DJI Goggles 3 Finally Supports O3 Air Unit: How to Bind Them and Other Considerations

DJI has finally added support for the DJI O3 Air Unit on the new DJI Goggles 3, a feature that many in the FPV community have been eagerly waiting for. This is huge because it eliminates the need for DJI pilots to use multiple sets of goggles. If you own the DJI Goggles 3, you can use them with both the Avata 2 and all of your custom-built FPV drones equipped with the O3 Air Unit. In this article, I’ll share my experience with this new compatibility, explain how to set it up, and discuss the benefits and limitations for FPV pilots.

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Warning (Updated on 25 Sep 2024): Do not use the Goggles 3 with O3 Air Unit, at least for now. There have been multiple reports that the Goggles 3 does not re-connect with the O3 after they lose connection until you disarm. This means you might experience random drop out during flight. This is a known bug with the current firmware, please wait until DJI fixes this and release the next firmware, pay attention to the release notes.

Firmware Updates

DJI has released a new firmware update for the DJI Goggles 3, the DJI FPV Remote Controller 3, and the O3 Air Unit, which officially allows the O3 to work with the Goggles 3 and Remote Controller 3.

Note:

• Remember to restart DJI O3 Air Unit, the remote controller, and goggles after the update is complete.
• If update fails, restart DJI O3 Air Unit and DJI Assistant 2 (Consumer Drones Series), then try again.

O3 Air Unit Firmware Update

The update you need for the O3 is v01.03.0000, released on July 25th, 2024. Here’s how to update it:

1. Connect O3 to Computer: Use a USB-C cable to connect the O3 Air Unit to your computer. There’s no need to plug in a battery.
2. Open DJI Assistant 2: Select the new firmware for the O3 Air Unit and update it.

Goggles 3 Firmware Update

Next up is the update for the DJI Goggles 3. Version v01.00.0300 is now available, adding support for the O3 Air Unit:

1. Connect Goggles 3 to Computer: Use a USB-C cable to connect your DJI Goggles 3 to your computer.
2. Open DJI Assistant 2: This is my preferred method for updating firmware on all DJI devices. Alternatively, you can use your smartphone and the DJI Fly app.
3. Update Firmware: Select the latest firmware and start the update process.

Remote 3 Firmware Update

If you plan to use the DJI Remote Controller 3 (the one for the Avata 2) with the Goggles 3 and O3 Air Unit, you need to update it too. To update the Remote 3, pair it with the Goggles 3 first. If this is already done, the controller will be updated directly together with the FPV Goggles. The firmware version you need is V01.00.0200.

For users seeking the best performance and reliability, it is recommended to use a standalone RC link system, such as ExpressLRS or TBS Crossfire, instead of DJI’s Remote Controller. While DJI’s solution might be easy to set up and offers a convenient experience, it doesn’t provide the best range and reliability. The DJI FPV Remote Controller 3 communicates through the Goggles 3, rather than directly with the O3 Air Unit, leading to potential signal loss if the goggles lose power or connection.

Binding DJI Goggles 3 to O3 Air Unit

After updating the firmware on all devices, follow these steps to pair your DJI Goggles 3 with the O3 Air Unit:

1. Switch to O3 Air Unit in Goggles Menu: Go to the status menu in your goggles and select the O3 Air Unit.
2. Enter Bind Mode on Goggles 3: Press and hold the power button on your goggles until it starts beeping, indicating it is in pairing mode.
3. Enter Bind Mode on O3 Air Unit: Plug in the battery to your drone and press the Link button on the O3 Air Unit until it blinks green.
4. Wait for Linking: The goggles and air unit will bind automatically in a few seconds. Once bound, you are ready to fly.

Benefits and Limitations

The new update means you can now use the DJI Goggles 3 with all your FPV drones equipped with the O3 Air Unit. This eliminates the need to carry multiple sets of goggles, simplifying your gear and making it more convenient.

However, there are some limitations:

• The DJI Goggles 3 (G3) and the O3 Air Unit only work with the Remote Controller 3 (RC3). They do not work with Remote Controller 2 (RC2).
• The DJI Goggles 2 (G2) or Integra and O3 only work with RC2; this combination doesn’t work with RC3.
• You cannot share a live feed (audience mode) between G3 and G2/Integra. If you are using G3, you will need another set of G3 to spectate.

Furthermore, this new firmware update does not extend support to older air units like the original FPV Air Unit or the Caddx Vista (aka Runcam Link) when used with the Goggles 3. These older units remain compatible with the Goggles 2 and Integra on their last firmware version but are not supported by the Goggles 3. DJI’s support appears to focus on the O3 only, and I think the chance for G3 to support these older air units is slim.

Personal Experience

After flashing the new firmware on the Goggles 3 and O3 Air Unit, they worked as expected. The binding process was straightforward, and the video feed was clear and stable.

By default, without any hacks, manual channel selection and power outputs are limited: only one channel is available in 40MHz mode (50mbps bitrate) and three in 20MHz mode (25mbps bitrate). However, if you apply the ham file hack, it can unlock additional channels and full FCC power.

Conclusion

The addition of O3 Air Unit support to the DJI Goggles 3 is a significant improvement, providing greater flexibility and convenience for FPV pilots. While there are some limitations and quirks, the overall experience is positive.

If you have the DJI Goggles 3 and the O3 Air Unit, updating to the latest firmware will enhance user experience. The ability to use a single set of goggles for the Avata 2 and all your FPV drones simplifies your setup.