DJI RC-N2 Evaluate (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.

DJI RC-N2 Evaluate (Every little thing You Must Know)DJI RC-N2 Review (Everything You Need to Know)
Picture credit score: Dan Bayne

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 except they’ve a motive, similar 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 in the present day, 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 every little thing there may be to find out about this new DJI controller, the DJI RC-N2.

DJI RC-N2: What we find out about it

Picture credit score: Dan Bayne

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 previously 4 years had been suitable 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 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 newest iPhone), or Micro USB.

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

DJI saved 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 allow you to acknowledge it, although. We’ll get into that later.

For now, the principle motive 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 vital factor we’ve got 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, similar to 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 got used DJI drones and have these controllers to ship/obtain knowledge and pictures, however let’s take a step again and do not forget that this can be a good and superior characteristic present in controllers these days.

✅ Execs

  • The controller is light-weight and moveable
  • Sturdy, feels sturdy in hand
  • Glorious 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 cellphone)
  • Easy joysticks, feels premium 

❌ Cons

  • Doesn’t have an included 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

Picture credit score: Dan Bayne

When 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 searching for alternate 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, however it had restricted compatibility.

Now, with the RC-N2, we’ve got 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 this point, 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. At the very least, I don’t really feel any.

When you can seize it, take it – however bear in mind that except 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 attainable that it would develop 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 develop into suitable with three OcuSync variations.

Possibly the DJI RC-N2 might 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?

Picture credit score: Dan Bayne

From newbies to professionals, the DJI RC-N2 will match all palms.

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

The identical is true for newbies, and even in the event you’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 nearly something to it – so, whether or not it’s an iPhone to have the dwell view or a professional-grade business pill, you gained’t be restricted to a single included display. 

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

So sure, this controller will match most palms and is beneficial 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

Picture credit score: Dan Bayne

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 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 might have totally different opinions.

The controller matches 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.

When 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 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 just a few 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

Picture credit score: Dan Bayne

The controller has an identical 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 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 superb for transportation and carrying round in a backpack if you journey with a drone. It doesn’t occupy a lot area and could be positioned nearly anyplace.

Additionally, the sticks could be eliminated and may even get replaced with third occasion ones in the event you’re searching for one thing totally different.

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

Value & Availability

Picture credit score: Dan Bayne

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 could be purchased as a standalone controller from DJI, Amazon, and different third-party marketplaces, you gained’t be capable to get your palms on a DJI RC-N2 except it’s offered second-hand by somebody who has had any of those drones earlier than.

At the very least not for now.

Subsequently, it is going to be troublesome to spotlight a value, however it shouldn’t be too far out as in comparison with the primary model, the N1, which could be purchased for a bit over $100.

The controller additionally needs to 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 most likely gave you a glimpse earlier than, however on the time of writing this text, solely two drones are absolutely 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.

Figuring out the historical past with DJI, it’s possible 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 might be absolutely suitable.

Nevertheless, presently, 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?

Picture credit score: Dan Bayne

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 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 adjustments right here.

After all, as with all lithium battery, the size of the controller battery depends upon 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

Picture credit score: Dan Bayne

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 might be obtainable on the market individually, it is best to 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 may as well test the RC-N2 battery by single urgent the ability button.

Observe: The controller doesn’t need to be powered on to cost. You may as well 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

Picture credit score: Dan Bayne

The principle motive we’ve got 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 undertaking 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 recognized. It’s calculated solely along with the kind of drone linked and its present transmission system. 

Right here, we’ve got 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 totally unlawful to fly out of the road of sight, however the batteries gained’t final that lengthy.

We additionally need to think about interference that may have an effect on a drone’s flight distance.

Subsequently, even minimizing the flight distance because 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 attainable for this spectrum to be lively with the RC-N2 solely in Europe presently. 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 general 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

Picture credit score: Dan Bayne

So, in the event you 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 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 brief urgent then lengthy urgent the ability button.
  3. Enter the DJI Fly App. Within the decrease proper nook, it is best 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 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.

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 Photos & Video)

DJI RC-N2 equipment

Picture credit score: Dan Bayne

Due to the similarities between the DJI RC-N1 and RC-N2, anticipate that many equipment beforehand suitable 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 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 Greatest Drone Equipment (I Can’t Reside With out)

Pill Holder Mount

The very first thing I at all times 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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08/30/2024 03:48 am GMT

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 many others.

It takes no area, is affordable, and is one of the simplest 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 best way I fly FPV drones is the pinch technique on my joysticks. Because of this, the sticks need to be longer than common for an entire pinch seize. 

However, I acquired used to flying a regular drone this manner as effectively. From extra stick motion to higher accuracy, longer sticks can typically discover their manner onto our controllers.

And don’t get me improper, 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?

Picture credit score: Dan Bayne

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 (at the very least no as for now), we’ve got to have a look at it from one other perspective. 

You might 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 take pleasure in its perks if you purchase this new drone equipment.

Nevertheless, the actual query can be if that is price utilizing as a substitute of the DJI RC 2. In that case, all of it relies upon. 

It offers you better 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 dimension manner 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 the direction of the DJI RC 2 only for simplicity.

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

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