Given many of the troubles I have read about on the forums, both here and elsewhere, when Mavic Pro owners attempt firmware updates, I have remained very wary of doing such updates. So wary, in fact, that I just haven't bothered! Other than the initial set-up and registration hassles, my Mavic Pro has so far done what I wanted of it, so I haven't been keen to jeopardise that!
With the recent introduction of the new Quickshot camera modes, I decided that it was about time I faced my fears and updated to firmware V01.04.0000. The proviso was that I had to thoroughly prepare myself for the update by re-watching a couple of videos about the process, re-reading some of the tips in the forum postings and ensuring that all the batteries (3 for the Mavic and the remote control's integral battery) were absolutely fully charged! I hope that my experience, told below, proves encouraging for others that are also a bit fearful of carrying out these firmware updates.
This was my starting position:
Mavic Pro firmware: V01.03.0700
Remote control firmware: V01.03.0550
(Although these 2 major items had different firmware versions, there was never any conflict when using them!)
DJI Assistant 2: V1.1.6 (on a Windows 7 laptop)
DJI GO 4 iOS app: V4.1.12 (on an Ipad Pro)
DJI GO 4 Android app: V4.1.9 (on a Samsung 7)
The DJI GO 4 app is, perhaps, a bit too flaky for my liking, and I am certainly more than a bit suspicious to consider using it for a firmware update, so I limited myself to a powerful laptop and DJI Assistant 2. With the laptop firmly connected to the internet ( a strong, 5-bar wi-fi broadband connection) and DJI Assistant open, I plugged the USB cable in to the remote control and the other end in to the laptop. I even ensured it was the USB cable actually supplied with my Mavic Pro 'Fly More Combo' package - I did not want to take any chances with using another, third-party cable, ha ha! Having then turned the remote control on, the appropriate icon quickly showed up in DJI Assistant, so I clicked on it and requested the update. Cue nervous fidgeting!
In less than 5 minutes the download had occurred and the progress bar had made it's way to 100%, with the software finally declaring a successful update. Phew, that was easier than I had expected! Then I moved on to the Mavic Pro itself - similar initial actions and a wait for the progress bar to make it's way across the screen. Whilst it was doing this the Mavic Pro fan kicked in to life, the lights flashed and the DJI start-up jingle sounded a few times. The progress bar paused at a few places, but in about 16 to 17 minutes I again had a successful update! Double phew, as I at least now had the 2 major components on the same firmware version!
Having read on the forums that some firmware updates also require the battery firmware to be updated, I kept the Mavic Pro connected to the laptop, switched it off, changed the battery to a different one, turned it on again and waited to see what DJI Assistant would make of it. Sure enough, within a few seconds DJI Assistant declared that there was a mismatch between the battery and the Mavic Pro firmware, and asked if I would like to update the battery. I responded affirmatively and a short process followed, accompanied by the now familiar progress bar and another successful update. The third battery was subjected to the same regime and all the hardware was now singing from the same hymn sheet - yippee! Each battery probably took around 2 to 3 minutes to update, during which the centre two of the four green battery LEDs were illuminated - the forward LED of the pair glowing steadily, whilst the rear of the pair flashed quite rapidly.
The entire process had all gone so smoothly that I was beginning to wonder why I had been so fearful of it all! Nevertheless, I reminded myself that there seem to be many Mavic Pro owners on the forums who have ended up with hung updates, often resulting in a firmware mismatch between the Mavic Pro and the remote control, and a consquent, infuriating inability to fly the craft! Having personally had such a smooth and successful firmware update, I do wonder if the laptop/DJI Assistant 2 route is probably the better one, compared to using the DJI app. That is merely my personal opinion and because it worked so well for me I shall continue to stick to it. Additionally, for newbies like myself, I think it definitely pays to refresh the details of the task, by either reading the appropriate manuals and useful forum posts, or watching DJI's videos plus any of the good videos done by trusted users/reviewers, for example, on Youtube.
We are all prone, in this heavily electronic age, of thinking that we can just launch a gadget process without even opening a manual or taking advice! Sometimes, the particular order of doing an apparently simple task is crucial. For example, in the firmware updates I tackled today, DJI are very particular when specifying the order of tasks for connecting the equipment to a laptop - laptop on and connected to the internet, DJI Assistant open, equipment connected via the USB cable and then turned on. This is probably important to allow DJI Assistant to correctly recognise the connected equipment. If DJI specify it, stick to it and I guess there will be less chance of failures?
Overall, we should also remember that the Mavic Pro is not a toy - it is an expensive and very sophisticated aerial camera platform that needs care and experience to operate successfully. I was heartened by my update experiences today and I hope that this post will give confidence to others. But I will reiterate my main point - do your homework before starting the task!
Finally, I now have to express some deep disappointment! A short while after the update process I restarted my Mavic Pro, and used the iPad DJI GO 4 app to get it airborne ...... and was then very surprised to find that I do not appear to have the new Quick Shot modes (which was a major reason for doing the firmware updates in the first place ...)! Active Track, Gesture and Tap Fly are there, but no sign of Quick Shot! Flip!!!! What I have I done wrong now??? Back to the blasted drawing board ...... and manuals and videos and ...... :-(
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