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Post by HeavyDuty on Aug 10, 2021 18:16:31 GMT -5
Over the years I’ve watched drone technology advance to the point that a hobbyist can pick up a rather impressive, highly automated UAV for not a lot of coin.
Has anyone here gotten bit by the bug? I just ordered a DJI Mini SE as a first drone. I know it’s not a particularly serious one, but it’s about as much as I care to spend at this level of interest.
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Post by Leftee on Aug 10, 2021 18:20:12 GMT -5
I bought a Predator on eBay.
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Post by Mfitz804 on Aug 10, 2021 18:30:11 GMT -5
I bought a Predator on eBay. My mom warned me not to trust online Predators. |
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Post by Leftee on Aug 10, 2021 18:34:16 GMT -5
I bought a Predator on eBay. My mom warned me not to trust online Predators. 🏆 |
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krrf
Wholenote
Posts: 376
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Post by krrf on Aug 10, 2021 18:49:32 GMT -5
Over the years I’ve watched drone technology advance to the point that a hobbyist can pick up a rather impressive, highly automated UAV for not a lot of coin. Has anyone here gotten bit by the bug? I just ordered a DJI Mini SE as a first drone. I know it’s not a particularly serious one, but it’s about as much as I care to spend at this level of interest. My wife got me a DJI two years ago and it's a fun hobby. Unfortunately, this is one of those hobbies getting ruined by idiots. A lot (and I mean A LOT) of people who have drones do not follow the rules, thus making it a PITA for others that do. To operate in most places safety these days, you need tower approval if you are near an airport. Plus so many cool places to fly have restricted zones. The FAA continues to clamp down on drones as various asshats have used the to harass commercial/private aircraft traffic... not to mention all the people buzzing their neighbors, etc. You also have to be mindful of weather as most smaller drones can't handle much of a breeze. All that said, it's still a lot of fun and easy to pickup. Don't fly further than your battery can take you and avoid flying low over water! |
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Post by rickyguitar on Aug 10, 2021 18:56:36 GMT -5
I am an interested nonparticipant at this point.
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Post by Leftee on Aug 10, 2021 19:15:59 GMT -5
I am interested but we live close to an airfield. I’m sure we’re restricted.
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Post by HeavyDuty on Aug 10, 2021 21:32:38 GMT -5
I changed my order from a Mini SE to a Mini 2. I’ll report back.
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Post by K4 on Aug 10, 2021 21:43:02 GMT -5
I like them better than clay's...
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Post by HeavyDuty on Aug 11, 2021 6:46:11 GMT -5
I don’t think I’ll be using this to cruse around - more as an elevated photography and videography platform. Back in the Midwest I was considering one for railroad shooting - having a higher viewpoint is often desirable, especially getting up over the brush and crops. Here in New England the sightlines are even worse.
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krrf
Wholenote
Posts: 376
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Post by krrf on Aug 11, 2021 17:38:05 GMT -5
You are going to want something like Airmap to check clearances before you take off. One good thing about Airmap is you can submit a request to the tower automated service for areas where it's required. Usually is an instant approval.
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Post by HeavyDuty on Aug 12, 2021 5:47:47 GMT -5
You are going to want something like Airmap to check clearances before you take off. One good thing about Airmap is you can submit a request to the tower automated service for areas where it's required. Usually is an instant approval. I downloaded AirMap and Aloft based on comments I saw online. You can actually apply for a variance right in the app? I haven’t played with them yet. I’m also seeing advice to register with the FAA even though it’s under the 249g maximum. |
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krrf
Wholenote
Posts: 376
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Post by krrf on Aug 12, 2021 7:02:50 GMT -5
I'm not totally clear on the rules these days for the under 249g weight class. I think the newer DJI drones might be supporting the Remote ID requirements the FAA put in this year, but I'm not sure. So you may have to register regardless at faadronezone.faa.gov/. |
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krrf
Wholenote
Posts: 376
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Post by krrf on Aug 12, 2021 7:09:42 GMT -5
Also I forgot to say this before... batteries! Not sure how many you are getting right now, but you'll eventually want more (and a charger that can charge multiples at once, preferably with a way to charge in your car). I have 4 batteries that I cycle through.
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Post by HeavyDuty on Aug 12, 2021 19:19:55 GMT -5
I’m waiting for everything to fully charge before I register tomorrow. Mine came with three batteries, and a triple charger.
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GmanNJ
Wholenote
somewhere deep in the swamps of Joisey
Posts: 315
Formerly Known As: Your Friendly Neighborhood Gman
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Post by GmanNJ on Aug 13, 2021 10:48:16 GMT -5
I bought a DJI spark and the extra battery, prop, prop guards (a must have cause those things can cut your fingernail clean thru to the skin and leave a nasty wound)and this cool case that is actually a charger (big LiOn battery) so it charges (or keeps the charge) on 2 batteries plus the drone and holds the spare parts
Be aware that the FAA just created the TRUST certification that you MUST have. You go online and answer the questions. If you get it wrong it pops up a tutorial for that question and you get another chance. No way you cant pass. It does not save the results so you gotta print it out. You also have to register the drone and write the number (or use your P-Touch to make a label) on the body.
The DJI have great sensors for avoidance and hand gestures. I got it for pictures and videos. It does a great follow the leader so if biking, kayaking or whatever it will follow and take video from the air. Very cool!
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Post by HeavyDuty on Aug 13, 2021 20:48:00 GMT -5
I did the TRUST certification and FAA registration this morning, and managed to get out about an hour before dusk for my maiden flights. Everything went well, I think you’d really have to work at crashing this thing. Hands off sticks results in a hover where you left it. I may need to get at least a partial skin for the bottom, the grey plastic disappears in the sky very quickly. I went through one and a half batteries before it started getting too dark.
I’m amused!
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Post by LTB on Aug 13, 2021 22:02:28 GMT -5
I am fascinated by them but do not want to spend the kind of money it would take to get a decent one.  |
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Post by HeavyDuty on Aug 14, 2021 6:46:26 GMT -5
I am fascinated by them but do not want to spend the kind of money it would take to get a decent one. The new DJI Mini SE pushes the price down to $300 for a basic kit, but I personally found the Mini 2 to be a better value. |
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argo
Wholenote
Posts: 409
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Post by argo on Jan 2, 2022 17:20:43 GMT -5
HeavyDuty!
Question or 2. If you lose sight of the drone can you pilot it just by using the camera?
Does the drone broadcast its own wifi signal to your smartphone or tablet device monitor?
Do you still have the bug and enjoying your purchase?
I have been thinking about this for my property that has a lot of trees.
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Post by Ricketi on Jan 2, 2022 17:45:47 GMT -5
My BIL has got one, not sure of the model. Took a Pic of my Mach1. I think they are great for taking pictures from a different vantage point.  |
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Post by HeavyDuty on Jan 2, 2022 20:29:42 GMT -5
HeavyDuty! Question or 2. If you lose sight of the drone can you pilot it just by using the camera? Does the drone broadcast its own wifi signal to your smartphone or tablet device monitor? Do you still have the bug and enjoying your purchase? I have been thinking about this for my property that has a lot of trees. Hi! Yes, you can fly just using the camera. FAA regs state you must maintain line of sight contact to the drone. Yes, it communicates wirelessly. And yes, it’s still fun - winter has limited my flying, though. On a wooded lot I’d consider prop guards. |
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GmanNJ
Wholenote
somewhere deep in the swamps of Joisey
Posts: 315
Formerly Known As: Your Friendly Neighborhood Gman
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Post by GmanNJ on Jan 3, 2022 16:47:22 GMT -5
the better ones have GPS and there is a "Go Home" button so if you lose sight it can come back using the geo-coordinates it took off from.
I am still having issues using the screen to fly. I prefer to watch it in the air
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