What is a drone remote control?
A drone remote control is a device utilized for operating drones. Typically, it transmits instructions to these unmanned devices through wireless methods like infrared or radio frequencies. Remote controls typically feature input mechanisms such as joysticks and buttons, enabling users to manage various functions of the craft, including takeoff, landing, hovering, heading adjustment, and altitude control. With ongoing technological advancements, drone remote controls are becoming increasingly sophisticated, integrating capabilities such as voice control, touch screens, and smartphone connectivity.
1. Introduction of populer drone remote control
SIYI Remote Control – MK15
- Digital image transmission distance 15 kilometers, 1080P 60 frames dual high-definition digital image transmission with 180ms low latency
- Radio Control has an 8-core processor, 2 GB RAM, and 16 GB internal storage.
- The remote control is equipped with IP53 waterproof and dustproof. Also equipped with 5.8G ISM frequency band
- 5.5-inch size offers HD screen with 1000 nits brightness
- HD video and data transmission and remote control of the ground station into your drone.
- Digital transmission features IP67 camera and LED lights
- Built-in 24000mAh battery, 12H battery life, 3.5H PD fast charging, Super long battery life, 30W PD fast charging
- Designed to support dual RTK mapping modules
- Compatible with JIYI, BOYING, VK, and Pixhawk flight controllers.
The Siyi remote control MK15 stands out as an Android smart controller boasting a 15-kilometer distance. Equipped with dual 1080p and 180ms low-latency FPV (First Person View), it operates on full HD image transmission technology. The MK15 link relies on Siyi Technology’s proprietary wireless high-definition image transmission technology, combining remote control, data, and image links into a single unit. It features adaptive frequency band characteristics, minimizing interference while switching to operating frequency bands. The system is deeply optimized and incorporates a Qualcomm 8-core CPU platform, offering rich functionality and robust performance. Widely used across agricultural drones, commercial drones, unmanned vehicles, ships, and robots, the MK15 ensures smooth image transmission, stable data links, and dependable control. Additionally, it supports the “one machine dual control” feature, catering to dual operator scenarios by allowing up to two ground units to control one air unit simultaneously. This enables one unit to manage the drone’s flight attitude while the other handles PTZ cameras, pods, and other payload applications. In dual control mode, both ground units can access the same camera image concurrently or display different camera images individually. The MK15 mini HD handheld smart controller is specifically designed for professional applications in targeted industries.
SIYI Remote control – MK32
- 7-inch 1000nit high-brightness LCD touch screen
- Dual high-definition digital image transmission for 15KM range
- Qualcomm 8-core CPU, 4G RAM, 16G ROM
- H.264/H.265 decoding
- Remote antenna
- 3.5H PD fast charging
- 10 hours battery life
- Ground HDMI output
- Ground Ethernet output
- Ground RC input and output
- Ground audio input.
- Rich interfaces and powerful scalability
- Optional dual remote control and RC playback capabilities
The SIYI MK32 ground station for drone features a built-in 7-inch display, offering superior resolution and clarity compared to the MK15. With a maximum brightness of 1000 nits, this screen showcases information and images from ground control software, encompassing nearly all functionalities of the MK15 along with additional interfaces. Powered by Qualcomm’s 8-core CPU, the MK32 smoothly decodes H.264 or H.265 formats for 1080p @60fps video streaming. Sporting a top-tier Android build with 4GB RAM and 16GB ROM, it provides enhanced running memory and superior performance. With 16 physical channels, more than the MK15, it offers increased versatility. The MK32’s remote control relay function facilitates long-distance flights by forwarding control of another flight unit through the same unit, effectively doubling the range. This feature finds application in drone monitoring and remote delivery. Additionally, it supports 4G network connectivity, allowing for secondary development to push video streams to cloud networks.
Skydroid Remote control – H16
- Number of channels: 16 channels
- Frequency: 2.400-2.483GHz
- Working voltage: 4.2V
- Working current: 100mA
- RF power: 20DB@CE/23DB@FCC
- Modulation: New FHSS
- Mobile phone weight: 1034g
- Firmware: APP online
- Size: 272*183*94 mm
- Duration: 8-15 hours
- Battery capacitance: 20000mA
- Charging port: Type-C
- Support 18w fast charging
- Applications: Helicopters, fixed-wing, helicopters, cars, boats, robots
The Skydroid H16 drone remote control serves as a comprehensive solution for long-distance HD video transmission, integrating video, data transmission, and radio control functionalities. Characterized by low latency, strong anti-interference capabilities, and extended transmission distances, the H16 series utilizes the Surge processor and advanced SDR technology, ensuring clear images, minimal delay, and robust transmission. It caters to various industries including drones, aerial photography, FPV security, fire protection, electric power, surveying and mapping, border control, and robotics, offering rich interfaces such as HDMI, RJ45, sensor interfaces, dual serial port pass-through transmission, SBUS, and IP67 design. Constructed with waterproof, dustproof, and shock-resistant materials, the H16 series ensures durability in demanding environments.
Skydroid H16 Pro remote control
- Number of channels: 16 channels remote control
- Frequency: 2.400-2.483GHz
- Working voltage: 4.2V
- Working current: 100mA
- RF power: 20DB@CE/23DB@FCC
- Modulation: New FHSS
- Weight: 1034g
- Firmware: APP online
- Size: 272*183*94mm
- Duration: 8-15 hours
- Battery capacitance: 20000mA
- Charging port: Type-C
The Skydroid H16 Pro remote control represents an upgraded version of the H16, boasting similar features such as long-distance HD video transmission, low delay, anti-interference performance, and rich interfaces. Utilizing the latest Surge processor and advanced SDR technology, it enhances image clarity, reduces delay, extends transmission distances, and strengthens anti-interference capabilities. Ideal for drones, aerial photography, security applications, and industrial control equipment, the H16 Pro maintains compatibility with various cameras and equipment. It incorporates protective measures and durable materials to withstand challenging conditions effectively.
Skydroid H30 Remote Control for drone
- 16 Channels: Auxiliary channels and quantities Main joystick*2, Secondary joystick*2. 3-everswitch*4, Knob switch*2, Key switch*8.
- Uses Qualcomm 660 processor, equipped with Android 9.1 embedded system.
- It has three operating frequencies of 800MHz/1.4GHz/2.4GHz, making the image clearer, lower delay, longer distance, and strong anti-interference.
- Support USB, 4G card slot, LAN port, Audio, HDMI, TF, TYPE-C various interfaces.
- 10.1-inch high-definition industrial-grade sunlight visible screen.
- IP67 dustproof and waterproof, high structural strength.
- It is suitable for various harsh environments, and the maximum remote control distance of image transmission can reach 50KM.
- 5 hours battery life, Battery capacity 20000mAH
- Remote control range > 40 kilometers
The Skydroid H30 remote control for drone serves as a portable and cost-effective drone ground control station that seamlessly integrates video link, data link, remote control, and Android system functionalities. It boasts low latency, excellent anti-interference performance, and extensive transmission distances.
Powered by the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 8-core processor and an Android 9 (64-bit) embedded system, the H30 is well-suited for applications in drones, robots, and industrial control equipment. It offers support for various interfaces such as HDMI, RJ45, sensor interface, and dual serial ports for pass-through transmission. With three working frequencies (800MHz(806-826Mhz)/1.4GHz(1427-1467Mhz)/2.4GHz(2401.5-2481.5MHZ)) and a maximum video transmission distance of up to 50KM, it ensures reliable connectivity.
Compatible with a wide range of camera brands, pan-tilts, pods, and other video equipment, the H30 features a comprehensive ground-end interface including an RJ45 network interface and a Type-C Android high-speed USB interface. Additionally, it includes an independent 2-dimensional gimbal joystick for effortless gimbal control.
Designed to withstand challenging environments, the H30 is crafted from weather-resistant materials such as silica gel, frosted rubber, stainless steel, and aviation-grade aluminum alloy. Its dust-free construction in critical areas ensures stable operation even in harsh conditions, with protective measures such as splash resistance enhancing durability.
Beyond its physical attributes, the H30 supports various interfaces including HDMI, SIM card, USB, Type-C, RJ45, PPM, and dual serial port pass-through transmission, along with dual net ports and S.Bus for the R30. It provides developers with a comprehensive development kit, SDK, and technical support, offering features like video suspension and compatibility with mainstream flight control ground stations. Additionally, it supports QGC and wireless RTSP video stream sharing for enhanced functionality and connectivity.
2. Comparison
Comparisons of Drone Remote Control | |||||
| Product | SIYI MK15 | SIYI MK32 | Skydroid H16 | Skydroid H16 pro | Skydroid H30 |
| Battery Life | 12 hours | 10 hours | 8-15 hours | 8-15 hours | 5 hours |
| Battery capacity | 10200Mah | 10200Mah | 20000Mah | 20000Mah | 20000Mah |
| Antenna | 5.8G ISM band | remote antenna | 2.400-2.483GHz | 2.400-2.483GHz | Dual antenna 1.4GHz/24GHz/800MHZ |
| Working Frequency | 5.8G ISM band | 5.8G ISM band | 2.400-2.483GHz | 2.400-2.483GHz | 1.4GHz/24GHz/800MHZ |
| RF power | 5.8G ISM band | 5.8G ISM band | 2.400-2.483GHz | 20DB@CE/23DB@FCC | 23dBM@CE/FCC |
| Remote Control Range | 15 km | 15KM (dual-channel full HD digital image transmission system can be extended to 30KM range) | 5-10km | 20-30km | > 10 kilometers |
| Channel | 13 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 16 |
| Processor | Qualcomm 8-core CPU | Qualcomm 8-core CPU, 4G RAM, 16G ROM | Surge Processor | Surge Processor | Qualcomm 660 |
| Operating System | Android version | Top Android version with 4G RAM and 16 ROM | Equipped with Android embedded system and advanced SDR technology | Equipped with Android embedded system and advanced SDR technology | Android 9.1 |
| Total Measurement | 189*138*41mm | 308*148*72mm | 272*183*94mm | 272*183*94mm | 346mm (length)*196.5mm (width)*89.4mm (height) |
| Water Proof | IP53 waterproof and dustproof | IP4X | IP67 dustproof and waterproof | IP67 dustproof and waterproof | IP67 dustproof and waterproof |
| Screen | 5.5-inch size, high-definition screen, brightness 1000 nits, display resolution 1920*1080 pixels | 1080 7-inch 1000nit high-brightness LCD touch screen | 1080 7-inch high-definition bright display 1920*1200 | 1080 7-inch high-definition bright display | 1080P 10.1-inch high-definition industrial-grade sunlight viewable screen |
| Support Interface | Ground HDMI output (MK15 agricultural combination transmitter does not support HDMI output) Ground Ethernet output Ground RC input and output | Ground HDMI output Ground Ethernet output Ground RC input and output Ground audio input. Rich interfaces and powerful scalability | HDMI, RJ45, sensor interface, dual serial port transparent transmission, SBUS (HDMI input not supported) | HDMI, network port, sensor interface, dual serial port transparent transmission, SBUS (support HDMI input) | USB, 4G card slot, LAN port, Audio, HDMI, TF, TYPE-C |
| Airborne | N/A | Yes | N/A | N/A | N/A |
3. Manuals and Videos
SIYI MK15 Manual
SIYI MK32 Manual
Skydroid H16/H16 Pro Manual
Skydroid H30 Manual
4. FAQs
1. How should I choose the most suitable remote control for me among these products?
MK15 remote control is known for its HD image transmission and ideal 15km transmission distance for dual-channel Full HD low latency video transmission. Equipped with Qualcomm octa-core high-performance CPU. 5.5-inch 1920*1080 HD display with a maximum brightness of 1000 cd/m2, almost twice as bright as a regular smartphone, remains visible even under direct sunlight. The price is about 400 USD.
The MK32 industrial-grade handheld earth station is equipped with a 7-inch high-definition high-brightness display with a maximum brightness of 1,000 nits, which can be used outdoors in direct sunlight to clearly display earth station information and high-definition image transmission images. The ideal transmission distance is 15 kilometers of wireless digital image transmission, and supports dual control and remote relay, making its ideal flight distance up to 30 kilometers. Equipped with Qualcomm octa-core high performance CPU, supporting 16 physical channels. The price is about 500 USD.
The H16/16 pro remote control adopts a 7-inch high-brightness display, which can still display information clearly and in real time under sunlight. It supports 1080p HD digital image transmission with dual antenna signals complementing each other for a strong signal and long transmission distance. Adopting Pascal processor and Android embedded system, the image is clearer, lower latency, longer distance, and stronger anti-interference ability.H16 is about $650 and H16 pro is about $1300.
H30 remote control series adopts new Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 octa-core processor with Android 9 (64-bit) embedded system, using advanced SDR technology and Super Protocol Stack, which makes the image clearer, lower latency, longer distance, and stronger anti-jamming ability, and it can be applied to drones, robots, and industrial control equipment. Adopts 10.1-inch industrial touch screen + daylight visible screen, which can be clearly displayed even under the sunlight. Support 1080P HD digital image transmission, equipped with dual tri-band antennas, signal complement each other, strong signal and long transmission distance. Built-in dual speakers, tri-band 800M, 1.4G, 2.4G, Wifi 2.4 5G. H30 provides 16 physical channels and costs about $2000.
2. What system and special APP do these products use?
Siyi APP includes Siyi FPV and Siyi Q-Ground Control, which can be better adapted and used by SIYI products.
Skydroid has Skydroid PTZ FPV and Skydroid FLY GCS, which can be better adapted and used by Skydroid products.
They all use Android system.
3. How far can a remote-controlled drone fly?
The ideal flight distance of MK15 is 15KM.
The ideal flight distance of MK32 is 15KM. However, it can use dual control of one machine and remote control relay to make its ideal flight distance 30KM.
The ideal flight distance of H16 is 10KM.
The ideal flight distance of H16 pro is 30KM.
The ideal flight distance of H30 is up to 50KM.
4. What experiences we have after using those two brands of remote controller?
MK15 is small in size, easy to hold and carry. Its ideal transmission distance can reach 15KM. It has 13 physical channels.
The H16 is larger overall than the MK15, but it has a large screen that can be seen more clearly when working under strong light. Its ideal transmission distance can reach 10KM. But it has 16 physical channels.
They all have their own advantages.
5. Does H30’s tri-band frequency switching require replacing different antennas?
No, the previous H30 had three-band signal antennas, but the current H30’s signal antenna only has one three-band signal antenna, which is much more convenient and does not require changing the antenna to match different signal bands.
6. H30 has three baud rates. What are the differences between the three frequencies?
800MHz radio waves have longer wavelengths and low frequencies, and have stronger penetrating power and can transmit signals in environments with many obstacles. It is usually used in applications that require higher transmission distances, such as long-distance agricultural remote sensing, satellite communications, etc.
The 1.4GHz radio wave has a higher frequency than 800MHz, has weak penetration but faster transmission speed. It is often used for short-distance high-speed data transmission and video transmission, such as robot control and video transmission.
2.4GHz radio waves are currently the most commonly used frequency, with moderate penetration and transmission speed, and can be used for various communication applications, such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, remote control toys, smart homes, etc. Due to its widespread use, it is easy to generate interference signals, so some measures need to be taken to avoid interference.
7. Can these drone remote control be customized?
SIYI MK15 and MK32 are all available for secondary development. They are both custom drone remote control.
Skydroid H16/H16 Pro/H30 do not support customization by customer.
Leave a comment
You must be logged in to post a comment.