Drone Compatibility Test - Examining the Fit of Various DJI Drones and Remote Control Units
DJI, the world-renowned drone manufacturer, has recently introduced a range of remote controllers designed to enhance the flying experience for its diverse lineup of drones. Here's a breakdown of the key features and compatible drones for each controller.
Compact and Portable: Mavic Mini Controller
The Mavic Mini Controller, which comes with the Mavic Mini and Mini SE drones, is compact and portable. Its foldable arms make it highly portable, and although it doesn't have a screen, it offers buttons for emergency brake and cruise control.
DJI RC 2: Sleek and Advanced
The DJI RC 2, launched with the DJI Mini 3 Pro in May 2022, sports a sleek, minimalistic design with external folding antennas for better signal stability. It comes with a built-in touchscreen and supports the 5.1 GHz frequency band. The controller is now sold in bundles with the DJI Mini 3, Mini 3 Pro, DJI Mavic 3 Classic, and the DJI Mavic 3 Pro.
DJI RC Pro: The Successor to the Smart Controller
The DJI RC Pro controller is the direct descendant of the original DJI Smart Controller. It is compatible with Mini 3 Pro, Air 2S, Mavic 3 Classic, Mavic 3 Cine, and Mavic 3 Pro Cine. The controller boasts a 5.5-inch touchscreen that can go up to 1000 nits, dual gimbal controls, a 5D button, and three customizable buttons. It supports 4K video output via a mini-HDMI port and offers an Outdoor Mode for improved visibility under sunlight.
DJI RC Motion 2: A Versatile Controller
The RC Motion 2 improves on the original Motion Controller in many ways, including the addition of an integrated mini joystick, a new trigger for backward flight, and a wheel for camera control. Initially designed for FPV drones, the RC Motion 2 is no longer purely an FPV controller, as it can now be used with the more standard camera drones.
DJI FPV V2: Optimized for FPV Flight
The DJI FPV V2 remote controller is designed for the DJI's FPV drones - namely the DJI FPV and the DJI Avata. It runs the O3 video transmission which has been specially optimized with low response times, particularly for FPV flight. The controller offers simple and intuitive controls, with joysticks that offer very smooth and precise movement.
DJI RC-N1 and RC-N2: Tethered Controllers for Specific Applications
The DJI RC-N1 and RC-N2 are tethered controllers compatible with various drones, including the Mini 2, Mini 3, Mini 3 Pro, Mavic Air 2, Air 2S, Mavic 3, Mavic 3 Classic, and more. They do not have built-in screens but instead rely on a tethered connection to an external device. Both controllers have upgraded antennas and support the 5.1 GHz frequency band.
Professional Features with DJI RC 2 and RC Pro
Professional users can take advantage of the controller's APK support, allowing for the use of third-party apps. Both the DJI RC 2 and DJI RC Pro controllers communicate with the drone using an Enhanced Wi-Fi protocol, not the usual OcuSync technology.
In summary, DJI's latest remote controllers offer a variety of features tailored to different drone models and user needs. Always ensure firmware updates are compatible to maintain system stability.
Gadgets such as smartphones can be used in conjunction with the DJI remote controllers due to their built-in touchscreens or tethered connection options. For instance, the DJI RC 2 offers a built-in touchscreen, while the DJI RC-N1 and RC-N2 rely on a tethered connection to an external device. Additionally, the DJI RC Pro controller supports 4K video output via a mini-HDMI port, making it compatible with various smartphones for video playback.
