DJI have added support for their incredibly popular Mavic Air 2 drone to their Smart Controller, which features its own ultra-bright 5.5-inch 1080p screen allowing pilots to fly without depending on a smartphone.
Previously only supporting Mavic 2 series and Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 drones, the Smart Controller gives pilots the ability to live-stream their flights on social media. It can also output 4K over HDMI and transfer files wirelessly to smartphones.
You’ll need to update your Smart Controller to firmware v01.00.0820 or above to fly the Mavic Air 2. Follow our instructions below if you’re not sure how to do this.
The Smart Controller boasts it’s own MicroSD card slot for extra storage flexibility and with a brightness of 1000cd/m2, the screen is twice as bright as most smartphone displays.
Otherwise, the device offers a similar experience for those used to the default Mavic Air 2 controller, with detachable thumbsticks and the same flight controls you’re used to.
Featured image: Marco Verch / CC BY 2.0
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DJI Smart Controller
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How to update DJI Smart Controller with Mavic Air 2 support
If your Smart Controller is running firmware v01.00.04.75 or below, you’ll need to follow the alternative steps below to update via a Mac or PC.
Time needed: 10 minutes
To control DJI’s Mavic Air 2 with their smart controller, you’ll need to be running firmware version 01.00.0820 or above. It’s a really simple process to upgrade and should only take a few minutes following the steps below.
- Prepare your Smart Controller
Turn the Smart Controller on, ensure it’s connected to the internet and that it has a sufficiently charged battery.
- Enter the ‘Settings’ menu
You’ll find it under ‘Apps’
- Scroll to ‘System Update’
It’s near the bottom of the ‘Settings’ menu.
- Check new version
Your Smart Controller will now check for any available updates, showing the current version and the new version to be installed. Click update and allow the process to complete.
- Restart
Your Smart Controller will restart after the process is finished. You’re now ready to connect and fly your Mavic Air 2.
Alternative update process
If you experience problems with the steps above, try the steps below to update your Smart Controller with a PC or Mac over USB-C.
If your Smart Controller is running firmware v01.00.04.75 or below, you’ll need to use this process before you can install updates on the controller itself as above.
- Turn the Smart Controller off.
- Ensure DJI Assistant 2 is installed on your PC or Mac, and that you have a working internet connection.
- Connect the Smart Controller to your PC or Mac with a USB-C Cable
- Launch DJI Assistant 2 and login if required.
- Click the ‘DJI Smart Controller’ icon.
- Select ‘Firmware Update’.
- View the update details and click ‘Upgrade’.
- Allow the process to complete.
- Your Smart Controller will restart after the process is finished. You’re now ready to connect and fly your Mavic Air 2. You’ll also be able to update on the controller itself via Wi-Fi in future.