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DJI Matrice 400 First Use Guide

A straightforward guide to installing, activating and operating the DJI Matrice 400 for the first time.

This guide explains how to set up the DJI Matrice 400 (M400) for the first time, covering installation, activation, basic controls and safe storage.

Aircraft installation

  1. Open the aircraft carrying case and remove the protective foam.

  2. Remove the rear propeller guard.

  3. Mount the dongle and install the third gimbal connector.

  4. The 12 screw holes can be used to attach custom payloads.

  5. Insert the landing gear into the aircraft’s base mounting port, ensuring the marks on the gear and aircraft align.

  6. Slide the latch into place and turn it clockwise until locked.

  7. Remove the aircraft from the case.

  8. Remove the front propeller guard and radar guard.

  9. Unfold the aircraft arms and rotate them into position.

  10. Slide each latch into place and turn clockwise until locked.

  11. Ensure all arms are fully secured.

  12. Unfold the propellers.

Mounting gimbal payloads

Align the white dot on the gimbal with the red dot on the mounting port.

Rotate the gimbal quick-release port counterclockwise until locked.

Installing the battery

  1. Remove the battery from the carrying case.

  2. Lift the battery handle, align the connectors and insert the battery.

  3. Lay the handle flat to confirm the battery is properly installed.

Remote controller setup

The remote controller arrives in hibernation mode.

  1. Connect it to the battery station using the dual USB-C cable to wake it.

  2. Install the Sub2G SDR module using the included screwdriver.

  3. Mount the dongle.

  4. Unfold the antennas on both the remote controller and Sub2G SDR module.

  5. Press the power button, then press and hold for three seconds to power on.

  6. Follow the on-screen steps to activate the controller.

Activating using DJI Pilot 2

  1. Open DJI Pilot 2.

  2. An activation page will appear automatically.

  3. Review the terms of use, authorise device information, select usage scenario, confirm account details and tap Activate.

  4. Tap Enter Camera View.

  5. Complete the pre-flight checklist shown on screen.

Camera view and basic functions

In camera view, you can monitor flight distance, altitude, speed and other parameters.

Vision Assist

When enabled, the aircraft automatically displays the vision sensor feed in the direction of flight to improve situational awareness.

Camera controls

  1. Tap the Photo/Video Mode button to switch modes.

  2. Tap Playback to view and download footage.

  3. Use the left and right dials to control gimbal tilt and pan.

  4. Press L1 or L2 to switch between thermal, zoom and wide-angle cameras.

  5. Press R1 or R2 to zoom on the zoom camera.

  6. Double-tap any target to focus quickly.

Laser rangefinder

Tap the laser icon to enable:

  • RNG shows the distance between the target and the aircraft.

  • ASL shows the target’s altitude above sea level.

Thermal features

  • Tap any point in thermal mode for spot temperature measurement.

  • Use the area tool to measure the highest/lowest temperature in a selected region.

  • Enable temperature alerts as needed.

  • Tap Palette & Isotherm to adjust the colour palette and temperature display range.

RTK and image transmission settings

The M400 features integrated RTK.

Go to Precise Positioning Setting to enable RTK positioning.

Choose from:

  • D-RTK Base Station

  • Network RTK

  • Custom Network RTK

In Image Transmission Settings, select Multi-Frequency (Sub2G/2.4G/5G).

When selecting Sub2G, choose the appropriate 1.4MHz band and ensure you have read and understood the Sub2G usage instructions.

Battery hot-swap function

The M400 supports hot swapping, allowing batteries to be replaced without powering off the aircraft.

  1. Unlock the battery handle and remove the battery.

  2. Insert the replacement battery.

  3. If the battery level LED lights up, the battery is correctly installed.

Powering off and disassembly

  1. Press the power button once, then again and hold for three seconds to power off the aircraft.

  2. Lift the battery handle and remove the battery.

  3. Press and hold the gimbal unlock button, rotate the quick-release to the unlock position and remove the payload.

  4. Place Zenmuse S1 or V1 in Compartment 1.

  5. Place Zenmuse L2, P1 or H30 series in Compartment 2.

  6. Rotate the arm latches counterclockwise to unlock and remove latches.

  7. Fold the aircraft arms.

  8. Install the radar guard and propeller guards.

  9. Place the aircraft upside down in the carrying case, ensuring all parts fit correctly.

  10. Rotate the landing gear latch counterclockwise to unlock and remove the landing gear.

  11. Fold the controller antennas.

  12. Press the controller’s power button once, then press and hold for three seconds to power off.

  13. Place the controller into the carrying case.

  14. Reattach the aircraft protective foam and close the case securely.

Get in touch

For further support, contact the Heliguy repair team for expert assistance.