Adding a second controller to Mini 3 Pro

Questions & Answers
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Hi All,

I have a Mini 3 Pro and a DJI RC controller, which all works fine, no complaints.

For a number of reasons (hint: Dronelink) I need to add a second controller which a) can’t be an RC and b) can’t be iOS (thank you DJI). So, in order to meet these strict criteria I’ve bought myself a secondhand RC-N1 and have an Android tablet on order, to host the M3P SDK and the Dronelink android app.

Now, what I can’t work out is how to add this second controller to my M3P. While waiting for the Android tablet I’ve been trying to get it all working with standard DJI Fly on my iPad connected to the N1. I have the right cables for this and it makes all the right tweet and weeble noises when it powers up but following the N1 instructions in the manual I can’t get Fly to connect (says firmware is not up to date but when I try update it says fine) and I can’t get the N1 to bind to my M3P (times out). I guess the DJI system only knows about the RC controller so I need to disconnect this somehow.

Obviously I’m being stupid but the process to follow seems to be opaque and undocumented, so I’d like to ask the following:

  1. Can I even have two controllers bound to the same drone?
  2. If so, how do you do this and can you select between them easily?
  3. If not, do I have to unbind the first RC controller and then re-bind with the new N1 controller?
  4. How do I do this?
  5. Do I have to go through this every time I swap controllers?
  6. How do I get my new/old secondhand controller recognised on the DJI system - is this all magic done during binding?

I should probably ask this on the DJI support forum but I’m guessing somebody must have done this here and could explain it faster.

I must add that I really like the compact convenience of the RC but having mocked up the more clumsy iPad/N1 combo I can see the appeal - bigger screen, all the non-DJI apps available, no need to fiddle with a separate phone/iPad and the controller etc.

Thanks

Neil

2 Likes
2

Ive got the same set up on android, make sure all firmware is upto date on everything. Using DJI assistant 2 for consumer drones.
Now for the bad news, each time you switch from one controller to the other it will ask you to re bind, i pressume as it un binds from one so as to bind to the other.

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Hi, I also run both the RC AND N1 controllers. Love the simplicity of the RC but I cannot load a screen sharing app to enable the use of Epson glasses which I used on other DJI drones one of which was mini 2. These glasses are good for an FPV view but keeps you legal as you can see through or look over the top to keep drone in line of sight. The added bonus is I can fly using my phone and someone else can see in real time in fpv .If I swap controllers often I find it takes only seconds to unbind and rebind. Due to my advancing years and poor memory I some times have refresh my knowledge.

1 Like
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@Stevesb thanks, this tipped me off in the right direction. It was the N1 firmware that was out of date and once I’d sorted that it all burst into life :+1:t2:

The binding/rebinding is pretty simple and quick, I’ve tried it a few times now swapping between the RC and N1/iPad and it’s a doddle.

I’ve not tried flying the M3P with the N1 yet, might sneak out this afternoon while it’s sunny and give it a go. Thanks again.

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No worries. I had exactly that problem. Once the firmware was updated all was good.

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I didn’t know about these, I’ve spent some time checking them out - look very cool!. Bit pricey though, but I can see the attraction. I was out flying at lunchtime and I’m noticing that I lose sight of the drone when I glance down to check the screen, especially when it’s bright and it’s about 2-300m away. I’ve bought some Flytron strobes, maybe they’ll help a bit even in daytime…?

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I have had my Epson glasses a few years now they were supported by DJI at the time like you say they are very good for seeing your screen. However they have many uses as it is also an Android computer such as watching action in 3D if your stomach can take it . Link it to your phone and you can watcch tv a movie or sports anywhere just like you are watcning a huge widescreen tv. The way i connect to my mini 3 pro i use a screen share app so the down side is there is about a half second delay but with a camera drone is ok. That would not be good on my high speed dji fpv drone but i already have googles with that but cannot use themwith mini3 air 2s etc. i sometimes do roof inspections gutters etc for friends for free and they can wear the glasses whilst icontrol using phone. But like you say they can be pricey.I f you did go for them check EPSON supports adding extra apps to that model. some older models support has been discontinued but if the apps you need are already loaded not a problem. Hope my old man ramlingsare of interest.

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