It's that time of year again when we must dust off the drone and ensure everything is updated for the upcoming stand count season. In this article, we provide some basic things you should be doing before every time you hit the field and maintaining your drone throughout the season. 

Overview

The day before heading out to the field:

Power on all the devices you plan on using in the field: drone, controller, and mobile device. Ensure all appropriate connection cords, SD cards, and accessories are available. If there is anything you will be able to use in the field, please feel free to check it now. 

1. Check the firmware of your drone and controller through the DJI app on your mobile device. Depending on your model drone, this will be either DJI GO, DJI Fly, or DJI Pilot 2. To ensure smooth operations throughout the season, you must check for firmware updates every time you enter the field.
2. Could you update the software on your device? Apple is good at releasing automatic updates, but you want to ensure your device is operating on the most recent iOS version.
3. Update the DroneDeploy app on your mobile device! You always want to ensure the DroneDeploy app runs on the latest version. This will guarantee that any bugs or issues identified throughout the season have been patched and fixed through these updates. Also, check the update to the latest application on your RC Pro Controller if operating the M3E.
4. 
5. Please take a look at your equipment. This is an excellent time to go over all of your connection cords. Please ensure there are no cuts or frays and everything connects correctly.
6. Could you format your memory card and clear out any previous images?
7. Fly a test mission utilizing the DJI app to ensure everything on the drone functions correctly. Please send a small sample. It is also recommended that a test mission be flown in DroneDeploy to ensure everything is correct and no issues are present. 
8. Please take accountability for all your equipment and charge your mobile devices and batteries for your drone and controller for your mission the following day. Always keep your equipment together and run checks before you leave the home or office. The last thing you want is to arrive at your job site with missing equipment or dead batteries! 

Hardware Requirements

Please look at the links below for information on supported and recommended drones, phones, tablets, and accessories.

Stand Count: Supported and Recommended Drones 

Stand Count: Supported Phones, Tablets, & Accessories