Xiaomi Mi Drone 4k - 393 euro including delivery

MorganIRL · 27-07-2020 2:31am

Suckit wrote: »

Maybe here - https://www.aliexpress.com/item/33016095398.html
or here - https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000173343864.html

The first are for the 2020 model, but iirc all of the fimi x8 models use the same.

Thks Suckit, perfect. I might as well order one of each and they'll be here by Xmas.. :-)

Silent Running · 27-07-2020 9:27am

If you know someone with a 3d printer...

https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4341510

Daibheid · 27-07-2020 9:31pm

Some words of caution, especially anyone thinking of ordering one of these from Banggood but may apply to other sellers too.
As some of you may recall I ordered 8th of April from Banggood for shipping from Spain May 15th. After a litany of slipped dates and waffle from Customer Service I eventually got the drone but it arrived in a battered box. I contacted Banggood immediately and sent them all the requested evidence. They assured me they'd follow up within 48 hours. They didn't, nor after 3 more contacts where each time they responded as if I was contacting them for the first time. They even went so far as to point out I was almost out of the 7 day period after receipt to register shipment damage if I didn't respond with the requested info. The same info they'd got first day.

Meanwhile a little cautious test flying revealed problems,. eg the RC 5 way button wouldn't work in most directions - properly broken. But the serious issues were savage video lag, fritzing and pixellating video feed, range that was a a fraction of the spec and worst of all, a failure to enter RTH after a disconnect at just 500m. I got it back but it never reconnected until descending to 30m overhead. I'm a qualified Private Pilot with a lot of drone experience and that was a scary as I've seen, drone 500m away, disconnected but when it momentarily reconnected 40 seconds later it was not in RTH. End of flying it under any circumstances. A screen recording of that flight convinced Banggood to accept it needed replacement. But they wanted it sent to China and not Spain, They wanted me to pay shipping and they would not send a replacement or refund until they confirmed receipt in original condition.

I rejected that "offer", they wouldn't budge - even though I'd paid extra for their optional shipping insurance so I got Paypal involved pointing out the issues and also that returning it with lithium batteries to China might be impossible or cost prohibitive. They ruled I should get a refund as offered but I had to send it to China -at my cost- and if it wasn't 100% my claim would be at risk. Paypal make it impossible to contact them and impose a time limit to upload tracking. So I parceled it all up - properly- and took it to my PO planning to use registered post or failing that their facility as a DHL agent. They wouldn't accept it either way because of the batteries. Postage was initially €48 - before the battery issue surfaced!

So be warned, it gets messy and becomes a Catch 22 where Banggood get no penalty for shipping badly packed goods but the buyer gets screwed. I had cash to fund the Paypal purchase so can't call in a credit card company. But if anyone has experience with shipping lithium battery stuff please let me know.
Be real careful on early flights, use a screen recorder and if it's your first drone be even more careful, this thing is heavy and fast and half a kilo of lithium flying uncontrolled for 20+minutes doesn't bear thinking about.

Suckit · 27-07-2020 11:48pm

Regarding returns, you could ask banggood about returning it without the battery?
Alternatively you could try using Fedex or UPS - http://www.fedex.com/ie/learn/lithium-batteries.html
https://www.fedex.com/en-ie/shipping/dangerous-goods/how-to-ship.html
https://www.ups.com/ie/en/help-center/packaging-and-supplies/special-care-shipments/batteries.page

And return it (either way) using paypal refunded returns - https://www.paypal.com/ie/webapps/mpp/refunded-returns
Although I believe that is now capped at €30

But I would also heavily argue the case to paypal that you bought from an EU warehouse that is subject to EU laws and regulations.
https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/consumers/shopping/shipping-delivery/index_en.htm#shortcut-2
and
https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/consumers/shopping/guarantees-returns/index_en.htm

I had a similar issue a few years back, and I had a load of hassle convincing paypal that I was covered by EU law.
I eventually got a full refund, but it wasn't easy.

Daibheid · 28-07-2020 10:43am

Some good links there thanks. Paypal take control of all comms then make it absolutely impossible to interact with them and it feels like a bot as they ignored all of the reasons I escalated to them - e.g. anticipated issues with the batteries, having to wait until Banggood decide to admit they got it back.etc
Banggood are well used to this and it's clear now Paypal doesn't bother them at all.
I bought from Spain for exactly the reasons you mention but if Paypal can't be engaged and have a clock running on the return or else they cancel the case. I've messaged them via their complaints route explaining the issues with their resolution leaving me worse off than before. But that's part of the flag for people here - I expected to return a problem to Spain so be warned.

I did email Banggood as a courtesy and asked if they can advise how best to achieve a return as instructed by Paypal but I'm not really expecting any cooperation there. In fact Paypal may turn around and decide I've breached the terms of the dispute.
I may take the battery out - painful as I have it bubble wrapped and sealed into a proper padded bag- but the RC is physically damaged and has a sealed-in Lithium battery.:mad:

Rock Paper Scissors · 28-07-2020 3:11pm

Daibheid wrote: »

Some words of caution, especially anyone thinking of ordering one of these from Banggood but may apply to other sellers too.
As some of you may recall I ordered 8th of April from Banggood for shipping from Spain May 15th. After a litany of slipped dates and waffle from Customer Service I eventually got the drone but it arrived in a battered box. I contacted Banggood immediately and sent them all the requested evidence. They assured me they'd follow up within 48 hours. They didn't, nor after 3 more contacts where each time they responded as if I was contacting them for the first time. They even went so far as to point out I was almost out of the 7 day period after receipt to register shipment damage if I didn't respond with the requested info. The same info they'd got first day.

Meanwhile a little cautious test flying revealed problems,. eg the RC 5 way button wouldn't work in most directions - properly broken. But the serious issues were savage video lag, fritzing and pixellating video feed, range that was a a fraction of the spec and worst of all, a failure to enter RTH after a disconnect at just 500m. I got it back but it never reconnected until descending to 30m overhead. I'm a qualified Private Pilot with a lot of drone experience and that was a scary as I've seen, drone 500m away, disconnected but when it momentarily reconnected 40 seconds later it was not in RTH. End of flying it under any circumstances. A screen recording of that flight convinced Banggood to accept it needed replacement. But they wanted it sent to China and not Spain, They wanted me to pay shipping and they would not send a replacement or refund until they confirmed receipt in original condition.

I rejected that "offer", they wouldn't budge - even though I'd paid extra for their optional shipping insurance so I got Paypal involved pointing out the issues and also that returning it with lithium batteries to China might be impossible or cost prohibitive. They ruled I should get a refund as offered but I had to send it to China -at my cost- and if it wasn't 100% my claim would be at risk. Paypal make it impossible to contact them and impose a time limit to upload tracking. So I parceled it all up - properly- and took it to my PO planning to use registered post or failing that their facility as a DHL agent. They wouldn't accept it either way because of the batteries. Postage was initially €48 - before the battery issue surfaced!

So be warned, it gets messy and becomes a Catch 22 where Banggood get no penalty for shipping badly packed goods but the buyer gets screwed. I had cash to fund the Paypal purchase so can't call in a credit card company. But if anyone has experience with shipping lithium battery stuff please let me know.
Be real careful on early flights, use a screen recorder and if it's your first drone be even more careful, this thing is heavy and fast and half a kilo of lithium flying uncontrolled for 20+minutes doesn't bear thinking about.

Was the drone physically damaged when you received it?, or just the box?

garion · 28-07-2020 3:34pm

My drone arrived today! AliExpress, no customs charges, ordered on June 20th.

Seems to be well packaged with strong bubble wrap around the Fimi box. Drone looks in perfect condition... will hopefully bring it out for a spin later today or tomorrow.

Rock Paper Scissors · 28-07-2020 3:51pm

Mine arrived today from spain.

Im still in work so havent got my hands on it yet

Rock Paper Scissors · 28-07-2020 5:13pm

No bubble wrap on mine and the box wasnt damaged.

https://ibb.co/HnPHqs3

Drone looks fine

What defects,if any, should i be looking for guys?

Daibheid · 01-08-2020 12:23am

Rock Paper Scissors wrote: »

Was the drone physically damaged when you received it?, or just the box?

The box lid was perforated by the motor spindles in about 4 different sets of 4 holes as the internal packaging had been torn free of the glue holding it to the outer carton indicating at least four different crush incidents the arms showed a little distortion but the 5 way switch is very much broken. The crushed corners are evidence of hi shock loads which were exacerbated when the internal insert came adrift. I'm surprised there weren't more cracks!

Silent Running · 02-08-2020 4:17pm

Rock Paper Scissors wrote: »

Mine arrived today from spain.

Im still in work so havent got my hands on it yet

I ordered on April 22nd, it was shipped on the 18th of July (Spain), the last tracking info shows it leaving the parcel centre in the UK on the 22nd of July. No sign of it since. Anyone else stuck in this phase?

Saint_Mel · 05-08-2020 11:19am

Mine is out for delivery since 8am this morning according to the tracker.

Ordered 17 June from Fimi shop on Ali

Suckit · 06-08-2020 2:48pm

The FIMI is now €361 now on Aliexpress + 8.25% cashback (roughly €30)
If they still guarantee no extra charges when it arrives it works out at €330 delivered

pete6296 · 06-08-2020 5:37pm

Suckit wrote: »

The FIMI is now €361 now on Aliexpress + 8.25% cashback (roughly €30)
If they still guarantee no extra charges when it arrives it works out at €330 delivered

Thanks, how do you get the 8.25% cashback?

Suckit · 07-08-2020 12:21am

pete6296 wrote: »

Thanks, how do you get the 8.25% cashback?

Sign up for topcashback.co.uk and follow the instructions there.

- Click the aliexpress cashback linked above (or just search aliexpress on the site) and then go to the FIMI store link.
Purchase the drone and they should have a record of it, the cashback will appear as pending and then you can redeem it.

07-08-2020 12:24am

Is everyone just buying Fimi drones? OR are people still getting MiDrone 4K's?

If people are still buying the MiDrone 4K, and you're sick of it taking up space in your house cos you got bored of it, I'm usually crashing them into walls or trees and breaking them, so generally on the lookout for replacement drones, if anyone wants to sell their old 4Ks.

(I've no interest in the Fimi drone, though, just the MiDrone - think the Fimi might be too small for my intended use).

Rock Paper Scissors · 08-08-2020 10:02pm

Alright lads,

Finally got around to take the fimi for its maiden voyage today.

The drone is so much fun and flys really well.

I recorded in 4k when i got back to the house i uploaded straight from the SD card to YouTube and they compressed the video down to 360p and it looks dreadful but when I play the 4k video file directly on my Nvidia Shield TV, the quality is stunning.

Is there anyway to stop youtube compressing the video?

I'm completely new to this and have no idea.

If someone could point me in the right direction, that would be great

Cheers lads

banie01 · 10-08-2020 2:15pm

Couple of weeks into owning mine now and must say I bloody love it.

Is there an option for using zoom in live flight other than SAR mode?
Got to keep an eye out for some batteries too if I keep using it as often as I am, the auto tracking in particular is great craic!

garion · 10-08-2020 2:26pm

Rock Paper Scissors wrote: »

Alright lads,

Finally got around to take the fimi for its maiden voyage today.

The drone is so much fun and flys really well.

I recorded in 4k when i got back to the house i uploaded straight from the SD card to YouTube and they compressed the video down to 360p and it looks dreadful but when I play the 4k video file directly on my Nvidia Shield TV, the quality is stunning.

Is there anyway to stop youtube compressing the video?

I'm completely new to this and have no idea.

If someone could point me in the right direction, that would be great

Cheers lads

When you upload to YouTube it first does SD but takes longer to process HD. Usually a 1GB upload will take a few hours for HD. Happens automatically if it was recorded in 4k or HD.

When viewing the YouTube video check the quality setting. Once HD is processed you should see all the resolution options.

Rock Paper Scissors · 10-08-2020 2:44pm

garion wrote: »

When you upload to YouTube it first does SD but takes longer to process HD. Usually a 1GB upload will take a few hours for HD. Happens automatically if it was recorded in 4k or HD.

When viewing the YouTube video check the quality setting. Once HD is processed you should see all the resolution options.

Thanks for the reply, the video is on there in 4k now.

The quality of the camera is really really good

Rock Paper Scissors · 10-08-2020 2:46pm

banie01 wrote: »

Couple of weeks into owning mine now and must say I bloody love it.

Is there an option for using zoom in live flight other than SAR mode?
Got to keep an eye out for some batteries too if I keep using it as often as I am, the auto tracking in particular is great craic!

I agree, ive only flown mine once but it was great fun.

What is SAR mode?

When you say tracking mode, do you mean the "follow me" feature? Does it work well?

Suckit · 12-08-2020 1:19pm

My FIMI was shipped today fromm Banggood. I'm in two minds about keeping it or selling it.
I will be checking the package with the courier standing at the door.

Jackobyte · 12-08-2020 1:55pm

Suckit wrote: »

My FIMI was shipped today fromm Banggood. I'm in two minds about keeping it or selling it.
I will be checking the package with the courier standing at the door.

What date did you order? Mine has been sitting in processing for what feels like an eternity! (though it's probably only been a week or so)

banie01 · 12-08-2020 3:08pm

Rock Paper Scissors wrote: »

What is SAR mode?

Its one of the flight modes available, it overlays the display with GPS coordinates and allows a 3x zoom on the camera.
I have yet to actually spend any time RTFM

so I was hopeful someone else had tried some of the other flight/camera control modes.

Rock Paper Scissors wrote: »

When you say tracking mode, do you mean the "follow me" feature? Does it work well?

Reasonably well, I've only tried it for @10 minutes or so tho.

Suckit · 12-08-2020 4:01pm

Jackobyte wrote: »

What date did you order? Mine has been sitting in processing for what feels like an eternity! (though it's probably only been a week or so)

Late. I was sure I didn't want/need another drone. Gave in after the promo finished

I ordered on the 1st of May. Hoping they honour the topcashback that has been pending for almost 3½ months.

Rock Paper Scissors · 12-08-2020 6:16pm

Here's my 1st flight lads, shot in 4k and available on YouTube in 4k.... eventually.

I only went 3kms with it, didn't want to push my luck

I'm so impressed with this drone

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

Stop touching yourself · 12-08-2020 6:41pm

Hello,

I received my drone 2 weeks ago and updated the software on the Fimi Navi 2020 app last week- at first I had one or two incidents where it said 'gimbal not ready' but I recalibrated the gimbal and it was fine at first.

But now I get the message 'gimbal not ready' every time when I start up, but when I try to recalibrate it, it gets to 45% then the message ''drone vibration detected, please keep it steady' and does not proceed beyond 45%.

I checked the IMU and it is ok, and I recalibrated the compass too but I cannot get the gimbal to work. The drone is only 2 weeks old and I have contacted fimi but so far no response.

Please help!

Suckit · 12-08-2020 6:54pm

You may just need to uninstall the FIMI app and reinstall it.
More information here (referring to the original X8 - but likely same app issue) - https://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showpost.php?p=41576699&postcount=2137

Stop touching yourself · 12-08-2020 8:57pm

Suckit wrote: »

You may just need to uninstall the FIMI app and reinstall it.
More information here (referring to the original X8 - but likely same app issue) - https://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showpost.php?p=41576699&postcount=2137

I tried that unfortunately, no joy. I waited over 20 mins for the 'gimbal not ready' alert to disappear but nothing.

I also tried reinstalling the app, that didn't work...I'm ready to tear my hair out! :pac:

thund3rbird_ · 12-08-2020 9:14pm

Suckit wrote: »

Late. I was sure I didn't want/need another drone. Gave in after the promo finished
I ordered on the 1st of May. Hoping they honour the topcashback that has been pending for almost 3½ months.

Hiya,

did you get the "ship by aug 15th" email from banggood?

just wondering if anyone else that got that email has had theirs shipped yet?

my order was may 25th and got the aug 15th email

I have a hardshell backpack, landing pad, gimbal cover & antenna boosters on the way from various sources plus once the drone ships I;ll order the USD1 spare props on bg

Suckit · 12-08-2020 10:00pm

thund3rbird_ wrote: »

Hiya,

did you get the "ship by aug 15th" email from banggood?

just wondering if anyone else that got that email has had theirs shipped yet?

my order was may 25th and got the aug 15th email

I have a hardshell backpack, landing pad, gimbal cover & antenna boosters on the way from various sources plus once the drone ships I;ll order the USD1 spare props on bg

Yep. I got the ship by May 15, June 15, July 14 and August 15.

I contacted Topcashback the other day to see if it was still valid as it was similarly priced with cashback from aliexpress, that might have pushed it forward a little. Banggood still haven't replied in it.

thund3rbird_ · 12-08-2020 10:31pm

Suckit wrote: »

Yep. I got the ship by May 15, June 15, July 14 and August 15.

thanks.

I'm hoping my order updates in the next day or two

jamesd · 13-08-2020 1:51am

Mine was ordered 30th April and shipped yesterday.

Silent Running · 13-08-2020 8:05am

Mine was ordered on 22nd April, shipped on 20th July.... and went missing in the UK on the 22nd. Nothing since.

Banggood will do nothing until it's missing for 40 days. Now what happens if they have no stock left when the 40 days are up at the start of September?

BArra · 13-08-2020 11:25am

where is the recommended place to order a fimi x8 se 2020?

Silent Running · 13-08-2020 11:26am

BArra wrote: »

where is the recommended place to order a fimi x8 se 2020?

Anywhere but Banggood! :P

BArra · 13-08-2020 11:29am

hah, good to know

so gearbest, aliexpress

anywhere else?

Silent Running · 13-08-2020 11:41am

BArra wrote: »

hah, good to know

so gearbest, aliexpress

anywhere else?

Aliexpress seem to be getting the best results, better packed too.

Tweaky · 13-08-2020 1:20pm

banie01 wrote: »

Couple of weeks into owning mine now and must say I bloody love it.

Is there an option for using zoom in live flight other than SAR mode?
Got to keep an eye out for some batteries too if I keep using it as often as I am, the auto tracking in particular is great craic!

Just to let you know they have batteries in the Czech Warehouse on Bangood for €60 with less than a week delivery

I received my $1 props today. Just over 3 week delivery which was good.

Rock Paper Scissors · 13-08-2020 5:48pm

Tweaky wrote: »

Just to let you know they have batteries in the Czech Warehouse on Bangood for €60 with less than a week delivery

I received my $1 props today. Just over 3 week delivery which was good.

Thanks for posting this Tweaky

Did you order the $1 props from the BG Czech warehouse too?

Tweaky · 13-08-2020 5:59pm

Rock Paper Scissors wrote: »

Thanks for posting this Tweaky

Did you order the $1 props from the BG Czech warehouse too?

The props were from the China warehouse. I purchased them using the voucher they sent for the delay in shipping my order. I got it a couple of days after my order shipped.

Rock Paper Scissors · 13-08-2020 6:00pm

Tweaky wrote: »

The props were from the China warehouse. I purchased them using the voucher they sent for the delay in shipping my order. I got it a couple of days after my order shipped.

Do you happen to have a link for the battery?

Can find it on BG from the CZ warehouse

Tweaky · 13-08-2020 7:04pm

Rock Paper Scissors wrote: »

Do you happen to have a link for the battery?

Can find it on BG from the CZ warehouse

https://www.banggood.com/FIMI-X8-SE-RC-Quadcopter-Spare-Parts-11_4V-4500mAh-Lipo-Battery-p-1436271.html?rmmds=search&cur_warehouse=CZ

Try this

NUTZZ · 13-08-2020 9:32pm

So after 3 months and 16 days...this finally arrived today!

Ordered on April 27th 2020, it finally shipped from ES warehouse on August 6th, and arrived in Ireland on August 12th. It came packaged like others from Banggood with just a black plastic wrapper. I might have been lucky but there was very little damage to the box.

I was one of the 'winners' of the presale draw so ended up getting this for about €278 (if I remember correctly).

Just had one flight this evening and was immediately very impressed with it, it's a sturdy unit with quite a bit of power. I had no issues with the setup, pairing, SD card etc. with iPhone and was ready to fly after about 15-20 mins.

Suckit · 13-08-2020 11:22pm

BArra wrote: »

hah, good to know

so gearbest, aliexpress

anywhere else?

Probably the official FIMI store on Aliexpress. https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000964223225.html with Topcashback https://www.topcashback.co.uk/aliexpress-uk/
It should be around €330 delivered if no charges (contact store seller to ensure).

I wouldn't blame Banggood either, they could have dealt with it a bit better, but the initial fault wasn't theirs.
It could have gone a lot worse, look at the the mess gearbest made with the Zino 2.

Jackobyte · 14-08-2020 11:48am

My Banggood order placed on Aug 5th has just been pushed out to August 23rd to ship

NUTZZ · 14-08-2020 12:23pm

Jackobyte wrote: »

My Banggood order placed on Aug 5th has just been pushed out to August 23rd to ship

That’s nothing, trust me!

Jackobyte · 14-08-2020 12:40pm

NUTZZ wrote: »

That’s nothing, trust me!

Yeah, have been reading the 3 month horror stories here. Had wanted it for a September road trip though.

NUTZZ · 14-08-2020 4:37pm

Anyone happen to be selling any accessories for the X8 before I put in an order online?

Batteries, gimbal protector, launch pad, bag etc.

jamesd · 17-08-2020 12:53pm

My drone has made it to Belgium in 4 days, hopefully will be over here quickly enough.

Xiaomi Mi Drone 4k - 393 euro including delivery

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