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- | **WORK IN PROGRESS**: This is a new page and not yet complete. Please be patient. | ||
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====== No Limit Dronez ====== | ====== No Limit Dronez ====== | ||
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Thank you for your purchase or interest in NoLimitDronez, | Thank you for your purchase or interest in NoLimitDronez, | ||
===== 1. Introduction ===== | ===== 1. Introduction ===== | ||
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NLD was created as a response to DJI's heavy-handed nanny-state as it applies to the locking down of their products. The NLD team are drone enthusiasts, | NLD was created as a response to DJI's heavy-handed nanny-state as it applies to the locking down of their products. The NLD team are drone enthusiasts, | ||
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==== Will NLD void my DJI warranty? ==== | ==== Will NLD void my DJI warranty? ==== | ||
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We are not consumer rights lawyers; we hack drones. We can tell you that no customers have reported that DJI has voided their warranty due to using our mods. The DJI warranty covers manufacturing defects, which NLD would not cause. DJI care is a little different. It is like an insurance policy covering all sorts of events, even if your bird crashes into a lake. There is no clause that we have seen in the DJI care terms that prohibit modifications to your drone. | We are not consumer rights lawyers; we hack drones. We can tell you that no customers have reported that DJI has voided their warranty due to using our mods. The DJI warranty covers manufacturing defects, which NLD would not cause. DJI care is a little different. It is like an insurance policy covering all sorts of events, even if your bird crashes into a lake. There is no clause that we have seen in the DJI care terms that prohibit modifications to your drone. | ||
==== It it legal ==== | ==== It it legal ==== | ||
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You own your drone, and what you do with it is up to you. You are responsible for every flight, not DJI. Always fly within the laws of your country, and that's all the nanny we have in us. Just don't be stupid with your flights. | You own your drone, and what you do with it is up to you. You are responsible for every flight, not DJI. Always fly within the laws of your country, and that's all the nanny we have in us. Just don't be stupid with your flights. | ||
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==== Upgrading and downgrading of firmware ==== | ==== Upgrading and downgrading of firmware ==== | ||
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As DJI keeps releasing new firmware, they also keep trying to lock you out of doing any modifications to your bird. You can use NLD to downgrade your firmware to an earlier version so that you can modify your bird. Whether it is performance modifications, | As DJI keeps releasing new firmware, they also keep trying to lock you out of doing any modifications to your bird. You can use NLD to downgrade your firmware to an earlier version so that you can modify your bird. Whether it is performance modifications, | ||
==== NLD Pre-requisites ==== | ==== NLD Pre-requisites ==== | ||
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Windows 7 or later is required. We do not support OSX or ChromeOS. OSX users can install Windows using Bootcamp, VMWare, VirtualBox, or Parrels Virtuoso, allowing you to use NLD. | Windows 7 or later is required. We do not support OSX or ChromeOS. OSX users can install Windows using Bootcamp, VMWare, VirtualBox, or Parrels Virtuoso, allowing you to use NLD. | ||
==== Bonus Custom GO4 App Patcher ==== | ==== Bonus Custom GO4 App Patcher ==== | ||
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NLD includes a custom go4 app patcher for Android users. This tool uses a stock standard APK and patches it with many goodies. One of the more popular features is that the patched app limits the data that goes back to DJI while flying. The custom app patcher will help you stay off the grid if you need that. However, the app patcher requires a decrypted GO4 app. The last decrypted APK we have access to is quite old now and does not work with recent versions of Android. We still provide the custom app patcher, but we now recommend using the standard DJI app and turning off mobile data and wifi to protect your privacy. | NLD includes a custom go4 app patcher for Android users. This tool uses a stock standard APK and patches it with many goodies. One of the more popular features is that the patched app limits the data that goes back to DJI while flying. The custom app patcher will help you stay off the grid if you need that. However, the app patcher requires a decrypted GO4 app. The last decrypted APK we have access to is quite old now and does not work with recent versions of Android. We still provide the custom app patcher, but we now recommend using the standard DJI app and turning off mobile data and wifi to protect your privacy. | ||
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===== 3. Using the App ===== | ===== 3. Using the App ===== | ||
- | Each time you start NLD, you will initially see some information, containing the latest news from NLD. Have a read, and once you are ready, power up your bird and connect the USB cable. | + | Each time you start NLD, you will initially see some information containing the latest news from NLD. Have a read, and once you are ready, power up your bird and connect the USB cable. |
{{: | {{: | ||
==== 3.1 Overview ==== | ==== 3.1 Overview ==== | ||
- | The main screen when your bird is connected provides a high level overview of all the information about your bird. The details below will talk about each of the sections | + | When your bird is connected, the main screen |
{{: | {{: | ||
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The firmware manager allows you to upgrade, downgrade, or refresh the current firmware by clicking on your required version. The NLD flashing process uses the same code that DJI assistant uses. NLD also checks that the firmware is unmodified official DJI firmware by checking the MD5 and then telling the aircraft to activate the firmware. NLD will download the firmware requested, transfer it to the bird and start the flashing procedure. Flashing takes approximately 15-20 minutes. | The firmware manager allows you to upgrade, downgrade, or refresh the current firmware by clicking on your required version. The NLD flashing process uses the same code that DJI assistant uses. NLD also checks that the firmware is unmodified official DJI firmware by checking the MD5 and then telling the aircraft to activate the firmware. NLD will download the firmware requested, transfer it to the bird and start the flashing procedure. Flashing takes approximately 15-20 minutes. | ||
+ | |||
+ | {{: | ||
BE PATIENT. NLD will provide you with status updates for each module during flashing. Pay attention to the NLD status messages. NLD will tell you when the process is completed. If it takes more than 20 minutes to complete, restart your bird, but don't touch your computer. NLD will continue the firmware flash from where it left off. If it does not continue, turn on your RC and see if it connects to your bird. If it does, you can try again. Power off the bird, close NLD, restart the PC, run NLD, connect the bird and try again. | BE PATIENT. NLD will provide you with status updates for each module during flashing. Pay attention to the NLD status messages. NLD will tell you when the process is completed. If it takes more than 20 minutes to complete, restart your bird, but don't touch your computer. NLD will continue the firmware flash from where it left off. If it does not continue, turn on your RC and see if it connects to your bird. If it does, you can try again. Power off the bird, close NLD, restart the PC, run NLD, connect the bird and try again. | ||
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Most flight controllers have thousands of parameters that you can modify. However, DJI does not provide an interface to make these changes. NLD automatically scans your equipment for available parameters and provides a user interface where you can make changes. We provide access to give you total control. | Most flight controllers have thousands of parameters that you can modify. However, DJI does not provide an interface to make these changes. NLD automatically scans your equipment for available parameters and provides a user interface where you can make changes. We provide access to give you total control. | ||
- | However, | + | {{: |
- | Each parameter shows the | + | Each parameter shows a parameter |
+ | |||
+ | Parameter editing is for advanced users only, and most people only need the speed settings found below. | ||
==== 3.5 Custom Flight Controller | ==== 3.5 Custom Flight Controller | ||
- | Some flight controller parameters cannot be modified by the parameter editor, due to restrictions by DJI. The custom flight controller mod is available on some aircraft. NLD will replace your flight controller with a special one with the following changes: | + | The parameter editor |
* Altitude limit removed | * Altitude limit removed | ||
- | * No fly zone limits removed | + | * No-fly zone limits removed |
* Galileo satellites enabled (where supported by your hardware) | * Galileo satellites enabled (where supported by your hardware) | ||
- | Installation | + | {{: |
+ | |||
+ | The installation | ||
==== 3.6 Speed Settings | ==== 3.6 Speed Settings | ||
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{{: | {{: | ||
- | If you want to go faster, there are two ways to make changes. The first method is to use our presets, and click "Apple Settings" | + | If you want to go faster, there are two ways to make changes. The first method is to use our presets and click "Apply Settings" |
- | * Reset Values - Return to normal | + | * Reset Values - Return to standard |
* Normal Mode Boost - Speed up your bird in normal mode | * Normal Mode Boost - Speed up your bird in normal mode | ||
* Sport Mode Boost - Speed up your bird in sport mode | * Sport Mode Boost - Speed up your bird in sport mode | ||
- | Click any of these buttons, and apply to push the new values to your equipment. If you still want to go faster, you can manually change the sliders on the screen to further tune your equipment. | + | Click any of these buttons, and apply them to push the new values to your equipment. If you still want to go faster, you can manually change the sliders on the screen to further tune your equipment. |
Please note: You should make small incremental changes and test after manually altering the settings. These settings make significant changes to the performance of your equipment. If you make a radical change, it can significantly affect the performance of your aircraft, which may result in damage if you are unprepared for the new behaviour of your equipment. | Please note: You should make small incremental changes and test after manually altering the settings. These settings make significant changes to the performance of your equipment. If you make a radical change, it can significantly affect the performance of your aircraft, which may result in damage if you are unprepared for the new behaviour of your equipment. | ||
==== 3.7 FCC / Signal Boost ==== | ==== 3.7 FCC / Signal Boost ==== | ||
- | FCC is a higher output | + | The drone' |
- | If you are already | + | |
+ | In broad terms, FCC is the USA standard, and CE is the rest of the world. DJI select a power level based on the GPS location of the drone when you turn it on. Using NLD, you can change to FCC power output regardless of your country. We also provide an additional power output level that we call Boost mode, which turns up the power level to the maximum setting supported by the radio chips in your equipment. FCC or boost is activated after your aircraft receives a GPS signal. The three standard power output levels are | ||
+ | * CE - 0.04w | ||
+ | * FCC - 0.9w | ||
+ | * Boost - 1.6w-1.8w depending on the aircraft used. Boost mode is not available on the Smart controller. | ||
+ | {{: | ||
+ | == How do I know if it is working? == | ||
+ | If you are using DJI GO 4, you can review the signal levels in the app. The app cannot identify Boost mode because GO4 cannot detect this setting. | ||
+ | The photo below will help you to verify your signal mode. In DJI go 4, you will see signal level lines at 1km and 4km. | ||
- | You can either use the sliders to customize settings, or go to the bottom of the page and click on the presets for Normal + or Sport +. The SPEED section sets the max speed when obstacle avoidance is off. Return to Home speed. You can set a faster RTH speed. 13.5 is good. OTHER is full of checkboxes that may or may not be available. This depends on your firmware version. Disable altitude limit and Disable No Fly Zones are ONLY available on early (old) firmware. Check the birdmap to see what mods your firmware version can do. https:// | + | * CE mode has the white lines at 92 and 103. |
- | There are two ways to deal with NFZ. The 1st way is to see what early firmware is required on your bird, flash to that firmware, then use NLD and use the checkbox to Disable NFZ. What this does is to DISABLE the enforcement of NFZs, but you may still get minimal warnings. If they will show up, they just won't be enforced and you can take off. This is best used with NLD GO, since we remove | + | * FCC mode has the white lines will be at 88 and 99. |
- | What's the difference between the Disable No Fly Zones and the Remove NFZ patch? The check box TURNS OFF enforcement of NFZ and is only available on early firmware, while the Remove NFZ patch, removes the NFZ data from the bird, but NFZ is still turned on. For the best success, always start your flight in this order: | + | |
- | 1. RC on 2. Turn on bird and let it connect to RC 3. Connect device running GO to RC | + | |
- | ==== FCC / Signal Boost ==== | + | **FCC mode** |
- | FCC is a higher output for RC power than CE mode. You can change your RC to the higher output here. You must have a supported bird and be on compatible firmware.. Connect your bird and Enable FCC Mode to change from CE to FCC. Once changed, you can leave it, or if you want even more power, you can Enable Signal Boost, along with FCC mode for the highest power output possible. | + | {{: |
- | If you are already in a FCC country, (like the USA) you do not need to enable FCC mode. It is already on and determined by GPS location. If your bird is NOT COMPATIBLE, use the DJI GO 4 Patcher instead to enable FCC mode using the NLD GO APP. | + | **CE mode** |
+ | {{: | ||
- | ==== Remove NFZ ==== | ||
- | This is for removing the NFZ data from the bird by applying the patch if your bird is on compatible firmware. You will not be able to apply the patch if you are not on the correct firmware version. If you want to remove the applied patch, you can do that and return the bird to stock NFZ settings. Once applied, do not upgrade or downgrade your bird, or you will lose the patch and have stock NFZ data. Also, once applied, if you get a message in GO to update your Fly Safe Database, do not do so. This will override the patch. Remember that NFZ is still active and enforceable even after running this patch. If you use Stock GO, there are ways that DJI can override this patch and you will still not be able to take off. Best results are with using NLD GO 4.1.22, or Spark owners wanting to use OTG, with NLD GO 4.1.14. Both NLD versions have had the NFZ database removed from them. Mavic 2 users can only use stock GO, iOS or Android. AWAYS start your bird in this order: RC>> | ||
- | ==== DJI GO 4 Patcher (Android only) ==== | + | FCC has a higher output for RC power than CE mode. You can change your RC to a higher level here. You must have a supported bird and be on compatible firmware. Connect your bird and Enable FCC Mode to change from CE to FCC. Once changed, you can leave it, or if you want even more power, you can Enable Signal Boost, along with FCC mode, for the highest power output possible. |
- | You can patch DJI go to NLD GO, and add some cool features to GO, like FCC mode by default, not having to login with your real DJI account, removing links to DJI, removing the NFZ database from GO along with other options. The latest version of DJI GO that you can patch is 4.1.22. This version | + | **WARNING** Boost mode sets your equipment at max power, and DJI does not test their products at this power level. Boost power will generate more heat within |
+ | ==== 3.8 NLD GO ==== | ||
+ | NLD GO is a patched version of DJI GO4 available for Android users. Some time ago, the hacking community discovered a decrypted version of DJI GO4. The decrypted version was able to be modified and patched. NLD created a patcher as part of the NLD application to make it easy to bypass some of the DJI shackles. Newer versions of the DJI software and Android have left this older decrypted version behind. The patching option is still a part of NLD, but the patched app is no longer officially supported. | ||
- | ==== NLD FCC mode and other options ==== | + | The features that are in the patched application are: |
- | Not all options | + | * Data privacy - Offline usage means no data going back to China. |
- | Go to the birdmap to see what mods are available for your bird and on what firmware | + | * FCC mode is enabled by default |
+ | * Offline login - The app will accept any username | ||
+ | * NFZ warnings disabled - You won't get NFZ warnings | ||
+ | * NFZ database empty - The database can get uploaded | ||
+ | * 32 channel mode for the P4 birds | ||
- | There are currently 2 ways to enable FCC mode using NLD. | + | We recommend flying with data disabled |
- | 1. The FCC patch in NLD (currently only for the M2) | + | |
- | 2. Use the NLD GO app for Android for Spark, M1 pro/ | + | |
- | The FCC patch currently | + | **NOTE**: As stated above, the decrypted app used to build this application |
- | NLD will be coming out with a FCC patch for other models besides the M2 as well, but until that is released, use the NLD GO app to force FCC mode. Either NLD GO 4.1.22, or in the case of the Spark and OTG, use NLD GO 4.1.14, both versions force FCC mode when used. | + | === HereMaps versus GoogleMaps === |
+ | There are two map options in NLD GO. Go to internal storage and look for the / | ||
- | Why does it say FCC mode is available for the Spark, M1 pro/platinum, P4 line and I2, but the FCC patch says that it is incompatible? | + | Unzip {{ : |
+ | If you want to switch back to HERE maps, rename | ||
- | Currently the FCC patch is only for the M2 birds. To enable FCC mode on the other models, you MUST be using NLD GO app for Android. This forces FCC mode on as long as you use the app. The FCC patch is a new way to force FCC mode on the bird itself, and we will release a compatible patch for the other birds as soon as its ready. | + | ==== 3.9 NFZ Removal ==== |
+ | The NFZ removal tab will only be available | ||
- | What about the RC boost mode on the FCC patch page? It is listed but I can't access it? | + | FIXME: Details of what to click |
- | It will be available in the future, when it is ready for release. However, in NLD GO 4.1.22 you can enable Boost mode for the P4line and the Mavic 1 line. | + | |
- | Why is the NLD GO Patcher not available for the M2? It's greyed out. | ||
- | This is due to our NLD GO app not being compatible with the M2. You will use the same GO (stock version) you are using now with the M2. Either Android or iOS version. | ||
- | What about the other options in NLD that are there, but I can't activate them? | + | ==== 3.10 DJI GO 4 Custom Patcher ==== |
- | They are greyed out because they either are not available for your model, or your model on the firmware | + | Click on the drop-down box and select the GO version |
- | ==== How to setup NLD GO 4.1.22 ==== | + | After patching is complete, transfer the file to your device via a USB cable. Use the "My Files" app on the phone to locate |
- | NLD GO 4.1.22 has some new features that normal GO does not have, such as: | + | |
- | * Display of AGL height over changing terrain. This is a feature that will give you real time, actual Above Ground Level height while you are flying, based on GPS position data. | + | |
- | * Ability | + | |
- | * RC boost mode for the P4 birds and Mavic Pro/ | + | |
- | * 32 channel mode for the P4 birds | + | |
- | * Force of FCC mode for all compatible birds(on by default) | + | |
- | * NLD GO 4.1.22 is for Mavic Pro/ | + | |
- | 4.1.22 link for patching with NLD: http:// | + | Current Mavic 2 owners cannot use the patched app and must use the current standard version of DJI GO4 for iOS or Android. For privacy, we recommend flying in aeroplane mode and caching your maps before you fly. |
- | To enable displaying of AGL height over changing terrain, for this function to work correctly for NLD GO 4.1.22 - you will need to do a couple | + | You can obtain |
- | * Go to https:// | + | |
- | * Go to http:// | + | |
- | * Install NLD GO 4.1.22.You will need to copy these " | + | |
- | * Copy and paste the names of these files into a .json file installed on your device. (Due to the different data sets, we can't do this for your area) | + | |
- | * Go to / | + | |
- | < | + | |
- | </ | + | |
- | * Replace the names of the files currently in RED with the names of your files (" | + | |
- | < | + | |
- | </ | + | |
- | * Save your changes and transfer back to your device, replacing the one that is currently there. (/ | + | |
- | * If you don't have any tiles loaded you will see QFE instead of DTM. Otherwise AGL will be displayed up to about 14m/46ft, then switches to DTM | + | |
- | * You can save all your tiles for different areas in the DJI\srtm folder and then you just need to change the dtm.settings.json file for each flying area. | + | |
- | ==== Switch between Google Maps and HERE maps ==== | + | ^Go4 4.1.22|http:// |
+ | ^Go4 4.1.14|http:// | ||
+ | ^Go4 4.1.15|http:// | ||
- | Here is what you need to do on your device: | + | === 32 Channel Mode for P4 === |
- | Go to internal storage and look for the / | + | There is a datalink.settings.json file on your device |
- | Unzip useGoogleMap.zip and copy the useGoogleMap | + | |
- | If you want to switch back to HERE maps, just rename that file. As a suggestion, you could name it HuseGoogleMap. | + | |
- | Here is how to enable boosted RC for Mavic (1.5w output) and 32 channel mode for P4. | + | Edit the datalink.settings.json |
- | It's configured from the / | + | |
- | Edit the datalink.settings.json file with a text editor, find the variable called " | + | Or, you can extract an already patched file from {{ : |
- | * the file attached has boost mode enabled. Save this to / | ||
Watch this great video on how to patch your own NLD GO 4.1.22: | Watch this great video on how to patch your own NLD GO 4.1.22: | ||
https:// | https:// | ||
- | ==== User Supplied Firmware ==== | + | ==== |
- | + | ||
- | Using a user supplied firmware file? Why would you want to do this? DJI always is changing firmware, adding new features - but mostly adding security and patching holes to stop you from modding your birds. NLD is always figuring out ways to get around these security patches, so you CAN mod your bird. | + | |
- | + | ||
- | NLD now supports user-supplied firmware flashing. | + | |
- | This means you can now use mixed module firmware to flash your drone and still use NLD! | + | |
- | + | ||
- | What exactly is mixed module firmware or cherry picked firmware? Go here and read: https:// | + | |
- | + | ||
- | The DJI firmware is made up of individual firmware modules for the various hardware components on your bird, such as Camera module, ESC modules, sensor modules etc. This is combined into one single firmware file. When you upgrade or downgrade your firmware, the flashing code on the drone will check each module and flash it to match the firmware you are trying to flash to. | + | |
- | + | ||
- | Not all modules have version changes in each firmware-flashing module. Sometimes they may be the same version. If this is the case, OR if the module is not in the firmware file, the flashing code will SKIP that module and not throw any error. Cool huh?! | + | |
- | + | ||
- | What does this really mean? The DJI firmware is really a big zip type file, actually a .tar file. You can use a program like 7-zip to open it and see all the modules. All the parameter/ | + | |
- | + | ||
- | Why would you want to do this? Let's take for example the Mavic Pro/ | + | |
- | As new firmware | + | DJI constantly changes |
- | How does mixed modules come into play? Since we know that the firmware file is made up of modules, and we know in the example of the Mavic and Spark that 01.03.0700 and 01.00.0300 can do all mods, why don't we take out these modules from the more recent firmware, like 01.04.0300 and 01.00.0900, so that the firmware flashing SKIPS the already flashed flight controller | + | What exactly is mixed module firmware or cherry-picked |
- | NLD now supports you uploading your own firmware, so this is now possible. Make 100% sure you know what you are doing. If not done right, you can brick your bird. This means ONLY getting firmware that you have made yourself and know what you are doing, or from a trusted source. | + | |
- | So for example...If your Mavic is on V01.04.0300: | + | DJI packages firmware with multiple modules |
- | You could also go the opposite way...if your bird is on 01.03.0700, you would flash 01.04.0300 firmware with all modules | + | Not all modules |
- | What about NLD, will it now detect that I have mixed firmware and make all the options available for the flight controller version that is actually on the bird? Yes and No. Your firmware | + | DJI firmware |
- | For example. Your bird is on firmware 01.03.0700 and you flash to mixed module | + | Why would you want to do this? Sometimes, one module |
- | What are the down sides to doing this? | + | While you gain the modding ability of the earlier flight controller version, you may lose some functions in the more recent flight controller version. You will have to determine if modding is worth the trade-off. |
- | While you gain the modding ability of the earlier flight controller version, you may lose some functions in the more recent flight controller version. You will have to determine if modding is worth the trade off. | + | |
+ | However, there have been no recent examples where mixed firmware modules are required for our mods to work. We keep this capability in NLD to defeat future DJI changes that would otherwise block our mods. | ||