DJI OcuSync 3.0 (Explained For Beginners)

The latest DJI drone, the Mini 3 Pro, never ceases to amaze me. DJI outdid themselves in packing as many features as possible into this small drone compared to the previous minis. And one of the fascinating features that some people might overlook is the OcuSync 3.0.

So what is it, and how does it work?

OcuSync 3.0 is the newest DJI transmission system, an upgrade to the OcuSync 2.0, allowing the DJI Mini 3 Pro to have a strong connection for up to 12 km from the controller. This is thanks to the extra antennas, improved bandwidth, latency, and overall customization.

Keep reading to learn more about DJI Mini 3 Pro OcuSync 3.0.

Initially, DJI used standard WiFi transmission, designed to switch between 2.4GHz and 5.8GHz. This system allowed the drones to achieve up to 1.2 miles (2000 meters) of range in the USA and 0.3 miles (500 meters) in the UK.

The difference is due to the difference in protocols, where the USA uses FCC while the UK uses CE.

Some drones that use the DJI WiFi transmission system include the DJI Spark, DJI Mini, DJI Mini SE, and Mavic Air.

Another transmission system that DJI uses is the LightBridge, which works with their professional drones like the Phantom 4 Pro.

However, since the OcuSync turned out to be superior, some of their latest professional drones, like the M300RTK and Mavic 3, have the OcuSync system.

OcuSync is DJI’s state-of-the-art transmission system that they have been improving since they first introduced it. It’s more reliable than WiFi since it provides stronger transmission over long distances and in areas with interference.

In addition, OcuSync is more convenient than LightBridge is it’s software-based, while LightBridge comprises both hardware and software.

As a result, DJI can update older drones to use the latest OcuSync version as long as the hardware supports it, while it would be impossible to do that for drones using LightBridge.

DJI started using OcuSync with drones like the Mavic Pro. OcuSync achieves a range of up to 4 miles and 720p resolution for most distances and 1080p for short-range flights. It also only operates on the 2.4GHz frequency.

OcuSync 2.0, which came with drones like the DJI Mini 2, comes with a 1080p resolution, 4 miles of range, and the ability to switch between 2.4 and 5.8 GHz. It can do this automatically if it detects interference, or you can switch the channels manually depending on where you are flying.

Now, you may ask, how does the OcuSync 3.0 improve on its predecessors?

Below are how both OcuSync 2.0 perform in various frequencies, transmission protocols, and environmental conditions.

» MORE: Can DJI Spark Fly in the Snow? Here’s What You Need to Know

Ocusync 2.0 #

Protocol2.4GHZ5.8GHzMax Transmission BitrateLatency (Depending On Environmental Conditions)FCC≤26 dBm≤26 dBm12mbps720p@30fps/1080@p30fps ≤ 120ms ** **CE ≤20 dBm ≤14 dBm12mbps720p@30fps/1080@p30fps ≤ 120ms ** **SRRC ≤20 dBm ≤26 dBm12mbps720p@30fps/1080@p30fps ≤ 120ms ** MIC ≤20 dBm **12mbps720p@30fps/1080@p30fps ≤ 120ms ** **

OcuSync 3.0 #

Protocol2.4GHZ5.8GHzMax Transmission BitrateLatency (Depending On Environmental Conditions)FCC≤ 31.5dBm≤ 31.5dBm50mbpsLow-Latency Mode: 810p/120fps ≤ 28ms ** ** High-Quality Mode: 810p/60fps ≤ 40msCE ≤20 dBm ≤14 dBm50mbpsLow-Latency Mode: 810p/120fps ≤ 28ms ** ** High-Quality Mode: 810p/60fps ≤ 40msSRRC ≤20 dBm ≤25.5 dBm50mbpsLow-Latency Mode: 810p/120fps ≤ 28ms ** ** High-Quality Mode: 810p/60fps ≤ 40msMIC ≤20 dBm** **50mbpsLow-Latency Mode: 810p/120fps ≤ 28ms ** ** High-Quality Mode: 810p/60fps ≤ 40ms

As you can see above, OcuSync 3.0 has the following improvements:

• Lower latency (40ms vs 120ms)
• Higher bitrate (50mbps vs 12mbps)
• Higher minimum frequency (810p vs 720p)
• Higher frame rate (120fps vs 30fps)
• Higher transmission power (31.5 dBm vs 26 dBm)

However, it seems only those from FCC-regulated zones will benefit from the additional transmission power, but overall, you can expect better performance.

How far away can DJI Mini 3 Pro fly? #

The DJI Mini 3 Pro can fly up to 6.5 miles (12km) from the controller in optimum conditions.

Below are the conditions that affect how far this or any other drone will fly from the controller:

• Transmission type
• Battery range
• Regional limit
• Environmental considerations

Below is how the DJI Mini 3 Pro is impacted by these factors.

Transmission #

As mentioned above, the DJI Mini 3 Pro uses OcuSync 3.0, which has better bitrate, better framerate, reduced latency, and higher transmission power than the previous systems.

It is also the most advanced as far as consumer drones are concerned.

Moreover, it would help to know that your device can still fly without the visual feed. The remote controller’s sticks enable a drone to fly ‘blindly.’

But, in the case your smartphone loses the video feed, your drone is likely out of the line of sight. Hence, it isn’t easy to operate since you can’t see.

» MORE: DJI Tello Vs. Spark: Which Drone Is Better?

Battery #

While the manufacturer may say the drone will fly up to 6.5 miles (12 km) from the controller, that may not be possible if the battery power can’t support it.

Drone batteries work very hard to make the drone take off, hover, and accomplish other movements. They will have to work even harder when you add wind to the equation.

As a result, the drone battery may get depleted before you can fly even a mile or two. Remember, you also need to factor in the time the drone needs to fly back in case the battery gets depleted.

Luckily, like other DJI drones, the DJI Mini 3 Pro has an RTH (Return-To-Home) feature that automatically flies the drone back once it consumes more than 50% of the battery power.

You can also initiate it manually if you think you will not make it, and the drone will fly back to the last-saved home point.

If it’s any consolation, the DJI Mini 3 Pro comes with two battery options, allowing you to enjoy an even longer flight time. These include;

• A 34-minute battery that gives you up to 11 mi at 26mph (18 km at 43km/h).
• A 47-minute battery that gives you up to 15.5 mi (25 km).

Regional Limits #

As mentioned earlier, the transmission power seems to be strengthened for one region. As a result, the DJI Mini 3 Pro may fly further in some regions than in others (more on this below).

That’s because each country has its radio frequency regulations that may interfere with how your drone’s transmission system will work.

Below are the most common regulatory bodies and how far the drone will fly in regions governed by each protocol.

ProtocolCountry or ContinentRangeFCC (Federal Communications Commission)USA12 km (6.5 Miles)CE (European Conformity)Europe8 km (4.9 Miles)MIC (Japanese Ministry of Internal Affairs)Japan8 km (4.9 Miles)SRRC (State Radio Monitoring and Testing Center)China8 km (4.9 Miles)

Environment #

Since OcuSync 3.0 still uses radio frequencies, it is prone to interference from structures like metallic structures, cell towers, power lines, or any other device with electromagnetic interference.

Trees, buildings, and other tall structures can also block the signal from reaching the controller and vice versa, minimizing how far the drone can fly from the controller.

That’s why the range can be reduced down to as little as 1.9 mi (3 km) in cities where there’s more interference. In rural areas, where there are likely to be more open spaces, you can expect to achieve the whole 6.5 mi (12 km) range.

While OcuSync 3.0 is designed to mitigate the effects of all these issues, it’s still not foolproof.

Conclusion #

While the DJI Mini 3 Pro has excellent features like FocusTrack, intelligent flight modes like Mastershots, and obstacle avoidance, all of this wouldn’t work well if it had a weak transmission system.

But the OcuSync 3.0 is anything but weak. It has more transmission power, less latency, and higher resolution, ensuring you can see what the drone sees in real-time and minimizing the chances of flyaways.

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