Drones: General Chat Thread

Doge · 16-04-2021 3:15pm #1

Don't forget to follow the thread!

Hope the mods are okay with me setting up a general chat thread. It could save a lot of new threads for general drone talk and a is a good place to focus off topic chat. These seem to work well in other sub forums.

My Mavic Mini came today, bought it for about 262 euro + postage from the Amazon France warehouse as Used - Like New.

It came factory sealed in the original plastic that covers the box with an Amazon warehouse sticker on the side so I'm absolutely delighted its unused.
Did an indoor flight with the prop guard on and it's working fine.
Had problems with the DJI Fly app saying the firmware was up to date but when I went to fly it would say incompatible firmware version. (on the latest app that dropped for the Air 2, the previous version had the same problem).
So had to get out the laptop and use her DJI Assistant 2 software to refresh the firmware.

I can get the DJI Care Refresh for €39.

Is it worth it do you think?

Cheers!

listermint · 16-04-2021 3:19pm

Doge wrote: »

Hope the mods are okay with me setting up a general chat thread. It could save a lot of new threads being created and a is a good place to focus off topic chat. These seem to work well in other sub forums.

My Mavic Mini came today, bought it for about 262 euro + postage from the Amazon France warehouse as Used - Like New.

It came factory sealed in the original plastic that covers the box with an Amazon warehouse sticker on the side so I'm absolutely delighted its unused.
Did an indoor flight with the prop guard on and it's working fine.

I can get the DJI Care Refresh for €39.

Is it worth it do you think?

Cheers!

For that value drone I'd genuinely say no don't bother. You got a cracking deal and you won't by majorly out of pocket should you have problems. As it's the mini 1 you may find yourself sucked in and wanting to upgrade to the 2 or even air with distance and other bells and whistles on them.

Mrcaramelchoc · 16-04-2021 3:25pm

Doge wrote: »

Hope the mods are okay with me setting up a general chat thread. It could save a lot of new threads for general drone talk and a is a good place to focus off topic chat. These seem to work well in other sub forums.

My Mavic Mini came today, bought it for about 262 euro + postage from the Amazon France warehouse as Used - Like New.

It came factory sealed in the original plastic that covers the box with an Amazon warehouse sticker on the side so I'm absolutely delighted its unused.
Did an indoor flight with the prop guard on and it's working fine.
Had problems with the DJI Fly app saying the firmware was up to date but when I went to fly it would say incompatible firmware version. (on the latest app that dropped for the Air 2, the previous version had the same problem)

I can get the DJI Care Refresh for €39.

Is it worth it do you think?

Cheers!

Will refresh work for second hand drones?
They'll hardly give you a brand new one if you lose the second hand one do they?

I would say if you've never flown drones before the refresh is worth it.its great piece of mind even though you may never use it.

But if you have experience maybe leave it.

Doge · 16-04-2021 3:49pm

Mrcaramelchoc wrote: »

Will refresh work for second hand drones?
They'll hardly give you a brand new one if you lose the second hand one do they?

I would say if you've never flown drones before the refresh is worth it.its great piece of mind even though you may never use it.

But if you have experience maybe leave it.

Probably not for second hand ones but since the drone hasn't been activated before I am able to get the refresh.

I'm new to flying drones besides a Cheerson CX-10 which didn't last very long! :pac:

I'm leaning on towards getting it, I don't see myself upgrading anytime soon as its just a hobby to me.

The range and 2.7K camera is fine for my needs.

Mrcaramelchoc · 16-04-2021 3:59pm

Doge wrote: »

Probably not for second hand ones but since the drone hasn't been activated before I am able to get the refresh.

I'm new to flying drones besides a Cheerson CX-10 which didn't last very long! :pac:

I'm leaning on towards getting it, I don't see myself upgrading anytime soon as its just a hobby to me.

The range and 2.7K camera is fine for my needs.

I think it's worth the 40 but id check out what's covered first. You don't want to go wasting 40 quid.

TychoCaine · 19-04-2021 12:52pm

Mrcaramelchoc wrote: »

I think it's worth the 40 but id check out what's covered first. You don't want to go wasting 40 quid.

You can get a policy from coverdrone.com for ~10 euro more that gives you way better coverage. The big gotcha with the DJI cover is you have to send them back the old drone, so it won't pay out if you lose the drone or it sinks in water (which happens a lot). coverdrone.com will pay out.

19-04-2021 12:58pm

For 39 euro its definitely worth it.

I got my Mavic Mini last may, and 6 weeks ago the SD card got lodged in the unit and I couldn't retrieve it.

I sent it off for repair, they send you a UPS label, etc.

The cost for repair was 40 euro, and they then send you back a brand a new sealed unit.

sheesh · 19-04-2021 4:56pm

https://imgur.com/a/dyux4hB

drone fine small chip on one prop

Mrcaramelchoc · 19-04-2021 4:58pm

sheesh wrote: »

https://imgur.com/a/dyux4hB

drone fine small chip on one prop

What happened? Why did it do that?

sheesh · 19-04-2021 5:07pm

Doge wrote: »

My Mavic Mini came today, bought it for about 262 euro + postage from the Amazon France warehouse as Used - Like New.

thats a good price I bought similar at the start of the year for a 100 more and thought it was a good price for a starter drone they are good craic.

There is a section in the dji fly app that checks firmware you can be connected to the drone and the home wifi it will update I think.

sheesh · 19-04-2021 5:19pm

Mrcaramelchoc wrote: »

What happened? Why did it do that?

I thought that it was due to to the controller losing connection.

But looking at it now It appears I flew straight and level into the ground! the road appears to be a bit steeper than I thought.

Yep, I did that

Mrcaramelchoc · 19-04-2021 5:38pm

sheesh wrote: »

I thought that it was due to to the controller losing connection.

But looking at it now It appears I flew straight and level into the ground! the road appears to be a bit steeper than I thought.

Yep, I did that

Oh sorry to hear that. Glad it wasn't too badly damaged.

sheesh · 19-04-2021 5:49pm

Mrcaramelchoc wrote: »

Oh sorry to hear that. Glad it wasn't too badly damaged.

relieved alright part of the learning process. lucky to get away with it.

Doge · 19-04-2021 6:35pm

sheesh wrote: »

thats a good price I bought similar at the start of the year for a 100 more and thought it was a good price for a starter drone they are good craic.

There is a section in the dji fly app that checks firmware you can be connected to the drone and the home wifi it will update I think.

I was trying to update it like how you said alright but the app kept saying that the firmware version was current!

Im not sure if connecting it to the laptop either updated the firmware or just reflashed it but thats how i got it working in the end.

Pretty bad conditions lately for drones, I've yet to fly mine outside! :pac:

sheesh · 19-04-2021 9:08pm

Doge wrote: »

I was trying to update it like how you said alright but the app kept saying that the firmware version was current!

Im not sure if connecting it to the laptop either updated the firmware or just reflashed it but thats how i got it working in the end.

Pretty bad conditions lately for drones, I've yet to fly mine outside! :pac:

yep not drone weather at all at the moment! I got out last week and got a couple of nice ones when it was not too windy.

Fionn · 20-04-2021 3:10am

I have a DJI Air 2S on the way! Anyone have an idea what kind of money would coverdrone.com charge for a unit like this? i'm not overawed by the DJI Care Refresh offering.

TychoCaine · 20-04-2021 7:37pm

Fionn wrote: »

I have a DJI Air 2S on the way! Anyone have an idea what kind of money would coverdrone.com charge for a unit like this? i'm not overawed by the DJI Care Refresh offering.

It’s usually approx. 10% of the value of the drone.

Cerdito · 22-04-2021 8:41am

IAA are reviewing the 15m height limit in Dublin:

https://www.iaa.ie/news/2021/04/21/iaa-launches-consultation-on-rules-for-drones-uas-in-the-dublin-area

Proposed changes:

1. The proposed changes will ease UAS restrictions in the Dublin area while maintaining protection for airports, air corridors and sensitive state infrastructure, e.g. hospitals and prisons.

2. Drones in the Dublin UAS geographical zone are currently restricted to a height of 15m (50 ft). The proposed changes will introduce graduated limits (depending on location) up to a maximum of 100 metres without special permission from the IAA.

3. Different options are put forward for consideration in the consultation document.

theothernt · 22-04-2021 4:42pm

Cerdito wrote: »

IAA are reviewing the 15m height limit in Dublin:

https://www.iaa.ie/news/2021/04/21/iaa-launches-consultation-on-rules-for-drones-uas-in-the-dublin-area

Proposed changes:

1. The proposed changes will ease UAS restrictions in the Dublin area while maintaining protection for airports, air corridors and sensitive state infrastructure, e.g. hospitals and prisons.

2. Drones in the Dublin UAS geographical zone are currently restricted to a height of 15m (50 ft). The proposed changes will introduce graduated limits (depending on location) up to a maximum of 100 metres without special permission from the IAA.

3. Different options are put forward for consideration in the consultation document.

for a while now, DJI has had extended areas around airport runways (several KMs) which limit you to 150m - so 100m is fine. I thought the 15m Class C rule was silly and I'm sure no-one follows it.

madmoe · 23-04-2021 2:34pm

15m seems crazy crazy low to me!

Got a Mini 2 Flymore Combo there on Monday evening for €500 from DoneDeal, I was happy out! Batteries had never been charged and most of the stickers still on it! Based on the recommendation earlier in this thread I am now looking on https://www.coverdrone.com/ie/ to see how much they will charge to cover my Mini 2.

I am struggling whether to use manual settings or just leave it on auto for photos and videos? If anyone uses manual settings did you follow a YouTube video or figure out the settings yourself?

Thnaks,
M

theothernt · 23-04-2021 3:52pm

madmoe wrote: »

15m seems crazy crazy low to me!
I am struggling whether to use manual settings or just leave it on auto for photos and videos? If anyone uses manual settings did you follow a YouTube video or figure out the settings yourself?

As you're new to it, I'd spend a few flights getting used to the controls, try and think about what you'd do if there was a problem - ie. using the return to home function, making sure all the settings in the app are correct.

After a while (a few days or a couple of weeks) of flying, you can look up guides for what settings are best in manual. Also, around sunset/sunrise are the best times to take more dramatic videos, etc. Just remember, it's not easy

h3000 · 23-04-2021 10:59pm

I’d love a drone but are they worth it? I’ve no intention on spying on anyone or trying to see what’s in their back garden but I really don’t want to have to deal with someone who thinks I am. I like the idea of flying them but I’m really interested in the photography side of it but think I’d get bored of taking photos/videos of empty forestries before long. I live in a smallish village with a few nice sites around it but there are also quite a few houses around too.

Do you get much hassle flying them around parks/coastal areas/nature trails? I’m aware of the 30m restrictions ect.

Doge · 24-04-2021 12:33am

So how are people editing their drone footage?
Any serious filmmakers here using colour grading / correction, filters etc..?

I see the DJI fly app has a very capable video editor which can be used to edit any videos on your phone also, something I overlooked. Nice to have an ad free video editor for Android.
The interface reminds me a lot of iMovie on iOS which I liked for its ease of use and encoding speed.

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

On Desktop I quite like Da Vinci Resolve which is free and very powerful but with a more user friendly interface than the likes of Adobe Premiere.

https://www.blackmagicdesign.com/products/davinciresolve

Vegas Pro 16 Edit can be had for €25.26 on Humble Bundle at the moment with other software included so that a nice cheap option also. The current version is 18 so bare that in mind.

https://www.humblebundle.com/software/vegas-pro-discover-your-endless-freedom-software

So many options, thinking of sticking with DJI fly and DaVinci Resolve personally as I found the encoding options must easier than old versions of Sony Vegas.
Vegas Pro 16 Edit is tempting at that price though...

sheesh · 24-04-2021 1:30am

Doge wrote: »

So how are people editing their drone footage?
Any serious filmmakers here using colour grading / correction, filters etc..?

I see the DJI fly app has a very capable video editor which can be used to edit any videos on your phone also, something I overlooked. Nice to have an ad free video editor for Android.
The interface reminds me a lot of iMovie on iOS which I liked for its ease of use and encoding speed.

On Desktop I quite like Da Vinci Resolve which is free and very powerful but with a more user friendly interface than the likes of Adobe Premiere.

So many options, thinking of sticking with DJI fly and DaVinci Resolve personally as I found the encoding options must easier than old versions of Sony Vegas.
Vegas Pro 16 Edit is tempting at that price though...

I'm using corel video studio I needed a video editing software a couple of years ago and it was cheap, it is alright. I'll going to look at davinci resolve now. I assume it takes an age to render on a phone?

Doge · 24-04-2021 1:52am

sheesh wrote: »

I'm using corel video studio I needed a video editing software a couple of years ago and it was cheap, it is alright. I'll going to look at davinci resolve now. I assume it takes an age to render on a phone?

I can't speak as I haven't rendered anything besides a quick 15 second clip that was non drone footage.
It will depend on your phone's processor i suppose but may be less time than you think as these arm processors are pretty efficient.

Still waiting for the winds to die down so I can fly it somewhere besides the living room. :pac:

sheesh · 24-04-2021 5:30pm

Doge wrote: »

I can't speak as I haven't rendered anything besides a quick 15 second clip that was non drone footage.
It will depend on your phone's processor i suppose but may be less time than you think as these arm processors are pretty efficient.

Still waiting for the winds to die down so I can fly it somewhere besides the living room. :pac:

of course! I suppose some of the high end phones would be very fast and if you were in media you'd have one.

Fionn · 24-04-2021 9:07pm

I've been rendering vids for years and shudder to think what it'd be like on a mobile phone! especially 5.4K Video, even scrubbing through a short timeline could be quite taxing on a phone

madmoe · 24-04-2021 9:41pm

Doge wrote: »

So how are people editing their drone footage?
Any serious filmmakers here using colour grading / correction, filters etc..?

I see the DJI fly app has a very capable video editor which can be used to edit any videos on your phone also, something I overlooked. Nice to have an ad free video editor for Android.
The interface reminds me a lot of iMovie on iOS which I liked for its ease of use and encoding speed.

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

On Desktop I quite like Da Vinci Resolve which is free and very powerful but with a more user friendly interface than the likes of Adobe Premiere.

https://www.blackmagicdesign.com/products/davinciresolve

Vegas Pro 16 Edit can be had for €25.26 on Humble Bundle at the moment with other software included so that a nice cheap option also. The current version is 18 so bare that in mind.

https://www.humblebundle.com/software/vegas-pro-discover-your-endless-freedom-software

So many options, thinking of sticking with DJI fly and DaVinci Resolve personally as I found the encoding options must easier than old versions of Sony Vegas.
Vegas Pro 16 Edit is tempting at that price though...

I just started using Filmora X there last night! Didn't do any grading or stuff like that. Edited a lot of DJI Mini 2 footage together and added a music track as well as some text at the start. Was handy enough to figure it out and am happy with the results. I will be sticking with Filmora X for the foreseeable anyhow.

Cheers,
M

PixelTrawler · 25-04-2021 6:44pm

Quick one. Do you have to register the mini 2 with IAA. It’s under 250g but has a camera but theres mention of some drones with cameras under 250g falling under a toy category so I can’t see a clear answer.

Doge · 25-04-2021 7:16pm

Looks like we're in for good Drone weather tomorrow in Cork.
I'll finally get to take the Mavic Mini out!

sheesh · 25-04-2021 7:59pm

PixelTrawler wrote: »

Quick one. Do you have to register the mini 2 with IAA. It’s under 250g but has a camera but theres mention of some drones with cameras under 250g falling under a toy category so I can’t see a clear answer.

yes. My understanding is that the manufacturer must designate it as a toy. I don't think the mini 2 is designated as a toy by dji. Legally you would need to be registered as an operator. Any way that is my interpretation of the video I watched

DuckSlice · 26-04-2021 11:26am

Has the use of drones really increased in the last few months? or is it just because i have one now that i notice it a lot more on social media?

theothernt · 26-04-2021 1:25pm

etxp wrote: »

Has the use of drones really increased in the last few months? or is it just because i have one now that i notice it a lot more on social media?

Not recently, but it was predicted that the sky would be full of them a few years ago, but it never happened - they are still quite expensive and unless you like to take photos, etc most people get bored of flying them.

Plus it's on everyone who owns a drone to follow the rules (ie. stay away from people, don't annoy them, etc) and report anyone who doesn't

Doge · 26-04-2021 2:02pm

First flight went really well!
It's scary at first when you fly the drone about 100m away from you worrying if it will come back!
But he Mavic mini is such a stable beast for its size.

I recommend one of these foldable landing pads, they're more expensive than the cheaper circular ones but fold up really nicely into the size of a notebook so they're easier to carry:

Makes landing much easier. The brand I have is StartRC which has holes in the corners so you can use pegs to pin it down.

I got mine from Amazon Germany as it's not in stock on Amazon UK, just their Chinese store has it in stock.

madmoe · 26-04-2021 2:13pm

Doge wrote: »

First flight went really well!
It's scary at first when you fly the drone about 100m away from you worrying if it will come back!
But he Mavic mini is such a stable beast for its size.

I recommend one of these foldable landing pads, they're more expensive than the cheaper circular ones but fold up really nicely into the size of a notebook so they're easier to carry:

Makes landing much easier. The brand I have is StartRC which has holes in the corners so you can use pegs to pin it down.

I got mine from Amazon Germany as it's not in stock on Amazon UK, just their Chinese store has it in stock.

Looks exactly what I need! I have the PGYTECH 55cm Drone Landing Pad that I need to sell first though!

Cheers,
M

Doge · 26-04-2021 4:01pm

madmoe wrote: »

Looks exactly what I need! I have the PGYTECH 55cm Drone Landing Pad that I need to sell first though!

Cheers,
M

PGYTECH do their own foldable landing pad also just minus the holes you can peg down and is fulfilled by Amazon.

https://smile.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07FCLSXW3/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_4TTN0GSQZWS2P00C7XST

The one I have smells like armbands so i reckon it's a good waterproof material!

madmoe · 26-04-2021 4:12pm

Doge wrote: »

PGYTECH do their own foldable landing pad also just minus the holes you can peg down and is fulfilled by Amazon.

https://smile.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07FCLSXW3/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_4TTN0GSQZWS2P00C7XST

The one I have smells like armbands so i reckon it's a good waterproof material!

Thanks, I don't mind which one I end up getting as long as it is the folding one.

M

fenris · 26-04-2021 4:21pm

I have a folding round one that I can just clip onto my Mavic bag, the contrasting colours are perfect for enabling the precision landing function on DJI drones

Fionn · 26-04-2021 11:28pm

Doge wrote: »

First flight went really well!
It's scary at first when you fly the drone about 100m away from you worrying if it will come back!.............

Well done!

I noticed that the drone (Air2 S) sits really close to the ground, all the previous ones were Phantoms, so not what I'm used to.

I wonder could you make a DIY landing pad?
After paying out to register and also upgrading my phone, I'm thinking if i can 'do it yourself' I might just do. Also need to look at a hood for the screen.

Doge · 26-04-2021 11:53pm

Fionn wrote: »

Well done!

I noticed that the drone (Air2 S) sits really close to the ground, all the previous ones were Phantoms, so not what I'm used to.

I wonder could you make a DIY landing pad?
After paying out to register and also upgrading my phone, I'm thinking if i can 'do it yourself' I might just do. Also need to look at a hood for the screen.

Thanks! The rear legs of the Mavic mini are almost non existent they're so small so I ordered PGYTECH leg extensions before the drone arrived as they were recommended online.

https://smile.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07ZTV3GKG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_RKT4RCWT62CD5YXDV31Q

The front 2 leg extensions need to be removed each time for the Mavic mini to fit in the case that comes with the fly more combo but it's it much of a big deal.

Finding them great so far, but they can come loose in time according one of the more critical YouTubers.
To be fair he probably flies drones daily and comes across as a bit cynical.

Fionn · 27-04-2021 1:11am

ive seen various ratings for the ones on offer on Amazon, a few probs noted; some of them are too light and can be blown over by a breeze others have the pegs too big and have caused damage to rotors etc. there is hand catching which i used to do with the Phantoms, but there was much more clearence than these little ones.

Moment Rugged Drone Landing Pad

looks to be the biz, American company, weighs nearly as much as the drone, but that might be a good thing eh?

So for now it might be an old car mat or bit of carpet or maybe a set of gloves...

madmoe · 27-04-2021 9:35am

Doge wrote: »

Thanks! The rear legs of the Mavic mini are almost non existent they're so small so I ordered PGYTECH leg extensions before the drone arrived as they were recommended online.

https://smile.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07ZTV3GKG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_RKT4RCWT62CD5YXDV31Q

The front 2 leg extensions need to be removed each time for the Mavic mini to fit in the case that comes with the fly more combo but it's it much of a big deal.

Finding them great so far, but they can come loose in time according one of the more critical YouTubers.
To be fair he probably flies drones daily and comes across as a bit cynical.

I was gonna get something like those but then started to practice the hand launch and hand landing and my Mini 2 has now never really touched the ground at all! It's actually quiet easy to do but one word of warning is that in windy conditions it is not as easy to do and you need to be more careful.

Cheers,
M

madmoe · 27-04-2021 9:37am

Fionn wrote: »

ive seen various ratings for the ones on offer on Amazon, a few probs noted; some of them are too light and can be blown over by a breeze others have the pegs too big and have caused damage to rotors etc. there is hand catching which i used to do with the Phantoms, but there was much more clearence than these little ones.

Moment Rugged Drone Landing Pad

looks to be the biz, American company, weighs nearly as much as the drone, but that might be a good thing eh?

So for now it might be an old car mat or bit of carpet or maybe a set of gloves...

I just added that one to my wishlist on Amazon ;-) It's currently out of stock.

Cheers,
M

sheesh · 27-04-2021 2:32pm

etxp wrote: »

Has the use of drones really increased in the last few months? or is it just because i have one now that i notice it a lot more on social media?

Could be 2 reasons

I put up some footage so maybe facebook algorithm is now showing me more drone stuff

Clear dry weather means more people out flying

Even if you have not put up footage most sites will have cookies from google and facebook tracking what you are looking at so they will deliver content they think you want to see

fenris · 27-04-2021 4:10pm

I just need to figure out how to land on a sailing boat without losing either a drone or fingers!

Fionn · 03-05-2021 3:14pm

Is there any hood designs/layouts online that might be useful or should I be looking at a manufactured solution?, was out the other day and couldn't see anything on the screen!

peterwhit · 04-05-2021 12:25am

madmoe wrote: »

I was gonna get something like those but then started to practice the hand launch and hand landing and my Mini 2 has now never really touched the ground at all! It's actually quiet easy to do but one word of warning is that in windy conditions it is not as easy to do and you need to be more careful.

Cheers,
M

Yup, hand launch and hand landing is the way to go. Unless you’ve got a really flat surface, the camera will probably touch the ground; and landing pads are a pain and not necessary (can only vouch for Air 2s takeoff & landing though). Obviously though be careful; I initially used a thick glove when trying it the first few times. Here’s a good video:

https://youtu.be/hLiOB3W9XtQ

I’m using Premiere to grade the 5.4K D-log footage, since that’s the NLE I know. I’d like to learn Resolve too, but FWICT premiere is better for multitrack editing.

Image is very clean; and if you scale down the 5.4K to a 4K timeline, super sharp.

Hopefully DJI can get the Air 2s retrospectively EU-classified, an issue I wasn’t aware of before I bought it! Still, two years is a long time in drone-land..

sheesh · 05-05-2021 12:26am

Low winds tomorrow so might be a good day to be out

GottaGetGatt · 11-05-2021 9:29pm

Anyone into FPV drones,? thinking of getting into it. Downloaded the Sim from steam but its tough going with a console controller.

sheesh · 13-05-2021 12:15pm

looked up about them after that bowling alley video they are cool and look like they are more rugged and protected than the other types

theothernt · 13-05-2021 3:02pm

sheesh wrote: »

looked up about them after that bowling alley video they are cool and look like they are more rugged and protected than the other types

Quite the opposite. Most are DIY, will break far more easily due to how they fly, have far less fly time, etc.

Also, I really think most people a) won't be able to fly them and b) get bored after a few tries. Plus there are a lot less places you can fly them given how dangerous they are.

... the important thing to remember is that DJI drones basically fly themselves, have great cameras and transmission systems - FPV drones do not. There is a good reason why you never see them in public.

Drones: General Chat Thread

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