After we need to fly drones, we’d like suitable controllers to obtain a dwell picture and transmit instructions to the drone. If you happen to don’t purchase a drone as a equipment, you could look individually for drone controllers.
What are the most effective drone controllers?
One of the best drone controllers are the DJI RC, DJI RC Professional, and RC-N1 for DJI customary drones. The DJI FPV Distant Controller 2 and Radiomaster TS16x are additionally implausible drone controllers that can be utilized with flying FPV drones and the DJI FPV Movement Controller for an immersive, distinctive expertise.
On this article, I need to share with you just a few issues to recollect when shopping for a drone controller and some suggestions that will help you determine which controller it’s best to select on your drone.
How do drone controllers work?
A drone controller, distant controller, or RC, are bodily units that may make a radio or wi-fi connection to the drone on a particular frequency to assist the pilot ship enter alerts to the drone.
Customary drone controllers (non-FPV) transmit inputs to the drone AND obtain knowledge resembling a dwell picture, telemetry, and extra.
Taking a DJI controller, as an illustration, the usual DJI RC-N1, the place you’ll have to join your cellphone to the controller for the drone to fly, will let you obtain a dwell picture in your cellphone via the DJI Fly app.
The drone you’re flying has a module, on this case, a DJI O3 transmission system, that may act each as a receiver and a transmitter.
With customized FPV drones that don’t have a digital DJI video transmitter, typically, the VTX module will solely transmit video to the goggles, and the drone would require a separate radio receivers module, resembling TBS Crossfire or FrSky XM+, that may have a distinct broadcast channel and a hyperlink between the drone and the controller.
However on this case, the distant controller ought to have a suitable transmission module, and issues might get difficult right here.
What varieties of controllers exist?
Customary drone controllers: These may be from DJI, resembling DJI RC-N1, DJI RC, or DJI RC Professional, which is able to each transmit knowledge to the drone and obtain a dwell picture, and non-DJI drone controllers, which have comparable features.
FPV drone controllers: These will likely be vastly extra complicated controllers that permit for additional features and can solely transmit knowledge to the drone. The picture can’t be acquired by the controller however by the goggles.
Movement Controller: Created by DJI, these controllers use movement motion and various controls to simplify flying some suitable drones (resembling DJI Avata).
Movement Controllers will solely transmit knowledge to the drone and will not have as a lot vary as an unusual controller.
These controllers have been launched just lately and could also be international to some drone pilots, and so they require totally different expertise to study to fly than customary gimbal-based controllers.
Different RC controllers: Similar to the FPV drone controllers (and in some instances, even the FPV drone controllers can be utilized as such), they are going to permit a hyperlink to different RC units, resembling RC planes, RC vehicles, helis, and RC boats.
In lots of instances, RC automobile controllers can even differ from customary gimbal controllers.
These controllers can have a slim compatibility vary, so you could be sure that if you wish to purchase a separate controller on your drone, the controller can hyperlink to the drone.
That’s why we need to prolong this text and allow you to get hold of the proper controller on your drone.
Many controllers can be found available on the market right now, so our choice will embody solely the most effective drone controllers that will likely be suitable with acquainted drones and controllers with broad compatibilities.
» MORE: Are you able to fly DJI drones with no controller?
Finest customary drone controllers
1. DJI RC
DJI RC
Distant Controller for DJI Mini 3 Professional/DJI Mavic 3/DJI Mavic 3 Cine, Light-weight Physique, FHD Display, 4hr Battery, Precision Management Sticks, O3+ Transmission
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05/31/2023 01:09 am GMT
DJI RC is a complicated drone controller from DJI suitable with a number of DJI drones.
The controller comes with an included display screen, eradicating the necessity for pilots to attach their telephones to the controller to fly their drones.
| Weight | 390 grams |
| Measurement | 168.4×123.7×46.2 mm with out controller sticks |
| Battery life | As much as 4 hours |
| Transmission Vary | As much as 9.3 miles (15km) with DJI Mavic 3 |
| Does it additionally obtain video? | Sure |
| Have an included display screen? | Sure, 5.5 inches, Full HD decision, 60 frames per second show, multitouch, and max 700 nits |
| Compatibility | – O3 Video Transmission System, which incorporates DJI Mini 3 Professional and DJI Air 2S – O3+ Video Transmission System, which incorporates DJI Mavic 3, Mavic 3 Traditional, Mavic 3 Cine, Mavic 3 Professional, Mavic 3 Professional Cine – O2 Video Transmission System, suitable with DJI Mini 3 |
✅ Execs
- It comes with an included display screen, eradicating the necessity to use a cell phone to fly the drone
- It has a implausible transmission vary
- Extensively suitable with a number of DJI drones
- Has an ergonomic look that feels rugged and never plasticky
- Easy gimbal management
- Additional devoted buttons
- It comes with preinstalled DJI Fly app and is ready-to-use
- Requires no setup earlier than any flights
❌ Cons
- It’s barely cumbersome and heavier than some drones (resembling DJI Mini 3 Professional)
- It’s barely expensive
With the DJI RC distant controller, you merely can not go incorrect, as it’s so simple to make use of and requires no setup in any respect earlier than launching the drone.
The DJI RC can be suitable with the above-mentioned drones and could also be additional used with yet-to-be-released DJI drones that embrace the identical O3 and O3+ transmission methods.
As a drone pilot, you’ll certainly discover a major distinction and improve from the traditional DJI RC-N1 distant controller, which requires your cell phone to fly the drone.
2. DJI RC Professional
DJI RC Professional
Excessive-bright show, highly effective efficiency, environment friendly management, excellent audio, and video efficiency.
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05/31/2023 01:13 am GMT
The DJI RC Professional is the skilled model of the DJI RC, suitable with solely a handful of DJI drones however with higher transmission vary and penetration, a brighter show, and some extra distinctive perks.
| Weight | 680 grams |
| Measurement | 183×137×47 mm with antennas folded and controllers not mounted |
| Battery life | As much as 3 hours |
| Transmission Vary | 15km |
| Does it additionally obtain video? | Sure, with an O3+ video transmission system |
| Have an included display screen? | Sure, it has a 5.5-inch show at Full HD decision, 60 frames per second, and may attain 1000 nits on sunny days |
| Compatibility | The DJI RC Professional is presently suitable with DJI Mavic 3, DJI Mavic 3 Cine, DJI Mavic 3 Traditional, DJI Mavic 3 Professional, DJI Mavic 3 Professional Cine, and DJI Air 2S, however will assist extra plane sooner or later |
✅ Execs
- It’s a singular DJI controller made for professionals
- Has among the finest vary transmissions and penetration with probably the most superior receiver module
- You’ll be able to dwell stream from this controller, which is ideal for content material creators
- It has 32GB of inside storage
- Twin Band Wi-Fi 6
- Mini HDMI output which may assist show on extra screens
- Has an outside mode the place the show will likely be exceptionally vibrant and visual in full daylight
- Very easy working expertise with implausible gimbals and excellent efficiency
- It’s made for the long run
❌ Cons
- It’s very costly for non-professionals
- It’s a heavy controller, not splendid for backpacking and light-weight journey
3. DJI RC-N1 (RC231, mode 2)
DJI RC-N1 (RC231, mode 2)
RotorLogic DJI Mini 2 Distant Controller Use for DJI Mavic 3, Mini 2, Air 2S Drone (Consists of 2 Management Sticks. Exclude Retail Field and RC Cables).
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05/31/2023 01:16 am GMT
The DJI RC-N1 (RC231 mannequin, mode 2) is the newest customary controller used amongst most DJI drones with intensive compatibility.
It’s the one to decide on in case you’re on the lookout for a funds controller on your suitable DJI drone or in case your authentic DJI RC-N1 dies.
This RC often comes with a DJI drone whenever you purchase one, however it’s a tough product to purchase individually, even from the official DJI web site.
| Weight | Approx. 390 grams with no cell gadget |
| Measurement | 150x100x35mm folded |
| Battery life | 4 hours when charging a cell gadget or 6 hours when not charging |
| Transmission Vary | 7.5 miles (12km), but it surely depends upon the drone |
| Does it additionally obtain video? | Sure, on the cell gadget related |
| Have an included display screen? | No |
| Compatibility | The DJI RC-N1 is broadly suitable with plenty of DJI drones resembling Mini 2, Mini 2 SE, Mini 3, Mini 3 Professional, Mavic Air 2, Mavic Air 2S, Mavic 3 (plus Cine and Traditional), and Mavic 3 Professional (plus Cine) |
✅ Execs
- It’s an inexpensive little controller with easy efficiency
- Wonderful transmission vary
- Broad compatibility with DJI drones
- Light-weight and moveable
- You’ll be able to join an iPad or Android pill as a substitute of a cellphone, providing you with an unlimited display screen benefit
❌ Cons
- It’s arduous to search out it individually
- It doesn’t have an included display screen
- The construct high quality, transmission vary, and extra features can not examine with DJI RC or RC Professional
Through the years, there have been a number of variations with totally different compatibilities of the DJI RC-N1. Nonetheless, total, it’s the identical controller as a few years in the past—good, sturdy sign and with no points.
It’s uncommon for the RC-N1 to go incorrect or break, however in case you want a brand new controller, you should have problem discovering this one exterior of a drone pack.
With some creativity, you are able to do one thing with this controller you can not with others. As an example, whereas I used to be flying my Mavic Air, I usually related my iPad to the RC to fly and see it on an even bigger display screen.
It’s potential so that you can do this, whereas, with the DJI RC or RC Professional, you will want to look into HDMI output screens as a substitute.
» MORE: DJI RC vs. DJI RC-N1
Finest FPV drone controllers
FPV distant controllers are a number of and distinct from customary controllers as they can not obtain video feeds, have totally different transmitter protocols, haven’t any throttle spring rigidity, and have quite a few customized buttons for different FPV features and instructions.
Listed below are a few of the greatest controllers in FPV.
1. DJI FPV Distant Controller 2
| Weight | 346 grams |
| Measurement | 190×140×51 mm |
| Battery life | As much as 9 hours |
| Transmission Vary | Max 6.2 miles or 10 km |
| Does it additionally obtain video? | No |
| Have an included display screen? | No |
| Compatibility | DJI FPV Drone, DJI Avata, DJI FPV Goggles V2, DJI Goggles 2, Integra |
✅ Execs
- It has very easy and delicate joysticks for correct FPV flights
- It’s easy, compact, and environment friendly
- Good transmission sign
- Light-weight and moveable
- A wonderful controller to coach in FPV simulators
- It’s reasonably priced
❌ Cons
- Slim compatibility vary
- Doesn’t work with non-DJI drones
Strictly for DJI FPV and Avata (and suitable headsets), the DJI FPV Distant Controller 2 is the one that you must fly these drones, however additionally it is a wonderful cheap alternative to coach in simulators with this RC.
Though I personally personal just a few FPV distant controllers, I at all times prepare in Liftoff with the DJI FPV Distant Controller 2, which works seamlessly.
2. Radiomaster TX16S Mark II
Radiomaster TX16S Mark II
MAX Version 2.4GHz 16 Channel EdgeTX OpenTX Radio Transmitter Leather-based Grips CNC Completed Parts Mode 2 (Carbon Purple, 4-in-1 w/Corridor V4.0).
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05/31/2023 01:21 am GMT
| Weight | 750 grams with out batteries |
| Measurement | 287x183x129 mm |
| Battery life | Depends upon the protocol you employ, transmitting energy, and so forth. |
| Does it additionally obtain video? | No |
| Have an included display screen? | Sure, to show knowledge and settings |
| Compatibility | Helps over 40 protocols |
✅ Execs
- It is without doubt one of the best-known FPV radios of all time
- It has a easy end and is a sturdy controller
- Has a 4.3 IPS coloration show (for menu, settings, and configurations, to not obtain dwell pictures)
- Exterior module bay
- 4 in 1 multi-protocol module
- Can assist over 40 totally different protocols which will cowl compatibility with virtually any FPV drone (generally an exterior module could also be wanted)
- As much as 16 channels
- Very easy and high quality gimbals (which can be upgraded)
- It’s suitable not solely with FPV drones however with different plane, RC boats, vehicles, and so forth. (relying on the protocol)
❌ Cons
The Radiomaster TX16S is without doubt one of the most used distant controllers for FPV drones that helps all kinds of protocols and can even set up extra into the exterior module, together with Crossfire, ELRS, and so forth.
This distant controller can be some of the beneficial and greatest you may get for the worth if you wish to fly FPV drones.
It comes with the EdgeTX working system however may be put in with OpenTX.
3. DJI Movement Controller for FPV
DJI FPV Movement Controller
Overview: Expertise immersive flight like by no means earlier than with the DJI Movement Controller, which permits the plane to maneuver primarily based in your pure hand motions.
What You Get: DJI Movement Controller × 1, Lanyard × 1
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05/30/2023 11:09 am GMT
| Weight | 167 grams |
| Battery life | 5 hours |
| Transmission Vary | As much as 6.2 miles (10 km) |
| Transmission Frequency | 2.4Ghz and 5.8Ghz spectrum |
| Compatibility | DJI Avata, DJI FPV Drone, DJI Goggles 2, DJI FPV Goggles v2, Integra |
✅ Execs
- An modern new approach to management a drone
- It’s a really beginner-friendly methodology of flying drones
- It gives a implausible expertise to fly a drone with movement controllers
- All of the drone controls are at your fingertips
❌ Cons
- This model is suitable with solely DJI Avata and the DJI FPV drone
- You could have restricted potential to regulate an FPV drone
- The transmission vary is way lower than that of a distant controller
For a lot of learners and folks on the lookout for other ways to fly these two drones, the FPV Movement Controller is a implausible methodology to do it.
Yet another movement controller, the DJI RC Movement 2, can be suitable with just a few different DJI drones. Nonetheless, many pilots complained about its points, so we suggest solely the usual FPV movement controller.
If you happen to’re used to flying drones with gimbal controllers, will probably be unusual so that you can seize the Movement Controller and immediately fly the drone with it.
Though not difficult, it’s best to do it in an open house for the primary time for security causes.
Are there different methods to regulate a drone with no controller?
Not likely.
Though drone controllers come in several types, utilizing your cell phone’s contact display screen is the one approach you may management a drone with no controller.
However this may apply to only some low cost drones with minimal transmission vary, that are difficult to regulate from a touchscreen cellphone.
Are distant controllers interchangeable?
Sure, several types of distant controllers can be utilized with totally different drones so long as they’re suitable with one another.
As an example, let’s take the DJI Mini 3 Professional, which can be utilized with DJI RC-N1 and the DJI RC.
Or let’s say that Protek 25 is suitable with the RadioMaster TX16S through the D8 protocol. That drone may be sure with any controllers supporting that protocol.
If we don’t like D8, we will swap the module to Crossfire, which will likely be suitable with any modules on suitable distant controllers.
The thought is that the distant controller has to match the protocol of the drone radio receiver, after which they will bind collectively.
Do FPV distant controllers work with customary drones?
FPV distant controllers can not bind to straightforward drones as a result of these drones additionally transmit video feeds, and FPV RC can not obtain video feeds via the goggles.
And certain, the protocols are completely totally different.
However an professional could possibly add a customized receiver to a regular drone and bind it with an FPV distant controller.
Nevertheless, you could run into points in these situations and never obtain a video feed on the identical controller.
Do customary distant controllers work with FPV drones?
Identical as talked about above, the usual distant controllers can not work with FPV drones.
That’s as a result of, on prime of various radio protocols, the usual distant controllers have spring rigidity on the throttle gear, which should be eliminated to fly an FPV drone.
What else do you have to have in mind when selecting a drone controller?
- FPV controllers will differ from customary controllers with extra switches and buttons, and the throttle spring can have zero rigidity.
As an example, a regular drone controller’s throttle gear will at all times come centered, whereas an FPV drone controller at all times requires handbook enter to the throttle.
- Customary drone controllers, as talked about earlier than, have the flexibility additionally to obtain video feeds and shows on a cell or RC display screen, whereas the FPV radio controllers can be utilized ONLY for transmitting enter knowledge.
- Typically, customary drone controllers operate on both a 2.4 or 5.8Ghz spectrum, the place FPV radios will function on particular radio bandwidth, relying on the protocol and module.
