As drones become increasingly sophisticated, the need for consistent and reliable communication between the drone and its operator has never been more critical. Enter the drone dongle—a small but powerful accessory that can dramatically enhance your drone’s connectivity range performance, especially when operating in challenging environments.
DJI cellular dongles have been available for some time but were not accessible in the North American market until recently. Now, DJI has specifically enabled the dongle for the Canadian market, expanding its availability.
In this blog post, we’ll break down what drone dongles are, how they work, and why they’re essential for serious drone operators. We’ll also compare two popular models: the DJI Cellular Dongle Gen 1 and Gen 2, so you can decide which one is right for you.
What is a Drone Dongle?
Traditional drone remote controllers typically operate on 2.4GHz, 5.1GHz, and 5.8GHz frequencies. Although many DJI systems boast a transmission range of up to 15 km, these signals can be disrupted by obstacles such as trees, buildings, and other sources of interference. Such disruptions may lead to a loss of connection between the remote controller and the drone, potentially triggering an automatic return-to-home function or, in the worst case, causing a crash. On the other hand, cellular networks are far more widespread and are often strategically designed to provide extensive coverage.
A drone dongle is an accessory that allows your drone to connect to a cellular network, typically 4G or 5G, via a SIM card. This connection enhances the drone's ability to maintain a stable communication link with the remote controller, even in areas where traditional radio control frequency signals might be weak or unreliable. The primary purpose of a drone dongle is to provide an additional layer of connectivity, ensuring that your drone remains under control and can transmit data back to you in real time, even if your RC signal is weak or lost. This is particularly useful when flying in areas with high interference or when you need to maintain a connection over long distances such as beyond visual line-of-site (BVLOS) operations.
How Does a Drone Dongle Work?
Drone dongles are designed to be plugged into your drone, usually via a USB-C port, and equipped with antennas to establish a connection to the nearest cellular network. Once connected, the dongle communicates with the network to provide a stable backup data link between the drone and the remote controller.
When the drone loses RC connection, the cellular dongle automatically takes over, seamlessly bridging the connection. This ensures continuous video streaming and control over the drone using cellular data.
For example, the DJI Cellular Dongle Gen 1 can be installed directly into the body of the DJI Air 3 or mounted externally on the DJI Mini 4 Pro. Once installed, it allows the drone to tap into 4G networks, significantly enhancing the range and reliability of the connection, especially in urban environments where interference from structures and other signals is common.
Why Would You Want a Drone Dongle?
Drone dongles are incredibly useful for several reasons:
1. Enhanced Range: By connecting to a cellular network, your drone can fly further without losing connection, which is ideal for long-range missions or operations in areas with challenging terrain.
2. Reliable Connectivity: In environments with high interference, such as urban areas or near large structures, a cellular dongle can provide a more stable connection than relying solely on radio frequencies.
3. Real-Time Data Transmission: For tasks that require live data streaming, such as inspections or mapping, a drone dongle ensures that the data is transmitted back to the operator without delays.
4. Safety and Redundancy: Having an additional method of communication with your drone reduces the risk of losing control during critical operations, making your flights safer and more reliable.
Who Would Benefit from a Cellular Dongle?
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Police: Law enforcement agencies operating drones in urban environments, especially around tall buildings, would benefit from a cellular dongle. These structures often obstruct RC signals, and a dongle can help maintain a stable connection.
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Search & Rescue: Teams working in challenging environments like forests or mountainous regions, where tall trees and rugged terrain can severely limit RC range, would find a cellular dongle invaluable for maintaining drone control and video feed.
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BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) Applications: For long-range missions such as mapping or surveillance, a cellular dongle can provide the extended reach needed when traditional RC signals might falter.
Limiting Factors of Using a Dongle
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Regulatory Constraints: Many countries have strict rules and regulations requiring drone operators to keep the aircraft within visual line-of-sight, which may limit the practical use of a cellular dongle for extended operations.
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Cellular Coverage: The dongle relies on adequate cellular network coverage in the operating area. In regions with poor or no coverage, the dongle can not be used.
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Battery Life: The drone's battery life remains a critical factor, as it dictates how far and how long the drone can operate, regardless of the connectivity provided by the dongle.
DJI Dongle Gen 1 vs. DJI Dongle Gen 2: A Comparative Look
Now that we understand the importance of drone dongles, let’s dive into a comparison between the DJI Cellular Dongle Gen 1 and the DJI Cellular Dongle Gen 2.
DJI Cellular Dongle Gen 1:
The first-generation DJI Cellular Dongle provides 4G connectivity to enhance range and stability. It was designed to work with specific DJI drones. The Gen 1 dongle remains a reliable tool for maintaining connection in areas with weak signal strength.
DJI Cellular Dongle Gen 2:
The second-generation DJI Cellular Dongle builds on the strengths of its predecessor while adding new features and improvements. One of the most notable upgrades is the ability to mount the dongle directly inside the body of the DJI Air 3, offering a cleaner and more integrated solution. The Gen 2 dongle also features improved antennas for better signal reception and easier installation. This model provides enhanced connectivity with 4G networks, offering a more stable and reliable performance in various environments.
Which One Should You Choose?
If you’re operating in challenging environments or require the best possible connectivity for your drone, the DJI Cellular Dongle Gen 2 is the clear choice. Its improved design, ease of installation, and enhanced signal reception make it a superior option. However, if you’re using an older drone model or don’t need the latest features, the Gen 1 dongle still offers reliable performance and is a cost-effective solution.
Drone dongles are an essential accessory for anyone looking to maximize the performance and reliability of their drone operations. Whether you’re flying in urban environments, conducting long-range missions, or simply want an extra layer of safety, a drone dongle can provide the connectivity you need. The DJI Cellular Dongle Gen 2, with its advanced features and ease of use, is a standout option for those looking to take their drone capabilities to the next level.
You can preorder the DJI Cellular Dongle 2 here: https://candrone.com/collections/buy-dji-dock-2-in-north-america/products/dji-cellular-dongle-2
