I have M2P and M2Z with very old firmware - RID module or activate latest?

[pchaps]

My Mavic 2's have old firmware (perhaps 2020 year). I do some Part 107 work but also recreational. Getting back into it after some health setbacks.

It seems obvious to me to update firmware for RID inside the Mavic 2 -- but is there any advantage to keeping the oldest viable firmware and just adding a RID module? The expense of a module is not an issue.

 

[Cafguy]

If you are just the normal Drone pilot I would update the firmware You can get a module I suppose BUT If you are not using any "Hacks" then why spend the money, Just upgrade.

 

[mavic3usa]

Agreed get the update and if anything goes wrong, like the software hangs and the drone is bricked, maybe you can send it in and get another newer one.

 

[pchaps]

If you are just the normal Drone pilot I would update the firmware You can get a module I suppose BUT If you are not using any "Hacks" then why spend the money, Just upgrade.

Thanks that seems easiest. What are "hacks" for DJI?

 

[pchaps]

Agreed get the update and if anything goes wrong, like the software hangs and the drone is bricked, maybe you can send it in and get another newer one.

Thanks I updated my DJI Assistant 2 and did the firmware update for the M2 Zoom, and it was very picky about the USB-C cable as I did not get the original with the used drone. Only my latest Apple USB-C to C cable worked!

 

[pchaps]

Lesson learned: Why my Mavic 2 firmware update keeps failing? -- the cable! Must be a high-quality data cable like OG Apple USB-C to USB-C! Worked now!

 

[KB9Radio]

My M2Z is updated to the latest firmware with RID and works fine. I also use the Smart Controller and needed to install the latest version of GO4 and reboot both for everything to work properly. So I would think whatever phone or display you use would need the latest version of GO4 as well as the aircraft firmware. I've flown at least 10 times since updating everything and it works flawlessly.

 

[Talldiver]

I have also updated to the latest firmware on my M2P, and everything works. I do both recreational and Part 107.

 

[anotherlab]

I have the current firmware on my M2P and it has been fine.

 

[GadgetGuy]

-- but is there any advantage to keeping the oldest viable firmware and just adding a RID module? The expense of a module is not an issue.

Definitely an advantage to using an external RID module. Unlike the drone RID broadcast, the external RID modules do not continuously also update the pilot location, so if you launch and leave, you can conceal your new location, away from the original home point, until you land and leave. Keeps Karens from disturbing you during your flight. If you land elsewhere, and recover the drone later, your new location will never be revealed by RID.

The continuous transmission of the pilot's location is the biggest objection to RID. With an external module, it is easily still legally concealed, by moving away from the launch location during the flight.