You simply unboxed your DJI Mini 2 SE, and also you’re excited! You’ve flown just a few toy drones in your time, however that is your first actual drone.
You possibly can’t wait to activate it and get it into the skies. Nevertheless, when you flip the drone on, you notice you’re probably not certain what’s required to activate it.
That’s okay! You’ve come to the precise 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 how one can register it.
I simply acquired my DJI Mini 2 SE: Easy methods to set it up
There’s a litany of duties to finish as you carry your Mini 2 SE residence. They’ll guarantee you possibly can safely function it, so let’s get into what you’ll want to do.
1. Unbox it
Should you purchase the Mini 2 SE new, it ought to embody within the field:
- Mini 2 SE drone
- DJI RC-N1 distant controller
- Screwdriver
- Six spare screws
- USB-C knowledge cable
- Gimbal protector
- DJI RC-N1 RC cable customary 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 components.
» MORE: Is DJI Mini 2 SE Good for Rookies? (Palms-on Evaluation)
2. Purchase equipment
DJI is notoriously stingy on its equipment. You get just a few, however basically, your buy consists of the naked fundamentals and little else.
Listed here are extra equipment you need to think about buying.
Propeller guards
The DJI Mini 2 360° Propeller Guards are glorious for brand new pilots. They match over the Mini 2 SE’s propellers, lowering your threat of damage when dealing with the drone.
The prop guards also can safeguard the drone for those who crash, mitigating harm.
» MORE: Finest 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 check it in excellent situations.
Since its cost is brief in comparison with most drones in the marketplace (together with these outdoors of DJI), you would possibly think about choosing up no less than 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 out a microSD card, you possibly can’t save the photographs 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: Finest 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. Should you personal these drones, you will get lots 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 cellphone powered on and displaying the DJI Fly app.
You in all probability have already got one in every of these gadgets, but when not, do your self a favor and purchase one.
A transportable cellphone charger additionally turns out to be useful for any occasion the place you’re away from residence for lengthy intervals and want a completely (or principally) charged cellphone.
» MORE: Does DJI Mini 2 SE Include a Charger? (See Our Advice)
3. Cost the battery
The drone’s battery doesn’t come at 100%, even when bought new. It might probably’t, as batteries discharge over time.
Additionally, the battery is prone to be in Hibernation Mode, which occurs after it loses lots 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 Have to Know)
How do you cost the Mini 2 SE battery? Ensure that the Clever Flight Battery is slotted into the drone, which is able to produce a clicking sound if you place it accurately.
Subsequent, safe the battery port’s flap, which is able to click on. Then plug your Sort-C charging cable immediately into the Mini 2 SE or within the DJI Battery Charging Hub for those who personal one.
The Clever Flight Battery ought to cost in roughly 90 minutes. At the moment, you possibly can unplug the Sort-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 absolutely 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: Easy methods to 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 present Google account to log in or register by typing in your e mail deal with and a password.
You should sort the password twice, examine that you simply’re not a robotic (through reCAPTCHA), and comply with DJI’s phrases of service.
After clicking Submit, you’ll obtain an e mail affirmation. You possibly can then return to the identical hyperlink and log in.
» MORE: Do I Must 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 embody a display screen (the Mini 2 SE is one in every of DJI’s lowest-cost Mini drones), so that you’ll use your smartphone as a substitute.
Open your smartphone and go into the app retailer. Sort in “DJI Fly,” and the primary end result you see needs to 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 (All the things You Have to Know)
7. Replace any firmware
Now that you simply’ve gotten the Mini 2 SE and RC-N1 up and operating examine for firmware updates.
There might not be one obtainable, but when there may be, replace it earlier than you fly the drone to make sure it’s in optimum working situation.
» MORE: DJI Mini 2 SE: Easy methods to Replace Firmware (Step-by-Step Information)
Do I’ve to register my DJI Mini 2 SE with the FAA?
That depends upon how you intend to make use of it.
For instance, for those who solely fly the Mini 2 SE recreationally (a goal it’s particularly glorious 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 should register your drone it doesn’t matter what, so you’ll have to pay the $5 price to the FAA. When you register the Mini 2 SE, it’s good for the following three years.
Do remember that you need to register each drone you fly.
Easy methods to activate DJI Mini 2 SE
Now it’s time to activate the Mini 2 SE, which you need to do earlier than launching it for the primary time. Right here’s how.
Step 1 – Open the DJI Fly app
You need 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 cellphone.
You must see an possibility marked Join Plane within the app. Faucet it, then go into Settings and choose Management. Scroll down, then faucet Connect with the Plane on the backside.
A countdown will start, and the lights underneath 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 gadgets. Each will cease beeping and exhibiting sequential lights, and you will note a stay digital camera view on the DJI Fly app, which signifies profitable linking.
Alternatively, you should utilize mixture buttons to hyperlink the controller. On the RC-N1, maintain the 2 entrance higher buttons and the shutter/report button on the shoulder concurrently. After two seconds, you’ll hear beeping.
Subsequent, press the battery change button and maintain that for 4 seconds. It’s going to 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 screen 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, examine the DJI Fly app for activation directions. The directions will embody prompts to observe. You should 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 to observe 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 for those who’re flying recreationally, and a process so as to add to your to-do listing each two years if utilizing your drone commercially.
I’ve written an in depth collection about how one can acquire a business drone license or Distant Pilot Certificates in america right here on the weblog. I extremely suggest discovering your state and studying the principles!
Basically, you need to make an account on the Built-in Airman Certification and Ranking Utility 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 id, register for the Unmanned Plane Normal – Small (UAG) examination, and pay the price.
After you are taking the business examination, scoring no less than 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 house.
You used to must pay $175 each two years (the price of the examination) to take the Half 107 check, however not since 2021!
Should you solely intend to make use of the Mini 2 SE recreationally, you’ll have a a lot simpler time. You want to take The Leisure UAS Security Check or TRUST examination. This check is free and online-based (not like the Unmanned Plane Normal – Small (UAG) check).
Higher but, you possibly can change your solutions to the proper ones earlier than you submit your check. Your completion of the TRUST examination produces a certificates you possibly can print and carry in your particular person.
The TRUST license doesn’t expire, however you can be required to re-take the check for those who 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 you need to unfold them throughout each flight. Use a delicate however agency hand, taking care to not harm the fragile parts.
Take the gimbal protector off
The drone consists of gimbal protectors, that are useful in safeguarding the Mini 2 SE, however not so helpful if you need to fly.
You possibly can 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 essential)
Should you simply charged the Mini 2 SE, the drone’s battery needs to be absolutely 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 cellphone)
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 cellphone. You must have already up to date its firmware, so you possibly can relaxation assured you’re operating essentially 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 novices such as you to get the drone airborne with out incident.
Nevertheless, you need 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)