DJI has unveiled a new feature for its Mavic 3 Enterprise Series drones: 4G Enhanced Transmission. This technology combines OcuSync transmission with 4G Automatic Enhanced Video Transmission to provide more reliable connectivity for commercial drone operations. DJI Academy recently released a tutorial video detailing this new capability.

How 4G Enhanced Transmission Works

The 4G Enhanced Transmission system operates by seamlessly switching between OcuSync and 4G networks. When the OcuSync signal is strong, the 4G connection remains on standby. If OcuSync experiences interference or weakens due to distance, the system automatically activates 4G transmission to maintain the link.

Enterprise remote controller screen showing Enhanced Transmission enabled with all three signal readings strong.
“When OcuSync transmission is interfered, blocked, or weak because of long distance, 4G transmission will be automatically enabled to start the Enhanced Transmission,” the tutorial explains.

Data Usage and Hardware Requirements

Users should be aware that 4G Enhanced Transmission will consume mobile data. DJI notes that “when fully relying on 4G transmission for transmitting data, the dongle in the drone and the dongle in the remote controller will consume a maximum of around 1 GB during a 30-minute flight separately.”

Same controller screen with RC signal lost and LTE data usage boxed in red.

To utilize this feature, pilots need to install DJI Cellular Dongles on both the drone and the DJI RC Pro Enterprise Remote Controller. The tutorial provides step-by-step instructions for proper installation, including inserting nano-SIM cards into the dongles.

DJI Cellular Dongle kit laid out with mounting bracket, clamp arm and nano-SIM card.
Close-up of the DJI Cellular Dongle and its short USB cable on blue fabric.
Hands unfolding the metal mounting bracket clipped to the back of the cellular dongle.
Cellular dongle clamped to the top arm of a Mavic 3 Enterprise airframe.
Hands routing the dongle cable forward along the drone body toward the gimbal.
Fingers pressing the dongle connector into the port on the drone's side.

Enabling and Using Enhanced Transmission

Once the hardware is set up and connected, users can enable Enhanced Transmission through the DJI Pilot 2 app. The tutorial advises, “After enabling Enhanced Transmission, make sure to pay attention to the signal strength. Fly with caution.”

A second cellular dongle resting alone on blue fabric before controller installation.
Hands loosening the thumbscrew on the back panel of the enterprise remote controller.
Open rear bay of the controller showing the empty dongle slot and connector.
Hands sliding the DJI-branded dongle into the controller's rear compartment.
Close view of the dongle held with its 4G label facing the camera.
Controller face down with the dongle seated and its cover plate set aside.
Fingers pressing the compartment cover shut on the underside of the controller.
Onscreen tips noting the dongle takes nano-SIM cards only and cannot hot-swap them.

Safety Considerations on DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise

DJI emphasizes several safety strategies when using 4G Enhanced Transmission:

  1. Ensure 4G network speeds are above 5 Mbps for smooth video transmission.
  2. Operate in areas with strong 4G signals for both the aircraft and remote controller.
  3. Maintain appropriate altitudes, especially in urban environments with tall buildings.
  4. Enable APAS (Advanced Pilot Assistance Systems) in restricted flight areas.
“When DJI Pilot App prompts that the 4G video transmission signal is weak, fly with caution,” the tutorial warns.
DJI Pilot flight view with Enhanced Transmission switched off and both networks reading Off.
Same flight view with a red box drawn around the Enhanced Transmission toggle.
Image Transmission Settings panel open with the sidebar transmission icon ringed in red.
Enhanced Transmission switched on in Image Transmission Settings at minus 104 dBm signal.

Matrice 30 Series, Matrice 350 RTK 4G Enhanced Transmission

Of course, the 4G enhanced transmission is also available for the DJI Matrice 30 (DJI M30) and the DJI Matrice 350 RTK. See those videos below.

DroneXL’s Take

The introduction of 4G Enhanced Transmission for the DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise Series represents a significant advancement in drone connectivity for commercial operations. This technology could be particularly beneficial for beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) flights, where maintaining a reliable connection is crucial.

As we’ve seen in recent drone inspection applications, the ability to switch seamlessly between traditional radio links and cellular networks could greatly expand the operational range and reliability of enterprise drones. However, users should be mindful of data consumption and always prioritize safety when flying in areas with varying signal strengths.

What are your thoughts on DJI’s new 4G Enhanced Transmission feature? Do you think it will significantly impact commercial or search and rescue drone operations? Share your opinions in the comments section below.