Phantom 4 RTK FAQ

PRODUCT

1. How does the Phantom 4 RTK differ from previous Phantom Series products?

While previous Phantom series drones were built around professional photographers and hobbyists, the Phantom 4 RTK was designed for industrial users for high-precision mapping and other data acquisition missions. While the Phantom 4 RTK shares a similar camera and form size, it also adds a RTK positioning module, a new TimeSync system, a purpose-built mapping app and more.

2. What propellers does the Phantom 4 RTK use?

The Phantom 4 RTK uses the same 9450s Quick Release Propellers as the Phantom 4 Pro.

3. Can I fly the Phantom 4 RTK in other countries or regions?

No, the Phantom 4 RTK has specific versions for different countries and/or regions. Users can check the version code on the product packaging or through the GS RTK app (go to Aircraft Information -> Firmware).

CAMERA

1. What is difference between the Phantom 4 RTK's camera and the camera on the Phantom 4 Advanced/Pro?

While the Phantom 4 RTK and Phantom 4 Pro/Advanced share the same 1-inch, 20 megapixel CMOS sensor, the Phantom 4 RTK has improved the capabilities of the camera for mapping through a new lens distortion recording process. Each Phantom 4 RTK camera goes through a calibration process that measures the distortions of the lens, and records the corresponding OPEN-CV parameters. The camera allows users to output the original images without distortion correction as well as the OPEN-CV distortion parameters in the XMP file for post-processing

2. Can the ND filter of the Phantom 4 Pro be used on the Phantom 4 RTK?

Yes, the ND filters made for the Phantom 4 Pro can also be used for the Phantom 4 RTK.

3. Does the Phantom 4 RTK camera digital signal processor (DSP) support distortion correction?

No, you can enable the distortion correction in the camera but the images will be less precise compared to distortion elimination in post-processing software.

REMOTE CONTROLLER

1. What's the different between the remote controller of the Phantom 4 RTK and that of the Phantom 4 Pro?

The Phantom 4 RTK's remote controller has multiple changes that add more versatility and features for industrial users. This includes a Micro-SD card slot, a built-in speaker and hot-swappable batteries. Additionally, users can use the remote controller to connect to the internet for Network RTK with a 4G Dongle. Lastly, the new GS RTK App is pre-installed in each remote controller, letting controller start data acquisition missions right out of the box.

2. Can you control the Phantom 4 RTK with the Phantom 4 Advanced/Pro controllers?

No, you cannot control the Phantom 4 RTK with a Phantom 4 Advanced or Pro controller.

3. How can I switch between FCC and CE modes?

FCC and CE mode switching is not available.

4. How do I bind my remote controller with the Phantom 4 RTK?

You can complete the linking through the GS RTK app. Refer to the User Manual for more details.

VIDEO TRANSMISSION

1. What is the video transmission distance of the Phantom 4 RTK?

The effective video transmission distance depends on your method of operation (such as the antenna position) and actual flight environment. In an open and unobscured environment, the maximum distance is 7 km when FCC compliant, and 4 km when CE compliant. (2.4GHz).

2. What should I do if the app sends me the following notification: "the remote controller signal is weak, please adjust the antenna"?

This means that improper antenna positioning is likely affecting the video transmission signal, and therefore the quality of the real-time view. You can try to adjust the antennas so the flat sides of the antenna point towards the Phantom 4 RTK.

3.Can I continue my automated mapping mission if the Phantom 4 RTK loses video transmission signal during its mission?

Yes, if the video transmission signal is lost, you can reconnect and continue the mapping mission.

BATTERY

1. Can I use my Phantom 4 Pro batteries with the Phantom 4 RTK and vice versa?

Yes, the Phantom 4 RTK and Pro batteries are cross compatibe and have the same capacity, meaning flight time won't be effected.

2. How long does it take to fully charge a Phantom 4 RTK battery?

It takes roughly 60 minutes to charge a Phantom 4 RTK battery fully.

3. How should I take care and store my batteries?

Keep the Phantom 4 RTK batteries in a dry place away from water. For long term storage, ensure the battery is charged to 50% or above and discharge every three months to maintain activity.

4. What does it mean when the battery icon turns yellow in the app?

This means the voltage of the battery cell is below 3.62V and should be charged soon.

5. Can I use Phantom 4 RTK batteries in low temperatures?

The battery capacity (and therefore flight time) will sharply decrease in low temperatures (<-10℃). It is recommended to heat the batteries to 20℃ before flight to limit this effect.

6. Why do batteries start to heat up after long term storage?

This is a normal phenomenon. When batteries have been stored for a long time with over 65% of the charge remaining, an automatic discharging procedure is activated to decrease battery level to 65%, during which the batteries will heat up.

POS RTK AND PHOTO POS

1. What options do I have to reference the positioning data from the Phantom 4 RTK?

1. Connect locally via OcuSync to your D-RTK 2 Mobile Station. (RTCM3.2)
2. Connect remotely via a 4G Dongle to a custom RTK network using a NTRIP account.(RTCM3.2)
3. Connect remotely via a WiFi hotspot to a custom RTK network using a NTRIP account. Not available in Europe.(RTCM3.0/RTCM3.1/RTCM3.2)

2. What positioning accuracy can the Phantom 4 RTK achieve?

The Phantom 4 RTK can achieve 1 cm+1 ppm (horizontal), 1.5 cm + 1 ppm (vertical) accurate data.

3. What is TimeSync and how does it ensure the positioning accuracy of each image taken on the Phantom 4 RTK?

TimeSync continually aligns the flight controller, camera and RTK module, then adjusts the positioning data to the center of the CMOS and records the data in EXIF and XMP format.

4. What are the differences between PPK and RTK mode? How to use them?

RTK and PPK are two different kinematics technologies that reference data in different ways. Although PPK generally has slightly higher positioning accuracy than RTK, both achieve centimeter-level precision. RTK is recommended for users flying in environments that allow for real-time connection via OcuSync or 4G and prefer convenience and efficiency. For users who have no demand on timeliness and/or need to operate in conditions without connectivity, PPK is a better option.

5. How do I find the XMP information of my Phantom 4 RTK photos?

Open the photo in text format and search "XMP" to find this information on each photo.

6. When I take a photo with the Phantom 4 RTK, where is the location metadata logging the position from?

Due to the new TimeSync system, each photo stores the position of the CMOS center in its metadata.

7. How can I get the compensation value between the antenna phase center and CMOS center?

For each photo, the compensation value between the RTK module's antenna phase center and the CMOS center in NED coordinate system is recorded in the timestamp.MRK file under a folder named "survey".

SOFTWARE

1. How do I update the Phantom 4 RTK firmware?

The Phantom 4 RTK firmware upgrade process is similar to that of the Phantom 4 Pro. Using the DJI Assistant 2 software, you can update the remote controller and aircraft firmware seperately.

You can also update the drone and remote controller simultaneously through the GS RTK app. First yoyu connect the remote controller to the aircraft with OTG and USB cables, then follow the procedures explained in the remote contoller's GSRTK app.

2. In what situations are the left/right TOF and infrared sensors active?

Currently the left/right TOF and infrared sensors are not active, so please fly with caution.

3. What apps have mapping or inspection function?

Users can use the pre-installed GS RTK app for mapping or inspection missions. Additionally, users can install apps built on DJI's Mobile SDK.

4. Does the Phantom 4 RTK's return to home logic differ from that of the Phantom 4 Pro?

No.The RTH logics in both aircrafts are almost the same.

5. Are there any limitations to the Phantom 4 RTK's waypoints?

Yes, the distance between any two waypoints can not be above 2 km, the total number of waypoints cannot surpass 99 and the entire length of the flight path cannot exceed 15 km.

6. Can I set waypoints by entering longtitude and latitude values when using Waypoint mode?

No.

7. When importing KML area files with the GS RTK app, what is the maxmum number of boundary points that I can set?

Currently the GS RTK app supports up to 99 boundary points through KML files.

MAPPING

1. What formats of differential data does the Phantom 4 RTK support?

Currently the Phantom 4 RTK supports RTCM 3.0 data, RTCM 3.1 data, MSM4 and MSM5 data under RTCM3.2.

2. Are the coordinates measured by the Phantom 4 RTK relative coordinates or absolute coordinates?

The coordinates measured by the Phantom 4 RTK are absolute coordinates under the coordinate system chosen by users.

3. How do I calculate an appropriate flight altitude based on a GSD value?

You can refer to the equation H=36*GSD to estimate an appropriate flight altitude. Please note that GSD ground sampling distance) in this equation is measured by centimeters, while H (Height or flight altitude) is measured by meters.

4. Do images captured by the Phantom 4 RTK store altitude any information? If so, how is this data stored?

Elevation and relative altitude (relative to your takeoff point) are stored in photos captured by the Phantom 4 RTK. Absolute altitude can be used for mapping, and relative altitude can be found in the XMP file.

5. How can I capture oblique photography when using the Phantom 4 RTK?

Oblique imagery can be captured while flying in the Photogrammetry mode on the GS RTK app. In the Photogrammetry mode, you can adjust gimbal angle from -90 °to -45° under Camera Settings for your flight plan.You can only set one gimbal angle value at a time, so for sites where you want to capture multiple angles you can plan the same mission and just adjust the camera angle.

6. Can I create a 3D model or point cloud with third-party software using the images captured by the Phantom 4 RTK? If yes, what is the accuracy of the model created?

Yes, you can use third party software to process the Phantom 4 RTK image data and create models, however the accuracy will vary based on the photogrammetric algorithm used. Please refer to the third-party software provider for more information on expected accuracy.

7. What is the best way to use the Phantom 4 RTK to map corridors?

When collecting data over a infrastructure or other narrow corridor, we suggest you set a high overlap ratio, fly the aircraft higher than normal and plan to have at least two flight paths for the whole corridor.

8. Is the Phantom 4 RTK compatible with third-party base stations?

No, you cannot connect third-party base stations to the Phantom 4 RTK or the remote contoller via a radio station. However, you can obtain data from a network RTK server via Ntrip protocol in 4G/Wi-Fi network environment. Satillite observation data can also be saved in the aircraft for users to conduct post processed kinematics (PPK) to complete their tasks.