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 to fly our drones, proper? And but, producers construct these radio transmitters with totally different drone compatibilities.

Nevertheless, for DJI, it takes years till a brand new controller is developed, they usually don’t do it until they’ve a purpose, equivalent 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 appropriate with this expertise, such because the DJI RC 2 and the one we’re reviewing right now, the brand new DJI RC-N2.

What is that this controller like? How is it totally different from the earlier model, DJI RC-N1? 

Let’s take a dive collectively and discover out all the pieces 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 available on the market for a few years and is appropriate 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 client DJI drones launched prior to now 4 years have been appropriate with the RC-N1. 

However not anymore. 

The DJI RC-N2 is a straightforward, slick controller. To obtain a reside feed from a drone, you need to connect a cell phone appropriate with the DJI Fly App put in.

The identical app will talk with the controller by way of a transmission cable related to the cellphone. This cable might be lightning (iPhones), USB-C (Androids or the most recent iPhone), or Micro USB.

Completely 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. Actually, they haven’t modified it in any respect, which makes it a bit complicated when you’ve got each controllers – which one is the DJI RC-N1 and which is the N2?

There are a number of distinctive markings that’ll allow you to acknowledge it, although. We’ll get into that later.

For now, the primary purpose you would wish this new controller is to make it appropriate with the most recent video transmission system in DJI drones, the DJI O4.

Now, one other vital factor we have now 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 indicators from the pilot’s enter and receives video feeds and knowledge displayed on the cellphone’s display by way of the DJI Fly App.

Much less clever controllers, equivalent 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 have now 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 this can be a good and superior characteristic present in controllers these days.

✅ Execs

• The controller is light-weight and transportable
• Sturdy, feels sturdy in hand
• Glorious and improved transmission vary over the earlier model
• Lengthy battery life
• Appropriate with third celebration apps (Which you’ll be able to set up on the cellphone)
• Clean joysticks, feels premium 

❌ Cons

• Doesn’t have an integrated display
• Nonetheless no zoom wheel
• Comparable 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 Must 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 alternative when searching for alternate options if we don’t prefer it to fly a appropriate drone. The one different is the DJI RC 2, the controller with a display, the successor of the DJI RC.

No different controllers are at the moment appropriate 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 appropriate drones. Possibly the higher one was the DJI RC Professional, however it had restricted compatibility.

Now, with the RC-N2, we have now 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 unending, and to this point, no points have been reported. The joysticks additionally really feel premium, however I’m undecided if there’s an enchancment over the N1’s joysticks. At the very least, I don’t really feel any.

If you happen to can seize it, take it – however remember that until you’ve got a appropriate drone, you’ll don’t have 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 highway 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 appropriate with three OcuSync variations.

Possibly the DJI RC-N2 shall be appropriate 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 newbies to professionals, the DJI RC-N2 will match all arms.

In case you are new to flying drones and also you get one appropriate with the O4, this controller would be the one to search for until you wish to spend extra cash for the DJI RC 2 (with display).

The identical is true for newbies, and even if you happen to’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 really like in regards to the RC-N2, the identical as with the N1: You’ll be able to 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 integrated 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 arms and is really useful for anybody avoiding getting a DJI RC 2 whereas having drones with the OcuSync 4 expertise.

» MORE: The best way to Fly DJI Air 3 Drone (With DJI RC 2)

Construct & Design

As we beforehand talked about, the design is barely any totally 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 produced 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 suppose there was something to enhance, though some pilots could have totally different opinions.

The controller suits properly 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.

After all, 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 Must Know)

Weight & Measurement

The controller has the same 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 preferrred for transportation and carrying round in a backpack once you journey with a drone. It doesn’t occupy a lot area and may be positioned virtually wherever.

Additionally, the sticks may be eliminated and may even get replaced with third celebration ones if you happen to’re searching for one thing totally different.

» MORE: DJI Mini 2 SE Controller (All You Must Know)

Value & Availability

The DJI RC-N2 is now accessible 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 to get your arms on a DJI RC-N2 until it’s bought second-hand by somebody who has had any of those drones earlier than.

At the very least not for now.

Due to this fact, it will likely be troublesome to focus on a value, 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 needs to be accessible 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: Finest Drone Controllers

Drones appropriate 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 appropriate 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 rationale these new controllers have been launched.

Understanding the historical past with DJI, it’s probably only a matter of time earlier than extra drones with the DJI O4 will seem available on the market, and each the RC-N2 and RC 2 controllers shall be totally appropriate.

Nevertheless, at the moment, there isn’t any 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 totally 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 use it repeatedly for as much as 6 hours and, whether it is charging or offering energy to the cell phone related, for as much as 3.5-4 hours. 

This working time is much like the earlier controller model, so we see no adjustments 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

The best way to cost DJI RC-N2

To cost this controller is not any totally different from the primary model. However how will we do it, and what charger will you want?

If you get your drone and maybe sooner or later when this controller shall be accessible on the market individually, you must obtain an extra USB-A to USB-C cable, which is the info switch and charging cable.

1. Join the charging cable USB-A to a wall socket or charging port and the opposite finish USB-C to the RC-N2 controller.
2. The controller has 4 inexperienced LEDs that ought to begin blinking in sequential order.
3. When the controller is charged, disconnect the charging cable from the controller. You too can test the RC-N2 battery by single urgent the facility button.

Notice: The controller doesn’t must be powered on to cost. You too can 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 principle purpose we have now 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 conducting 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 recognized. It’s calculated solely along with the kind of drone linked and its present transmission system. 

Right here, we have now 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 totally 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 must think about interference that may have an effect on a drone’s flight distance.

Due to this fact, even minimizing the flight distance attributable to interference and battery life, these two drones with the DJI RC-N2 can fly rather a lot 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 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 at the moment. We have now but to substantiate 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 vastly influenced by the drone to which this distant controller is linked.

» MORE: Lengthy Vary Drones: Final Information

The best 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 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, perhaps you don’t wish to carry two RC-N2 controllers when you’ve got the Mini 4 Professional and Air 3. 

Nicely, how do you hyperlink it? 

Mainly, it follows the identical process as with earlier drones and distant controllers. It goes as follows:

1. Connect your cell phone to the controller with the suitable cable.
2. Energy on the distant controller by quick urgent then lengthy urgent the facility button.
3. 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 wish to hyperlink your controller with.
4. After choosing, faucet “pair.” The pairing course of will begin.
5. 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 needs to be linked together with your new drone.

Notice: Bear in mind to take away the gimbal cowl earlier than turning on the drone

» MORE: The best way 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 appropriate 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 affirm with the sellers or producers or await 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 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 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 area, is reasonable, and is one of the best ways to maintain your controller protected throughout transportation, in case of impression, and to keep away from scratching it.

Right here is one thing much like what I exploit.

Prolonged Management Sticks

Possibly it’s simply me as a result of I come from an FPV background, and the best way I fly FPV drones is the pinch methodology on my joysticks. Because of this, the sticks must be longer than traditional for a whole pinch seize. 

Nonetheless, I bought used to flying a regular drone this fashion as properly. From extra stick motion to raised accuracy, longer sticks can typically discover their means 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 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 may make a distinction to your new OcuSync 4.0 fleet with efficiency enhancements over the earlier model.

However as we can’t purchase this distant controller as new individually (a minimum of no as for now), we have now to take a look at it from one other perspective. 

Chances are you’ll wish to purchase an RC-N2 if you have already got a Mini 4 Professional or Air 3 drone with out a distant controller or just take pleasure in its perks once you purchase this new drone package.

Nevertheless, the true query could be if that is value utilizing as a substitute 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 appropriate 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 dimension 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.

» MORE: Does DJI RC Professional Work with Air 3 (Answered)