DJI Mavic 3 NOT compatible with original DJI Smart Controller V1

The new DJI Mavic 3 is not compatible with the original DJI Smart Controller V1. We already feared this would be the case but Henrik Olsen from Tech Drone Media verified it in his latest YouTube video.

Update: official response from DJI

DJI Mavic 3 NOT compatible with original DJI Smart Controller V1

When Henrik updated the DJI Fly App on his original DJI Smart Controller V1, he received a notice that said: “New version available”, “Supports DJI Mavic 3.”

Henrik proceeded to update the software and took his original DJI Smart Controller V1 to the DJI Store in Copenhagen to test it out on the DJI Mavic 3.

At the DJI store, Henrik together with store employees updated the firmware on the DJI Mavic 3 to version 1.03, but unfortunately, that did not make any difference.

Henrik rightfully points out that it is disappointing that the expensive DJI Smart Controller V1 is not forward compatible with the DJI Mavic 3 drone.

The DJI Mavic 3 uses O3+ for its video transmission and only works with the new DJI Smart Controller V2 (RC Pro) or the ‘standard’ remote controller that we already know from the DJI Air 2S.

One of our readers received an official answer from DJI Support. It says:

A series of compatibility tests are conducted and it is shown that the hardware of the DJI Smart Controller cannot support all the requirements of the Mavic 3 video transmission system, which cannot guarantee a smooth and stable video transmission. Besides, DJI Smart Controller does not support Cellular Transmission Dongle. Therefore, DJI Smart Controller cannot be used with DJI Mavic 3.

Is the RC Pro backward compatible?

The next obvious question is, will the new DJI RC Pro (aka the Smart Controller V2) that comes with the DJI Mavic 3 Cine Premium Combo, be made backward compatible through a Firmware Update? That will remain to be seen. Jasper Ellens provided a nice overview of the compatibility between DJI drones and remote controllers. See below.

What do you think about the DJI Smart Controller and the lack of forward compatibility? Did you expect to be able to fly the DJI Mavic 3 with the original smart controller? Let us know in the comments below.

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