DJI recently released an update for the Mavic 2 Pro & Zoom, which increases maximum range. This new update follows the last update to the Mavic 2, only nine months after the last Mavic 2 series.
In computing, firmware is a specific class of computer software that provides the low-level control for a specific hardware of the device. Firmware can provide a standardized operating environment for more complex device software, which would give the hardware more independence. In terms of less complex devices, firmware can act as the device’s complete operating system, where it performs all control and monitors data manipulation functions. Virtually all electronic devices, that are fairly complex, contain some firmware.
The firmware boosts maximum distance to six miles in the U.S., it also fixes some weaknesses. This new firmware – version 01.00.0670 – increases operating time when operating in colder environments, and changes the default battery discharge rate to two days.
The gimbal that becomes unbalanced after completing its self check upon startup, has also been addressed by this new update, but this issue can also be fixed by doing a gimbal calibration from the DJI GO 4 app. The obstacle avoidance switch has also been fixed because it was unavailable when using the MSDK.
Compared to other fixes, the most important change is the increased range of the Mavic 2 series to six miles (10 kilometers) from the previous range of five miles (eight kilometers). The European equivalent is the increase in range from eight to ten kilometers.
The update can be accessed by the DJI GO 4 app or the DJI’s desktop-based Assistant 2. After the update, it is important to check (and manually enter) numbers for options, such as RTH altitude and maximum flight distance, which could change back to defaults.
Mavic 2 Pro/Zoom
Features
- Mavic 2 Zoom has a Hasselblad camera with a 1-inch Sony sensor.
- Mavic 2 Pro has a camera with a 24-48mm zoom lens, which offers the Dolly Zoom effect.
- A hyperlapse functionality.
- Increases flight by six miles.
- Increased flight time by 31 minutes. Increased operating time of the remote controller when using in low-temperature environments.
- Quieter with low-noise propeller.
- Increase in speed to 44 mph.
- Updated auto discharge default settings to two days.
- Obstacle avoidance switch.
Future
One of the most frequent criticisms of drones is that they do not have enough range to do many of the things that would make them more appealing to the public. It is true that drones would be capable of doing many more things, if only their flight-of-time and distance was longer.
This is why this news is encouraging, because any increase in maximum range gives us hope that such increases will continue, and the fact that this increase in range came just nine months after the last increase, gives us confidence that such improvements will continue on a regular basis.
