Remote Control for Tello Drone

When I pre-ordered a Tello Drone in February the ryzerobotics.com listed GameSir Bluetooth controllers as compatible with the Drone.  Since the GameSir T1S had great reviews so I also ordered one of those to go with it.

The drone and remote were a birthday gift for my son and luckily it arrived a few days before his birthday.  I didn’t have time to test out the setup, but I was confident that it would work.  The GameSir T1S product description on Amazon even listed the Tello Drone.

Does the T1S work with the Tello Drone?  No

Unfortunately, after opening his gifts and charging up the drone and controller we soon found out that the T1S would not link up with the Tello App on his Android phone.  I attempted to reboot the phone and reinstall the app.  I also tried installing the app on another device and pairing the remote with it.

We quickly gave up on the remote and decided to focus on flying the drone for the time being.

Below is an image of the Amazon T1S listing (taken 4/18/2018) even though it lists the Tello, don’t let this confuse you it has been confirmed that the T1S is not compatible.

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Is there a controller that works with the Tello?  Yes

There is some conflicting information between Ryze Robotics and DJI.  According the the Tello page on the ryzerobotics.com the GameSir T1D is the only compatible controller.

The DJI store lists 2 compatible controllers for the Tello Drone.  The GameSir T1D and the Gamevice controller.

GameSir T1D (Android and iOS compatible) Tello Drone controller

The FAQ section on ryzerobotics.com has been updated to list the GameSir T1D as the only compatible controller.  The problem is the T1D isn’t shipping yet (as of 4/18/2018).

The T1D can be ordered from the DJI store and it is also available bundled with the Tello Drone on Amazon.

Click here to order the bundle from Amazon

The T1D controller appears to be a modified version of the T1S gaming controller.  This is the disclaimer on the DJI site regarding the T1D.

“Gamesir T1d controller can only be used with Tello. This is a customized controller for UAV flight, not for game operation.”

As of mid April 2018 the T1D controller is not even listed on GameSir’s website.

There is a short page referencing the Tello and T1D (see the image below)

It looks like this controller will only be compatible with the Tello Drone and you will not be able to use it for general gaming.  I have already placed my order for the T1D and as soon as it comes in I will post an update on how well it works.

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Update: My T1D controller has arrived! (early May 2018)

After being on backorder for several weeks I finally have my hands on the T1D.  Although I received mine, the controller is still not readily available.  Several online retailers are still listing it as pre-order or out of stock.

Initial Thoughts on the T1D

When I first received the T1D I was somewhat surprised to see the controller is not identical to the T1S.  The letter buttons, joysticks, trigger and directional pad identical, but there are some slight differences in the other button labels and locations.

Like the T1S the T1D has a nice solid feel and the rubberized coating is easy to hold on to.  It may be the 600mAh battery, but the remote feels a little heavy, in a good way.

Speaking of the battery, my son has flown the Tello a dozen times with the remote and the battery indicator is still showing 100%.  If only the drone battery could last this long.

How to pair the GameSir T1D with the Tello Software

My son was excited to try out the new remote so I quickly turned it on and tried to pair it to his phone using the Bluetooth settings.  The T1D failed to pair several times, so I tried it on my phone and again could not get it to pair.

I then went into the “Bluetooth Controller Settings” inside the main settings menu in the Tello app and the T1D appeared and said “Disconnected”.  Clicking on the remote changed the status to “Connected”.

After returning to the main screen in the Tello app the on-screen joysticks were gone and the remote was ready to go.

Note:  The remote does not stay paired after the app is closed.  Each time you open the Tello app you need to go into the controller settings and connect the remote.  This is a quick process once you figure it out.

Flying the Tello with the T1D

Both my son and I like using the controller better than flying with the onscreen controls.  The sticks give you a better feel of how far in the range of motion you are.  Also, when flying with the remote you don’t have your hands covering the screen.

When flying in “fast” mode I believe using the remote is the only way to go.

Flips with the Tello and T1D

My son loves that you can do flips quickly without accessing the special flight modes menu when using the remote.  To make the drone flip you just have to hold the L2 button down and press the direction pad the way you want the drone to flip.  If you want to flip diagonally you will still have to use the flight mode and swipe on screen.

Pictures and Video with the Remote

The remote makes it much easier to snap a quick picture or record video.  These functions are pre-programmed to the RT (picture) and LT (video) buttons.  If you are in video mode pressing the picture button once will change modes, and then the second press will take a picture.  The same goes for switching from picture to video.  Once recording pressing the video button a second time stops the recording.

Flying with the Remote and VR goggles

We have a pair of Google Daydream 2 VR goggles, so our next experiment with the Tello will be to attempt to fly with the T1D and the VR goggles.  Once we give it a try I will update you on how it goes.

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Gamevice Controller (iOS only) Tello Drone controller

If you are using an iPhone or iPad to fly your Tello drone you are in luck.  You have a second option the Gamevice gaming controller is also available and has been confirmed to work.    This controller has the added advantage of being a multipurpose controller for gaming and the Tello.  The Gamevice controller comes in several versions based on which Apple device you are using.

Click here to see the Gamevice controller on Amazon

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Thoughts on the Tello Drone

I think DJI and Ryze Robotics did a great job with this drone.  Even though it is easy for a beginner like my 11-year-old son to fly it as some higher end capabilities.

My son loves the flips and the Throw & Go modes.  My biggest wish is that the battery life was a little longer.  I think we will be investing in a few extra batteries and a charging station in the near future.

The app is pretty responsive and makes it fairly easy to control the drone.  Unfortunately, without a controller I can’t comment on it’s responsiveness or the VR functions.

Storing the Tello and Remote

Even though the Tello is new there are already a lot of options for cases.  I picked up the Esimen Protective Hard Shoulder Bag Case Backpack for DJI Tello.  This case holds the Tello nicely has room for the controller and a few other accessories (like some spare batteries).  The T1D is a little taller than the foam insert, but the case still zips up and keeps everything secure.

Click here to check it out on Amazon

Wrap Up

If there are any changes or updates to the controller options for the Tello I will update this article with the latest information.

If you have a Tello and controller please leave a comment below and let me know which one you have and how well it is working for you.

Thanks,

Jason