Modular DJI Mavic 3 Attachment System

Note: This mounting system is designed for the DJI Mavic 3. Fitment tests were done on a Mavic 3 Pro Cine. Please consider reaching out with results if you test on other variants of that product line. For commercial use, please reach out to me directly.

Remember that adding things to your drone will result in shorter flight time and affect stability. No warranties or assurances are included with this design, implied or otherwise. Use this system at your own risk!

The Modular DJI Mavic 3 Attachment System is a top-of-the-drone saddle design that allows pilots to affix payloads above their drone. This low profile design closely hugs the DJI Mavic 3's airframe, snaps into place, and has attachment points for additional strapping under the belly of the drone to finish securing the payload.

The system includes a dovetail/rail mounting system which allows designers to create their own custom payload modules which can fit seamlessly into the base saddle module, making swapping of payloads almost as easy as swapping the drone's battery.

Here is an example of a custom payload module -  Heltec T114 Meshtastic Payload Module

To attach the system to the drone:

1.  Orient the "arms" of the saddle toward the battery of the drone.

2.  Flex the saddle wide enough to slip over the drone's spine, laying the two small registration notches in the vent hole farther from the battery pack. When finished, the saddle should be gripping the drone and feel fairly secure.

3.  Zip-tie or velcro the two sides of the saddle under the belly of the drone to finish securing the attachment system.

This listing comes with a number of STL files:

• Mavic3_Saddle - The standard saddle design.

• Mavic3_Payload_Module_Plate - A standard module plate you can use as a starting point to 3d model your own payload module.

• Mavic3_Payload_Module_Plate_With_Screw_Holes - Useful for prototyping payload builds.

• Mavic3_Saddle_No_Dovetail -  The saddle design but without the module attachment system.

Additionally, the design uses M2 screws as part of the dovetail attachment mechanism, to lock the custom payload modules in place. The screw holes run all the way through the included default base plates, so that any screw with at least 8 mm of thread will suffice.

Print Instructions:

I recommend printing in materials such as PETG, as oriented in the STL file. Supports of some kind (organic/tree preferred) will be needed to print the saddle module in the preferred vertical orientation, and a brim should help with bed adhesion.

I recommend between .1mm and .3mm layer height, 5% to 10% infill, and 2 to 3 wall perimeters for strength.

If you aren't sure what to print, just start with:

• Mavic3_Saddle

• Mavic3_Payload_Module_Plate_With_Screw_Holes