Current iPads suitable for mission planning?
Hello,
I think this year I will need something portable to be able to plan my missions also when I'm on the move. Are the current iPads (pro/air 2020) suitable for running the web app or are there any limitations? Are they fast enough to display the mission preview? And is an Apple Pencil useful for setting markers more accurate?
Thanks in advance,
Sören
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I use an 11” iPad Pro for most of my work, and while I’ve not paid specific attention to see if I had any issues planning a mission from scratch, I’ve edited several with no problem. The mission preview is fine - faster than my laptop, actually, which isn’t super capable to be fair.
I tend to plan most of my stuff in the evenings on my desktop. Until recently I’ve been using my iPhone to run Dronelink, but just completed my setup to run it off my iPad.
I’ve not found the Apple Pencil to be particularly helpful for this purpose. It isn’t hard to use or anything, it just doesn’t offer an appreciable benefit.
Thank you, that sounds good... I'm going to wait until march because a new iPad pro is rumoured to be introduced then.
I use I use my iPad Mini 5 for DJI Fly and Dronelink without any issues. Most newer iPads can handle both apps great. I almost use it all the time to create missions and fly. Vary capable device and worth every cent. The IPad Mini 5 has the A12 processor and 3 gig of Ram so any faster will be more then enough. Good luck I’m sure you will be happy.
https://www.phantomhelp.com/Tips/18/best-tabletsphones-for-dji-go
Arizona, does the iPad Mini 5 fit on the MA2 remote controller comfortably?
I use this adapter plate for my Mavic Mini, which I believe has the same controller format. You’ll need a longer cable as well.
Edit: Upon review, this will not work for the MA2.
Fits with a short extender which only cost about $9. Takes literally about 2 seconds to slip on or off and works great. Very sturdy and snug. I use it when off-road on my motorcycle and it won’t move. Much better then the larger mounts which place the device above the controller like a PGYTECH or other brand mount. Those can also be a bit unbalanced and not as secure. Hope this helps.
https://smile.amazon.com/Extender-Compatible-Controllers-Removeable-Accessory/dp/B088NWT5V6/ref=sr_1_5?dchild=1&keywords=Mavic+air+2+controller+mount&qid=1612218114&sr=8-5
i also use ipad mini 5th gen,works flawlessly.
i have the https://www.thorsdroneworld.com/product-page/lifthor-baldur-for-dji-mavic-air-2
very well made if a bit bulky ,i can shake the controller very hard and no ipad movement so no risk of slipping.made of alloy and plastic had it since last autumn.not cheap but neither is a ipad cellular model.
thats why i dont use a £5 bit of plastic to secure it.i can use the ipad for planning as well but i prefer to spend a lot of time on the pc on an evening doing so.
I did some experimentation today, and built a mapping mission using Safari my iPad. I'm happy to report that not only did it work flawlessly, there has obviously been work done by Dronelink to specifically support this.
For example: to add a POI to a component, on desktop you can right click the flight path and select it from the context menu. On iOS, you can do the same by long-pressing. The context menu is the same except it includes a "Cancel" option, and tapping elsewhere on the screen is disabled until you dismiss the menu. That addresses my chief complaint with using web apps on my iPad. I'm impressed :)
As for controller mounts for the iPad, let me know if you're not able to find a good solution; I'd be happy to 3D print you one.
If there isn't one on Thingiverse that's sufficiently sturdy, I have access to a Mini 2 (which uses the same format controller as the MA2) and a variety of iPad models. I can design you one from scratch if necessary :)
it amazes me how you guys spend 1000's of dollars / pounds on kit and rely on a bit of naff 3d printed plastic to hold it all in place .......especially as there are quite a few sturdy options to use there really is no excuse.
This isn't really the place for it, but I will say that I've spent thousands of dollars on 3D printing capabilities as well, and I certainly wouldn't describe a custom piece of Nylon or polycarbonate custom designed for the purpose as "naff".
Besides, it's just an offer.
sorry maybe i was being a bit harsh sorry to come across like that Lyndsy..
i just meant why do so many spend all the hard earned cash on expensive gear and make do with sometimes,(not always ) inferior plastic bits when there are some great bits of kit to help us all out.
i myself got some so called tablet mount brackets from amazon and they looked shocking and they was 3d printed and not for me at least up to quality standards.
Thank you all,
this is all very valuable information... So I will be on the safe side if I buy a current iPad Air now – and if I wait until march for a new iPad pro, even more. (Right now it's not the right weather here in Northern Germany to fly anyway) But how about the internet connection? Is a 4G cellular connection fast enough to get the mission preview? And does it make any difference if I use a built-in cellular connection or the WLAN-hotspot of my iPhone?
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