DJI Mini 3 & Mini 3 Pro: How to Calibrate IMU, Compass, and Gimbal (Video)

The Mini 3 Pro and the latest addition to the Mini line, aptly named the Mini 3, are ever-popular among various types of drone operators.

From those newly getting into the hobby, social media content creators, travel bloggers, and even professionals in certain circumstances.

In order to ensure these Mini drones are functioning correctly and consistently, there are times when various calibrations should be made.

This article and the included YouTube video, will briefly discuss various issues that may arise within the IMU, Compass, and Gimbal, as well as serve as a step-by-step tutorial showing you how to calibrate your Mini 3/Pros IMU, Compass, and Gimbal.

We’ll now will look at various performance indicators pointing to the need for calibrations, followed by how to properly calibrate the IMU, Compass, and Gimbal using the DJI Fly app.

IMU Calibration #

The Mini 3s IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) is a built-in device responsible for keeping the Mini 3 level and stable in the air, by monitoring the drone’s velocity angle, force, and attitude.

This is done by checking the Mini 3s accelerometer, barometer, gyroscope, and thermometer. If any of these systems are out of whack, and not corrected, your Mini 3 could:

• Tilt while hovering
• Have difficulty remaining steady and stable in the air, or
• Display signs of difficulty cooling down

By calibrating the Mini 3s IMU, either when prompted or when you haven’t flown your drone in a while, you can reduce sensor errors and have an overall better flying experience.

It is highly suggested to calibrate your IMU whenever you fly outside of a 30-mile radius of your last flight, and every 1000ft of elevation change.

To calibrate your Mini 3s IMU:

STEP 1: While the Mini 3 is off, remove the gimbal cover. This will ensure that when the Mini 3 is turned on, the movement of the gimbal will not be impeded.

STEP 2: Power on the DJI RC or RC-N1, whichever you use regularly. If using the RC-N1, also launch your DJI Fly app.

STEP 3: Power on the Mini 3. After the DJI RC or RC-N1 connects to the Mini 3, it may automatically switch over to Live View. If this does not automatically occur, tap GO FLY.

STEP 4: Once in Live View, go into the Fly app menu/options by tapping the 3 dots in the upper right-hand corner.

STEP 5: Locate and tap the SAFETY Tab. Scroll down until you see IMU Normal. Next to that press CALIBRATE to start the IMU Calibration process.

STEP 6: Press START and follow the prompts and move the Mini 3 into the various positions as directed on the screen.

Compass Calibration #

The Mini 3s compass is exactly what would be expected of a standard compass one might bring on a hike. Although a digital device, it helps the Mini 3 know where it currently is, location-wise.

Because an uncalibrated drone can fly erratically or eventually crash due to a loss of control, it is suggested a calibration be done whenever you fly outside of a 50-mile radius of your last flight (up from the 30-mile radius of the IMU), and every 1000ft of elevation change.

Note: When calibrating your Mini 3, make sure you are away from any metals or areas with strong interference.We also suggest staying away from parking garages while calibrating the compass, as these are full of metal rebar.

To calibrate your Mini 3s compass:

STEP 1: While the Mini 3 is off, remove the gimbal cover.

STEP 2: Power on the DJI RC or RC-N1 that you regularly fly your Min 3 with. If using the RC-N1, you’ll need to launch your DJI Fly app.

STEP 3: Power on the Mini 3. After the DJI RC or RC-N1 connects to the Mini 3, it may automatically switch over to Live View. If you are not automatically brought to the Live View, tap GO FLY.

STEP 4: Once in Live View, go into the Fly app menu/options by tapping the 3 dots in the upper right-hand corner.

STEP 5: Locate and tap the SAFETY Tab. Scroll down until you see Compass Normal. Next to that press CALIBRATE to start the Compass Calibration process.

STEP 6: Press START and follow the prompts and move the Mini 3 into the various positions as directed on the screen.

Gimbal Calibration #

Unlike the previously mentioned IMU and compass calibrations, gimbal calibration does not affect how the Mini 3 flies at all.

Gimbal calibrations are related to the drone’s camera.

While the gimbal does a self-check each time the Mini 3 is turned on, if you find that the camera on your Mini 3 has trouble staying level (uneven horizon) or wanders occasionally during flight, then it is time to manually calibrate the gimbal, through the DJI Fly app.

To calibrate your Mini 3s gimbal:

STEP 1: While the Mini 3 is off, remove the gimbal cover.

STEP 2: While on a flat surface, power on the DJI RC or RC-N1 that you regularly fly your Mini 3 with.

STEP 3: Power on the Mini 3. After the DJI RC or RC-N1 connects to the Mini 3, it may automatically switch over to Live View. If you are not brought to the Live View, tap GO FLY.

STEP 4: Once in Live View, go into the Fly app menu/options by tapping the 3 dots in the upper right-hand corner.

STEP 5: Locate and tap the CONTROL Tab. Scroll down until you see Gimbal Calibration. Next to that press the arrow to the right (>) and the gimbal will self-calibrate.