DJI Matrice 350 RTK: A New Industry Standard

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Originally Posted On: https://drdrone.ca/blogs/drone-news-drone-help-blog/dji-matrice-350-rtk-release

The Matrice 350 is a powerful drone from DJI Enterprise that replaces the DJI Matrice 300. Upon first glance, the Matrice 350 looks almost the same as the Matrice 300 system. The design is very similar and the main standout differences are the different shade of grey the 350 has than the 300 and the propeller tips which are now yellowish-orange in colour. The TB65 batteries also look very similar to the TB60 batteries and the same can be said about the BS65 charging station as compared to the BS60. All the documentation tells us that the 2110S Propellers from the M350, the 65 series battery and charger are compatible with both, the M300 and the M350, just that you cannot mix them on one drone.

It is a large drone, however in our testing, it carries its size and weight very gracefully throughout the flight. Positioning is very stable even in high wind conditions. Flight is precise and the aircraft can track a straight line without veering off path like a lot of larger systems do. We flew ours with a H20T payload and with the upgraded DJI RC Plus, viewability of the screen and the app elements is significantly better than the predecessor thanks to the larger and brighter screen. With the H20T, the AI spot check feature is available which works fantastic to identify and repeat inspection of potential objects of interest. The remote controller gives you a lot of customizable buttons that you can use to optimize your workflow. The user interface is fast and snappy without any signs of lag. The standard DJI Pilot 2 app is very intuitive and familiar to anyone with a bit of DJI drone experience. Control of the drone can be handed over to the secondary pilot remote controller when equipped with the click of just one button on the remote controller. We tested the system with both network RTK as well as with the D-RTK 2 base station. In both cases, we were able to get the system up and running with a RTK lock in no time.

Overall, the Matrice 350 improves upon the already reliable and established Matrice 300 system thanks to the new remote controller as well as the process optimizations that come with it.

Pros:

• Flagship system features and performance
• DJI RC Plus is the standard controller
• Compatible with multiple payloads from DJI as well as PSDK Partners
• The only current system from DJI that can collect LiDAR data with the Zenmuse L2
• Weather Resistance
• Multiple payload configurations (up to 3 payloads simultaneously)
• Obstacle sensing in all directions

Cons:

• Large and bulky
• Not compatible with older payloads like the Zenmuse XT2 or Z30 (compared to the M300)
• RC Plus may be bulky for some users
• Matrice 350 is a significant upgrade from a Matrice 200 series system but not so much when upgrading from the Matrice 300

About the author

DJI has just released the new DJI Matrice 350 RTK, which features numerous upgrades over the outgoing DJI Matrice 300 RTK drone. The drone platform features a brand-new video transmission system and control interface that make it a standout in the industry. With an improved battery system, powerful intelligent features, and a wider range of safety features, the Matrice 350 makes each flight more innovative and effective than ever before.

Cutting-Edge Design

The new Matrice 350 RTK is built to last. Building upon the IP45 rating of the M300 RTK, its upgraded IP55 protection rating can withstand a broad range of challenges to give you incredible flight performance in poor weather conditions. It combines a robust propulsion system with a durable construction that ensures you’ll be able to navigate the skies with ease. Its portable, foldable design allows you to take off from the farthest reaches. The drone is only 430x420x430 mm (LxWxH) when folded, making it a breeze to transport. Just fold up the drone, store it in your bag, and you’re ready to head off to your next launch site.

Thanks to its optimal design, the Matrice 350 also features an extended flight time of 55 minutes when operating without a payload. You’ll have plenty of time to fly around and explore the area as you search for the ideal shot.

Superior Battery Management

The Matrice 350 RTK comes with the new TB65 dual-battery system, which maximizes flight time while protecting the health of the batteries themselves. This dual-battery system allows for battery hot swapping sso that you can perform multiple flights without having to power off the aircraft. You can charge the battery system up to 400 cycles, which significantly lowers to overall cost per flight. The batteries even come with cooling fins that cool the batteries as the drone flies. With the cooling fins, air passes over the fins and carries the heat away, thus increasing overall longevity of the batteries.

BS65 Intelligent Battery Station

The BS65 Intelligent Battery Station is another excellent feature that perfects the DJI battery experience. It serves to charge, store, and transport your batteries all in one convenient solution. When in Storage Mode, the BS65 can charge batteries to around 50% capacity for long-term storage. By charging the battery halfway, it helps preserve the battery’s health while not being used for long periods of time. When in Ready-to-Fly Mode, the BS65 will efficiently charge multiple battery sets to around 90% capacity, making sure you always have a battery at the ready without damaging the battery’s overall lifespan.

You can connect the battery station to the DJI RC Plus, viewing information on the battery status and health through the DJI Pilot 2 app. In addition to viewing information about the condition of your batteries, you’ll be able to configure settings to edit the number of self-discharge days, export logs, and perform firmware updates. The battery station is also designed with 360°-movement wheels that allow you to transport the case with ease.

Upgraded Transmission System

The DJI Matrice 350 RTK uses the DJI O3 Enterprise Transmission, one of the best systems for ensuring a stable and clear connection from kilometers away. O3 Enterprise enables triple-channel 1080p HD live feeds at a maximum transmission distance of 20 km, longer than the 15 km transmission of the Matrice 300 RTK. You won’t have to worry about straying too far from the landing point, as you’ll maintain uninterrupted contact throughout the flight. Both the aircraft itself and the DJI RC Plus use a four-antenna transceiver system. While the system receives signals with all four antennas, it simultaneously chooses the two best antennas for signal transmission to enhance anti-interference capabilities and ensure transmission stability throughout the flight.

DJI RC Plus

The remote controller for the Matrice 350 RTK is the DJI RC Plus, one of the best remote controllers in the business. The RC Plus comes with a high-brightness 7-inch screen that shows you information in crystal clear detail. It supports Dual Operator Mode to allow for multiple people to view and operate the drone at once. It also uses a standard WB37 external battery that gives you a battery life of up to six hours.

The DJI RC Plus has an IP54 protection rating that makes it both dustproof and waterproof. It can withstand temperatures as low as -20° C or as high as 50° C. No matter what conditions you’re in, you’ll be given around-the-clock functionality to operate the drone.

DJI Pilot 2 App

The DJI Pilot 2 app is loved by many fans of DJI drones, but it’s undergone a few changes to make it better than ever. The DJI Pilot 2 app provides a clear and concise presentation of all the information you need including mission types and flight status. It ensures you have easy, smooth control over both the aircraft and payloads at all times. Whatever your mission, you’ll be able to operate the drone with the utmost efficiency.

Flight Safety Features

The safety of your drone is of the utmost importance when flying in challenging environments or inclement weather conditions. The DJI Matrice 350 RTK comes with numerous safety features that make it one of the most advanced enterprise drones on the market.

Arm Lock Indicator

The Matrice 350 comes with a brand new arm lock detection function meant to prevent the risk of unlocked arm sleeves. Not only will you not be able to take off with the arm sleeves unlocked, but you’ll have greater peace of mind during the flight without having to worry about anything being unsecure.

Night Vision Camera

Flying at night can be dangerous without the proper equipment. The FPV camera of the DJI M350 RTK comes with incredible night vision capabilities that give you clear visualizations of all your surroundings and obstacles at night. Together with the PinPoint function, the night vision camera makes navigation even more accurate than ever during nighttime flights.

6-Directional Sensing & Positioning

The DJI Matrice 350 comes with a binocular vision system with sensors in six different directions, as well as an infrared sensing system. Together these systems give you the utmost awareness, positioning, and obstacle-sensing capabilities in every direction. The advanced design of the vision system offers the necessary protection to ensure you keep the drone clear of any obstacles throughout the flight.

CSM Radar

Additionally, the M350 RTK can be equipped with CSM Radar, which allows it to detect small obstacles in all directions, including upward and 360° range. This feature aids the drone in avoiding obstacles quickly before any damage can be done. The radar can detect obstacles at a range of up to 30 meters, giving you plenty of time to alter course and avoid collisions.

Payload Options

The Matrice 350 RTK supports a single downward gimbal, dual downward gimbals, and a single upward gimbal. It also has an E-Port open interface. The drone has a max payload capacity of 2.7 kg, allowing it to carry up to three payloads at once. Here are a few of the payload options for the Matrice 350:

Zenmuse L1

The DJI Zenmuse L1 features an integrated system that includes a Livox Lidar module, a high-accuracy IMU, and a mapping camera. When used with a compatible flight camera, the Zenmuse L1 delivers a comprehensive solution that allows real-time 3D data capture. Using the Zenmuse L1, you’ll be able to create efficient and detailed maps of complex structures and deliver highly accurate reconstructed models. The Zenmuse L1 is an excellent tool to make data collection more precise and effective for a variety of applications.

Zenmuse P1

The DJI Zenmuse P1 combines a full-frame sensor with interchangeable fixed-focus lenses mounted on a 3-axis stabilized gimbal. This payload was specifically designed for photogrammetry flight missions, enhancing the capabilities of aerial mapping and surveying while providing the best results in both data collection and imaging quality.

Zenmuse H20N

The DJI Zenmuse H20N uses starlight sensors within both its zoom and wide-angle cameras. It also uses dual zoom thermal cameras as well as a laser rangefinder. This payload is a unique hybrid that represents versatility at its best as it adapts to various scenarios. Thanks to the starlight sensors, the Zenmuse H20N enhances low-light capabilities. The thermal cameras and laser rangefinder push its functionality even further, making it a versatile payload perfect for a multitude of missions.

Zenmuse H20 Series

The DJI Zenmuse H20 series comes with a four-sensor system that includes a zoom camera, wide camera, thermal camera, and laser rangefinder. Supported by advanced intelligent algorithms, the four sensors work together to deliver incredible sensing and imaging performance. They allow for precise data capture, high-quality imaging, and superior overall functionality. With reliable and advanced sensing capabilities, the Zenmuse H20 series is a great choice for a variety of missions.

Intelligent Features

High Precision Mapping

The DJI Matrice 350 is capable of many different flight missions thanks to features such as Waypoint, Mapping, Oblique, and Linear Flight. It also uses advanced features such as Terrain Follow and Smart Oblique to make data collection more efficient during flight. With DJI Terra, users can generate high-definition 2D and 3D results, which allow for superior mapping operations. Altogether, these tools optimize data acquisition and processing, making the M350 RTK a major asset for anyone working in the mapping and surveying field.

Air-to-Ground Coordination

The Matrice 350 RTK uses advanced features like PinPoint and cloud-based real-time mapping to ensure seamless connectivity between the sky, the ground, and the cloud. Once the drone finishes collecting images, DJI FlightHub 2 can quickle create a model of the operation site and send command information to both the aircraft and ground operators.

The DJI RC Plus and FlightHub 2 support point, line, and surface drawing in real-time, making data uploading even more efficient. They can also collaborate with the drone to live-stream the real-time operation view, eliminating communication barriers and making it easier to collaborate between the sky and the ground. Each of these functionalities work together to streamline collaboration and communication between the drone, operators, and the cloud-based platform.

Automated Precision Inspection

Another great feature of the Matrice 350 is Live Mission Recording. This feature allows users to create and store flight route files, which can be used for automated operations. No longer will users have to waste time and labor performing repetitive inspections. Additionally, the Matrice 350 supports AI Spot-Check, which automatically frames subjects while allowing for manual adjustments. AI Spot-Check improves the accuracy of repeated shooting as well as the overall quality of inspection operations. With this dynamic feature, you’ll be sure to get consistent and reliable inspection outcomes every time

Standard Kit Contents

The Standard Kit is priced at CAD $13,429 or US $11,729 and comes with the following contents:

• Aircraft × 1
• RC Plus × 1
• WB37 Intelligent Battery × 1
• TB65 Intelligent Flight Battery × 2
• Carrying Case × 1
• BS65 Intelligent Battery Station × 1
• Landing Gear x2
• Matrice 350 RTK 2110s Propellers (Pair) × 1
• Screws and Tools × 1
• Cleaning Tools × 1
• Spare Gimbal Damper × 4
• Rubber Port Cover (Set) × 1
• Enterprise Care Basic x 1

How does it compare to the DJI Matrice 300 RTK?

Priced only slightly higher than the Matrice 300 RTK, the DJI Matrice 350 RTK is an incremnetal update to the ever powerful Matrice 300 RTK. Following are the key differences between the two systems:

The Matrice 350 RTK is well-suited for a variety of applications. Its automated precision inspection functionalities make it well-suited for both powerline and energy inspections. The high precision mapping features make it an incredible resource in both mapping, surveying, and construction. The Matrice 350 is also an excellent tool for search and rescue missions, especially when equipped with one of the payloads that includes infrared sensors to detect lost persons.

The drone is an excellent improvement on the Matrice 300 RTK, and its features blow the Matrice 30 Series out of the water altogether. With an extended flight range, superior durability, and enhanced intelligent features suitable for a variety of applications, the DJI Matrice 350 RTK is an excellent choice for almost any commercial application.

About the Author

DrDrone has been operating for over a decade, making it Canada’s top drone technical service provider. We were the pioneers in drone servicing and repair in the country. We supply Remotely Piloted Air Systems (RPAS) to the Canadian government and are the largest drone supplier nationwide. Each team member has extensive hands-on experience and a deep understanding of drone technical specifications, gained through years of dismantling and rebuilding drones.