The Mini's on-board functions and queries about these...

[Bill_H]

Hi guys... I'm just so dang new at this... Found out that with shutting the phone off (ala Airplane mode), the Mini flies anyway unencumbered. Some are saying it flies better that way. (That's what I'm finding too)!
Now, questions is... does the Mini fly having it's own GPS capability built in ? (I suppose I wouldn't see satellites registered on the screen if it didn't). Thing is, out of necessity, I bought a used iPhone specially for the drone and put my phone network card onto it (because absolutely NONE of my current Android devices will ever 'see' the DJI Fly app at the Store for me to download... only this 2015 model iPhone sees/gets the DJI FLY app).
New plan is to dedicate the iPhone exclusively to/for the Mini (or MA2) by taking the (phone) network card and its data capability completely out and fly exclusively with a dedicated iPhone, plugged into the controller. ( Sure would simplify for me as I prefer my old Android phone and its apps anyway for daily general use). Thoughts? TIA
Bill in Tsawwassen, BC

 

[lannes]

The MM AC has it's own gps circuitry for determining it's location

The cellular connection is useful for mapping and flysafe database updates when you don't have wi-fi connection for the iPhone.
You could get away with hotspotting to the android phone while at a location to cache the auto maps for the area then turn it off.

 

[old man mavic]

you can do it that way you dont need a sim card to fly, the only difference it will make is you will not be able to download maps while you are out ,if you require them pre install them before you go to flyand to improve the apps ability to cope with the amount of info it has to handle it is a good idea to switch off cache to device and this saves memory in the phone

 

[CareyL]

Hi guys... I'm just so dang new at this... Found out that with shutting the phone off (ala Airplane mode), the Mini flies anyway ...
Bill in Tsawwassen, BC

Or --
I have attached a picture with my DJI Fly and Mavic Mini setup. Note that Android devices draw about 500 mA from the controller. This can be ameliorated with a power bank and OTG Y cable. I prefer to hot glue a short adapter cable to the controller. It allows for versatility without wearing out that particular plug.

The Samsung Tab A 8 SM T-290 with 2 GB ram and Quad Core, Ships with Android 9 and immediately updates to 10 is both 64 bit Architecture and 64 bit Android. Recently it sold for $183 Cdn at Costco. I have 2 and they work great. You have to download the apk from DJI to the tablet and install. It is not listed on Play Store.

Also note that the compatible devices list on this board that starts with a huge list of Apple devices and claims to be up to date based on Board Members input does not include the above 8" Samsung.