Getting started
Preston Ward
Weclome!
First off, we're very excited to have you on board and help us beta test DroneBlocks. The current beta runs on iPad and supports the DJI Phantom 3. We are adding support for other aircraft such as the DJI Inspire 1 and 3DR Solo.
We know you’ll have fun using DroneBlocks. Our hope is that you’ll help us improve the program by:
Sharing feedback about the app in this forum. If you encounter any issues, have questions, or suggestions, please post a comment.
And sharing thoughts in our Curriculum Thread about how DroneBlocks can be used in the classroom.
With that being said, if you're ready to get DroneBlocks installed and run your first mission then please follow the steps below. If you have any questions or concerns please post a comment below and we'll help answer it.
DroneBlocks App Notes
- You'll need to download the TestFlight app from the App Store: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/testflight/id899247664?mt=8
- You will get an invite email from Apple asking you to install DroneBlocks
- Install DroneBlocks on your iOS device
DroneBlocks Pre-flight Checks
If you're reading this right now we have selected you as an experienced drone pilot. We are assuming you understand FAA regulations such as:
Don't fly above 400 feet
Don't fly near/over people, buildings, or cars
Don't fly in windy conditions > 10 mph
and that you understand concepts in DJI GO such as:
Safe to FLY: GPS Mode
Enabling your flight mode switch
Battery > 50%
DroneBlocks First Mission
The dynamic nature of DroneBlocks requires an extremely open field -- you should be hundreds of feet or more from any and all obstacles.
Be sure to position your aircraft in an wide open area facing away from you
Power on your remote and aircraft
Open DJI GO and make sure it’s safe to fly, you have at least 50% battery life and you’ve enabled your flight mode switch
Now double-tap your iPad home button and swipe DJI Go away. Unfortunately it can cause problems to have multiple apps running at the same time. So you only want to have DroneBlocks running.
Open DroneBlocks. It is recommended that you open DroneBlocks with an internet connection for the first time because the app needs to register with the server.
You can verify that DroneBlocks is connected to the aircraft by seeing the product name displayed in the top right of the screen. You should see something like “Phantom 3 Professional” or “Phantom 3 Advanced” displayed.
Now you’re ready to program your first mission! Drag takeoff, fly forward, and land blocks onto the mission canvas like you see below. Make sure you hear them *click* together. This is one of the simplest missions you can perform.
Carefully review the mission to make sure you’ve not made any mistakes that would take it outside of your safe flying area (e.g. make sure it is landing in a safe spot)
Your initial programming is done. Now double-check that the area is clear and that your aircraft is pointed away from you, you have 10 or more satellites, and that your battery remaining is > 50%. It’s a known issue in the current version of DroneBlocks that we don’t display the battery remaining so hopefully you checked in DJI GO as mentioned earlier.
Okay, now you’re ready to takeoff but before you do there is one very important last thing we should discuss. It’s the flight mode switch on the top left of your remote. By default this is normally in the P or A position. For DroneBlocks to autonomously control your aircraft it must be in the F position. Keep in mind that when your remote is in the F position you cannot manually control your aircraft. You must switch back to P to gain control. If at any point you feel uncomfortable with the mission being performed you can always terminate it by switching to P and taking manual control again. It’s a good idea to mentally rehearse making this switch at the beginning of each flight.
Change your flight mode to F and click the Start Mission button. DroneBlocks will ask if you want to start the mission. Click “OK” and watch the aircraft perform the mission you programmed.
