DJI O4: The Unseen Pitfalls and What You Need to Know

Alex -

In the ever-evolving world of drone technology, the launch of the DJI O4 has sparked both excitement and concern among users. Ian from MadsRC dives deep into the issues that have surfaced post-release, shedding light on critical aspects that might have slipped through the cracks during initial reviews.

Firmware Woes with DJI Goggles 2

One of the most pressing issues is a firmware glitch affecting the DJI Goggles 2. Users are finding themselves locked in either 16 Mbps or 30 Mbps when arming in auto mode. This problem seems to be isolated to the Goggles 2, as Ian could not replicate it on the Goggles 3. This limitation prevents users from accessing the full 50 Mbps that should be available.

When arming the system, the ear unit jumps out of low power mode, but the expected increase to 50 Mbps is absent. Instead, users are stuck at a much lower bandwidth, which significantly impacts the performance of the drone. Manual channel selection does allow users to achieve the higher data rate, but this workaround highlights the firmware issue that DJI needs to address.

iNav and OSD Compatibility Issues

Another significant point of contention is the compatibility of the DJI O4 with iNav. Currently, the O4 does not officially support iNav, KISS, or Ardupilot. It only supports BetaFlight, which is a departure from what many users had hoped for. The confusion around iNav stems from a problem where the system would not arm correctly. This issue appears to be tied to how DJI implemented MSP, which only affects iNav.

While there are plans for DJI to add iNav support in the future, users are left in limbo, relying on BetaFlight OSD compatibility mode for any functionality. Ian expressed a desire for DJI to allow the upload of custom font packs to alleviate these issues, enabling users to take control of their setups without waiting for official updates.

Camera Cable Concerns

Another critical issue raised is related to the camera cables used with the DJI O4. The new system utilizes a different connector than previous models, which has led to compatibility issues with existing cables. Ian demonstrated that while the connectors may look similar, they are wired differently, rendering old cables unusable.

Moreover, reports of cable fragility have surfaced, with users experiencing damage due to the design of the 90-degree bend in the cables. The interposer board on the DJI Lite ear unit also poses a risk, as it is poorly secured and can easily detach during crashes, leading to permanent damage to the camera.

Recommendations for Users

To mitigate these issues, Ian recommends that users file support tickets with DJI if they encounter problems with cables. This feedback is crucial for the company to address the quality concerns that have been noted since the launch.

Conclusion

The DJI O4 has certainly made waves in the drone community, but it is not without its pitfalls. From firmware issues with the Goggles 2 to compatibility problems with iNav and fragile camera cables, there are several areas where DJI needs to step up and provide solutions. Ian's insights serve as a valuable resource for users navigating these challenges.

FAQ

  • What issues are users facing with the DJI O4? Users are experiencing firmware glitches with the Goggles 2, limiting bandwidth, and compatibility issues with iNav.
  • Will DJI add support for iNav in the future? Yes, DJI has indicated plans to add iNav support, but details are pending.
  • What should I do if my camera cable is damaged? File a support ticket with DJI to report the issue and request a replacement.
  • How can I achieve higher bandwidth with the Goggles 2? Use manual channel selection to set the bandwidth to 40 MHz to access the full 50 Mbps.

For more insights and updates, be sure to check out Ian’s channel on YouTube.