February 23, 2025
Description
🪼✈️ THE JELLY CARGO DRONE SYSTEM
The Jelly Cargo System takes inspiration from the graceful structure of a jellyfish, using flexible TPU arms—akin to jellyfish tentacles—to turn your DJI Mini drone into a lightweight aerial carrier or fancy display. These arms add only 4.85 grams while supporting up to 95 grams of additional cargo. Across the entire assembly, there are 16 holes for attaching items with key rings, wires, or simply tying knots both above and below the drone. In the demo within the photos, a wire keyring secures a small 3D-printed container to an arm. The second demo showcases the arms tied above the drone to carry a screwdriver.
⚠️ User Be Advised: This modification is only for experienced drone pilots looking to push the limits of their equipment. Damage may occur as it is not recommended or supported by DJI. Several broken propellers went into development.
✅ Tested with the DJI Mini 4 Pro, but compatibility with other Mini models (such as the Mini 3 Pro or Mini Series 2) is unconfirmed.
⚠️ Disable obstacle avoidance (to avoid false sensor alerts).
🛑 Avoid blocking vital sensors if tying the arms together.
🛬 Landing Mode activates automatically when descending.
Boost Me
🛠️ Installation & Usage Instructions
1️⃣ 3D Printing Preparation 🖨️
• Use TPU filament on a high-precision 3D printer (for example, an A1 Mini).
• Set the print bed to 50–60°C and the extruder to 230–250°C, adjusting to your specific filament.
2️⃣ Drone Setup 🔋
• Power off the drone and remove the battery.
• Clear debris from the slots on the drone’s underside where you’ll install the tentacle-like arms.
3️⃣ Arm Installation 🔗
• Thread each arm through the designated slots.
• Ensure a snug fit without interfering with sensors or the drone’s frame.
• If tying arms together, keep them away from downward-facing or obstacle-avoidance sensors to prevent false readings.
4️⃣ Cargo Attachment 📌
• There are 16 holes across the system, allowing you to secure payloads up to 95 grams.
• Use key rings, wires, or simple knots to fasten items, positioning cargo near the drone’s center of gravity.
• Tons of great twist-lock containers are available on Maker World, which can easily be 3D printed and attached for storing small payloads.
5️⃣ Flight Considerations 🛬
• Disable obstacle avoidance to prevent false sensor alerts caused by the extended arms.
• When pushing the left stick down to descend, the DJI controller automatically initiates landing mode for stability.
• At about 3 feet (1 meter) above the ground, push the drone forward slightly to avoid landing on any attached cargo.
• Ascend normally, but maintain extra clearance around obstacles.
• Monitor battery life, as additional weight reduces flight time.
6️⃣ Weight & Regulatory Compliance ⚖️
• Check total flight weight to stay within local regulations (often 249 grams).
• If exceeding the limit, register your drone or follow applicable rules.
• Stay updated on local payload regulations that may affect your flights.
7️⃣ Maintenance & Storage 🔎
• Inspect TPU arms (or tentacles) before each flight for signs of wear or damage.
• Gently clean away dirt or debris after each flight to maintain flexibility.
• Store in a cool, dry place to prevent warping or material degradation.
License:
Standard Digital File License
Ace God
