Does Anyone Here Fly Drones??

[XB GS 351 Coupe]

I started off buying myself a drone at Aldi when they were selling them for $79, and I got hooked.

A few moths later I bought a DJI Drone, I went for the small compact spark and love flying it, currently putting some change aside to may be buy a bigger drone like a Phantom.

Here is my first one ever :



Here is my first flight on my DJI Spark:



I also picked one of these up just for fun :



Please comment on what you have and may be some videos you have made.

Anyone own the Phantom or Karma??

[slowsnake]

I only fly mine at night!
It sounds like this Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz..and drones on for 6 hrs....lol.....just kidding!

They fly them and big model planes in a massive park 100m from my place, pretty crazy, I watch them from my place, but I'm only a klm from Perth airport, always thought it was illegal?
Looks like more fun than RC cars though?


Billy.

[GO FURTHER]

Great videos!

I'd like to get a decent drone to video moving cars going along a road and aerial shots of them while been driven.

How hard would you say it is to do this and follow a car at slow speed say in a safe area like a road or track in a large parklands area?

Thanks

[XB GS 351 Coupe]

Originally Posted by GO FURTHER

Great videos!

I'd like to get a decent drone to video moving cars going along a road and aerial shots of them while been driven.

How hard would you say it is to do this and follow a car at slow speed say in a safe area like a road or track in a large parklands area?

Thanks

The DJI Spark has a follow me mode, where it follows, I was planning to try out exactly that in the next few weeks, was going to take my 4x4 out on the beach.

Any of the DJI Drones have this feature, the spark (the one I have) is the cheapest entry level drone that's worth having IMO

I would really love to buy a Phantom 4 Pro or similar but they are over 2K and upwards, I am still saving my pennies for one, just putting a bit of cash aside, I could buy one now but the missus would blow her lid if I spend 2.5K (the package I want) I am also waiting for may be a new model to come out.

Here is a video entirely filmed with the DJI Spark of my daughter riding her horse in our back yard with the drone following her :

[GO FURTHER]

Originally Posted by XB GS 351 Coupe

Here is a video entirely filmed with the DJI Spark of my daughter riding her horse in our back yard with the drone following her :

Excellent video!
(Don't know how you are keeping your videos up on YouTube with copyright music. )

I notice when you are controlling the panning motion of the drone camera to follow your daughter, the movements are not a smooth continuous panning action but more deliberate in movement "a bit at a time".

Is this a limitation of the DJI?

Do more expensive drones feature a smoother panning motion?

Thanks

[XB GS 351 Coupe]

Originally Posted by GO FURTHER

Excellent video!
(Don't know how you are keeping your videos up on YouTube with copyright music. )

It's copy right free music you can download from youtube, so no breaches of copy right otherwise youtube will mute your videos.

Originally Posted by GO FURTHER

I notice when you are controlling the panning motion of the drone camera to follow your daughter, the movements are not a smooth continuous panning action but more deliberate in movement "a bit at a time".

Is this a limitation of the DJI?

Do more expensive drones feature a smoother panning motion?

Thanks

It's really a flying skill thing, also control software has just been updated and future videos should be a bit smoother panning as that was one of the updates. (I will be testing that out when I do my car video on the beach hopefully soon.

In saying that the more expensive the drone the easier they are to fly. The DJI spark I have has two positioning sensors and 1080 video and a two axis camera mount and 2km flight range and 15 minute flight time per battery.

The Phantom 4 pro 2.0 (the latest model) has 4K video, 3 axis camera mount, 5 sensor with automatic obstacle avoidance in all directions, and a 6 camera navigation system that constantly calculates speed and distance from objects as well as a host of other features with a range of 7km and 30 minute flight time per battery.

The Phantom 4 pro 2.0 costs $2399 while the Spark costs $629 or $859 in the fly more package

[mac_man_luke]

Originally Posted by GO FURTHER

Excellent video!
(Don't know how you are keeping your videos up on YouTube with copyright music. )

I notice when you are controlling the panning motion of the drone camera to follow your daughter, the movements are not a smooth continuous panning action but more deliberate in movement "a bit at a time".

Is this a limitation of the DJI?

Do more expensive drones feature a smoother panning motion?

Thanks

Panning is a bit of a skill, out of the box i have found the controls are way too sensitive and the smallest movement of the stick causes quite jerky motion.
Drones like the spark/mavic that have to pivot the whole drone to pan do seem a little harder to get right than something like a phantom that has a rotating gimbal

[XB GS 351 Coupe]

Here is my first flight ever with the DJI Spark, a bit scary when you start off:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fqKknZGO7bc&t=105s

[LG17]

So you've moved to the new place then?

[XB GS 351 Coupe]

Originally Posted by LG17

So you've moved to the new place then?

Over a year ago now, been very busy, so I guess there have not been may updates in the other thread.

I rarely come on these forums now, keep myself busy in my shed around the property and my new hobby of making videos...

[mac_man_luke]

Just got myself a Mavic Pro, only a couple of flights so far but mostly got it for 4wd trips which will see it get a lot more use.

Too hard to fly it safely (and legally) around Adelaide.
Second flight i had a dog want to eat it when landing with low battery!

Quick video from my first flight

[XB GS 351 Coupe]

Originally Posted by mac_man_luke

Just got myself a Mavic Pro, only a couple of flights so far but mostly got it for 4wd trips which will see it get a lot more use.

Too hard to fly it safely (and legally) around Adelaide.
Second flight i had a dog want to eat it when landing with low battery!

Quick video from my first flight

Nice, I was going to get a Mavic Pro for my next one, but I think I will be getting the Phantom 4 Pro, my spark is very small and I take it everywhere, so I might as well get the biggest one, just means I have to squirrel change away for longer

It's hard to define legal, there are some basic rules as well as hight restrictions, I think common sense is a big factor.

I have never had anyone complain about my drone flying, but I do use a sensible approach.

[EFFalcon]

can't legally fly them in Vic State/National Parks which is probably the main place i'd want to use one unfortunately.

[XB GS 351 Coupe]

Originally Posted by EFFalcon

can't legally fly them in Vic State/National Parks which is probably the main place i'd want to use one unfortunately.

I don't think you can fly in any national parks to be honest.

It's best to check before flying somewhere.

Common sense and a sensible approach go a long way when flying drones.

[mac_man_luke]

Originally Posted by EFFalcon

can't legally fly them in Vic State/National Parks which is probably the main place i'd want to use one unfortunately.

But you can fly over a national park from the other side of the fence ;)

[EFFalcon]

Originally Posted by mac_man_luke

But you can fly over a national park from the other side of the fence ;)

haha yes... not very useful when i too want to be in the national park :P

[mac_man_luke]

Yea P4P would be nice especially having the better camera that actually has aperture control.

Mavic 2 is looking interesting with a camera possibly better than the P4P and same form factor.

[XB GS 351 Coupe]

Originally Posted by mac_man_luke

Yea P4P would be nice especially having the better camera that actually has aperture control.

Mavic 2 is looking interesting with a camera possibly better than the P4P and same form factor.

Yeah I won't be buying anything for a while yet, have other things I need to spend my $$ on and the Spark seems to keep me entertained for now.

I am sort of holding out for whatever may be coming out in the next 12-18 months before making any decisions.

Just ordered some accessories for it as well so will see how that goes.

[real time]

these thing's are great if you're into LBG fishing, just catch some bait then fly it out then sit back and wait for the hookup

[creative]

I fly proper quads... ;)

My current rig:



And a video of my flying...

https://www.airvuz.com/video/Sail?id...e955704fbeead1

https://www.airvuz.com/video/Ray-of-...bd374af3f2ac01

Im into the hobby in a big way so feel free to ask any questions.... so long as its not about DJI crap.... :P

[Ratmick]

Originally Posted by creative

I fly proper quads... ;)

My current rig:

image

And a video of my flying...

https://www.airvuz.com/video/Sail?id...e955704fbeead1

https://www.airvuz.com/video/Ray-of-...bd374af3f2ac01

Im into the hobby in a big way so feel free to ask any questions.... so long as its not about DJI crap.... :P

That's the sort of thing I am building, Armattan Chameleon 5" quad.

It's my first drone so will be...detuned at first.

...so if it's ok I might be asking you some questions

Still in the building phase at the moment, just getting back into it after a run of work and surgeries/injuries and a case of CBFs...I did actually get the thing running and bonded and fully functional but then changed cameras...which meant I ran out of room in the stack.

It's a journey

Using FPV Freerider as a learning tool, have a Taranis X9D.

Here she is:

[creative]

Originally Posted by Ratmick

That's the sort of thing I am building, Armattan Chameleon 5" quad.

It's my first drone so will be...detuned at first.

...so if it's ok I might be asking you some questions

Still in the building phase at the moment, just getting back into it after a run of work and surgeries/injuries and a case of CBFs...I did actually get the thing running and bonded and fully functional but then changed cameras...which meant I ran out of room in the stack.

It's a journey

Using FPV Freerider as a learning tool, have a Taranis X9D.

Here she is:

image

Not a fan of Armattan, rubbish carbon in my experience. everyone I know that has one has 2 as they are always waiting for replacement parts.

Have you direct soldered the xt60 to the board? If so, take it off and attach it to a short piece of wire otherwise you WILL rip it off in a crash.

Runcam Split? V1 or V2?

I run an x9d+ as well. m9 gimbals, upgraded speaker and custom paint job. Havent found anything I like better ( Im lucky to having access to my local shop and all the stock that comes through I can try).

Are you on faceballs? Jump into the beginners group I admin on... https://www.facebook.com/groups/droneracing/

just let me know its you when you join so I dont decline you.

Also waiting on my new frame to arrive and my batteries from CNHL. Building a new 6s rig with the new Mr Steele Stout motors... its gonna rip!

[Ratmick]

Originally Posted by creative

Not a fan of Armattan, rubbish carbon in my experience. everyone I know that has one has 2 as they are always waiting for replacement parts.

Have you direct soldered the xt60 to the board? If so, take it off and attach it to a short piece of wire otherwise you WILL rip it off in a crash.

Runcam Split? V1 or V2?

I run an x9d+ as well. m9 gimbals, upgraded speaker and custom paint job. Havent found anything I like better ( Im lucky to having access to my local shop and all the stock that comes through I can try).

Are you on faceballs? Jump into the beginners group I admin on... https://www.facebook.com/groups/droneracing/

just let me know its you when you join so I dont decline you.

Also waiting on my new frame to arrive and my batteries from CNHL. Building a new 6s rig with the new Mr Steele Stout motors... its gonna rip!

Well I haven't crashed mine so all good

Push come to shove the beauty of these things is that you can rip all you running gear off it and put it onto another chassis pretty easily. The Armattan has a lifetime warranty anyway so if it breaks I'll get a new one and sell it

I'm finding the 5" frame pretty tight, will see how I go with this one, but may upgrade to a 6" in due course.

The XT60 is mounted on a short pigtail running through rubber insulators:



It flexes pretty well.

It's a Runcam Split v2.

I have the stock gimbals in my X9D, will upgrade though.

I have the Rx and VTX, they aren't mounted yet though.

I've requested to join your FB group, don't be alarmed if I look like a 54yo grandfather (mainly as I am one).

[XB GS 351 Coupe]

Originally Posted by creative

I fly proper quads... ;)

My current rig:

image

Interesting looking drone, looks like it's home build.

Originally Posted by creative

Im into the hobby in a big way so feel free to ask any questions.... so long as its not about DJI crap.... :P

I would not call DJI drones crap, personally I think they are probably some of the best on the market for the price.

I just want to take my drone out of the box and fly it, I have no interest in stuffing around with it and building it.

Just because some people have a different level of interest does not make their interest crap.

[XB GS 351 Coupe]

Drone Flight over Remote NSW Outback Town:

[pottery beige]

Originally Posted by XB GS 351 Coupe

Drone Flight over Remote NSW Outback Town:

Whats with the chunky, clunky panning effort, is that drone or operator error??

[Ratmick]

Originally Posted by pottery beige

Whats with the chunky, clunky panning effort, is that drone or operator error??

Bloody flat as a pancake out there

FWIW that's a pretty stable platform and good quality video

The panning is probably just inexperience with the drone, or the editing software. It looked ok to me, although the music choice was a bit up-tempo for the choice of scenery.

However if that is what you were after when buying the drone then good work.

It's not for me, it's like being tethered to the ground and 'flying' in a balloon...as distinct to being strapped onto a peregrine falcon that can fly backwards as well as forwards as well as inverted at full-throttle.

[Ratmick]

Originally Posted by XB GS 351 Coupe

Interesting looking drone, looks like it's home build.

I would not call DJI drones crap, personally I think they are probably some of the best on the market for the price.

I just want to take my drone out of the box and fly it, I have no interest in stuffing around with it and building it.

Just because some people have a different level of interest does not make their interest crap.

I mean I like driving a 700hp Big Block, so may be your car is just crap because it's not a 700hp big block.

It looks like a 'home build' because it is a 'home build'...

...but that wasn't a disparaging or condescending remark was it?

The problem with buying a drone out of a box is that you're tied to the box manufacturer's gear.

Whereas I wouldn't call them crap both DJI and Mavic are both horrendously expensive...but they appeal to people that don't have the time or patience to learn how to put a drone together.

The issue is of course that if your DJI or Mavic breaks then you take it to a DJI or Mavic service centre and they give you copious butt-hurt in the wallet...mainly because they can. DJI and Mavic are the airborne equivalent of Apple.

They are also slow-as, so if you're after the equivalent of an airborne Datsun 120Y you're in the right place (they do make a good camera platform however).

Something breaks on mine I pay $30 for a new part and away I go...'home made' drones make rubbish camera platform for taking pics of stationary objects, like houses.

They make excellent camera platforms for people who like to wish they can fly like a bird:



...and yeah some of the flying is pretty insane (and grossly illegal). Cool though and epic control.

[Mercury Bullet]

Do those cameras have mechanical stabilisation?

[Ratmick]

Originally Posted by Mercury Bullet

Do those cameras have mechanical stabilisation?

Some of the more expensive pro-hobbyist and commercial drones have very expensive camera gimbals that do stabilise video.

The bigger RTF drones, like DJI and Mavic are quite slow/stable and you can get away without it, to a degree.

The 'home built' ones? Hahahah no. The most you get is soft-mounting on rubber o-rings (or something similar) so they don't get a jello effect on the video from the props.

Jello effect (fast forward to 1:30 and turn the sound down):