What is the DJI Relay and how does it work?
What is it?
The DJI Relay is basically a repeater. It is going to take in the signals from the RC and send it to the drone, then receive signals from the drone and send them back to the RC. In comparison, a signal booster is going to directly take the signal from the RC via its physical connection through the RC antenna mount points and amplify that signal with higher power to increase the transmission signals. The signal boosters are mainly a directional antenna which needs to be alway pointed directly at the drone as it moves across the field to ensure best signal is maintained. Whereas the DJI Relay is omnidirectional allowing the signal to be maintained in any lateral direction so long as line of sight is maintained up to a certain distance. This device is only compatible with DJI T40/T20p on the newest firmware version.
Why use a DJI Relay?
- Environmental factors
- Terrain, obstacles, electromagnetic interference areas with reduced signal strength.
- Operational limitations
- Operating from ground level over corn or other tall objects.
How will a DJI Relay solve these issues?
- Environmental factors
- The DJI Relay is a versatile piece of equipment that gives the user the ability to strategically place the unit in key locations to ensure signal is maintained throughout the operation being conducted.
- Operational limitations
- Unlike signal boosters, the DJI Relay does not need to be physically connected to the RC. This allows the user to place the antenna on a telescoping pole and mount directly to their trailer or place in a tripod to elevate the antenna above the crop being flown. This allows a line of sight to be established and ideally maintained throughout the duration of the flight.
Our thoughts on the DJI Relay
Overall the device has greatly improved users experience in areas that they have battled signal loss, for a variety of reasons. It is crucial to get the Relay 3-4 meters (10-13ft) above the crop canopy being flown. The Relay is versatile in the methods it can be used to assist in accomplishing your spraying mission. One drawback to the Relay is its internal battery only lasts for about 4 hours. This can be easily overcome when the unit is used at the operator's location as you can run an extension cord up the pole and connect the charging cable to your power source to keep it running for longer periods of time. Although more challenging, power supplies or a smaller generator could be used in the field to maintain longer use of the device if 4 hours is not long enough. We would not let the 4 hour battery life deter us from using the unit as it is easily combated and in some cases many people use the Relay for a very short period of time in specific areas they know they will lose signal. Overall, the DJI Relay is an exciting product as it improves the overall experience of operating a spray drone when faced with challenging signal conditions.