Killer intro 😍Thank you for a very plausible explanation why we see these differences

Good Day Gavin. I am an old Ham Radio operator, and a couple of weeks ago I had made an observation about the many stories of the Mini 3 Pro range issues, and at that time I, as now still have not received my new Mini 3, so I could not try the experiment that you have just done. I want to thank you for taking the time to test this out. I believe that you may have hit the nail on the head. I suspected that Ocusync 3 is having a problem deciding which frequency to use and when, and thus also creating a hesitation between choosing frequencies, therefore loss of signal, only to regain it again a minute later when Ocusync 3 makes up it's mind. I also do not think it makes a great amount of difference which controller is being used. Thank you so much for doing this test. I really hope Dji pays attention to your video posts. GOOD JOB!!!!

Just upgraded from Mini SE to a Mini 3Pro and was very disapponted with the range. I saw you video yesterday and swapped to manual and 2.4GHz (I am rural) and my range doubled instantly. Thanks!

The image in the video pretty much tells me that the drone is still on the ground. Before the drone takes off, the distance between the drone and the remote would only be a couple of feet, so obviously there won't be any connection issues. So from that point until a certain distance interference would not be strong enough to cause a channel switch as Ocusync is designed to do. Doesn't matter whether you're using the RC-N1 or the DJI-RC.

Well FINIALLY somebody has done his homework and provides a real possible cause of the range discrepancies with the Mini 3 PRO. Excellent video and maybe DJI is watching and will update the firmware accordingly. Thanks lots as you have put my mine at ease.

Thanks for this gavin . I had a flight last night around Nottingham castle and couldn’t get very far without complete drop out . Tonight I’ve switched to 5.8ghz and it’s made a huge difference

What would DJI do without you? Thank you for all the information you pass on and the work that goes into it. I definitely will pay more attention to this.

Absolutely 💯 you are absolutely right. Often it's not the signal strength, but the interference that reduces the range. Have excellent flights. Much love Matthias 👋

OMG! Videos like this are worth their weight in gold - thanks for making it.

Interesting, thanks. I've certainly seen numerous comments re good and bad signal strengths for no apparent reason. Simon.

It does make sense Gavin cant understand how some users are not getting such problems with the RC version. So it maybe its only affecting some RC’s? Let’s hope DJI sort this soon as it doesn’t bond confidence or safety knowing there is inconsistencies with signal strength. Great inspiring channel 👍

Definitely could play a part in some cases, however I've seen many people with equally poor signal on the RC-N1. I do most flying in a rural area so next time will manually select 2.4 and see how it goes. I still find it strange my Mini 1 continues to outperform my Mini 3 when it comes to range here.

Great explanation! That explains why the recent firmware update for this issue was only for the controller. Whereas it used to be a theory that the drone had bad antennas. Unfortunately, while almost everyone has stated they've gotten better connection, many people say it did not improve by too much. This remains a sporadic issue. Some people have shown fantastic ranges on their mini 3, even surpassing the mini 2 signal and range. Whilst others stay showing abysmal range and signal dropouts on the mini 3. The rc-n1 just seems like a better controller. Indeed upon opening up my mini 3 the controller felt so flimsy compared to it. Another annoying widespread issue (also affecting my drone) is overheating. My mini 2 never overheated. Just today I did a test keeping the drones on and idle and the mini 2 did not overheat even after an hour while the mini 3 overheated in 7-9 minutes on multiple tests. Have you solved/figured out your signal issues since? And have you ever had overheating issues? Great video!

Thanks to you, I increased the range by 4, from 300m to 1300m at least by switching to 5.8 Ghz. Many thanks!

That sir is one of your best videos and if as you suggest the auto switching is not working well (clear channel assessment) then dji need to sort it, its a function of good FHSS

Lost a mini 1 recently, so have a 2 on the way better signal ect, good advice on the frequencies. Stayed away from the 3 as a pole showed 48% having problems, could be down to the different chips due to shortage, many are using chips they wish they didnt have to.

Thank You so much GAVINHR for your great attention of the problem!!! Like many others I am waiting to order this Mini 3 Pro untill a Firmware Update has solved its Range Issue.... The Frequence Shifting Function is for sure the most complicated basic function which would need to be secured for DJI ! Highest probability to fail if any major included sw or hw is updated! I can read out that their antenna specs are changed from Air 2S to Mini 3 Pro! 2T4R in Air 2S means two transmitters and four receivers. 1T2R in Mini 3 Pro means ONE transmitter and two receivers, which could possible be a step to save cost or weight in the Mini 3 Pro?? It looks like the Air 2S Antenna Spec in general manage 300mbps "Fast Upload and fast download" while the Mini 3 Pro Spec manage 150mbps which is on the edge of its MAX VIDEO Bitrate Spec! => While the Air 2S and the Mini 3 Pro has equal rated Video Bitrate Spec, it looks like the Air 2S Antenna has by far a larger Bitrate Marginal left to handle the Drone it self and Frequency Shifting in parallell to the Video Transfer! The drone will pass over areas where WiFi Traffic differs, so a shift in WiFi Frequence should in most cases be initiated by the drone! With the new less efficient Mini 3 Pro antenna which limits the upload capacity there must be a function which handle a priority between Drone Handling, Frequency Shifting and Video Transfer? That function must be by far more important in the Mini 3 Pro than in the Air 2S! => If there was a way to limit the Video Bitrate it self ? And when weak signal also testing influence of limit the handling (stop the drone..) we could maybe figure out if the signal improves? Meaning the Frequency Shifting worked due to less other Data Transfer from the Mini 3 Pro Drone?

Very interesting Gavin👍. So looks like your testing shows in urban congested areas where the 2.4ghz frequency is being shared/used by all kinds of peripheral equipment, home WiFis, cell phones, computers, and so on, are affecting the mini’s best signal. Switching to the less popular 5.8ghz frequency gives the mini a more reliable signal… BRILLIANT observation. I will test the theory myself here in Miami, Florida, 🇺🇸. Just earned a new subscriber.

In Scandinavia... I´m getting more stable and longer range with the RC-N1compared to the new RC that comes with the Mini 3. Had both and did several tests at exactly same places, similar climate, same time of day, etc. RC-N1 has no problem letting you fly out of site (not recommended of course but for sake of test) behind forest, standing behind building, around and behind island on sea, etc. Also seeing more stable connection with RC-N1 when flying in densely populated areas. Glad I sold the Mini 3 with RC and kept the RC-N1 kit (yes did the test switching units back and forth.. same result.) On a side note.. also preferring the stick controls on the RC-N1 which feel a bit more damped and easier to make micro adjustments with.

Very interesting and super helpful video! I got this drone as my first drone ever a couple of weeks ago and having a LOT of fun with it. But indeed, signal drops when the drone is still in quite close distance did happen to me yesterday. I went to a rural area but where there are some overhead power lines installed. Obviously I'm well aware these would have an impact and I tried to stay relatively far from them. But I was wondering what is usually the range of interference of those lines on the RC transmission signal. Any ballpark idea? In any case, I will try your manual switching tip on my next flight....which should be in an hour or so. :)

Makes a lot of sense! Thank you for taking the time out to help us drone people out. Your truly appreciate and your video's.

Excellent video and demo of the impact of using 2.4 and 5.8 in rural vs Wifi congested areas. Thanks for sharing!

Makes perfect sense to me Gavin. Unfortunately the newer member to the hobby have no idea and just put it down to the drone and software :) cheers pal keep flying!

this is true, this is what i discovered also... so what i did everytime i take off i always check the transmission

Could very well be the answer gavin good video hopefully your viewers can come back with their findings to you so we can see if the controller is indeed making poor choices on frequency

Great tip! So glad to see this was not a video recommending people to illegally mod the drone/controller to use FCC mode, but rather how to adjust to the right condition. FCC mode is, anyways not needed, as the added value really only comes after breaking the mandatory VLOS anyways.

Thanks for talking about the manual channel selection I needed this to fix my issue

I’ve had my mini 3 pro with rc for a week now and I live in a built up area like you in the uk, except I have a 100meter row of very tall trees in front of my house . I’ve had no signal drops so far flying out to around 400 meters . I haven’t gone further yet due to some angry seagulls . Looking at my flight data in the Airdata app it shows no signal drops whatsoever and I am using the remote with built in screen . Airdata tells me my mini 3 maintained %100 signal during my 35 minute flight (extended batteries) . So far so good 😀

Range is too good on mine i took it out 5.6kms and had no transmission issues but rookie mistake i forgot to go out into the wind and with the wind on the way back. Anyway it landed in a farmers field and even though the battery was dead i was able to find it via gps

Regardless what configuration my mini 2 will go about 1.5 kms further before I start losing signal. My friend also has the same problem. Informative video but I think the problem runs deeper than this. Hopefully they can fix it with a firmware update but for now I'm taking my mini 2 on my vacation.

When you pass over houses, the 2.4 Ghz routers can also detect the band of drone and is switching also the channel...As all new routers and mesh units does this, will start a hopping between channels as long as you interfere with that network. Now, 5.8 Ghz is more clear as the signal is not penetrating the walls at houses so easy...but will be pretty sensitive to any obstacles, so even a tree will kill your range. To set manual channel is pretty dangerous, as you can enter in a range of a network that you cannot predict at take off and you will be jammed. Act with caution.

good work Gavin - thanks for sharing this and let's hope the guys at DJI see this too and do something with it.

Great video thanks. A month ago I was in Liverpool city centre and I lose control when I can still read most OT the writing on the drone. Definitely I can read my drone reg number with squinted eyes. Now July the 12th and many updates later on the Isle of Mull clearly no buildings around beautiful sea and scenery. No signal yet again it gives no faith in the mini3. I have been flying DJI drones for 15 years and NEVER have I had this. I have the mini2 with me no problems I have the Mavic pro 2 no problem but the mini 3 I seriously want to throw it a way it has no use or ornament. Now I am using the Tripltek8 not sure if that’s a problem with the mini3 but with the mini2 it’s brilliant.. DRIVES me nut. Thanks for sharing. Ray K. UK. YNWA.

As ever you give me something i had never even thought about to check and consider if i get signal problems ( i haven't yet ) but cheers Gav. Always thinking outside the box

I live in the mountains, if available , if you can fly from a spot where you can stay above the drone, the mini drones, all of the ones I owned seemed to keep their signal better and this also can make maintaining L.O.S. easier. There are many places in mountainous areas where this situation is possible. A really good way to fly low and close to stuff as well. Hope this helps if anyone sees it, drones are a blast, so much fun, an excellent way to waste time if we’re talking hobby. I’m strictly hobbyist.

Thank you, mine will delivered tomorrow so will look into this. First explanation I've seen so gives me hope.

Great video. That explains it why over this weekend I was able to go reasonable distance on 2.8 freq compared to barely few feet on 5.8. I agree that I think DJI has done something that needs to address it that it can jump between the two frequencies (it may not be doing it) this is obviously for mini 2.

I’ve experienced the exact same issue… the range would vary depending on the location. In one urban environment, the video signal dropped out after just a few hundred metres away. I definitely think there was interference from another source on the same frequency. While in a large park with open space, my Mini 3 happily went for miles.

hi thanks for sharing your thoughts on this matter , I had the mini 2 first and could send it miles before it lost connection . Since buying the mini 3 with the rc remote when it came out I have been very let down with the range it can fly before it loses connection. Im at a point now where I'm thinking of selling it and going back to the mini 2 ,although I do like some of the features of the 3 and feel the camera and picture quality is much better. I am going to try your advice to see if makes a difference in range perhaps this could be the last chance for my little mini 3. Regards, Buzz.

Hi Gavin, I noticed long ago that when you turn the RC by 90 degree (but still towards the drone), I get a stronger signal. This would support the mismatch of the antennas in the arms "Horizontal" Versus "Vertical" polarization in RC .. :(

If you have any problems reset to manufacture settings. After changing settings many times following clueless youtubers I found myself in trouble. Let the factory settings ie dual automatic and it works perfectly. If you screwed up following too many youtubers, reset.

Some countries don't allow 5.8, thus are "stuck" only at 2.4, because it's locked that way. Still some have problems, while others don't. No one really knows why this thing happens until DJI will acknowledge it has a problem and do something about it.

This makes me want to get the mini 3 now

fact good observation, not only the environment but the time . if you are in town at 6pm expect lots of interference and swap over to 5.8 but at night the 2.4 wont be half as bad!

All sounds perfectly logical. Cheers for that , Gavin.

Great detective work and overall great video. Great too that you don't waste time but get straight to the point every time. Thanks.

Great, some insight in to what's going on with the range problems I have.... Not flown with the very latest update yet. I did wonder about manually selecting frequency given environment, but hey O3 dji got it sussed right 😮 Interestingly dji suggested I check the frequency band (auto) selected after creating a support ticket... And of course the latest update.

Dude thanks for your vlog just got a mini 3 pro and I'm excited about learning all the ins and outs

Unless you put a Spectrum Analyser on the 2 different carrier freq's where you are "testing it" it will always be just a case of perhaps/maybe/if......

Great video, thanks for sharing. I also noticed the lose of signal at very short range after executing panoramas o even just taking a photo. First time I had these issues, it happened with both remotes and always in city area. Hope DJI can fix this or I will go back to my Air2s...

Using FCC would definitely help the range as well.

Thank you I'm a DJI drone noobie so this was perfect explanation

Testing whatever stuff it is it's necessary to have control of the environment. You made important observations but the average guy complaining surely didn't. It's a surprise that an ordinary village affects the connection that much, in that way. Thanks for pointing it out!

ive had some strange signal dives under BIG bridges over the river i love to fly over. This explains all my theories! thank you cheers! oh hey could you make a video with the RC PRO controller and the mini 3 pro for this issue?

Great information Gavin, I've ordered a new Mini 3 Pro but have opted for the standard controller. I'm not too happy with the new one going off the various problems that have been reported.

Thanks for the video and great explanation. But even if you are correct, why is the mini 3 still performing worse then eg mini or mini2? Also is ocusync 3 vs ocusync 2 not causing the problem? And the antenna design in the legs of the mini 3? And we are very far away from the DJI advertized range...even if we reduce this by 50%, most users will not even reach 5 or 10% from the published range. So DJI has to step up now and announce first of all there is an issue and second how and when they plan to fix this!

Was expecting something more technical like frequency analyzer, check if it's giving the correct power output, correct polarization which so far I know, I watched somewhere that, MIni 3 Pro (obviously) is in horizontal polarization unlike the Mini 2 RCN1/DJI RC is vertical polarization

Nicely explained. I will be checking the setting you mentioned .. should I find a poor signal .. however to date it seems to be meeting my nice expectations Merv Aussie in Thailand

Good info definitely going to try this next time I fly at the ranch because the mini 3 Pro is garbage for signal compared to my old Mavic pro. Because as it sets now my mini three is worthless in what I need it for.

Hi Gavin just found a very annoying 'feature' on the Mini 3 pro relating to signals you might like to review. I live in an authorisation zone so applied for an unlock which I did make work by using my mobile phone as a hotspot. However having turned the hotspot on and connected the controller too it, when you go to take off the message 'Turning Wifi and Bluetooth connectivity off to improve connectivity, If you need wifi turn it back on manually'. You still need wifi to finish the authorisation process so you then have to turn it back on again. Unless I'm being a numpty and doing something wrong.

Cracking mate thank you very much, I had issues it an open field lost RC signal. Much appreciated 👍🏻

There is a strong theory that the removal of the vertical antennas at the feet is the cause of the weaker signal. The drone is no longer sensitive to vertically polarized signal...

With latest fw. RC has still less range than N1 (2500 vs 3000m) on 2,4 GHz. About the 2,4 GHZ it is not "design" for longer ranges but it is about that attenuation increase with frequency ( in GHz range relation became quadratic).This is the reason why in radio comm (LTE/5G) you input 100W in antenna and in a few hundred meters you can pickup just few nano Watts. So in 5.8 GHz attenuation is bigger than in 2.4 GHz. For the long range one must always prioritize 2.4 GHz. 5.8 has the advantage that it can allow much larger bandwith channels, which in that case is not so important (4k recording is done on drone, and for video stream is enough bw on 2.4 GHz). The 5.8 band is supposed to be less bussy than 2.4 due to the fact that there sloud be less devices on this frequency.This is why producers recomends using 5.8 in city, but you must always make tests before the fly, because no one cand predict electromagnetic map on every place.

This could well explain the problems around the world! Great Theory and test. best, Rik

Great video, with a possible explanation of why some are experiencing issues. It’s important to emphasize some, because that exactly what it is, some. It isn’t a conspiracy either like some seem to think when others say they don’t have any issues.

I would like to know how far one can fly with 2.4 vs 5.8, of course assuming no significant interference from other devices using the same frequency (which I think is almost an impossible mission in an urban environment).

This is a very good ( ie. plausible ) explanation.

If you want range, slow your forward speed, this is for mini 2 and beyond. Won’t help mini 1. The automatic switching Seems to need some extra time to find a good channel. Sometimes stopping for a few seconds will greatly improve your signal. When your really stretched out , don’t turn around to come back, reverse to a distance where you have a stronger signal. Turning the drone with a weak signal will cause signal loss for sure. If you trust the tech, this stuff becomes less important. If you set a DJI drone up properly before you fly , it’s going to return to home if it’s able. I have had 4 DJI drones and only my spark experienced technical issues that made operating it difficult, it did not loose control completely, it was impossible to get it to do anything at all smoothly. I crashed it into a tree purposely to recover it. Only suffered broken prop.

I have doing the "frequency dance" for many years with my phantom 4 pro+. Always trying to find the right frequency for the location.

Unfortunately It didn't work for me I'm still only getting 600m, but over the water a 1000m with the RC. But thank you for your research, and all of these videos showing issues with the M3P. WE can only hope DJI will take note of videos like yours 👍 Thanks and keep up the good work 👍

Makes perfect sense!

I'm a lucky one! I fly mine 3 miles away over a Walmart with constant connection 👊💪

I've got the DJI RC had flights in rural areas that have ranged 1200m and rural to over an urban area at 1300m, never really noticed any issues with signal drop until i get to the 1000m range.

I wonder if another factor for the different experiences with range is down to what appears to be different transmitter power levels across regions - eg 25.5dbm in FCC and just 18.5dbm in CE rest of the world presumably. That appears 7db more power in FCC.

Thank you so much! Very helpful!

Very interesting. Just got my mini 2, will be interesting to see what happens. Question If you select manual, set your frequency then take off what happens if you then change your frequency mid flight without first landing

As a beginner is this Anything i should worry about Or a reason to get mini 4 pro instead?

If you are right about it, please all mini3 users, make a range test in rural scenery with manual set 2.4 and Urban scenery with manual set 5.8. My guess it will not change a range, I suspect overheating or RF chip in drone malfunctioning.

Well, it has been some time since DJI introduced the Mini 3 Pro drone and the issues are still with us, the customers who pay not a small amount of money for a "product." I live in Ireland and bought mine last week. I have been doing some range test and the best I could do was 455 m! That's pathetic! I was on the top of the hill and the drone was flying almost downwards. After 455 m I lost signal and the drone initiated RTH. What pisses me off is the fact that this problem has been dragging for a very long time now and DJI either have no clue how to solve it, or the CE regulations are imposing limits on the range in Europe. I don't know what it is but this video is helpful. I will do more tests tomorrow with each frequency separately flying to the same point. If things remain the same, I will probably return M3P and go for Mavic 3. Anyone knows if Mavic has the same range issues? Thanks!

Can you manually change to 5.8ghz on the dji rc? Or are you stuck with whatever it chooses?

The same with the mini 3 I guess? I have the mini 3 for a few weeks and I will test this the next time I'm gonna drone.

I’ve been losing rc signal on my air2s for a while now I don’t know what the problem is. I’m some locations I have a strong rc signal while in some locations I turns red and my drone returns to home

Hello, there is still the range problem with the mini 3 pro and rc controllee or it's done ? Thanks

Thanks for running these tests. I experienced the same problem with mini3 pro and DJI RC. My mavic 2 pro had the same problem of stock controller has great range, but smart controllers range was pathetic. Could the frequency band be the problem there too?

Thank you brother. How are you liking the mini 3.

Well done! I will test it later this week :-)

Lets hope DJI sort it then Gavin! I still haven’t flown mine yet other than a take off 20 mtrs flight then back to my take off point!

merci pour ce topo instructif. peut on changer manuellement de fréquence en plein vol? Merci

My mini 1 went 5km. Mini 2 went the same if not further. This drone craps out at 1km. Flown all drones on the same farmland. Very frustrating.

thanks Gavin for that another great video. I've been watching and I've still got my mini 2 and I haven't updated it for a long time maybe dji will get thing's right on the mini4 and then I mit think about getting another one but until then I'll just practice more. thanks mate keep those videos coming 👍🦘😁🙏

Great explanation and definitely something I’ll look at during my next flight. On one of my first flights while on vacation in Italy it lost connection and initiated RTH while flying in a coastal mountain village area at a distance of approximately 460 meters and a height of 100 meters. Yes, there were a few trees and buildings near to where I was standing but nothing I would have considered significant enough to limited its range. After watching your video now I’m wondering if It simply selected the wrong transmission frequency. 😀👍

Bro the problem is that the rc don’t have vision with the drone.That’s what I think,because I try that what you said and it don’t work

Very interesting. I am having an incredibly bad transmission with the RC controller. I will try switching the frequencies and see what happens

So far so good with mine over 3000' away and never had a problem. Fingers crossed 🤞

I received my Mini 3 and after the initial setup I found that in the transmission page it did not show the dual band option. I returned the drone to the seller in KL and received the replacement... Sadly, I had the exact same problem on the replacement. I contacted the seller and they said it could be a firmware problem and DJI "might" issue a firmware update. NOTE: I reinstalled the firmware several times using DJI Assistant... I experienced the same results using the both the DJI RC and the RCN1. I contacted DJI by email and have not received a response,,,,YET..... So many problems with this drone reported from many people.. disappointing,,, disgusting... If a fix is not coming soon then it's going back for a refund and I'll wait until the fix is applied before I purchase another.......😢

Anyone know if it’s been fixed ??

This certainly seems to make sense, great video, Gavin 👍

I had this issue then i noticed i wasnt looking towards the drone soon as i did one step clockwise it was fine, I wander how many with this signal issue are just forgetting the basics?

You sir, earned a sub, definitely helped me out with my RC!

I see the following problem: When you lost signal because of interferences, you will not be able to switch manually. When your drone crashs or have a flyawy because of manually settings, will this affect warranty? Maybe dji will say, why do you have changed it to manual, with Auto detect the crash wouldnt be happen. So in my opionion its a good video for DJI to develop a fix but manually switching could be dangerous.