The Matrice 350 RTK is one of the most reliable and versatile drones available. To get the most out of this powerful tool, here are our picks on accessories and add-ons that our team has found useful:
Landing Pads:
A landing pad provides a stable surface and prevents dust and debris from being kicked up during takeoff and landing. While there are many affordable options, Hoodman landing pads stand out as the best. Unlike traditional pads that require staking into the ground—which is impractical on hard surfaces like cement—Hoodman pads are self-weighted around the edges, allowing them to be placed almost anywhere. Properly securing the landing pad is crucial, as the drone’s downdraft during takeoff or landing can easily lift unsecured pads into the propellers.
Parachute System:
Safety is paramount when operating drones, especially when flying near or over people. The Matrice 350 RTK can weigh over 5kg, and in the event of a failure, it could cause serious injury or worse. The AVSS parachute recovery system is designed to deploy in such situations, reducing the impact energy by bringing the drone down in a controlled, gliding descent rather than a crash. These systems are rigorously tested to meet ASTM certification standards and are essential for legal and safe operations over people.
CSM Radar:
While the Matrice 350 RTK’s built-in obstacle avoidance system works well for larger objects, it has limitations, particularly with smaller obstacles like cables. This is a critical concern for applications such as inspections or nighttime flights. The CSM radar attachment mounts quickly onto the Matrice 300/350 and provides 360-degree detection and collision avoidance, offering enhanced safety during complex operations.
RC Plus Remote Controller:
If you’re using the Matrice 300, you might still have the older smart enterprise controller. The new RC Plus controller is a significant upgrade, offering a larger screen (7” vs. 5.5”), higher brightness (1200 nits vs. 1000 nits), longer battery life (3 hours vs. 2.5 hours), better ergonomics, and an IP54 rating. Additionally, the RC Plus is compatible with newer payloads like the Zenmuse L2 LiDAR and H30T series camera, making it a valuable addition to your setup.
RC Plus Support Kit:
The RC Plus controller is larger and heavier than its predecessors, which can cause hand fatigue after prolonged use. The strap and support kit is an essential accessory, allowing you to operate the controller comfortably without the need to constantly put it down during field operations.
These accessories not only enhance the performance of the Matrice 350 RTK but also ensure safer, more efficient, and more comfortable drone operations.