DJI Mini 4K Hacks - Using a DJI RC Transmitter

[kodak_jack]

I don't currently have any DJI drone, but the mini 4K appeals to me because I'm retired and on a limited budget. I'm also no fan of cell phones and don't relish downloading and struggling with an app on a phone that needs to be added to the "stuff" you carry around to fly. I'd rather have the RC transmitter with the built-in display to simplify things. Going back to the budget item, I don't want nor have the funds for the mini 4K Pro, which is 3X the regular mini 4K price.
I've worked in an area that makes high-end CCD chips and know that what you get out of the normal CCD chip, as far as pixel count, image size, etc., is all in the firmware/ software. I believe the same is true regarding the transmitter. The one with the built- in screen can only be used with the Pro versions of a few drones. I'm sure it has to be a firmware/ software issue. Why can't the firmware be hacked to allow a standard mini 4K to use that transmitter? If I'm careful, I won't need obstacle avoidance and a couple of other things that allow them to charge 3X the price.
Since we're talking mini 4K, I'm sure there are members on here who waded through the other mini drones out there. They're all around the same price and have like features like the Specta, Ruko, Atom 2 etc. What made you decide on the mini 4K? I've looked at used drones and find the price is not much better than just buying a new one. The mini 2 SE was a consideration, but ....
Thanks.

 

[Cafguy]

What will you be "Doing" with your Drone,..Flying for the fun of flying?,..Taking photos of the things around you as part of a Photography hobby? These 2 Questions will tell you a lot about the Drone you want to buy.....If you are "flying for the fun of flying" I would recommend the Mini 2. (its the best in the wind). Photography....Get the 4.
Your Drone model does not have to be a pro to use a screened controller!!! Just check the compatibility chart.
One thing about the "Screened" controllers....You CANNOT hook another display to them and fly..you can only do that with the PRO controller. I usually tend to steer people away from the Screened controllers.
Lastly if you are going to be flying for the pure joy of flying a Drone If I were you I would get the AVATA 2.

 

[kodak_jack]

I plan on just flying around, but want the capabilities of pan and 180 pictures. The mini 2 SE has those capabilities. The cost, though, is the same as a mini 4K, even for used ones. All DJI drones sure hold their value when sold used. Then, you have to make sure the previous owner took them off of their DJI account or they're useless.
I also wanted a screen slightly bigger than the usual phone because icons and characters are on the small side for an old guy. I suppose I could forgo the built-in screen with the possibility of using a small tablet instead, and it would be much cheaper than having to buy a Pro version. I saw a video of a guy who used a cheap $100 tablet for his father's use, but DJI narrowed down what they would allow with their drones (as of about last October's updates) and they took away the capabilities of small, cheap tablets - not nice. I've seen tablets that guys rave about, but I'm not spending an extra $500 for one.
All of my knowledge is based on what I've read and seen in videos. If any of my statements are wrong, I'll gladly listen to corrections. I haven't seen where a min 4K or a mini 2SE can be flown with the transmitter with the built-in screen.
Thanks.

 

[Cafguy]

The mini SE prices 100 dollars under a 4 at Camrise that's for combos. The 2 CANNOT be flown with a screened controller tho. When included in a "bundle" those controllers usually make up about 250 dollars of the cost.
I use an old Ipad with my RC-N1 controller and its the perfect screen size for me BUT YES it will cost you extra and probably that 500 you don't want to spend....Sorry.
I would say if you can't decide between the Mini 2 and the 4 If I were you Choose the 4.

 

[Felix le Chat]

The mini SE prices 100 dollars under a 4 at Camrise that's for combos. The 2 CANNOT be flown with a screened controller tho. When included in a "bundle" those controllers usually make up about 250 dollars of the cost.
I use an old Ipad with my RC-N1 controller and its the perfect screen size for me BUT YES it will cost you extra and probably that 500 you don't want to spend....Sorry.
I would say if you can't decide between the Mini 2 and the 4 If I were you Choose the 4.

I agree with Cafguy, the screened remotes aren't that much quicker to hook up and use. I can take my time and have the RC and a large screen tablet hooked together and connected to the drone in about one minute.

More often than not: the controller and flight screen is assembled before I head out, and carried slung over my shoulder on a long lanyard... when that is the case, I can probably beat someone with one of the smart controllers to the draw.

A bigger benefit to using a separate screen is the size - the one tied to my controllers is a 10.5" tablet... more screen: less squinting.

 

[kodak_jack]

The mini SE prices 100 dollars under a 4 at Camrise that's for combos. The 2 CANNOT be flown with a screened controller tho. When included in a "bundle" those controllers usually make up about 250 dollars of the cost.
I use an old Ipad with my RC-N1 controller and its the perfect screen size for me BUT YES it will cost you extra and probably that 500 you don't want to spend....Sorry.
I would say if you can't decide between the Mini 2 and the 4 If I were you Choose the 4.

That was what I thought about the transmitter with the screen. I have never seen anything saying it would work with a mini 2. If it did, guys would have used them when reviewing the drone.
I have an old iPad that I might try using. I would have to pair it up to my phone, right? It’s big and heavy, but it would be worth a try if everything would be bigger.
One of the things that’s a pain is that I have money socked away in my PayPal account, but the only place I’ve ever seen sales on DJI stuff is on Amazon, and they don’t take PayPal.
I’ve seen a video where a guy warns that when most camera drones power up, the gimbal goes through a full range of motion routine and, if the drone is sitting on its stubby little legs, the camera will hit that surface. I’ve always felt the small drones should be sitting on skids, and that’s what he suggested. Looking on line, there are many of them out there and they fold so they don’t have to be removed to fit in a case. Does anyone in here use them?
Thanks.

 

[kodak_jack]

I agree with Cafguy, the screened remotes aren't that much quicker to hook up and use. I can take my time and have the RC and a large screen tablet hooked together and connected to the drone in about one minute.

More often than not: the controller and flight screen is assembled before I head out, and carried slung over my shoulder on a long lanyard... when that is the case, I can probably beat someone with one of the smart controllers to the draw.

A bigger benefit to using a separate screen is the size - the one tied to my controllers is a 10.5" tablet... more screen: less squinting.

Yes, that all sounds good. There was a guy who did a video hooking up an Amazon Fire 7 for his father. He even told you how to get rid of the pre- loaded “stuff”. It’s a good thing I read the comments because another viewer pointed out that after the update last October, DJI decided that cheap tablet, and others, couldn’t be used anymore!! For you guys using a full size iPad, how is it for weight and balance? It must not be too cumbersome if you keep using it. Does it matter what generation it is? It’s just used as a display and it doesn’t matter, does it!

 

[AeroJ]

Looking on line, there are many of them out there and they fold so they don’t have to be removed to fit in a case. Does anyone in here use them?

Skids are OK, (unless they take your drone over a weight limit you need to stick to) but mostly rendered unnecessary if you have a landing pad, which evens out most typical surfaces enough so that camera calibration doesn't hit the ground.

 

[kodak_jack]

Skids are OK, (unless they take your drone over a weight limit you need to stick to) but mostly rendered unnecessary if you have a landing pad, which evens out most typical surfaces enough so that camera calibration doesn't hit the ground.

Thanks. They would only be something else to buy and keep track of.

 

[Cafguy]

I’ve seen a video where a guy warns that when most camera drones power up, the gimbal goes through a full range of motion routine and, if the drone is sitting on its stubby little legs, the camera will hit that surface. I’ve always felt the small drones should be sitting on skids, and that’s what he suggested. Looking on line, there are many of them out there and they fold so they don’t have to be removed to fit in a case. Does anyone in here use them?

The air 2S I use for security (snoopy) is on skids. The ones I have don't fit my case tho but big deal they snap on easy enough.

I have an old iPad that I might try using. I would have to pair it up to my phone, right? It’s big and heavy, but it would be worth a try if everything would be bigger.

It really depends on its age the Ipad I use is pretty "old" 2017 or 18 it works fine. You just put the DJI app you need on the pad plug in the pad and your set to go! You really Dont need to "pair" the Device because it has a cable running to it. You can get some pretty good controller holders for the Ipads but I simply use a tripod next to me.

AeroJ mentioned a landing pad and YES you need one to keep all the junk from blowing into your new gimbal! and they help a bunch during startup. The very reason snoopy is on skids.​

Lastly Budget in a good charger for your Drone the one DJI will give you is just O.K. and they really lose there "luster"
after the first few uses, Get a Hanatora Charger for your model Drone and your Batteries will thank you with fast charges and a long life.

 

[kodak_jack]

I thought if the iPad was used as the primary device, like you said, the app goes on it. That being said, age does matter because the app needs a certain age of IOs or newer. I think my old one is at about 9._something. The way I understood it is if the phone has the latest app installed and it’s talking to the iPad, you’re good to go - but you would have to have both. The same goes for any tablet. It’s just a glorified display. Even if that is true, if the iPad or tablet is just a display, then making changes would still have to be done on the phone that has the app on it, or am I wrong? The alternative to all of this is an iPad or tablet that has connectivity the same as a phone = 4G or 5G. Again, I’m just going by what I’ve seen and read.

 

[Cafguy]

I thought if the iPad was used as the primary device, like you said, the app goes on it. That being said, age does matter because the app needs a certain age of IOs or newer.

your right I dont really keep up with the "series" numbers on the Pads so I just go by date you should always check the latest compatability chart to be sure about the pad you want to use. You make changes thru the app itself so if you install on the pad you make changes on the pad no need to have the app on both.

 

[kodak_jack]

your right I dont really keep up with the "series" numbers on the Pads so I just go by date you should always check the latest compatability chart to be sure about the pad you want to use. You make changes thru the app itself so if you install on the pad you make changes on the pad no need to have the app on both.

Got it. Thanks.

 

[Felix le Chat]

Yes, that all sounds good. There was a guy who did a video hooking up an Amazon Fire 7 for his father. He even told you how to get rid of the pre- loaded “stuff”. It’s a good thing I read the comments because another viewer pointed out that after the update last October, DJI decided that cheap tablet, and others, couldn’t be used anymore!! For you guys using a full size iPad, how is it for weight and balance? It must not be too cumbersome if you keep using it. Does it matter what generation it is? It’s just used as a display and it doesn’t matter, does it!

You don't have to pair anything with your phone to fly a drone. It's a case of either, or. You either use a phone to host the flight app: or you use a tablet to host the flight app.

Use your i-pad (connected to your home network) and download the DJI FLY app to it. Install the app on your tablet, and whenever you connect the data cable from the controller to the tablet: as soon as you boot the drone... the FLY app automatically loads on the tablet and you're hot to trot.

 

[kodak_jack]

You don't have to pair anything with your phone to fly a drone. It's a case of either, or. You either use a phone to host the flight app: or you use a tablet to host the flight app.

Use your i-pad (connected to your home network) and download the DJI FLY app to it. Install the app on your tablet, and whenever you connect the data cable from the controller to the tablet: as soon as you boot the drone... the FLY app automatically loads on the tablet and you're hot to trot.

The issue is how old my iPad is. If it’s too old to download the app to, it can only be used as a display. It’s old enough to have the wide connector at the bottom, not the lightning cable or whatever it’s called now. I also said the IOS version is in the 9 level and the latest is in the 16 level, I think. It’s not a game changer. I am disappointed that DJI has ruled out cheap tablets, though.