DJI Launches Zenmuse S1 Spotlight and Zenmuse V1 Speaker for Enterprise Drones

Today, DJI, the Chinese drone manufacturer, introduced two new enterprise payloads: the Zenmuse S1, a high-powered spotlight, and the Zenmuse V1, a speaker system. Both are designed for the Matrice 350 RTK and Matrice 300 RTK drone platforms, as showcased on DJI’s enterprise website. These tools aim to enhance visibility and communication for professionals in public safety, emergency response, and inspection operations. With distinct functionalities, the S1 and V1 address specific needs in high-stakes missions, but their practical applications and limitations warrant a closer look.

Zenmuse S1: Illuminating the Night

The Zenmuse S1 is a spotlight engineered for nighttime operations, delivering powerful illumination for missions like Search and Rescue or infrastructure inspections. It uses Laser Excited Phosphor (LEP) technology to achieve a central illuminance of 35 lux at 100 meters (328 feet). The spotlight offers a maximum brightness of 10,000 lumens, ensuring clear visibility in dark environments.

The S1 supports multiple lighting modes to adapt to various scenarios. In Low Beam mode, it provides a 15° field of view (FOV) at a distance of 150 meters (492 feet), covering a 4° FOV at 5x zoom—ideal for close-range illumination. High Beam mode narrows to a 1° FOV, extending the illumination range to 300 meters (984 feet) at 15x zoom, suitable for long-distance targeting. A combined mode, referred to as Both On mode, delivers a maximum illumination distance of 500 meters (1,640 feet) while maintaining the Low Beam’s FOV for broader situational awareness. Additionally, a Strobe mode enables high-frequency flashing to alert individuals on the ground, enhancing its utility in emergency situations.

Power efficiency is a key feature, with the S1 consuming just 17 watts in High Beam mode, minimizing the impact on the drone’s flight time. The spotlight weighs 0.76 kg (1.67 lbs) and is designed for flexible mounting on a single downward gimbal, dual downward gimbals, or a single upward gimbal. It boasts an IP54 rating for dust and water resistance, operating in temperatures from -20°C to 50°C (-4°F to 122°F). Safety features include a plastic casing with burn protection, ensuring the surface temperature doesn’t exceed 50°C (122°F), and an eye protection mechanism that dims the light to 40% of its maximum when the drone is grounded to prevent operator discomfort.

The S1 also integrates with the DJI Pilot 2 app, offering customizable remote controller shortcuts for one-press recording and playback. It supports the Mobile SDK, allowing developers to integrate its functions into custom applications. However, the plastic casing, while lightweight, may not endure extreme conditions beyond its specified temperature range, and its power draw could still challenge battery management during extended missions.

Zenmuse V1: Amplifying Communication

The Zenmuse V1 is a speaker system designed to deliver clear, powerful audio for drone operations, particularly in public safety and emergency response scenarios. It achieves a maximum loudness of 127 decibels at 1 meter (3.3 feet), with an effective broadcast distance of 500 meters (1,640 feet), comparable to the sound of a jet takeoff. This makes it a critical tool for directing crowds or issuing commands in disaster situations.

The V1 supports multiple broadcast modes through the DJI Pilot 2 app. The Record & Broadcast feature allows operators to record and transmit messages instantly, with local playback and recording storage for rapid communication. Text-to-Speech mode converts input text into speech, offering adjustable tone and speed to suit the target audience. Audio File Playback enables the import of pre-recorded messages, which can be transmitted quickly for efficient dissemination of preset content. The V1 also features directional recording with environmental noise cancellation, capturing clear audio directly below the drone to minimize interference in noisy environments.

Weighing just 0.69 kg (1.52 lbs), the V1 shares the same IP54 rating and temperature tolerance as the S1, operating from -20°C to 50°C (-4°F to 122°F). It offers flexible mounting options, compatible with a single downward gimbal, dual downward gimbals, or a single upward gimbal. The V1 includes hearing protection, displaying a pop-up reminder in the DJI Pilot 2 app if the volume exceeds 40% while the drone is not in flight, preventing discomfort to nearby individuals. Like the S1, it supports customizable remote controller shortcuts and Mobile SDK integration for enhanced control and app development.

The V1’s design prioritizes precision, with synchronized tilt angles alongside gimbal-equipped payloads to direct sound accurately. However, its high decibel output could pose challenges in noise-sensitive areas, and operators will need to manage its use carefully to avoid disturbing unintended audiences.

Technical Features and Limitations

Both the Zenmuse S1 and V1 are built with durability in mind, featuring payload protection mechanisms for temperature, overcurrent, and power stability. The S1’s ability to adjust lighting modes via the DJI Pilot 2 app provides operators with flexibility, but its 17-watt power consumption, while efficient, may still strain the Matrice 350 RTK’s battery during prolonged use. The V1’s audio capabilities are robust, but its 127-decibel output requires careful consideration in urban settings to avoid noise complaints.

Mounting flexibility is a shared strength, with both payloads supporting various gimbal configurations to meet operational needs. Their lightweight designs—0.76 kg for the S1 and 0.69 kg for the V1—ensure minimal impact on the drone’s payload capacity. However, their compatibility is limited to the Matrice 350 RTK and Matrice 300 RTK, restricting their use with other DJI platforms. Additionally, while the IP54 rating offers decent environmental resistance, neither payload is suited for extreme conditions beyond the specified temperature range.

DroneXL’s Take: Practical Tools with Targeted Applications

The Zenmuse S1 and V1 bring specialized capabilities to DJI’s enterprise drone lineup, addressing distinct needs in high-stakes operations. The S1’s 10,000-lumen spotlight and versatile lighting modes make it a valuable asset for nighttime missions, offering clear visibility up to 500 meters (1,640 feet). Its energy efficiency and safety features enhance its practicality, though battery management remains a concern for long flights. The V1’s 127-decibel speaker and multiple broadcast modes provide a powerful communication tool, with directional recording adding precision in noisy environments. However, its loudness may require careful handling in populated areas.

For DroneXL readers, these payloads offer targeted solutions for professionals in public safety and emergency response. The S1 excels in scenarios requiring illumination, while the V1 is ideal for delivering critical messages over large distances. Yet, their effectiveness hinges on operator expertise and mission planning, particularly regarding power consumption and environmental constraints. DJI has delivered focused tools, but their success will depend on how well they integrate into real-world workflows.