I’m on a budget and struggling to even find a controller. Can I fly the DJI Neo in full manual mode without FPV goggles?
To unlock manual mode, you need DJI Goggles 3 or Goggles N3 along with the DJI FPV Controller 3.
No, you need the DJI RC3 controller to fly in manual mode. The RC3 connects to the goggles, and then the goggles link to the drone. Same setup applies to the motion controller that comes with the Avata 2 and Neo, which is why those controllers don’t have antennas but the goggles do.
If you’re on a budget, get a cheap analog whoop with some used goggles. Flying FPV without goggles—if it were even possible—would likely end in a crash. Learning acro means you’re going to crash A LOT, and the Neo isn’t built for that kind of abuse. You’ll be sending it back to DJI constantly.
Are you talking about Manual Acro mode? You need the FPV Controller 2 or 3, which pairs to the goggles. The standard RC controllers don’t let you loosen the spring on the throttle stick, which is essential for manual flying.
It’s a whiny little drone… louder than the Mini 4 Pro and Mavic 3 Pro.
I got the Neo to learn FPV. It’s a great starter drone, but you’ll want to upgrade eventually—like with any hobby.
Yes, you can fly it in manual mode with a regular controller (RC-N3 or similar) without goggles. But it’s still a weak and slow drone, so manual mode won’t feel much different than normal mode.
Jai said:
Yes, you can fly it in manual mode with a regular controller (RC-N3 or similar) without goggles. But it’s still a weak and slow drone, so manual mode won’t feel much different than normal mode.
You can do flips though.
Jai said:
Yes, you can fly it in manual mode with a regular controller (RC-N3 or similar) without goggles. But it’s still a weak and slow drone, so manual mode won’t feel much different than normal mode.
Thanks for the answer! Do you know any good budget controllers, or does it have to be DJI?
@Hollis
You have to use DJI controllers—either RC-N2 or RC-N3. They’re basically the same, but the RC-N3 has less battery. The RC-N2 was only bundled with the Mini 4 Pro and Air 3, and I don’t think they sell it anymore. Outside the US, the Neo comes bundled with the RC-N3.
If you’re looking to do tricks and freestyle, you’re better off with an FPV drone. The Neo is more of a selfie drone with auto modes and tracking. The Mini 4K is a better budget drone for flying and photography, but the Neo is more portable and has built-in prop guards. Just be aware—once you add a controller to the Neo, it’s the same price as the Mini 4K (which comes with a controller).
@Jai
Got it! I really want something fast like a racing drone, but not too extreme or expensive. The Mini 4K looks cool—I’ll probably grab that. The Mini 3 also caught my eye since it comes with the screen controller.
@Hollis
Trying to learn FPV tricks by line of sight (without goggles) is incredibly hard.
Ainsley said:
@Hollis
Trying to learn FPV tricks by line of sight (without goggles) is incredibly hard.
What’s line of sight? Is that flying without the camera view?
Ainsley said:
@Hollis
Trying to learn FPV tricks by line of sight (without goggles) is incredibly hard.
What’s line of sight? Is that flying without the camera view?
Yep, and you can’t do it with the Neo without goggles.
@Talon
Would the Mini 3 work for tricks?
Hollis said:
@Talon
Would the Mini 3 work for tricks?
Nope. The Mini 3 and Mini 4 aren’t FPV drones. They can’t do flips or fly in acro mode.
Hollis said:
@Talon
Would the Mini 3 work for tricks?
Nope. The Mini 3 and Mini 4 aren’t FPV drones. They can’t do flips or fly in acro mode.
What kind of drones should I be looking at for tricks then?
@Hollis
(This comment is empty—admin should fix it.)
@Hollis
This is wrong—only the FPV RC3 supports manual mode.