Xiaomi Mi Drone 4k FPV Quad

tedpan · 15-09-2017 9:45pm

galvo_clare wrote:

Yep, clear sky. I had successfully calibrated the compass earlier in the session. I then went on to calibrate the gimbal and discovered it wasn't responding. Haven't used RTH yet.

Very strange. Let us know how you get on over the weekend..

galvo_clare · 16-09-2017 12:46pm

tedpan wrote: »

Very strange. Let us know how you get on over the weekend..

Experienced the error message once or twice but the gimball worked fine.
Had it up to 100m with no problem except it warned me that compass signal was weak. It flew perfectly though.
Tried an auto landing and it was spot on.
Any idea how to set the RTH altitude?

tedpan · 16-09-2017 2:21pm

galvo_clare wrote:

Experienced the error message once or twice but the gimball worked fine. Had it up to 100m with no problem except it warned me that compass signal was weak. It flew perfectly though. Tried an auto landing and it was spot on. Any idea how to set the RTH altitude?

Nice, still a bit strange about the warnings though. I think all the settings for range and settings are under the GPS settings

galvo_clare · 16-09-2017 2:44pm

tedpan wrote: »

Nice, still a bit strange about the warnings though. I think all the settings for range and settings are under the GPS settings

Yes, but it just gave me a slider starting from 30m. Didn't know what to make of it.
Hopefully the gimball settles down. Took it out again for a quick flight an hour later and everything was fine.
Don't think I need it to go higher than 100m. Even with the camera I'd prefer to have visuals.

galvo_clare · 19-09-2017 6:53pm

galvo_clare wrote: »

Yes, but it just gave me a slider starting from 30m. Didn't know what to make of it.
Hopefully the gimball settles down. Took it out again for a quick flight an hour later and everything was fine.
Don't think I need it to go higher than 100m. Even with the camera I'd prefer to have visuals.

Not happy at all. A lot of the time the gimball says it's not ready. All through my flight today it didn't work yet when I took it inside and switched it on it responded properly.
More important, I'm losing connection with the drone at no more than 20m away.
It says I've lost connection with the drone but it coincides with the phone vibrating as it does when you plug it in to charge. Wondering is the phone cable faulty. I'll try a different one tomorrow in case th error message is inaccurate.

tedpan · 19-09-2017 7:10pm

galvo_clare wrote: »

Not happy at all. A lot of the time the gimball says it's not ready. All through my flight today it didn't work yet when I took it inside and switched it on it responded properly.
More important, I'm losing connection with the drone at no more than 20m away.
It says I've lost connection with the drone but it coincides with the phone vibrating as it does when you plug it in to charge. Wondering is the phone cable faulty. I'll try a different one tomorrow in case th error message is inaccurate.

The gimbal issue does not sound good. As I said, I haven't experienced it. I would contact Xiaomi & the seller(not sure if you purchased from Gearbest like me)

I'm guessing your cable is an issue, as I have been a huge amount further, it should do 3kms with ease. I'm using Android.

Very annoying I'm sure.

galvo_clare · 19-09-2017 8:31pm

Yep. Gearbest. Might be finding out what their customer service is like in the near future.

tedpan · 23-09-2017 9:22pm

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2PhfvRAGKuY

The latest clip at the beach, this time in Bettystown this morning

galvo_clare · 24-09-2017 6:40pm

tedpan wrote: »

The latest clip at the beach, this time in Bettystown this morning

Nice footage.

Changed the cable and everything seems solid now. Got it up to 120m with no problem and was flying for over 20mins total with no sign of a connection loss.
Is there a built in 120m limit? It told me that was the max height.
Gimball was working fine too so hopefully settling down.
Gearbest responded to my support request although I don't know yet what they said as I can't raise it on the phone.
I've ordered a .5m lightning lead on eBay as it should be neater than a full length lead.

tedpan · 24-09-2017 6:58pm

galvo_clare wrote:

Nice footage.

Cheers mate.

galvo_clare wrote:

Changed the cable and everything seems solid now. Got it up to 120m with no problem and was flying for over 20mins total with no sign of a connection loss. Is there a built in 120m limit? It told me that was the max height. Gimball was working fine too so hopefully settling down. Gearbest responded to my support request although I don't know yet what they said as I can't raise it on the phone. I've ordered a .5m lightning lead on eBay as it should be neater than a full length lead.

That's great, glad it was a simple fix! Hopefully the eBay cable is decent and does the job!

Go to GPS options in the settings on the app

Change the max distance to unlimited and the max height to the 500m limit.

galvo_clare · 24-09-2017 8:27pm

tedpan wrote: »

Cheers mate.

That's great, glad it was a simple fix! Hopefully the eBay cable is decent and does the job!

Go to GPS options in the settings on the app

Change the max distance to unlimited and the max height to the 500m limit.

I see those settings - thanks. Will try it in the next day or so.

tedpan · 24-09-2017 8:33pm

galvo_clare wrote:

I see those settings - thanks. Will try it in the next day or so.

Nice one

galvo_clare · 24-09-2017 9:03pm

Just a warning about gearbest. I got this reply (in part) from them in response to raising a ticket:

-Regarding Quadcopters and RC toys please review our policy here: http://www.gearbest.com/about/warranty-and-return.html

Please note that due to their intended usage, quadcopters, RC toys and wheels are excempt from our warranty policy and are only cover in DOA cases.

That said, we are still willing to help you the best we can.

We can exceptionally offer you a partial refund of 30USD to your Wallet as store credit and reward you with extra points (e.g. If your refund is 1 USD = 2 points ,3 USD= 6 points etc.).

So, essentially, they're washing their hands of the problem because it's a drone. It looks like if it was completely DOA, they'd do a refund but if the camera keeps giving trouble I'm goosed.

Not brilliant. I'm trying to query them further but their support ticket system is very unresponsive. Wonder why?

tedpan · 28-09-2017 1:30pm

https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B0DZIMcDLfl3Vl9RSXJOY1ZjY0k

RAW shots for the BA thread, thought it could be valuable here too. I'm not a photographer so unsure what the quality is like. 23MB per shot.

Cheers

tedpan · 02-11-2017 12:34pm

galvo_clare wrote: »

Just a warning about gearbest. I got this reply (in part) from them in response to raising a ticket:

-Regarding Quadcopters and RC toys please review our policy here: http://www.gearbest.com/about/warranty-and-return.html

Please note that due to their intended usage, quadcopters, RC toys and wheels are excempt from our warranty policy and are only cover in DOA cases.

That said, we are still willing to help you the best we can.

We can exceptionally offer you a partial refund of 30USD to your Wallet as store credit and reward you with extra points (e.g. If your refund is 1 USD = 2 points ,3 USD= 6 points etc.).

So, essentially, they're washing their hands of the problem because it's a drone. It looks like if it was completely DOA, they'd do a refund but if the camera keeps giving trouble I'm goosed.

Not brilliant. I'm trying to query them further but their support ticket system is very unresponsive. Wonder why?

How are you getting on with the drone. Any updates?

tedpan · 02-11-2017 12:35pm

Here's the latest from around the estate. Didn't lose control but used Return to Home on the way back. Getting lazy!

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

M5 · 02-11-2017 12:53pm

tedpan wrote: »

How are you getting on with the drone. Any updates?

contact support@fimi.com they handle xiaomi drone repairs. They check blackbox for crashes etc so can see if you stuck it in a wall

I had a runaway drone that they repaired under warranty

shinujohn · 14-11-2017 11:31pm

Long shot...but anyone ever have connectivity issues with this drone..just in case we do ..and the stuff is from China...how about to go then..
I was thinking of getting it from gearbest.
also where can we proceed to take insurance for it in Ireland.

TIA

tedpan · 14-11-2017 11:42pm

shinujohn wrote:

Long shot...but anyone ever have connectivity issues with this drone..just in case we do ..and the stuff is from China...how about to go then.. I was thinking of getting it from gearbest. also where can we proceed to take insurance for it in Ireland.

Connectivity issues - not with android, I have heard that iPhones have had delays in the stream. Sometimes the drone compass can get interferred with and you need to take off from a different location, so you just move it a metre away and all's good.

There's a thread in bargain alerts for the Mi Drone, several boardsies have bought from gearbest with no issues with customs, although their support is pretty useless. I'd suggest dealing directly with the manufacturer although I'm not saying that's easy either being in Asia.

Unsure about insurance. Think you can get it for around 330e all in at the moment so not sure if insurance would be cost effective with excesses etc...

Homer · 15-11-2017 4:14pm

You will need to have completed a 2 day ground school course (offered by a number of companies in Ireland) and pass the flight test in order to get insurance on your drone. Any of the companies I spoke to would not entertain a quote until I had the test completed and paperwork/licence in order.
In fairness its like a car insurance company giving cover to somebody with no drivers licence! They would leave themselves wide open to a potential claim.

satstheway · 28-11-2017 9:34pm

tedpan wrote: »

Here's the latest from around the estate. Didn't lose control but used Return to Home on the way back. Getting lazy!

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

Hi tedpan
Wife has this drone ordered for christmas ðŸ˜
What software do you use to edit the video?

tedpan · 28-11-2017 11:00pm

satstheway wrote:

Hi tedpan Wife has this drone ordered for christmas Ã°Å¸Ëœ What software do you use to edit the video?

Hi, nice one!

I used to use Windows movie maker which does the job upto 1080p. I use movavi video editor now because I reinstalled windows and couldn't find the free movie maker download, although apparently it's still available for download from Microsoft's legacy site.

I haven't really done much 4k editing as my laptop isn't powerful enough to do 4k.

satstheway · 06-01-2018 3:05pm

Hi all I have had my drone up on a few different occasions now and have to say it is a dream to fly when you get used to it.
But in different lightning situations (low sun)
I find it hard to control the camera settings quick enough and now have messed up mine a bit.
(The exposure is easy as it has a dedicated control )
But my Samsung phone image is not as good as the tv image and a bit darker so if u adjust image u dont see true result until u see it on tv or comp

I adjusted the contrast and did not like it and the default I think is s bit dark.
The saturation is set around 24 to give a nicer green/blue which I seen recommended on other sites.

What are the exact camera settings used by other 4k mi users here to get best results.

Thanks in advance

tedpan · 06-01-2018 11:34pm

satstheway wrote:

What are the exact camera settings used by other 4k mi users here to get best results.

I'm not really sure. I mainly leave it on the zero setting and use + or - 1 on the dial depending on the lighting situation. Maybe someone else could advise?

satstheway · 08-01-2018 12:18am

Did another default and all back good again.
In all fairness it is some camera drone for the money.

eoz · 21-01-2018 6:05pm

Took mine out for the first time today. Downloaded updates and calibrated. Rotors started by pulling two levers inwards. Then they went off after about 5 seconds? Should I press auto take off before I start rotors??? Complete newbie to drones.

M5 · 21-01-2018 6:32pm

Use auto take of and landing, much safer

tedpan · 22-01-2018 9:24am

eoz wrote:

Took mine out for the first time today. Downloaded updates and calibrated. Rotors started by pulling two levers inwards. Then they went off after about 5 seconds? Should I press auto take off before I start rotors??? Complete newbie to drones.

That's all correct. You have about 5 seconds before they automatically shut off. Make sure you have plenty of room around you too and just use the left stick at first to go up and down, so you get used to it. Then you'll soon realise how easy it is to fly.

Let us know how you get on!

eoz · 22-01-2018 12:08pm

tedpan wrote: »

That's all correct. You have about 5 seconds before they automatically shut off. Make sure you have plenty of room around you too and just use the left stick at first to go up and down, so you get used to it. Then you'll soon realise how easy it is to fly.

Let us know how you get on!

Got it up in the air today. Easy to fly. I’ll leave it in beginner mode for a couple of flights. How do I transfer the video onto my phone?

tedpan · 22-01-2018 3:40pm

eoz wrote:

Got it up in the air today. Easy to fly. Iâ€™ll leave it in beginner mode for a couple of flights. How do I transfer the video onto my phone?

When you're connected to the drone with the remote and app, you can view drone storage and then view recordings through the app. This however only gives access to lower quality images and videos for streaming purposes. To view the original file in 4k or 1080p I recommend removing the SD card from the camera and viewing it on a PC/laptop.

I'd recommend recording in 1080 30 or 60fps for easier editing. The recording options are in app. You can also change speed and height settings once you turn off beginner mode.

eoz · 23-01-2018 9:36am

tedpan wrote: »

When you're connected to the drone with the remote and app, you can view drone storage and then view recordings through the app. This however only gives access to lower quality images and videos for streaming purposes. To view the original file in 4k or 1080p I recommend removing the SD card from the camera and viewing it on a PC/laptop.

I'd recommend recording in 1080 30 or 60fps for easier editing. The recording options are in app. You can also change speed and height settings once you turn off beginner mode.

Thanks. I managed to play it on my tablet. Quality wasn’t great. Time to invest in a laptop!!

jogdish · 16-02-2018 3:30pm

Still, never bought one

Just clicked the link there, the price seems to have rocketed back up again - I know it varies a fair bit, but seems to have been 400+ for a while now.

Is there a reason? New model?

tedpan · 16-02-2018 3:53pm

jogdish wrote:

Still, never bought one Just clicked the link there, the price seems to have rocketed back up again - I know it varies a fair bit, but seems to have been 400+ for a while now.

Don't think so mate. It's 388e now and has been around that for the past 4 or 5 months, except for the odd day when it's 550e.

Check out the other thread in bargain alerts. There's a lot more discussion there

Kirby · 08-07-2018 1:48pm

I've had mine for about a year now and it does the job for something that is a third of the price of the DJI.

The compass is a pain, unfortunately. For anybody struggling with it, point the drone north and it will take off no problem. If it's facing any other direction, the compass won't let you. You can check your direction by looking at the arrow in the GPS map.

tedpan · 08-07-2018 1:57pm

Kirby wrote:

The compass is a pain, unfortunately. For anybody struggling with it, point the drone north and it will take off no problem. If it's facing any other direction, the compass won't let you. You can check your direction by looking at the arrow in the GPS map.

Mine doesn't seem to have the compass issue, anyway happy you're still enjoying it. Think I'll head out this afternoon for a mess around.

Kirby · 08-07-2018 2:04pm

tedpan wrote: »

Mine doesn't seem to have the compass issue, anyway happy you're still enjoying it. Think I'll head out this afternoon for a mess around.

The weather is great for it.

I would be out there too but I cracked a blade yesterday and don't have any spares. Amazingly, it still flies with incredible stability.....and its missing half a clockwise blade. Like its half the length it should be. Blew my mind.

Still, It would be irresponsible to take it up like that even though it probably could. I'll wait for the replacements.

Kirby · 08-07-2018 2:20pm

Quick question tedpan. I noticed in your vids you've gotten to 2.5k out before losing signal. Are you using the stock controller or have you done that DIY extender method?

tedpan · 08-07-2018 2:45pm

Kirby wrote:

Still, It would be irresponsible to take it up like that even though it probably could. I'll wait for the replacements.

Which blade is it, silver or gold?

tedpan · 08-07-2018 2:49pm

Kirby wrote: »

Quick question tedpan. I noticed in your vids you've gotten to 2.5k out before losing signal. Are you using the stock controller or have you done that DIY extender method?

No, just standard setup. Make sure the antennas are folded down towards the ground and aimed towards the quad. I think it would have gone further than that out to sea. No obstructions

Kirby · 08-07-2018 3:39pm

tedpan wrote: »

Which blade is it, silver or gold?

Silver. Silver are the clockwise ones i think. Gold are the CCW ones.

M5 · 08-07-2018 3:39pm

I have managed 3.5km on stock controller over farmland with video. Its all about line of sight

tedpan · 08-07-2018 3:55pm

Ah, my cat ate 4 silver blades, so now I have 4 spare gold. Could have sent you one!

Actually, I have a silver blade I could post you tomorrow. Just PM me if you want it.

Kirby · 09-07-2018 6:01pm

Cheers man. Just got it. Legend.

tedpan · 09-07-2018 6:05pm

Kirby wrote:

Cheers man. Just got it. Legend.

No worries

Xodar · 06-06-2019 7:26pm

Anyone know where I could get the 4K camera repaired?

The SD card will not eject and the image is not even (horizon is off/lobsided)

(I have crashed the drone a few times

)

BKWDR · 06-06-2019 10:26pm

Xodar wrote: »

Anyone know where I could get the 4K camera repaired?

The SD card will not eject and the image is not even (horizon is off/lobsided)

(I have crashed the drone a few times )

Check out the thread for this drone on bargain threads
Think I saw someone selling drone for parts or similar

M5 · 07-06-2019 8:02am

The camera is usually what gets it after a crash.

You ca buy new ones online, although they are 3/4 the price of a new drone. My advice? Wait on a good deal for the drone and buy again. You'll get a new cam, an additional battery and loads of spares to hand for the next incident!

tedpan · 07-06-2019 9:07am

Xodar wrote:

Anyone know where I could get the 4K camera repaired?

Not sure, it's the most complex part of the drone. Maybe try a local phone/PC repair shop?

Xodar · 07-06-2019 12:29pm

I think a new drone is the answer....

Was gonna get the Mavic Pro 2 but may hold off a while until I stop crashing them

(crashed the MI drone about 10 times. Amazing it still flies. The camera still works, it's just a little off and getting the SD card out is tricky.)

jogdish · 07-06-2019 2:18pm

Fair price between a Mavic 2 and a Xaoimi I'm guessing and of the two I'd be far more precious of the Mavic.

Kinda the thing I regret about my mavic air - was expensive so im afraid to play

Xiaomi Mi Drone 4k FPV Quad

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