Each model drone that DJI releases has subtle differences in communications technology. I think there are now 4 versions of Lightbridge today. Utilizing the original lightbridge from DJI, the controllers between Inspire 1, P3A, P3P, and P4 are compatible between the craft (98%). When I upgraded from P3P to P4 my range was disappointing with the P4, less than a mile, so I went looking for answers. I discovered the RCs actually have different RF transmission power, as found in my RF measurements last year. I found different radios from DJI (GL300A, GL300C, GL658A) are manufactured to emit different levels of transmit power to the craft. And for the RF power from the P4, it appeared to be MORE than the P3P, so the problem is in the GL300C that ships with the P4 craft. As a result I use the Inspire GL658A RC with my P4 craft, and the stock GL300C is in a drawer not being used. Today my P3P w/GL300A and P4 w/GL658A have about the same range, which is always over 2mi and sometimes up to 3mi using Windsurfer.Please excuse my ignorance but what causes the range differences between the different Phantom 4 models?
It's important to note that what works for me in the US will likely NOT work the same in Europe. DJI radios must adhere to the CE rules for Wifi transmit power, and when they determine the GPS coordinate, they detune themselves to have a lower transmit power. So if anyone travels to Europe from the US, don't expect the same range, unless you have a boosted RC.
P4, P4a and P4p all have different communications technology. They are all incompatible with each other. What's interesting is the P4 and P4a have the same model number on the RC, GL300C, which I deem a weak output RC. However, even though these two controllers have the same model#, they are apparently programmed differently to prevent them from being compatible with each other. Since the RF output is programmable (something I didn't believe initially), the P4a version of GL300C may actually be better RF power than the P4 version of the GL300C.
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