Show Notes FIMI X8 SE 2020 Setup and Firmware Update Tutorial
This episode walks you through the process of setting up and updating the firmware on the FIMI X8 SE 2020 from Xiomi.
The Video:
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Gimbal Lock for Fimi X8 SE 2020
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FIMI X8 SE RC Quadcopter Spare Parts 11.4V 4500mAh Lipo Battery
Hoodman Landing Pad (needed for Precision Landing feature)
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Gimbal Lock for Fimi X8 SE 2020
Extended Landing Gear for Fimi X8 SE 2020
FIMI X8 SE RC Quadcopter Spare Parts 11.4V 4500mAh Lipo Battery
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Youtube Video Show Notes - The Script
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Here are the steps to setting up the FIMI X8 SE 2020.
First step is to charge your batteries for the drone and controller. Any time you do a firmware update - and you almost certainly will when you're setting up the drone for the first time - you want to make sure you've got a full charge on your batteries. You don't want a battery to run out while it's in the middle of updating the firmware on your drone; you could brick the drone that way.
By the way, if you have multiple batteries, make sure you've got a good charge on all of them. Part of this process is to update the battery firmware as well as the drone and controller, so all batteries must be ready to go.
While your batteries are charging, download the app for the FIMI X8 SE 2020. The app is named FIMI Navi 2020. You can download the app from the Google Play Store or App Store, wherever you normally get your apps. Incidentally, I found other Fimi apps in the Play Store including FIMI Navi. Be sure to download the version called FIMI Navi 2020.
You can also scan the QR code on the back of the user manual that came with the FIMI X8 SE 2020. Note: Another QR code for the app was included inside the box; I tried scanning that one and it didn't work for me.
Be sure to keep your smart device connected to the Internet throughout the setup process; in a few minutes you'll need that to register with Fimi and download firmware updates.
Also take the time to read the user manual while your batteries are charging. There are some unique characteristics to the FIMI X8 SE 2020 so it's worth your time to read through the manual. The booklet that ships with the drone is really just a quick start guide. You can find a more comprehensive version in the support section of the Fimi website.
Once your batteries are installed it's time to connect your smart device to the controller. First, remove the sticks from their storage compartment inside the bay where your smart device will be inserted. Now we can connect the phone to the controller. Your FIMI X8 SE 2020 shipped with three cables, the iOS lighting cable, Micro USB and USB-C for Androids. Choose the correct connector for your smart device. Plug it into your smart device, then expand the controller and place your smart device in the open bay. A slot along the right side allows your cable to run safely along the edge of the device and out the bottom. Then plug the other end, USB plug, into the USB port on the bottom of the controller. (You will need to open the cover on the bottom of the controller to access the port.)
Go ahead and screw in your sticks into the ports on the front of the controller. Your controller is all set.
Power up your controller by pressing and releasing the power button quickly, then pressing and holding it until it starts. This is the same process you would use to start a DJI controller.
The FIMI Navi 2020 app should open automatically. If it didn't, open the app. You will be prompted to set up an account with Fimi; go ahead and do that now, through the app.
Now let's turn to the drone. The first thing you should do is insert a micro-SD card into the drone. This shouldn't be necessary and it may not be; I've seen at least one video where a user was forced to install and format a media card before he could update his firmware. You'll need a media card in the drone anyway, so let's just do it. Open the media card bay on the right side of the fuselage and insert the card, label up, into the slot. Click it into place.
Time to remove that ridiculous foam piece around the camera that they shipped the FIMI X8 SE 2020 with. You need to remove this before powering up the FIMI X8 SE 2020. The gimbal moves around as part of its start-up routine, and leaving the foam piece on the gimbal could cause damage during this routine.
Place your FIMI X8 SE 2020 on a flat surface and start it up by pressing and releasing the power button quickly, then pressing and holding it until it starts. This is the same process you would use to start a DJI drone.
The FIMI X8 SE 2020 will go through its startup routine. You'll know it is bound to the controller when you see the indicator light on the back of the drone turn solid yellow.
On your app, look for a message saying a firmware update is required.
If you don't see the message:
Tap the Enter Device button to open the camera view. If this doesn't trigger a firmware update, power down the drone and controller and close the app. Then power up the controller and drone again. I had to do this two times before the Firmware update prompt came up.
Once you get the firmware update message, download the update.
When the download is complete, the app SHOULD begin the installation. Mine didn't. To trigger the installation, I hit the back arrow to return to the app's opening screen, then tapped Enter Device. That prompted the message to begin installation.
Tap Install. The process takes a few minutes. Do not close the app or power down the devices while this is taking place.
When installation is complete you will receive a message.
The FIMI X8 SE 2020 is set up.
Prior to your first flight you need to calibrate the compass. I encourage you to do this outside, at the location for your first flight. Other calibrations may be required, including the gimbal and the remote controller. I will cover these calibrations in a separate video.
Speaking of more videos, there is a whole playlist of videos on the Mavic Air 2 on screen now so be sure to watch them to learn more about this drone.
I'll be adding to that playlist with more tutorials and reviews on the Mavic Air 2 so don't forget to subscribe so you know when I publish again. And your comments and likes are always appreciated.
Thanks for watching.