Using Remote Control Commands in the Drone Operations Center (DOC)

Before You Start:

The Remote Control feature in AirHub allows an operator to take direct control of an active drone from anywhere in the world using the Drone Operations Center (DOC).

With a stable internet connection, you can remotely fly the drone, control its camera and gimbal, and adjust visual settings in real time, whether the drone is launched from a DJI Dock or operated by a pilot in the field.

This feature is ideal for remote inspections, centralized operations, and emergency support, where command can be securely handed over to a remote pilot.

Note: Remote Control requires an Enterprise subscription and must have Remote Commands enabled on the connected DJI Smart Controller.

1.1 Enabling Remote Commands on the Smart Controller

If you are taking over a drone that is being manually flown (not from a Dock), Remote Commands must be enabled on the DJI Smart Controller before a remote pilot can assume control.

1. Go into a flight using the AirHub – Cockpit Workflow.

2. While flying, on the Smart Controller, look at the top-left corner of the screen.

3. Find the RC (Remote Commands) icon, located next to the Livestream and Checklist buttons.

4. Tap the RC icon to enable Remote Commands.

5. The icon will turn active, confirming that the drone can now receive remote input from the DOC.

Note: Without enabling Remote Commands, the Remote Control session cannot be initiated from the Drone Operations Center.

Tip: Go to the settings within the camera view to permanently enable Remote Commands.

1.2 Toggle Remote Control on in DOC

To access Remote Control, the drone must already be airborne and connected to the AirHub platform through one of the following methods:

• A DJI Dock, operating in Ground Station mode.

• A pilot in the field, connected through the AirHub – Cockpit or DJI Pilot 2 Cloud integration.

Follow these steps to activate Remote Control from the Drone Operations Center:

1. Open the Drone Operations Center (DOC).

2. Go to the Cockpit View of the active drone.

   • You can enter the Cockpit view in two ways:

     1. By opening an Active Flight.

     2. Or by going into a Custom Session, adding the drone to that session, hovering over the livestream, and pressing the game controller icon.

3. In the upper-right corner of the Cockpit view, click Remote Control.

4. Once the connection is established, full control of the drone and camera will be transferred to you.

1.3 Supported Control Devices

AirHub supports multiple input devices for remote operation, allowing you to fly with precision and comfort:

• Keyboard – Basic control for quick or limited operations.

• Thrustmaster T16000M Joystick – Recommended for professional-grade control and smooth flight inputs.

• Xbox 360 Controller – Ideal for intuitive stick-based control and easy camera operation.

Before using any device, ensure it’s recognized and calibrated by your browser. For the best performance, use Chrome and verify that browser input permissions are granted.

1.4 Available Controls and Functions

Once connected, you’ll have direct, real-time control over key drone systems, including:

Flight Controls

• Manual control of throttle, pitch, roll, and yaw.

• Smooth response with low-latency feedback.

Camera and Gimbal Controls

• Adjust gimbal orientation for precise aiming.

• Switch between available cameras (e.g., wide, zoom, or thermal).

• Change the Infrared palette to adapt thermal image display.

• Start or stop video recording and capture photos directly from the interface.

1.5 Network Requirements and Best Practices

Remote Control depends on a stable and high-speed connection for both video and input data.

For optimal performance:

• Maintain at least 100 Mbps upload and download speed on both ends.

• Use a wired Ethernet or high-quality Wi-Fi connection with minimal latency.

• Avoid switching networks during an active session.

• Use a dedicated network environment when conducting critical or automated operations.

1.6 Ending a Remote Control Session

When you are finished with your operation:

1. In the Cockpit View (DOC), click Remote Control again to release control.

2. The drone will automatically hand control back to the local pilot or the Dock system.

3. All telemetry will be logged automatically for compliance and audit purposes.

1.7 Summary

The Remote Control feature in AirHub enables secure, real-time drone operation from anywhere in the world through the Drone Operations Center.

With support for joysticks, controllers, and keyboard input and seamless camera and thermal control, it empowers organizations to centralize their drone operations and provide expert oversight remotely.

Remember: Remote Control requires an Enterprise subscription, Remote Commands enabled on the Smart Controller, and a stable internet connection for both the drone and operator.