Friend got DJI Phantom 2

This is an amazing gadget, I could see someone having endless hours of fun with one of these.

I'm sure there are those who will fly them in stupid places but my friend flies in fields, close enough to village but not over people and houses.

The views from high altitude are amazing, the Go Pro 3 quality is amazing. Though 30 Mbs recording on super fine is a bit high and maybe for the purist, it will eat up space. 30 Mbs is about blu ray bit rate.

Please, Please lets not get this thread full of people waffling on about legalities and "what if the battery dies and it falls and hits someone in the head" As I said, it will not be flown near houses or people so there is no danger to anyone and it's not going to be an issue.

Lets keep this discussion about the Phantom 2 and only phantom 2 or equivalent.

It's sad that these days on Boards that you have to make half your post pleading not to turn it into a BS debate.

Pics to follow.

Here she is.

mrmac

Really love to see this in action, as it's something I've been considering getting myself.
Thinking about the Phantom 2+ Vision, but would prefer to use the GoPro.
Was it bought it Ireland?

I think if it were me I too would go with the Phantom 2 Vision+. I think the bitrate of the recording on the GoPro is too high, fine for professionals but it takes up huge amounts of space, this is Blu Ray quality territory. The quality is exceptionally good though.

On my friends I changed it from super to the one below, we haven't tested it yet, so I say the camera on the vision + would be more than good enough.

I don't know what setup he chose but he has a monitor, where the vision + can use Ipad/phone, Androis etc which would save a few quid + the range on his camera is pure rubbish where the vision + has an RF amplifier to boost the signal from the cam.

It's great to see in action. It goes up so high you can hardly see it, one reason to have a camera, there is an option underneath the remote to increase the range of the remote.

Kirby

the vision also has a camera gimble that can swivel up and down which is pretty cool too.

I was going to get one this year but seeing as they are about 900 quid, I realised I simply couldn't afford it. Maybe next year!

corkcity

picking up the dji phanton 2 vision next month :D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D
cat wait:D:D

corkcity

corkcity wrote: »

picking up the dji phanton 2 vision next month :D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D
cat wait:D:D

Vision or vision + ?

I would advise you to get a 2nd battery, you'll find yourself wishing you got one after your first flight !

You can get a parallel charger on Amazon to allow you to charge 2 at the same time.

corkcity

will be getting the extra battery .half the price if bought with the unit .really lookin forward to it

corkcity

nearly 1k .dear little buggers

You'll love it, I wish I was getting one too, plenty of fields here to fly it.

You can turn up the controller for greater range. not sure which direction to turn the variable resistor underneath. There are guides on the web.

corkcity

will be adjusting the controller for the extra range but as its my first quad ill keep it where i can see it for a while .dont want to lose 1m of copter:)

tf2

Anyone put any vids on youtube of them here in Ireland? I'm really considering investing in one.

corkcity

corkcity wrote: »

nearly 1k .dear little buggers

They are al right. But You'll love it.

corkcity

tf2 wrote: »

Anyone put any vids on youtube of them here in Ireland? I'm really considering investing in one.

yes there is

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XhHwcfb074c

tf2

Not the best quality but its pretty cool seeing it as a stereogram!

audidiesel

I just ordered the phantom 2 vision+ there with the extra battery literally ten minutes ago!
Shipping in 3-5 days. Cannot wait for this baby to arrive. Expensive, but I think im going to get the value out of it.

Different version of that cork vid here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cV9bQYAdX94

audidiesel

audidiesel wrote: »

I just ordered the phantom 2 vision+ there with the extra battery literally ten minutes ago!
Shipping in 3-5 days. Cannot wait for this baby to arrive. Expensive, but I think im going to get the value out of it.

Different version of that cork vid here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cV9bQYAdX94

You will love it al right, I didn't get a chance yet to actually fly it, I'd love to but I don't want to risk crashing it on my mate.

You'll definitely appreciate getting the 2nd battery.

You can get a parallel charger from amazon see below. It will charge up to 3 with the 15 amp charger, but you must only charge 2 or more at a time or risk damaging the battery electronic protection board. When charging one then use the original charger.

One other important thing to remember with these batteries is never store them fully charged, not even for a day.

When you come back from a flight charge until the 3rd light has stopped flashing and then charge the rest before flight, and when you come back don't leave at a low charge which is just as bad.

If not using for a long time store when the 3rd led has stopped flashing.

Here's a low cost alternative to the Phantom II

http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__55141__Quanum_Nova_FPV_GPS_Waypoint_QuadCopter_PNF_PRE_ORDER_.html

You need to buy a LiPo battery, charger, charger powersupply and remote. The Icharger range are very good chargers.

Here's another, it's the Walkera QR X350 Pro, not sure yet of the advantages over the Phantom II.

Link to Forum http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2085032

Features:
• Quick assembly
• Completely Ready to Fly
• Up to 2 km / 1.24 miles
• Up to 25 minutes flight time
• Gimbal ready for camera anti-vibration 2-axis stabilization (new Walkera G-2D)
• New FPV camera called the ILook included in the FPV1 Pro package
• First Person View (FPV) flight
• FatShark compatible (multi bands)
• WIFI option for smart phones
• GPS and "One Key" Return to Home
• GPS Auto Pilot functions
• Failsafe auto RTH and Land
• Low voltage protection
• Devention DEVO F7,10 computer radio
• Easy to see LEDs
• Balance charger with world compatible wall adapter for travel.

corkcity

audidiesel wrote: »

I just ordered the phantom 2 vision+ there with the extra battery literally ten minutes ago!
Shipping in 3-5 days. Cannot wait for this baby to arrive. Expensive, but I think im going to get the value out of it.

Different version of that cork vid here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cV9bQYAdX94

can i ask where you bought it from please

audidiesel

corkcity wrote: »

can i ask where you bought it from please

yeah no bother, I bought it from the makers http://www.dji.com

just hover your mouse over for everyone and you get all the models there

corkcity

audidiesel wrote: »

yeah no bother, I bought it from the makers http://www.dji.com

just hover your mouse over for everyone and you get all the models there

did you get this yet

ordered mine yesterday :):)

audidiesel

yeah I got it yesterday. just as the weather went miserable. Had a few flights though. Managed a small crash when I panicked slightly.


Other than that, really easy to fly and great fun. Im still flying line of sight but moving on to flying with the camera next.


This is the single coolest thing I own!

corkcity

audidiesel wrote: »

yeah I got it yesterday. just as the weather went miserable. Had a few flights though. Managed a small crash when I panicked slightly.


Other than that, really easy to fly and great fun. Im still flying line of sight but moving on to flying with the camera next.

how many days did it take to arrive . placed my order Sunday and it says pay confirmed but still says shipping pending .DHL currier is delivering I think.hope your enjoying it

audidiesel

it took a few days alright. It was in china for 2-3 days and Germany for a day. arrived the following day then via dhl.


I ordered mine the 31st and got it the 9th. so just over a week

Gavin

Also got one. Ordered from Quadcopters.ie on Friday and it arrived on Monday, good service. Went for a test flight on Sandymount in the evening and it is seriously good fun.

Has anyone looked into getting certified/the license?

Gavin

Gavin wrote: »

Also got one. Ordered from Quadcopters.ie on Friday and it arrived on Monday, good service. Went for a test flight on Sandymount in the evening and it is seriously good fun.

Has anyone looked into getting certified/the license?

Yeah it's amazing to watch, I never actually flew my mates, it's too expensive if I crash it lol.

Depends where you are, if you think you'll "need" a license or not, I mean if there are a lot of people around, you're not allowed fly it in built up areas or around people.

Where my mate flies it's all fields, so no issues.

You're supposed to have insurance too I think ?

I think there are different rules if there is no camera, but it's not much fun without the camera I don't think. Then you'd be better off with a flame wheel or something.

The One Who Knocks

Deleted User wrote: »

Yeah it's amazing to watch, I never actually flew my mates, it's too expensive if I crash it lol.

Depends where you are, if you think you'll "need" a license or not, I mean if there are a lot of people around, you're not allowed fly it in built up areas or around people.

Where my mate flies it's all fields, so no issues.

You're supposed to have insurance too I think ?

I think there are different rules if there is no camera, but it's not much fun without the camera I don't think. Then you'd be better off with a flame wheel or something.

I have an ar drone 2 that I fly in fields, but I thought that you only need a license for autonomous aircraft. Technically the phantom & ar drone can be controlled manually so how does that work?

As a side note, anyone considering a bebop drone?

2km range which I'm getting currently on the ar drone with a few mods, but the camera looks great on this!

14 mins flying time is ok if true, you'd need 2-3 batteries.

Looks a great device, much smaller than the Phantom too ?

I wonder can it go as high as the Phantom II ?

afaik, once it is rc you need a license, and if it's got a camera it costs a lot more and you need insurance.

The One Who Knocks

Deleted User wrote: »

afaik, once it is rc you need a license, and if it's got a camera it costs a lot more and you need insurance.

Checked on MACI as I was unsure

http://www.maci.ie/safety/SI-25-2000.pdf

(2) The Order shall not apply to:
(c) to a model aircraft of less than 1.5 kilograms maximum weight less fuel and
constructed of wood, paper or frangible plastic containing no substantial
parts and operated in a manner that does not create a hazard to persons,
property or other aircraft.

Think that covers the ar drone anyway, not sure about the phantom.

Deleted User wrote: »

14 mins flying time is ok if true, you'd need 2-3 batteries.

Looks a great device, much smaller than the Phantom too ?

I wonder can it go as high as the Phantom II ?

Bit of a step down in terms of flying time, I get can about 22 with a large battery on the ar drone.. As for height, 100m is the current max using the standard app but you can go as far as wifi range will reach in theory. I'd expect the bebop to be similar.

I think there are different rules for drones ?

I know once it has a camera you need a special license.

Someone from Cork posted a video of his phantom footage and there was a bit of excitement over it all and he ended up having to get the "special" license costing I think 1500 Euros.

The One Who Knocks

Deleted User wrote: »

I think there are different rules for drones ?

I know once it has a camera you need a special license.

Someone from Cork posted a video of his phantom footage and there was a bit of excitement over it all and he ended up having to get the "special" license costing I think 1500 Euros.

Well flying anything in a built up areas going to need some special license.

As for drones, it depends on your definition of the word drone. Anything that flies autonomously, without constant user input from the ground requires permission.

Anything that's not flown autonomously then goes into 2 categories, if it's under 1.5kg it's fine, over and you need permission.

I'm not sure about the phantom, but the ar drone essentially falls into the rc helicopter/plane category because its not autonomous (unless you modify it) and it's under 1.5kg.

I'd say both are fine once you're not flying in a built up area.

corkcity

Got my phantom 2 vision 2 weeks ago . totally addicted .serious machine .

Bruthal

Deleted User wrote: »

I think there are different rules for drones ?

I know once it has a camera you need a special license.

Someone from Cork posted a video of his phantom footage and there was a bit of excitement over it all and he ended up having to get the "special" license costing I think 1500 Euros.

It wouldnt be Ireland if it didn't involve a special fee/levy/tax somewhere.

Bruthal

Bruthal wrote: »

It wouldnt be Ireland if it didn't involve a special fee/levy/tax somewhere.

Indeed, I don't see why you would need a license ? if the license includes some kind of a course on rules and regulations and safety practices, do's and dont's then I could understand.

For instance the ham radio license requires a lot of study/course and an exam as there is a lot to know and you can't transmit unless you're a licensed operator on the ham bands or you'll simply be ignored/reported.

Flying in no fly zones etc and around people I could understand also.

I don't think a license will stop people acting the idiot.

Common sense is what matters most.

The One Who Knocks

Deleted User wrote: »

Indeed, I don't see why you would need a license ? if the license includes some kind of a course on rules and regulations and safety practices, do's and dont's then I could understand.

For instance the ham radio license requires a lot of study/course and an exam as there is a lot to know and you can't transmit unless you're a licensed operator on the ham bands or you'll simply be ignored/reported.

Flying in no fly zones etc and around people I could understand also.

I don't think a license will stop people acting the idiot.

Common sense is what matters most.

Right I've done more research. Basically the laws are out of date/unclear and it's perfectly fine to fly a DJI Phantom for recreational use without a license.

http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/2000/en/si/0025.html

Irish Aviation Authority (Rockets and Small Aircraft) Order, 2000.

1. Applicability

(1) This order shall apply, unless otherwise specified herein, to a small aircraft not exceeding a maximum total weight of 20 kilograms, less fuel but including equipment or cargo, and to unmanned rockets exceeding 1.5 kilograms in fuelled weight and with more than 100 grams of propellant.

(2) The Order shall not apply to:

(c) to a model aircraft of less than 1.5 kilograms maximum weight less fuel and constructed of wood, paper or frangible plastic containing no substantial parts and operated in a manner that does not create a hazard to persons, property or other aircraft.

This includes the DJI Phantom 2 Vision which only weighs 1160g.

Basically then when you go over 1.5kg this rule applies

Small Aircraft
5.
(2) A person who has charge of the operation of a small aircraft which weighs more than 1.5 kilograms without fuel but including any articles or equipment installed in or attached to the aircraft at the commencement of its flight shall not allow such an aircraft to be flown within 5 kilometres from an aerodrome boundary and unless that person has taken reasonable precautions to ensure that the flight can safely be made.

Over 7kg and these rules apply.

(3) A person who has charge of the operation of a small aircraft which weighs more than 7 kilograms without fuel but including any articles or equipment installed in or attached to the aircraft at the commencement of its flight shall not allow such an aircraft to be flown:

(a) within controlled airspace, unless the permission of the Authority has first been obtained;

(b) within the aerodrome traffic zone of an aerodrome or within 5 kilometres from an aerodrome boundary, whichever is the greater distance;

(c) at a height of more than 400 feet (120 metres) above the surface of the earth, unless the permission of the Authority has first been obtained;

(d) for aerial work purposes other than in accordance with a permission issued by the Authority and in accordance with such conditions as may be imposed by the Authority with that permission;

(e) within 2 kilometres of an aircraft in flight.

Finally, over 20kg and this applies

(4) A person who has charge of the operation of an unmanned aircraft, which weighs more than 20 kilograms without fuel but including any articles or equipment installed in or attached to the aircraft at the commencement of its flight, shall not allow such an aircraft to be flown without the written permission of the Authority and subject to such conditions as are specified in relation to that permission.

That was the only legislation up until 2012 when Irish Aviation Authority published a document setting out safety requirements for any unmanned aerial system, regardless of mass

https://www.iaa.ie/library_download.jsp?libraryID=956

Operation of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems in Irish Airspace

4.2.3 National Legislation

In Ireland, the only specific legislation governing RPAS operation has been the Irish Aviation Authority (Rockets and Small Aircraft) Order, 2000 which is currently under review. Additionally, Aeronautical Notice O.63 sets out the requirement for an operator to have obtained a specific Permission from the IAA to operate a RPAS.

Now here is where it gets messy.

RPAS Definition:

“remotely piloted aircraft system (RPAS)” means any aircraft and its associated
elements, other than a balloon, kite or small aircraft which is intended to be operated with no pilot on board;

So straight away, the latest legislation excludes small aircraft.

Small Aircraft Definition:

“small aircraft” means any unmanned model aircraft, other than a balloon or kite, weighing not more than 20 kilograms, excluding fuel, but including any articles or equipment installed or attached to the aircraft at the commencement of a flight;

Nearly there....

Model Aircraft Definition:

“model aircraft” means any small aircraft which is being used for the sole purpose of recreational flying.

Boom!

There you have it, DJI Phantoms & AR Drones are completely excluded from both Operation of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems in Irish Airspace and the Irish Aviation Authority (Rockets and Small Aircraft) Order, 2000.

The only reason you need a license is when you use a drone to carry out aerial work, this is why companies like SkyTec Ireland have had to get ones.

As for the man from Cork, Raymond Fogarty. He said he had contacted the IAA to inquire about obtaining a licence cost €1,700. This doesn't mean he got that license.

In a statement, the IAA declined to comment on the specific case but said any person operating a remotely piloted aircraft system “must obtain a permission to fly and an aerial work permit from the IAA, before commencing operations in Irish airspace”.

Here we go again, RPAS. Technically, both the DJI Phantoms & AR Drones are not classed as remotely piloted aircraft systems and so are exempt from all current legislation.

Case closed, now go and fly your drones

CNTRLR

The One Who Knocks wrote: »

The only reason you need a license is when you use a drone to carry out aerial work, this is why companies like SkyTec Ireland have had to get ones.

i would imagine if its for commercial gain then a licence is required no matter the weight etc of the craft, or at least thats what my club is preaching to us.

The One Who Knocks

CNTRLR wrote: »

i would imagine if its for commercial gain then a licence is required no matter the weight etc of the craft, or at least thats what my club is preaching to us.

Yep exactly, if it's not for recreational purposes you need permission.

Okay, lets leave the legality's at that then ?

beebaw

HI,I have a Phantom 2 vision with no firmware updated done to it at all but recently i have been having connection issues with the live streaming, more recently the live feed distance or time frame has actually become shorter, this evening while waiting for the phantom to find its gps location and waiting for the lights to turn flashing green without launching it the video connection froze. i tried to reset it by turning the repeater and the phones wifi on/off but it would not work. to test it as per the other threads i did launch it and tried to take a few photos and they did work but i could not see the footage until i downloaded it.
So what is the most recent fix for this problem. I have also uninstalled the DJI app and re-installed it but not working, i have also changed the FPS from 30 to 15.
I think this may have started to happen when the iPhone apps were updated.
has anyone else had similar problems?

beebaw

hi, please see my new thread if anyone can help

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2057245483

Nedved85

Thinking about getting a Phantom 2 + a H3-3D ZENMUSE GIMBAL to hook into a go pro. Where is the best place to buy?

dji.com is coming in at €1040 delivered including a spare battery.

buzzflyer.co.uk is £796 including a spare battery.

Anywhere else out there?

Cheers

pullandbang

Copter shop is doing a deal - Phantom 2 + H3-3D Gimal and free battery & props for €849

http://quadcopters.ie/for-everyone/phantom/phantom-2-and-h3-3d-and-free-battery-and-free-props.html

Nedved85

pullandbang wrote: »

Copter shop is doing a deal - Phantom 2 + H3-3D Gimal and free battery & props for €849

http://quadcopters.ie/for-everyone/phantom/phantom-2-and-h3-3d-and-free-battery-and-free-props.html

Spotted that today,

Looks like the best offer

Any one bothered to pick up a bag / case?

Nedved85

Its also 849 direct from dji.com,

So may be best to go with them..

civdef

You'd proper find customer support easier with a shop in Ireland than one in China if it was needed.

Nedved85

Could anyone let me know what is needed to get video feed from a gopro back to an android phone on a Phantom 2?

civdef

If wifi has Ok range for the job (about 50 metres) this should work as long as your gopro has wifi:
http://shop.gopro.com/EMEA/softwareandapp/gopro-app/GoPro-App.html

Longer distance, you'd probably looking at an analogue 5.8ghz link to a monitor rather than smartphone (available from €50 up)

if you want longer range plus live HD, you probably need to go with DJI Lightbridge - not cheap at all though (€1000+)

Nedved85

civdef wrote: »

If wifi has Ok range for the job (about 50 metres) this should work as long as your gopro has wifi:
http://shop.gopro.com/EMEA/softwareandapp/gopro-app/GoPro-App.html

Longer distance, you'd probably looking at an analogue 5.8ghz link to a monitor rather than smartphone (available from €50 up)

if you want longer range plus live HD, you probably need to go with DJI Lightbridge - not cheap at all though (€1000+)

Cheers,

Will have a look at that,

I saw a guy on youtube using an immersionrc transmitter to a screen.

I think the fpv goggles might be the best solution in the long run.

mel123

so I was looking at getting one of these as a present (just the FC40, the phantom 1), but what turned me off was not being able to see the drone flying on either your phone or on a screen on the remote.
so is there a way around this by downloading an app?
can you control the drone on your phone no?

daireman

Hey,

What are the main differences between the Phantom 2, Phantom Vision 2 and the Phantom Vision 2 Plus?

Cheers