DJI RC-N2 Overview (Every little thing 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 have the ability to fly our drones, proper? And but, producers construct these radio transmitters with totally different drone compatibilities.

Nonetheless, for DJI, it takes years till a brand new controller is developed, they usually don’t do it until they’ve a cause, 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 suitable with this know-how, such because the DJI RC 2 and the one we’re reviewing at this time, 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 things 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 suitable with a handful of drones, from the DJI Mini 2 to the Mavic 3 Professional (OcuSync 2.0 to three+). 

Principally, nearly 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 stay 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 related to the telephone. This cable could possibly be lightning (iPhones), USB-C (Androids or the newest iPhone), or Micro USB.

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

DJI saved the earlier design. In actual fact, 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 allow you to 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 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 indicators from the pilot’s enter and receives video feeds and information displayed on the telephone’s display through the DJI Fly App.

Much less clever controllers, equivalent to those for FPV drones, solely transmit information and by no means obtain a stay 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 do not forget that this can be a sensible 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 be able to set up on the telephone)
• Easy joysticks, feels premium 

❌ Cons

• Doesn’t have an integrated display
• Nonetheless no zoom wheel
• Related design to the primary model

Observe: The licensed code mannequin for this DJI RC-N2 is RC151

» MORE: DJI Transmission System (Every little thing You Must Know)

Fast Verdict

In the event 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 selection when on the lookout for 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, 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. Possibly the higher one was the DJI RC Professional, but it surely 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. Not less than, I don’t really feel any.

In the event you can seize it, take it – however bear in mind that until you may have a suitable drone, you’ll don’t have 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 doable that it’d develop into cross-compatible with the OcuSync 3.0 or earlier drones sooner or later, however we are able to’t predict this. Since its launch, the RC-N1 has develop into suitable with three OcuSync variations.

Possibly the DJI RC-N2 will probably 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 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 wish to spend extra cash for the DJI RC 2 (with display).

The identical is true for rookies, and even when you’re knowledgeable drone photographer or industrial 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 may join nearly something to it – so, whether or not it’s an iPhone to have the stay view or a professional-grade industrial pill, you received’t be restricted to a single integrated display. 

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

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

» 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 made out 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 suppose there was something to enhance, though some pilots might have totally different opinions.

The controller suits 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.

In the event you’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 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 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 & Measurement

The controller has an analogous weight because the earlier one and is round 375 grams. Curiously, if we evaluate it with the DJI Mini 4 Professional, it’s 50% heavier than the drone.

However that’s not a difficulty, as your fingers 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 sort of controller. 

It’s neither cumbersome nor heavy, so it’s very best for transportation and carrying round in a backpack once you journey with a drone. It doesn’t occupy a lot house and might be positioned nearly wherever.

Additionally, the sticks might be eliminated and might even get replaced with third social gathering ones when you’re on the lookout 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 might be purchased as a standalone controller from DJI, Amazon, and different third-party marketplaces, you received’t have the ability to get your fingers on a DJI RC-N2 until it’s offered second-hand by somebody who has had any of those drones earlier than.

Not less than not for now.

Subsequently, it will likely be troublesome to focus on a worth, but it surely shouldn’t be too far out as in comparison with the primary model, the N1, which might 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 international locations the place these aforementioned drones are launched, which is kind of at a worldwide degree with only a few exceptions.

» MORE: Finest Drone Controllers

Drones suitable 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 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 rationale these new controllers have been launched.

Figuring out 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 probably be totally suitable.

Nonetheless, right now, 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 Alternative)

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 need to 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 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 will depend on the working climate (temperature), interferences, the machine’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 can we do it, and what charger will you want?

If you get your drone and maybe sooner or later when this controller will probably 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 may also examine the RC-N2 battery by single urgent the ability 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’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 stay picture and decrease latency.

The DJI RC-N2 is extraordinary at carrying out 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). 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 totally different gadgets 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 need to consider interference that may have an effect on a drone’s flight distance.

Subsequently, even minimizing the flight distance as a result 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 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 energetic with the RC-N2 solely in Europe right now. We’ve got but to verify this.

This brings much more transmission energy, a steady 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, when you managed to get your RC-N2 both secondhand, a brand new one on 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 if in case you have the Mini 4 Professional and Air 3. 

Nicely, 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 ability 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 wish 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 needs to be linked along with your new drone.

Observe: 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 Footage & Video)

DJI RC-N2 equipment

Due to the similarities between the DJI RC-N1 and RC-N2, count on that many equipment beforehand suitable with the N1 can 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 look forward to 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 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 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 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 gadgets 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 on.

It takes no house, is affordable, 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 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 technique on my joysticks. For that reason, the sticks need to be longer than typical for a whole pinch seize. 

However, I received used to flying an ordinary drone this manner as nicely. From extra stick motion to higher accuracy, longer sticks can generally discover their approach onto our controllers.

And don’t get me incorrect, 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 may make a distinction on 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 (not less than no as for now), we’ve to have a look at it from one other perspective. 

You could wish 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 once you purchase this new drone equipment.

Nonetheless, the true 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 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 approach 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 direction of the DJI RC 2 only for simplicity.

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