DJI Dock 3
W-9 and vendor pack with every quote
Shipped direct from the manufacturer
It takes the Matrice 4D and Matrice 4TD only, not the Matrice 4E or 4T. DJI requires an authorized service provider to install it, and says nothing about US operating approval on any Dock 3 page or manual.
01
DJI names two aircraft for this dock, and neither is the Matrice 4E or 4T
DJI's FAQ is one sentence: the Dock 3 only supports the DJI Matrice 4D Series drones. That series has two members, the Matrice 4D and the Matrice 4TD. The Matrice 4E and Matrice 4T are a different airframe body. DJI's Dock 3 specs page does name them, but only as aircraft the RC Plus 2 controller, the AL1 spotlight and the AS1 speaker fit. Never as aircraft the dock takes. Buy a Dock 3 to fly a 4E or a 4T and you have bought an incompatible system. One opening: DJI's FAQ says dock site evaluation supports the Matrice 4 Series too, on current firmware, where its install manual names only the 4D Series. A 4E or 4T may fly the survey even though it cannot dock. Call and we will put the right airframe on the same order as the dock.
Unattended, on schedule
DJI Enterprise films a Dock 3 running scheduled missions on a working mine, without a pilot on site.
02
DJI will not let you install this yourself, and the site work comes first
DJI's safety guidelines are blunt: the dock must be installed and set up by an authorized service provider, and unauthorized installation may lead to safety risks. Ground bearing capacity of at least 100 kg per square meter. On a roof, a structurally sound one, at least 2 m in from the edge and never in a corner. A poured concrete base is DJI's recommended 700 by 700 by 100 mm, raised on flood prone ground. C25 concrete, four M8 bolts, cured at least seven days. Then DJI's own Dock Site Evaluation: a payload free Matrice 4D Series aircraft flies to the site. There DJI Pilot 2 surveys GNSS signal quality, the positioning satellites, and sets the entry and exit route. The drone arrives at the end of a construction job.
03
DJI does not address US operating approval, and Remote ID is not permission to fly
DJI does not answer the question that decides this purchase. It makes no mention of FAA waivers, airworthiness approval, or any US authorization for automated or unattended flight. Not on the product page, the specifications page, the FAQ, the support page, the Installation and Setup Manual or either Safety Guidelines document. The one place DJI names the FAA is the Matrice 4D Series flight manual. It states that the aircraft's Remote ID system meets 14 CFR Part 89. It points buyers to the FAA's website for registration and Remote ID information. Remote ID is broadcast identification. It is not authorization to fly. On flight beyond visual line of sight, DJI's manual says one thing. BVLOS can be conducted only when aircraft performance, pilot knowledge and skills, and operational safety management comply with local BVLOS regulations. It names no regulator, no process, no approval route. We will not tell you what US rules permit. Take that to your own aviation counsel, and call us.
04
The dock draws 800 W, and DJI requires the supply circuit to provide more than 1000 W
Two numbers, and an electrician needs both. The dock's own rated maximum draw is 800 W, at up to 8 A. The supply circuit is a separate requirement. DJI's installation manual calls for single phase AC with output power greater than 1000 W. That circuit is dedicated, on a 2P 16A breaker with a 40 kA surge protection device. Merge those two figures and the install is specified wrong. The dock's power connector accepts 16 AWG cable only, so a heavier run needs a waterproof distribution box. Ethernet is IPv4 only. The 12 V 12 Ah backup battery is rated above four hours, fully charged at 25 °C. During an outage DJI states the dock cannot charge the aircraft or run its air conditioning or heating.
05
IP56 was measured with the cabinet shut, and DJI says the rating falls with wear
IP is the sealing rating against dust and water: IP56 for the dock, IP55 for the 4D and 4TD. DJI tested both in controlled laboratory conditions, cabinet door closed and screws tightened. The rating is not permanently effective, DJI says, and may decrease with wear. Operating range is -30 to 50 °C. Below -20 °C the dock warms the aircraft so it can take off, at reduced performance. Maximum landing wind speed is 12 m/s, maximum rainfall for continued normal operation 2 mm/h, working humidity 93 percent relative. Snow and ice are watched, not cleared. DJI sells the aircraft on anti-ice propellers and says they hold stable flight in freezing rain. Its safety guidelines instruct checking the dock's camera livestream for snow or ice, and for frozen propellers. DJI names dock cover heating and wind speed gauge heating, and never uses the word de-icing. For standing water DJI publishes no tolerance, only siting guidance away from flood prone ground and coastlines.
06
The box is dock hardware only, and the aircraft, battery, controller and hub are all separate
DJI's Installation and Setup Manual lists the dock hardware. Dock body, wind speed gauge module, RTK module for satellite correction, cable connectors, wire ferrules, screws and tools, and a USB-C cable. No aircraft, no battery, no controller, no charging hub. One quantity we will not print. DJI's manual lists one expansion bolt. A US dealer's list for the same dock only SKU says four. The cloud platform is a further decision: FlightHub 2, FlightHub 2 On-Premises, FlightHub Sync or DJI Cloud API. DJI publishes no price or subscription terms for any of them on the Dock 3 pages. Whether paid software is required to run this dock automatically is unconfirmed.
07 FOR UNIVERSITIES, COLLEGES AND GOVERNMENT AGENCIES
How to buy one, and the three things to settle with us before you do
My Surveying Direct is an authorized DJI Enterprise dealer and accepts purchase orders from universities, colleges and government agencies. Shipped direct from the manufacturer. Which aircraft, first, because this dock takes the Matrice 4D or the 4TD. Who installs it, second, because DJI requires an authorized service provider and the site is surveyed first. Your own operating approval, third, which belongs with your aviation counsel. We will confirm what ships in your box, including the expansion bolt count, before you order. Call +1 888 850 6533, Monday to Friday, 9 to 5 Mountain Time.
Checkout above. Financing available with Affirm.
Institutions only: universities, colleges and government agencies.
Attached automatically.
Send the certificate once, we hold it on file.
On request, for committee approval.
One person, from quote to delivery.
Ground a survey team could not cover
DJI Enterprise's case study on Nigeria's coastal highway, where DJI says traditional survey teams covered 2 to 6 km a day.
REFERENCE
Specifications
Dock
| Product name | DJI Dock 3 |
| Total weight | 55 kg (without aircraft). DJI notes the actual weight may vary due to differences in batch materials and external factors |
| Dimensions | Cover opened: 1760 × 745 × 485 mm (L×W×H). Cover closed: 640 × 745 × 770 mm (L×W×H). DJI's figures include the RTK module width (160 mm), wind speed gauge height (145 mm) and mounting base brackets (58 mm) |
| Input voltage | 100-240 V (AC), 50/60 Hz |
| Input power | Max 800 W. This is the dock's own rated maximum draw, not the supply circuit's required capacity (see Power supply and cabling, below) |
| Input current | Max. 8 A |
| Operating temperature | -30° to 50° C (-22° to 122° F) |
| Cold start behavior | Below -20° C (-4° F) the dock warms the aircraft so it can take off, though DJI states aircraft performance is reduced |
| Ingress protection rating | IP56 |
| Number of drones accommodated | 1 |
| Max allowable landing wind speed | 12 m/s |
| Max operating altitude | 4500 m |
Installation and site requirements
| Who installs it | DJI: "The dock must be installed and set up by an authorized service provider. Unauthorized installation and setup may lead to safety risks." This is not a self-install product per DJI's own guidance |
| Basic environment | DJI FAQ: "It should be installed in an open environment with stable power supply and internet at altitudes not exceeding 4,500 meters." |
| Ground bearing capacity | Must not be less than 100 kg/m² |
| Roof siting | Install on a structurally sound roof; reserve at least 2 m from the roof edge for the installation site or alternate landing site; do not install in the corner of a roof |
| Clearance around the dock | More than 1.9 m clear on the two cover opening sides and more than 0.6 m on the other two sides, to allow the cover to open, permit heat dissipation, and leave room for maintenance |
| Elevation and snow | Recommended at least 0.5 m above ground for ventilation. Where snow accumulation is possible, elevate the dock on a support base no larger than the dock's own footprint so it is not buried |
| Concrete base, if used | Recommended 700 × 700 × 100 mm minimum footprint, C25 concrete with single layer two way φ4 @ 150 mm mesh reinforcement, four M8 mounting bolts, cured at least 7 days before installing the dock |
| Distance from interference sources | More than 200 m from radar stations, microwave stations and drone jamming equipment |
| Sites to avoid | DJI directs installers away from areas prone to water accumulation, severe erosion, landslides or heavy snow accumulation; away from flammable materials, gas stations and chemical storage; and away from coastlines where the dock could be immersed in or splashed by seawater |
| Site evaluation | DJI names a formal "Dock Site Evaluation": fly a payload free Matrice 4D Series aircraft to the planned site so the DJI Pilot 2 app can survey GNSS signal quality and set an entry/exit route, followed by a flight-route test for signal strength and endurance |
| Airspace check | DJI recommends checking whether the site is near or inside a Restricted Zone and applying for a GEO Zone Unlocking License before installation |
| Vehicle-mounted alternative | Dock 3 can alternatively be vehicle mounted using the separate Vehicle Mounted Gimbal Mount. Parking slope must stay under 3° during operation, the dock must be secured with anti-drop steel ropes and lock nuts, and DJI states the dock may not operate while the vehicle is moving |
Power supply and cabling
| Supply circuit requirement | Single phase AC, 100-240 VAC (maximum 264 VAC), 50/60 Hz, output power greater than 1000 W, on a dedicated 2P 16A circuit breaker with a 40kA surge protection device. This is what the installer's circuit must provide; it is not the same figure as the dock's own maximum draw (800 W, above) |
| Cable sizing | Three core outdoor copper cable: 16 AWG (1.5 mm²) under 100 m, 12 AWG (4 mm²) from 100-200 m, 10 AWG (6 mm²) beyond 200 m. The dock's standard power connector only accepts the 16 AWG (1.5 mm²) cable; a larger cross-section needs an additional waterproof distribution box for conversion |
| Lightning protection | AC power port rated 20 kA, meeting EN 61643-11 Type 2 and IEC 61643-1 Class II. Ethernet port rated 10 kA. DJI requires the dock to be properly grounded per the Installation and Setup Manual's earthing procedure |
| Backup power | Built-in 12 Ah lead-acid battery at 12 V, rated by DJI for more than 4 hours. DJI states that after a power outage the dock does not support aircraft charging, air conditioning, cover heating or wind speed gauge heating, and instructs restoring mains power promptly |
Network connectivity
| Ethernet | 10/100/1000 Mbps adaptive Ethernet port. DJI states the dock only supports IPv4 |
| 4G | Requires the DJI Cellular Dongle 2, sold separately; DJI states this service is not available in some countries and regions |
| Which network is used | Ethernet and 4G can both be connected, with 4G as backup; when both are connected, Ethernet is used in priority |
| Recommended bandwidth | DJI recommends a Gigabit network with upstream and downstream bandwidth above 20 Mbps, and above 40 Mbps for a better experience |
| Cable run | Direct Category 6 twisted pair connection recommended under 80 m between dock and network switch; a fiber optic transceiver is recommended beyond 80 m |
Environmental limits
| What IP56/IP55 cover | DJI: "DJI Dock 3 is IP56 rated, and the DJI Matrice 4D/4TD is IP55 rated. Both were tested under controlled laboratory conditions, with the dock's distribution cabinet door closed and screws tightened. The IP rating is not permanently effective and may decrease due to product wear and tear." |
| Rainfall | DJI FAQ: maximum rainfall for continued normal operation is 2 mm/h, alongside the 12 m/s maximum wind speed figure |
| Humidity | DJI states the dock can work in an environment with 93% relative humidity given its IP56 rating |
| Snow and ice | DJI directs installers to avoid sites prone to heavy snow accumulation and, where snow is possible, to elevate the dock above the surrounding grade. For low-temperature operation, DJI instructs checking the dock's own camera livestream for snow and ice on the cover or aircraft and for frozen propellers. No automatic snow-clearing or de-icing system is described for the dock itself |
| Standing water and flooding | DJI directs installers to avoid sites prone to water accumulation, flooding, erosion or landslides, and to avoid coastal sites where seawater immersion or splash is possible, rather than rating the dock to tolerate standing water |
| Storage and transport temperature | -25° to 55° C (-13° to 131° F) normal range; up to 70° C (158° F) tolerated for periods under 24 hours |
| Noise | In silent mode, DJI rates the dock at less than 60 dB(A) A-weighted sound power at 1.2 m height and 1 m horizontal distance, tested in a soundproof room with 5 dB(A) background noise. DJI advises against installing near residential areas and to enable silent mode where needed |
Aircraft - DJI Matrice 4D Series
| Series members | DJI FAQ: "DJI Matice 4D Series currently includes two versions - DJI Matrice 4D and DJI Matrice 4TD." [DJI's own spelling, carried verbatim] Matrice 4D carries a 4/3 CMOS 20 MP wide camera with a mechanical shutter option and no thermal camera. Matrice 4TD carries a 1/1.3-inch CMOS 48 MP wide camera plus an infrared thermal camera and NIR auxiliary light |
| Weight | 1850 g including battery, propellers and a microSD card. Max takeoff weight 2090 g |
| Dimensions | 377.7 × 416.2 × 212.5 mm (L×W×H), without propellers |
| Ingress protection rating | IP55 |
| Flight time | Max flight time 54 minutes, max hovering time 47 minutes. DJI's stated condition for both: flying forward at a constant speed of 12 m/s in a windless laboratory environment at 20 meters above sea level, in photo mode, with Obstacle Avoidance Action set to Off, and from 100% battery level until 0% |
| Operating temperature | -20° to 50° C (-4° to 122° F) |
| Wind and weather restriction | 12 m/s maximum wind resistance during takeoff, landing and operation. DJI's own flight manual separately instructs: do not operate in wind speeds exceeding 12 m/s, snow, moderate rain, fog or hail |
| Cold weather propellers | Standard low-noise anti-ice propellers. DJI states the Matrice 4D and 4TD can maintain stable flight in freezing rain |
| Certification | DJI FAQ: the Matrice 4D Series is C2 and C6 certified by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). Europe-specific; DJI publishes no equivalent FAA/US certification statement |
| Activation | DJI Matrice 4D/4TD must be activated via the DJI Pilot 2 app or the DJI Enterprise app before use |
| Dock linked flight mode | DJI's own specs table: when used with DJI Dock, only Normal mode is supported (Sport mode is a standalone controller only feature) |
Regulatory position
| US Remote ID | DJI's Matrice 4D Series flight manual: the aircraft's Remote ID system meets 14 CFR Part 89 and runs a pre-flight self-test before takeoff; DJI directs buyers to the FAA's website for aircraft registration and Remote ID information. This is an identification/broadcast requirement. It is not a statement of authorization to fly automated or BVLOS missions |
| BVLOS operating approval | DJI's Matrice 4D Series flight manual: BVLOS flight "can be conducted only when the aircraft performance, the knowledge and skills of the pilot, and the operational safety management are compliant with local regulations for BVLOS," without naming a regulator, process or approval mechanism for any country, the US included |
What's included and what's separate
| In the dock's own box | Per DJI's Installation and Setup Manual: dock body, wind speed gauge module, RTK module, one expansion bolt, two Ethernet cable connectors, one power cable connector, six wire ferrules, screws and tools, and a USB-C to USB-C cable |
| Aircraft | Not included with the dock. A UK dealer states plainly: "This version does not include the drones," and sells the dock alone, dock with Matrice 4D and dock with Matrice 4TD as three separate listings; a US dealer's plain Dock 3 listing follows the same pattern |
| Controller, battery, charging hub | DJI RC Plus 2 Enterprise controller, the Matrice 4D Series Intelligent Flight Battery and its 240 W Charging Hub are separate items from the dock's own box contents |
| Cloud software | DJI Enterprise app (for deployment and commissioning) plus a choice of FlightHub 2, FlightHub 2 On-Premises, FlightHub Sync or DJI Cloud API for the cloud platform. DJI states no price or subscription terms for any of these on the Dock 3's own pages |
| Optional accessories | D-RTK 3 Relay Fixed Deployment Version, Vehicle Mounted Gimbal Mount, DJI Cellular Dongle 2, AL1 Spotlight, AS1 Speaker and the Matrice 4 Obstacle Sensing Module are all named by DJI as separate, optional purchases, not standard inclusions. DJI's own Dock 3 specs list the AL1 Spotlight, the AS1 Speaker and the DJI RC Plus 2 Enterprise controller as fitting the Matrice 4TD/4D and the Matrice 4T/4E alike; that is an accessory fit, not a statement that the dock takes the 4T or 4E |
| Extended warranty / care plan | DJI's product page carries a dated promotional line offering DJI Care Enterprise Plus or extended warranty free for one year with an aircraft purchase; this is tied to the Matrice 4D/4TD, not the dock, and is not treated here as a standing inclusion |
Ordering
| Dealer status | Authorized DJI Enterprise dealer |
| Purchase orders | Accepted from universities, colleges and government agencies |
| Shipping | Shipped direct from the manufacturer |
| Speak to us | +1 888 850 6533, Monday to Friday, 9 to 5 Mountain Time |