TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION

Mavic mini palm-sized drone takes off

Prominent drone manufacturer DJI has launched its latest drone, the Mavic Mini.

The DJI Mavic Mini promises a 30 minute flight time. Image courtesy DJI.

The DJI Mavic Mini promises a 30 minute flight time. Image courtesy DJI.

From a farming perspective, the Mavic Mini will have limited applications but could serve as a useful low-cost drone to give farmers some exposure to drone operations and help build confidence in their use.

Weighing just under 250g, the Mavic mini measures 140×82×57mm when folded. For context, four of them would sit on an A4 piece of paper with room to spare.

Unfolded and with propellers extended, the Mavic Mini is 245×290×55 mm. Using the A4 piece of paper analogy again, the unfolded iMavic s slightly larger than a piece of A4.

Either way it is a small drone for the specifications with a 47km/h maximum speed, maximum ascent rate of 25 seconds per 100m and a service ceiling of 3000m.

Maximum wind speed resistance is 29km/h.

HD video transmission distance is quoted as 4km, but remembering the CASA line-of-sight requirements, this should not be tested.

Image capture quality through the 1/2.3" CMOS sensor is 12MP effective (3000x4000) jpeg only. Video can be shot at full HD MP4 (1920x1080) or 2.7k (2720x1530).

The Mavic Mini is powered by 7.2v, 2400mAh (17.3Wh) batteries which promise to deliver 30 minutes flying time at 14km/h in no wind. A smaller 1100mAh is also available,

Retailers are listing the DJI Mavic Mini at around $600.

 

A growing series of reports, each focused on a key discussion point for the farming sector, brought to you by the Farming Ahead team.

A growing series of reports, each focused on a key discussion point for the farming sector, brought to you by the Farming Ahead team.

editions

Research Report: Harvest Weed Seed Mills

The Report includes a round up of commercially-available batching plants as well as farmer-made approaches.

editions

Research Report: Agritechnica 2023

Kondinin Group’s Mark Saunders, Ben White and Josh Giumelli went to Agritechnica, Germany. This report covers the key award winners from the event and some of the latest autonomous platforms displayed.

editions

Research Report: Fronting Up

This Research Report looks at harvester fronts including research and expertise from Kondinin Group’s Ben White, with input from harvesting specialists Brett Asphar, Kassie Van Der Westhuizen, Murray Skayman and Martin Reichelt.

editions

Research Report: Liquid Applications At Seeding

Kondinin Group’s Mark Saunders, Josh Giumelli and Ben White have rounded up liquid application Case Studies for this Research Report including tips and tricks from experiencd producers.