The one barrier between us and a dronepocalypse is the controllers controlling these drones. Eh, no, I’m joking right here.
However with out these controllers, we wouldn’t be capable of fly our drones, proper? And but, producers construct these radio transmitters with completely different drone compatibilities.
Nonetheless, for DJI, it takes years till a brand new controller is developed, and so they don’t do it until they’ve a purpose, comparable to a technological development or a brand new sort of drone that requires new controllers (e.g., FPV).
Final yr, we had the primary main technological leap in DJI drones in years by releasing a brand new highly effective video transmitter, the OcuSync 4, or O4.
To make use of this, they needed to develop new controllers suitable with this expertise, such because the DJI RC 2 and the one we’re reviewing at present, the brand new DJI RC-N2.
What is that this controller like? How is it completely different from the earlier model, DJI RC-N1?
Let’s take a dive collectively and discover out every thing there’s to find out about this new DJI controller, the DJI RC-N2.
DJI RC-N2: What we find out about it
The DJI RC-N2 is the successor to the N1 model, which has been in the marketplace for a few years and is suitable with a handful of drones, from the DJI Mini 2 to the Mavic 3 Professional (OcuSync 2.0 to three+).
Mainly, nearly all non-FPV shopper DJI drones launched up to now 4 years had been suitable with the RC-N1.
However not anymore.
The DJI RC-N2 is an easy, slick controller. To obtain a dwell feed from a drone, you need to connect a cell phone suitable with the DJI Fly App put in.
The identical app will talk with the controller through a transmission cable linked to the cellphone. This cable may very well be lightning (iPhones), USB-C (Androids or the newest iPhone), or Micro USB.
Totally different tablets may be hooked up to the identical new RC-N2 controller, however extra equipment are wanted to mount them.
DJI saved the earlier design. In reality, they haven’t modified it in any respect, which makes it a bit complicated you probably have each controllers – which one is the DJI RC-N1 and which is the N2?
There are a number of distinctive markings that’ll make it easier to acknowledge it, although. We’ll get into that later.
For now, the principle purpose you would want this new controller is to make it suitable with the newest video transmission system in DJI drones, the DJI O4.
Now, one other essential factor we’ve to say is that the controller acts not solely as a transmitter but additionally as a receiver, the identical because the OcuSync transmission system in a DJI drone.
It transmits radio alerts from the pilot’s enter and receives video feeds and information displayed on the cellphone’s display screen through the DJI Fly App.
Much less clever controllers, comparable to those for FPV drones, solely transmit information and by no means obtain a dwell picture, which as an alternative goes to the goggles or an FPV monitor.
Now, we’ve used DJI drones and have these controllers to ship/obtain information and pictures, however let’s take a step again and keep in mind that it is a good and superior function present in controllers these days.
✅ Professionals
- The controller is light-weight and transportable
- Sturdy, feels sturdy in hand
- Glorious and improved transmission vary over the earlier model
- Lengthy battery life
- Suitable with third get together apps (Which you’ll be able to set up on the cellphone)
- Easy joysticks, feels premium
❌ Cons
- Doesn’t have an integrated display screen
- Nonetheless no zoom wheel
- Related design to the primary model
Notice: The licensed code mannequin for this DJI RC-N2 is RC151
» MORE: DJI Transmission System (All the things You Have to Know)
Fast Verdict
For those who’re in a rush, let me get some definitive solutions and shared opinions about this controller.
With the discharge of the DJI RC-N2, we don’t have a lot of a selection when on the lookout for alternate options if we don’t prefer it to fly a suitable drone. The one different is the DJI RC 2, the controller with a display screen, the successor of the DJI RC.
No different controllers are at the moment suitable with drones with the OcuSync 4 transmission system.
So we just about don’t have many selections right here.
However right here’s the factor. The controller is excellent. The N1 was a particular success in offering the final word expertise of controlling so many suitable drones. Possibly the higher one was the DJI RC Professional, nevertheless it had restricted compatibility.
Now, with the RC-N2, we’ve higher success. The controller has wonderful vary, could be very responsive, feels good in hand, and combats interference higher than earlier than.
Furthermore, the battery is endless, and to this point, no points have been reported. The joysticks additionally really feel premium, however I’m unsure if there’s an enchancment over the N1’s joysticks. At the least, I don’t really feel any.
For those who can seize it, take it – however remember that until you’ve a suitable drone, you’ll haven’t any use for the controller.
Whether or not you prefer it or not, we are going to in all probability have to stay with this one for a lot of drones to be launched down the street if they arrive with the DJI OcuSync 4.
It’s doable that it’d grow to be cross-compatible with the OcuSync 3.0 or earlier drones sooner or later, however we will’t predict this. Since its launch, the RC-N1 has grow to be suitable with three OcuSync variations.
Possibly the DJI RC-N2 can be suitable with a future OcuSync 5.0? Or backward compatibility? Who is aware of?
» MORE: DJI RC vs. DJI RC 2 (In-Depth Comparability)
Who’s it for?
From rookies to professionals, the DJI RC-N2 will match all arms.
In case you are new to flying drones and also you get one suitable with the O4, this controller would be the one to search for until you need to spend more money for the DJI RC 2 (with display screen).
The identical is true for rookies, and even for those who’re knowledgeable drone photographer or business drone pilot, this controller (in addition to the RC 2) will nonetheless be the one to make use of with newer drones.
However right here’s the factor I like in regards to the RC-N2, the identical as with the N1: You’ll be able to join nearly something to it – so, whether or not it’s an iPhone to have the dwell view or a professional-grade business pill, you gained’t be restricted to a single integrated display screen.
Do you’re feeling like sharing the display screen with a TV or going dwell on YouTube? That’s your cellphone doing it, not the controller, so that you’re not restricted.
So sure, this controller will match most arms and is advisable for anybody avoiding getting a DJI RC 2 whereas having drones with the OcuSync 4 expertise.
» MORE: Tips on how to Fly DJI Air 3 Drone (With DJI RC 2)
Construct & Design
As we beforehand talked about, the design is barely any completely different from the primary model of this distant controller. And the construct high quality stays nice and durable. It doesn’t really feel like it’s comprised of any low-cost plastics or low-quality parts.
We guess that DJI saved with the identical design as with the earlier RC-N1 design success; I don’t assume there was something to enhance, though some pilots might have completely different opinions.
The controller matches nicely into the hand, and it has a rubbery end on the bottom grip to keep away from slipping or dropping the controller. The buttons on the again are additionally simply accessible at your fingertips, the identical as with the primary controller.
As for the colour mannequin, it’s completely the identical as earlier than.
For those who’re trying to differentiate the DJI RC-N2 from the DJI RC-N1, two issues stand out:
- The RC-N1 has Cine/Regular/Sport modes written out, whereas the RC2 has C/N/S letters as an alternative.
- The RC-N2 RTH Button has the H letter with the touchdown signal above as an alternative of a 3D illustration of a touchdown pad, and the “pause/hover” button is extra orangey.
After all, there are a number of different minor particulars, however that’s what I’m on the lookout for in order to not be confused with the earlier model.
» MORE: DJI RC vs DJI RC-N1 (All You Have to Know)
Weight & Dimension
The controller has an identical weight because the earlier one and is round 375 grams. Apparently, if we examine it with the DJI Mini 4 Professional, it’s 50% heavier than the drone.
However that’s not a problem, as your arms gained’t get drained from holding it like with a TX16S FPV transmitter.
Its dimensions are 104×149×45 (L×W×H), which underlines the truth that it’s a small sort of controller.
It’s neither cumbersome nor heavy, so it’s supreme for transportation and carrying round in a backpack whenever you journey with a drone. It doesn’t occupy a lot house and may be positioned nearly anyplace.
Additionally, the sticks may be eliminated and might even get replaced with third get together ones for those who’re on the lookout for one thing completely different.
» MORE: DJI Mini 2 SE Controller (All You Have to Know)
Value & Availability
The DJI RC-N2 is now obtainable to buy solely with the DJI Mini 4 Professional and Air 3 drones.
Whereas the DJI RC 2 may be purchased as a standalone controller from DJI, Amazon, and different third-party marketplaces, you gained’t be capable of get your arms on a DJI RC-N2 until it’s offered second-hand by somebody who has had any of those drones earlier than.
At the least not for now.
Subsequently, it will likely be tough to spotlight a value, nevertheless it shouldn’t be too far out as in comparison with the primary model, the N1, which may be purchased for a bit over $100.
The controller additionally ought to be obtainable to accumulate with the Mini 4 Professional and Air 3 in international locations the place these aforementioned drones are launched, which is kind of at a worldwide degree with only a few exceptions.
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Drones suitable with DJI RC-N2
We in all probability gave you a glimpse earlier than, however on the time of writing this text, solely two drones are absolutely suitable with the DJI RC-N2: The DJI Mini 4 Professional and the DJI Air 3.
Each these drones have the brand new Ocusync 4.0 transmission system, which is the explanation these new controllers have been launched.
Realizing the historical past with DJI, it’s possible only a matter of time earlier than extra drones with the DJI O4 will seem in the marketplace, and each the RC-N2 and RC 2 controllers can be absolutely suitable.
Nonetheless, presently, there is no such thing as a backward compatibility with earlier drones from earlier Ocusync generations.
» MORE: DJI Mini 4 Professional vs. Air 3 (Right here’s My Alternative)
How lengthy does the battery final?
The DJI RC-N2 battery isn’t any completely different from the sooner model, the RC-N1.
The RC-N2 has 18.72 Wh of energy with two 3.6 V 2600 mAh lithium batteries of 18650 format.
With this controller, you should utilize it repeatedly for as much as 6 hours and, whether it is charging or offering energy to the cell phone linked, for as much as 3.5-4 hours.
This working time is just like the earlier controller model, so we see no modifications right here.
After all, as with all lithium battery, the size of the controller battery is determined by the working climate (temperature), interferences, the gadget’s charging, and the drone’s distance.
» MORE: DJI Avata Controller Choices
Tips on how to cost DJI RC-N2
To cost this controller isn’t any completely different from the primary model. However how can we do it, and what charger will you want?
If you get your drone and maybe sooner or later when this controller can be obtainable on the market individually, you must obtain an extra USB-A to USB-C cable, which is the information switch and charging cable.
- Join the charging cable USB-A to a wall socket or charging port and the opposite finish USB-C to the RC-N2 controller.
- The controller has 4 inexperienced LEDs that ought to begin blinking in sequential order.
- When the controller is charged, disconnect the charging cable from the controller. You may as well examine the RC-N2 battery by single urgent the facility button.
Notice: The controller doesn’t should be powered on to cost. You may as well use a USB-C to USB-C cable to cost the controller. Relying on the charger, the DJI RC-N2 will take a most of two hours and half-hour to cost from empty to full.
» MORE: Do Drone Batteries Auto-Discharge if Not Used?
DJI RC-N2 transmission vary and working frequencies
The primary purpose we’ve a brand new upgraded controller is to extend its transmission energy and fight interference, therefore permitting new drones to fly higher at lengthy vary with a crisper dwell picture and decrease latency.
The DJI RC-N2 is extraordinary at undertaking this. Simply the truth that the previous model, DJI RC-N1, which had the OcuSync 2.0 and was in a position to fly drones miles and miles away with out points, will put this new controller manner forward of its time.
The precise transmission vary of the controller can’t be altogether recognized. It’s calculated solely along with the kind of drone linked and its present transmission system.
Right here, we’ve the DJI Mini 4 Professional and Air 3 drones (OcuSync 4). Subsequently, right here’s what we all know:
Each the DJI Mini 4 Professional and Air 3 with DJI RC-N2 (Ocusync 4.0, each the controller and drones) can fly for as much as 12.4 miles or 20km within the USA (FCC) and 6.2 miles (10km) within the EU, China, and Japan (CE, SRRC, and MIC).
These are restrictions in limiting the transmission energy of drones and completely different units to fight heavy interference.
Though these transmission distances are solely speculative, you in all probability can by no means fly these drones that far – not solely is it solely unlawful to fly out of the road of sight, however the batteries gained’t final that lengthy.
We additionally should take into accounts interference that may have an effect on a drone’s flight distance.
Subsequently, even minimizing the flight distance because of interference and battery life, these two drones with the DJI RC-N2 can fly quite a bit farther than most drones can and undoubtedly farther away than we ever want.
Now, the DJI RC-N1 has two transmitter working frequencies: 2.4 GHz and 5.8 GHz (particularly 2.400-2.4835 GHz and 5.725-5.850 GHz).
On the opposite facet, the DJI RC-N2 has three transmission frequencies:
- 2.4000-2.4835 GHz
- 5.170-5.250 GHz
- 5.725-5.850 GHz
In some international locations the place that is allowed, the brand new controller additionally communicates with the drone on a 5.1-5.2 GHz spectrum. From our analysis, it’s doable for this spectrum to be lively with the RC-N2 solely in Europe presently. We have now but to verify this.
This brings much more transmission energy, a secure hyperlink, and the power to fight interference higher than ever earlier than.
Additionally, the dBm (VTX transmission energy) has been elevated general in all territories and is tremendously influenced by the drone to which this distant controller is linked.
» MORE: Lengthy Vary Drones: Final Information
Tips on how to pair DJI RC-N2 to a DJI drone
So, for those who managed to get your RC-N2 both secondhand, a brand new one to your drone, or a brand new drone, however you saved the controller, you’ll have to re-link or bind it once more to fly the drone.
Certainly, as each drones can use the identical controller, possibly you don’t need to carry two RC-N2 controllers you probably have the Mini 4 Professional and Air 3.
Effectively, how do you hyperlink it?
Mainly, it follows the identical process as with earlier drones and distant controllers. It goes as follows:
- Connect your cell phone to the controller with the suitable cable.
- Energy on the distant controller by brief urgent then lengthy urgent the facility button.
- Enter the DJI Fly App. Within the decrease proper nook, you must see a button “CONNECTION GUIDE.” Faucet on it, and from the scrollable menu, select both DJI Mini 4 Professional or DJI Air 3, relying on the drone you need to hyperlink your controller with.
- After choosing, faucet “pair.” The pairing course of will begin.
- The subsequent step is to show in your DJI Mini 4 Professional or Air 3. The LED from the controller will blink in succession, and the drone will beep for about 4 seconds. After it stops, the DJI RC-N2 ought to be linked along with your new drone.
Notice: Keep in mind to take away the gimbal cowl earlier than turning on the drone
» MORE: Tips on how to Pair the DJI Mini 4 Professional (With Photos & Video)
DJI RC-N2 equipment
Due to the similarities between the DJI RC-N1 and RC-N2, anticipate that many equipment beforehand suitable with the N1 may also be cross-compatible with the N2.
However earlier than hopping on Amazon and buying solely N1 equipment, it’s best to both verify with the sellers or producers or anticipate an replace of the product to confirm its compatibility.
So right here’s what we suggest to get for this controller.
» MORE: 27 Finest Drone Equipment (I Can’t Reside With out)
Pill Holder Mount
The very first thing I all the time give attention to is buying a pill holder mount. Fortunately, this accent is well-compatible with each the RC-N1 and RC-N2 controllers.
I don’t actually wish to stare at my iPhone display screen when flying my drones. I like huge screens, and flying a drone with this immersive expertise is game-changing, not just for seeing extra particulars on the display screen but additionally for a fascinating flight to benefit from the course of as a lot as I can.
Pill Holder Mount
Folding and placing away this pill holder doesn’t have an effect on the contraction of the unique built-in cellphone holder.
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03/07/2024 01:31 am GMT
Protecting Silicone Cowl Case
I’ve an obsession – okay, I’ve an issue with all my units to wrap them in covers and stickers – I don’t know why.
However I wish to preserve my stuff protected, so sure, I do have a number of silicon covers for a few of my distant controllers, covers for iPhone, iPad, and so forth.
It takes no house, is reasonable, and is one of the best ways to maintain your controller protected throughout transportation, in case of affect, and to keep away from scratching it.
Right here is one thing just like what I exploit.
Prolonged Management Sticks
Possibly it’s simply me as a result of I come from an FPV background, and the way in which I fly FPV drones is the pinch methodology on my joysticks. Because of this, the sticks should be longer than typical for a whole pinch seize.
Nonetheless, I obtained used to flying an ordinary drone this manner as nicely. From extra stick motion to raised accuracy, longer sticks can typically discover their manner onto our controllers.
And don’t get me fallacious, I lose controller sticks on a regular basis. It’s all the time higher to have some spare; I all the time do.
Is it price shopping for the DJI RC-N2?
If we’re referring to the DJI RC-N2 high quality and efficiency, certainly, it’s a controller that can make a distinction to your new OcuSync 4.0 fleet with efficiency enhancements over the earlier model.
However as we can not purchase this distant controller as new individually (no less than no as for now), we’ve to have a look at it from one other perspective.
You could need to purchase an RC-N2 if you have already got a Mini 4 Professional or Air 3 drone with no distant controller or just get pleasure from its perks whenever you purchase this new drone equipment.
Nonetheless, the actual query could be if that is price utilizing as an alternative of the DJI RC 2. In that case, all of it relies upon.
It provides you larger flexibility, is cheaper, is best to hold round, and is suitable with many telephones and tablets; a few of us are aiming to make use of the RC-N2 with a commercial-grade pill, providing you efficiency, brightness, and display screen dimension manner above what the RC 2 can provide.
Personally, I wish to be versatile and use my iPad with the N1 and N2 controllers – it merely works too nice. However I’m additionally leaning in the direction of the DJI RC 2 only for simplicity.
