There is no denying that DJI is a pacesetter in the market when it comes to quadcopter manufacture. Their products cater to hobbyists, professional, as well as commercial drone users while boasting stellar reviews across a range of online retailers. One of the most popular offerings today is the DJI Mavic Pro. It features a foldable and highly portable design that you can carry anywhere and combines a slew of cool features to guarantee a remarkable drone flying experience.
However, one of the few downsides to the DJI Mavic Pro is the lack of FPV connectivity. This is one of the most sought-after features for the contemporary drone flier and allows you to be fully immersed in the flight via live video sharing.
While you may be able to connect the Mavic Pro to your smartphone for this, you also miss out on the thrilling experience that is FPV flying. So, how can you fly the Mavic Pro with FPV goggles, and what choices do you have?
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Mavic Pro FPV Flying
Flying FPV is one of the most exciting experiences you can have when piloting your drone. It allows you to be part of the flight from the launch into the air to the actual flying. Sliding on a pair of FPV goggles makes you feel like you’re in the drone’s cockpit, which goes a long way to enhance the flying session.
Compared to other DJI drones like Phantom 4 and Phantom 3 Pro, flying the Mavic Pro via FPV is not as easy. This is because the Phantoms let you adjust your controller in such a way you can connect a direct HDMI output.
Subsequently, you’ll be able to channel the output video to an external monitor or FPV goggles for a better experience. Unfortunately, the Mavic Pro poses a bit of a challenge. Nevertheless, it is doable and there are a couple of ways to go about it.
Using the DJI Goggles
This is the best way to enjoy the FPV experience when flying the Mavic Pro. The DJI Goggles are compatible with a range of DJI drones, including the Phantom 4 series, the DJI spark, as well as the Mavic Pro.
Mavic Pro
DJI Phantom 4 PRO
DJI spark review
DJI is borrowing a leaf from brands like Apple and starting to develop a unique ecosystem whereby products are easily compatible with one another. This is best manifested by the rollout of the DJI FPV goggles.
This easily connects to the Mavic Pro without troubling you with cables or extra connections. It is the most convenient way of making the most of FPV flying on your Mavic Pro. For more about the DJI goggles, let us consider the following review.
1. DJI Goggles Racing Edition
DJI launched the Matte Black Goggles Racing Edition as an upgrade to the original white DJI Goggles. The most notable improvement comes in the form of comfort, with the new models featuring thicker red leather cushioning, as well as a redesigned facial pad.
The RE version boasts an improved video transmission latency; instead of 50ms, you now get 110ms. This comes in very handy when you’re in the middle of a quadcopter race. You’ll experience a pretty huge difference. The only thing is that you’ll have to cough out a little bit more when buying the Goggles.
Compared to alternative FPV racing goggles like the FatShark, the DJI RE Goggles are notably larger and heavier, although they also offer you a better view. With dual 1080p screens, you get to enjoy a higher resolution when you fly FPV, making it easy to avoid obstacles in your flight path.
Overall, the video transmission remains solid for the most part. The Mavic Pro uses Ocusync for video transmission, which delivers better video quality and range compared to the Mavic Air, which uses WIFI.
Nevertheless, I must confess that when the transmission suffered, it was because of interference from obstacles such as hills, metal guard rails, buildings, or even an overpass in the flight path.
The DJI Goggles Racing Edition operates on both 2.4GHz and 5.8GHz bands. These make use of digital video transmission with the option to choose from 12 different channels. All you have to do is find one with the least interference to receive the best quality.
Furthermore, you may connect an extra controller or a pair of Goggles to one drone for an even more exciting FPV experience with friends. A microSD card slot is included in the goggles, where you can insert a memory card to store all the recorded footage.
The right side of the Racing Editions features handy controls, including an on/off button, a touchpad, as well as a battery indicator. You can access the menu using the touchpad and make the most of different flight controls and Quickshot modes.
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Another interesting feature of the DJI Goggles is that you can control the gimbal by simply moving your head around. Meanwhile, the screen displays to you all the relevant information from the drone battery level and controller to the signal quality.
Lastly, the DJI Goggles Racing Edition are compatible with both analog and digital transmission, allowing you to pair them with drones not manufactured by DJI.
OcuSync Video Transmission and Camera Module
Aside from the DJI Goggles, you can also buy the OcuSync Video Transmission and Camera Module. This comes with a camera, as well as an OcuSync transmission unit that you can mount on any other kind of vehicle.
For instance, you can use it with an RC car, a boat, an airplane, or even a custom-built racing drone. It is also equipped with various impressive features, including 1280x960 HD transmission and automatic Frequency-Hopping Spread Spectrum transmission.
Additionally, the camera offers a 148-degree FOV and uses a 1/3-inch image sensor, which means you get improved image quality and resolution than analog cameras. Lastly, a global shutter is used by the DJI Camera Module to limit the jello effect.
Credit to store.dji.com
PROS
CONS
Using the Nvidia Shield K1 or another Tablet
Another way you can fly your Mavic Pro via FPV goggles is to invest in a good tablet. Our recommendation is the Nvidia Shield K1 Tablet. This is among the most straightforward options you can get out there, although it will cost you some extra cash.
The Shield K1 tablet comes with a variety of exciting features that allow you to connect to your Mavic Pro. For instance, it offers HDMI-out connectivity, which means it’s possible to connect to your FPV goggles.
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From here, all you need to do is connect the Mavic Pro controller to the Shield K1 tablet via a cable and once the connection is successfully established, you can use the HDMI-out connection on the K1 tablet to link it with your FPV goggles.
With this simple process, you can start real-time video footage of the drone on your FPV goggles, making for a more fun flying experience.
Using the Litchi App
This is one of the cheapest and easiest alternatives to fly FPV with your Mavic Pro drone. By downloading the Litchi app, available for both Android and IOS devices, you can go ahead and put the application into VR mode.
From here, just connect your smartphone to the compatible FPV goggles and you’ll be good to go. The best part about using the Litchi App is that it allows you to control the rotation and gimbal by moving your head.
However, you should note that the Litchi app released a statement warning of a possible bug in the DJI firmware that could limit the Track, Focus, and VR modes when you connect the app to DJI drones like the Inspire 2, Mavic Pro, and Phantom 4 Pro.
This means using the Litchi app might end up limiting your experience!
Using Google Chromecast
Some DJI Mavic Pro owners have also revealed they were able to fly their drone FPV by simply using Google Chromecast with the Avant Glymph FPV Goggles. The only drawback is that this method might not be the most optimal.
Nevertheless, you’ll need a few extras to make it work, including a smartphone, a battery power pack, and an HDMI-to-HDMI adapter. Most importantly, you will need to be patient as you wait for the device to connect.
Once you set up the Chromecast on the hotspot or wifi, you will then directly setup the Mavic Pro as usual before connecting the Battery Powerpack-Chromecast-HDMI adapter-Goggles. Once everything is in order, you can mirror the screen to Chromecast.
On the downside, this method is not ideal, especially when you consider that some users have reported lag in connection when it comes to the FPV signal. But you can always give it a try and see if it works for you.
The release of the DJI FPV Goggles V2 was in line with efforts by DJI to offer its clients a more immersive experience when flying their drones. An upgrade of the original V1 Goggles, the V2s retain a couple of the features from its predecessor, although you get a fair share of improved specifications.
For instance, unboxing the package reveals all the accessories you get in the V1s, including a DJI FPV Goggles antenna, goggle straps, faceplate foam, analog adapters, etc. Overall, the DJI Goggles V2 is an ideal choice for drone racers, especially when you pair them with the latest DJI FPV drone.Just like the V1, the DJI FPV Goggles V2 comes with a fun look highlighted by a 2-inch LCD and optics, as well as an identical field of view of 30-54 degrees. A 3-Strap head strap allows you to easily dictate how the headset sits on your face, as well as the tightness.
The Goggles V2 has a big enough opening to accommodate users with glasses while the interpupillary distance sliders reduce the strain on the eyes for wearers with various face widths. I like the clean and solid view inside the headset; with a resolution of 1440x1080p, you get to enjoy a high-quality VR performance.
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Meanwhile, the face padding is just enough to keep the headset comfortably positioned at all times and the lenses are individually adjustable for comfortable placement.
Some of the new features you find on the V2 that are not on its original version include the 2.4GHz support. This lower frequency allows for better signal range and penetration compared to the 5.8GHz, also supported.
Airflow on the DJI FPV Goggles helps to prevent fogging in the mask for you to enjoy clear views throughout. While the V1 version uses a touchpad, this new iteration features a 5-way joystick and a record button.
There’s also a USB-C interface for powering the headset but no HDMI. Another interesting feature of this unit is that you can share views with other FPV Goggles set to Audience mode, meaning viewers get to experience what racers are experiencing.
Using the DJI FPV Goggles on Devices that are Not Compatible
You must have a compatible racing drone to use with the DJI FPV Goggles V2. If not, the Goggles can be paired with the DJI FPV Air Unit and HDL FPV Transmission system, which comes with eight frequency channels.
What this means is that it enables as many as eight drones to fly concurrently with each operator getting an exclusive channel, hence providing you with an exciting racing experience.
The DJI FPV Air Unit is an advanced digital ecosystem that features FPV Goggles, a Transmission Module, an FPV remote controller, as well as an FPV camera.
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Together, these deliver clear and smooth HD video with ultra-low latency and long-distance transmission in a simplified setup.
The Air Unit is connected to the DJI FPV camera directly and offers a range of up to 2.5 miles. Its low latency of 28 milliseconds and resolution of 720p at 120fps rival analog systems in a couple of aspects. Furthermore, the system can record on both the FPV Goggles and FPV camera using a micro-SD card.
Alternatively, there are other ways to use the DJI FPV Goggles with incompatible devices if you don’t have the DJI Air Unit. You can utilize a special adapter such as the MPIO Wireless HDMI Display Dongle Adapter or this WiFi Display Dongle but know that there will be a signal delay of at least a second.
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Transporting your DJI Drones with Goggles Safely
When it comes to transporting your FPV drone and goggles, care has to be taken not to damage them in the process. You need to do this delicately and ideally in a specialized case to ensure your gadgets arrive in one piece.
Keep in mind that exposing the lenses of the goggles to direct sunlight can easily damage them, so you want to cover them or stow them inside a bag to avoid any damage. Luckily, you can find handy cases in the market designed for this very purpose.
Some of these include:
- Smatree Professional Waterproof Carrying Case -Designed to carry a DJI Mavic Pro/Zoom, DJI Goggles, and DJI Smart Controller that need to be ferried.
- Professional Backpack for DJI Mavic 2 Pro & Zoom
- Professional Carrying Case for DJI Mavic 2 Pro & Zoom
- Professional Carrying Case for DJI Mavic 2 Pro & Zoom and DJI Goggles and Additional Equipment Like The New DJI Smart Controller
The FatShark Dominator HDO FPV Goggles are a cost-effective way of taking your drone flying experience to the next level. This simple kit comes in a more compact and much lighter package than most other Goggles in the market, which makes it a smart option to carry on the go.
Designed in a small white package, the headset fits snugly around your eyes, almost like big sunglasses. The field of view is relatively small at 42 degrees, which means you get improved edge-to-edge clarity even when your placement is slightly off the center.
With a resolution of 720p, the images are not as clear as on the DJI FPV Goggles above. Rather, they appear saturated with a notable contrast, meaning darker blacks.
However, the Velcro-backed faceplate foam makes for a more accommodating fit when you wear the goggles.
An upgraded power supply also means fewer incidences of fried Goggles when running third-party modules. The package also comes with a 18650-battery case as opposed to the traditional LiPo battery, although the cells are not included.
It also features an integrated Analog DVR but does not accommodate HD recording. You can also use the googles with a TV or PlayStation. Overall, the FatShark FPV Goggles will add to your experience when piloting a drone, but there are a couple of things any experienced pilot would wish were different about the goggles.
For instance, the HDMI and AV cables are not included in the kit, which means extra costs on your side. The battery connectors are also unusual and the charging device may be a problem for users who don’t have a special adapter.
Another aspect that won’t impress you about the headset is that it has no drone controlling functions. This means you have to take off the goggles to access your phone and joystick for easier drone piloting, which may not be practical for many.
Despite all these downsides, the Fancywing Fatshark FPV Goggles are in the same price range as the DJI FPV Goggles, so less value for money.
Something else you’d want to note is that the unit is not recommended for DJI drones, but would be a reliable choice when racing other brands of quadcopters on the market.
Conclusion
If you want to inject a bit of fun into your drone piloting sessions, flying FPV is the way to go! For any drone, there are various ways you can achieve this, as explained in the article above.
Depending on what suits you best, you can give it a try and experience the fun the next time you launch your quad into the air.
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