JJB* Posted at 11-4 06:33
Or is the Mini for both models the same and is only the RC the difference??

Nope, DJI Mindy clarified that: Remotes and aircrafts from different models are not even compatible with each other...

Nidge Posted at 11-4 05:31
Interesting observation and very pertinent.

Back in 2013/14, here in the UK, an RC model flyer found himself in serious trouble after he lost control of his model and it ended up being found within the grounds of a very sensitive area. The authorities began prosecution proceedings against him so being a member of the British Model Flying Association (BMFA) he tried to use their legal assistance service. However it was found that the RC equipment he was using was not certified for use in the UK so legal assistance was declined.

To bad that RC model didn't have any RTH ability.  

SeenMavic Posted at 11-4 05:47
Thanks markusd1984, very interesting that it is locked in firmware for the MT1SS5 (FCC) model.
Now we need the same paper for MT1SD25 (CE) model and I would be very interested a screenshot of the label on both models (to see what logo FCC/CE it has on it).

Usually, CE and FCC certs telling people that a product has the CE/FCC standards for selling it in CE/FCC countries. Nothing else.
Since it is part of your personal belongings, traveling, 1 or 2 pieces, and it is not your intention to sell this, it is totally your problem, how to use it.

Example would be some "years" ago electronic stuff, with power adapters for just 110Volt plus the plugs for it.
These days, most of it comes 110-220V, but still you need an adaptor.

Same is it with FCC or CE drones: the boarder check wont be interested in them. As long it is not illegal, to bring them, drones, anyway.

Check with google what FCC and CE stickers mean.

Just for us, using radio equipment , there is the "you can bring it, but you should (must!) not use it" extra thing.

maihem.rc Posted at 11-4 06:55
To bad that RC model didn't have any RTH ability.

The flyer claims that it had the capability but claims it failed to kick in. He also claims it lost connection before it reached the estuary/channel and flew through the bridge. His model eventually washed up on the shores of BAE Defence Systems (Nuclear Submarine Testing Facility) and was found by their security.

This is the flight:

CemAygun Posted at 11-4 06:43
Nope, DJI Mindy clarified that: Remotes and aircrafts from different models are not even compatible with each other...

Which can be a firmware thing.

S-e-ven Posted at 11-4 06:57
Usually, CE and FCC certs telling people that a product has the CE/FCC standards for selling it in CE/FCC countries. Nothing else.
Since it is part of your personal belongings, traveling, 1 or 2 pieces, and it is not your intention to sell this, it is totally your problem, how to use it.

I already checked what those stickers mean. However, I only find reliable answers for CE region regarding importing products by UPS/post OR commercial dealers. I did not find any source showing you can actually "import" it yourself by law.

So if you can provide sources for CE and FCC "private import", please share. Thanks.

S-e-ven Posted at 11-4 09:07
Which can be a firmware thing.

From what has posted here, the Mavic Mini itself is locked by firmware. So I bet the RC is locked by firmware aswell (as weight esp. <10grams is ignorable).

SeenMavic Posted at 11-4 11:56
I already checked what those stickers mean. However, I only find reliable answers for CE region regarding importing products by UPS/post OR commercial dealers. I did not find any source showing you can actually "import" it yourself by law.

So if you can provide sources for CE and FCC "private import", please share. Thanks.

The "thing" is:
Are you a visitor to a country, or a you bringing something FROM another country home?

In the first case, it is seen as personal belongings, coming and going with you. If your belongings exceed a certain value, you may have to declare it on arrival.
That would most likely be the case for every better notebook, smartphone or one of the mavic 2.
Just in reality, noone does it (mostly) and no one cares!

If second, even then it is just a local import tax thing.
Which you would have with every other product, you bring to your country by yourself, and that is of higher value, as the free limits.

You need to understand that using and owning is a different thing.
You can own an FCC only product in CE countries
But can't legally use it (in case it is a radio transmitter involved and the power is greater, as CE allows)

Montfrooij Posted at 11-4 03:24
Very true
But since this is the perfect travel drone, it is strange that the choice for CE / FCC is baked into the hardware of the drone.

Yes, fully agree with you

JJB* Posted at 11-4 12:53
Yes, fully agree with you

I'm curious how it will be in reality....

S-e-ven Posted at 11-4 04:11
Honestly, I have crossed MANY (airport) boarders, in the past 2 years. NOT at one, someone hass looked for CE or FCC. Even looking at it, they never checked on that. Because you are not/just temporarily importing it!
As long there is no "100% no drone into the country", you have maximum to worry about starting it in there.
IMHO!

I agree, just fly it. I highly doubt there will be drone police with RF meter measuring you RC output.  

S-e-ven Posted at 11-4 09:07
Which can be a firmware thing.

That was my first guess as well, but we won't know for sure until somebody opens a couple of minis up and checks the hardware

CemAygun Posted at 11-4 20:53
That was my first guess as well, but we won't know for sure until somebody opens a couple of minis up and checks the hardware

I have, somehow, trust in people, to do so!

Montfrooij Posted at 11-4 13:13
I'm curious how it will be in reality....

Saw a german vid where the mini range was not more than 500 meters....in a wide open area.
So in a more suburb area only 250 meters??

1) Bad selling point
2) not convinced about the video quality....to much motion blur and out of focus.

But 3.7% batt drain for 1 minute flying !!   impressive that is.

JJB* Posted at 11-5 00:05
Saw a german vid where the mini range was not more than 500 meters....in a wide open area.
So in a more suburb area only 250 meters??

That is to be expected.
The only real good connection I know (CE) is occusync.
Not sure how they pull that off, but I can fly 4000m with my (unmodded) Mavic Pro.
It was an open area (over water)

Hi SeenM, the wireless signal RF hardware of the Mavic Mini is either the CE/MIC dual-frequency version (2.4 GHz/5.8 GHz) or the FCC (5.8 GHz) version.
If the Mavic Mini you purchased is a CE version, you can fly normally in CE countries and regions, SRRC and FCC countries and regions.
There should be no customs issue, you can bring the drone to other countries.

DAFlys Posted at 11-4 02:48
Also if you fly FCC in non FCC country you just get a warning in the software.

Update: If the Mavic Mini you purchased is an FCC version, you can fly normally in FCC and SRRC countries and regions, and CE countries and regions that support 5.8G.
But please note it is illegal to use the 5.8 GHz band in Japan, Russia, Israel, Ukraine, and Kazakhstan. The app will pop up a disclaimer warning but if you keep flying, you may face legal risks.

@DJmindy

But how will the range of the mini change when I fly a CE Version in an FCC country? Will it be the same like a stock FCC Mini?

djiuser_2qqJ8nhso95U Posted at 11-5 02:59
@DJmindy

But how will the range of the mini change when I fly a CE Version in an FCC country? Will it be the same like a stock FCC Mini?

When flying CE version Mavic Mini in other countries, the maximum image transmission distance would be:
On CE countries and regions: 2.4G: 2 Km, 5.8G: 500 m (as supported by regional regulations);
On SRRC countries and regions:  2.4G: 2 Km, 5.8G: 500 m;
On FCC countries and regions: 2.4G: 2 Km, 5.8G: 500 m

Thanks.
So the full range of the mini is only possible with a FCC model bought in the USA?

S-e-ven Posted at 11-4 05:28
Has it?
If the bird just have 5.8 in FCC, why would the RC have 2.4, useless on top?
in case the RC has the same hardware, I would assume the same for the birds!

Because CE (controlled by FW) is allowed to use 2.4G with more power than 5.8G according to CE specs "2.4 GHz: <19 dBm (MIC/CE) 5.8 GHz: <14 dBm (CE)".
In otherwords the max 2km for CE seems rto be only possible in the 2.4G mode while only 500m for 5.8G.

Nidge Posted at 11-4 08:56
The flyer claims that it had the capability but claims it failed to kick in. He also claims it lost connection before it reached the estuary/channel and flew through the bridge. His model eventually washed up on the shores of BAE Defence Systems (Nuclear Submarine Testing Facility) and was found by their security.

This is the flight:

What the heck!?!  At 50 seconds there's an airstrip, then the bridge, what was this guy thinking?

JJB* Posted at 11-5 00:05
Saw a german vid where the mini range was not more than 500 meters....in a wide open area.
So in a more suburb area only 250 meters??

also saw this vid.. CE version is RIP!

@2.4, empty field, straight line flying, all time line of sight - should be official 2000m...
he do 300m when lower signal kick in, and full lost connection just over 500m

so we got in real life 1/4 range of one from official spec :/
and then if 5.8 range is 500m in spec, then real would be what - 200m?

How is the range of an FCC Version in an CE country?

I have a question about FCC mavic mini used in CE areas.
A lot of "smart" European people will buy the mavic mini in US or China where only 5.8 gHz band is preset at about 30dBm to fly full range.
Here is my doubt.
Since the CE version allows a much bigger transmission power at 2,4 gHz (19 dBm) than at 5,8 gHz (14 dBm), is there a possibility that the mavic mini, once getting the GPS coordinates, will adjust the transmission power of the 5,8 gHz band at a legal value so that such "smart" people get screwed by having a drone flying only with 14 dBm power (as the 2,4 gHz band won't be available)?

djiuser_tXdnEZvuw297 Posted at 11-6 05:46
I have a question about FCC mavic mini used in CE areas.
A lot of "smart" European people will buy the mavic mini in US or China where only 5.8 gHz band is preset at about 30dBm to fly full range.
Here is my doubt.

I believe that the US version of the MM has no CE mark.

I can well imagine that the "smart" people will have problems with customs.

SeenMavic Posted at 11-4 05:47
Thanks markusd1984, very interesting that it is locked in firmware for the MT1SS5 (FCC) model.
Now we need the same paper for MT1SD25 (CE) model and I would be very interested a screenshot of the label on both models (to see what logo FCC/CE it has on it).

Ce or fcc just signal power.  Frequency is issue.  Try to fly 5.8 in japan or australia.  If they tracked you down.  Let see what happen

DJI Mindy Posted at 11-5 02:57
Update: If the Mavic Mini you purchased is an FCC version, you can fly normally in FCC and SRRC countries and regions, and CE countries and regions that support 5.8G.
But please note it is illegal to use the 5.8 GHz band in Japan, Russia, Israel, Ukraine, and Kazakhstan. The app will pop up a disclaimer warning but if you keep flying, you may face legal risks.

My friend's m2 fly in japan.  5.8 will be disabled

DJI Mindy Posted at 11-5 03:14
When flying CE version Mavic Mini in other countries, the maximum image transmission distance would be:
On CE countries and regions: 2.4G: 2 Km, 5.8G: 500 m (as supported by regional regulations);
On SRRC countries and regions:  2.4G: 2 Km, 5.8G: 500 m;

@DJI Mindy


Could you also please explain when flying the FCC version in other countries?

KREMi Posted at 11-5 13:43
also saw this vid.. CE version is RIP!

@2.4, empty field, straight line flying, all time line of sight - should be official 2000m...

there's another video on YouTube by COPTER.BG (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFOQg33R14I) and they managed to fly >1500m in CE mode - albeit maxing out height to 500m.

I dare taking a bet that this flight was not exactly within sight, but anyway.....

xtrem Posted at 11-7 01:05
@DJI Mindy

If the Mavic Mini you purchased is an FCC version, you can fly normally in FCC and SRRC countries and regions, and CE countries and regions that support 5.8G.
The maximum image transmission distance of the FCC aircraft is 4 km in FCC countries and regions, 2.5 km in SRRC countries and regions, and 500 m in CE countries and regions supporting 5.8G.
But please note it is illegal to use the 5.8 GHz band in Japan, Russia, Israel, Ukraine, and Kazakhstan. The app will pop up a disclaimer warning, but the user can still start the motor and take off. But if you keep flying, you may face legal risks.

DJI Mindy Posted at 11-8 05:41
If the Mavic Mini you purchased is an FCC version, you can fly normally in FCC and SRRC countries and regions, and CE countries and regions that support 5.8G.
The maximum image transmission distance of the FCC aircraft is 4 km in FCC countries and regions, 2.5 km in SRRC countries and regions, and 500 m in CE countries and regions supporting 5.8G.
But please note it is illegal to use the 5.8 GHz band in Japan, Russia, Israel, Ukraine, and Kazakhstan. The app will pop up a disclaimer warning, but the user can still start the motor and take off. But if you keep flying, you may face legal risks.

Hi DJI Mindy, I’m still a little bit confused and appreciate you helping us all understand this better. If I purchase a mavic mini in the USA (so it will be FCC) while I am here on holidays and return to Australia Will the mavic mini range only be 500m?  I appreciate your help with this, thank you.

@DJI Mindy

Your technical support gave me a complete different answer. He said he can garantee, that the range of an FCC Version is still the same in an CE country like Germany.

astrogirl Posted at 11-8 08:37
Hi DJI Mindy, I’m still a little bit confused and appreciate you helping us all understand this better. If I purchase a mavic mini in the USA (so it will be FCC) while I am here on holidays and return to Australia Will the mavic mini range only be 500m?  I appreciate your help with this, thank you.

Both the USA and Australia use the FCC version, the maximum image transmission distance of the FCC aircraft is 4 km in FCC countries and regions, but please note we do not provide the global warranty, please purchase the drone in your own country for the future warranty service.

djiuser_2qqJ8nhso95U Posted at 11-8 10:11
@DJI Mindy

Your technical support gave me a complete different answer. He said he can garantee, that the range of an FCC Version is still the same in an CE country like Germany.

That is not true, the maximum image transmission distance of the FCC aircraft would be 500 m in CE countries and regions supporting 5.8G.
How did you contact our technical support team? Please provide me your contact info so that we can investigate. Thanks.

DJI Mindy Posted at 11-9 01:48
That is not true, the maximum image transmission distance of the FCC aircraft would be 500 m in CE countries and regions supporting 5.8G.
How did you contact our technical support team? Please provide me your contact info so that we can investigate. Thanks.

@DJI Mindy

I got the same answer from DJI Sales Support (Kenneth from DJI Support), they told me that if I use an FCC Mavic Mini in CE country (Spain), I would just get a warning message but the same range as in an FCC country.

Could you please clarify? Will the FCC version automatically adjust power downwards in a CE country?

I contact 4 different DJI Supporter and all of them says to me the FCC Modell have in CE regions the same power like in the US

There is no reason cutting down the range in CE countrys. A FCC Version will never fly legally, even with ah a smaller range..

Montfrooij Posted at 11-4 03:50
Yeah, I totally get that!

I dont think it would be lost at border , it's one of those strange things as its legal to own in eirope just not to fly , just get a sticker made of copy of bottom of europe drone and stick on bottom

I hope we get a answer