In this new series of posts, we will be looking into DJI’s intelligent flight modes to learn why they its exist and how or when to use them. This article contains some affiliate links which helps Dronemade keep free and power ever more drone resources to you.
Summary:
What is Home and Course Lock by DJI?
DJI Course Lock in action
What are DJI Home and Course Lock modes?
Home and Course Lock modes are quite unknown to the general public despite been one the first intelligent flight modes made available by DJI. But they can prove useful when wanting to train or have a straight line shot for e.g.
The DJI Home and Course flight modes are available on the Mavic and Phantom series. In these two flight modes, your drone will move in a straight line:
Course Lock mode: when using this mode, your drone will be locked into a clear runway where yoiu will only be able to move it forward or backwards whilst keeping full control of your gimbal.
Home Lock mode: when using this mode, you’re setting your drone to fly back to you in a straight line (no matter in which direction you’re aiming to go) but keep control during its flight back to you (which is the main difference with return to home function).
Home Lock Mode Menu
How do DJI Home and Course modes work?
To activate them, simply tap your app screen and select auto flight modes on the let hand side. You will have all the intelligent flight modes available for your drone appearing there. For the mavic and phantoms, you should be able to find both Home and Course Lock modes.
Before selecting this mode, aim your camera and the front of your drone towards the destination or filming subject you want to reach. Once in place, active the Course Lock mode and your drone will only move towards or backwards from your destination/subject.
This mode is very useful when you’re flying in narrow spaces and just want to focus on the subject of filming. We had a very good need of it when filming a river on Taveuni Island (Fiji) for e.g. as it was in the middle of the jungle with trees on both sides.
To activate this mode, you will need to be at least 5m away from your home point. If this is the case, once activated, your drone will be flying back towards your home point and stop when 5m away from it and hover. Its can be a little confusing as no matter where you’re pointing the joysticks, your drone will be flying towards its Home Point. You remain in charge of the speed, height and camera during the whole time.
As mentioning Home Lock mode has the advantage of letting you in charge of the speed and height of your flight which means you will potentially save battery by going faster and fly higher or lower during your flight compared to the return to home function which is automated for you.
What are DJI Course and Home Lock options?
There are no set options to select from. You remain in charge of the speed, altitude and gimbal during the whole time in these two intelligent drone flight modes.
🌊 When filming over water, this is a little easier although make sure you allow enough battery time for a safe landing. Too often, we let our drone flight in Active Track mode to be reminded a few minutes before of the low battery levels. 💡 Smart! Water glare is a killer when flying above coastal waters, make sure you have a lens filter.
Which drones have DJI Home and Course Lock modes?
The following drones all feature DJI’s Hoe and Course Lock intelligent flight mode:
We hope this little intro helped you understand more about this intelligent flight mode. If you want to learn more, check out all our tutorials and become an expert. If you’re considering buying your first drone or upgrading your current one online, then feel free to click on our Affiliate links below before you do so. We will get a small commission and will be able to keep on powering more free content to you.
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