct sunlight or in the car in hot weather. 

Otherwise, the battery will overheat, may cause fire (or self-ignite), this will affect the performance of the battery, 

shorten the service life of the battery.

16. Do not use the battery in strong electrostatic areas, otherwise the electronic protection may be damaged which 

may cause a hazard.

17. If you get the battery electrolyte leakage into your eyes, don't rub, first wash your eyes with clean water then seek 

medical assistance immediately. If not handled in a timely manner, eyes could be damaged.

18. Do not use the battery when it emits an odour, high temperature, deformation, change in color or other abnormal 

phenomena; if the battery is in using or charging, you should stop charging or using immediately.

19. If the battery terminal gets dirty, please clean it with a dry cloth before using. Otherwise it will cause a poor 

contact, thus causing energy loss or inability to charge.

20. Discarded battery could lead to a fire; you should completely discharge the battery and wrap the output terminal 

with insulating tape before discarding.

21. DO NOT drain the battery or leave the battery plugged into the PHANTOM FC40 when unused. When there is 

low voltage alert please landing timely to avoid damages to the battery or others.

 
©2013-2014 DJI Innovations. All Rights Reserved. 6 |

In the Box 

Aircraft Transmitter

Landing Gear 

(with Compass Module)

Propeller Camera Mount FC40 Camera

USB Cable Mobile Device Mount Assistant Wrench

Screw Package Accessory

Required Items

Screwdriver AA Battery Micro-SD Card
©2013-2014 DJI Innovations. All Rights Reserved. 7 | 

Introduction

The PHANTOM FC40 is an all-in-one, ready-to-fly small quadcopter designed for people just getting started in aerial 

photography. Before shipping from the factory, it has been configured and fully tested, which means you have no 

configuration to do.

Aircraft

[1]

[2]

[9]

[3]

[4]

[5]

[6]

[8]

[7]

[10]

[11]

[12]

[13]

[1]

[2]

[3]

[4]

[5]

[6]

[7]

[8]

[9]

[10]

[11]

[12]

[13]

Propeller

Motor

Nose Direction

Nose Indicator (red LED)

Battery Compartment

Camera Mount

Receiver Antenna

Camera

Compass

Landing Gear

Rear Indicator (green LED)

LED Flight Indicator

Micro-USB (on the bottom)

Built-in

a) NAZA-M V2 Autopilot System

(Refer to NAZA-M V2 manual for details)

b) GPS Module

c) Compass Module

d) R/C Receiver

e) Power System for Flight

f) LED Flight Indicator

Functions

a) ATTI./GPS Mode

(Manual Mode and Failsafe Switch is selectable)

b) Intelligent Orientation Control (IOC)

c) Enhanced Fail-Safe

d) Low Voltage Alert

e) Assembled with FC40 Camera

f) DJI FC40 App

Transmitter

[1]

[2]

[4] [3]

[8]

[9] [10]

J2

J1

J3

J4 [6]

[7]

[5]

[1]

[2]

[3]

[4]

[5]

[6]

[7]

Antenna

Carrying Handle

Mode Control Switch S1

IOC Switch S2 

Stick (J1: Roll [left&right], J2: Pitch [front&back])

Stick (J3: Throttle [up&down], J4: Yaw [rotation])

Neck Strap Attachment
©2013-2014 DJI Innovations. All Rights Reserved. 8 |

[10] [11]

[8]

[9]

[10]

[11]

Power Switch

Power Indicator

Battery Compartment (On the back)

Potentiometer (On the back)

(For Compliance version configuration)

Parameters 

Operating Frequency : 5.728 GHz-5.85 GHz

Communication Distance (open area): CE 300m; FCC 500m

Receiver Sensitivity (1%PER): -93dBm

Transmitting Power (EIRP): CE 25mw; FCC 125mw

Working Current/Voltage : 80 mA@6V

Battery: 4 AA Batteries

Transmitter Operation

Definitions 

The ‘stick neutral’ positions and ‘stick released’ mean the control sticks of the transmitter are placed at the central 

position. 

To ‘move the stick’ means that the stick of transmitter is pushed away from the central position.

Transmitter 

(Mode 2) 

Aircraft 

( is the nose direction)

Operation details 

The throttle stick controls the aircraft elevation. 

Push the stick up and the aircraft will rise. Pull the stick down and 

the aircraft will descend. The aircraft will automatically hover and 

hold its height if the sticks are centered. 

Push the throttle stick above the centered (neutral) position to 

cause the aircraft to take-off. We suggest that you push the 

throttle stick slowly to prevent the aircraft from sudden and 

unexpected elevation.

The yaw stick controls the aircraft rudder.

Push the stick left and the aircraft will rotate counter clock-wise. 

Push the stick right and the aircraft will rotate clock-wise. If the 

stick is centered, the aircraft will always fly in the same direction.

The command stick controls the rotating angular velocity of the 

aircraft. Increasing movement of the command stick results in 

faster aircraft rotation velocity. 

The pitch stick controls the aircraft’s front & back tilt.

Push the stick up and the aircraft will tilt and fly forward. 

Pull the stick down and the aircraft will tilt and fly backward. The 

aircraft will keep level and straight if the stick is centered. 
©2013-2014 DJI Innovations. All Rights Reserved. 9 |

Increasing movement of the command stick will result in a larger 

tilt angle (maximum is 35 ̊) and faster flight velocity.

The roll stick controls the aircraft left & right tilt.

Push the stick left and the aircraft will tilt and fly left. Push the 

stick right and the aircraft will tilt and fly right. The aircraft will 

keep level and straight if the stick is centered. 

Increasing movement of the command stick will result in a larger 

tilt angle (maximum is 35 ̊) and faster flight velocity. 

 

GPS ATTI. ATTI.

(Manual mode or Failsafe is 

selectable in the Assistant 

Software.)

3-position switch (S1) on the Transmitter for mode control. Only 

after Compass Module connection and Compass calibration, GPS 

Mode is available. Otherwise, all switch positions are ATTI. Mode. 

Pay attention because the GPS Mode is dependent on the number 

of GPS satellites acquired by the main controller. When the GPS 

signal has been lost for 3s, the system enters ATTI. Mode 

automatically. You can enable the Manual Mode or Failsafe (also 

known as One-key Go-home) in the Assistant Software ->Basic

->R/C ->Control Mode.

 

OFF Course Lock Home Lock

3-position switch (S2) on the Transmitter for Intelligent 

Orientation Control (IOC). Set the switch to OFF in basic flight.

This function is defaulted to off. If you want to use this function,

enable it in the Assistant Software. Use IOC when you are 

familiar with basic flight.

CE FCC

The compliance version can be reconfigured by twisting the 

potentiometer knob on the back of the transmitter using a flathead 

screwdriver. For CE compliance, set the transmitter to CE 

compliance by carefully turning the potentiometer knob to the full 

counter clock-wise position. For FCC compliance, set the 

transmitter to FCC compliance by carefully turning the 

potentiometer knob to the full clock-wise position. Users should 

follow their local regulations accordingly.

You can change the operation mode of the Transmitter according to the “PHANTOM RC Assistant Software

Description” section if necessary.

Link between the Transmitter and Receiver

There is a 5.8G receiver in the PHANTOM FC40, with the link button and indicator located in the battery compartment. 

The link between the transmitter and aircraft is already established for you so you can initially skip this procedure. If you 

ever replace the transmitter, re-establishing the link is required.

Link Procedures 

1.

2.

Power off transmitter and power on aircraft. You will see the link indicator blinking red.

Press link button and hold until the link indicator blinks yellow. Release the link button.
©2013-2014 DJI Innovations. All Rights Reserved. 10 |

3. Power on transmitter and link indicator should switch off. This indicates that the link has been successfully 

established.

Link Indicator 

Link Indicator Description Operation 

No signal received. Switch on transmitter or perform a link procedure.

 

In link status. Switch on transmitter.

 
©2013-2014 DJI Innovations. All Rights Reserved. 11 |

Before Flying

1. Installing the Transmitter Batteries 

1. Open battery compartment cover of the transmitter.

2. Install 4x AA battery (5#) in accordance with the + /- pole.

3. Close battery compartment cover of the transmitter.

 

(1) DO NOT use PHANTOM FC40 transmitter (receiver) with other third party remote control 

equipment. 

(2) When battery voltage is lower than 4.5V, the transmitter will beep slowly, matched with a slowly 

blinking red LED. When this occurs, please change the battery.

(3) When battery voltage is lower than 3.9V, the transmitter will beep rapidly matched with a rapidly 

blinking red LED. When this occurs, please change the battery.

(4) Risk of explosion if replaced by an incorrect type.

(5) Dispose of used batteries according to the instructions.

(6) Remove batteries after use.

 

2. Preparing the Flight Battery – LiPo Battery 

Please use the full charged battery of 3S LiPo. 

(Recommended parameters: 733496 - 2200MAH - 20C-11.1V.) 

The built-in ESCs of PHANTOM FC40 ONLY support 3S (11.1V) power supply. DO NOT use the battery of higher 

voltage. 

 

3. Fitting the Propellers 

1. (Fig.1) Remove four warning cards from the motors after you read them.

2. (Fig.2) Prepare two grey nut propellers and two black nut propellers. Make sure to match the black nut 

propellers with the correctly marked black dot motors. Tighten the propellers according to the fastening 

instructions ( ). DO NOT use any thread locker on the threads.

3. (Fig.3) Keep motor deadlocked in place with a assistant wrench (or one hand) and remove the propellers 

according to the un-fastening instructions ( ).

 

 Fig.1 Fig.2 Fig.3 
©2013-2014 DJI Innovations. All Rights Reserved. 12 |

4. Mounting the Landing Gears with the Compass Module if Required 

If the GPS Mode is desired, you must first mount the landing gear which contains the compass module.

1. Prepare aircraft and landing gears.

2. Mount the landing gear with compass module to the right part (shown as the following chart); make sure the 

5-pin cable is through the hole of the landing gear. Fix the landing gear with screws (M3x6), and then connect 

the 5-pin cable to the compass module.

3. Mount the other landing gear to the left part.

4. Fix antennas and 5-pin cable on both landing gears by using the white adhesive tape.

 Landing Gear Mounting Compass Module Connecting

(1) When flying, please make sure the compass module is stationary and firm.

(2) If the landing gear with the compass module mount on has been deformed, please replace it with a 

new one and mount it as the procedures above.

(3) Compass module is not waterproof, and not anti-oil.

(4) DO NOT use magnetic screwdriver. Otherwise, keep the screwdriver at least 10cm away from the 

compass module, to avoid magnetic interference.

 

5. Powering on the Transmitter 

1. Set S1 and S2 switches to the upper most position and all sticks are at mid-point 

2. Turn power switch to the right end to power on the transmitter.

3. There is a power on indicator beep. If the transmitter is set to be CE compliant, then there will be one beep 

while the FCC compliant version will emit 2 beeps. The power indicator blinks green quickly indicating the 

transmitter and receiver is linking. Once fully linked, the power indicator will change to a solid green.
©2013-2014 DJI Innovations. All Rights Reserved. 13 |

 

Power Indicator Status Information 

Power indicator Sound Transmitter State 

None Functioning normally.

None Establishing a link between the transmitter and the receiver.

B-B-B...... Low voltage (at 3.9V-4.5V), should replace the batteries immediately.

BBBB 

Low voltage (lower than 3.9V). The transmitter will automatically power off. 

Batteries should be replaced immediately.

B-B-B...... 

The transmitter will give a visual indication of an alarm after 15 minutes of 

non-operation. The alarm status will disappear once you start operation of the 

transmitter.

The transmitter will blink the LED and sound an alert when the voltage drops below 3.9V and automatically 

power off after 3 seconds.

 

6. Powering on the Aircraft 

1. Place aircraft on the ground

2. Open battery compartment cover of the aircraft.

3. Put battery into the compartment with the power cord facing outward.

4. Connect battery and aircraft by the power lead and make sure the ESCs work properly. (Correct sound)

5. Keep all sticks of the transmitter and the aircraft stationary until the system start and self-check has finished 

( ).

6. Put power cable into the battery compartment.

7. Close battery compartment cover.

8. LED flight indicator may blink Yellow 4 times quickly ( ). Start motor is disabled during LED flight indicator

blinking Yellow 4 times quickly ( ), as the system is warming up.

ESC Sound 

Sound ESC State 

1234567 Ready

BBBBBB... Throttle stick is not at bottom

B--------B--------B... Input signal abnormal

BB---BB---BB---BB... Input voltage abnormal

 

 

(1) Contact your dealer if the “System start and self-check LED flashes” are not correct (LED flight 
©2013-2014 DJI Innovations. All Rights Reserved. 14 |

indicator appears red in the last four green flashes) in the Step5.

(2) After the system start and self-checking has finished, if the LED flight indicator blinks Red, Yellow 

and Green continually, that means the IMU data is abnormal. The PHANTOM FC40 will not work, 

please connect to the NAZA-M V2 Assistant Software and follow the tips to do operation. 

(3) If it blinks red and yellow lights alternately ( ), that means the compass error is too big, it 

can be caused by the following three cases. Please connect to the NAZA-M V2 Assistant Software, 

select the “Tools” tab and follow the tips of the “IMU Calibration” to do operation.

a) There are ferromagnetic substance around; first make sure that the compass has been 

calibrated correctly, you can lift the aircraft up (about 1m from the ground), and stay away from 

the surrounding possible ferromagnetic material object, if there is no red and yellow flashing 

after lifting it up about 1m from the ground, then it will not affect the flight.

b) Compass module had been put near a magnet; in this situation please timely replace the 

compass for a new one, otherwise it will lead to some abnormal action, or even loss of control.

c) Compass is not properly calibrated; in this situation please calibrate the compass correctly 

again, please see the “Compass Calibration” section for details.

 
©2013-2014 DJI Innovations. All Rights Reserved. 15 |

7. Compass Calibration 

If the compass module is not used, you can skip this step.

The GPS module has a built-in magnetic field sensor for measuring the geomagnetic field, which is not the same in 

different areas. The GPS module will not work unless the compass module has been connected. Make sure the compass 

module connection is correct.

Always keep the compass module away from the magnet. If this situation occurs please change the compass module 

before flying. Otherwise it may damage the compass module and lead the aircraft to work abnormally or even be out of 

control.

Calibrate the compass before the first flight or when flying in a different area. Make sure to keep away from 

ferromagnetic substance and other electronic equipment when calibrating or flying. If you keep having calibration 

failure, it might suggest that there is magnetic interference or other ferromagnetic substance, please avoid flying in this 

area.

If you have calibration failure or the LED flight indicator blinks red and yellow lights alternately ( ), please 

connect to the Assistant Software, select the “Tools” tab and follow the tips of the “IMU Calibration” to do operation.

1. Quickly switch control mode switch from GPS Mode to ATTI. Mode and back 

to GPS Mode for 6 to 10 times, The LED flight indicator will turn to constantly 

yellow.

2. Rotate your aircraft around the horizontal axis (about 360o) until the LED

flight indicator changes to constant green, and then go to the next step.

3. Hold your aircraft vertically and rotate it (its nose is downward) around the 

vertical axis (about 360o) until the LED flight indicator turns off, meaning the 

calibration is finished.

4. If calibration was successful, calibration mode will exit automatically. If the 

calibration has failed, the LED flight indicator keeps flashing quickly Red. 

Switch the control mode switch one time to cancel the calibration, and then 

re-start from step 1.

GPS Mode

ATTI. Mode

 

GPS Mode -> ATTI. Mode -> GPS

Mode is one time,quickly switch 

6 to 10 times

Horizontal Rotation Vertical Rotation
©2013-2014 DJI Innovations. All Rights Reserved. 16 |

Flight Test

Test Procedure 

1. If in GPS Mode, place the aircraft in an open space without buildings or trees. Take off the aircraft after 6 or 

more GPS satellites are found (LED flight indicator blinks red once or no blinking). If in ATTI. Mode, you can skip 

this step.

2. Place aircraft 3 meters away from you and others, to avoid accidental injury.

3. Start-up

a) Switch on transmitter first, then power on aircraft! Keep the aircraft stationary until the system start and 

self-check has finished.

b) Please wait for system to warm up gradually with LED flight indicator blinks Yellow 4 times quickly ( ). 

You should not start the motors until the blinking disappears.

c) Keep aircraft stationary, and execute any one CSC to start the motors.

 

d) Release yaw, roll and pitch sticks and keep them at neutral position, at the same time raise the throttle stick 

from the bottom. The motors will stop if you do not push the throttle stick from the bottom within 3 sec and 

you will need to re-start the motors.

e) Keep raising throttle stick until all the motors are working, push the throttle stick to the mid position and then 

take-off your aircraft gently, pay attention not to push the stick excessively.

f) Pay attention to the aircraft movement at any time, and use the sticks to adjust the aircraft's position. Keep the 

yaw, roll, pitch and throttle sticks at the mid position to hover the aircraft at desired height.

4. Lower aircraft slowly until touch down is achieved. The motors will stop automatically after 3 seconds, or you can 

repeat the start-up stick command to stop the motors sooner.

5. Please always power off aircraft first, and then switch off transmitter after landing.

 

(1) At the first motors start, the system will check the sensors Bias and you are asked to keep the 

aircraft stationary (no need of horizontal level). If you cannot start the motors and the LED flight 

indicator blinks Green 6 times quickly ( ), it means that the sensor error is too big. Please 

connect the NAZA-M V2 Assistant Software, enter the "Tools" - > IMU calibration, carry out the basic 

calibration. Note: after the first successful motors start, this checking will be disabled and it is no 

need any more to keep the aircraft stationary during starting motors.

(2) If in GPS Mode, keep the aircraft flying in the open space without obstruction. Pay attention to the 

GPS satellite status indicator. When the GPS signal has been lost for 3s (LED flight indicator blinks

red twice or three times), the system enters ATTI. Mode automatically.

(3) If battery voltage is too low for flying, the aircraft enters the first level protection with LED flight 

indicator flashing quickly Red, please land ASAP. Once the aircraft enters the second level 

protection, the aircraft will drop height automatically. 

(4) If you want to put the PHANTOM FC40 in a car, please keep it away from the speaker, since the 

compass module may be magnetized.

(5) DO NOT fly near to ferromagnetic substances, to avoid strong magnetic interference with the GPS.

(6) It is recommended to land the aircraft slowly, to prevent the aircraft from damage when landing.

(7) If transmitter indicates low battery alert, please land ASAP. In this condition the transmitter may 

cause the aircraft to go out of control or even crash.
©2013-2014 DJI Innovations. All Rights Reserved. 17 |

The Failsafe and How to Regain Control

Introduction of Go-Home and Landing 

1

Record Home Point Home Point 2

Tx 3Tx

5

Tx

Signal lost

Tx

PHANTOM FC40

4

Tx Signal lost >3s

Stay hover

Ready to Go-Home Current location ≤ 20m Current location > 20m

6

Ground

20m Ascend first Go-Home Hover 15s, then land Go-Home

Home-point: Every time you power on, after first motors start, and if 6 or more GPS satellites are found (LED flight 

indicator blinks red once or no blinking) for 10 seconds, the current position of aircraft will be saved as home-point by 

controller automatically. 

 

(1) Please make sure to record the home-point during flight, and clearly know where it is.

(2) During go-home the nose direction of the aircraft is facing toward the home-point, and the aircraft is 

flying directly from the current position to the home-point.

The flowchart of failsafe and how to regain control

(3)Turn off the transmitter (we assume you want to trigger failsafe)

(1) The aircraft flies far away, transmitter is on but the signal is weak. Attitude Mode: In Attitude Mode as soon as you get signal you can regain control. GPS Mode: switch the transmitter mode switch S1 to the middle position (ATTI. Mode), if the receiver is connected, then you will regain control. Attitude Mode: (1) the aircraft will level its attitude immediately (2) 3 secs later, failsafe is triggered and aircraft will start to go home. (3) If signal is regained during (1) or (2), it will resume normal flight immediately. GPS Mode: (1) the aircraft will slow down and hover. (2) if the signal is restored within 3 seconds (transmitter and receiver connected), the system will immediately return to normal operation; does not enter failsafe. (3) if not reconnected within 3sec, the system will enter failsafe, then even if the signal is restored, the system will not exit failsafe.

We strongly recommend you DO NOT try “Turn off the transmitter”, because there are three types of risk: (1) You must be pretty clear whether the Home-point is OK for landing or not. (You have to understand the definition of Home-point well and the working process of failsafe) (2) If there are tall buildings around, the aircraft may be obstructed on the way. (3) When GPS signal is bad or GPS is not working, failsafe will not work.

In this case, the behavior of the aircraft is the same as in the above condition. If you want the aircraft to Return Home, please do not turn the transmitter back on within 3 seconds*, otherwise the aircraft will exit failsafe mode immediately. When you turn off the transmitter, use the following method to regain control: (1) Switch the transmitter S1 switch to GPS. position. (2) and then put the throttle stick to lowest position, you can now turn the transmitter back on (greater than 5secs after switching off, important), then put throttle stick to the center position immediately. If you hear the transmitter alarm, make sure the throttle stick is at the bottom position before moving to the center position. (3) then you can switch the transmitter S1 switch to the middle position (ATTI. Mode) to regain control.

If you choose to turn off the transmitter, you must be pretty sure that you know how to regain control. Here we offer a method, please read carefully.

This section will demonstrate the working logic of failsafe and how to regain control. The following description is effective only when: 1. The aircraft is in flight. 2. The GPS works normally and signal is GOOD (≥6 satellite, the LED flight indicator blinks a single red light or no red light).

Note: if you start the motors, but do not push the throttle to take-off the aircraft, in this case it is very dangerous to turn off the transmitter, because the aircraft will take off automatically, so do not try this.

The aircraft behavior after failsafe How to regain control Precautions

What triggered failsafe

* If signal lost for more than 3 seconds failsafe will be triggered, if signal regained within 3 seconds it will exit failsafe immediately.

(2) One position of switch S1 is set as “Failsafe” in the Assistant software, and you toggle the S1 to “Failsafe” position during flight. The aircraft will slow down and hover. Then the system will enter failsafe mode after 3 seconds. Switch the transmitter mode switch S1 to the middle position (ATTI. Mode), then you will regain control.
©2013-2014 DJI Innovations. All Rights Reserved. 18 |

Low Voltage Alert

Low Voltage Alert is to indicate that the battery cannot provide enough power for the aircraft, in order to warn you 

to land the aircraft ASAP. There are both first level and second level protections. You should land your aircraft 

ASAP to prevent your aircraft from crashing or other harmful consequences!!!

In ATTI. Mode & GPS Mode.

 First level protection has LED flight indicator warning.

 During second level protection the aircraft will land automatically with LED flight indicator warning. 

Meanwhile the center point of throttle stick will move up slowly to 90% of endpoint, you should land ASAP 

to prevent your aircraft from crashing! When the center point is at 90% of endpoint, aircraft will still ascend 

slowly if you continue to pull the throttle stick, and the control of Pitch, Roll and Yaw are the same as before.

(1) Configure the FailSafe function in the NAZA-M V2 Assistant Software -> “Advanced” -> “F/S” and 

read the instruction thoroughly and carefully.

(2) Configure the Low Voltage Alert function in the NAZA-M V2 Assistant Software -> “Advanced” -> 

“Voltage” and read the instruction thoroughly and carefully.
©2013-2014 DJI Innovations. All Rights Reserved. 19 |

Using the DJI FC40 

1. Installing the Mobile Device Mount 

 

Tighten screws Mount mobile device

2. Installing the Camera Mount 

1. (Fig.1) Attach vibration absorption.

2. (Fig.2) Attach connector to aircraft.

3. (Fig.3) Tighten screws.

 

Fig.1 Fig.2

Fig.3
©2013-2014 DJI Innovations. All Rights Reserved. 20

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3. Installing the Camera 

1. (Fig.1) Plug Micro-SD card into camera.

2. (Fig.2) Install camera in camera mount.

3. (Fig.3) Make sure camera faces outwards then attach cover.

 

Fig.1 Fig.2 Fig.3

4. Camera Functions 

 

[1] LED Status 

Status Indicator Conditions 

Recording

Charging. Power off when charged.

Low Power

Off Power Off

Auto Power Off (5 Minutes Idle)

Wi-Fi Connecting

Memory Full or Micro-SD Card Error

 

 
©2013-2014 DJI Innovations. All Rights Reserved. 21 |

[2] Power Button 

Power on: Press power button once to turn on camera.

Power off: Press power button for 5 seconds to turn off camera.

See diagram. Press button on camera mount to turn camera on and off.

 

[3] Micro-USB Port 

Use Micro-USB port and Micro-USB cable for charging.

 

[4] Micro-SD Card Slot 

Insert Micro-SD Card.

Remember to remove photos from the card after each flight to ensure space for the next one.

 

[5] Record Button 

Record: Press record button for 3 seconds for video. Press again to stop recording. 

5. Downloading and Installing the DJI FC40 App

Download and install approaches

Approach 1 

Scan QR code to read the download link. Download and install the DJI FC40 App on your mobile device. 

You can find the QR code on the ‘Quick Start Guide’ as well as on the packaging of the PHANTOM 

FC40.

Approach 2

iOS user Search “DJI FC40” from App Store, download and install on your mobile device.

Android user Search “DJI FC40” from Google Play, download and install on your mobile device.

Supported mobile devices 

iOS (iOS6 or above)

Recommended: iPhone4s, iPhone5 or above, iPod Touch4, iPod Touch5; Available 

but not recommended: iPAD3, iPAD4, iPAD mini.
©2013-2014 DJI Innovations. All Rights Reserved. 22

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Android (System 4.0 or above) Samsung Galaxy S3, S4, Note2, Note3 or mobile devices of similar configuration.

6. Connecting the DJI FC40 App 

To connect a mobile device, follow the instructions below.

1. Turn on camera

2. Enable Wi-Fi on your mobile device. Select FC40_xxxxxx from your Wi-Fi 

networks.

3. Run the DJI FC40 App. This will start a live camera preview. When you 

see this, everything is ready.

 Tap “Refresh”to try again if connection fails.

 

7. DJI FC40 App Functions 

Camera Page

[1]

[2]

[4]

[3]

[5]

[6]

[7]

[8]

[1]

[2]

[3]

[4]

[5]

[6]

[7]

[8]

Tap to return to preview page.

Tap to zoom in.

Tap to zoom out.

Tap to enter album page.

Camera page.

Tap to enter settings.

Tap to take photo.

Tap to start and stop video recording.

 

Album Page - Photo

[1]

[3]

[2]

[1]

[2]

[3]

Tap to view photos.

Tap to delete item.

Thumb nail. Tap to view a single photo or 

move the photo to your mobile device.
©2013-2014 DJI Innovations. All Rights Reserved. 23

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Album Page - Video

[1] [2]

[1]

[2]

Tap to view videos.

Thumb nail. Tap to play a single video or move 

a video to your mobile device.

 

Settings Page 

[1]

[2]

[3]

[1]

[2]

[3]

Set time.

Tap to format SD card.

(Make sure you backup photos before 

formatting.)

View version information.

 
©2013-2014 DJI Innovations. All Rights Reserved. 24

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Assistant Software Installation and Configuration

Installing the Driver and Assistant Software 

The NAZA-M V2 Assistant Software and the PHANTOM RC Assistant Software are used for advanced adjustments of 

the PHANTOM FC40. Please follow the steps below to install the Driver and Assistant Software.

1. Download 2.Connect 3.Install Driver 4.Install Software 

Download driver 

installer and 

Assistant Software

installer from the DJI 

website.

Connect Micro-USB port 

of PHANTOM FC40 to a 

USB port of PC via a

Micro-USB cable.

Run driver installer 

and follow the 

prompts to finish 

installation.

Run Assistant Software

installer and follow the 

prompts to finish 

installation.

NAZA-M V2 and PHANTOM RC Assistant Software currently only support Windows operating systems 

(Win XP, Win7, Win8 (32 or 64 bit)).

Using the NAZA-M Assistant Software on a PC 

1. Start up your PC, power on PHANTOM FC40, and then connect PHANTOM FC40 to your PC with a 

Micro-USB cable. DO NOT disconnect until configuration is finished.

2. Run t NAZA-M Assistant Software and wait for the PHANTOM FC40 to connect to the Assistant Software. 

Observe the indicators on the bottom left of the screen. When connected successfully, the connection 

indicator is and communication indicator is blinking .

3. Choose [Basic] or [Advanced] configuration pages.

4. View and check current configuration in the [View] page.

Language swap View configurations

Connection indicator Communication indicator

Mixer type, Mounting, RC, Gain Motor, F/S, IOC, Gimbal, Voltage IMU calibration Firmware upgrade Account, software version

*This image is for reference only. Please refer to the actual user interface.

Compass calibration
©2013-2014 DJI Innovations. All Rights Reserved. 25

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Firmware Upgrade of the PHANTOM FC40

Please follow the procedures to upgrade the firmware; otherwise the PHANTOM FC40 might not work properly.

1. An internet connection is required to upgrade the PHANTOM FC40’s firmware.

2. Click [Upgrade] icon to check the current firmware version and whether the installed firmware is the latest

version. If not, click the relative links to upgrade.

3. Be sure to wait until the Assistant Software shows “finished”. Click OK and power cycle the PHANTOM FC40

after 5 seconds. Once completed, the firmware is up to date.

Firmware upgradable items

Current firmware version Upgrade link

*This image is for reference only. Please refer to the actual user interface.

(1) DO NOT power off until the upgrade is finished.

(2) If firmware upgrade failed, the main controller will enter a waiting for firmware upgrade status 

automatically. If this happens, repeat the above procedures.

PHANTOM RC Assistant Software Description

Please follow the procedures to finish the configuration of the transmitter.

1. Find Micro-USB port in the transmitter. Transmitter’s bottom cover should be removed. Refer to DJI Wiki 

“Firmware Upgrading of the 5.8G Remote Controller” section for details.

2. Start up PC, power on transmitter, and then connect the transmitter to your PC with a Micro-USB cable. DO 

NOT disconnect until the configuration is finished.

3. Run PHANTOM RC Assistant Software and wait for transmitter to connect to the Assistant Software. 

Observe the indicators on the bottom left of the screen. When connected successfully, the connection 

indicator is and communication indicator is blinking .

4. Finish configurations in the [Main] page.

5. Finish upgrade in the [Info] page if necessary.
©2013

-2014 DJI Innovations. All Rights Reserved. 26

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Languageswap

Mainpage

Connectionindicator

Communicationindicator

Firmwareupgrade

Account,software

version

*Thisimageisfor

referenceonly.Please

refertotheactual

userinterface.
©2013-2014 DJI Innovations. All Rights Reserved. 27

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IOC Function

The IOC function should be enabled in the NAZA-M V2 Assistant Software.

IOC Help users to set the Flying direction; Should be enabled in Assistant Software.

Flying direction Flying direction of aircraft when pushing the Roll and Pitch sticks.

Forward direction Flying direction of aircraft when the pitch stick is pushed forward.

Normal flying 

IOC is disabled. Forward direction is pointing to the nose direction and changes 

along with the nose.

CL flying

Course Lock. Its forward direction is pointing to the nose direction when recording, 

which is fixed until you re-record it or exit from CL.

HL flying

Home Lock. Record a Home Point (HP), push Pitch stick to control the aircraft far 

from or near to the HP.

 

Conditions of IOC function 

Flying IOC Setting Control Mode Device Required GPS Satellites Distance Limits

Normal ---- ---- ---- Basic to control mode None 

CL Enabled Not in Manual Compass None None 

HL Enabled GPS GPS GPS Satellites number≥6

≥10m Aircraft HP 

Step 1 IOC switch setting 

Please enable the IOC function in Advanced->IOC page of Assistant Software. Then choose a 3-positon switch on the 

Transmitter to set as IOC switch, which is used to select the different IOC modes and manually record the Forward

direction and HP recording.

Below is the IOC switch setting which may be configured in the Assistant Software. 

IOC Switch

IOC Function OFF Course Lock Home Lock

Above table is for example. The function of the switch position may be reversed since the normal/reversed 

setting of the switch channel. Toggle the switch and observe the slider position of channel X2 on the 

Assistant Software screen, the corresponding area should turn blue.

Step 2 Forward direction and HP recording 

After you enable the IOC in Assistant Software, the flight control system will record the forward direction and home 
©2013-2014 DJI Innovations. All Rights Reserved. 28

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point automatically after powered on, if the recording conditions are met. You can Manually re-record the forward 

direction and home point during flying. Read the following table for the recording method details.

CL HL

Aims Record a direction as Forward direction Record a position as HP

Conditions 30secs after power on

30secs after power on; 10secs later after GPS 

Satellite number≥6; Motors have been started.

Automatically

Automatically record at 30secs after power 

on

Automatically record at the first time you push the 

throttle stick

Manually

Quickly toggle the switch between adjacent positions 3-5 times to record manually.

Forward direction HP

Successful LED flight indicator will blink Green quickly if successfully recorded.

 

(1) DO NOT toggle the switch between the OFF and Home Lock positions frequently, which may 

re-record the Forward Direction.

(2) HP is used not only in IOC, but also in Failsafe. The flight control system will automatically record 

the HP even if IOC function is disabled in Assistant Software but Forward direction can be recorded 

only after IOC is enabled.

 

Step 3 IOC flying test

Please study the following diagram then make a IOC flying test. IOC LED indicator blinks during flying, and 

means stick(s) not at the midpoint.

HP Flying direction Forward direction Route Auxiliary line

Flying 

IOC

switch

Record 

Pitch stick control of aircraft Roll stick control of aircraft

Normal OFF None
©2013-2014 DJI Innovations. All Rights Reserved. 29

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CL CL

HL HL

>10m

>10m

>

10m

>

10m

DO NOT toggle the IOC switch frequently in HL flying to avoid re-recording the HP unwittingly.

IOC function is available only when all the required conditions are satisfied. If any condition is omitted the 

flight control system will exit IOC. Please keep an eye on the LED flight indicator to know the current control 

mode.

 

(1) It’s recommended to start the HL flight when the aircraft is >10m away from the HP. If starting the 

HL when the distance between aircraft and HP is less than 10m and it’s the first time you start HL 

after power on, then the flight control system will only enter HL after flying out of the 10m range.

(2) During HL flying if one of the following conditions occur, the flight control system will exit HL and 

enter into CL: the aircraft is within of 10m from HP; the control mode is changed to ATTI; GPS 

satellite number<6 (The LED flight indicator blinks red twice or three times).
©2013-2014 DJI Innovations. All Rights Reserved. 30

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Appendix

LED Flight Indicator Description

System Status LED Flashing

System start and self-check

IMU abnormal data

Warm up after power on

Bias of sensors too big

Compass error too big

Transmitter signal lost

Low Voltage Alert

Record forward direction or home point

Control Mode Indictor

Manual Mode: None

ATTI. Mode: ( stick(s) not at center )

GPS Mode: ( stick(s) not at center )

IOC Mode: ( stick(s) not at center )

GPS Signal State Indicator

(GPS/Compass Module is necessary)

GPS Signal is Best(GPS Satellite number > 6): None

GPS Signal is Well(GPS Satellite number = 6): 

GPS Signal is Bad (GPS Satellite number = 5) : 

GPS Signal is Worst (GPS Satellite number < 5): 

Compass Calibration LED Flashing 

Begin horizontal calibration

Begin vertical calibration

Calibration or others error

 

Specifications of the Aircraft

Parameters Range 

Operating Temperature -10°C ~ 50°C

Power Consumption 3.12W

Supported Battery ONLY 3S LiPo

Take-off Weight <1200g

Hovering Accuracy (GPS Mode) Vertical: ± 0.8m. Horizontal: ± 2.5m

Max Yaw Angular Velocity 200°/s

Max Tilt Angle 35°
©2013-2014 DJI Innovations. All Rights Reserved. 31 |

Max Ascent / Descent Speed 6m/s

Max Flight Velocity 10m/s

Diagonal distance (motor center to motor center) 350mm

Weight

Weight(with Battery)

670g

800g

Specifications of the FC40

Parameters Range 

Image sensor HD 720p/30fps

Resolution 1280*720

Lens Aperture f/2.2

FOV 100 degree wide angle 

Focal range Minimum distance of 25cm

Wireless IEEE 802.11 b/g compliance 

Wireless mode Direct mode

Mobile Wi-Fi video size WQVGA

Storage Micro SD/SDHC/SDXC up to 64GB 

Battery Built-in 700 mAh Li-ion battery