The OTG, a highly controversial subject. I first saw it’s use on YouTube, but who knows who first brought it to the attention of just about every DJI drone pilot out there. The concept is sound. Improve the reception between the remote which lies 2 to 4 inches away and your mobile device. Pretty simple. Whether it works to justify toting an extra piece of hardware? That’s the controversial part of the equation. At first a lot of users were confused to its purpose and insisting it increased the range you travel with the spark, even posting videos about it. But in reality, we all know that is not the case.
They say a chain is only as good as it’s weakest link. In the Case of the Spark, it’s the signal going to the Spark that is the main factor. We’ve all seen range tests on YouTube pretty much and know that the typical distance where the Spark will start losing it’s connection is 2500 ft. More or less. Even in my experiences, I’ve seen that. Now in between the time the Spark reaches that distance is where you might get some breakup in the feed being sent back to the remote. And that depends greatly on interference from other wifi, magnetic or steel structures in the area. Or simply the wifi signal itself. This is where the OTG is supposed to improve the reception not from the drone but from the remote. The Spark is still going to lose it’s connection regardless of how strong the connection is between the remote and the device. I like many others also used the OTG. Well hell, it’s a hard connection, why not. But to me if you have a lot of wifi interference that’s close to you, say other cell phones, laptops with wifi, apple watches, etc. That would really be the only reason to use one.
Some reviewers even say that they see a decrease in their mobil devices
battery life, that the remote is drawing energy from it or vice versa.
In my own experience, I've seen error messages coming up aside from the given “this accessory is not supported” and “Weak Signal Transmission” flashing across the top, just as I am preparing for take off. False telemetry readings mostly in altitude. I’ve even contacted support to see their version on whether it works. Never got a straight answer on 2 emails I sent to 2 different support members. Of course who knows who they were, most likely a work from home agent. But the point is it’s still pretty much up to the user to decide. Personally the only benefit I’ve seen is when I’m updating the database, or firmware, since it allows a direct connection to the remote, then to the drone and still maintain an internet connection. Whether I plan on using it to fly? Lets just say no for the moment but do carry it with me for those times where the wifi interference is obvious, a university campus, a crowded beach, park or event. But there are 2 important factors here in this story. 1. VLOS (Visual line of sight) which determines how far we can fly. And 2. Where we can fly. Places where wifi usage would be undeniable, “crowded areas” Those 2 eliminate most of the issues that an OTG would “ supposedly resolve.
My own 2 cents.
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