How-FixIT Air 3 Disassembly & Reassembly Guide (Expansion Port?)
- Thread starter escline
- Start date
Neat video but I don't think I personally have the skill or patience for that. I can barely assemble Ikea furniture.
RetromanIE
Member
That expansion port is for the 4G SIM/eSIM card adapter module(cant remember the proper name for it). If out of O4 range the 4G kicks in to cover drone connectivity.
This port gives access to install the DJI enhanced image transmission module.
What this module gives you:
1. Allows for DJI devices to connect to 4G networks to realize multiple functions such as networking, enhanced image transmission, and network RTK.
2. Realize the integrated installation of the module and for DJI Air 3 aircraft. You can insert the enhanced video transmission module directly into the body of for DJI Air 3 without additional installation kits to efficiently access the 4G network
3. Supports ASDIV (Transmitting Antenna Selection), with better performance and better handling of complex flight scenarios. An eSIM is included so it can be used without an additional card, and physical nano-SIM cards are also supported
4. The enhanced image transmission module can connect your for DJI equipment to the 4G network, provide you with high-speed and stable networking services, and realize enhanced image transmission, network RTK and other functions
5. On the basis of the original image transmission, it cooperates with the 4G network. If the original image transmission signal is blocked or interfered, the user can still control the drone with the help of the 4G network, reducing the chance of disconnection and effectively improving flight safety.
What this module gives you:
1. Allows for DJI devices to connect to 4G networks to realize multiple functions such as networking, enhanced image transmission, and network RTK.
2. Realize the integrated installation of the module and for DJI Air 3 aircraft. You can insert the enhanced video transmission module directly into the body of for DJI Air 3 without additional installation kits to efficiently access the 4G network
3. Supports ASDIV (Transmitting Antenna Selection), with better performance and better handling of complex flight scenarios. An eSIM is included so it can be used without an additional card, and physical nano-SIM cards are also supported
4. The enhanced image transmission module can connect your for DJI equipment to the 4G network, provide you with high-speed and stable networking services, and realize enhanced image transmission, network RTK and other functions
5. On the basis of the original image transmission, it cooperates with the 4G network. If the original image transmission signal is blocked or interfered, the user can still control the drone with the help of the 4G network, reducing the chance of disconnection and effectively improving flight safety.
Cool. I imagine with the visual line of sight rules in the US where I'm located, these are not really advertised. But very interesting, indeed. Thanks for clarifying.
The most likely future use for this is support for Network Remote ID in the U.S., which Congress desperately wants. RID broadcasting was merely the first step.
The Mavic 3 already has had this 4G capability for transmission & control since release in November of 2021, and it was initially widely advertised as a feature of the optional external Mavic 3 4G dongle for the drone, but sadly never enabled in the U.S, and now only works in China.
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I opened that hatch on my Air 3 and attempted to put the 4G module from the Mavic 3 into the slot. It will not quite fit.
The 4G module for the Air 3 appears to be somewhat different. Also, the two wires under the hatch are supposed to plug into the 4G module. I’ll attach a picture of my 4G module for the Mavic 3.
The 4G module for the Air 3 appears to be somewhat different. Also, the two wires under the hatch are supposed to plug into the 4G module. I’ll attach a picture of my 4G module for the Mavic 3.
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It's the configurability of the required drone-side SIM or eSIM that DJI retains exclusive control over, that allows it to work or not work, currently based upon geographic location, and which SIM or eSIM they decide to enable and upon which cellular networks it will be supported. Otherwise, it's just an expensive paperweight, as many have discovered.
Eager to see what becomes of its capability, other than network RID!
DJI has it on their website, if the location is changed to China, have to translate from browser:
They also have a mounting kit for the same module on Mini 4 Pro:
store.dji.com
Now since Air 3 has this second internal USB host port with power output, I'm curious if the main external USB port still supports powering external accessories with an OTG cable. Would be great if someone could test, I don't have the drone yet.
They also have a mounting kit for the same module on Mini 4 Pro:
Buy DJI Cellular 2 Mounting Kit (For DJI Mini 4 Pro) - DJI Store
Shop for DJI Cellular 2 Mounting Kit (For DJI Mini 4 Pro) on the official DJI Online Store. Find great deals and buy DJI products online with quick and convenient delivery!
store.dji.com
Now since Air 3 has this second internal USB host port with power output, I'm curious if the main external USB port still supports powering external accessories with an OTG cable. Would be great if someone could test, I don't have the drone yet.
What are the antenna connector cables that plug into the 4G dongle inside of the Air 3 for? There are two wires that plug into the 4G module and I am wondering why those are necessary?DJI has it on their website, if the location is changed to China, have to translate from browser:
They also have a mounting kit for the same module on Mini 4 Pro:
Buy DJI Cellular 2 Mounting Kit (For DJI Mini 4 Pro) - DJI Store
Shop for DJI Cellular 2 Mounting Kit (For DJI Mini 4 Pro) on the official DJI Online Store. Find great deals and buy DJI products online with quick and convenient delivery!
Now since Air 3 has this second internal USB host port with power output, I'm curious if the main external USB port still supports powering external accessories with an OTG cable. Would be great if someone could test, I don't have the drone yet.
I'm guessing they're optional, aux antenna ports for better signal. As on Mini 4 Pro they don't need to be connected.
From @HowFixIT 's teardown, the wires go to antennas on the top shell cover: (timestamp)
Just for accessing this small compartment, it looks like it's enough to remove the 2 screws while the battery is out?
From @HowFixIT 's teardown, the wires go to antennas on the top shell cover: (timestamp)
Just for accessing this small compartment, it looks like it's enough to remove the 2 screws while the battery is out?
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