OTG - just not needed...

[MileHighSi]

and most of all the very limited latency of the video feed

Am I right in saying that the video stream comes from the Spark to the Controller via. radio?
If that's the case, then I don't understand how wifi at such short range (that is, between the controller and smartphone) could be to blame for latency. I mean, I've never known wifi to be anything less than capable when it comes to streaming 1080p video - even when there's an ISP in the middle which obv. there isn't in this case.

 

[Vilco]

Am I right in saying that the video stream comes from the Spark to the Controller via. radio?
If that's the case, then I don't understand how wifi at such short range (that is, between the controller and smartphone) could be to blame for latency. I mean, I've never known wifi to be anything less than capable when it comes to streaming 1080p video - even when there's an ISP in the middle which obv. there isn't in this case.

In fact RC and phone are too close for creating trasmission latency issues: IMO the issue was due to some scr3w-up in the app versions before 4.1.18, maybe some conflict between the RC wifi to the spark and the RC wifi to the phone, then they solved the issue or in 4.1.18 or in 4.1.22. I don't know which one because I jumped from 15 straight to 22

 

[MileHighSi]

The RC doesn't use wifi to connect to the Spark, though? Whether you choose to connect your controller to your smartphone via. wifi or OTG, the controller will only ever interface with the Spark via RF (radio). The only point that wifi gets involved is in the connection between smartphone and controller, which as we've both now pointed out is surely too close range for latency to be caused by the use of wifi protocol alone.
The only way I can see wifi causing any latency whatsoever with the video stream would be due to wifi interfering with the radio signal. I'm no expert on this but I can't imagine that being the case.

 

[Smoothcruizer]

I would like to know if folks with Android and a type C otg cable connection. .... Is your phone keep trying to change charge off off the controller, its annoying

 

[Vilco]

The RC doesn't use wifi to connect to the Spark, though? Whether you choose to connect your controller to your smartphone via. wifi or OTG, the controller will only ever interface with the Spark via RF (radio). The only point that wifi gets involved is in the connection between smartphone and controller, which as we've both now pointed out is surely too close range for latency to be caused by the use of wifi protocol alone.
The only way I can see wifi causing any latency whatsoever with the video stream would be due to wifi interfering with the radio signal. I'm no expert on this but I can't imagine that being the case.

WiFI is RF, that said, the RC talks to skhe Spark via WiFi (while Mavics use Ocusync and Phantoms use Lightbridge, which are specialised WiFis) so it's WiFi from the RC both to the Spark and the phone. Thus the possibility of interferences in the 2 WiFi links from the RC

 

[MileHighSi]

WiFI is RF, that said, the RC talks to skhe Spark via WiFi (while Mavics use Ocusync and Phantoms use Lightbridge, which are specialised WiFis) so it's WiFi from the RC both to the Spark and the phone. Thus the possibility of interferences in the 2 WiFi links from the RC

If that is the case then switching bands would solve?

 

[FlyinMajic2day]

I have been trying to get a better understanding of the OTG use with the Spark, definitely see all kinds of great views on use and non use of the cable. I have watched and read so much about OTG that my eyes hurt. I have yet to use one but do not have many issues while flying....maybe because I am using iOS device??? Anyways, I will probably(maybe?) get one just for testing purposes to see what my own conclusion is on using OTG. Seems that is the only way to know how it works and if it makes a personal difference. By the way, newbie to this forum but have read a lot over last couple months

 

[webvan]

Welcome to the forum !
There was a time when the Spark worked a lot better on Android devices when it was connected via cable. It seems DJI tweaked the app to the point where it doesn't make a difference anymore. Just as well since there's one less thing (the cable) to worry about and it's a pro for the Spark vs the Mavic or the Mavic Air.

 

[FlyinMajic2day]

Thank you Webvan! That has been my recent consensus from my readings and have heard this a lot so good to know I was still on the fence but being a tech guy, wasn't sure because we like to break things

 

[webvan]

Yeah, experimenting is where the fun is ;-)

 

[MannyCAM2001]

The only issue I have using the OTG cable is the little mess it makes. I wish DJI just used the same design as the Mavic controller - very clean.

One thing is for sure, if they did we wouldn’t be having this debate.
If it works for you, use it... in all of my forum exchanges, I’ve pointed out it’s subjective. To where you fly, to how you fly, to why you fly.
I think the vital thing to educate others about,...Is on what the OTG is for. the OTG Has been wrongly perceived as being the magic cable for extending the range of the Spark. Be able to send it on it’s merry way and still be able to enter commands thru the RC without any video loss or command error.
They say “a chain is only as good as it’s weakest link”.
To me the weakest link, is wifi. The wifi signal being transmitted to and back from the Spark. Give me a stronger connection, and there is no reason why there should ever be a need for an OTG.
The OTG is used by most to control the quality of the picture being transmitted back to their mobile device from,.. NOT the Spark, but their Remote Control. And there to me lies the problem.
Who gives a crap about the quality of the picture, if the connection to the Spark is lost. It’s not going to matter one bit how soild my RC TO MOBILE DEVICE connection is if my RC isn’t reaching or sustaining the real connection that matters.
I too don’t use it any longer, technical hiccups..and never baptized by the most holy of holys DJI.
BUT I also am an IOS USER, I live in the U.S. OF A. And I frequently eat red meat.
All kidding aside, the video I inserted up top. Gave me much to think about. I mean seriously think about.
I can only imagine what DJI is thinking when they read our comments. And read them they do. Why hasn’t something cometh forth from the most Holy of Holys, DJI in regards to the almighty OTG. Is it to remain an enigma forever?
Nah... just use the **** thing if it makes you happy. But stop fooling yourself on what it does and what it does not do.
SUBJECTIVE. forever and ever amen.
“Run through the jungle” but keep your head down.

 

[MannyCAM2001]

Just had a look at your range test video.
The video feed is horrendous !!
You had the weak image signal warning throughout most of the flight.
Are you seriously saying you're happy with that ??

Are you saying that if he would have had the all powerful OTG, the breakup wouldn’t have happen? Are you sure it wasn’t, perhaps the direction that the parabolic dishes were facing?? ..... From my own experience with them, if not directly lined up, “caca” for a picture. But they do work.
thank god, the OTG is cheap to buy.
But you know what I’ll put my money on better antennas.
Guys the sensors didn’t catch that one, lol

 

[ulnar]

If you live in US and if you use iPhone, then you get almost the better config to fly with RC in DJI, but if you live in EU and you use android, then you get the worst config possible... Disconnects at 30 meters, and worst even, flyaways... How to bipass it?, Well buy an iPhone is a begin, but if you're as headstrong as I, much better use the original 4.1.15 app version and make it believe you are in US.
But in EU with android you are still forcing the RC connects to the spark in 5ghz band, and 2.4ghz to the phone...but you get much more range upside down, how to bipass it?, You can root your phone... Or use OTG.

So OTG is not a must, but it's better outside US with android in almost any situation.

 

[Hddeuce03]

WiFI is RF, that said, the RC talks to skhe Spark via WiFi (while Mavics use Ocusync and Phantoms use Lightbridge, which are specialised WiFis) so it's WiFi from the RC both to the Spark and the phone. Thus the possibility of interferences in the 2 WiFi links from the RC

Even that is not the case since the wifi connections from phone to controller and controller to Spark are on two different frequencies (2.4ghz and 5.8ghz).

 

[MannyCAM2001]

Let’s face it. The OTG, for now is here to stay. Our friends in the EU must use it, but not so much to get that solid connection to and from the RC, but to be able to use the Androids 2.4 ghz band for flying and switch the RC’s default of 5.8 ghz which in the states is a much less crowded band (for the time being) and which is also able to down-link high resolution video at a more stable pace. To the 2.4 ghz band. A band that has just about every technology, such as appliances, garage door openers, microwaves, cell phones, even Bluetooth uses this band. Used extensively, which is the reason a major leader in drones decided on the 5.8 ghz band for their default.
Shorter range but able to deliver a higher resolution to your mobile device. Vs the 2.4 which increases distance but sacrifices your picture quality.
But it seems to do the trick in the E.U.
But remember the OTG is being used for a totally different reason.
Much like my reason for holding on to the **** thing. To update my Spark, RC and GOAPP4. Oh and to use a powerbank to continuesly charge my ipod touch 6 when flying. The ipad mini doesn’t need it since it holds a charge for much longer.
Hey but for whatever reason you use the allmighty OTG,...do it. Afterall its all about flying that we choose to use it or not.

 

[Ophidia Snaketongue]

Actually, I've found that I get far less video lag on 4.1.15 OTG than I do using 4.1.22 on wifi, even though the connection does feel a lot more solid. It's really noticeable when trying to do delicate manoeuvres and using the screen to check your recording. Trying to position the drone precisely for a shot (for instance, one I did recently for a local church, taking a closeup of the stone cross on their roof), it's pretty much impossible without OTG.

I do have the unholy difecta of android and eu here, so this is not surprisingly.

 

[MannyCAM2001]

I know what you mean on a steady platform, when trying to get the ultimate shot. And those tiny manuevers. A shame it can’t be the same experience everywhere. But I’ve learned a few things from this forum that I didn’t know. In particular about our friends abroad.
“TG, or Not to TG” That is the question.
Cheers

 

[Pe11e]

Did some extensive testing with and without OTG, in my living room, ATTI mode. Delay and video quality seems identical, never expected that. Tried two different usb cables, original white one only charged the RC. Not sure is it related to my Xiaomi Mi 5s Plus (Android). Developer options - USB debugging is enabled btw (tried it disabled too). Now I'm not sure should I bother with OTG at all, especially considering that interference bars are empty while using it, so I must first connect via Wi-Fi, check the interference bars, choose the channel if there is a need, and then plug OTG cable - restart the app. Annoying process, over-complicate things so much.
One thing - Wi-Fi = bad transmission image quality, like watching some low quality extreme high compressed movie. Using OTG should bring that FPV image quality to a reasonable quality, but I must test that further since I didn't noticed the difference (as I mentioned in the beginning of the post).

P.S. I live in Eastern Europe

 

[MannyCAM2001]

I for one really appreciate the fact that you’re pursuing this enigma so aggressively. It really sheds light on the almighty OTG. KEEP US UPDATED.
“To TG or Not to TG” That is the question.

 

[MannyCAM2001]

WiFi FPV vs 5.8GHz FPV vs 2.4GHz FPV: Ultimate Guide

Great resource on 2.4 vs 5.8 Fascinating stuff, which doesn’t hurt to know.