Spark RC demo'd by iPhonedo

[AlanTheBeast]

 

[Anthony Viscomi]

And works with DJI goggles

 

[Kilrah]

Nice, would have liked to know how the video feed in the goggles compares to the Mavic...

 

[Anthony Viscomi]

Nice, would have liked to know how the video feed in the goggles compares to the Mavic...

Apart from the camera specs...I would imagine it would be comparable

 

[Kilrah]

Well given the spark uses WiFi transmission the reliability and bitrate may not be the same...

 

[Anthony Viscomi]

Well given the spark uses WiFi transmission the reliability and bitrate may not be the same...

It would be the same as watching the video on a phone/tablet I assume

 

[Kilrah]

The point is I'd be interested to know instead of assuming.

 

[Anthony Viscomi]

The point is I'd be interested to know instead of assuming.

Point taken

 

[SeaComms]

Impressed that the remote expands the range to 2km in what I assume is still wifi mode.

 

[MavicPilot]

Impressed that the remote expands the range to 2km in what I assume is still wifi mode.

The remote itself may expand the range to 2km; however, my video cut out after ~900ft.

I needed a spotter and a nice pair of binoculars to keep VLOS at that distance, so without a FPV I question what use 2km may be? RC antenna was pointed at the drone and I was only about 120' up over a marsh.

This thing is tiny.

 

[Anthony Viscomi]

The remote itself may expand the range to 2km; however, my video cut out after ~900ft.

I needed a spotter and a nice pair of binoculars to keep VLOS at that distance, so without a FPV I question what use 2km may be? RC antenna was pointed at the drone and I was only about 120' up over a marsh.

This thing is tiny.

Not too happy about hearing this...maybe switch from 5.8 to 2.4 or vice-versa?

 

[MavicPilot]

Not too happy about hearing this...maybe switch from 5.8 to 2.4 or vice-versa?

I will have to see how to give that a try, but I did not see that as available when I was flying. It was def on 5.8. In any case, a quick google seems to imply it is on the physical remote.. Admittedly, after flying so many DJI products I only glanced at the documentation.

1. What Wi-Fi frequencies does the remote controller support?
2. The remote controller supports 2.4 GHz and 5.8 GHz dual‑band Wi‑Fi frequencies.
   5.8 GHz transmission is not available in some regions due to local regulations.

I will give it a try and see how that fares.

 

[Anthony Viscomi]

I will have to see how to give that a try, but I did not see that as available when I was flying. It was def on 5.8. In any case, a quick google seems to imply it is on the physical remote.. Admittedly, after flying so many DJI products I only glanced at the documentation.

1. What Wi-Fi frequencies does the remote controller support?
2. The remote controller supports 2.4 GHz and 5.8 GHz dual‑band Wi‑Fi frequencies.
   5.8 GHz transmission is not available in some regions due to local regulations.

I will give it a try and see how that fares.

Looking forward to your feedback. I only have the Fly Less Spark, my Fly More arrives on Monday

 

[MavicPilot]

Looking forward to your feedback. I only have the Fly Less Spark, my Fly More arrives on Monday

I just got back from a sunset run on the beach and I was able to hit 2,191 ft before the RC/app showed as disconnected. This is still less than 1/2 a mile @ 5.8 Ghz. I had both the Spark and my MP, but I had the Spark out too long and I missed out on any good MP sunset photos. They looked really bad.

The FPV view seemed really dark (Spark) and I went to adjust the image only to find out you have no RC control over it. Another interesting change.

I was anxious to deploy my MP and I completely forgot about trying the 2.4 frequency.

View media item 865View media item 866

 

[AlanTheBeast]

Impressed that the remote expands the range to 2km in what I assume is still wifi mode.

Wi-Fi mode uses Wi-Fi compatible encoding and power - control comes from the phone/tablet radio. RC mode uses proprietary encoding (and modulation perhaps) and higher power using the RC's radio in the Wi-Fi radio bands (2.4 or 5.8 GHz (which are unregulated except for power level).

Note that the output power for both the MP and Spark RCs is ≤26 dBm - so the 2 km range limit seems to be based on range alone and not ability to get the power out. Possibly due to very inefficient antennas on the Spark (?).

 

[Kilrah]

More likely becasue DJI's custom modulation is way more efficient at the same power level than WiFi.

 

[mavicn00b]

The RC should have been included in the fly less kit. The lack of RC is just screaming for flyaways and loss of control

 

[Anthony Viscomi]

The RC should have been included in the fly less kit. The lack of RC is just screaming for flyaways and loss of control

100% agree...besides the fact that the RC would have justified the $499 price tag

 

[Kilrah]

The lack of RC is just screaming for flyaways and loss of control

How when that limits you to a tame machine and very short operating distance?! Makes no sense.

The lack of RC is a lack of functionality, not a risk of loss of control. Functionality that was deemed not to be looked for or desired by the intended Spark customers. Yet they're clever enough to sell one anyway not to close the door on existing customers who just want a new toy but wouldn't buy one to fly with a phone only.

 

[Anthony Viscomi]

I don't think that the younger generation would have a problem flying with the virtual joysticks, but myself an many others have a hard time adapting to it.