©2013 DJI Innovations. All Rights Reserved.1 | 

PHANTOM 2 User Manual V1.04 

For PHANTOM 2 Main Controller Firmware version V1.08

& PHANTOM 2 Assistant Software version V1.08

& PHANTOM RC Assistant Software version V1.0

December 26, 2013 Revision

Congratulations on purchasing your new DJI product. Please thoroughly read the entire contents of this manual to 

fully use and understand the product.

It is advised that you regularly check the PHANTOM 2’s product page at www.dji.com which is updated on a 

regular basis. This will provide services such as product information, technical updates and manual corrections. Due 

to any unforeseen changes or product upgrades, the information contained within this manual is subject to change 

without notice.

DJI and PHANTOM 2 are registered trademarks of DJI. Names of product, brand, etc., appearing in this manual are 

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

righted by DJI with all rights reserved.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your product, please contact your dealer or DJI Customer Service.
©2013 DJI Innovations. All Rights Reserved. 2 |

Content 

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

IN THE BOX.....................................................................................................................3

REQUIRED ITEMS............................................................................................................3

SYMBOL LEGEND ............................................................................................................3

1. PHANTOM 2 AIRCRAFT ...............................................................................................4

1.1 BUILT-IN FLIGHT CONTROL SYSTEM INSTRUCTIONS..................................................................4

1.2 CONNECTIONS WITH OTHER DJI PRODUCTS...........................................................................4

1.3 LED FLIGHT INDICATORS DESCRIPTION .................................................................................7

1.4 NOTES FOR PHANTOM 2 USING WITH OTHER DJI PRODUCTS ..................................................8

2 PROPELLERS.................................................................................................................9

2.1 ASSEMBLY.......................................................................................................................9

2.2 DISASSEMBLY ..................................................................................................................9

2.3 NOTES ...........................................................................................................................9

3 REMOTE CONTROLLER...............................................................................................10

3.1 POWER ON THE REMOTE CONTROLLER ...............................................................................10

3.2 REMOTE CONTROLLER POWER LED INDICATOR STATUS ..........................................................10

3.3 ANTENNA ORIENTATION ..................................................................................................11

3.4 REMOTE CONTROLLER OPERATION ....................................................................................11

3.5 LINKING THE REMOTE CONTROLLER& BUILT-IN RECEIVER ........................................................13

4 INTELLIGENT BATTERY ...............................................................................................14

4.1 CHARGING PROCEDURES..................................................................................................14

4.2 INSTALL THE BATTERY ......................................................................................................15

4.3 BATTERY USAGE.............................................................................................................15

4.4 DESCRIPTION OF THE BATTERY LEVEL INDICATOR...................................................................16

4.5 CORRECT BATTERY USAGE NOTES ......................................................................................17

5 CALIBRATING THE COMPASS......................................................................................18

5.1 CALIBRATION WARNINGS .................................................................................................18

5.2 CALIBRATION PROCEDURES ..............................................................................................18

5.3 WHEN RECALIBRATION IS REQUIRED ..................................................................................18

6 FLIGHT .......................................................................................................................19

6.1 FLYING ENVIRONMENT REQUIREMENTS ..............................................................................19

6.2 STARTING THE MOTORS...................................................................................................19

6.3 TAKEOFF/LANDING PROCEDURES.......................................................................................19

6.4 FAILSAFE FUNCTION........................................................................................................20

6.5 LOW BATTERY CAPACITY WARNING FUNCTION.....................................................................21

7 ASSISTANT SOFTWARE INSTALLATION AND CONFIGURATION....................................23

7.1 INSTALL DRIVER AND PHANTOM 2 ASSISTANT SOFTWARE....................................................23

7.2 USING THE PHANTOM 2 ASSISTANT SOFTWARE ON A PC.....................................................24

7.3 FIRMWARE UPGRADE OF PHANTOM 2 .............................................................................25

7.4 PHANTOM RC ASSISTANT SOFTWARE DESCRIPTION............................................................26

8 APPENDIX..................................................................................................................27

8.1 SPECIFICATIONS..............................................................................................................27

8.2 LED FLIGHT INDICATORS DESCRIPTION ...............................................................................27
©2013 DJI Innovations. All Rights Reserved.3 | 

In the Box 

PHANTOM 2 2.4GHz Remote Controller Propeller Pair

Intelligent Battery Charger Plug Set

Screwdriver Assistant Wrench Cables

Micro-USB Cable Screws Accessories Box

 

Required Items

AA Battery X4

Symbol Legend

Forbidden(Important) Caution Tip Reference
©2013 DJI Innovations. All Rights Reserved.4 | 

1. PHANTOM 2 Aircraft

[1]

[2]

[3]

[4]

[5]

[6]

[7]

[8]

[10]

[11]

[9]

Figure 1-1 Figure 1-2

[1]Propeller [2]Motor [3]Front Side [4]Front LEDs [5]Micro-USB Port [6]Landing Gear [7]Receiver 

Antenna [8]CAN-Bus Connector [9]LED Flight Indicators [10]DJI Intelligent Battery [11]Compass

1.1 Built-in Flight Control System Instructions

The built-in flight control system is used to control the entire aircraft’s functions in flight such as Pitch (forwards 

and backwards), Roll (left and right), Elevator (up and down) and Yaw (turn left or right). The flight controller 

contains the MC (Main Controller), IMU, GPS, compass, receiver.

The IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) has a built-in inertial sensor and a barometric altimeter that measures both 

attitude and altitude. The compass reads geomagnetic information which assists the GPS (Global Position System) 

to accurately calculate the aircrafts position and height in order to lock the aircraft in a stable hover. The receiver is 

used to communicate with the remote controller and the MC acts as the brains of the complete flight control 

system connecting and controlling all the modules together.

The PHANTOM 2 can be configured in the Assistant Software, by choosing Naza-M mode or Phantom

2 mode. This manual is for Phantom 2 mode. Please refer to the Naza-M V2 Quick Start Manual for 

more information.

1.2 Connections with Other DJI Products

PHANTOM 2 is compatible with other DJI products, including ZENMUSE H3-2D gimbal,iOSD mini,iOSD Mark II. 

Below are connections for these products and wireless video transmission module.

Compass Mount position of gimbal Mount the H3-2D gimbal using 4 screws.

CAN-Bus Connector

Video Cable To the iOSD module or wireless video transmission module. 8-Pin Cable To the G8 port on the H3-2D gimbal.

5-Pin Cable To the compass.

Figure 1-3
©2013 DJI Innovations. All Rights Reserved.5 | 

The PHANTOM 2 will support the PC Ground Station and iPAD Ground Station function in the 

January 2014.

(1) The video cable can provide power for the wireless video transmission module with a battery

voltage (11.1V~12.6V) and a maximum current 2A.

(2) Make sure the working current of the wireless video transmission module you connect can work 

with an operational voltage between 11.1V~12.6V and the total working current of the iOSD and 

wireless video transmission module is under 2A, as an overcurrent will damage the central 

board’s components. If the total current exceeds 2A, please be sure to provide power supplied 

from a separate power source for the wireless video transmission module.

(3) PHANTOM 2 uses a 2.4GHz RC system. To avoid communication interference, it’s not 

recommended to use other 2.4GHz devices (including 2.4G wifi or 2.4G wireless video 

transmission module) except the 2.4G Bluetooth and 2.4G Datalink.

(4) Be sure to keep the wireless video transmission module and other communicating devices away 

from the compass during installation and connection to avoid interference.

(1) Connecting the H3-2D gimbal and wireless video transmission module

ZENMUSE H3-2D

Compass

VIDEO VIDEO GND

Batt+ Wireless Batt- video transmission module Transmitter

Description of the Video Cable (sequence by color) VIDEO GND VBat+

VIDEO

GND

Figure 1-4
©2013 DJI Innovations. All Rights Reserved.6 | 

(2) Connecting the H3-2D gimbal, iOSD mini and wireless video transmission module 

ZENMUSE H3-2D

Compass CAN-Bus Connector

VIDEO GND VBat+ GND VIDEO GND VIDEO

Batt+ Batt- VIDEO

DJI

Description of the Video Cable (sequence by color) Wireless video transmission module Transmitter

Figure 1-5

(1) Connecting the H3-2D gimbal, iOSD mini and DJI specified wireless video transmission module AVL58 

ZENMUSE H3-2D

Compass

DJI

DJI specified wireless video transmission module AVL58 Transmitter

CAN-Bus connector

VIDEO GND VBat+ GND

VIDEO Description of the Video Cable (sequence by color)

 

Figure 1-6

We recommend connecting the VBat+ port of the video cable to the two BATT+ ports of the AVL58 

simultaneously. The same is true of the GND port of the video cable and two BATT- ports.
©2013 DJI Innovations. All Rights Reserved.7 | 

(2) Connecting the H3-2D gimbal, iOSD Mark II and wireless video transmission module 

ZENMUSE H3-2D

VBat+ GND

VIDEO

DJI

VIDEO GND Wireless video transmission module Transmitter specified by DJI(AVL58) OR Other wireless video transmission module Transmitter

CAN-Bus Connector Compass

Description of the Video Cable (sequence by color)

Figure 1-7

The diagram below illustrates the conneciton between the iOSD Mark II and the wireless video transmission module.

iOSD Mark II Other wireless video transmission module Transmitter VIDEO GND VIDEO

BATT- Batt- BATT- BATT+ BATT+ UART UART AV-OUT AV-GND

Batt- Batt+ Batt+

Wireless video transmission module AVL58 Transmitter specified by DJI iOSD Mark II

AV-OUT AV-GND

BATT- BATT- BATT+ BATT+ UART UART

Use the 8-Pin cable in the iOSD Markk II package when connecting to the DJI specified wireless video 

transmission module AVL58.

1.3 LED Flight Indicators Description

1. LED flight indicators are used to show the aircraft’s current status. Once powered on, the indicators will light 

up. 

LED flight indicators
©2013 DJI Innovations. All Rights Reserved.8 | 

Aircraft in Normal status Descriptions 

Power On Self-Test

Warming Up & Aircraft cannot take off during warming up

Ready to Fly

Ready to Fly (non-GPS)

Aircraft in abnormal status Warnings and errors

Remote Controller Signal Lost

1

st Level Low Battery Capacity Warning

2

nd Level Low Battery Capacity Warning

Not Stationary or Sensor Bias is too big

Errors & Aircraft cannot fly.

Compass data abnormal because of ferro-magnetic interference or 

the compass needs calibration. 

(1) The LED indicators diagram above are for Phantom 2 mode. In Naza-M mode, LED indicators 

will work according to the Naza-M flight control system.

(2) Connect to the PHANTOM 2 Assistant Software for detailed information about warnings and 

errors.

2. The front LEDs are for indicating where the nose of the aircraft is. They light up solid red only after the motors 

have spooled up.

The front LEDs

1.4 Notes for PHANTOM 2 using with other DJI products

Before using PHANTOM 2 with other DJI products, users should connecting the products correctly and upgrade 

the firmware as requirements below .

Items to upgrade Firmware versions required 

Assistant Software for 

upgrading 

Assistant Software 

version 

P330CB (built-in 

central board)

V1.0.1.19 or above PHANTOM 2 V1.08 or above

Zenmuse H3-2D CMU V1.0,IMU V1.6 or above PHANTOM 2 V1.08 or above

iOSD Mark II V2.04 or above iOSD V3.02 or above

iOSD mini V1.04 or above iOSD V3.02 or above

*The iOSD Assistant Software is applied to both iOSD Mark II and iOSD mini.
©2013 DJI Innovations. All Rights Reserved.9 | 

2 Propellers 

PHANTOM 2 uses the original 9-inch propellers which are classified by the color of each central nut. Damaged 

propellers should be replaced by purchasing new ones if necessary.

Propellers Grey Nut (9443) Black Nut (9443 R)

Diagram

Assembly Location

Attach to the motor thread that does 

not have a black dot.

Attach to the motor thread that has a

black dot.

Fastening/Un-fastening 

Instructions

Lock: Tighten the propeller in this direction.

Unlock: Remove the propeller in this direction.

2.1 Assembly 

1. (Figure 2-1)Remove the four warning cards from the motors after you’ve read them.

2. (Figure 2-2)Prepare the 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.

 

Figure 2-1 Figure 2-2 Figure2-3

2.2 Disassembly 

(Figure 2-3)Keep the motor deadlocked in place with the assistant wrench (or one hand) and remove the 

propeller according to the un-fastening instructions.

2.3 Notes

1. Propellers are self tightening during flight. DO NOT use any thread locker on the threads.

2. Make sure to match the propeller nut colors with the corresponding motors.

3. It is advised to wear protective gloves during propeller assembly and removal.

4. Check that the propellers and motors are installed correctly and firmly before every flight.

5. Check that all propellers are in good condition before flight. DO NOT use any ageing, chipped, or broken 

propellers.

6. To avoid injury, STAND CLEAR of and DO NOT touch the propellers or motors when they are spinning.

7. ONLY use original DJI propellers for a better and safer flight experience.
©2013 DJI Innovations. All Rights Reserved.10 | 

3 Remote Controller

The PHANTOM 2 remote controller can be configured in the PHANTOM RC Assistant Software. The sticks mode is 

Mode 2 on delivery.

[1]

[2]

[4] [3]

[8]

[9]

J2

J1

J3

J4 [6]

[7]

[5] [12] [10]

[11]

[13]

Figure 3-1 Figure 3-2 

[1]Antenna [2]Carrying Handle [3]3-Position Switch S1 [4]3-Position Switch S2 [5]Joystick1(J1;J2)

[6]Joystick2(J3;J4) [7]Neck Strap Attachment [8]Power Switch [9]Power Indicator [10]Battery Compartment

[11]Micro-USB Port [12]Slide Lever [13]Potentiometer

3.1 Power on the Remote Controller

1. Install the four AA Batteries (not included) into the battery compartment on the back of 

the remote controller according to the negative and positive poles.

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

before switching on the power switch.

3. Push the power switch to the right to power on the remote controller. If the power LED 

indicator is solid on, the remote controller is functioning normally.

(1) Please make sure the batteries have enough capacity before use. If the low voltage warning 

alert sounds (refer to the <Remote Controller Power Indicator Status Information>), please 

replace batteries as soon as possible.

(2) Using the correct type of battery will prevent risk of damage or malfunction.

(3) For long term storage, be sure to remove the batteries from the remote controller.

3.2 Remote controller Power LED Indicator Status 

Power LED Indicator Sound Remote Controller Status 

 None Normal 

 B-B-B...... Low voltage (at 4V-4.3V). Replace the batteries immediately

 B--B--B...... 

Alert will sound after 15 minutes of inactivity. It will stop once you start 

using the remote controller. 
©2013 DJI Innovations. All Rights Reserved.11 | 

The remote controller will power off automatically when battery voltage drops below 4V. Land and 

change batteries as soon as possible when the low voltage alert occurs to avoid loss of control during 

flight.

3.3 Antenna Orientation

The remote controller’s antenna should point skywards without obstructions for maximum communication range 

during flight.

Figure 3-3

3.4 Remote Controller Operation

The operations of remote controller are based on mode 2 stick configuration.

Definitions 

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

the central position. 

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

Slide Lever is used for the pitch control of the H3-2D gimbal. 

Remote 

Controller 

(Mode 2)

Aircraft 

( 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 

altitude if the sticks are centered. 

Pushing the throttle stick above the centered 

(neutral) position will result in the aircraft taking 

off. We suggest that you push the throttle stick

slowly to prevent the aircraft from sudden and 

unexpected ascent.
©2013 DJI Innovations. All Rights Reserved.12 | 

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. 

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. 

 

Position-1 Position-2 Position-3

S1 is for compass calibration. Toggle the S1

switch from position-1 to position-3 and back to 

position-1, 5 times or more to enter into compass 

calibration mode.

Users can configure position 3(bottom position) 

of the S1 switch to trigger the Failsafe in the 

Assistant Software.

 

OFF Course Lock Home point Lock

S2 is the IOC mode switch. IOC (Intelligent 

Orientation Control) function can be enabled in 

the Assistant Software when in Naza-M mode. 

Only use the IOC function after you are familiar 

with flying. 
©2013 DJI Innovations. All Rights Reserved.13 | 

Slide Lever controls the pitch of the H3-2D 

gimbal. The position of slide lever determines 

the pitch angle relative to the horizontal level.

Slide the lever left to make the gimbal pitch 

down up to a -90° position. 

Slide the lever right to pitch up to +0° position

resulting in gimbal being at a horizontally level 

orientation.

(1) For ‘Ready to Fly’ the aircraft will hover when all sticks are released.

(2) For ‘Ready to Fly (non-GPS)’ the aircraft will only keep the altitude when all sticks are released.

3.5 Linking the remote controller& built-in receiver

PHANTOM 2 has a built-in receiver, the link button and indicator located on the bottom of the aircraft as illustrated 

in the Figure 3-4.

The link between the remote controller and aircraft is already established for you so you can initially skip this 

procedure. If you ever replace the remote controller, re-establishing the link is required.

Link button & Link indicator

Figure 3-4

Linking procedures 

1. Power on the PHANTOM 2.

2. Turn on the remote controller and place it 0.5m~1m away from the aircraft.

3. Push the link button with a thin object and hold it until the Link indicator blinks red, then release it.

4. When the Link indicator turns solid green, the link between the remote controller and the built-in receiver 

has been successfully established.

Link Indicator Status 

 The remote controller is linked with the receiver successfully.

 

The remote controller is turned off and there is no 2.4GHz signal around, please turn 

on the remote controller. 

 

The receiver is ready for linking. 

 

There is 2.4GHz signal around but the remote controller is not linked with the receiver, 

please carry out the linking procedures. 
©2013 DJI Innovations. All Rights Reserved.14 | 

4 Intelligent Battery

The intelligent battery is specially designed for the PHANTOM 2, with a battery capacity of 5200mAh, voltage of 

11.1V and charge-discharge management functionality. The battery should only be charged with the DJI charger .

 

Intelligent Battery Charger 

DJI Intelligent Battery Functions 

(1) Balance Charging Automatically balance the voltage of each battery cell during charging.

(2) Capacity Display Display the current battery level.

(3) Communicating 

The main controller communicates with the battery via communication ports 

for battery voltage, capacity, current and other information.

(4) Overcharging Protection 

Charging stops automatically when the battery voltage reaches 12.8V to 

prevent overcharging damage.

(5) Over Discharging

Protection 

Discharging stops automatically when the battery voltage reaches 8.4V to 

prevent over discharging damage.

(6) Short Circuit Protection Automatically cuts off the power supply when a short circuit is detected.

(7) Sleep Protection

The battery will enter sleep mode after 10 minutes of inactivity to save 

power. The static current is 10nA in sleep mode when the battery is 

powered on without connecting to other devices.

(8) Charging Temperature 

Detection

The battery will charge only when its temperature is within 0°C~55°C. If the 

battery temperature is out of this range, the battery will stop charging.

(1) Before use, please read and follow the user manual, disclaimer, and the warnings on the battery. 

Users take full responsibility for all operations and usage.

(2) The battery should only be charged with the charger provided by DJI. DJI does not take any 

responsibility for operation of any charger from a third party.

4.1 Charging Procedures

1. Connect the charger to a wall socket (Use the plug set if necessary).

2. Connect the battery to the charger. If the current capacity of the battery is over 75%, you should power on 

the battery to begin charging.

3. The Battery Level indicators display current capacity level as the battery charges. Please refer to battery 

level indicator description for details.

4. The battery is fully charged when the Battery Level indicator lights are off. Please disconnect the charger 
©2013 DJI Innovations. All Rights Reserved.15 | 

and battery when the charging is completed.

Wall socket 

4.2 Install the Battery

Push the battery into the battery compartment correctly as the following diagram shows. Make sure to push the 

battery into the compartment until you hear a ‘click’ sound.

Figure 4-1

An incorrectly inserted battery may cause one of the following to occur: (1) Bad contact. (2) Unavailable

battery information. (3) Unsafe for flight. (4) Unable to take off.

4.3 Battery Usage

Figure 4-2

(1) Checking the battery level: When the battery is powered off; pressing the battery power button once will 

indicate the current battery level. Refer to < Battery Level Indicator Description> for details.

(2) Powering on: When the battery is powered off; press the battery power button once and then press and hold for 

2 seconds to turn on the intelligent battery.

(3) Powering off: When the battery is powered on; press the battery power button once and then press and hold for 

2 seconds to turn off the intelligent battery.

(4) Checking the battery life: When the battery is powered off; press and hold the battery power button for 5 

seconds to check the battery life. The battery level indicators will show the life and the battery power indicator 

will blink for 10 seconds, then all LEDs will light out and the intelligent battery will turn off. Refer to < Battery 

LED3

LED4

Battery Power Button

(Built-in Battery Power Indicator)

LED2

LED1

Battery Level Indicator
©2013 DJI Innovations. All Rights Reserved.16 | 

Level Indicator Description> for details.

More battery information is available in the battery tab of the PHANTOM 2 Assistant Software.

4.4 Description of the Battery Level Indicator 

The battery level indicators will show the current battery level during both the charging and discharging process as 

well as battery life. The following is a description of the indicators.

: The LED is solid on : The LED will blink regularly

: The LED is light off

Charging process 

LED1 LED2 LED3 LED4 Current battery level 

0%~25%

25%~50%

50%~75%

75%~100%

Full charged

Discharging process 

LED1 LED2 LED3 LED4 Current battery level 

87.5%~100%

75%~87.5%

62.5%~75%

50%~62.5%

37.5%~50%

25%~37.5%

12.5%~25%

0%~12.5%

<0%

Battery life 

LED1 LED2 LED3 LED4 Current battery life 

90%~100%

80%~90%

70%~80%

60%~70%

50%~60%

40%~50%
©2013 DJI Innovations. All Rights Reserved.17 | 

30%~40%

20%~30%

Less than 20%

4.5 Correct Battery Usage Notes

1. Never plug or unplug the battery into the aircraft when it is powered on.

2. The battery should be charged in an environment that is between 0°C to 40°C, and be discharged in an

environment that is between -20°C to 50°C. Both charging and discharging should be in an environment

where the relative humidity is lower than 80%.

3. It’s recommended to charge and discharge the battery thoroughly once every 20 charge/discharge cycles. 

Users should discharge the battery until there is less than 8% power left or until the battery can no longer 

be turned on. Users should then fully recharge the battery to maximum capacity. This power cycling 

procedure will ensure the battery is working at its optimal level.

4. For long term storage please place the battery with only a 40~50% capacity in a strong battery box 

securely. We recommend discharging and charging the battery completely once every 3 months to keep it

in good condition. The capacity should be varied in such a cycle (40%~50%)—0%—100%—(40%~50%).

5. It’s suggested you purchase a new battery after you have discharged your current battery over 300 times.

Please completely discharge a battery prior to disposal. 

6. It’s suggested that you purchase a new battery if the current battery is swollen or damaged in any way.

7. Never try to recharge or fly with a battery that is swollen or damaged in any way.

8. Never charge the battery unattended. Always charge the battery on a non-flammable surface such as 

concrete and never near any flammable materials.

9. Safety is extremely important and users can get more information in the DISCLAIMER.
©2013 DJI Innovations. All Rights Reserved.18 | 

5 Calibrating the Compass

IMPORTANT: Make sure to perform the Compass Calibration procedures prior to the first flight.

The compass is very sensitive to electromagnetic interference which causes abnormal compass data and leads to 

poor flight performance or even flight failure. Regular calibration of the compass enables the compass to perform at 

its optimal level.

5.1 Calibration Warnings

 

(1) DO NOT calibrate your compass where there is a possibility for the existence of strong 

magnetic interference such as magnetite, parking structures, and steel reinforcement 

underground.

(2) DO NOT carry ferromagnetic materials with you during calibration such as keys or cellular

phones.

(3) Compass Calibration is very important; otherwise the flight control system will work abnormally.

5.2 Calibration Procedures

Please carry out the calibrating procedures in the flight field before flight. Please watch the quick start video of the 

PHANTOM 2 for more compass calibration details.

Normal LED

Quickly flip the switch S1 360o Rotate the aircraft horizontally 360o

Rotate the aircraft vertically (Nose downward) Position-1

Start horizontal calibration Start vertical calibration Succeed Fail

Position-1->Position-3->Position-1 Flip no less than 5 times Start cali

LED Flight Indicator

Position-1->Position-3->Position-1 Flip once

Position-3

LED Flight Indicator LED Flight Indicator

Re-calibrate Position-1 Position-3 5.3 When Recalibration is Required

(1) When Compass Data is abnormal, the LED flight indicator will blink alternating between red and yellow.

(2) Last compass calibration was performed at a completely different flying field/location.

(3) The mechanical structure of the aircraft has changed, i.e. changed mounting position of the compass.

(4) Evident drifting occurs in flight, i.e. the aircraft doesn’t fly in straight lines.
©2013 DJI Innovations. All Rights Reserved.19 | 

6 Flight 

6.1 Flying Environment Requirements

 

(1) Before your first flight, please allow yourself some flight training (Using a flight simulator to 

practice flying, getting instruction from an experienced person, etc.).

(2) DO NOT fly in bad weather, such as rain or wind (more than moderate breeze) or fog.

(3) The flying field should be open and void of tall buildings or other obstacles; the steel structure 

within buildings may interfere with the compass.

(4) Keep the aircraft away from obstacles, crowds, power lines, trees, lakes and rivers etc.

(5) Try to avoid interference between the remote controller and other wireless equipment. (No base 

stations or cell towers around)

(6) The flight control system will not work properly at the South Pole or North Pole.

(7) Never use the aircraft in a manner that infringes upon or contravenes international or domestic 

lays and regulations.

6.2 Starting the Motors

A Combination Stick Command (CSC) is needed to start the motors. Push the sticks according to one of the options 

below to start motors. Once the motors have spun up, release both sticks simultaneously. The same command is

used to stop the motors.

A B C D Figure 6-1

6.3 Takeoff/Landing Procedures

1. Start by placing the PHANTOM 2 on the ground with the battery level indicators facing you.

2. Turn on the remote controller.

3. Power on the aircraft by turning on the intelligent battery.

4. When LED flight indicator blinks green/yellow, the PHANTOM 2 is entering Ready to Fly/Ready to Fly 

(non-GPS) mode. Start the motors with the CSC command.

5. Push the throttle stick up slowly to lift the aircraft off the ground. Refer to <Remote Controller Operation> 

for more details.

6. Be sure you are hovering over a level surface. Pull down on the throttle stick gently to descend and land.
©2013 DJI Innovations. All Rights Reserved.20 | 

7. After landing the aircraft on the ground, keep the throttle stick at its lowest position for about 3 to 5 

seconds which will automatically stop the motors.

 

You SHOULD NOT execute the CSC during normal flight! This will stop the motors and cause the 

aircraft to descend rapidly and drop without any type of control.

 

(1) When the LED flight indicator blinks yellow rapidly during flight, the aircraft has entered into

Failsafe mode, refer to <Failsafe Function> for details.

(2) A low battery capacity warning is indicated by the LED flight indicator blinking red slowly or 

rapidly during flight. Refer to the <Low Battery Capacity Warning Function> for details.

(3) Watch the quick start video about flight for more flight information.

6.4 Failsafe Function

The aircraft will enter Failsafe mode when the connection from the remote controller is lost. The flight control 

system will automatically control the aircraft to return to home and land to reduce injuries or damage. The following 

situations would make the aircraft fail to receive a signal from the remote controller and enter Failsafe mode:

(1) The remote controller is powered off.

(2) The remote controller is powered on but the S1 is toggled in the position triggering the Failsafe (this must 

have been configured in the PHANTOM 2 Assistant Software).

(3) The aircraft has flown out of the effective communication range of the remote controller.

(4) There is an obstacle obstructing the signal between the remote controller and the aircraft, essentially 

reducing the distance the signal can travel.

(5) There is interference causing a signal problem with the remote controller.

Failsafe works differently depending on the mode the aircraft is in when Failsafe mode is initiated whether it is in 

the Ready to Fly or Ready to Fly (non-GPS) mode.

Ready to Fly (non-GPS) ---- Automatic landing

The flight control system will try to keep the aircraft level during descent and landing. Note that the aircraft may 

be drifting during the descent and landing process.

 

Ready to Fly ---- Automatic go home and land 

The flight control system will automatically control the aircraft to fly back to the home point and land.

 

Home Point 

When the aircraft is initializing the Ready to Fly status, the aircraft will record the current GPS coordinates as 

the home point. It is recommended to lift off only after Ready to Fly status is confirmed for the safety of being 

able to fly back to home point successfully in case the Failsafe mode is initiated.
©2013 DJI Innovations. All Rights Reserved.21 | 

Go Home Procedures 

1 Record Home Point. 2 Flying. 3 Remote controller signal lost.

4 Signal lost lasts 3s, begin to go home. 5 Fly back to home point. 6 Landing after hovering 15s. LED Flight Indicator à LED Flight Indicator LED Flight Indicator

LED Flight Indicator LED Flight Indicator LED Flight Indicator Height over home point<=20m Height over home point>20m 20m Elevate to 20m 

 

(1) In a Failsafe situation, if less than 6 GPS satellites are found for more than 20 seconds, the aircraft 

will descend automatically.

 

In Phantom 2 mode, users can set a new home point manually when the aircraft is in “Ready to fly” status 

as long as a home point has been recorded automatically. Quickly flipping the S2 switch of the remote 

controller from upper most to lower most positions 5 times or more will reset the current aircraft position 

as a new home point of PHANTOM 2. When successfully reset, you will see a series of rapid green blinks 

on the LED Flight Indicator. The definition of “home point” is:

(1) The home point is the place PHANTOM 2 returns to when the control signal is lost, which is 

recorded last time.

(2) The home point is used to calculate the horizontal distance between you and the aircraft, the 

distance will be displayed as 

D

if using iOSD module.

 

Regaining Control during Failsafe Procedure 

Position of 

Switch S1 

 

Position-1 Position-2 

Position-3 

(No triggering the Failsafe) 

How to regain 

control

When the S1 switch is switched to Position-1, 

toggle the S1 switch to any other position once to 

regain control. If remote controller’s signal is

recovered, control is returned back to the pilot.

Regain control as soon as signal is 

recovered.

6.5 Low Battery Capacity Warning Function

The low battery capacity warning alerts users when the battery is close to depletion during flight. When it appears, 

users should promptly fly back and land to avoid accidental damage. The PHANTOM 2 has two levels of low battery 

capacity warning. The first appears when the battery has less than 30% power and the second appears when it has 

less than 15% power.
©2013 DJI Innovations. All Rights Reserved.22 | 

(1) When battery power drops below 30% and LED indicator will blink red slowly.

(2) At lower than 15% the LED indicator will blink red rapidly, the PHANTOM 2 will also begin to descend and 

land automatically. After it has landed, keep the throttle stick at its lowest point or execute CSC.

(3) There is a hidden third low battery threshold in addition to the 1st and 2nd level warnings. This uses 10.65V

as its threshold. Both this voltage threshold and the 2nd Level Low Battery Warning will trigger auto-landing. 

Altitude can be maintained if necessary by pushing up on the throttle stick.

 

(1) Remember to fly your PHANTOM 2 back as soon as you see a low battery capacity warning.

(2) Keeping the battery contact needles and pads clean is very important. Any dirt and dust may 

cause a communication failure.
©2013 DJI Innovations. All Rights Reserved.23 | 

7 Assistant Software Installation and Configuration

7.1 Installing Driver and PHANTOM 2 Assistant Software

Installing and running on Windows 

1. Download driver installer and Assistant Software installer in EXE format from the download page of 

PHANTOM 2 on the DJI website.

2. Connect the PHANTOM 2 to a PC via a Micro-USB cable. 

3. Run the driver installer and follow the prompts to finish installation.

4. Next, run the Assistant Software installer and follow the prompts to finish installation.

5. Double click the PHANTOM 2 icon on your Windows desktop to launch the software.

The installer in EXE format only supports Windows operating systems (Win XP, Win7, Win8 (32 or 64 

bit)).

Installing and running on Mac OS X

1. Download the Assistant Software installer in DMG format from the download page of PHANTOM 2 on 

the DJI website.

2. Run the installer and follow the prompts to finish installation.

3. When launching for the first time if use Launchpad to run the PHANTOM 2 Assistant Software,

Launchpad won’t allow access because the software has not been reviewed by Mac App Store. 

4. Locate the PHANTOM 2 icon in the Finder, press the Control key and then click the PHANTOM 2 icon 

(or right-click the PHANTOM 2 icon using a mouse). Choose Open from the shortcut menu, click open in 

the prompt dialog box and then software will launch.

5. After the first successful launch, directly launching of the software can be achieved by double-clicking 

the PHANTOM 2 icon in the Finder or using Launchpad.
©2013 DJI Innovations. All Rights Reserved.24 | 

Installer in DMG format supports only Mac OS X 10.6(Lion) or above.

Usage of PHANTOM 2 Assistant Software on Mac OS X and Windows are exactly the same. The 

Assistant Software pages appear in other places of this manual are on the Windows for example. 

7.2 Using the PHANTOM 2 Assistant Software on a PC

1. Start up the PC, power on the PHANTOM 2, then connect the PHANTOM 2 to the PC with a Micro-USB 

cable. DO NOT disconnect until configuration is finished.

2. Run the PHANTOM 2 Assistant Software and wait for the PHANTOM 2 to connect to the Assistant 

Software. Observe the indicators on the bottom 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 the current configuration in the [View] page.

Language swap View configurations

Connection indicator Communication indicator

RC, Gain Gimbal, Battery IMU calibration Firmware upgrade Account, software version

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

Function switch of Phantom 2 and Naza-M mode
©2013 DJI Innovations. All Rights Reserved.25 | 

(1) Users should not enable the Naza-M function before finishing Advanced Flight Maneuvers 

procedure in the " PHANTOM Pilot Training Guide”. If the Naza-M mode is enabled, users can 

switch the control mode between ATTI. Mode, GPS Mode or Manual Mode, and access the 

advanced settings (e.g. IOC). In addition, the LED located on the rear frame arms will display

Naza-M flight status indications instead of the PHANTOM 2's indicators. Do not enable the 

Naza-M mode unless you are an experienced user or guided by a professional.

(2) You can change to the Phantom 2 mode by clicking the same button used to turn on the Naza-M 

mode. This operation will disable the Naza-M mode and enable Phantom 2 mode. All parameters 

will be returned to factory settings.

7.3 Firmware upgrade of PHANTOM 2

Please refer to the PHANTOM 2 Assistant Software to install driver and PHANTOM RC Assistant Software, and 

then follow the procedures below to upgrade the software and firmware; otherwise the PHANTOM 2 might not 

work properly.

1. An internet connection is required to upgrade PHANTOM 2’s firmware.

2. Click the [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 2 

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 the firmware upgrade failed, the main controller will enter a waiting for firmware upgrade 

status automatically. If this happens, repeat the above procedures.

Firmware upgradable items:(1)Main Controller(2)P330CB(Main Board)(3)Receiver(4)Gimbal 

CMU(5)Gimbal IMU(6)Battery 
©2013 DJI Innovations. All Rights Reserved.26 | 

7.4 PHANTOM RC Assistant Software Description

Please follow the procedures to finish the configuration of the remote controller.

1. Turn off the remote controller and find the Micro-USB port on the bottom of it.

2. Start up the PC, power on the remote controller, and then Connect the remote controller to the PC with a 

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

3. Run the PHANTOM RC Assistant Software and wait for the remote controller 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 configuration in the [Main] page.

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

DT7调参软件

Main page of the 2.4GHz remote controller 

Language swap Main page

Connection indicator Communication indicator

Firmware upgrade Account, software version

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

 
©2013 DJI Innovations. All Rights Reserved.27 | 

8 Appendix

8.1 Specifications

Aircraft

Operating environment temperature -10°C to 50°C

Power consumption 5.6W

Supported Battery DJI Intelligent battery

Weight (including the battery) 1000g

Take-off Weight ≤1300g 

Hovering Accuracy (Ready to Fly) Vertical: 0.8m; Horizontal: 2.5m

Max Yaw Angular Velocity 200°/s

Max Tilt Angle 35°

Max Ascent / Descent Speed 6m/s

Max Flight Speed 15m/s (Not Recommended)

Wheelbase 350mm

2.4GHz Remote Controller 

Operating Frequency 2.4GHz ISM

Communication Distance (open area) 1000m

Receiver Sensitivity (1%PER) -97dBm

Working Current/Voltage 100 mA@6V

Battery 4 AA Batteries

DJI Intelligent Battery

Type 3S LiPo Battery

Capacity 5200mAh, 11.1V

Charging Environment Range 0°C to 40°C

Discharging Environment Range -20°C to 50°C

8.2 LED Flight Indicators Description

Aircraft in Normal status Descriptions 

Power On Self-Test

Warming Up & Aircraft cannot take off during warming up

Ready to Fly

Ready to Fly (non-GPS)

Aircraft in abnormal status Warnings and errors

Remote Controller Signal Lost

1

st Level Low Battery Capacity Warning
©2013 DJI Innovations. All Rights Reserved.28 | 

2

nd Level Low Battery Capacity Warning

Not Stationary or Sensor Bias is too big

Errors & Aircraft cannot fly.*

Compass data abnormal because of ferro-magnetic interference or 

the compass needs calibration. 

* Users can connect to the PHANTOM 2 Assistant Software to get detailed information about warnings and errors.