Inspire 2 Remote Controller - Part 2 Of Our In Depth Series

Part 2 of our ‘Inspire 2 In Depth’ series, takes a close look at the new and improved Remote Controller. Explaining everything from initial set-up to take off, we’ve got all the information you’re going to need. Read on to find out why the Inspire 2 Remote Controller is a perfect companion to DJI’s professional quadcopter. For a step by step guide to pairing the Remote Controller to the Inspire 2 Aircraft - visit our Tutorial Page.

Series Guide

Part 1 - Inspire 2 Batteries In Depth Part 2 - Inspire 2 Remote Controller In Depth Part 3 - Inspire 2 Cameras & Licenses In Depth Part 4 - Inspire 2 The Aircraft In Depth  

The Remote Controller for DJI’s Inspire 2 combines a dual-frequency video downlink with the standard aircraft controls making it a truly multifunctional wireless control system. You can keep track of the controller’s charge level using the LEDs located on the front panel to ensure that there’s enough juice to keep you airborne. There are differing control frequencies available which DJI have made usage recommendations for i.e. the 5.8GHz video downlink is better suited towards urban areas where there’s likely to be a higher level of interference whereas 2.4GHz is intended for longer distance control over open areas. The Inspire 2 Remote Controller offers more than simply flight commands and, as with previous models, allows you to dictate how the camera and gimbal function including video and image capture. In a mode that will be familiar to Inspire 1 users, operators can choose Dual Remote Mode which enables two users to control the camera and aircraft independently at a distance of up to 100m from each other.

There are two main ‘Modes’ available on the Inspire 2 Remote Controller with the option to set up an additional ‘Custom’ setting.

• Mode 1: The right stick controls the throttle

• Mode 2: The left stick controls the throttle

Note: If more than three aircraft are flown within close proximity to each other there’s likely to be a level of interference.  

Specifications

The Inspire 2 Remote**:** Setup and Charging

Follow these steps when you first power up the Inspire 2 Remote Controller:

1. Check that your controller is suitably charged by tapping the Power Button once which will activate the LED display and show you the current power level.

2. If the controller is fully charged, press once and then hold down the Power Button to activate the RC.

3. You will hear a tone sound when the controller powers on and the LED will blink to indicate that it is linking with the Inspire 2 aircraft, turning solid green light once it’s ready to operate.

4. When switching off the controller, repeat step 2 to ensure it powers down correctly.

The Remote Controller runs off a 2S 6000mAH battery which can be charged via the official DJI charger shipped with the Inspire 2. LEDs on the front panel of the controller indicate the remaining charge.  

Connecting a Compatible Mobile Device

To attach your device, adjust the integrated holder to the optimum position and press the switch on the side to release the clamp. Once you’ve placed your device in the holder, adjust the clamp until the device is held securely in place. To connect your mobile device (which should be running the DJI GO 4 app) to the controller, use one of the included USB connectors. After the connection has been established you should be good to go.  

Linking the Controller to Your Aircraft

Your Inspire 2 Remote Controller will be linked to the aircraft prior to delivery to make the setup process as streamlined as possible. However, if for whatever reason you need to connect additional RCs, follow these steps:

1. Turn on the Remote Controller, connect your mobile device and ensure that you have the DJI GO 4 app running.

2. Switch on the aircraft’s Intelligent Flight Battery.

3. Enter ‘Camera View’ and select the ‘Linking Remote Controller’ option.

4. Now your RC should begin the linking process, as confirmation of this, the Status Indicator will flash blue and the controller will emit a tone.

5. Find the Inspire 2’s linking button near the rear of the aircraft and press it to commence linking – once successful – the Status Indicator on the RC will be a solid green.

Note: The Inspire 2 Remote Controller will automatically disconnect from its linked aircraft if a new RC is connected.

Buttons, Switches and Features

The ergonomic and highly intuitive design of the Inspire 2’s Remote Controller manages to pack in a huge amount of functionality. This section details what you can expect from the RC’s interactive components.  

Controlling the Inspire 2

Here are the basics when it comes to controlling your Inspire 2. The guidelines below are based on the aircraft being in its default setting of Mode 2 (with the left stick controlling the throttle).

Left Stick

• Up & Down: This controls the aircraft’s elevation. When the sticks are released, the Inspire 2 will hover in place (with the help of its new and improved sensor array). The pace and force behind stick pushes directly effects the speed of ascent/descent so be aware of this and ensure you use measured motions to keep the Inspire 2 under control.

• Left & Right: This dictates the rudder position on the Inspire 2 and controls mid-air rotation.

Right Stick

• Up & Down: The right stick controls the aircraft’s pitch and moving it up or down provides the forwards and backwards motion of the Inspire 2. Once airborne, if the stick is left centred, the aircraft will hover in place. While this aircraft offers impressive levels of speed, it’s worth practising applying forward and backwards pitch to retain control.

• Left & Right: This controls the strafing motion of the Inspire 2. As opposed to the left stick’s rudder rotation, the right stick enables the aircraft to move left and right in a horizontal line.

Note: If you need to adjust the length of the RCs sticks, this is possible by rotating them clockwise and counter-clockwise. A comfortable stick position is essential for an enjoyable, controlled flight.  

Flight Mode Switch

There are three settings available through the Inspire 2’s Flight Mode Switch which are, in order of placement, Positioning, Sport and Attitude. Find out more about each of these functions below:

• Positioning: This mode requires a strong GPS signal and enables all the obstacle avoidance sensors present on the Inspire 2 (including Vision Positioning and Infrared). You will also be able to take full advantage of all the smart features such as TapFly and ActiveTrack when in Positioning mode (these intelligent flight modes can be paused mid-way using the Intelligent Pause Button).

• Sport: While this mode disables obstacle avoidance, what it lacks in sensory support, it makes up for in speed. With increased manoeuvrability (up to 58mph, you can really see what the Inspire 2 is made of in-flight.

• Attitude: For more confident users, you gain greater control of the aircraft while sacrificing support from GPS and the Vision Position System. In this mode, the Inspire 2 will only rely on its barometer for altitude monitoring.

Transformation & Return to Home

These two familiar features are combined into a single button/switch component to allow for a more streamlined control process.

To activate the Return to Home functionality, simply press the button highlighted in the above image and the Inspire 2 will activate its intelligent RTH protocol and land safely without assistance. While the landing gear will automatically raise and lower during take-off and landing, this transformation can be controlled using the switch attached top the RTH button. It’s fairly self-explanatory, press the switch upwards to raise the Inspire 2’s legs and flick it downwards to lower them. Note: DJI state that you should never raise the landing gear when the aircraft is grounded and make sure that it is lowered when lowering the aircraft to the ground (as this will affect the Inspire 2’s ability to land successfully).

Camera Functions

As a professional platform aimed at filmmakers, DJI has prioritised ease of use when it comes to controlling the Inspire 2’s camera via the Remote Controller. See below for the main components to keep in mind when you’re getting to grips with the Inspire 2 gimbal and camera system.

• Camera Settings Dial: This allows you to control a range of camera options including shutter speed, ISO and aperture settings while in-flight. Use the dial to flick between these functions.

• Gimbal Dial: Manage the tilt angle of the Inspire 2’s gimbal.

• Shutter Button: Use to take a still image, even in the middle of a recording. If Burst Mode is active, multiple photos will be captured when this is pressed continuously.

• Video Recording Button: Does exactly what it says. Press once to begin recording and again to stop.

Using the DJI Focus

The DJI Focus is compatible with the Inspire 2’s camera systems the X5S and X4S. According to the manufacturer, no calibration is required to use this handy camera focus tool which is great news for those looking to capture noise free, crystal clear shots. Simply connect the Focus (including the Handwheel) to the CAN Bus port on your Remote Controller and ensure that your camera is set to Auto Focus.  

Dual Controller Mode Functions

A feature that will be familiar to Inspire 1 users, the Inspire 2 supports a Dual Remote Controller Mode enabling one person to focus on the flying while the other takes full control over the camera and gimbal. The two controllers are identified as “Master” (aircraft control) and “Slave” (camera control) and communicate via Wi-Fi over distances of up to 100m. To enable Dual Controller Mode you must launch the DJI GO 4 app, open the ‘Camera Settings’ and identify your remote as the “Master” controller and create a connection password for a “Slave” controller. Once this step is completed, have whoever is operating the other controller follow the same process in the DJI GO 4 app but select “Slave” instead of “Master”. You will then be able to search for “Master” controllers within range and use the pre-agreed password to establish the connection.

Summary

With an easy-to-navigate layout, packed full of features, DJI has really complemented their impressive professional quadcopter with a Remote Controller that even newcomers could quickly get to grips with. If you require any more information regarding the Inspire 2 RC, the aircraft itself or just want to chat to a member of our team don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Email

info@heliguy.com

Call

0191 296 1024

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Keep checking back to Heliguy Insider for the rest of our ‘Inspire 2 In Depth’ series and the latest drone industry news.