If you are the lucky owner of the DJI Smart Controller, here are some suggestions for add-ons, gadgets, and extra accessories for it!
The DJI Smart Controller is an awesome gadget for the Mavic 2 drones in itself. When it was launched I thought it was a fantastic product that solved many of the previous issues with the controller situation. I loved that I could skip the smartphone connected to the remote which often led to limited battery time on the phone itself. That fact that the Smart Controller crystal sky screen is much brighter than the smartphone screen was also a huge plus.
Learn more about the smart remote control with the integrated screen in DJI’s own article DJI Smart Controller Review: Who is it for?
I was a little bit concerned about the price of the DJI Smart Controller which is a bit steep, but well worth it if you can afford it and is serious about your drone flying and photography. That led me to investigate what kind of products I could buy to protect the device for a longer life span. Therefore I have collected a list of the best DJI Smart Controller Accessories and gadgets you can buy in this list.
If you have other ideas, please write it down in the comment section! If you find this article as useful as I do, share it with friends and family. Perhaps it can give them some ideas for gifts to give you if you point them in the right direction.
Also read: 28 Cool DJI Mavic 2 Accessories and Gadgets for Zoom and Pro!
In a few of the product categories below, I have shown several recommendations for different products that can give you an idea of what’s out there. Also, remember to read the user reviews on Amazon before you buy and check if there are newer versions of the add-ons I suggest for the DJI Smart Controller. New products come to the marked all the time…
1. Antenna Range Extender
Antenna Range Extender
If you want to fly further away and get that extra range between the remote and your drone, you could attach one of these Duo 2.4G & 5.8G signal boosters from Alientech to your Smart Controller. According to the manufacturer and testing, you will feel a significant improvement in maneuverability and the quad can fly at least two times the distance of the original craft. It might be a little bit tricky to install involving some disassembling work on the controller, but it is worth it.
It also fit the ordinary DJI controllers working in 2.4 and 5.8 G bands. That means it can be used for Phantom, Inspire, Spark and Mavic Pro 1.
Check out user reviews and price of the antenna mod on Amazon by clicking the picture.
2. Protective Cases
You should always store the unit in a safe way. There are several protective cases in different sizes and prices available. I have chosen three good options for you to check out.
Casematix rugged case for DJI Smart Controller
1. The first one is a rugged, dustproof, waterproof and airtight case from Casematix that protects the controller well. It is good for traveling and if you are going on a rough road trip and expect your gear to be placed among others have suitcases for instance in the back of a car. The inside har padded foam and a couple of heavy duty latches make sure that the case held shut and secure at all times for outdoor transportation.
The drawback with this one is that it is little room for anything else.
Shoulder case that fits most of your DJI gear
2. The second case is much larger and can house one DJI Mavic 2 drone, two batteries, the Smart Controller, a charger and additional spare parts. The shoulder backpack is lightweight and perfect for transporting most of your drone gear in one place.
It is not as rugged as the one above and is not airtight, but in most situations this one is ok.
Portable and lightweight carrying case
3. The case above also comes in a smaller and more portable variant from the same vendor that house only the Smart Screen and a charger. It can handle a decent amount of water splashes, is dust- and shockproof.
So now it is up to you chose… Which one did you go for?
3. Remote Control Strap
Remote control strap
A nice lanyard neck strap is recommended when using the DJI Smart Controller. It prevents your precious remote from dropping to the ground, relives the fatigue of your hands when flying, and acts as a convenient way to carry it around your neck or shoulder when moving around on location.
It is a cheap product to buy and is a good gift idea if you are looking for something a little bit less expensive than the other DJI Smart Controller gadgets. The package containing one high-quality lanyard with adjustable length that is comfortable to wear over a longer period of time.
4. Glass Screen Protectors
Glass Screen Protectors
Protecting the glass of the expensive controller is a must. It’s like a smartphone, and much cheaper to add this protective screen protector as soon as you can, rather than get the display destroyed. It has saved me many times! I suggest buying a two-pack of anti-scratch and anti-glare screen protectors specially designed for the DJI Smart Controller. They are easy to apply in just minutes.
It is made of a 0.2 mm thick (or thin), hard tempered glass, that will not disturb you in your daily flying with the same touch sensitivity. It will just save you a lot of bucks if you unintentionally drop the controller on a rocky surface or bumps into stuff…
5. Joystick Knobs
As you know the joysticks can be removed from the controller. Joystick replacement knobs with colors are a fun way to individualize your smart controller and alter the feeling of control if you are not satisfied with the standard knobs. There are a few different versions out there and I have chosen two. They are very cheap and can be a cool gift idea for a DJI drone pilot.
Colorful replacement knobs
The first one is made of aluminum alloy and is 42 by 22 mm in size with anti-skid design on the tips. They are a bit similar to the originals and is a great replacement if you have lost your sticks.
They come in three colors which are gold, red and silver.
Rocker knobs with ergonomic design
The second suggestion has a slightly different design with a wider top and ergonomic design. They come in black and red and is very lightweight made of aviation aluminum alloy.
Which one of the rocker joysticks do you think will get the best flying experience?
6. Sunshades
Sunshade monitor hood
The screen itself is very bright compared to the usual smartphone, but many prefer to use a monitor hood on sunny days. Here is a suggestion from PGYTECH.
It helps with unwanted reflections so you have full control. It has a matte PU lining surface and feels like quality.
The installation process is quick and simple with screws that fasten the hood to the controller. During transport and storage, you detach it and it folds to a flat surface.
7. Protection covers
Here are two recommended protection covers for the Smart Controller.
Soft rubber protector
This cover is only for transport and has to be removed each time you need to use the remote. It is made of soft rubber and is easy to mount and remove. It is especially good for the joysticks if you are not keen to unscrew them each time.
I have previously written about the benefits of protecting the sticks.
Silicon cover case
The red silicone protective cover case is made to always stay on and increase the lifetime of the remote. Avoid scratching the surfaces and may help during drops. Remember to add a glass screen protector like the one in place 4 too.
That sums up the list of cool gadgets, gifts, and accessories for the DJI Smart Controller. If you have any other suggestions please leave a comment below!
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8 Comments
Thanks for the great post. Lots of cool things for drone enthusiasts. My husband has a small drone. I think he needs some of these things, particularly the neck and shoulder strap. He has arthritis, so holding on to the controller while walking around gets kinda painful after a while. I might look into getting a strap for him. Thanks for the great information! Rhonda
Hi Rhonda! These gadgets and add-ons are especially for those with the fancy DJI Smart controller from DJI. But a lanyard might fit several other remote controllers and is always good to have. 🙂 Andreas
Hey, I got into the hobby last year and half been building racers for a short while now. I like that that you’ve included must have accessories like a screen protector and radio strap. I often need to grab something without putting down my radio in the field. Handy! Joystick knobs maybe not as essential but definitely look good and I’ve found some to be too short as they come stock, so replacements are useful.
I’m actually considering making a drone site myself, I’d like to help people get started with their first drone or maybe offer a few building tips from my trial and error .. lol
Keep it up !
Very best,
Paul
Hi Paul! Awesome comment. 🙂 I think you should go for it and make a drone site with building instructions! I have tried to do the same on the FPV section of my blog, but I see that I could make the content even more understandable. Andreas
Hello Andreas. Nice to find your site that focuses on drones. For a drone controller, i think the most important is safety. So a protective case and a glass screen protector are essential to have.
Then i would get a protection cover to add to the layer of protection. Of course a remote control strap can be handy if you want to have your hands free.
The sunshades are the last protective measure. And lastly i would prefer the anti-skid joystick knobs.
How much range do the Antenna Range Extenders give? I would love to learn about them.
As a geek, i want to have the best possible setup, but as i don’t have infinite budget i must make some “cuts” from the most important to the least.
I always thought of buying a drone but if my budget allows it, i will be sure to visit your site and PM you if i need more information.
Wish you all the best.
Hi Andreas.
Your reviews were really nice. You have mentioned many accessories, add-ons, gadgets and so on. I liked your all reviews but unfortunately, I don’t have DJI Smart Controller. But I am trying to buy it soon. After buying it I will definitely try to follow your all instructions will try to buy these accessories you have mentioned.
Thank you so much for sharing this post and I will share your post to my friends who have DJI Smart Controller.
Thanks for the comment again Monalisha. 🙂
You have introduced me to a whole new world of drones and the amazing accessories you can purchase to enhance your experience. I had not know this before.
I know you haven’t asked for questions, but perhaps you could lead me in the right direction.
My question is: where is there some decent information on the Legal side of respecting others Privacy?
I ask this question since I was housesitting at my sister’s home and the one day I noticed the dog was going beserk and I was wondering what it was that he was disturbed about. Before I even got up to see, I HEARD this buzzing like a swarm of bees and so I rushed outside to see if it was, only to find that it was a drone from next door! I’m not sure how close they came into our back yard, but I’m pretty sure they came quite close because it really unnerved the dog. I watched them hover way above our yard for quite some time and so I coaxed the dog to come under the tree so that the person operating the drone didn’t have anything to look at. Eventually it zoomed to the left and then to right and came back down next door.
I’m sure this is a violation of personal privacy – is there any way to find out?