FIMI Mini 3 4K GPS Drone User Manual

1. Introduction

The FIMI Mini 3 is a highly integrated, foldable mini quadcopter designed for long endurance, strong wind resistance, and a lightweight body weighing less than 250g. It features a high-precision three-axis mechanical stabilization gimbal and a high-speed image processing chip, enabling stable and smooth 4K 60fps footage. The drone offers high-definition real-time video transmission for long-distance flights up to 9 kilometers. It also includes advanced features like AI Super Night Video and 8K Time-lapse recording.

This manual provides detailed instructions for the safe and efficient operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of your FIMI Mini 3 drone.

1.1 Product and Accessories

The standard package includes the following components:

• Drone
• Remote Controller
• Intelligent Flight Battery
• Propellers (Spare)
• Screwdriver
• Gimbal Cover
• Charging Cable
• USB Cable
• Operating Instructions (this manual)

Note: The drone's propellers come pre-installed from the factory. No additional installation is required for initial use.

1.2 Drone Component Names

Familiarize yourself with the drone's components:

• Clockwise propeller
• Counterclockwise propeller
• Brushless motor
• Antenna stand
• Three-Axis gimbal camera
• Downward vision system
• Power button
• Flight status light
• Micro USB port
• Battery unlock button
• Charging port
• Charging Indicator Light
• SD card slot
• Battery Indicator light
• TOF sensor

1.3 Remote Controller Component Names

Familiarize yourself with the remote controller's components:

• Joystick
• Mobile holder (for securing mobile devices)
• Auto return button (press and hold for >2s for auto return; brief press to cancel)
• TYPE-C port (for charging and connecting mobile device)
• Stick storage slot (one on each side, for joysticks)
• Battery level lights (indicate battery level and other statuses)
• Power button (short press to turn on/off; long press for 2s)
• Antenna (dual, foldable)
• Record button (short press to start/stop recording)
• Dial (adjusts gimbal's pitch angle)
• Shoot button (brief press to take a photo)

2. Setup

2.1 Prepare the Drone

1. Remove the propeller tie.
2. Remove the gimbal cover.
3. Unfold the drone: First, unfold the front arms, then the rear arms, and extend all the propellers.

Important Note: Before powering on, ensure the gimbal protector is removed and all arms are unfolded to avoid affecting the drone's self-check. When not in use, reinstall the gimbal protector.

2.2 Prepare the Remote Controller

1. Remove the joysticks from the storage slots and screw them into the remote controller in a clockwise direction.
2. Extend the antennas.
3. Mobile Device Installation:
   1. Connect the data cable to your phone's interface.
   2. Insert the data cable into the remote controller interface.
   3. Pull the remote controller apart to secure your mobile device.

2.3 Install Intelligent Flight Battery

Gently push the battery into the drone until you hear a "click" sound. To remove, press the bottom buckle and pull the battery out.

Important Note: Ensure the battery is properly installed to prevent flight safety risks.

2.4 Insert Micro SD Card

When installing the Micro SD card, first pull out the battery. Insert the SD card into the SD card slot. To remove, press the SD card to pop it out.

Important Note: Use a UHS-I Speed Grade 3 or higher MicroSD card (8GB to 512GB, FAT32/exFAT) for optimal recording performance. Do not insert or remove the card during recording.

2.5 Equip and Remove the Gimbal Protector

Attach the gimbal protector before storage or transport, and remove it before powering on the drone for flight.

2.6 Remote Controller Pairing

The remote controller and drone are factory-paired. If replacing equipment, re-pairing is required:

1. Turn on the drone and remote controller.
2. Wait 20 seconds, then long press the remote controller's power button until you hear a beep and the light flashes.
3. Long press the drone's power button until the tail light turns off.
4. Pairing is successful when the RC power button turns white and the drone's tail light remains on.

Important Note: Ensure the drone and RC are within 0.5m during pairing and both have over 30% battery.

2.7 Pre-flight Inspection

• Ensure drone and remote control batteries are sufficiently charged.
• Verify propellers are properly installed, undamaged, and not deteriorated.
• Confirm gimbal protector is removed and camera lens is clean.
• Check that the SD card is inserted.
• Ensure propeller harnesses and gimbal protectors are removed.
• Front and rear arms are fully deployed.
• Verify camera and gimbal are working correctly after power-on.
• Confirm FIMI Navi Mini App is connected and functioning properly.

3. Operating Instructions

3.1 Power On/Off the Drone

To power on/off the drone, briefly press the power button once, then long press it for 2 seconds. To check the battery level, briefly press the power button.

3.2 Flight Modes

The FIMI Mini 3 supports various flight modes, switchable via the FIMI Navi Mini App:

• GPS Mode (Standard): Uses GPS for precise hovering and intelligent flight features. Max flight speed 18m/s, ascent 5m/s, descent 3.5m/s.
• VPU Mode (Optical Flow): Achieves precise hovering using optical flow module when GPS signals are weak or indoors. Intelligent flight functions are not supported. Max flight speed 10m/s, ascent 3m/s, descent 2m/s.
• ATTI Mode (Attitude): Drone relies on internal sensors when GPS or optical flow signals are weak. Max flight speed 18m/s, ascent 5m/s, descent 3.5m/s. Drone may drift; land in a safe location as soon as possible.
• Cine Mode: Limits maximum flight, ascent, and descent speeds for more stable shooting.
• Normal Mode: Standard mode with obstacle avoidance. Max horizontal flight speed 16m/s.
• Sport Mode: Increases horizontal flight speed to 18m/s for a stronger flying experience. Disabled above 2400 meters altitude.
• Novice Mode: Default for first-time users. Limits flying distance and altitude to 0-100m and speed to photography gear.

3.3 Basic Flight Operations

Safety Tip: Always keep the drone's tail facing you to avoid misjudging direction during maneuvers.

1. Take Off:
   • Place the drone on a smooth, fixed, and level surface.
   • Hold both remote controller sticks to the bottom inner corners for over 3 seconds until propellers start spinning.
   • Release both sticks, then push the left stick upward to take off. The drone will hover automatically.
2. Landing:
   • Slowly move the left stick downward to land the drone.
   • Once landed, push and hold the left stick down for over 5 seconds to stop the motors.
3. Stop Propellers in an Emergency: If motors cannot be turned off properly, toggle the left stick to its bottom inner maximum range and simultaneously press the Auto Return-to-Home button for 5 seconds. The motors will stop.

Warning: Do not perform the emergency stop operation during normal flight, as it will cause the motors to stop in the air.

3.4 Automatic Take-off/Landing/Return

• Automatic Takeoff: In the FIMI Navi Mini App, click the automatic takeoff button. The drone will automatically take off and hover at 2.5 meters (GPS mode) or 1.2 meters (VPU mode).
• Automatic Landing: In the FIMI Navi Mini App, click the automatic landing button. The drone will descend vertically to the ground.
• Automatic Return: Long press the Auto Return button on the remote controller or in the app. The drone will return to the takeoff point. The return logic adjusts altitude based on distance and current height to ensure safe return.

3.5 Intelligent Flight Features

The FIMI Mini 3 offers various intelligent flight modes for creative shots (GNSS mode only):

• Follow 3.0: The drone follows a selected target. Modes include Normal Follow (nose aimed at target), Parallel Follow (nose aligned with target, flies sideways), and Lock Following (hover 360° around target).
• Orbit A Point Flight: Set a center point and radius, and the drone will fly around it. You can set a Point of Interest (POI) for the camera to lock onto.
• Spiral Flight: Set a center point and radius, and the drone will hover up while shooting video in a spiral path.
• Tap-fly: Tap a destination on the map, and the drone will fly there in a straight line at a default speed. A POI can be set to lock the camera.
• Waypoint: Plan a flight path by setting multiple waypoints. The drone will fly along the route at a set speed, altitude, and heading, performing actions at each waypoint.
• Precise Landing: During Auto Return, the optical flow sensor matches landing pad features for precise landing.
• Aerial Mode: Increases braking distance, limits rotational speed, and softens control for stable and smooth aerial photography.
• Fix-wing Mode: The drone flies forward only, mimicking a fixed-wing aircraft.
• SAR Mode: Displays real-time GNSS coordinates on the map, assisting in search and rescue operations.

3.6 One-Tap Short Film

This feature allows the drone to automatically fly and shoot short videos in various sub-modes:

• Surfing Flight: The drone rises quickly and shoots a video.
• Selfie Flight: The drone flies high and far, shooting a video.
• Fixed Circle: The drone circles around a target at a constant altitude and distance.
• Fixed Point Spiral: The drone spirals around a target, with the center point directly above the target.
• Time-lapse Video: The drone flies a set route and shoots a time-lapse video.

Warning: Use One-Tap Short Film in open, unobstructed environments. Be aware of obstacles and manually intervene if necessary. The vision system may not work correctly in certain conditions (e.g., obscured objects, long distances, similar colors, in air, high speed, extreme lighting). Avoid poor GNSS signal areas.

3.7 AI Super Night Video

The FIMI Mini 3 features a new AI ISP with ultra-high sensitivity noise reduction, improving the signal-to-noise ratio by 4 times. This allows for pure and bright images in low-light environments, supporting a maximum ISO sensitivity of 25600. The mode can be turned on/off manually or automatically based on surrounding light conditions.

Note: AI Super Night Video is recommended for night shooting and currently supports 24/25/30fps specifications. It does not support zoom.

3.8 8K Hyperlapse Recording

The drone supports 8K Hyperlapse recording with a maximum resolution of 8000x6000 ultra-high-definition images. For optimal results, fly at a slower speed and an altitude of 50m or above. Select static objects at a distance greater than 15m.

Warning: 8K Hyperlapse Recording does not support Super Night Mode, zoom, or portrait orientation. Avoid close-up ground, people, or moving vehicles.

3.9 FIMI Navi Mini App

The FIMI Navi Mini App is your primary interface for controlling the drone and accessing its features. It provides flight data recording, dynamic no-fly zone requests, and FIMI's flexible exchange service. Logging in is recommended for a complete service experience.

• Flight Data: Records basic flight data and detailed logs. You can upload logs for assistance if issues arise.
• Main Page Display: Swipe to select your drone model. The app automatically switches to the corresponding model when the remote controller is connected.
• Image Interface: Displays real-time flight parameters, GNSS signal strength, mapping signal quality, and battery power.
• System Settings: Access and adjust drone, camera, remote controller, and gimbal parameters. View battery information, flight logs, unit settings, sensor data, and firmware version.
• Media Library: Download and view videos and photos stored on the drone's Micro SD card.

4. Maintenance

4.1 Propellers Maintenance

Propellers are wearing parts. Inspect them regularly for damage and replace them promptly to ensure flight safety and efficiency. Always use official screws when replacing propellers.

4.2 Battery Maintenance

• Do not throw the battery into fire or batter it.
• Lithium battery capacity reduces significantly in low temperatures. Do not use the battery when it is below 0°C.
• Do not place the battery under direct sunlight.
• Recharge the battery approximately every three months to maintain its activity. Batteries not maintained for over three months are not covered under warranty.
• After flight, allow the battery to cool down to room temperature before charging.
• Store the battery and aircraft separately if not in use for a long time.
• Do not touch the metal ports with your hands or other objects.

4.3 Gimbal Maintenance

The FIMI Mini 3's gimbal is integrated and cannot be disassembled. Be careful not to scratch the camera when storing the drone. Keep the camera clean and avoid squeezing the gimbal, as it is a precision component.

4.4 Drone Self-check

The drone performs a self-check when powered on. If the self-check fails, the FIMI Navi Mini App will display corresponding hints.

4.5 Firmware Upgrade

Check for firmware updates regularly. The FIMI Navi Mini App will prompt you when a new version is available. Download new firmware when the app is connected to the drone and remote controller.

To query the current firmware version: In the FIMI Navi Mini App, go to Image Transmission Interface > System Settings > Others > Firmware Upgrade.

5. Troubleshooting

5.1 Safety Protection Alerts

• Low-power Protection: The app will prompt you to return when battery power is sufficient for return flight. At 30% battery, a low battery alert is issued. At 10% battery, the aircraft will automatically land. You can tap the return button to stop landing in an emergency.
• No-fly Zone: The drone will automatically hover in restricted flight areas. You can fly the drone out of the no-fly zone, but not into it.

5.2 Remote Control Alerts

The remote control emits continuous "beep" alerts in certain scenarios or if an error occurs. Refer to the FIMI Navi Mini App for specific details. Low battery alerts (below 10% and 3%) cannot be disabled.

5.3 Calibration Issues

• Compass Calibration: If calibration fails multiple times, try a different location. Do not calibrate the compass with the arms retracted.
• Gimbal Calibration: If the gimbal is not activated or shows an obvious tilt after activation, calibrate it before flying. Ensure the drone is placed on a flat, stable surface and connected to the aircraft before calibration.
• Remote Control Calibration: If remote control operation and drone flight response are inconsistent, calibrate the remote control. Turn off the aircraft power during calibration.

5.4 Downward Vision System Limitations

The visual system may not function correctly in the following scenarios:

• Surfaces without texture features, or with insufficient/excessive lighting.
• Plain colored surfaces (e.g., pure black, white, green).
• Surfaces with strong reflections or strong infrared absorption (e.g., mirrors).
• Scenes with rapidly changing lighting conditions, very dark (<10 lux) or very bright (>40,000 lux) environments.
• Surfaces with highly repetitive textures (e.g., small checkered tiles).

Warning: Do not obstruct the downward-facing camera and infrared sensors. Clean them promptly if dirty. If damaged, contact after-sales service.

5.5 Flight Environment Requirements

• Do not operate if under 16 years of age or without full capacity for civil behavior.
• Maintain a safe distance from people, animals, trees, vehicles, and buildings.
• Avoid dangerous environments such as airports, railroads, highways, high-rise buildings, and utility poles.
• Stay away from areas with complex electromagnetic signals (e.g., communication base stations, high-power antennas).
• Do not fly in bad weather (windy, rainy, snowy, foggy).
• Choose locations with good GPS signal and open environments.
• Ensure good visibility for night operations.
• Do not use the product with overweight loads, as this can lead to uncontrollable flight.

6. Specifications

6.1 Drone

6.2 Remote Controller

6.3 Gimbal

6.4 Camera

6.5 Intelligent Flight Battery

6.6 APP System Requirements

• iOS 12.0 or later
• Android 9.0 or later

6.7 Noise Test Results

7. Support and Resources

For additional information, tutorial videos, and the latest firmware, please visit the official FIMI website: www.fimi.com

A detailed User Manual (PDF) is available for download from the official website or can be accessed via the provided PDF link: FIMI Mini 3 User Manual (PDF).

For customer service inquiries, please contact:

• Email: support@fimi.com
• Hotline: 400-661-0908

Manufacturer: Shenzhen FIMI Robot Technology Co., Ltd
Address: No.1213-1217, 12F, West Block, Tianliao Building, 1133 Xueyuan Avenue, Taoyuan Street, Nanshan District, Shenzhen City, Guangdong Province, China

8. User Tips

• Weight Classification: The FIMI Mini 3 drone weighs approximately 245g. Be aware that adding accessories like a GoPro camera could push the total weight over 250g. Exceeding this weight class may subject you to different drone regulations and licensing requirements in various regions. Always check your local drone laws before attaching additional equipment.
• Battery Activation: The smart flight battery needs to be charged for activation before its first use.
• App Login: While the FIMI Navi Mini App can be used without logging in, certain features like flight data recording, dynamic no-fly zone requests, and FIMI's flexible exchange service will be restricted. Logging in is recommended for a full experience.
• SD Card Performance: For high-quality video and photo recording, always use a UHS-I Speed Grade 3 or higher MicroSD card. Using slower cards (e.g., U1/C10) may result in slow card warnings and impact recording quality.