Sorry, probably a dense question. Losts of talk here about use of OTG cables between smartphone and remote. I'm trying to establish why I'd want to do this. An iphone7plus user who has not yet experienced any of the miriad of issues reported here. Are people using this to overcome issues or to proof themselves from potential issues? And are the main issues the OTG cable overcomes disconnection between remote and smartphone using wifi and also extending the range of the remote to the spark by removing interference from the phone?

I have wondered the same thing.  Wifi works great with my iPhone.  Is it just an Android thing?

I have an iphone 6 and so far i have no problems either and i have flown over 30000 feet all together

I use my OTG to keep video lag at a minimum

Having tried flying with and without OTG cable, I can say there are some pros/cons.

Pros: Solid connection from phone to remote. The video stream is always a higher resolution AND most importantly lower latency. The video stream has noticeably less lag.

Cons: It's obviously not supported by DJI at this time (fingers crossed they embrace it and fully support it) MANY settings of the DJIGO4 app are forgotten each time you turn off the controller.

RTH within 20m settings and function button settings are forgotten each time you connect over OTG.

The wifi channel settings are disabled when connected via OTG.

So it really is a tradeoff when connected via OTG. Personally I prefer OTG for the reduced video lag, but it means I have to spend a few more seconds every flight checking my settings.

I'm an iOS user with an iPhone 7 Plus. The OTG cable provides a more robust video connection. I can fly further without lag or the video cutting out than I can through wifi.

I use Android, Sony Xperia XA1 Ultra, and havent had issues one way or another. OTG gives maybe slightly less lag, but I only find it noticeable when tilting the camera. I only use OTG if I am in an area where there is a chance my Wifi may disconnect and default to a different network (such as, at home).

i have an iphone 6s and i had a flyaway happen.

I've had experience with and w/o the cable and in my opinion it's a difference like night and day. Solid video connection and alot of unexpected errors have basically stopped with the cable. Without the cable you'll need to keep the bluetooth off and that helps some if you've never done so. Go on Amazon and buy a mavic pro cable (the non-OEM is about 10 USD) and try for yourself.

Because a physical connection is always >> than wifi.  

I think the majority of us using an OTG Cable much like this one (http://amzn.to/2tASA9Y) are DJI owners who own a Mavic or a Phantom also, with the spark being a secondary drone. I think this is the case because we know just how fantastic the feed response is from the Phantom or Mavic and just how instant the footage is.

On the other hand, if the spark is your first drone, it will feel amazing to you, no matter what, because it is an amazing little drone, just compared to the Mavic or phantom the feed is not as 'responsive', by using a OTG cable myself, I can say that the latency is greatly improved because a wired connection is always more reliable and faster than a wireless.

I don't use OTG tried it makes no difference to anything for me, haven't lost signal between RC and phone no problem with video feed no problem with advertised distance. Using iPhone 7.

OTG does a few things...  first and one of the biggest things is it doesn't compete with the wifi on the remote and with the drone.. having the cable as communication from phone/tablet to the remote and the remote not fighting for spectrum space helps increase reduce them!.   range and decreases localized interferences...   it wont remove problems entirely... it just helps with reducing problems.   OTG works with iPhone, ipad and android devices.   just make sure you get micro usb to (whatever connection is on your phone/tablet)

some reports it is being removed, i dont think is a smart move by DJI, likely they aren't removing it..more likely isolated connection issues, either poor cable (or poorly aging cable) or a new bug in app.

major video lag with wifi, non with the cable

Tviscomi Posted at 2017-7-25 10:09
I use my OTG to keep video lag at a minimum

Which OTG cable do I buy that is compatible with connecting to iPhone?

Natesac Posted at 2017-7-25 10:14
Having tried flying with and without OTG cable, I can say there are some pros/cons.

Pros: Solid connection from phone to remote. The video stream is always a higher resolution AND most importantly lower latency. The video stream has noticeably less lag.

"RTH within 20m settings and function button settings are forgotten each time you connect over OTG."

Have not had that! Function buttons working fine since custom setting.

"The wifi channel settings are disabled when connected via OTG."

That seems to be a Spark issue:
Switch it off, it is always, even only connectedvia wifi, before, back to 5.8 and Channel 149.
I changed today only to 157,  off/on AC, back to 149.
I really doubt, that the OTG has any to do with it

djiuser_SRES3Qt Posted at 2017-8-24 06:20
Which OTG cable do I buy that is compatible with connecting to iPhone?

In general it would be a "normal" (good quality is my guess) OTG cabel, that fits the micro USB port.
Plus a fire to USB cabel.
For testing probably the data cabel that you use to charge your iphone

The video delay is very very minimal by comparison to WIFI.

I have used OTG as my primary connection between phone and RC because (preceding the most recent updates) every flight with wifi, Every Flight with Wifi, EVERY FLIGHT WITH WIFI (get the point?) experienced connection issues.  I'm running android, and admit this could be specific to that platform.

I tested one wifi flight post latest updates (pushed on the 21st), and this was the very first flight I have ever done with my drone that didn't have any connection issues.  I have wanted to test this more extensively and confirm that the wifi issues have been addressed.  I found that one flight to be very promising.  If I can gain enough confidence in the wifi connection I'll ditch the cable.

Charles Adams Posted at 2017-8-24 07:22
I have used OTG as my primary connection between phone and RC because (preceding the most recent updates) every flight with wifi, Every Flight with Wifi, EVERY FLIGHT WITH WIFI (get the point?) experienced connection issues.  I'm running android, and admit this could be specific to that platform.

I tested one wifi flight post latest updates (pushed on the 21st), and this was the very first flight I have ever done with my drone that didn't have any connection issues.  I have wanted to test this more extensively and confirm that the wifi issues have been addressed.  I found that one flight to be very promising.  If I can gain enough confidence in the wifi connection I'll ditch the cable.

I have used WiFi exclusively and never had a problem with my Spark.  The Spark does seem to perform better as to speed and stability since the updates.  I do use an iPhone however.  I realize that Android phones can be a hassle.  I am a Realtor, and we use electronic lockboxes that are activated by cell phones.  iPhones have not had any issues with the boxes; Androids have had numerous issues.  I suppose because so many companies manufacture Androids, there can be lots of differences in how they interface with other devices' software.  (my 2 cents worth for the day)

OTG is required for upgrades.

What a mixed review, looks like we need a vote to see which ones better  With or Without OTG

As of the moment, the purpose of using an OTG cable is for our DJI Goggles however for you to maximize the usage of our spark we're recommending the Wi-Fi connection between the remote and mobile device, kindly ensure that you're getting enough GPS signal,IMU and compass are calibrated,everything should be updated and kindly avoid any interference so that you could b able to fly your aircraft properly

Because it works

Natesac Posted at 2017-7-25 10:14
Having tried flying with and without OTG cable, I can say there are some pros/cons.

Pros: Solid connection from phone to remote. The video stream is always a higher resolution AND most importantly lower latency. The video stream has noticeably less lag.

Why using an OTG and not a regular USB one?

Do you connect the OTG (master) on the DJI side or on the phone side?

I'm considering to get one of this cables to avoid the problem of the battery discharging because the remote supplies power to the phone. And I thought maybe if I use an OTG cable with the phone as master it won't draw power from the drone.

Natesac Posted at 2017-7-25 10:14
Having tried flying with and without OTG cable, I can say there are some pros/cons.

Pros: Solid connection from phone to remote. The video stream is always a higher resolution AND most importantly lower latency. The video stream has noticeably less lag.

Hi,

I have tried OTG a few times but my RC settings remained the same (I mean the 2 function buttons), though one is always the default setting, the other one I reset once  and it remains the same apparently.

I am on a not too strong Android with GO 4.2.12 and the OTG cable helps a lot as I experience a lot of lag.

I will try a stronger phone and also an iPhone 6 soon to see if things are getting better with the lag.

Cheers.

Aerial Ant Posted at 2017-7-25 12:39
I've had experience with and w/o the cable and in my opinion it's a difference like night and day. Solid video connection and alot of unexpected errors have basically stopped with the cable. Without the cable you'll need to keep the bluetooth off and that helps some if you've never done so. Go on Amazon and buy a mavic pro cable (the non-OEM is about 10 USD) and try for yourself.

Hi,

I have a genuine DJI Mavic OTG cable but it is too short to properly connect my Spark RC and phone.

Just my 10 cents in case anyone plans to buy one for the Spark.

Cheers,

For me it's mostly a convenience thing.  It's a lot quicker to just plug in a cable than it is to go into my phone settings, find the drone WiFi, wait for it to connect to the drone WiFi, put my phone in Airplane mode to ensure no outside interference, etc. so it trims the process down to being just a few seconds.  Plus the added benefits of better video feed and a more stable connection.  I love my OTG cable, one of the best accessories I've bought for my Spark.

Natesac Posted at 2017-7-25 10:14
Having tried flying with and without OTG cable, I can say there are some pros/cons.

Pros: Solid connection from phone to remote. The video stream is always a higher resolution AND most importantly lower latency. The video stream has noticeably less lag.

If you are on Android, use DJI GO 4.2.12. OTG works like a charm - extremely solid.
This is one release where DJI claimed in release notes that they improved OTG - and they did.
Another option is DJI GO 4.1.15. This one however, while working with OTG fine, was not stable on my LG G5.

Any other DJI GO versions on Android do not support OTG - some things may work and some will not.

Mirek

Mirek6 Posted at 2018-6-27 07:56
If you are on Android, use DJI GO 4.2.12. OTG works like a charm - extremely solid.
This is one release where DJI claimed in release notes that they improved OTG - and they did.
Another option is DJI GO 4.1.15. This one however, while working with OTG fine, was not stable on my LG G5.

I can only second that - 4.2.12 on Android works like a charm

Cheers,