Is it a “simple” new version of the Phantom 2 Vision offers us the Chinese manufacturer DJI, as evidenced by the “+” part of the name? The main difference between the two models exclusively concerns the multimedia part of the device, that is to say, his camera, his car and his video transmission system. For the rest, this is the same device that was the Phantom 2 Vision.DJI Phantom 2 Vision+

The Phantom 2 Vision + is a quadricopter, who gets the same look like the Phantom, first name. It's main features? It is 25 cm rotor on the rotor side and 35.2 cm rotor to rotor diagonally. Considering its hull, but its propellers, he enrolled in a square of 28.7 cm. Still, without its propellers, it is 18.7 cm high. This is more than the other Phantom: foot size was lengthened, this to facilitate the movement of the camera. The look of the landing gear remains the same as previous models. Scoffers say it provides a stunning look … stool.

In two feet are two flexible son, antennas, and another is fixed the electronic compass. It is sensitive to magnetic disturbances: Avoid approaching a magnetized screwdriver, and more generally of metal to avoid any concern. The huge hatch for the battery is yawning when it is empty. The battery in question is the same as the Phantom 2 Vision or the Phantom 2: this is a huge block housing a 3S battery 5200 mAh. He is called “owner”, which means it relies on its connectors. This means that you must use the charger supplied with the camera, and you can not use batteries other than those marketed by DJI.

This is not entirely true, as there are already alternatives batteries (like this one). There’s something to be attempted since the battery is marketed DJI at about $100. One must be very careful because it remains to show that these alternative batteries work over time, including after applying updates to the internal software of the Phantom 2 Vision +. The battery is equipped with a key and diodes that are operational even when the battery is not connected: Pressing the button, capacity tester office, which is indicated with green LEDs.

Convenient to never go with a dead battery! The charging time is long enough. Allow 1 hour and 40 minutes for a full charge. Note that a pressure of 5 seconds on the Battery button to know his life. The indication is the number of charge cycles performed. The weight of the Phantom 2 Vision + without its battery is 892 grams. With its battery, it takes 367 grams 1259 grams to achieve in flying order.

The radio-controlled

DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ RCThis is the same model (PTV581), which broadcasts in 5.8 GHz, as accompanying the Phantom 2 Vision. It keeps the same format, with the same rounded curves, pristine white. The number buttons are reduced: there is one to turn on and turn off the radio, the two joysticks with automatic return to the centre, and two switches that manage the control modes.

At the rear lies the trap for 4 AA batteries. There are also two holes. The first is supposed control the tilting of the camera. The second lets you choose between compatible radio emission setting with Europe or the United States. The power is stronger in the second case. For those who want to enjoy the full power, know that there is nothing to visually check if the radio is in one mode or the other … A single beep indicates the ignition to the European setting, a double beep to the North American setting.

Equipment for video

Gripping the metal bar was diverted from its original use, as the Phantom 2 Vision. It now houses a rod with a jaw-shaped clip to hold a smartphone in landscape position (horizontal). He also maintains a housing: this is the signal repeater which can enjoy the video back. It is merely provided with a switch and two diodes. This is not the same model as that of the Phantom 2 Vision: R E500 has been replaced by R E700.

What are the differences? No idea. But the repeater Phantom 2 Vision + does not work with the Phantom 2 Vision. Note that the radio is delivered in Mode 2. To switch to 1, no need of drawing the screwdriver! A USB connector on the front allows connection to a PC or Mac. Software to download on the website of DJI selects the mode 1 or 2 (gas or gas left to right), calibrate joysticks. Too bad, modes 3 and 4 are not available – so that there is no technical obstacle to that ….

The camera and its basket

It is the main change brought by the Phantom 2 Vision +.He comes standard with a small HD camera controlled by a stabilizing platform, mounted on anti-vibration support. The top plate is screwed on the underside of the hull of the aircraft. Four rubber dampers maintain the upper plate which comprises part of the electronics of the nacelle. Including, for example, a USB connector (for transferring photos and videos) and the location to place a MicroSD type memory card.

Note that small clear plastic clips used to prevent the car from falling if the dampers had to come off. The nacelle is excellent with small brushless motors and includes the camera. This is not a cradle intended to receive any camera model; the nacelle is made exclusively for the latter. Miniaturization is quite successful; it is a far cry from the imposing round camera – not sexy – the Phantom 2 Vision. The camera lens is protected by a cap, the camera itself is blocked by a handy plastic device. Without this fall prevention kit, when the Phantom is not supplied, it might be damaged during transport.

Before Take-off

The Phantom 2 Vision + is ready to fly right out of the box. So much so that it is supplied with batteries for the radio and the battery is almost fully charged. But it is still prudent to ensure the full load of the repeater box (it takes 4 hours to obtain a full charge) and that of the battery. It is better also to install the software to adjust the radio and to check that all settings of the Phantom 2 Vision +. Both are available for download on the website of DJI, PC and Mac.

We must also remember to download the DJI Vision application, available for iOS on the App Store and Android devices on Google Play. Is everything OK? Turn on the radio, turn on the repeater, then turn on the Phantom. For this, to make a short press on the battery button, and more extended until the device wakes up beeping. Then you have to wait. If you are outdoors, it attempts to acquire satellites to get a GPS fix. As usual, all is indicated by large LEDs below the arm of the Phantom. This is still valid with this model, as in previous: one must learn the Phantom 2 Vision + language.

Colour coding

There are those of the Phantom himself, which indicate which mode you are in, satellite reception, the end of the battery, any real worries. There are those of the battery diodes (not as simple as you might think). And then there are those of the diode from the camera. Again, it’s not easy to remember! Come on, a little? The LED of the radio control you also speak! Not to mention that of the repeater … To avoid ask you once on the ground, better to print you a little memo colour code…

Online camera

When turning on the Phantom, the camera automatically straightens and stands at 45 ° to the ground. For the pilot, including for up horizontally, it must pass through the interface of your smartphone. The first step is to hook the network Phantom 2 Vision + over WiFi on your mobile device. It’s easy … and even a little too much! Because the WiFi access point created by the repeater is not protected by a WEP or WPA key. Anyone can, therefore, connect if it is faster than you do! It does not take control of the Phantom 2 Vision, but it offers plenty of time to change the camera settings. Start DJI Vision application, and tap the Camera icon. You are there! The screen should, in theory, show the image through the camera … It remains only to take off!

Piloting?

The Phantom 2 Vision + also proves pleasant to drive than its predecessors. It rises very quickly if you ask him. Be careful not to get carried away by the excitement; you may soon reach the 150 meters of the ceiling to which we are entitled. Consider limiting the maximum height of flight in the wizard for PC or Mac; there is an option specially designed for this. You can also specify a maximum distance from your starting point. Convenient to force the device to remain in a fixed radius.

Once mounted, must come down. The Phantom remains somewhat stable during this manoeuvre, and the camera compensates for unavoidable jolts – all suffer from the same quadricopters imbalance during rapid descents. To avoid them, it is better to give direction simultaneously. More experienced down spiral, which ensures a very stable flight even with a fast drop.

Warning: if you lower the throttle background gas down more than a few seconds, the Phantom cut gases. That’s very annoying if this happens to you while you are still quite high! Our advice is never to make the too rapid descent. By default, the right switch on the remote control lets you choose between GPS (set at a position) and ATTI fashion (stabilized but not fixed).

This drone is still very fun to use and is an excellent aerial video solution. That said, it costs $ 1 170 ($ 1 170 for the kit with an extra battery, really convenient and even essential). Other proposals (perhaps not all-in-one) can offer equivalent service with, especially superior video quality.