Hi there.
First time with a DJI product today, I purchased a mavic air 2, fly more kit and spent the day charging batteries and getting it setup.

first, the picture quality is excellent. No complaints at all there - However, at both of my test locations (Mackay, Queensland, australia) the drone lost signal and returned to home after only 900m from my home position.  That's less than a 10th of the advertised distance.

I was shooting at 4k, 25fps - does this mean I can't go further than that?!

I'm a bit worried I've spent $1800 AUD on a dud.

Thanks!

David

I would think it depends on why you're flying. Over in Singapore, I can't go farther than 1km.

That said, did you point the remote control towards the drone?
What was your altitude? Did you fly in a rural/urban area?

Only 900m? Should be longger

Yes, I was facing the drone.

I was shooting over this field;

Got to 950ish m, then got a poor signal warning on my phone, then the video froze, and the unit returned to home.

Hey mate I have had the same issue in SE Qld Sunshine Coast

I am rather disappointed

I have reported the problem, have you seen any fixes? I’m very u happy that it doesn’t go even half the advertised

I had clear skies etc too

Let me know if you get any fixes

djiuser_UphPZSLVHbbD Posted at 5-24 02:12
Hey mate I have had the same issue in SE Qld Sunshine Coast

I am rather disappointed

I'll keep you updated.

Do their support ever post here or should I open a support ticket?

I'm going to try again tomorrow at 1080p / 25fps.

I see the off comment or two here but maybe email

I’m about to post here as well

Seems to be a lot of people having the same issue as us with the Air 2

They’re two things here, 1/ VLOS you can’t physically see further than 900m, so really shouldn’t be flying further.
2/ it’s your drone and you’re in charge. So environment and set up are key to how much signal you create between drone and RC. If you’re flying in an open area no buildings no housing estates no radio interference you should get maximum signal and fly close to distance parameters of the drone.
You should as much as you can point antennas in a direct line to your drone, more height with distance will also help, so 900m altitude 200ft 900M to 2k 400ft altitude.
You should also remember that others might be using this airspace like hand gliders balloonists low flying aircraft, the onus is on you.

I've not seen any antennas. Are they inside the remote? I've been flying in a straight line the the icon at the bottom of the display with the triangle dead centre.

I see some videos with people replacing USBs and getting 3500m in urban areas.  So I'm confused.

I'm also using a Samsung note 9 of that matters at all :-/

Toldorn Posted at 5-24 02:37
I've not seen any antennas. Are they inside the remote? I've been flying in a straight line the the icon at the bottom of the display with the triangle dead centre.

I see some videos with people replacing USBs and getting 3500m in urban areas.  So I'm confused.

The Antennas are at the top of your mobile bracket holder.

Makes sense.

I've read that I need to spoof GPS the unit to make it think it's I. America so it enters FCC mode.

When the suns up I'll try this and report back.

Gnite all.

Hi David, here are some suggestions you may refer to:
1. Always position the antenna properly, the antenna of the Mavic Air 2 locates on the top of the mobile phone holder, please ensure it is pointed directly to the drone.
2. Please turn off other wireless devices during the flight in case the RC's signal is affected.
3. Stay away from electromagnetic interference such as Wi-Fi hotspots, routers, Bluetooth devices, high-voltage wires, high-voltage power transmission stations, mobile phone base stations, and TV broadcast signal towers and so on.
4. Please fly in the open areas, tall buildings, mountains, rocks, and woods may affect the aircraft's compass and GPS signals.
5. Fly higher, the signal would be better.

what height your drone fly？

what height your drone fly？
if your height is 34m，and distance is 1000m，the angle is ony 2 degree，，，in this case the nearly house/tree will block the signal on the straight line of drone and remote controller

I took mine out yesterday for its maiden flight and went over 3000m one way and had no signal loss whatsoever. I do live out in the country with little interference. Was shooting at 4k 60fps no issues. Are those places in Australia rural?

Seems you were flying low and probably within many wifi bubbles.

DJI Mindy Posted at 5-24 03:57
Hi David, here are some suggestions you may refer to:
1. Always position the antenna properly, the antenna of the Mavic Air 2 locates on the top of the mobile phone holder, please ensure it is pointed directly to the drone.
2. Please turn off other wireless devices during the flight in case the RC's signal is affected.

Dear Mindy,

Do you mean it is advised to switch off wifi and bluetooth on the mobile device that is used on the controller? Just wifi and Bluetooth or switch to Airplane mode?

Regards,

Thijs

Toldorn Posted at 5-24 03:53
Makes sense.

I've read that I need to spoof GPS the unit to make it think it's I. America so it enters FCC mode.

You are reading and listyening to bull.... Forget spoofing anything, the drone will never reach FCC transmission level anyway, it is set for Australian conditions, and they are not far different to the FFC ones. The problem is you are flying out over houses full of WiFi gear, and that works on the same frequency as your drone. Switch your phone to aircraft mode to start with and get away from the houses. Finally, the DJI range figures are not what you think they are:

Max Transmission Distance = 10 km (FCC), 6 km (CE), 6 km (SRRC), 6 km (MIC)
In Australia were are under the SRRC spec.

kiminx Posted at 5-24 01:10
Only 900m? Should be longger

Mine only goes 670 meters???? 2200 ft. here in USA before it hits RTH.

Is it possible that your transmission frequency stuck or set to 5.8 GHz rather than auto switch between 2.4 GHz and 5.8 GHz? I think that the 5.8 GHz have less interference but much shorter range compare to 2.4 GHz? You can check the transmission frequency in the app  

motia Posted at 5-24 15:05
Is it possible that your transmission frequency stuck or set to 5.8 GHz rather than auto switch between 2.4 GHz and 5.8 GHz? I think that the 5.8 GHz have less interference but much shorter range compare to 2.4 GHz? You can check the transmission frequency in the app

so your saying o switch to auto going to check my setting tomorrow.

motia Posted at 5-24 15:05
Is it possible that your transmission frequency stuck or set to 5.8 GHz rather than auto switch between 2.4 GHz and 5.8 GHz? I think that the 5.8 GHz have less interference but much shorter range compare to 2.4 GHz? You can check the transmission frequency in the app

You can manually switch .

occusync is no match for CE

In all the videos I'm seeing if people flying their drones 3km+ they seem to be in FCC.

Im in Australia so will only be flying as far as I can see, but I'm a bit spooked that something advertised as going up to 10km, failed sub 1. I'm intending on flying a lot over water and can't have it going to 'home' as my 'home will be moving a lot!

UPDATE TIME : I took my drone to the coast today, and just flew it in a stright line down the beach... It travelled 3200 before I flew into restricted airspace, so i turned around and flew it back.

Must of been a wifi congestion issue.

Kimosabe Posted at 5-24 14:28
Dear Mindy,

Do you mean it is advised to switch off wifi and bluetooth on the mobile device that is used on the controller? Just wifi and Bluetooth or switch to Airplane mode?

Hi there, it is no necessary during the normal flight unless you would like to test its flight distance.