DJI RC-N2 Assessment (The whole lot You Must Know)

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, they usually don’t do it except they’ve a purpose, resembling a technological development or a brand new kind 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 know-how, 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 thing there’s to learn about this new DJI controller, the DJI RC-N2.

DJI RC-N2: What we learn 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+). 

Principally, virtually all non-FPV client DJI drones launched previously 4 years had been appropriate with the RC-N1. 

However not anymore. 

The DJI RC-N2 is a straightforward, slick controller. To obtain a dwell 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 telephone. This cable could possibly be lightning (iPhones), USB-C (Androids or the newest iPhone), or Micro USB.

Totally different tablets will be hooked up to the identical new RC-N2 controller, however further equipment are wanted to mount them. 

DJI stored the earlier design. The truth is, 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 just a few distinctive markings that’ll provide help 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 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 in addition 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 telephone’s display screen by way of the DJI Fly App.

Much less clever controllers, resembling those for FPV drones, solely transmit knowledge and by no means obtain a dwell picture, which as a substitute goes to the goggles or an FPV monitor. 

Now, we’ve 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 sensible and superior function present in controllers these days.

✅ Execs

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

❌ Cons

• Doesn’t have an included 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 (The whole lot You Must Know)

Fast Verdict

Should you’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 on the lookout for alternate options if we don’t prefer it to fly a appropriate drone. The one various is the DJI RC 2, the controller with a display screen, the successor of the DJI RC.

No different controllers are at present appropriate 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 excellent. The N1 was a particular success in offering the last word expertise of controlling so many appropriate drones. Perhaps 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 glorious vary, could be very responsive, feels good in hand, and combats interference higher than earlier than.

Furthermore, the battery is unending, and thus far, 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.

Should you can seize it, take it – however remember that except you’ve a appropriate drone, you’ll haven’t any use for the controller.

Whether or not you prefer it or not, we are going to most likely 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 attainable that it’d change 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 change into appropriate with three OcuSync variations.

Perhaps the DJI RC-N2 will likely 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 inexperienced persons to professionals, the DJI RC-N2 will match all palms.

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 except you need to spend extra cash for the DJI RC 2 (with display screen).

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 really 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 dwell view or a professional-grade business pill, you received’t be restricted to a single included display screen. 

Do you are feeling like sharing the display screen with a TV or going dwell on YouTube? That’s your telephone doing it, not the controller, so that you’re not restricted.

So sure, this controller will match most palms and is really helpful for anybody avoiding getting a DJI RC 2 whereas having drones with the OcuSync 4 know-how.

» 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 produced from any low cost plastics or low-quality parts.

We guess that DJI stored 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 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.

Should you’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 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 just a few 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 Must Know)

Weight & Dimension

The controller has an analogous 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 palms received’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 kind of controller. 

It’s neither cumbersome nor heavy, so it’s splendid for transportation and carrying round in a backpack whenever you journey with a drone. It doesn’t occupy a lot area and will be positioned virtually wherever.

Additionally, the sticks will be eliminated and might even get replaced with third occasion ones if you happen to’re on the lookout for one thing completely different.

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

Worth & 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 will be purchased as a standalone controller from DJI, Amazon, and different third-party marketplaces, you received’t be capable of get your palms on a DJI RC-N2 except 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, will probably be troublesome to focus on a worth, nevertheless it shouldn’t be too far out as in comparison with the primary model, the N1, which will be purchased for a bit over $100.

The controller additionally must 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 world degree with only a few exceptions.

» MORE: Greatest Drone Controllers

Drones appropriate with DJI RC-N2

We most likely 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 explanation these new controllers have been launched.

Realizing the historical past with DJI, it’s seemingly 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 will likely be totally appropriate.

Nonetheless, right now, there isn’t 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 need to use it constantly 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 just like the earlier controller model, so we see no modifications right here.

In fact, as with all lithium battery, the size of the controller battery will depend on 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 is not any completely 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 will likely be accessible on the market individually, you need to obtain an extra USB-A to USB-C cable, which is the information 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 can too test the RC-N2 battery by single urgent the facility button.

Notice: The controller doesn’t should be powered on to cost. You can too 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 conducting this. Simply the truth that the outdated 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 approach 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). 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 most likely can by no means fly these drones that far – not solely is it completely unlawful to fly out of the road of sight, however the batteries received’t final that lengthy.

We additionally should 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 lots 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 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 attainable for this spectrum to be energetic with the RC-N2 solely in Europe right now. We now have 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 drastically 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, if you happen to managed to get your RC-N2 both secondhand, a brand new one on your drone, or a brand new drone, however you stored 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. 

Properly, how do you hyperlink it? 

Principally, 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 need to 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.
4. After deciding on, 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 must 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 Footage & Video)

DJI RC-N2 equipment

Due to the similarities between the DJI RC-N1 and RC-N2, count on that many equipment beforehand appropriate with the N1 may even 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 Greatest Drone Equipment (I Can’t Dwell With out)

Pill Holder Mount

The very first thing I at all times deal with 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 large screens, and flying a drone with this immersive expertise is game-changing, not just for seeing extra particulars on the display screen but in addition for a charming flight to benefit from the course of as a lot as I can.

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 secure, 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 simplest ways to maintain your controller secure 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

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 technique on my joysticks. Because of this, the sticks should be longer than ordinary for an entire pinch seize. 

Nonetheless, I obtained used to flying a regular drone this fashion as effectively. From extra stick motion to higher accuracy, longer sticks can generally discover their approach onto our controllers.

And don’t get me fallacious, I lose controller sticks on a regular basis. It’s at all times higher to have some spare; I at all times 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 on 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 (not less than no as for now), we’ve 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 whenever 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 provides you better 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 screen measurement approach above what the RC 2 can supply.

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 direction of the DJI RC 2 only for simplicity.

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