Autopilot Beta Test

IrishSights · Jul 6, 2015

@Autoflight Logic
Could please illustrate for us the costing of the app including what function is an inapp purchase and how much? Thank you.

Hangar · Jul 7, 2015

Figbar said:
Would be great to show this app with a human being taking us through the process.

It is coming, it just takes a lot of work, as you say.

IrishSights said:
@Autoflight Logic
Could please illustrate for us the costing of the app

The app is going to stay the same price that it currently is: $19.99. Any existing user will get the new functionality as a free upgrade, and the mode upgrades for Orbit, Zip Line, and Mimic will continue to cost $4.99. We are adding 5 free trial flights to the upgradable Modes, however.

Matt Edwards · Jul 7, 2015

this is probably a stupid question but how does your phone stay connected to the phantom ? does it have to be plugged into the remote control at all times or can you have it uplugged to use the follow me feature etc , wouldn't mind just carrying around my phone but not keen on carrying around the controller too ?

Hangar · Jul 7, 2015

Matt Edwards said:
does your phone stay connected to the phantom ?

The iOS device needs to stay connected to the RC, yes. We have tested Autopilot to work with external GPS receivers, such as the Dual Electronics XGPS150A, and it works to about 200-250ft, even over bluetooth.

Dean Bloomfield · Jul 8, 2015

Regarding the whole follow me feature, am I being narrow minded in thinking surely the main reason people want the follow me feature is to follow a 3rd person not the pilot/rc for example a mountain biker

or am I completely misunderstanding how it works?

Eric Rose · Jul 8, 2015

Dean Bloomfield said:
Regarding the whole follow me feature, am I being narrow minded in thinking surely the main reason people want the follow me feature is to follow a 3rd person not the pilot/rc for example a mountain biker

or am I completely misunderstanding how it works?

I share your concern. I'm also not clear on whether the external GPS receiver would free you from a wired connection to the RC.

sirnikolas · Jul 8, 2015

@Ward Paterson have you signed up for this?

Hangar · Jul 8, 2015

Dean Bloomfield said:
the main reason people want the follow me feature is to follow a 3rd person not the pilot/rc for example a mountain biker

This is one of many reasons people might want to use Autopilot, but there are certain things that are not under our control. DJI decided to require that the iOS device be connected directly to the RC at all times (for the P3 and I1) in order for the app to send flight control commands via the SDK. This is also how their Pilot app works.

Eric Rose said:
I'm also not clear on whether the external GPS receiver would free you from a wired connection to the RC.

The external GPS unit does not remove the requirement for the iOS device to be connected to the RC. What it does enable is for the operator to remain stationary while the subject moves about with the GPS receiver. Our testing shows that the maximum radius of this movement is somewhere between 200-250ft with the XGPS150A in a direct, line-of-sight scenario.

Skywolf007 · Jul 8, 2015

Autoflight Logic said:
This is one of many reasons people might want to use Autopilot, but there are certain things that are not under our control. DJI decided to require that the iOS device be connected directly to the RC at all times (for the P3 and I1) in order for the app to send flight control commands via the SDK. This is also how their Pilot app works.

The external GPS unit does not remove the requirement for the iOS device to be connected to the RC. What it does enable is for the operator to remain stationary while the subject moves about with the GPS receiver. Our testing shows that the maximum radius of this movement is somewhere between 200-250ft with the XGPS150A in a direct, line-of-sight scenario.

That's actually a pretty good range. I cant wait to hide my RC/GPS on my motorbike and try some follow function

Is there any other GPS which you tried or only this one?? I want to order one so I can try it as soon as the beta is approved

Hangar · Jul 8, 2015

Skywolf007 said:
Is there any other GPS which you tried or only this one??

This is the only one we have tested, but it proves that it is possible with the general class of devices (Bluetooth GPS receivers).

Hangar · Jul 8, 2015

If you haven't seen it already, check out our new product feedback survey. We would love to get your feedback on what excites you about Autopilot and where it is heading.

Hangar · Jul 9, 2015

Just got this from DJI:

Status of MFI application is “under review”. We’re doing all we can to push this through quickly and apologize for the inconvenience this has created for your beta testers. Someone from the team is calling Apple today.

Richard Hurst · Jul 10, 2015

Autoflight Logic said:
Just got this from DJI:

Status of MFI application is “under review”. We’re doing all we can to push this through quickly and apologize for the inconvenience this has created for your beta testers. Someone from the team is calling Apple today.

Doesn't mean much in reality really does it?, thats not a dig at you but it's just a cop out response from DJI