Smartcontroller problems since software upgrade

David G

I had not used the Drone for some time and had a forced update of Dronelink when I stated it up again last week.

The App connects and it sees flight plans store on Dronelink.
One of the issues is that I cannot edit any plan from the Smartcontroller.
All I get is a continuous spinning circle.

I am a novice with Wireshark but I did a trace and the only things that stand out to me are “QUIC” errors - Malformed Packet and Invalid version with the destination a Google address of 142.250.70.238.
Hopefully this is useful information.

Otherwise, are then any suggestions as to what troubleshooting I should do?  

I upgrade was to version Dronelink Version 4.9.0 (2284) Kernel 4.9.0
Unfortunately I do not know what version was replaced.

The Smartcontroller is still working perfectly with apps such as Litchi.
I am aware that the Smartcontroller has performance limitations with Dronelink, but this does not appear to be a performance issue.

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Comments

11 comments

  • Comment author
    David G

    Correction: I was using an older version of Wireshark.

    With the current version of Wireshark I get – QUIC Error Failed to create decryption context: Secrets are not available.

    The destination is anothe Google IP address.
    I hope this helps.

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  • Comment author
    Mike (Arizona Wyldwest) Dronelink Expert Dronelink Expert

    I’d first delete and reinstall the app from link. It sounds like a WiFi issue but can’t hurt to reinstall and go through each step to make sure. I believe there are at three APK’s download and install.

    https://support.dronelink.com/hc/en-us/articles/16472113695123-DJI-Smart-Controller-Unofficial-Support-How-to-Install

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  • Comment author
    David G

    Thanks Mike,

    I have deleted and re-installed as you have suggested.
    Unfortunately the problem remains.

    In order to rule out my network, I then connected the Smartcontroller to my Mobile phone hotspot. Same result.

    I must assume that no one else is having the same problem, so I will continue to look for a solution.
    If I find the cause, I will post it here.

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  • Comment author
    Mike (Arizona Wyldwest) Dronelink Expert Dronelink Expert

    Yeah that controller is very old and DJI discontinued support a while back so not much they will do to help. DL doesn’t officially support it as you probably noticed. Maybe someone on a DJI forum or other forum who uses it with DL can help. Unless DL staff has any ideas to try It may be time to upgrade to a modern hardware device. Sorry I can’t help more.

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  • Comment author
    David G

    I agree with you Mike,

    Although the Smartcontoller is still very good with free flight and some other Apps,
    it is apparent that Dronelink is a bit too resource intensive for this device.
    Thanks for taking the time to assist me with this issue.
    I guess I have to spend yet more on this expensive hobby😊

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  • Comment author
    Martin Reading Dronelink Expert Dronelink Expert

    I guess I have to spend yet more on this expensive hobby😊

    David G, I'o suggest getting an RC-N1 rather than one of the latest smart controllers, then depending on what drone you are flying you can just plug in the phone/tablet of your choice, be that Android or iOS (for MSDK4 Drones) or Android for the mini3 etc that fly on MSDK5.

    I personally fly my Mini2 using a Galaxy tab 7FE 5G as my default device, sometimes however, I'll just use my old LG V50, or my Fold Z4

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  • Comment author
    David G

    Thanks for that Martin

    I have a Mavic 2 Zoom so I guess I will be looking on the second-hand market for an original controller.
    It is a bit disappointing; I had hoped to get more longevity out of the Smartcontroller.

    Hopefully, when I do find a reasonably priced controller, I will be able to connect my iPhone and have enough CPU power to use Dronelink.

    But then, I am sure I will find the screen is not bright enough after having had the smartcontroller screen, so it goes on and on...

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  • Comment author
    Martin Reading Dronelink Expert Dronelink Expert

    The thing I like is being able to use a nice 12.4 inch screen, the smart controllers have never seemed very smart to me I must admit

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  • Comment author
    David G

    Agreed, Screen Size and brightness are very important.
    Especially as my eyesight is not as good as it once was.
    I guess I will look for a suitable notepad that will fit whatever controller I end up with.
    Hopefully I can hotspot my phone to it for an internet connection as I do not want a seperate Mobile phone account.
    It will probably not be as upmarket as your Galaxy tab 7FE 5G but I will keep it in mind as an example.  

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  • Comment author
    Mike (Arizona Wyldwest) Dronelink Expert Dronelink Expert
    • Edited

    Hey David. You mentioned you have an iPhone so I’m curious what model. Unless it’s a very old Apple model it should work at least for now until you get a larger device. Unfortunately the RC-N1 won’t work with the Mavic Pro drones. I took a quick look for the RC1A and some are ridiculous at about $400 to $600 but I did see a few used ones at $80 to $150 or so. At least for now you can have a better experience with your existing iPhone and that controller. The Hotspot should work without any issues and I have used my old iPhone 8 Plus to connect hotspot to my WiFi only iPad Mini 5 originally. So that should not be a problem with any device manufacture whether Apple or any other. You don’t even need any service as long as you download the plans for off-line use before leaving WiFi service. That M2 Zoom is still a very good drone so I’d fly the wings, (arms) off it and enjoy it. Lol…… Good luck.

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  • Comment author
    David G

    Thanks for taking an interest, Mike.
    I will look around for a suitable controller.
    My iPhone is model 13 Pro Max so it should have enough horse power😊
    I will investigate to see what iPad might give me the best CPU bang for buck.

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