RC Controller Issues

alfo2010 · Jul 20, 2022

I received my Mini 3 Pro + on Monday and I set it up and updated the firmware. I went for a flight to a park with a large marsh with no trees and the RC signal started to lose the signal at 900 ft. and completely lost the signal at 1,000 ft, I was in FCC mode. I started the flight at 100 ft. and went up to 230 ft. to try and get the signal back but no luck until I start my flight back to my base. I made to more test flights with the drone and had the same issue. I checked again to make sure that that there were firmware updates and there were none. I went to my favorite park on the ocean and continued to have the same issues, again without obstacles in the way. At one point I was 250 ft. from my base and flying at a altitude of 50 ft. and lost the signal. Throughout the day I got messaging telling me to adjust my antenna?. That I had my controller facing the drone almost 100% of the time. While I was flying, I got several notices that there was a firmware update available, so I check when I got home there were none available? I currently have RC firmware 01.01.0100. I have a Mavic 3 and an Air 2S that I fly with my RC Pro and have never had issues like this even with the original controller that came with the Air 2S. The RC controller is not even worth the price point it is selling for. The screen is useless in the sun, the processor is slow and the there is the signal loss problem, disappointing. The Air 2S is a better drone by far. The Mini 3 Pro is a good small drone and I’m pleased with the video and photos that it produces and its nice to fly when the controller is working. I hope that DJI makes a firmware update so that I can use my RC Pro with the Mini 3 Pro. Any suggestions?

YVRGUY · Jul 21, 2022

alfo2010 said:
I received my Mini 3 Pro + on Monday and I set it up and updated the firmware. I went for a flight to a park with a large marsh with no trees and the RC signal started to lose the signal at 900 ft. and completely lost the signal at 1,000 ft, I was in FCC mode. I started the flight at 100 ft. and went up to 230 ft. to try and get the signal back but no luck until I start my flight back to my base. I made to more test flights with the drone and had the same issue. I checked again to make sure that that there were firmware updates and there were none. I went to my favorite park on the ocean and continued to have the same issues, again without obstacles in the way. At one point I was 250 ft. from my base and flying at a altitude of 50 ft. and lost the signal. Throughout the day I got messaging telling me to adjust my antenna?. That I had my controller facing the drone almost 100% of the time. While I was flying, I got several notices that there was a firmware update available, so I check when I got home there were none available? I currently have RC firmware 01.01.0100. I have a Mavic 3 and an Air 2S that I fly with my RC Pro and have never had issues like this even with the original controller that came with the Air 2S. The RC controller is not even worth the price point it is selling for. The screen is useless in the sun, the processor is slow and the there is the signal loss problem, disappointing. The Air 2S is a better drone by far. The Mini 3 Pro is a good small drone and I’m pleased with the video and photos that it produces and its nice to fly when the controller is working. I hope that DJI makes a firmware update so that I can use my RC Pro with the Mini 3 Pro. Any suggestions?

I’m dealing with the same problems. The problem lies with the new RC controller software. DJI told me their engineers are working on it and to please be patient…I’m trying.

FYI, when I hook up my mini 2’s RCN1 to my Mini 3P I can fly forever, so far, I turned back before even losing 1 bar on the signal. So, it is definitely the software on the Mini 3 RC.

Also, when I fire the RC up I don’t see any other signals on the transmission status …NO dual mode…one signal that’s it.

Keep checking for an update. BTW, I’m located in Canada’ Pacific NorthWest. DJI also told me this is a random problem. I would like to hear from others in my neighbourhood if they are experiencing the same.

Do I have a lemon

RC? We will find out soon. I will hold on for one more week. ⏲

YVRGUY · Jul 21, 2022

YVRGUY said:
I’m dealing with the same problems. The problem lies with the new RC controller software. DJI told me their engineers are working on it and to please be patient…I’m trying.

FYI, when I hook up my mini 2’s RCN1 to my Mini 3P I can fly forever, so far, I turned back before even losing 1 bar on the signal. So, it is definitely the software on the Mini 3 RC.

Also, when I fire the RC up I don’t see any other signals on the transmission status …NO dual mode…one signal that’s it.

Keep checking for an update. BTW, I’m located in Canada’ Pacific NorthWest. DJI also told me this is a random problem. I would like to hear from others in my neighbourhood if they are experiencing the same.

Do I have a lemon RC? We will find out soon. I will hold on for one more week. ⏲

Update…just updated the RC to the latest version, performed a test flight with the same symptoms showing up. Called DJI tech support and they said to send the RC in for testing with a replacement in the plans.

What can I say? Be patient…that’s all. Will fly with my RCN1 in the meantime or use the Mini 2 for the reason I kept it…the “backup”

Alfo2010…hope you get things figured out. Keep in touch.

Droning on and on... · Aug 20, 2022

The DJI RC has a very directional transmission envelope, illustrated in the manual. As long as the remote is pointed at the aircraft, and nothing radio-opaque like trees/bushes are in between, the range is enormous.

Here's a test I did a few days ago out over the ocean. At 2 miles with full strength signal, it was enough proof for me. I continuously soil my underwear that far out over water.

Had a plus battery in it, could have kept going. However, the undergarment expenses were mounting, the bowels cramping, and tears of fear were streaming down my face, so I RTH'd and let it fly itself back.

Woodpecker pilot · Sep 17, 2022

alfo2010 said:
I received my Mini 3 Pro + on Monday and I set it up and updated the firmware. I went for a flight to a park with a large marsh with no trees and the RC signal started to lose the signal at 900 ft. and completely lost the signal at 1,000 ft, I was in FCC mode. I started the flight at 100 ft. and went up to 230 ft. to try and get the signal back but no luck until I start my flight back to my base. I made to more test flights with the drone and had the same issue. I checked again to make sure that that there were firmware updates and there were none. I went to my favorite park on the ocean and continued to have the same issues, again without obstacles in the way. At one point I was 250 ft. from my base and flying at a altitude of 50 ft. and lost the signal. Throughout the day I got messaging telling me to adjust my antenna?. That I had my controller facing the drone almost 100% of the time. While I was flying, I got several notices that there was a firmware update available, so I check when I got home there were none available? I currently have RC firmware 01.01.0100. I have a Mavic 3 and an Air 2S that I fly with my RC Pro and have never had issues like this even with the original controller that came with the Air 2S. The RC controller is not even worth the price point it is selling for. The screen is useless in the sun, the processor is slow and the there is the signal loss problem, disappointing. The Air 2S is a better drone by far. The Mini 3 Pro is a good small drone and I’m pleased with the video and photos that it produces and its nice to fly when the controller is working. I hope that DJI makes a firmware update so that I can use my RC Pro with the Mini 3 Pro. Any suggestions?

When I purchased the Mini 3 Pro I wasn't able to buy the new RC Pro so stuck with the standard controller. Given the discussions I've read, I'm not sure I want to upgrade to the RC Pro. Opinons and recommendations?