DJI RC-N2 Assessment (Every part 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 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 motive, akin 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 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 totally different from the earlier model, DJI RC-N1? 

Let’s take a dive collectively and discover out the whole lot 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 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, nearly all non-FPV client DJI drones launched previously 4 years have been appropriate with the RC-N1. 

However not anymore. 

The DJI RC-N2 is an easy, slick controller. To obtain a reside feed from a drone, it’s important 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 linked to the cellphone. This cable could possibly be lightning (iPhones), USB-C (Androids or the newest iPhone), or Micro USB.

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

DJI stored the earlier design. In reality, they haven’t modified it in any respect, which makes it a bit complicated when you have each controllers – which one is the DJI RC-N1 and which is the N2?

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

For now, the primary motive you would want this new controller is to make it appropriate with the newest video transmission system in DJI drones, the DJI O4.

Now, one other vital 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 indicators from the pilot’s enter and receives video feeds and information displayed on the cellphone’s display screen by way of the DJI Fly App.

Much less clever controllers, akin to those for FPV drones, solely transmit information and by no means obtain a reside picture, which as an alternative goes to the goggles or an FPV monitor. 

Now, we now have used DJI drones and have these controllers to ship/obtain information and pictures, however let’s take a step again and keep in mind that it is a sensible and superior function present in controllers these days.

✅ Professionals

• 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 screen
• Nonetheless no zoom wheel
• Related design to the primary model

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

» MORE: DJI Transmission System (Every part 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 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 screen, the successor of the DJI RC.

No different controllers are presently 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 great. The N1 was a particular success in offering the final word expertise of controlling so many appropriate drones. Perhaps the higher one was the DJI RC Professional, but it surely had restricted compatibility.

Now, with the RC-N2, we now have 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 endless, and to date, 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 remember that until you’ve gotten a appropriate drone, you’ll don’t have any use for the controller.

Whether or not you prefer it or not, we are going to 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 would 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 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 newcomers to professionals, the DJI RC-N2 will match all fingers.

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 more money for the DJI RC 2 (with display screen).

The identical is true for newcomers, and even for those who’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 like in regards to the RC-N2, the identical as with the N1: You’ll be able to join nearly something to it – so, whether or not it’s an iPhone to have the reside view or a professional-grade industrial pill, you received’t be restricted to a single integrated display screen. 

Do you are feeling like sharing the display screen 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 really helpful for anybody avoiding getting a DJI RC 2 whereas having drones with the OcuSync 4 know-how.

» 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 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 parts.

We guess that DJI stored 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 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.

In the event 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 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.

In fact, there are a couple 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 & Dimension

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

However that’s not a problem, 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 superb for transportation and carrying round in a backpack while you journey with a drone. It doesn’t occupy a lot area and might be positioned nearly wherever.

Additionally, the sticks might be eliminated and might even get replaced with third celebration ones for those who’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 might be purchased as a standalone controller from DJI, Amazon, and different third-party marketplaces, you received’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.

Subsequently, it will likely be tough 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 ought 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 world degree 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 absolutely 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 doubtless 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 absolutely appropriate.

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 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 constantly 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 depends upon the working climate (temperature), interferences, the system’s charging, and the drone’s distance.

» MORE: DJI Avata Controller Choices

The 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?

Once you get your drone and maybe sooner or later when this controller will likely be accessible on the market individually, you need to obtain a further 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 even verify the RC-N2 battery by single urgent the ability button.

Be aware: The controller doesn’t should be powered on to cost. You can even 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 motive 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 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 manner 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). 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 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 totally 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.

Subsequently, even minimizing the flight distance as a result of interference and battery life, these two drones with the DJI RC-N2 can fly so much 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 energetic with the RC-N2 solely in Europe right now. 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 drastically 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, for those who managed to get your RC-N2 both secondhand, a brand new one to 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, possibly you don’t wish to carry two RC-N2 controllers when you have the Mini 4 Professional and Air 3. 

Effectively, 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 following 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 ought to be linked together with your new drone.

Be aware: 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 appropriate 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 verify with the sellers or producers or anticipate an replace of the product to confirm its compatibility.

So right here’s what we advocate to get for this controller. 

» MORE: 27 Finest Drone Equipment (I Can’t Reside 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 prefer to stare at my iPhone display screen 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 screen but additionally 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 prefer to maintain 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 simplest ways to maintain your controller protected throughout transportation, in case of influence, 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. For that reason, the sticks should be longer than typical for an entire pinch seize. 

Nonetheless, I received used to flying a normal drone this fashion as properly. From extra stick motion to higher accuracy, longer sticks can typically discover their manner onto our controllers.

And don’t get me mistaken, 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 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 can 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 (not less than no as for now), we now have to have a look at it from one other perspective. 

It’s possible you’ll wish to purchase an RC-N2 if you have already got a Mini 4 Professional or Air 3 drone and not using a distant controller or just get pleasure from its perks while you purchase this new drone equipment.

Nonetheless, the actual query can be if that is price utilizing as an alternative of the DJI RC 2. In that case, all of it relies upon. 

It offers you higher flexibility, is cheaper, is healthier 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 manner above what the RC 2 can supply.

Personally, I prefer 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)