Once we need to fly drones, we’d like appropriate controllers to obtain a reside picture and transmit instructions to the drone. If you happen to don’t purchase a drone as a equipment, you should look individually for drone controllers.
What are one of the best drone controllers?
One of the best drone controllers are the DJI RC, DJI RC Professional, and RC-N1 for DJI normal drones. The DJI FPV Distant Controller 2 and Radiomaster TS16x are additionally incredible 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 a number of issues to recollect when shopping for a drone controller and some suggestions that can assist you resolve which controller it is best to select to 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 comparable to a reside picture, telemetry, and extra.
Taking a DJI controller, as an example, the usual DJI RC-N1, the place you’ll have to join your telephone to the controller for the drone to fly, will mean you can obtain a reside picture in your telephone 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 do not need 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, comparable to TBS Crossfire or FrSky XM+, that may have a unique broadcast channel and a hyperlink between the drone and the controller.
However on this case, the distant controller ought to have a appropriate transmission module, and issues could get sophisticated right here.
What sorts of controllers exist?
Customary drone controllers: These might be from DJI, comparable to DJI RC-N1, DJI RC, or DJI RC Professional, which can each transmit knowledge to the drone and obtain a reside picture, and non-DJI drone controllers, which have comparable capabilities.
FPV drone controllers: These shall be vastly extra complicated controllers that permit for additional capabilities 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 numerous controls to simplify flying some appropriate drones (comparable to DJI Avata).
Movement Controllers will solely transmit knowledge to the drone and will not have as a lot vary as an extraordinary controller.
These controllers had been launched not too long ago and could also be overseas to some drone pilots, they usually require totally different abilities to be taught to fly than normal 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, comparable to RC planes, RC vehicles, helis, and RC boats.
In lots of instances, RC automotive controllers may also differ from normal gimbal controllers.
These controllers could have a slender compatibility vary, so you should make sure that if you wish to purchase a separate controller to 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 to your drone.
Many controllers can be found available on the market immediately, so our choice will embrace solely one of the best drone controllers that shall be appropriate with acquainted drones and controllers with broad compatibilities.
» MORE: Are you able to fly DJI drones and not using a controller?
Greatest normal 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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DJI RC is a sophisticated drone controller from DJI appropriate with a number of DJI drones.
The controller comes with an integrated display, 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 integrated display? | 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, appropriate with DJI Mini 3 |
✅ Execs
- It comes with an integrated display, eradicating the necessity to use a cell phone to fly the drone
- It has a incredible transmission vary
- Broadly appropriate 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 (comparable to DJI Mini 3 Professional)
- It’s barely expensive
With the DJI RC distant controller, you merely can not go fallacious, as it’s so straightforward to make use of and requires no setup in any respect earlier than launching the drone.
The DJI RC can be appropriate 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 programs.
As a drone pilot, you’ll certainly discover a big distinction and improve from the basic 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, appropriate 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 integrated display? | Sure, it has a 5.5-inch show at Full HD decision, 60 frames per second, and might attain 1000 nits on sunny days |
| Compatibility | The DJI RC Professional is presently appropriate 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 help extra plane sooner or later |
✅ Execs
- It’s a singular DJI controller made for professionals
- Has among the best vary transmissions and penetration with probably the most superior receiver module
- You may reside 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 might help show on extra screens
- Has an outside mode the place the show shall be exceptionally vibrant and visual in full daylight
- Very clean working expertise with incredible 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 excellent for backpacking and lightweight 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 most recent normal controller used amongst most DJI drones with in depth compatibility.
It’s the one to decide on when you’re on the lookout for a price range controller to your appropriate DJI drone or in case your authentic DJI RC-N1 dies.
This RC normally comes with a DJI drone if you purchase one, however it’s a tough product to purchase individually, even from the official DJI web site.
| Weight | Approx. 390 grams and not using a cell system |
| Measurement | 150x100x35mm folded |
| Battery life | 4 hours when charging a cell system 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 system related |
| Have an integrated display? | No |
| Compatibility | The DJI RC-N1 is extensively appropriate with a variety of DJI drones comparable to 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 affordable little controller with clean efficiency
- Glorious transmission vary
- Broad compatibility with DJI drones
- Light-weight and transportable
- You may join an iPad or Android pill as a substitute of a telephone, supplying you with an unlimited display benefit
❌ Cons
- It’s arduous to search out it individually
- It doesn’t have an integrated display
- The construct high quality, transmission vary, and extra capabilities can not evaluate with DJI RC or RC Professional
Over time, there have been a number of variations with totally different compatibilities of the DJI RC-N1. Nonetheless, total, it’s the similar controller as a few years in the past—good, sturdy sign and with no points.
It’s uncommon for the RC-N1 to go fallacious or break, however when you want a brand new controller, you’ll have issue 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 a much bigger display.
It’s potential so that you can do this, whereas, with the DJI RC or RC Professional, you will have to look into HDMI output screens as a substitute.
» MORE: DJI RC vs. DJI RC-N1
Greatest FPV drone controllers
FPV distant controllers are a number of and distinct from normal controllers as they can not obtain video feeds, have totally different transmitter protocols, haven’t any throttle spring pressure, and have quite a few customized buttons for different FPV capabilities and instructions.
Listed here are a number 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 integrated display? | No |
| Compatibility | DJI FPV Drone, DJI Avata, DJI FPV Goggles V2, DJI Goggles 2, Integra |
✅ Execs
- It has very clean and delicate joysticks for correct FPV flights
- It’s easy, compact, and environment friendly
- Good transmission sign
- Light-weight and transportable
- A wonderful controller to coach in FPV simulators
- It’s reasonably priced
❌ Cons
- Slender compatibility vary
- Doesn’t work with non-DJI drones
Strictly for DJI FPV and Avata (and appropriate headsets), the DJI FPV Distant Controller 2 is the one you might want to fly these drones, however additionally it is a superb cheap alternative to coach in simulators with this RC.
Though I personally personal a number of FPV distant controllers, I all the time 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 Pink, 4-in-1 w/Corridor V4.0).
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| Weight | 750 grams with out batteries |
| Measurement | 287x183x129 mm |
| Battery life | Relies on the protocol you employ, transmitting energy, and many others. |
| Does it additionally obtain video? | No |
| Have an integrated display? | 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 clean end and is a sturdy controller
- Has a 4.3 IPS coloration show (for menu, settings, and configurations, to not obtain reside pictures)
- Exterior module bay
- 4 in 1 multi-protocol module
- Can help over 40 totally different protocols which will cowl compatibility with nearly any FPV drone (typically an exterior module could also be wanted)
- As much as 16 channels
- Very clean and high quality gimbals (which will also be upgraded)
- It’s appropriate not solely with FPV drones however with different plane, RC boats, vehicles, and many others. (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 may also set up extra into the exterior module, together with Crossfire, ELRS, and many others.
This distant controller can be some of the really helpful and greatest you will get for the value if you wish to fly FPV drones.
It comes with the EdgeTX working system however might 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 revolutionary new approach to management a drone
- It’s a really beginner-friendly methodology of flying drones
- It gives a incredible expertise to fly a drone with movement controllers
- All of the drone controls are at your fingertips
❌ Cons
- This model is appropriate with solely DJI Avata and the DJI FPV drone
- You may have restricted potential to manage an FPV drone
- The transmission vary is far lower than that of a distant controller
For a lot of newcomers and folks on the lookout for other ways to fly these two drones, the FPV Movement Controller is a incredible methodology to do it.
Yet one more movement controller, the DJI RC Movement 2, can be appropriate with a number of different DJI drones. Nonetheless, many pilots complained about its points, so we advocate solely the usual FPV movement controller.
If you happen to’re used to flying drones with gimbal controllers, it is going to be unusual so that you can seize the Movement Controller and instantly fly the drone with it.
Though not sophisticated, it is best to do it in an open area for the primary time for security causes.
Are there different methods to manage a drone and not using a controller?
Probably not.
Though drone controllers come in several kinds, utilizing your cell phone’s contact display is the one approach you’ll be able to management a drone and not using a controller.
However it will apply to just a few low-cost drones with minimal transmission vary, that are difficult to manage from a touchscreen telephone.
Are distant controllers interchangeable?
Sure, several types of distant controllers can be utilized with totally different drones so long as they’re appropriate 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 appropriate with the RadioMaster TX16S by way of the D8 protocol. That drone might be sure with any controllers supporting that protocol.
If we don’t like D8, we are able to swap the module to Crossfire, which shall be appropriate with any modules on appropriate distant controllers.
The concept is that the distant controller has to match the protocol of the drone radio receiver, after which they’ll bind collectively.
Do FPV distant controllers work with normal drones?
FPV distant controllers can not bind to plain drones as a result of these drones additionally transmit video feeds, and FPV RC can not obtain video feeds via the goggles.
And sure, the protocols are completely totally different.
However an knowledgeable might be able to add a customized receiver to a regular drone and bind it with an FPV distant controller.
Nonetheless, you might run into points in these situations and never obtain a video feed on the identical controller.
Do normal distant controllers work with FPV drones?
Similar 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 pressure on the throttle gear, which should be eliminated to fly an FPV drone.
What else must you take into account when selecting a drone controller?
- FPV controllers will differ from normal controllers with extra switches and buttons, and the throttle spring could have zero pressure.
As an example, a regular drone controller’s throttle gear will all the time come centered, whereas an FPV drone controller all the time 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, whereas the FPV radio controllers can be utilized ONLY for transmitting enter knowledge.
- Typically, normal drone controllers perform 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.
