Xiaomi mi drone test-Part II

In this article we’ll continue to test the Xiaomi Mi drone.

Application of Xiaomi Drone

That’s a bit complicated. In fact, officially, there is an application of Xiaomi for the Mi Drone. However, it is in Chinese. Fortunately, unofficially, there is an English version available for the Mi Drone. However, the installation did not go smoothly. The big advantage of the unofficial version is that it is understandable. For those who wish to use the official version, you can refer to our article, because we stayed on the Chinese version.

First of all, it is necessary to create a Xiaomi account. In general, problems often occur with addresses. Another option that works rather well is the creation of an account from the Xiaomi web page.

After starting the application, you must turn on the drone and the remote control by briefly pressing the start button of each device briefly and a second time a little more than two seconds. No indication is given by the app at this level. Now you need to connect the smartphone to the remote control with the USB cable.

Then you will have to validate the next window with a single click and you will find in the settings of your smartphone, from where you can activate Bluetooth and USB-tethering (if you have not already done so). At the same time, you must also activate the location function of your smartphone.

Software Update

Normally, two steps must be performed: firmware update and quadcopter calibration. To do this, you must go to the application menu behind the 6-corner symbol on the right, above the camera trigger. Then you will find this overview:

The second point with the symbol will take you to the firmware. If an update is required, it will be indicated. On the screenshot, the version is current. After two clicks, the update will be automatically downloaded to your smartphone, and then downloaded to the Mi drone. There is very little chance of making a mistake, because you just have to validate each time with a single click. Warning ! It is important to place the SD card in the camera slot of the drone.

Calibration of the Mi Drone

The point that follows directly allows, as the compass symbol suggests, to calibrate the Mi drone. This process must be done only once and is described using text, but also images. After about 6 rotations, the operation is complete. It may take several attempts.

We have been very careful with all functions that rest in any form on the GPS. Such as the automatic flight of certain points on the map and the Return Home function. The reason: the inaccurate location. First of all, after each start of the app, you can read the map of the Peking region. Our region only appears a few moments later. And the Mi drone itself is located a good kilometer from our current position, while our actual position is properly indicated by the smartphone.

The application delivers a lot of information. Fortunately, we use the Arabic numerals in China. Once understood, it is easy to use. On the left, at the top, the height of the flight is indicated; At the bottom it is the distance. Right, top, battery status and down the GPS connection. This index must remain above 14 so that the Mi drone can start. The most important information about this is in the bar at the edge of the screen; to the left; on top. If the drone does not start for any reason, an x as well as “不能起飞” is indicated. As soon as the GPS signal climbs above 14, a small tick with the “可以起飞 (GPS)” information appears, as you can see in the picture below.

With updated software and GPS connected, you can start. Depending on the circumstances, a few moments are often necessary before having a sufficient GPS connection. You must observe how the numbers at the bottom, right climb. Then press the two sticks inward and keep them V-shaped; In order to run the motors. Using the left stick, you can take off the Mi drone.

Several automatic modes

If Xiaomi has put the package, it offers nothing new. Let us not forget to consider the high price of the Mi Drone:

• Autohold / Autohover to maintain altitude automatically during flight
• Programming of the route and destination of the automatic flight (waypoint flight path planning) and “tap to fly on map”
• Turn around objects
• RTH, that is to say the manual trip of the return home. In the event that the battery is empty, the battery is triggered automatically.
• Preventing flights in prohibited areas
• Automatic take-off and landing

With regard to the faculty of Mi Drone avoiding prohibited flight areas. It is uncertain whether this option is included in the map of France. So let your common sense talk when you fly your drone instead of relying on automatic control.

Camera

The camera of the Mi Drone really impresses us. The 4K mode is filmed by a 12.4 megapixel Sony sensor (RAW -Export included). For the other less powerful versions, it is a 16 megapixel sensor less imposing.The lens covers an angle of 104 degrees. A three-axis Gimbal stabilizer prevents vibration from being retransmitted to the camera.

The images of the 1080p version are really good and the gimbal provides good performance. The image is transmitted without disturbance and with sharpness. In any case, filming becomes a real pleasure.

Photos with a resolution of 16 megapixels are also good. Only, the app takes a little time to load after each picture. This is why it is impossible to make a quick succession of photos. The two functions -photo and videos are controlled by a button in the application or by the corresponding key on the back of the remote control.

Conclusion

Xiaomi has actually made a successful climb in the drone market. Apart from the first installation of the drone with the Chinese version of the application in Chinese, it’s accessible even to beginners. We did not encounter any problems when connecting the drone to the smartphone and the remote control. We had a lot of fun right from the start. For those who like to tinker, and who attach importance to mount their drone personally, this aspect is unfortunately not a priority. But for those who do not make it their priority and who simply want to have a high quality drone, with a high-performance camera at a fair price, the Mi Drone will know how to give them satisfaction.

The post Xiaomi mi drone test-Part II appeared first on Drone Inner.