Where to put controller while Active track / Follow me?

magnil · Dec 7, 2016

Would like my Mavic to follow me while i ride a mountain bike or ride a snowmobile.

First I was thinking that I should use only the phone as controller with wifi but it seems that active track / follow me is not available with phone as controller?

If I use the controller and put it in the back pack it seems as there is to much risk of the sticks getting moved in the back pack.

Is there any good way to do it?

4wd · Dec 7, 2016

It's really missing a good place to attach a lanyard, I find it annoying you almost need to put it down even to open and start the Mavic and it can be hard to find a dry clean spot.
You can pass a cord round one of the arms but it doesn't feel very secure especially if biking.
On ebay there are solutions, this idea is inexpensive but looks a bit fiddly to put in place and did wonder if the grill below might be obstructed.
Neck Lanyard Buckle Adapter Hooking For DJI Mavic Pro Transmitter Remote Control | eBay

You can get cheaper versions without lanyard - which does look over-engineered for such a small thing - and you probably have something from another camera anyway.

Chase R · Dec 7, 2016

magnil said:
Would like my Mavic to follow me while i ride a mountain bike or ride a snowmobile.

First I was thinking that I should use only the phone as controller with wifi but it seems that active track / follow me is not available with phone as controller?

If I use the controller and put it in the back pack it seems as there is to much risk of the sticks getting moved in the back pack.

Is there any good way to do it?

Don't use wifi. Not super reliable and you would be getting frequent disconnects.

Controller carrying is tricky. You really can't put it in a bag because there is too much risk of hitting the sticks or even the gimbal wheel making all your footage of the ground or sky. I'd try to rig up some kind of handlebar mount in case it starts wondering and you need some quick stick inputs to save it.

socalvn · Dec 7, 2016

I have a neck lanyard and a iring for my iPhone & iPad this also ensures my expensive screens never hit the ground accidentally
I would not set the controller down and walk away not a safe practice

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/s/ref=is_s?k=iring

Mako79 · Dec 7, 2016

strap the controller to the bike.

magnil · Dec 8, 2016

A neck lanyard or strap the controller will not work while mountain biking on a rough path. They should add a controller "lock" mode in future FW update!

CactusJackSlade · Dec 9, 2016

What kind of trail as you talking about.... one leafless branch sticking out or telephone/power line and it will get knocked down.... the sensors do not see everything. If you are in an open area like Moab Utah slickrock you will probably be fine... be careful!

leesmavic · Dec 9, 2016

Moah-ha-ha

don't trust commercials

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magnil · Dec 10, 2016

leesmavic said:
Moah-ha-ha don't trust commercials

Sent from my XT1572 using MavicPilots mobile app

Seems like it is impossible to use active track / follow me

Give me a FW update with RC lock button!

scalci · Dec 11, 2016

Is it not surpose to keep the altitude you set it at?

halley · Dec 11, 2016

leesmavic said:

Man, that guy soldiered on past so many things to make a video. Bad audio, bad wind, wind pushing his GoPro tripod around, starting to rain, the wind pushing the Mavic around, his phone device "looking wonky" for some reason, the Mavic firmware not elevating as the tracking target elevates (surprising him), ... but he is damned determined to make the video.

TheLightSpeed! · Dec 11, 2016

Horrible video. I've used active track and it worked flawlessly

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leesmavic · Dec 11, 2016

TheLightSpeed! said:
Horrible video. I've used active track and it worked flawlessly

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So where did you put your RC then?

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Snoweman · Dec 24, 2016

Thanks for posting this question. I am going skiing in January and am wondering how I can get video of me going down the hill. Unless my wife can learn to land it and stow the controller, I don't think it will happen. So, I don't think it will happen.

AlexSP · Dec 24, 2016

I use this Serfas: Stem Bags. Cheap, big enough for the Tx+iPhone6S and keep it visible and at hand at all times. The magnetic lid is wonderful, really handy. It's the best solution I've found to carry the Tx during ride while it's following me. To be safer I also wrap a rubber band on the top tube, and if things get bumpy or fast around the Tx. And always put the stick locker, though I've found it's not always necessary because the bag is large and soft enough to hold it and not interfere. Much better than the soft backpack-style bag I use to carry the Mavic.

Loz · Dec 24, 2016

TheLightSpeed! said:
Horrible video. I've used active track and it worked flawlessly

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Horrible video is a bit harsh, the guy was determined to make a useful video in real life conditions, however there were moments where I questioned his sanity!

I agree with you in the fact that it could work more flawlessly, yes he could have set his surroundings better, as there are hills and the MP in AT mode won't raise or lower its altitude - I think the FW is older on this video as the focusing isn't working after take off?

After watching this video though I'm intrigued to try the wifi mode active track as I do a lot of MTB riding and have always used my iPhone for map reading whilst I ride so I have a very good phone holder (I've done downhill and trail riding with it no problem) made by "quadlock" ironically! When I get the chance I will post up the footage and outcome..

Jim_bo · Dec 25, 2016

AlexSP said:
I use this Serfas: Stem Bags. Cheap, big enough for the Tx+iPhone6S and keep it visible and at hand at all times. The magnetic lid is wonderful, really handy. It's the best solution I've found to carry the Tx during ride while it's following me. To be safer I also wrap a rubber band on the top tube, and if things get bumpy or fast around the Tx. And always put the stick locker, though I've found it's not always necessary because the bag is large and soft enough to hold it and not interfere. Much better than the soft backpack-style bag I use to carry the Mavic.

Which stem bag are you using. Your link goes to the page with all the stem bags.

magnil · Dec 26, 2016

May the Litchi app be our solution with follow mode? Seems like you can choose to disable the RC joysticks and use sport switch to cancel follow mode. Help - Litchi

Anyone tried it?