A3 and A3 Pro User Manual
A3 and A3 Pro User Manual
A3 and A3 Pro User Manual
2016.05
V1.0
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Important
Reference
Before Flight
The following tutorials and manuals have been produced to ensure you to make full use of your
A3/A3 Pro.
1. In the Box
2. Safety Guidelines and Disclaimer
3. Quick Start Guide
4. User Manual
Make sure all of the parts listed in the In the Box document are included in the package.
The information in the Safety Guidelines and Disclaimer document affects your safety and your
legal rights and responsibilities. Read this entire document carefully to ensure proper configuration
before use.
Follow the Quick Start Guide step by step to setup and use the A3 or A3 Pro correctly by
referring to the User Manual and using the DJI Assistant 2.
The A3 and A3 Pro are powerful systems. To make use of all their capabilities, read the user
manual thoroughly before configuring the device.
Contents
Using this manual
Legends
Before Flight
Product Profile
Introduction
System Components
Installation
Overview
Preparation
11
19
Compass Calibration
19
Flight Functions
20
Protection Functions
23
25
29
32
SDK
33
33
Hardware Checklist
33
33
Flight Safety
34
Appendix
34
LED Indicators
34
Troubleshooting
35
Specifications
36
Product Profile
Introduction
The DJI A3 series is a reliable and robust flight control system that is ideal for a wide range of
multirotor aerial platforms. It uses advanced sensor fusion algorithms and redundancy design to
maintain complete stability and integrity of the aerial system.
The A3 series is fully compatible with the DJI Onboard and Mobile SDKs, allowing developers to
optimize the system for specific applications. When used with the DJI Lightbridge 2, it has direct
access to features in the DJI GO app such as Intelligent Flight Modes. With DJI Guidance, the
aircraft can maintain hovering accuracy and obtain obstacle sensing information for safety. The A3
series is compatible with the DJI Intelligent Landing Gear, Zenmuse Z15 gimbal, Parachute and
higher accuracy RTK GPS.
With all essential components integrated into the A3 flight controller (including the IMU, barometer
and data recorder), the device is powerful and highly compact. The A3 can be upgraded to the
A3 Pro by installing two upgrade kits. The A3 Pros three GPS units and IMUs add triple modular
redundancy to greatly reduce the risk of system failure.
*The GPS-Compass Pro modules in the A3 Pro upgrade kit are the same as the A3s. The IMU PRO module
includes an IMU with a built-in Barometer.
System Components
How the System Works
The flight controller is the core module of the A3 fight control system, which utilizes the IMU,
barometer, GPS and compass to realize accurate attitude control and high-precision positioning
for the aircraft. Multiple interfaces for SDK development and DJI devices, such as the RTK
GPS and Zenmuse Z15 gimbals, are also provided. The DJI Assistant 2 software allows you to
configure parameters for installation, flight control, and other accessed devices. A simulator is
also available for simulated flight practice. When used with the DJI Lightbridge 2, the A3 has
direct access to features in the DJI GO app such as Intelligent Flight Modes.
4 2016 DJI. All Rights Reserved.
Feature Highlights
1. Independent CAN1 and CAN2 ports and API Serial port for the SDK. The CAN1 port is used to
connect the GPS-Compass Pro and DJI devices (e.g. RTK GPS) while the CAN2 port is used
to connect SDK devices.
2. Built-in inertial sensors for the measurement of aircraft attitude and built-in pressure sensor for
the detection of aircraft altitude.
3. Support for multiple receiver types. If used with the DJI Lightbridge 2, the A3 has direct access
to features in the DJI GO app such as Intelligent Flight Modes.
4. M1 to M8 are used to connect the ESCs of the aircraft and iESC for DJI Intelligent ESC
communication.
5. 4 independent and configurable output ports and 4 I/O ports. These ports can be customized
and connect other DJI devices (e.g. DJI Zenmuse Z15 gimbals, DJI Intelligent Landing Gear) or
SDK devices.
Port Diagram
3
4
1
2
5
6
7
8
4. Status Indicator
Indicates the status of the flight controller and
triple modular redundancy system.
5. RF Port
Communicates with the DJI Lightbridge 2 Air
9
10
11
System.
12
13
6. iESC Port
14
15
7. M1-M8 Pins
1. IMU1 Port
Communicates with the IMU Pro module.
2. CAN1 Port
Dedicated DJI CAN-Bus port. Communicates
with the A3 GPS-Compass Pro or other DJI
devices (e.g. Real Time Kinematic (RTK) GPS
system).
3. Orientation Arrow
The FC module should be mounted with
the arrow pointing in the specified direction
(Orientation can be set in the DJI Assistant 2).
receiver.
The GPS-Compass Pro module has a built-in GPS and compass. The compass is used for
geomagnetic field measurements. Compass calibration is required before use. DO NOT use or
store the compass in environments with ferromagnetic materials.
Note that the GPS-Compass Pro module in the UPGRADE KIT is the same as the one in the A3 package.
1. Status Indicator
Indicates the status of the GPS-Compass Pro
module and triple modular redundancy system.
2. Orientation Arrow
The GPS-Compass Pro module should be
mounted with the arrow pointing to the aircrafts
nose.
3. Extended CAN1 Port
Dedicated DJI CAN-Bus port. Communicates with DJI devices (e.g. Real Time Kinematic (RTK)
GPS system).
PMU Module
Supported the DJI Intelligent Flight Battery, with built-in PMU providing power for the whole Flight
Control System and low voltage protection function.
1. Power Port (9V 3A)
Connected to the Flight Controller for
power supply.
2. iBAT
Communicates with the DJI Intelligent
1
2
Flight Battery.
3. 3S-12S
Derives power from the DJI Intelligent Flight Battery or other LiPo batteries.
LED Module
The LED Module has an integrated LED Indicator and Micro USB port.
A. The LED is mainly for flight control system status indication during flight (e.g. Flight Mode).
B. In addition, there is a Micro USB port for firmware upgrades via DJI Assistant 2.
1
2
DJI Assistant 2.
IMU Pro Module
Includes built-in inertial sensors for the measurement of aircraft attitude and a built-in pressure
sensor for detecting aircraft altitude. The IMU Pro has been calibrated before delivery and
should be used under the specified temperature range. Using the IMU Pro outside the specified
temperature range may have a negative effect on the IMUs performance.
1. Orientation Arrow
The IMU Pro module should be mounted with the arrow pointing to the specified orientation
(Orientation can be set in the DJI Assistant 2).
2. Status Indicator
Indicates the status of the IMU Pro module and triple
1
2
Installation
Overview
Installation Procedure
Read this section carefully and follow the procedures below to install your flight control system,
otherwise the flight control system may not normally work.
Preparation
Equipment
Ensure you have a suitable airframe, remote controller system, ESCs and battery to use with
the A3 series. You can also prepare optional equipment, e.g. DJI Intelligent Landing Gear, DJI
Zenmuse Z15, and DJI Guidance. Below is a list of compatible equipment.
A. Airframes
The following airframes are supported. Choose an airframe and assemble it properly.
Remember to select the corresponding airframe type in DJI Assistant 2 after assembling the
airframe and connecting the cables.
The following remote controller systems are supported. Whatever type of receiver is used,
please make sure that the receiver and remote controller are linked properly before use. Be
sure to link the receiver and remote controller according by following all the procedures in
the remote controller and receiver user manual, and according to the configurations in DJI
Assistant 2.
DJI Lightbridge 2
DJI Lightbridge 2 lets you use DJI GO to configure the flight control system parameters and
utilize Intelligent Flight Modes.
DR16
The DR16 receiver does not support the Point of Interest (POI) and Waypoint flight modes in
DJI GO.
S-Bus
The S-BUS receiver does not support the Point of Interest (POI) and Waypoint flight modes
DJI GO.
There is no need to enable the Failsafe function on the remote controller. Once the
receiver loses signal from the remote controller, the controller unit will enter Failsafe
mode automatically, and the aircraft will hover or return-to-home & land according to
the Failsafe configurations in DJI Assistant 2.
C. ESC
D. Battery
Both the 3S-12S LiPo battery and the DJI Intelligent Flight Battery are supported.
The DJI Intelligent Flight Battery provides voltage, battery level and battery cell information, as
well as low battery level protection.
If using a LiPo battery, only the voltage information and low voltage protection are available.
The S900 and DJI Lightbridge 2 are recommended for the A3 series, and are used as
examples in this manual.
2016 DJI. All Rights Reserved.
DJI S900
DJI Lightbridge 2
DJI Assistant 2 will guide you through setting the Flight Control Systems parameters. Carefully
follow the on-screen prompts to configure the Flight Control System.
Installing and Running on Windows
Supports Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10 (32 or 64 bit).
1. Connect the Micro USB port on the LED module to a PC via a Micro USB cable.
2. Run the software assistant installer and follow the prompts to finish installation.
3. Double click the software assistant icon on your Windows desktop to launch the software.
Installing and Running on Mac OS X
Supports Mac OS X 10.9 (or later).
1. Run the DMG installer and follow the prompts to finish installation.
2. If using Launchpad to run DJI Assistant 2 for the first time, Launchpad will not allow access
because the software has not been reviewed by the Mac App Store.
3. Locate the DJI Assistant 2 icon in the Finder, press the Control key and then click the DJI
Assistant 2 icon (or right-click the DJI Assistant 2 icon using a mouse). Choose Open from the
shortcut menu, click Open in the dialog box and the software will launch.
4. After the first successful launch, direct launching of the software can be achieved by doubleclicking the DJI Assistant 2 icon in the Finder or using Launchpad.
10
Mount the Flight Controller with the Orientation Arrow pointing to the front, back, left or right.
Make sure the module is parallel to the aircraft and then fix it onto the aircraft with double-faced
adhesive tape. Configure the parameters in DJI Assistant 2 and select the direction in which you
mounted the Flight Controller. We recommend mounting the Flight Controller with the Orientation
Arrow pointing forward.
Built-in IMU
11
Follow the procedures below to mount the GPS bracket and the GPS-Compass Pro module.
The GPS-Compass Pro module included in the Upgrade kits is the same as the one in the A3
package.
1. Use the M2.04 screws to assemble the GPS bracket with the Ball End Hex Key assistant.
The longest one is recommended.
2. With the M2.57 screws and M2.53.4 nuts, mount the bracket on the aircraft.
3. Ensure the GPS-Compass Pro arrow is pointing to the aircraft nose and then fix it onto the top
of the GPS bracket. Try to keep it parallel to the aircraft.
Usage Requirements
1. The DJI logo should be facing the sky, with the orientation arrow pointing directly to the nose
direction; otherwise you may experience take off failure.
2. Fly the aircraft in an open space without buildings or trees; otherwise the GPS may be affected.
3. The compass is sensitive to magnetic interference. Always keep the compass module away
from magnetic fields. Otherwise, the compass module may become damaged and lead the
aircraft to work abnormally or even lose control.
Mounting the LED Module
Mount the LED module in a position to ensure it remains visible during flight. The LED bracket
included can be used to fix the LED module onto the aircraft.
12
Mount the PMU module to an unobstructed position on the bottom of the aircrafts upper plate for heat
dissipation.
PMU
Mount the IMU Pro module with the Orientation Arrow pointing forward, backward, to the left or to
the right. Make sure the module is parallel to the aircraft and then fix it onto the aircraft with doublefaced adhesive tape. Configure the parameters in DJI Assistant 2 and select the direction in which you
mounted the Flight Controller. We recommend mounting the Flight Controller with the Orientation Arrow
pointing forward..
13
Follow the below diagram to connect the flight control system, and use the cable ties to tidy the
cables.
Ensure you have a suitable airframe, remote controller system, ESCs and battery to use with the
A3 series. Strictly follow the provided guidelines. Failure to do so may lead to unexpected flight
behavior or serious accidents.
Connecting to a Receiver
Select the RF port or the S-Bus port for different types of receivers.
DJI Lightbridge 2
Connect the DJI Lightbridge 2 receiver DBUS port to the Flight Controller RF Port.
DBUS Cable II
14
S-BUS Receiver
Connect the S-BUS receiver to the Flight Controller S-Bus Port with a servo cable.
S- Bus Receiver
Connect the ESC ports to the ESC ports on the Flight Controller. The diagram below
uses type V6 for example.
15
Connect the PMU to the Flight Controller PMU port, and then connect the battery to the PMU.
3S-12S
The A3 and A3 Pro are compatible with almost all DJI devices. Connect these optional devices to
the flight controller to achieve more functions.
Intelligent Landing Gear
The A3 series supports the DJI Intelligent Landing Gear, which can be configured in DJI Assistant 2.
You can use a switch to raise or lower the Intelligent Landing Gear.
Mounting and Cable Connection
Ensure the battery is powered off before connection. Connect the Intelligent Landing Gear to the
flight controllers F1 port, and then configure the settings in DJI Assistant -> DJI Device -> Gear
page.
16
Support for the D-RTK provides high precision position during flight. Configure the D-RTK in DJI
Assistant 2.
Mounting and Cable Connection
Ensure the battery is powered off before connection. Connect the D-RTK to the flight controllers
CAN1 port, and configure the settings in DJI Assistant -> DJI Device -> Gear page.
CAN1
Usage
Refer to the D-RTK user manual for more details.
Zenmuse Z15 Gimbal
The A3 and A3 Pro support the DJI Zenmuse Gimbal which can be enabled in DJI Assistant,
providing gimbal rotation control during flight.
Mounting and Cable Connection
Ensure the battery is powered off before connection. Connect the gimbal to the flight controllers
CAN1 port, If used with the DJI Lightbridge 2, no setting requirement. If used with other remote
controller, configure the settings in the Zenmuse Z15 Assistant.
2016 DJI. All Rights Reserved.
17
CAN1
Usage
If used with the DJI Lightbridge 2, you can control the gimbal using the gimbal dial on the remote
controller.
If you are not using a DJI remote controller, you will not be able to use the gimbal dial to control
the gimbal.
Parameter Configuration
Watch the video tutorial for a brief introduction on how to configure the parameters. Then launch
DJI Assistant 2 and follow the prompts to complete configuration.
DJI
Assistant 2
18
Calibration Procedures
19
1. When compass data is abnormal, and the Aircraft Status Indicator is blinking red and yellow.
2. When flying in a new location, or a location that is different from your last flight.
3. When the mechanical structure of the A3/A3 Pro has changed, i.e. the mounting position of
the compass has changed.
4. When severe drifting occurs in flight, i.e. the A3/A3 Pro does not fly in a straight line.
Flight Functions
Flight Modes
Below flight modes are available. Use the Flight Controller mode switch to
change the flight mode of the aircraft. The details of each flight mode are
found in the section below.
Lightbridge 2 is used here as an example.
P mode (Positioning): P mode works best when GPS signal is strong. There are three different
states of P mode, which will be automatically selected by the A3/A3 Pro depending on GPS
signal strength and Vision Positioning sensors:
P-GPS: GPS and Vision Positioning both are available, and the aircraft is using GPS for
positioning.
P-OPTI: Vision Positioning is available but the GPS signal is not. Aircraft is using only Vision
Positioning for hovering
P-ATTI: Neither GPS or Vision Positioning available, aircraft is using only its barometer for
positioning, so only altitude is controlled.
A mode (Attitude): The GPS and Vision Positioning System is not used for holding position. The
aircraft only uses its barometer to maintain altitude. If it is still receiving a GPS signal, the aircraft
can automatically return home if the Remote Controller signal is lost and if the Home Point has
been recorded successfully.
F mode (Function): Intelligent Flight Mode is activated in this mode.
M mode (Manual): The GPS and Vision Positioning System is not used for holding position. No
barometer is used to maintain altitude. Only use M mode in case of an emergency.
P-OPTI mode is only available when a DJI Vision Positioning System (e.g. DJI
GUIDANCE) is used. Refer to the DJI GUIDANCE user manual for more details about
how to use P-OPTI mode.
Once the GPS signal is recovered, or the Vision Positioning System available, the Flight
Control System can re-enter P-GPS mode or P-OPTI mode.
M mode (Manual) should be enabled in DJI Assistant.
20
Flight Control
Manual Take-off
Start the motors by pulling both control sticks to the bottom inside (or outside) corners.
Release the sticks once the motors start. Slowly push the left stick (throttle stick) up to takeoff.
OR
Here are the default flight controls (Mode 2). The left stick controls altitude and rotation, while the
right stick controls the forward, backward, left or right movements. The gimbal dial controls the
cameras tilt.
Left Stick
Right Stick
UP
Forward
Ba
Left
ck w ard
Right
Turn Right
Turn Left
Down
You can customize or change these controls through the DJI GO app.
Manual Landing
21
OR
Intelligent Flight Modes make it easier to operate the aircraft. If you are not using a Lightbridge 2
remote controller, you will need to configure a 3-position switch on the remote controller as the
Intelligent Flight Modes Switch, with each switch position corresponding to one of the following
modes: Off, Course Lock, or Home Lock.
Course Lock
Use Course Lock to lock the current nose direction as the aircrafts forward direction. The aircraft
will move in the locked direction regardless of its orientation (yaw angle).
Requirements: Compass must be working properly.
How to operate: 1. Fly the aircraft in the direction you wish to lock; 2. Toggle the Intelligent Flight
Modes Switch to the Course Lock position to lock the current nose direction as the aircrafts
forward direction.
How to reset the parameters: Aircraft nose orientation cannot be reset during flight.
How to stop or exit the flight mode: Toggle the Intelligent Flight Modes Switch to the Off position.
Home Lock
Pull the pitch stick backward to move the aircraft toward its recorded Home Point.
Requirements: Home point recorded; P-GPS mode enabled; distance between the aircraft and
Home Point is greater than 5 meters.
How to operate:
1. Fly the aircraft to the target position;
2. Toggle the Intelligent Flight Modes Switch from the Off position to the Home Lock position for
more than three times to record the Home Point (Note: the Intelligent Flight Modes Switch
should stop at the Off position);
3. Flip the Intelligent Flight Modes Switch to the Home Lock position to start the flight.
How to reset the parameter: Parameters cannot be reset during flight.
How to stop or exit the flight mode: Toggle the Intelligent Flight Modes Switch to the Off position.
22
Protection Functions
Return to Home
Return to Home (RTH) brings the aircraft back to the last recorded Home Point. There are three
cases that will trigger the RTH procedure; they are Failsafe RTH, Smart RTH and Low Battery
RTH with the DJI Intelligent Battery (Low Voltage RTH with a LiPo battery).
Failsafe RTH
Failsafe RTH is activated automatically if the remote controller signal (including video relay signal if
DJI Lightbridge 2 used) is lost for more than 3 seconds, provided that the Home Point has been
successfully recorded and the compass is working normally. The RTH process may be interrupted
and the operator can regain control over the aircraft if a remote controller signal is resumed.
1 Record Home Point (HP)
Flashing Green
Flashing Green
20m
Elevate to 20m
Height over HP<=20m
The aircraft automatically descends and lands if RTH is triggered when the aircraft flies
within a 65-foot (20-meter) radius of the Home Point.
The aircraft cannot return to home if the LED is slowly blinking yellow or the GPS does
not work.
The aircraft cannot avoid obstacles during Failsafe RTH. Therefore it is important to
set a reasonable Failsafe altitude before each flight. Launch the DJI GO app and enter
Camera view and select MODE to set the Failsafe altitude.
The aircraft will stop ascending and immediately return to the Home Point if you move
the throttle stick when the aircraft reaches an altitude of 20 m or above during Failsafe.
23
Use the RTH button on the remote controller when GPS is available to enable Smart RTH. During
the Smart RTH procedure, the aircraft returns to the last recorded Home Point but you may
control the aircraft's orientation to avoid collisions. Press the Smart RTH button once to start the
process. Press the Smart RTH button again to exit Smart RTH and regain the control.
If using the DJI Lightbridge 2, no additional settings are required for the RTH button.
If using another type of remote controller, you must configure the RTH button in DJI
Assistant 2.
The low battery level failsafe is triggered when the DJI Intelligent Flight Battery is depleted to a
point that may affect the safe return of the aircraft. Users are advised to return home or land the
aircraft immediately when these warnings are shown. Aircraft will automatically return to the Home
Point if no action is taken after 10 seconds countdown. Cancel the RTH procedure by pressing
once on the RTH button. The thresholds for these warnings are automatically determined based
on the current aircraft altitude and its distance from the Home Point.
Aircraft will land automatically only if the current battery level can support the aircraft in landing on
the ground from the current altitude. Use the remote controller to control the aircrafts orientation
during the landing process.
When the critical battery level warning activates and the aircraft is descending to land
automatically, you may push the throttle upward to hover the aircraft and navigate it to a
more appropriate location for landing.
Color zones and markers on the battery level indicator reflect estimated remaining flight
times and are adjusted automatically, according to the aircrafts current status. (Shown
in app when using the Lightbridge 2)
With LiPo battery, the Low Voltage RTH will be triggered when the LiPo battery is depleted to a
point that may affect the safe return of the aircraft.
Attitude Control When One Motor Output Fails
For multirotor aircraft, the A3/A3 Pro flight control system can control the aircrafts attitude when
one motor fails:
1. During flight, the aircraft with A3/A3 Pro flight control system is attitude controllable when one
motor output fails
2. The motor will not start before take-off. (DJI Intelligent ESCs are required for communication.)
24
Low battery and overweight aircraft warnings are provided in the DJI GO app.
Max Height & Radius limit flying height and distance. Once complete, your aircraft will fly in a
restricted cylinder that is determined by these settings. The tables below show the details of
these limits.
Max
Radius
Home Point
Height of aircraft
when turned on
Flight Limits
DJI GO app
Maximum Flight
Warning: Height
Altitude
limit reached.
Warning: Distance
limit reached.
Max Radius
25
Maximum
Flight
Altitude
Max
Flight Limits
DJI GO app
reached.
No limits
Radius
If the aircraft flies out of the limit, you can still control the aircraft, but you cannot fly it
any farther.
If the aircraft flies out of the max radius it will fly back within range automatically when
GPS signal is strong.
No-Fly Zones
All No-Fly Zones are listed on the DJI official website at http://www.dji.com/flysafe/no-fly. NoFly Zones are divided into Airports and Restricted Areas. Airports include major airports and
flying fields where manned aircraft operate at low altitudes. Restricted Areas include border lines
between countries or sensitive institute. The details of the No-Fly Zones are explained as follow:
Airport
(1) Airport No-Fly Zone are comprised of Take-off Restricted zones and Restricted Altitude Zones.
Each zone features circles of various sizes.
(2) R1 miles (value of the R1 depends on the size and shape of the airport) around the airport is a
Take-off restricted zone, inside of which take off is prevented.
(3) From R1 mile to R1 + 1 mile around the airport the flight altitude is limited to a 15 degree
inclination.Starting at 65 feet (20 meters) from the edge of airport and radiating outward. The
flight altitude is limited to 1640 feet (500 meters) at R1+1 mile
(4) When the aircraft enters within 320 feet (100 meters) of No-Fly Zones, a warning message will
appear on the DJI GO app.
26
1640
feet
66 feet
1 mile
R1
R2
320 feet
1640
feet
66 feet
1 mile
320 feet
R1
R2
Restricted Area
100 m
100m
27
Blinking Green
Restriction
Aircraft Status
Indicator
Wa r n i n g : Yo u a re i n a
Motors will not start.
N o - f l y z o n e . Ta k e o f f
prohibited.
No-fly Zone
motors.
R1: Warning: You are
in a restricted zone.
If the aircraft enters the
Descending to safe
Restricted-
altitude.
altitude flight
descend to an appropriate
zone
Red flashing
Warning zone
Free zone
No restrictions.
None.
Semi-automatic descent: All stick commands are available except the left stick command
during the descent and landing process. Motors will stop automatically after landing.
When flying in a safety zone, the aircraft's status indicator will blink red rapidly and
continue for 3 seconds, then switch to indicate current flying status and continue for 5
seconds at which point it will switch back to blinking red.
For safety reasons, please do not fly close to airports, highways, railway stations, railway
lines, city centers, or other sensitive areas. Fly the aircraft only within your line of sight.
28
Search DJI GO on the App Store or Google Play and download the app to
your mobile device.
For the best user experience, please use mobile devices with iOS 8.0 (or higher) and Android 4.1.2
(or higher).
Beginner Mode
The A3/A3 Pro will enter Beginner Mode the first time you use the DJI GO app, which can
be canceled on the MODE page. In Beginner Mode, the Max Height and Max Distance are
restricted to 30 meters.
Auto Take-off
Use auto take-off to take off your aircraft automatically if the Aircraft Status Indicator is blinking
green. Follow the steps below to use auto take-off:
1. Launch DJI GO app, enter Camera view.
2. Ensure the aircraft is in P mode.
3. Go through the pre-flight checklist.
4. Tap
Auto-Landing
Use auto-landing to land your aircraft automatically if the Aircraft Status Indicator is blinking green.
Follow the steps below to use auto-landing:
1. Ensure the aircraft is in P mode.
2. Check the landing area condition before tapping
, to perform landing.
29
Return to Home
Smart RTH, Low Battery RTH and Failsafe RTH are also available in the DJI GO app.
Smart RTH
Press the Return-To-Home button to bring the aircraft back to the Home Point. Tap again to stop
the procedure.
Low Battery RTH*
The low battery level* failsafe is triggered when the DJI Intelligent Flight Battery is depleted to
a point that may affect the safe return of the aircraft. Users are advised to return home or land
the aircraft immediately when these warnings are shown. DJI GO will advise users to return the
aircraft to the Home Point when the low battery warning is triggered. Aircraft will automatically
return to the Home Point if no action is taken after a 10-second countdown. Cancel the RTH
by pressing once on the RTH button. The thresholds for these warnings are automatically
determined based on the current aircraft altitude and its distance from the Home Point.
Aircraft will land automatically if the current battery level can only support the aircraft to land to
the ground from the current altitude. Use the remote controller to control the aircrafts orientation
during the landing process.
When the critical battery level warning activates and the aircraft is descending to land
automatically, you may push the throttle upward to hover the aircraft and navigate it to a
more appropriate location for landing.
Color zones and markers on the battery level indicator reflect estimated remaining flight
time and are adjusted automatically, according to the aircrafts current status.
* The low voltage failsafe is triggered if using a LiPo battery.
Failsafe RTH
The aircraft will not avoid obstacles while it is returning to the Home Point, and an appropriate
RTH altitude MUST be set before flight. Launch the DJI GO app and enter Camera view and
select MODE to set the Failsafe altitude. You should also use the control sticks to guide the
aircraft. Refer to the Safety Guidelines and Disclaimer for more details.
Lock the current nose direction as the aircrafts forward direction. The aircraft will move in the
locked directions regardless of its orientation (yaw angle).
Conditions of Use: Compass is working normally.
How to operate: Control the aircraft nose orientation-> Tap the Course Lock icon to start the
Course Lock flight.
30
Pull the pitch stick backward to move the aircraft toward its recorded Home Point.
Conditions of Use: Home point recorded; in the P-GPS mode; distance between the aircraft and
home point is larger than 5 meters.
How to operate: Tap the Home Lock icon to start.
How to reset the parameter: None.
How to stop or exit the flight mode: Click the Exit button during flight.
POI (point of interest)
The aircraft will orbit around the subject automatically to allow the operator can be more focus on
framing their shoot on the subject in Point of Interest.
Conditions of Use: in the P-GPS mode; distance between the aircraft and interest point is larger
than 5 meters and smaller than 10 meters.
How to operate: Set the interest point -> Operate the aircraft to set the distance and the flight
velocity -> Tap the POI icon to start the flight.
How to reset the parameter: The distance and the flight velocity can be changed during the flight
when you operate the aircraft.
How to stop or exit the flight mode: Click the Exit button during flight.
Waypoints
Record a flight path, then the aircraft will fly along the same path repeatedly while you control the
camera and orientation. The flight path can be saved and re-applied in the future.
Conditions of Use: in the P-GPS mode; Distance between the way points is larger than 5 meters
and less than 500 meters; automatically detect the battery level for the smart flight battery (or
voltage for LiPo batteries).
How to operate: Operate the aircraft to the target position and set the aircraft nose orientation ->
Tap to record the waypoints-> Set the Waypoint mode (Consistent with record, Consistent with
route, Free) -> Set the flight velocity and Failsafe option->Save in the App-> Start.
How to reset the parameter: The aircraft orientations are different in each mode. Operate the
aircraft to fly forwards or backwards.
How to stop or exit the flight mode: Click the Exit button during flight.
Difference between the three modes:
Free: The aircraft nose can be changed during the waypoint flight.
Consistent with record: Aircraft nose orientation of every waypoint are pre-recorded. And the
31
IOSD
DJI Lightbridge 2 MUST be connected to for the built-in iOSD to work. Most flight information is
displayed on-screen in the DJI GO app.
Information displayed includes battery level/voltage, flight velocity, height, distance from the home
point, horizontal attitude, GPS satellite number, etc. iOSD and video information are superposed
on the receiver, making iOSD data clearly visible and bringing you a more involved flight
experience.
A3/A3 Pro supports DJI iOSD Mark II and iOSD mini.
Blinks Twice
Blinks Once
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Status
The module is functioning normally and working as a part of the system
When the LED is blinking green.
The module is functioning abnormally When the LED is blinking red.
The module is functioning normally but not working as a part of the
system When the LED is blinking blue.
SDK
An independent CAN2 port, API Serial port and USB OTG port are provided for SDK support.
The CAN2 port lets you connect SDK devices and support for open protocols enables greater
customization.
Refer to the DJI official website https://developer.dji.com/ for more SDK details.
33
Flight Safety
It is important to understand basic flight guidelines for the safety of both you and those around
you. Refer to the Disclaimer and Safety Guidelines for more information.
Appendix
LED Indicators
Flight Status LED Indicator
LED
Description
Alternatively
4
mode patterns)
34
Status
The module is functioning normally and working as a part of the system
When the LED is blinking green.
The module is functioning abnormally When the LED is blinking red.
The module is functioning normally but not working as a part of the
system When the LED is blinking blue.
Troubleshooting
1. LED Status checklist
Ensure the mode switch corresponds to the flight status LED.
Ensure the system status LEDs on the GPS-Compass Pro and IMU Pro are normal.
Ensure all the sensor parameters are correct and the IMUs are calibrated correctly.
2. IMU calibration failure.
Ensure the aircraft is not moved during calibration.
Ensure the aircraft is placed level during calibration.
3. Battery detection error.
Connect to DJI Assistant 2 to ensure the battery type is correct.
4. Compass calibration failure.
Restart the battery if compass calibration failed.
Connect to DJI Assistant 2 to ensure the channel mapping of the flight mode switch is correct.
Connect to DJI Assistant 2 to ensure the compass Mod value is normal.
5. Failed to exit the SD card read mode after reading the SD card successfully.
Restart the battery of the aircraft.
35
Specifications
Built-in Functions
P-mode (Positioning)
Flight Modes
Return-to-Home Modes
Safety Features
DJI GO App
GH4 / 5D / BMPCC)
DJI Intelligent Landing Gear
DJI Intelligent Flight Battery
DJI iOSD Mark II, DJI iOSD mini
*Course Lock and Home Lock work without the DJI Lightbridge 2.
36
Supported Receivers
DJI DR16
S-Bus
Recommended Batteries
Required Operation System
SDK
Onboard SDK Ports
Expansion Ports
*Coming soon.
Electrical & Mechanical
Rated Power
Rated Peak Power
Input Voltage Range
Static Electricity
Operating Temperature
A3: 5 W
A3 Pro: 10 W
A3: 8 W
A3 Pro: 16 W
10.5 52 V
AD: 8 kV
CD: 4 kV
14 to 113 F (-10 to 45 C)
Flight Controller: 66 g
GPS-Compass Pro: 60 g
Weight
LED Module: 15 g
IMU Pro: 40 g
PMU: 45 g
37
LED Module: 27 mm 27 mm 8 mm
IMU Pro: 34 mm 26.5 mm 20 mm
PMU: 51 mm 34 mm 13.5 mm
Vertical: 0.5 m
Horizontal: 1.5 m
10 m/s
150/s
35
5 m/s
4 m/s
38
DJI Support
http://www.dji.com/support
If you have any questions about this document, please contact DJI by
sending a message to DocSupport@dji.com.