I'm planning to fly above water soon and don't want the waves/water messing it up. How do I turn these off manually for the duration of the flight?

You unfortunately can’t .

hallmark007 Posted at 3-4 15:21
You unfortunately can’t .

Would putting a piece of tape over them work? I'm just nervous about the water messing my shots up.

Hi, thank you for reaching out. We don't have the option to disable the Vision sensor of the DJI Mavic Mini on the DJI Fly app not unlike the DJI Go 4. For your reference, you may refer to the link below if you are planning to fly above the water. Thank you for your understanding and support!

https://store.dji.com/guides/how-to-fly-safely-over-water/

DrewAdkins18 Posted at 3-4 15:22
Would putting a piece of tape over them work? I'm just nervous about the water messing my shots up.

As the other guys said, you cannot turn it off within the rules...

About sticking a tape, I tried it once, and it scaared the hell outta me   After taping and flying, the gps went off for a while and the Mini just ascended without stopping since it couldn't see the ground and I lost control because of the interference...

In my case there were lots of buildings and trees very close to each other, I was planning to take shots around 3-5 meters altitude, and it was both extremely scary and dangerous situation. But I don't  think closing sensors in an open field can make a problem.. The only thing is; be careful while landing.

DrewAdkins18 Posted at 3-4 15:22
Would putting a piece of tape over them work? I'm just nervous about the water messing my shots up.

I think some have tried, but it possible you still may have unsteady flight particularly if flying low as gps may not always be as strong , so maybe test over grass first .

yamyamu Posted at 3-4 15:44
As the other guys said, you cannot turn it off within the rules...

About sticking a tape, I tried it once, and it scaared the hell outta me   After taping and flying, the gps went off for a while and the Mini just ascended without stopping since it couldn't see the ground and I lost control because of the interference...

I'll probably just have to skip the shots over water. Thanks for the input.

DrewAdkins18 Posted at 3-4 15:44
I'll probably just have to skip the shots over water. Thanks for the input.

I think that's a good idea. Fly safe.

DrewAdkins18 Posted at 3-4 15:44
I'll probably just have to skip the shots over water. Thanks for the input.

I regularly take off and land from my boat.  If you are going to fly over water plan your flight carefully.  Not only do you need to take into account the wind conditions but wave conditions.  Hope you have fast reactions and good flying skills.  I maintain a minimum of 2.5 meters above the water.  If you take off from shore ensure that your HP is set where your drone will not land in the water in case you are within 20 meters when an RTH is activated.  Be cautious of birds, especially seagulls if your shooting near the beach.  Several times nearby seagulls have become somewhat aggressive and I’m sure they could easily take out my MM.  My main worry is if I suffer an uncommanded descent and can’t recover it before it becomes a submarine.  If it does then that’s on me as I considered that issue and made the decision to fly anyway.  If you decide to fly over water then please stay alert, don’t try any crazy maneuvers, and make sure you have plenty of battery to make a return if you make a long flight over water.  Good luck and fly safely.

Dirty Bird Posted at 3-4 19:31
You can't turn off the sensors but don't stress over it.  In hundreds of flights over water with multiple DJI drones I've never had an issue.   I have never disabled the VPS on any drone.  Avoid skimming the surface & stay 10' up.  You'll be fine.

My shots are atleast 50 feet from anything, I’ve been flying for a while but I’m nowhere near an expert.

Dirty Bird Posted at 3-4 19:43
You'll be fine then.  You are only likely to have a VPS issue if you are right above the surface & the water is clear & smooth so the sensors don't recognize the surface.  Water around here is so green & murky the VPS has no problem detecting it.

Same here with the river, I've seen mud cleaner than that water haha.

I have only about a dozen flights with the Mini over water so far but with no real problems (knock on wood). I usually try to stay above the range of the ground sensor, which is about 32 feet. The last time I flew it over water, I was just trying to set it to hover while I drove my boat passed. I forgot and first set it at about 15 feet altitude and I noticed it was dropping slowly and intermittently. The water there was fairly clear. I then increased the altitude to about 40 feet and it settled there long enough to make the video. It did make me a bit nervous though.

GaryDoug Posted at 3-4 19:59
I have only about a dozen flights with the Mini over water so far with no real problems (knock on wood). I usually try to stay above the range of the ground sensor, which is about 32 feet.

Nice to know, thanks for the input. Really eases the mind. I receive the mini Friday.

Ooopps I added text to my reply above....

I fly over water all of the time with all of my DJI drones (including the Mini) and have never had any issues.  

I'm still nervous about losing the Mini in the water and not being able to use my repair insurance, so......at the risk of starting another firestorm of objections, here is what I am using to make sure I can retrieve it. Range is reduced depending on the wind speed of course. Don't laugh ;-)

GaryDoug Posted at 3-4 20:15
I'm still nervous about losing the Mini in the water and not being able to use my repair insurance, so......at the risk of starting another firestorm of objections, here is what I am using to make sure I can retrieve it. Range is reduced depending on the wind speed of course. Don't laugh ;-)[Image]

I ordered one of these on Amazon

DrewAdkins18 Posted at 3-4 20:16
I ordered one of these on Amazon

I have one of those also but it made the drone unstable in a cross wind with a lot of ESC errors, so I quit using it since I have no intention of ever landing on the water. If there was no wind, it worked ok but reduced range by at least 50%.

GaryDoug Posted at 3-4 20:22
I have one of those also but it made the drone unstable in a cross wind with a lot of ESC errors, so I quit using it since I have no intention of ever landing on the water. If there was no wind, it worked ok but reduced range by at least 50%.

Wow didn't know it was that bad, if it's too bad I'll just send it back and go with your idea.

The simple block of Styro is kept from hitting the props with a fixing device made from a large paper clip that protrudes up into the block ....(I can't stop laughing)..... clipped into the mounting holes. You can just see it in the photo. Other wise, the block will shift around. I'm sure I will get rid of this ridiculous setup some day when I get more confidence and don't worry so much about losing my Wife's Christmas present to me ;-)

p.s. I just realized that steel paper clip may be affecting the compass. Gotta have a better idea....

DrewAdkins18 Posted at 3-4 20:24
Wow didn't know it was that bad, if it's too bad I'll just send it back and go with your idea.

All those contraptions are more likely to end up causing more damage to your drone, I live by the Ocean and fly over it everyday I fly, I wouldn’t chance using any of those ridiculous ideas, VPS is not that fickle, I would just advise keep 30ft above water until you feel comfortable.

hallmark007 Posted at 3-5 02:48
All those contraptions are more likely to end up causing more damage to your drone, I live by the Ocean and fly over it everyday I fly, I wouldn’t chance using any of those ridiculous ideas, VPS is not that fickle, I would just advise keep 30ft above water until you feel comfortable.

Hallmark007, if that footage is in your "backyard" you are one lucky guy.  What a scenic place to live.  

DowntownRDB Posted at 3-5 05:26
Hallmark007, if that footage is in your "backyard" you are one lucky guy.  What a scenic place to live.

It’s the most northerly point of Ireland fanad lighthouse Donegal, it’s about an hour away from me .

Dirty Bird Posted at 3-5 12:04
Nice video.  The audio track is excellent as well.

Cheers thanks.

hallmark007 Posted at 3-5 02:48
All those contraptions are more likely to end up causing more damage to your drone, I live by the Ocean and fly over it everyday I fly, I wouldn’t chance using any of those ridiculous ideas, VPS is not that fickle, I would just advise keep 30ft above water until you feel comfortable.

I agree, but you have far more experience and more time to gain confidence. We are just beginners. In time we will follow suit I am sure. Premium video, BTW. Was that taken with a Mini?

The pontoons were a bad choice, as I found. But the simple top hat seems to be ok. I would not use it for longer flights though because of the range reduction.

GaryDoug Posted at 3-5 12:43
I agree, but you have far more experience and more time to gain confidence. We are just beginners. In time we will follow suit I am sure. Nice video, BTW.

The pontoons were a bad choice, as I found. But the simple top hat seems to be ok. I would not use it for longer flights though because of the range reduction.

Yes I might have but just like starting the pole vault you’ve gotta try it first you can’t keep looking at it, over water is a lot safer, no obstacles better signal no interference, stay well above VPs range and it won’t be a problem, might be best to find out about what’s making minis land for no reason first . ;+)

hallmark007 Posted at 3-5 13:45
Yes I might have but just like starting the pole vault you’ve gotta try it first you can’t keep looking at it, over water is a lot safer, no obstacles better signal no interference, stay well above VPs range and it won’t be a problem, might be best to find out about what’s making minis land for no reason first . ;+)

Absolutely about the "land for no reason" syndrom. That is the main reason I will keep on the top hat for now until that has some resolution. I want it back for the service insurance if nothing else.

The Apollo program did not start with a moon landing on flight 1. There were 10 prior stages of trials.

I would not get low enough for that to be a problem. ;)

GaryDoug Posted at 3-5 14:33
Absolutely about the "land for no reason" syndrom. That is the main reason I will keep on the top hat for now until that has some resolution. I want it back for the service insurance if nothing else.

The Apollo program did not start with a moon landing on flight 1. There were 10 prior stages of trials.

The apollo project had billions to work with, I have about $500 haha

It's my understanding (and I could be wrong) that the sensors on the bottom only come into play when you're less than 16 feet off the ground.  I base that understanding on the fact that when flying indoors or without gps it has a maximum height of 16 feet because that's the limits of the sensors.

I fly over water all the time but I'm usually at least 25 feet up and I don't try and skim the surface.

Go fly, just don't try skimming the surface especially on a windy day.

I have seen a demonstration using DUCT TAPE. The answer to many, many problems.  Just tape over the sensors.  Of course staying 20 beet or more above the water seems very wise.

JohnK48 Posted at 3-7 11:36
I have seen a demonstration using DUCT TAPE. The answer to many, many problems.  Just tape over the sensors.  Of course staying 20 beet or more above the water seems very wise.

Try it and let us know how it works out.

Tip: put on the prop guards.

I have tried it and the Mini will not hoover, you have to constantly correct, and it's easy to over correct and lose control.

That was indoors without gps, it might work better with gps outside but if not, bye bye Mini.

Do you have a link to a video with the Mini outside and sensors covered? I couldn't find one.

WrongWay Feldman Posted at 3-7 12:25
Try it and let us know how it works out.

Tip: put on the prop guards.

What I saw was a YouTube video that was indoors. It looked very stable, but maybe it was due to the skill of the pilot.  Trying to remember something about it.  The guy is a professional photographer.  He and his wife have quite a few videos, primarily about photography.  If I find it I will post a link here.  I could also try doing it for myself.  Now inside my house I do get enough satellites to use, so that might be beneficial. The thing that I remember specifically is him flying it indoors and he was flying it near a coffee table and as he skimmed about 8 inches above it, it jumped up about 6 to 12 inches which was OK when he was above the table but he wanted to fly it between to top and bottom shelf where there was a separation of about 15 inches and it would have been kind of dangerous to drone and table.

JohnK48 Posted at 3-15 17:14
What I saw was a YouTube video that was indoors. It looked very stable, but maybe it was due to the skill of the pilot.  Trying to remember something about it.  The guy is a professional photographer.  He and his wife have quite a few videos, primarily about photography.  If I find it I will post a link here.  I could also try doing it for myself.  Now inside my house I do get enough satellites to use, so that might be beneficial. The thing that I remember specifically is him flying it indoors and he was flying it near a coffee table and as he skimmed about 8 inches above it, it jumped up about 6 to 12 inches which was OK when he was above the table but he wanted to fly it between to top and bottom shelf where there was a separation of about 15 inches and it would have been kind of dangerous to drone and table.

I believe the video was by Tony Northrup, but I could not find it.

Related to the issue of taping over the sensors: I noticed that the pontoon mount ( see post 20) does slightly obstruct the sensors. I also noticed that I was able to fly much closer to the ground with them attached. Might be a connection there.

JohnK48 Posted at 3-15 17:14
What I saw was a YouTube video that was indoors. It looked very stable, but maybe it was due to the skill of the pilot.  Trying to remember something about it.  The guy is a professional photographer.  He and his wife have quite a few videos, primarily about photography.  If I find it I will post a link here.  I could also try doing it for myself.  Now inside my house I do get enough satellites to use, so that might be beneficial. The thing that I remember specifically is him flying it indoors and he was flying it near a coffee table and as he skimmed about 8 inches above it, it jumped up about 6 to 12 inches which was OK when he was above the table but he wanted to fly it between to top and bottom shelf where there was a separation of about 15 inches and it would have been kind of dangerous to drone and table.

It kind of sounds like a video i saw a while back:  

Litchi allows you to turn off the sensor. Once you do it will stay off in DJI fly

DrewAdkins18 Posted at 2020-3-4 20:16
I ordered one of these on Amazon

this makes the drone like a hover-board hahaha

DJI Gamora Posted at 2020-3-4 15:30
Hi, thank you for reaching out. We don't have the option to disable the Vision sensor of the DJI Mavic Mini on the DJI Fly app not unlike the DJI Go 4. For your reference, you may refer to the link below if you are planning to fly above the water. Thank you for your understanding and support!

https://store.dji.com/guides/how-to-fly-safely-over-water/

Where the #1 thing to do is turn off the VPS.. XD

djiuser_zPmpy3HDX03w Posted at 4-18 09:07
Where the #1 thing to do is turn off the VPS.. XD

Hi, djiuser_zPmpy3HDX03w. Since DJI Mavic Mini doesn't have the option to turn it off, please skip the first step. Kindly follow the steps that are only applicable to your drone. Thank you for your kind understanding.