README.md

dji-firmware-tools communication dissector

Utility for analyzing communication in DJI drone interfaces via Wireshark.

Rationale

This is a packet dissector which allows you to view and analyze serial communication on interfaces within the DJI drones. It can also understand packets used within binary Flight Record DAT files. There is also a KML export plugin for visualizing the flight. The dissectors act as documentation on what is known about the DJI protocols, in form of simple LUA code.

Setup

A simple setup is required to use the new dissector.

Copy the script files

Copy all the files LUA files (*.lua) and to the Wireshark profile directory. If you already different init.lua there, merge the content.

Copying files in Linux

The directory usually is ~/.config/wireshark. If unsure, check directories chapter in official documentation.

Copying files in Windows

The directory usually is C:\Users\<username>\AppData\Roaming\Wireshark. Check directories chapter in official documentation and a special chapter for Windows folders if unsure.

Associate comm_*2pcap output to new dissector

Now we need setup Wireshark to associate the pcap files generated by comm_*2pcap.py capture script with the dji_p3 or dji_mavic protocol dissector. To do this:

• Start Wireshark

• Choose Edit | Preferences | Protocols

• Scroll down to DLT_USER

• Click Edit, create a new entry (‘+’) and set it up as shown below

If you're using multiple USER dissectors, remember that you can set comm_*2pcap.py parameter to change the user slot while generating PCap file.

Update columns in list of packets (optional)

You may also want to setup Wireshark’s main display columns:

• Choose Edit | Preferences | Columns

• Setup as shown below

Having your own column definitions will greatly increase readability of the packets list.

Usage

After setup is complete, you can load pcap files and get results like this:

You can now analyze DJI communication protocols.