I am here to help you my friend!! So I just got a
smart controller 2 weeks ago for my
Mavic Pro 2. It's going back today and let me tell you why I bought it and why I was disappointed. I have 3 other drones including a Parrot and a Phantom 3 PRO) and just recently purchased the
Mavic Pro 2 with the standard controller. My initial thoughts were I liked the drone but thought the setup on the controller was a little disappointing, I really didn't like the way the cell phone connected to it via cable fed through the opening in the controller. I had it disconnect a few times and just thought it was poorly designed. I bought the
smart controller thinking I would be able to get up in the air faster ( I shoot alot of Live events so speed is crucial) screens connected, better screen and very important the holder wasnt half blocking the controls (like accessing Cinema mode) on the edges of the phone.
After multiple attempts to fly in various area's I could use the
smart controller 1 out of 15 attempts including on my vacation this past week. The critical flaw in the
smart controller is that unlocking the GEO fencing ( I Hate you for this DJI and the reason I own a Parrot) is impossible without a laptop and a cell phone with Hotspot capabilities.
From what I have read you need to take a laptop with you connect to the DJI site ask for authorization through the laptop (Because the app isnt mobile friendly...if you request via the web). So you need to have the Mobile hotspot up, power up the laptop, log on ask permission, download and it should fly according to what I saw on various forums, This sounded like way to much work for me and have not bothered trying it. I did try multiple times to get it to preplan and the authorization never downloaded to the
smart controller the way they said it should.
If you use the standard controller I have to accept the three boxes that say I am responsible and it goes immediately. If I am missing something or someone knows otherwise please let me know - as I see it if I use the
smart controller, I need a laptop and a cell phone to get it to work a 100% of the time. Which means lugging more equipment and more set up time or I just get used to the crappy design which I think was designed to get you to upgrade as my PRO 3 had none of this and worked fine.
My opinion dont waste your $$$...or look for an open Item sale from Best Buy in Chicago in the next 3 days that will be mine that I am returning. If I am mistaken please set me straight but I thought the
smart controller was a great idea poorly executed.