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How to Connect a Drone to the Replay System

  • Updated

To connect a drone to an EDGE box or Smart Camera head there are a few prerequisites you must have in order for the transmission to work:

  • The drone controller must have an HDMI output port.
  • The drone controller must be able to output the HDMI signal at a 720p resolution in order to work without our HDMI Converter Device.

Important note: As of 2025 we have completed development of a reliable 720p converter that works with our capture devices. If you have a drone controller that can output HDMI via USB-C or some other form of HDMI feed, we can probably make it work with our converter.

 

KNOWN COMPATIBLE DRONE CONTROLLERS without a Converter:

  • DJI RC PRO - compatible with the Mavic 2 Pro/Zoom, Mavic Air 2, DJI Mini 2, DJI Air 2S Drones
  • DJI RC PRO 2 - compatible with the Mavic 3 series, Mini 3 pro, Air 2S Drones
  • DJI Smart Controller - compatible with the Mini 5 pro, Mavic 4 Pro, Air 3S, Mini 4 Pro, Air 3 Drones

See example of a drone controller with an HDMI-Out port (example is a DJI RC PRO):

Screenshot_2023-05-12_051243.png

NOTE THE TYPE OF HDMI PORT IN THE CONTROLLER (in the above example the type is HDMI Mini - you must have the correct type of HDMI cord to fit).

 

If your controller does have an HDMI port, then next you must identify if the HDMI output resolution settings can be changed to 720p. See your user manual to locate these settings.

The below example is from the DJI RC PRO user manual:

Screenshot_2023-05-12_052501.png

The ideal resolution is 720p at 60 frames per second (see example from DJI RC PRO settings menu):

DJI_RC_PRO_HDMI_Settings_720p.png

drone_controller_DJI_RC_Pro_HDMI_Settings_720p.jpg

Then simply connect the drone controller to the Connect Camera port of your EDGE box or Smart Camera head using the correct type of HDMI cable (in the below example you would need an HDMI Mini to Standard HDMI cord):

drone_hdmi_port_controller_to_edge_box_connect_camera.png

OR

Please be aware that HDMI Splitters are often incompatible with our equipment.

If you need to connect the drone feed into another replay system, be sure to connect it to EDGE first via a 720p feed, then use the HDMI Out (connect monitor) Port to run a cable into another replay system.
Please be aware that the HDMI Out signal has been digitally upscaled to 1080p in order to be compatible with other replay systems (such as Hudl or SkyCoach).

 

If your Drone Controller doesn't have an option to change its HDMI Output, definitely give us a call @ 509-204-3270 and ask us about getting our HDMI Converter box.

HDMI Converter.jpg

 

Seeing your Drone Controller UI on your Sport Scope Footage?

If you're seeing icons and info that is on your drone controller on your Sport Scope replay footage (on the iPad) you can fix that by going to Settings > Transmission and changing it from "Screen Mirroring" to Live view Only 

 

Losing HDMI Signal (Camera Offline) after changing a battery?

Unplug and replug the small USB power cord providing power to your EDGE Box (or blue computer) to quickly reboot and regain HDMI connectivity. Doing this after each battery change is recommended.

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