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 cause, corresponding to a technological development or a brand new sort of drone that requires new controllers (e.g., FPV).
Final 12 months, 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 right this moment, 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 part there may be 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, virtually all non-FPV shopper DJI drones launched prior to now 4 years had been suitable with the RC-N1.
However not anymore.
The DJI RC-N2 is a straightforward, slick controller. To obtain a reside feed from a drone, it’s a must 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 most recent iPhone), or Micro USB.
Totally different tablets may be hooked up to the identical new RC-N2 controller, however further equipment are wanted to mount them.
DJI saved the earlier design. In truth, they haven’t modified it in any respect, which makes it a bit complicated if in case you have each controllers – which one is the DJI RC-N1 and which is the N2?
There are a number of distinctive markings that’ll aid you acknowledge it, although. We’ll get into that later.
For now, the primary cause you would want this new controller is to make it suitable with the most recent video transmission system in DJI drones, the DJI O4.
Now, one other necessary factor we now have 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 knowledge displayed on the cellphone’s display through the DJI Fly App.
Much less clever controllers, corresponding to those for FPV drones, solely transmit knowledge and by no means obtain a reside picture, which as a substitute goes to the goggles or an FPV monitor.
Now, we now have used DJI drones and have these controllers to ship/obtain knowledge and pictures, however let’s take a step again and keep in mind that it is a good and superior characteristic present in controllers these days.
✅ Execs
- The controller is light-weight and moveable
- Sturdy, feels sturdy in hand
- Wonderful and improved transmission vary over the earlier model
- Lengthy battery life
- Appropriate with third social gathering apps (Which you’ll set up on the cellphone)
- Easy joysticks, feels premium
❌ Cons
- Doesn’t have an included display
- Nonetheless no zoom wheel
- Comparable design to the primary model
Observe: The licensed code mannequin for this DJI RC-N2 is RC151
» MORE: DJI Transmission System (The whole lot You Have to Know)
Fast Verdict
If you happen to’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 searching for options if we don’t prefer it to fly a suitable drone. The one various is the DJI RC 2, the controller with a display, the successor of the DJI RC.
No different controllers are presently suitable with drones with the OcuSync 4 transmission system.
So we just about don’t have many decisions right here.
However right here’s the factor. The controller is great. The N1 was a particular success in offering the last word expertise of controlling so many suitable drones. Perhaps the higher one was the DJI RC Professional, however it had restricted compatibility.
Now, with the RC-N2, we now have higher success. The controller has wonderful vary, may be very responsive, feels good in hand, and combats interference higher than earlier than.
Furthermore, the battery is endless, and thus far, 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. Not less than, I don’t really feel any.
If you happen to can seize it, take it – however bear in mind that until you could have a suitable drone, you’ll haven’t any use for the controller.
Whether or not you prefer it or not, we’ll 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 turn into 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 turn into suitable with three OcuSync variations.
Perhaps the DJI RC-N2 shall 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 inexperienced persons to professionals, the DJI RC-N2 will match all fingers.
If you’re 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).
The identical is true for inexperienced persons, and even if you happen to’re an expert 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 concerning the RC-N2, the identical as with the N1: You possibly can join virtually something to it – so, whether or not it’s an iPhone to have the reside view or a professional-grade business pill, you gained’t be restricted to a single included display.
Do you are feeling like sharing the display with a TV or going reside on YouTube? That’s your cellphone doing it, not the controller, so that you’re not restricted.
So sure, this controller will match most fingers and is advisable for anybody avoiding getting a DJI RC 2 whereas having drones with the OcuSync 4 expertise.
» MORE: The way 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 constructed from any low-cost plastics or low-quality elements.
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 could have completely different opinions.
The controller suits effectively 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.
If you happen to’re seeking 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 a substitute.
- The RC-N2 RTH Button has the H letter with the touchdown signal above as a substitute of a 3D illustration of a touchdown pad, and the “pause/hover” button is extra orangey.
In fact, there are a number of different minor particulars, however that’s what I’m searching for in order to not be confused with the earlier model.
» MORE: DJI RC vs DJI RC-N1 (All You Have to Know)
Weight & Measurement
The controller has an identical weight because the earlier one and is round 375 grams. Curiously, if we examine it with the DJI Mini 4 Professional, it’s 50% heavier than the drone.
However that’s not a difficulty, as your fingers 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 if you journey with a drone. It doesn’t occupy a lot area and may be positioned virtually anyplace.
Additionally, the sticks may be eliminated and might even get replaced with third social gathering ones if you happen to’re searching for one thing completely different.
» MORE: DJI Mini 2 SE Controller (All You Have to Know)
Worth & 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 fingers on a DJI RC-N2 until it’s bought second-hand by somebody who has had any of those drones earlier than.
Not less than not for now.
Due to this fact, it will likely be troublesome to focus on a worth, however 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 must be obtainable to amass with the Mini 4 Professional and Air 3 in nations the place these aforementioned drones are launched, which is kind of at a worldwide stage with only a few exceptions.
» MORE: Greatest Drone Controllers
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 totally 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 shall be totally suitable.
Nonetheless, right now, 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 Selection)
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.
In fact, as with every 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
The way 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?
Whenever you get your drone and maybe sooner or later when this controller shall be obtainable on the market individually, you must obtain a further 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 also examine the RC-N2 battery by single urgent the facility button.
Observe: The controller doesn’t need to be powered on to cost. You may also 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 cause we now have 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 reside picture and decrease latency.
The DJI RC-N2 is extraordinary at engaging in this. Simply the truth that the outdated model, DJI RC-N1, which had the OcuSync 2.0 and was capable of fly drones miles and miles away with out points, will put this new controller means forward of its time.
The precise transmission vary of the controller can’t be altogether identified. It’s calculated solely along with the kind of drone linked and its present transmission system.
Right here, we now have the DJI Mini 4 Professional and Air 3 drones (OcuSync 4). Due to this fact, 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 fully unlawful to fly out of the road of sight, however the batteries gained’t final that lengthy.
We additionally need to take into accounts interference that may have an effect on a drone’s flight distance.
Due to this fact, even minimizing the flight distance as a consequence of interference and battery life, these two drones with the DJI RC-N2 can fly lots farther than most drones can and positively 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 aspect, 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 nations 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 right now. We’ve 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 total in all territories and is tremendously influenced by the drone to which this distant controller is linked.
» MORE: Lengthy Vary Drones: Final Information
The way to pair DJI RC-N2 to a DJI drone
So, if you happen to managed to get your RC-N2 both secondhand, a brand new one in 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, perhaps you don’t need to carry two RC-N2 controllers if in case you 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 deciding on, 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 must be linked together with your new drone.
Observe: Bear in mind to take away the gimbal cowl earlier than turning on the drone
» MORE: The way to Pair the DJI Mini 4 Professional (With Footage & 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 will even 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 watch for an replace of the product to confirm its compatibility.
So right here’s what we suggest to get for this controller.
» MORE: 27 Greatest Drone Equipment (I Can’t Dwell 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 when flying my drones. I like massive screens, and flying a drone with this immersive expertise is game-changing, not just for seeing extra particulars on the display 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 hold my stuff secure, so sure, I do have a number of silicon covers for a few of my distant controllers, covers for iPhone, iPad, and many others.
It takes no area, is affordable, and is the easiest way to maintain your controller secure throughout transportation, in case of impression, and to keep away from scratching it.
Right here is one thing just like what I exploit.
Prolonged Management Sticks
Perhaps 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 need to be longer than common for an entire pinch seize.
However, I bought used to flying a normal drone this manner as effectively. From extra stick motion to higher accuracy, longer sticks can typically discover their means onto our controllers.
And don’t get me flawed, 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 value 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 in 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 (a minimum of no as for now), we now have to have a look at it from one other perspective.
Chances are you’ll 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 take pleasure in its perks if you purchase this new drone equipment.
Nonetheless, the true query can be if that is value utilizing as a substitute of the DJI RC 2. In that case, all of it relies upon.
It offers you larger flexibility, is cheaper, is healthier 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 measurement means 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.
