DJI Mavic, Air and Mini Drones
Friendly, Helpful & Knowledgeable Community
Join Us Now

Need Help in deciding between regular and Plus batteries for Mavic Mini 4 Pro

Dale D

Well-Known Member
Joined
Sep 13, 2018
Messages
7,299
Reactions
8,125
Location
Miami
Site
vimeo.com
I am in the decision period while buying a Mavic Mini 4 Pro, trying to decide whether or not to order the heavier, longer lasting Plus batteries or not.The cost difference is not a problem for me.

I do not fly commercially. I fly as a hobbyist to create travel content. My usual clips are less than three minutes before I edit them down to fit into a short film. The advantages of a longer flight time (with less stress during flying) are being weighed against carrying 3 heavier batteries in my luggage, and the need to register the drone for foreign travels, and sign them up for RID on the FAA Drone Zone web site. Also, I have the sense that they would bring a more rapid sale in the eventual event I want to sell the drone.

My 2nd question is, can I purchase the fly more combo if three regular batteries and then purchase a single intelligent flight battery PLUS? e.g.: are they interchangeable?
 
My 2nd question is, can I purchase the fly more combo if three regular batteries and then purchase a single intelligent flight battery PLUS? e.g.: are they interchangeable?
Yes, they are interchangeable.

However, flying with the Battery Plus will put you over the weight limit where you must register with the FAA. And then once your drone has been registered, you'll always need to use Remote ID when flying. That means you'll have to attach some type of Remote ID module (like the Holy Stone or Ruko module) since Remote ID cannot be enabled on the Mini 4 Pro when using a Standard Battery.


I have the sense that they would bring a more rapid sale in the eventual event I want to sell the drone.
It depends on whether you plan to resell to someone who wants to fly with or without registering with the FAA. Since there's no way to tell what that split looks like, it's probably best to buy what you need now.
 
The extra weight for traveling isn't really an issue. The extra weight is relatively small. Less than 150ml of a liquid when you have 3.

Is registering the drone really an issue if you don't do anything illegal with it?
If you plan on doing something illegal, buy a second, cheaper drone for the illegal stuff.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Mrprop365
Illegal stuff like?
I wouldn't have a clue but I think that's the only reason why people wouldn't want to have a registered drone showing remote ID.

Oh, wait, I could think of a few things.
Flying within restricted airspace.
Smuggling small quantities of drugs.
Harassing protected wildlife
Peeping in people's windows at night.
Flying over 400'
Flying over crowds.
Flying inside national parks.

You know, ALL the prohibited activities.
 
I think the OP is simply trying to decide whether standard batteries or plus batteries would be the better choice, rather than trying to avoid registration requirements. It doesn’t seem to be about legality, especially since most people likely wouldn’t engage in the illegal activities you mentioned. At least, I’d like to believe people have more common sense than that.
 
In the UK so don’t even get a chance to buy the larger batteries but I’m finding no problems with the flight times on my standard batteries. Did occupy lots of my decision process originally but when it became obvious the option wasn’t going to arrive easily over I here went ahead with the standards. No regrets and I’ve only flattened all 3 on two occasions. (Both times demonstrating to interested folk and grandkids!) Usually my arms get tired first holding onto the RC2 - definitely a must buy - even with the lanyard and I need to quit. Probably an age thing though so nothing to worry you youngsters!
I would say it’s the most fun you can have with your clothes on so jump in and grab one, whatever you decide to go for😉
 
You might not want the extra hassle of it being over 249g with the plus with the travels you take. I have both, but I'm not traveling to other countries where that might be an issue. Myself I bit the bullet and did the rid update with my m3p and now use those plus batteries instead of the standard one. Maybe have a few extra standard batteries instead of the plus batteries for flying and that way your covered with flight time. I use the standard battery from time to time as a power bank now to keep it cycled.
 
I have both, but I'm not traveling to other countries where that might be an issue. Myself I bit the bullet and did the rid update with my m3p and now use those plus batteries instead of the standard one.
One of the great features of the Mini 3 Pro is that Remote ID is always enabled, regardless of which battery you're using. So, there's no need to attach an external Remote ID module when flying with standard batteries.
 
Yes, they are interchangeable.

However, flying with the Battery Plus will put you over the weight limit where you must register with the FAA. And then once your drone has been registered, you'll always need to use Remote ID when flying. That means you'll have to attach some type of Remote ID module (like the Holy Stone or Ruko module) since Remote ID cannot be enabled on the Mini 4 Pro when using a Standard Battery.



It depends on whether you plan to resell to someone who wants to fly with or without registering with the FAA. Since there's no way to tell what that split looks like, it's probably best to buy what you need now.
to MSinger
You threw me a curve ball when I read your post that I have to "attach some type of Remote ID module (like the Holy Stone or Ruko module) since Remote ID cannot be enabled on the Mini 4 Pro when using a Standard Battery." I am totally flummoxed. I do not want to have to purchase or deal with another device. I only thought that I had to register on my FAA Dronezone site, like my M3 , which required only the serial number. Here is the FAA listing of my devices.The canceled ones have been sold. Of course I have no intention of illegal flying. Never have. Screenshot 2024-12-01 at 9.16.52 AM.png
I have just put in the order to Amazon with three Plus btteries (which I can cancel) which will not be delivered until Dec 17-Dec30 according to Amazon.
Can't I just go onto this FAA site and register the Mavic Mini 4 Pro? I need some guidance please.
 
Last edited:
I only thought that I had to register on my FAA Dronezone site, like my M3 , which required only the serial number
Yes, you'd register the new drone just like you always have if you're wanting to register it.

My earlier comments were mainly about this mention in the Mini 4 Pro manual:

1733063102074.png

You mentioned you might fly with a mix of standard and plus batteries. However, based on the highlighted statement above, that might not be ideal with the Mini 4 Pro unless you're okay using an external Remote ID module when flying with standard batteries.

Another option would be to go with the Mini 3 Pro instead, as it has Remote ID enabled regardless of the battery type. Personally, that's the route I’d take if I needed the flexibility to use both types of batteries.

Did that answer your question? Or is there something else I can clarify?
 
  • Like
Reactions: Rchawks
Yes, you'd register the new drone just like you always have if you're wanting to register it.

My earlier comments were mainly about this mention in the Mini 4 Pro manual:

View attachment 179480

You mentioned you might fly with a mix of standard and plus batteries. However, based on the highlighted statement above, that might not be ideal with the Mini 4 Pro unless you're okay using an external Remote ID module when flying with standard batteries.

Another option would be to go with the Mini 3 Pro instead, as it has Remote ID enabled regardless of the battery type. Personally, that's the route I’d take if I needed the flexibility to use both types of batteries.

Did that answer your question? Or is there something else I can clarify?
Dear MSinger:

Thanks so much for your help. As mentioned, I have gone ahead and ordered the Mini Pro 4 with 3 Plus batteries only. In addition to longer flights for my anxiety, I figured it would eventually be easier to sell. With all of my other drones, I have merely registered them with FAA drone zone , I am assuming that the remote ID will be automatically activated. Am I correct and ok with that? I cannot deal with additional tech add ons.
 
I am assuming that the remote ID will be automatically activated. Am I correct and ok with that?
Yes. Per what I shared from the manual above, Remote ID is automatically activated when using Plus batteries.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Rchawks
Yes, you'd register the new drone just like you always have if you're wanting to register it.

My earlier comments were mainly about this mention in the Mini 4 Pro manual:

View attachment 179480

You mentioned you might fly with a mix of standard and plus batteries. However, based on the highlighted statement above, that might not be ideal with the Mini 4 Pro unless you're okay using an external Remote ID module when flying with standard batteries.

Another option would be to go with the Mini 3 Pro instead, as it has Remote ID enabled regardless of the battery type. Personally, that's the route I’d take if I needed the flexibility to use both types of batteries.

Did that answer your question? Or is there something else I can clarify?
I am kinda confused by your response. If he is flying recreationally with the standard battery and is under the weight limit, why would he need to broadcast RID? Just because he registered his Drone? Can’t you fly a registered drone recreationally without broadcasting RID as long as it is under weight?
 
to MSinger
You threw me a curve ball when I read your post that I have to "attach some type of Remote ID module (like the Holy Stone or Ruko module) since Remote ID cannot be enabled on the Mini 4 Pro when using a Standard Battery." I am totally flummoxed. I do not want to have to purchase or deal with another device. I only thought that I had to register on my FAA Dronezone site, like my M3 , which required only the serial number. Here is the FAA listing of my devices.The canceled ones have been sold. Of course I have no intention of illegal flying. Never have. View attachment 179479
I have just put in the order to Amazon with three Plus btteries (which I can cancel) which will not be delivered until Dec 17-Dec30 according to Amazon.
Can't I just go onto this FAA site and register the Mavic Mini 4 Pro? I need some guidance please.
It appears that you have your Mini 4 Pro registered under the 107 Dashboard. So it sounds like you have your certification. If you don’t, then you should have registered yourself as a Recreational Flyer and passed the TRUST exam.

Either way, it is my understanding that you can fly your Mini 4 Pro with the Standard Battery without broadcasting RID as long as you are under the weight restriction.

Msinger or an anyone out there that thinks otherwise, please correct me and point me to where it states otherwise.
 
It appears that you have your Mini 4 Pro registered under the 107 Dashboard. So it sounds like you have your certification. If you don’t, then you should have registered yourself as a Recreational Flyer and passed the TRUST exam.

Either way, it is my understanding that you can fly your Mini 4 Pro with the Standard Battery without broadcasting RID as long as you are under the weight restriction.

Msinger or an anyone out there that thinks otherwise, please correct me and point me to where it states otherwise.
Any drone that's been registered has to broadcast RID, even if the weight is below 250 grams and the drone is flown recreationally.

"Drones which are required to be registered or are registered, including those flown for recreation, business, or public safety, must comply with the rule on Remote ID."


That's why I use only the extended batteries in the Mini 4 Pro. And why I haven't registered my NEO, which I can fly only recreationally. If I wanted to use it commercially, I'd have to register it and add an RID module.
 
  • Like
Reactions: msinger
I am kinda confused by your response. If he is flying recreationally with the standard battery and is under the weight limit, why would he need to broadcast RID?
Per @MS Coast's post above, it's required by the FAA. I'm sure many people do not know this since it's rarely discussed.


Can’t you fly a registered drone recreationally without broadcasting RID as long as it is under weight?
No.
 
Any drone that's been registered has to broadcast RID, even if the weight is below 250 grams and the drone is flown recreationally.

"Drones which are required to be registered or are registered, including those flown for recreation, business, or public safety, must comply with the rule on Remote ID."


That's why I use only the extended batteries in the Mini 4 Pro. And why I haven't registered my NEO, which I can fly only recreationally. If I wanted to use it commercially, I'd have to register it and add an RID module.
Thank you - I stand corrected!

Then it would not make sense to go with a mix of the two types of batteries. Glad all of mine are the Plus version.

I wonder if DJI would ever give people the option to turn RID on when using the regular battery.
 
  • Like
Reactions: MS Coast

DJI Drone Deals

New Threads

Forum statistics

Threads
135,773
Messages
1,609,852
Members
164,234
Latest member
tecc281287
Want to Remove this Ad? Simply login or create a free account