Is the Mini 5 Pro a sub-250g drone?

BossBob · 2025-09-19T11:00:38-0400

MS Coast said:
How might a drone make a determination of weight prior to takeoff? Or even soon after takeoff?

Wasn't there a discussion here that pointed out that RID on the Mini 4 was switched on based on the battery type, not weight?

Current draw of the motors while flying or hovering would do it. A heavier drone needs more power.

MS Coast · 2025-09-19T12:03:34-0400

BossBob said:
Current draw of the motors while flying or hovering would do it. A heavier drone needs more power.

True, but the simplest and most accurate solution is to set RID according to the battery type, which is determined directly rather than inferring the weight according to power draw, which varies with air density (elevation) and humidity.

DJI used battery type to set RID on the Mini 4 Pro, and almost certainly on the Mini 5 Pro.

I confirmed empirically that battery type is used to set RID on the Mini 4 Pro last year by running several test cases and observing how RID was triggered - with standard battery, plus battery, and weight attached to the drone with the standard battery to push weight well above 250 grams. .It's an easy experiment to duplicate.

M

Post in thread 'Mini 4 Pro plus battery: how is the Remote ID activated?'

Jul 24, 2024

Weight detection as a means to enable RID would be possible only after the drone has taken off and is in flight. If RID is enabled prior to takeoff, weight is not the determinant.

The Drone Scanner app becomes aware of my Mini 4 Pro with a plus battery installed, soon after the motors are started, even if the drone is idling on the ground and not in flight.