MichiganMavic
Well-Known Member
The magnetic that can be used either side[emoji6].
I use it for the charging side of the RC.
Magnetic or Reversible charging cables: Do they work for you?
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The magnetic that can be used either side[emoji6].
I use it for the charging side of the RC.
The side port of the original RC (not the new SmartController) is supposedly fragile and the only port you can use to charge it with. Assuming it is indeed fragile, then the objective is to minimise wear and tear on the port, so the "best" solution is the one that lets you do that.
Reversible cables get you part way there as they take the guess work out of which way to insert the cable, thus minimising wear and tear, but you still need to plug it in each time you need to charge the RC. Alternatively, you can leave one of the supplied stub-cables permanently connected and get an appropriate cable to let you re-charge via a standard USB charger (USB type A to the the inverse of the sub cable).
The magnetic cables only require the magnetic "stub" be attached once, so much less wear and tear. Assuming you have a compatible stub in your RC and phone/tablet, you can also use the same cable to charge your RC as connect your tablet. One cable, two (or more) stubs, no wear and tear on the RC charging port - hands down winner IMHO.
You can get extra NetDot stubs without cables too - just make sure you get the correct type for the version of your cable(s)!
Did you get your cables yet? Not sure I understand your question.
Sorry,clarity is not my strong point.Re the side charging port on the controller-to avoid plugging and unplugging from the fragile mini USB would you just need an adapter that stays in the mini USB port and has a mini USB port to plug the charger cord into?It sounded like it was recommended to plug in a cable with a mini USB port and leave it there always-even when flying.
These magnetic cables come with that little plug that stays in the port forever. If you want it to. It disconnects from the cable and just stays in the port.
FoxhallGH
Well-Known Member
Have a look at the side port of my controller here @offtheback - you'll notice that the NetDot cable tip (white oval object) is left in the side-port of the controller. It stays there all the time, and I just connect the magnetic block end of the NetDot cable (which has a USB-A plug on the other end of the cable), to that tip to charge the controller. When I'm flying, the tip remkains in the controller as shown in the picture, and I use a short USB-A to USB-C cable from the bottom port in the controller. The idea being that I never have to stress the micro-USB connector on the side of the controller by plugging in and out of it.
Does yours ever fall out? I've been using mine for almost a year and it's never fallen off in fact it's quite a tight fit.
FoxhallGH
Well-Known Member
No - it's never fallen out, but I do have to be careful when I disconnect after charging. If I pull the cable directly back, then the tip will remain attracted to the magnetic cable-end and it wil come out, but if I 'break' the connection by tipping the magnetic block to the side, then it comes off easily and doesn't disturb the tip.
Similar here. The plug in my phone is very snug, but the ones in my RC and tablet would come out if I pulled the cable straight back rather than tip it, or applied a sharp tap to the opposite side.
As an extra precaution against accidental loss, which would no doubt occur when it was least convenient, I applied some PVA glue (the white stuff young kids have in school) to the join between the plug and the devices after insertion. They'll still come cleanly apart if I rub off the glue with a bit of friction from a finger tip, but otherwise they're all now solid as a rock.
I tried NetDots v.3 magnetic cables, but returned them, because little tip didn't stay at place, and was coming out, every time I wanted to detach the cable.
I bought Llama cables, and that solved the problem with micro usb (my controllers) but had problems with my iOS devices (I had to connect and disconnect many times, to get them start charging).
Non of the magnetic cables was good for data, sometimes they were working, most times they were not.
Anyway, I use Llama for my controllers, and all good.
I have ordered some reversible cables too, to use as data cables with my android devices (and not only).
Thanks Thunderdrones for all useful info.
I bought Llama cables, and that solved the problem with micro usb (my controllers) but had problems with my iOS devices (I had to connect and disconnect many times, to get them start charging).
Non of the magnetic cables was good for data, sometimes they were working, most times they were not.
Anyway, I use Llama for my controllers, and all good.
I have ordered some reversible cables too, to use as data cables with my android devices (and not only).
Thanks Thunderdrones for all useful info.
But is that Micro USB port on the controller the only way to connect the RC to a PC to use DJI Assistant for firmware upgrades? Or is the bottom USB USB Port usable for that?
The charging cable doesn't do data, as I understand it, so it wouldn't work for firmware upgrades, no?
Still, these magnetic cables look like a good idea, since we charge a lot more than we upgrade FW ;-)
The charging cable doesn't do data, as I understand it, so it wouldn't work for firmware upgrades, no?
Still, these magnetic cables look like a good idea, since we charge a lot more than we upgrade FW ;-)
No, the bottom usb port cannot be used for connecting RC to pc, except if someone has tried a usb type a male, to usb type a male cable.
I make almost all my RC updates, via the go4 app.
For me, RC updates are rare, anyway.
Do you have a link to the Llama cables jut in case someone else had the same problem?
MichiganMavic
Well-Known Member
I’m using the 2nd gen NetDots with no issues [emoji6]. I also have 2 other tablets with them, no issues. Best $12 spent for 3 sets including Velcro straps for each and a zip lock storage bag.
Yeah, I was wondering about using a USB A to USB A cable. I don't currently own one, else I would have tried it and reported here, instead of asking.
I agree, RC FW upgrades are rare, but it would be nice to know if anyone has tried this connection. If it works, it would give another reason to use these magnetic connectors on the micro usb, imo.
Just for everyones information, @zachschul22 was the one that introduced me to the cables last year.
JDawg
Well-Known Member
Ordered the magnetic cables. Good thread, thanks Rob.
Yeah, I wound up ordering a set of them, too, as they look like they'll make setup/break down easier and reduce the risk of damaging the RC's MicroUSB Port.
FWIW, I also ordered a USB A to USB A cable so I can test if the bottom RC port can be used for FW updates thru DJI Assistant. This cable is, unfortunately, on a slow boat from China, and is not predicted to be delivered until Feb or March ... but once I get it, I'll report back here as to whether or not that bottom port is usable. If it IS, I see no reason to ever use anything but the magnetic connector in that MicroUSB on the RC's left side.
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