You simply unboxed your DJI Mini 2 SE, and also you’re excited! You’ve flown a couple of toy drones in your time, however that is your first actual drone.
You’ll be able to’t wait to activate it and get it into the skies. Nevertheless, when you flip the drone on, you notice you’re not likely certain what’s required to activate it.
That’s okay! You’ve come to the correct place. I’ll clarify what to do when you get your Mini 2 SE out of the field so it’s able to fly, together with the right way to register it.
I simply acquired my DJI Mini 2 SE: How one can set it up
There’s a litany of duties to finish as you deliver your Mini 2 SE house. They’ll guarantee you possibly can safely function it, so let’s get into what it’s good to do.
1. Unbox it
In case you purchase the Mini 2 SE new, it ought to embrace within the field:
- Mini 2 SE drone
- DJI RC-N1 distant controller
- Screwdriver
- Six spare screws
- USB-C information cable
- Gimbal protector
- DJI RC-N1 RC cable commonplace cable
- DJI RC-N1 RC cable Lightning Connector
- DJI RC-N1 RC cable USB-C connector
- DJI Mini 2 SE Clever Flight Battery
Test that yours has all of the required elements.
» MORE: Is DJI Mini 2 SE Good for Newcomers? (Palms-on Evaluation)
2. Purchase equipment
DJI is notoriously stingy on its equipment. You get a couple of, however basically, your buy consists of the naked fundamentals and little else.
Listed below are extra equipment it’s best to take into account buying.
Propeller guards
The DJI Mini 2 360° Propeller Guards are wonderful for brand spanking new pilots. They match over the Mini 2 SE’s propellers, lowering your threat of harm when dealing with the drone.
The prop guards also can safeguard the drone in case you crash, mitigating injury.
» MORE: Greatest Equipment for DJI Mini 2 SE
Spare batteries
The Mini 2 SE solely has a projected flight time of 31 minutes. Though in actuality, it’s by no means fairly that a lot. It’s regular for producers to overstate the battery’s longevity as a result of they take a look at it in excellent situations.
Since its cost is brief in comparison with most drones in the marketplace (together with these exterior of DJI), you may take into account selecting up a minimum of one different Clever Flight Battery, if not two.
» MORE: Drone Batteries (In-Depth Info)
MicroSD playing cards
This one is required, because the Mini 2 SE doesn’t have any inside cupboard space. In different phrases, with no microSD card, you possibly can’t save the images and movies you are taking, which defeats the purpose.
DJI recommends the SanDisk Excessive microSD Card 128 GB version or the Kingston Canvas Go! Plus microSD Card 128 GB version.
» MORE: Greatest SD Playing cards for DJI Mini 2 SE
DJI Battery Charging Hub
The DJI Battery Charging Hub is a two-way charger. You should utilize it as an influence financial institution for charging your controller, for instance, or cost three Clever Flight Batteries concurrently for longer flights.
The DJI Battery Charging Hub is appropriate with the Mini 2 SE in addition to the unique Mini SE and Mini 2. In case you personal these drones, you will get quite a lot of use out of this sensible machine!
Moveable smartphone charger
I additionally suggest having a transportable smartphone charger on the prepared so you possibly can maintain your telephone powered on and displaying the DJI Fly app.
You in all probability have already got one in every of these units, but when not, do your self a favor and purchase one.
A conveyable telephone charger additionally is useful for any occasion the place you’re away from house for lengthy durations and want a totally (or largely) charged telephone.
» MORE: Does DJI Mini 2 SE Include a Charger? (See Our Suggestion)
3. Cost the battery
The drone’s battery doesn’t come at 100%, even when bought new. It may possibly’t, as batteries discharge over time.
Additionally, the battery is more likely to be in Hibernation Mode, which occurs after it loses quite a lot of juice. On this mode, the battery won’t present any indicators of life till you cost it.
» MORE: DJI Mini 2 SE Battery (All You Must Know)
How do you cost the Mini 2 SE battery? Be certain the Clever Flight Battery is slotted into the drone, which can produce a clicking sound whenever you place it accurately.
Subsequent, safe the battery port’s flap, which can click on. Then plug your Kind-C charging cable immediately into the Mini 2 SE or within the DJI Battery Charging Hub in case you personal one.
The Clever Flight Battery ought to cost in roughly 90 minutes. At the moment, you possibly can unplug the Kind-C charging cable and take the drone out for a spin.
The battery has 4 LED lights that may all illuminate when the battery is totally charged.
4. Cost the controller
You additionally must cost the DJI RC-N1, which you are able to do with the identical USB-C cable (so that you’ll have to attend till you cost the Mini 2 SE first).
The controller may have a slot on the backside for inserting the USB-C cable, which you’ll plug into the DJI Battery Charging Hub.
» MORE: DJI Mini 2 SE: How one can Join/Pair RC (Defined)
5. Make a DJI account
As a brand new DJI pilot, you’ll want a DJI account to make use of its myriad options, together with the required app for the Mini 2 SE, DJI Fly.
Click on right here for the hyperlink to the DJI registration web page. You should utilize an current Google account to log in or register by typing in your e-mail handle and a password.
You have to sort the password twice, test that you simply’re not a robotic (by way of reCAPTCHA), and comply with DJI’s phrases of service.
After clicking Submit, you’ll obtain an e-mail affirmation. You’ll be able to then return to the identical hyperlink and log in.
» MORE: Do I Should Register my DJI Mini 2 SE (Defined)
6. Obtain the DJI Fly app
You’ll want the DJI Fly app to make use of the Mini 2 SE. The RC-N1 doesn’t embrace a display (the Mini 2 SE is one in every of DJI’s lowest-cost Mini drones), so that you’ll use your smartphone as an alternative.
Open your smartphone and go into the app retailer. Kind in “DJI Fly,” and the primary consequence you see must be from DJI. Faucet Get, then use facial verification or double-tap to obtain the app.
As soon as the app downloads to your smartphone, open it up and log in.
» MORE: DJI Fly App (Every part You Must Know)
7. Replace any firmware
Now that you simply’ve gotten the Mini 2 SE and RC-N1 up and working test for firmware updates.
There is probably not one accessible, but when there’s, replace it earlier than you fly the drone to make sure it’s in optimum working situation.
» MORE: DJI Mini 2 SE: How one can Replace Firmware (Step-by-Step Information)
Do I’ve to register my DJI Mini 2 SE with the FAA?
That relies on how you propose to make use of it.
For instance, in case you solely fly the Mini 2 SE recreationally (a objective it’s particularly wonderful at), then no, you don’t must register it. The FAA solely requires drone registration in case your UAV exceeds 250 grams, which the Mini 2 SE doesn’t.
Nevertheless, that rule goes out the window when utilizing a drone commercially. You have to register your drone it doesn’t matter what, so you’ll have to pay the $5 payment to the FAA. When you register the Mini 2 SE, it’s good for the following three years.
Do understand that it’s essential to register each drone you fly.
How one can activate DJI Mini 2 SE
Now it’s time to activate the Mini 2 SE, which it’s essential to do earlier than launching it for the primary time. Right here’s how.
Step 1 – Open the DJI Fly app
You ought to be logged into the DJI Fly app already as you start the registration course of.
Step 2 – Hyperlink the RC-N1 to the DJI Fly app
Activate the Mini 2 SE, then insert your smartphone into the holster of the RC-N1 controller. Open the DJI Fly app in your telephone.
It is best to see an possibility marked Join Plane within the app. Faucet it, then go into Settings and choose Management. Scroll down, then faucet Hook up with the Plane on the backside.
A countdown will start, and the lights below the distant controller will start flashing sequentially. The distant is prepared when it beeps and the lights proceed flashing.
Subsequent, seize the Mini 2 SE and maintain its energy button for 4 seconds. The drone’s battery indicator lights will illuminate sequentially, and you’ll hear one beep.
Now you possibly can hyperlink the units. Each will cease beeping and displaying sequential lights, and you will note a reside digicam view on the DJI Fly app, which signifies profitable linking.
Alternatively, you need to use mixture buttons to hyperlink the controller. On the RC-N1, maintain the 2 entrance higher buttons and the shutter/document button on the shoulder concurrently. After two seconds, you’ll hear beeping.
Subsequent, press the battery swap button and maintain that for 4 seconds. It’ll start beeping, which signifies to let it go. The distant will start linking and cease beeping when it’s completed. Additionally, you will see a picture transmission display within the DJI Fly app.
» MORE: DJI Mini 2 SE App (Learn This Earlier than Downloading)
Step 3 – Activate the Mini 2 SE
When you hyperlink your smartphone, RC-N1, and Mini 2 SE, test the DJI Fly app for activation directions. The directions will embrace prompts to comply with. You have to have a dependable web connection when activating.
Issues to do earlier than the primary flight
Are you able to rock? I imply, fly? Earlier than you do, be sure you comply with this pre-flight protocol for having fun with time within the skies with the Mini 2 SE.
Get a drone license
It is a one-time matter in case you’re flying recreationally, and a activity so as to add to your to-do record each two years if utilizing your drone commercially.
I’ve written an intensive sequence about the right way to receive a industrial drone license or Distant Pilot Certificates in the US right here on the weblog. I extremely suggest discovering your state and studying the principles!
Primarily, it’s essential to make an account on the Built-in Airman Certification and Score Software or IACRA to acquire an FAA Monitoring Quantity or FTN. Then, you possibly can create an account on PSI, use your FTN to confirm your identification, register for the Unmanned Plane Normal – Small (UAG) examination, and pay the payment.
After you are taking the industrial examination, scoring a minimum of 70 %, you’ll obtain a everlasting Half 107 license within the mail from the FAA. Nevertheless, the license expires inside two years. It’s now free to resume it, as you possibly can take an FAA renewal examination on-line from the consolation of your own home.
You used to must pay $175 each two years (the price of the examination) to take the Half 107 take a look at, however not since 2021!
In case you solely intend to make use of the Mini 2 SE recreationally, you’ll have a a lot simpler time. You’ll want to take The Leisure UAS Security Take a look at or TRUST examination. This take a look at is free and online-based (in contrast to the Unmanned Plane Normal – Small (UAG) take a look at).
Higher but, you possibly can change your solutions to the right ones earlier than you submit your take a look at. Your completion of the TRUST examination produces a certificates you possibly can print and carry in your individual.
The TRUST license doesn’t expire, however you may be required to re-take the take a look at in case you misplace your certificates.
» MORE: DJI Mini 2 SE Unable to Take Off (Solved)
Open the drone arms
The Mini 2 SE has foldable arms, however it’s essential to unfold them throughout each flight. Use a mild however agency hand, taking care to not injury the fragile elements.
Take the gimbal protector off
The drone consists of gimbal protectors, that are useful in safeguarding the Mini 2 SE, however not so helpful whenever you need to fly.
You’ll be able to take away the gimbal protector by urgent the decrease buckle. The protector ought to come proper off.
Once you need to put it on, place it accurately and snap it in. It couldn’t be simpler.
Test the battery degree (recharge if mandatory)
In case you simply charged the Mini 2 SE, the drone’s battery must be totally charged or near it.
Nevertheless, if it’s been a number of days and the battery has discharged, put it on the charger for a short time to get it near 100%.
Flip the distant controller on (inserting your telephone)
Subsequent, insert your smartphone into the holsters of the RC-N1, then energy on the distant controller.
Energy on the DJI Fly app
Open the DJI Fly app in your telephone. It is best to have already up to date its firmware, so you possibly can relaxation assured you’re working probably the most present model.
Launch from degree floor
Now, it’s time to launch. The Mini 2 SE consists of single-button launches and landings, making it simpler for newbies such as you to get the drone airborne with out incident.
Nevertheless, it’s best to at all times launch from degree, flat floor, avoiding slopes and jagged terrain like rocks.
» MORE: DJI Mini 2 SE vs. DJI Mini 2 (Which One is Proper for You)
