Once we need to fly drones, we want appropriate controllers to obtain a reside picture and transmit instructions to the drone. When you don’t purchase a drone as a package, it’s essential to look individually for drone controllers.
What are one of the best drone controllers?
One of the best drone controllers are the DJI RC, DJI RC Professional, and RC-N1 for DJI commonplace drones. The DJI FPV Distant Controller 2 and Radiomaster TS16x are additionally improbable drone controllers that can be utilized with flying FPV drones and the DJI FPV Movement Controller for an immersive, distinctive expertise.
On this article, I need to share with you a couple of issues to recollect when shopping for a drone controller and some suggestions that can assist you resolve which controller you need to select to your drone.
How do drone controllers work?
A drone controller, distant controller, or RC, are bodily units that can make a radio or wi-fi connection to the drone on a particular frequency to assist the pilot ship enter indicators to the drone.
Normal drone controllers (non-FPV) transmit inputs to the drone AND obtain information resembling a reside picture, telemetry, and extra.
Taking a DJI controller, for example, the usual DJI RC-N1, the place you’ll have to join your telephone to the controller for the drone to fly, will let you obtain a reside picture in your telephone via the DJI Fly app.
The drone you’re flying has a module, on this case, a DJI O3 transmission system, that can act each as a receiver and a transmitter.
With customized FPV drones that don’t have a digital DJI video transmitter, normally, the VTX module will solely transmit video to the goggles, and the drone would require a separate radio receivers module, resembling TBS Crossfire or FrSky XM+, that can have a special broadcast channel and a hyperlink between the drone and the controller.
However on this case, the distant controller ought to have a appropriate transmission module, and issues might get difficult right here.
What varieties of controllers exist?
Normal drone controllers: These will be from DJI, resembling DJI RC-N1, DJI RC, or DJI RC Professional, which is able to each transmit information to the drone and obtain a reside picture, and non-DJI drone controllers, which have related features.
FPV drone controllers: These shall be vastly extra complicated controllers that enable for additional features and can solely transmit information to the drone. The picture can’t be obtained by the controller however by the goggles.
Movement Controller: Created by DJI, these controllers use movement motion and various controls to simplify flying some appropriate drones (resembling DJI Avata).
Movement Controllers will solely transmit information to the drone and will not have as a lot vary as an odd controller.
These controllers had been launched not too long ago and could also be international to some drone pilots, they usually require completely different abilities to be taught to fly than commonplace gimbal-based controllers.
Different RC controllers: Similar to the FPV drone controllers (and in some circumstances, even the FPV drone controllers can be utilized as such), they’ll enable a hyperlink to different RC units, resembling RC planes, RC automobiles, helis, and RC boats.
In lots of circumstances, RC automobile controllers may also differ from commonplace gimbal controllers.
These controllers may have a slim compatibility vary, so it’s essential to make sure that if you wish to purchase a separate controller to your drone, the controller can hyperlink to the drone.
That’s why we need to prolong this text and enable you to acquire the right controller to your drone.
Many controllers can be found available on the market right now, so our choice will embody solely one of the best drone controllers that shall be appropriate with acquainted drones and controllers with broad compatibilities.
» MORE: Are you able to fly DJI drones and not using a controller?
Greatest commonplace drone controllers
1. DJI RC
DJI RC
Distant Controller for DJI Mini 3 Professional/DJI Mavic 3/DJI Mavic 3 Cine, Light-weight Physique, FHD Display screen, 4hr Battery, Precision Management Sticks, O3+ Transmission
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05/31/2023 01:09 am GMT
DJI RC is a sophisticated drone controller from DJI appropriate with a number of DJI drones.
The controller comes with an included display, eradicating the necessity for pilots to attach their telephones to the controller to fly their drones.
| Weight | 390 grams |
| Measurement | 168.4×123.7×46.2 mm with out controller sticks |
| Battery life | As much as 4 hours |
| Transmission Vary | As much as 9.3 miles (15km) with DJI Mavic 3 |
| Does it additionally obtain video? | Sure |
| Have an included display? | Sure, 5.5 inches, Full HD decision, 60 frames per second show, multitouch, and max 700 nits |
| Compatibility | – O3 Video Transmission System, which incorporates DJI Mini 3 Professional and DJI Air 2S – O3+ Video Transmission System, which incorporates DJI Mavic 3, Mavic 3 Traditional, Mavic 3 Cine, Mavic 3 Professional, Mavic 3 Professional Cine – O2 Video Transmission System, appropriate with DJI Mini 3 |
✅ Professionals
- It comes with an included display, eradicating the necessity to use a cell phone to fly the drone
- It has a improbable transmission vary
- Broadly appropriate with a number of DJI drones
- Has an ergonomic look that feels rugged and never plasticky
- Clean gimbal management
- Additional devoted buttons
- It comes with preinstalled DJI Fly app and is ready-to-use
- Requires no setup earlier than any flights
❌ Cons
- It’s barely cumbersome and heavier than some drones (resembling DJI Mini 3 Professional)
- It’s barely dear
With the DJI RC distant controller, you merely can’t go mistaken, as it’s so simple to make use of and requires no setup in any respect earlier than launching the drone.
The DJI RC can also be appropriate with the above-mentioned drones and could also be additional used with yet-to-be-released DJI drones that embrace the identical O3 and O3+ transmission methods.
As a drone pilot, you’ll absolutely discover a big distinction and improve from the traditional DJI RC-N1 distant controller, which requires your cell phone to fly the drone.
2. DJI RC Professional
DJI RC Professional
Excessive-bright show, highly effective efficiency, environment friendly management, excellent audio, and video efficiency.
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05/31/2023 01:13 am GMT
The DJI RC Professional is the skilled model of the DJI RC, appropriate with solely a handful of DJI drones however with higher transmission vary and penetration, a brighter show, and some extra distinctive perks.
| Weight | 680 grams |
| Measurement | 183×137×47 mm with antennas folded and controllers not mounted |
| Battery life | As much as 3 hours |
| Transmission Vary | 15km |
| Does it additionally obtain video? | Sure, with an O3+ video transmission system |
| Have an included display? | Sure, it has a 5.5-inch show at Full HD decision, 60 frames per second, and might attain 1000 nits on sunny days |
| Compatibility | The DJI RC Professional is presently appropriate with DJI Mavic 3, DJI Mavic 3 Cine, DJI Mavic 3 Traditional, DJI Mavic 3 Professional, DJI Mavic 3 Professional Cine, and DJI Air 2S, however will help extra plane sooner or later |
✅ Professionals
- It’s a novel DJI controller made for professionals
- Has top-of-the-line vary transmissions and penetration with probably the most superior receiver module
- You may reside stream from this controller, which is ideal for content material creators
- It has 32GB of inner storage
- Twin Band Wi-Fi 6
- Mini HDMI output which might help show on further displays
- Has an outside mode the place the show shall be exceptionally vibrant and visual in full daylight
- Very easy working expertise with improbable gimbals and excellent efficiency
- It’s made for the longer term
❌ Cons
- It’s very costly for non-professionals
- It’s a heavy controller, not ideally suited for backpacking and light-weight journey
3. DJI RC-N1 (RC231, mode 2)
DJI RC-N1 (RC231, mode 2)
RotorLogic DJI Mini 2 Distant Controller Use for DJI Mavic 3, Mini 2, Air 2S Drone (Consists of 2 Management Sticks. Exclude Retail Field and RC Cables).
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05/31/2023 01:16 am GMT
The DJI RC-N1 (RC231 mannequin, mode 2) is the newest commonplace controller used amongst most DJI drones with in depth compatibility.
It’s the one to decide on for those who’re searching for a funds controller to your appropriate DJI drone or in case your unique DJI RC-N1 dies.
This RC normally comes with a DJI drone while you purchase one, however it’s a difficult product to purchase individually, even from the official DJI web site.
| Weight | Approx. 390 grams and not using a cell machine |
| Measurement | 150x100x35mm folded |
| Battery life | 4 hours when charging a cell machine or 6 hours when not charging |
| Transmission Vary | 7.5 miles (12km), nevertheless it will depend on the drone |
| Does it additionally obtain video? | Sure, on the cell machine related |
| Have an included display? | No |
| Compatibility | The DJI RC-N1 is extensively appropriate with numerous DJI drones resembling Mini 2, Mini 2 SE, Mini 3, Mini 3 Professional, Mavic Air 2, Mavic Air 2S, Mavic 3 (plus Cine and Traditional), and Mavic 3 Professional (plus Cine) |
✅ Professionals
- It’s an inexpensive little controller with easy efficiency
- Glorious transmission vary
- Broad compatibility with DJI drones
- Light-weight and transportable
- You may join an iPad or Android pill as an alternative of a telephone, providing you with an unlimited display benefit
❌ Cons
- It’s laborious to search out it individually
- It doesn’t have an included display
- The construct high quality, transmission vary, and extra features can’t examine with DJI RC or RC Professional
Over time, there have been a number of variations with completely different compatibilities of the DJI RC-N1. Nonetheless, general, it’s the identical controller as a few years in the past—good, sturdy sign and with no points.
It’s uncommon for the RC-N1 to go mistaken or break, however for those who want a brand new controller, you’ll have issue discovering this one exterior of a drone pack.
With some creativity, you are able to do one thing with this controller you can not with others. As an example, whereas I used to be flying my Mavic Air, I usually related my iPad to the RC to fly and see it on an even bigger display.
It’s doable so that you can do this, whereas, with the DJI RC or RC Professional, you’ll need to look into HDMI output displays as an alternative.
» MORE: DJI RC vs. DJI RC-N1
Greatest FPV drone controllers
FPV distant controllers are a number of and distinct from commonplace controllers as they can’t obtain video feeds, have completely different transmitter protocols, haven’t any throttle spring rigidity, and have quite a few customized buttons for different FPV features and instructions.
Listed below are a few of the greatest controllers in FPV.
1. DJI FPV Distant Controller 2
| Weight | 346 grams |
| Measurement | 190×140×51 mm |
| Battery life | As much as 9 hours |
| Transmission Vary | Max 6.2 miles or 10 km |
| Does it additionally obtain video? | No |
| Have an included display? | No |
| Compatibility | DJI FPV Drone, DJI Avata, DJI FPV Goggles V2, DJI Goggles 2, Integra |
✅ Professionals
- It has very easy and delicate joysticks for correct FPV flights
- It’s easy, compact, and environment friendly
- Good transmission sign
- Light-weight and transportable
- A wonderful controller to coach in FPV simulators
- It’s reasonably priced
❌ Cons
- Slender compatibility vary
- Doesn’t work with non-DJI drones
Strictly for DJI FPV and Avata (and appropriate headsets), the DJI FPV Distant Controller 2 is the one that you must fly these drones, however it is usually a wonderful cheap selection to coach in simulators with this RC.
Though I personally personal a couple of FPV distant controllers, I all the time prepare in Liftoff with the DJI FPV Distant Controller 2, which works seamlessly.
2. Radiomaster TX16S Mark II
Radiomaster TX16S Mark II
MAX Version 2.4GHz 16 Channel EdgeTX OpenTX Radio Transmitter Leather-based Grips CNC Completed Elements Mode 2 (Carbon Pink, 4-in-1 w/Corridor V4.0).
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05/31/2023 01:21 am GMT
| Weight | 750 grams with out batteries |
| Measurement | 287x183x129 mm |
| Battery life | Is dependent upon the protocol you employ, transmitting energy, and so on. |
| Does it additionally obtain video? | No |
| Have an included display? | Sure, to show information and settings |
| Compatibility | Helps over 40 protocols |
✅ Professionals
- It is likely one of the best-known FPV radios of all time
- It has a easy end and is a sturdy controller
- Has a 4.3 IPS shade show (for menu, settings, and configurations, to not obtain reside pictures)
- Exterior module bay
- 4 in 1 multi-protocol module
- Can help over 40 completely different protocols which will cowl compatibility with nearly any FPV drone (typically an exterior module could also be wanted)
- As much as 16 channels
- Very easy and high quality gimbals (which will also be upgraded)
- It’s appropriate not solely with FPV drones however with different plane, RC boats, automobiles, and so on. (relying on the protocol)
❌ Cons
The Radiomaster TX16S is likely one of the most used distant controllers for FPV drones that helps all kinds of protocols and may also set up extra into the exterior module, together with Crossfire, ELRS, and so on.
This distant controller can also be one of the vital beneficial and greatest you will get for the value if you wish to fly FPV drones.
It comes with the EdgeTX working system however will be put in with OpenTX.
3. DJI Movement Controller for FPV
DJI FPV Movement Controller
Overview: Expertise immersive flight like by no means earlier than with the DJI Movement Controller, which permits the plane to maneuver based mostly in your pure hand motions.
What You Get: DJI Movement Controller × 1, Lanyard × 1
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05/30/2023 11:09 am GMT
| Weight | 167 grams |
| Battery life | 5 hours |
| Transmission Vary | As much as 6.2 miles (10 km) |
| Transmission Frequency | 2.4Ghz and 5.8Ghz spectrum |
| Compatibility | DJI Avata, DJI FPV Drone, DJI Goggles 2, DJI FPV Goggles v2, Integra |
✅ Professionals
- An revolutionary new approach to management a drone
- It’s a really beginner-friendly technique of flying drones
- It supplies a improbable expertise to fly a drone with movement controllers
- All of the drone controls are at your fingertips
❌ Cons
- This model is appropriate with solely DJI Avata and the DJI FPV drone
- You’ve got restricted potential to manage an FPV drone
- The transmission vary is way lower than that of a distant controller
For a lot of inexperienced persons and other people searching for other ways to fly these two drones, the FPV Movement Controller is a improbable technique to do it.
Yet one more movement controller, the DJI RC Movement 2, can also be appropriate with a couple of different DJI drones. Nonetheless, many pilots complained about its points, so we suggest solely the usual FPV movement controller.
When you’re used to flying drones with gimbal controllers, it will likely be unusual so that you can seize the Movement Controller and instantly fly the drone with it.
Though not difficult, you need to do it in an open area for the primary time for security causes.
Are there different methods to manage a drone and not using a controller?
Not likely.
Though drone controllers come in numerous varieties, utilizing your cell phone’s contact display is the one means you may management a drone and not using a controller.
However this can apply to just a few low cost drones with minimal transmission vary, that are difficult to manage from a touchscreen telephone.
Are distant controllers interchangeable?
Sure, several types of distant controllers can be utilized with completely different drones so long as they’re appropriate with one another.
As an example, let’s take the DJI Mini 3 Professional, which can be utilized with DJI RC-N1 and the DJI RC.
Or let’s say that Protek 25 is appropriate with the RadioMaster TX16S by way of the D8 protocol. That drone will be certain with any controllers supporting that protocol.
If we don’t like D8, we will swap the module to Crossfire, which shall be appropriate with any modules on appropriate distant controllers.
The concept is that the distant controller has to match the protocol of the drone radio receiver, after which they will bind collectively.
Do FPV distant controllers work with commonplace drones?
FPV distant controllers can’t bind to plain drones as a result of these drones additionally transmit video feeds, and FPV RC can’t obtain video feeds via the goggles.
And sure, the protocols are completely completely different.
However an skilled might be able to add a customized receiver to a typical drone and bind it with an FPV distant controller.
Nonetheless, chances are you’ll run into points in these situations and never obtain a video feed on the identical controller.
Do commonplace distant controllers work with FPV drones?
Identical as talked about above, the usual distant controllers can’t work with FPV drones.
That’s as a result of, on prime of various radio protocols, the usual distant controllers have spring rigidity on the throttle gear, which should be eliminated to fly an FPV drone.
What else must you take into accout when selecting a drone controller?
- FPV controllers will differ from commonplace controllers with further switches and buttons, and the throttle spring may have zero rigidity.
As an example, a typical drone controller’s throttle gear will all the time come centered, whereas an FPV drone controller all the time requires handbook enter to the throttle.
- Normal drone controllers, as talked about earlier than, have the flexibility additionally to obtain video feeds and shows on a cell or RC display, whereas the FPV radio controllers can be utilized ONLY for transmitting enter information.
- Typically, commonplace drone controllers perform on both a 2.4 or 5.8Ghz spectrum, the place FPV radios will function on particular radio bandwidth, relying on the protocol and module.
