New Mavic mini

drunkmonkey · 28-01-2020 11:07pm

I had it out early morning the other day, snow/ice on the ground and didn't have any problems, I wasn't in sport mode though. What I did learn was to manually lock in the exposure to stop the colour on the video changing. Messed up some lovely video by not doing it.

irishejit · 29-01-2020 11:18am

davidclarkdsi wrote: »

Flying the Mavic Mini in the cold weather might not be the best idea, at least not without some prep beforehand - I found a YT vid where they reckoned you should allow your drone to acclimatise outside before popping in a warmed (body heat temp) battery.

I’m posting this as a warning to others as I thought I’d get some lovely snow shots this morning but after a (too?) quick take off (with the drone simply ascending straight up) it suddenly took off on a jaunt of it’s own.

There was no wind (tops of trees at the same height were not moving) and I’ve checked the flight log - the only stick in use was the upward one to increase altitude (followed rapidly by the downward one to get it to reduce altitude when it started going astray).

At one stage in the uncontrolled part of the flight the unit hit max speed (55km), I seriously thought it was a goner but somehow it regained its composure (luckily I live in a fairly open area) and as soon as it stabilised I hit return to home.

It was a hairy 20 secs & up until this flight I’ve never had a problem with the Mini and I’m attributing this to the fact that I’ve only ever flown it on calm, reasonably warm (not near zero) days.

Someone said to ‘treat it like the little bird that it is’ & from here on in that’s going to be my intention.

What type of area were you flying in? It sounds more like a GPS issue than something to do with the cold. In fact too cold can also be a problem in actually getting a drone to start at all.

You should still allow some time to acclimatise though, as condensation on the lens changing from a warm to cold environment can end up wrecking shots, especially if you are using an ND filter, as the condensation can build up on the inside of them.

davidclarkdsi · 30-01-2020 8:58pm

irishejit wrote: »

What type of area were you flying in? It sounds more like a GPS issue than something to do with the cold. In fact too cold can also be a problem in actually getting a drone to start at all.

You should still allow some time to acclimatise though, as condensation on the lens changing from a warm to cold environment can end up wrecking shots, especially if you are using an ND filter, as the condensation can build up on the inside of them.

It was fairly open fields all round me but with a house to the rear, I’ve looked at the logs again & the home point was updated a few seconds into the flight so maybe GPS was an issue, would it really be enough to cause it to take off on its own & hit max speed (it wasn’t in Sports mode by the way)?

ozmo · 30-01-2020 9:34pm

davidclarkdsi wrote: »

...the home point was updated a few seconds into the flight....

If it lost signal it was probably heading off to he last place you flew it from... or to dji China

.. Its really important to lock home position in before take off so as to not loose the drone...

irishejit · 31-01-2020 11:53am

Yip, as Ozmo says don't take off until you have a home point recorded.

DJI has traditionally used 6 satellites for a good GPS home fix from the early Phantom days, but personally I wait until I have at least 11 or 12 before I take off, (though I regularly get 16-18) it really should only take a couple of more seconds waiting on the ground.

Don't forget you also have the option to manually set your home point to be sure to be sure!

drunkmonkey · 31-01-2020 12:06pm

With the homepoint if it doesn't have a clear way back will it just crash into what ever is in it's way home.

irishejit · 31-01-2020 12:35pm

drunkmonkey wrote: »

With the homepoint if it doesn't have a clear way back will it just crash into what ever is in it's way home.

You can amend the RTH height in the DJI Go app however.

It's one of those checks you should get into the habit of doing before you take off, and set the RTH height to something appropriate to where you are flying.

I think its set to 30m by default, but you can set it anything from 20m up to 500m.

drunkmonkey · 31-01-2020 1:40pm

Ah right I had this idea in my head it would come barreling back at 2meters and straight into the wall near where I took off, so as long as I have the height set high enough it'll come back at that height and hover down then to the landing spot.

Spocker · 31-01-2020 2:10pm

drunkmonkey wrote: »

Ah right I had this idea in my head it would come barreling back at 2meters and straight into the wall near where I took off, so as long as I have the height set high enough it'll come back at that height and hover down then to the landing spot.

Yep, thats how it works

drunkmonkey · 31-01-2020 2:18pm

How does it get on returning over water, does it treat it the same as land, was going to try getting some shots of surfers, I've flown it over water but I've always had sight of it.

Peppa Cig · 31-01-2020 2:41pm

Anyone know of any stores with mini in stock. Seems to be out of stock everywhere. Thanks

irishejit · 31-01-2020 2:50pm

drunkmonkey wrote: »

Ah right I had this idea in my head it would come barreling back at 2meters and straight into the wall near where I took off, so as long as I have the height set high enough it'll come back at that height and hover down then to the landing spot.

Yip. If you are below your RTH height, it will go straight up to that height before returning home. If you are above the RTH height, it will just come straight back at that height, it won't descend to the set height before making its way back.

drunkmonkey wrote: »

How does it get on returning over water, does it treat it the same as land, was going to try getting some shots of surfers, I've flown it over water but I've always had sight of it.

It treats it exactly the same, however I'd turn off the downward facing sensors first before heading over water, especially of you aren't going to be flying too high. Water reflection can play havoc with the sensors at lower heights and you can go in the drink very easily if you don't turn them off first, just remember to turn them back on again when you are done.

ozmo · 31-01-2020 3:02pm

drunkmonkey wrote: »

Ah right I had this idea in my head it would come barreling back at 2meters and straight into the wall near where I took off, so as long as I have the height set high enough it'll come back at that height and hover down then to the landing spot.

Yes-it will go up to 60m and fly back- i set to 60m always.

except there is an exception- if its very close to you it will as you say go direct without rising up.

Also it doesn't take much wind to stop rth working- it wont use the more powerful sports mode.

tedpan · 31-01-2020 4:21pm

irishejit wrote:

I think its set to 30m by default, but you can set it anything from 20m up to 500m.

Make sure it's never set over 120m though!

drunkmonkey · 31-01-2020 4:22pm

What happens at 120?

irishejit · 31-01-2020 4:35pm

drunkmonkey wrote: »

What happens at 120?

The drone police come and kick down your door, steal your wife and kids and leave you with nothing but your Instagram drone feed for company.

120m is 400ft, the legal height you are allowed to fly

ozmo · 31-01-2020 4:37pm

drunkmonkey wrote: »

With the homepoint if it doesn't have a clear way back will it just crash into what ever is in it's way home.

Also- ive nerver actually seen one of my drones do this - but its supposed to first try retracing its steps- - ie. not direct - this unwinding would ensure the path home is clear- never seen it go anything but straight though.

Lord Spence · 23-04-2020 10:41am

Hi All, any Mavic Mini owners could give me some advice. I am thinking of buying the mini but I have a few concerns, The first one is the range how have people been finding it in built up areas as I live in a town, Not look to fly to far away but would like to get some nice aerial footage and snaps of the town.

Second is I live in a Blue Geo Zone and was wondering what impact that will have on me?

I am torn between the mini and the Fimi X8 2020 which is on pre order at banggood for €337 but that then soon adds up with a spare battery €70, Case €25 and Gimbel cover another €5 but there is no Fimi Refresh option like there is on the mini and obviously there is the warranty issue should anything go wrong down the line.

Overall,
Dji Buy More Bundle + Refresh + SD Card costing me €554
Fimi X8 2020 + Spare Battery + Case + Gimble Cover + SD Card = €471

Any thoughts or advice, this will be my first drone.

ScrubsfanChris · 23-04-2020 11:46am

Lord Spence wrote: »

Second is I live in a Blue Geo Zone and was wondering what impact that will have on me?
Any thoughts or advice, this will be my first drone.

Blue zones require a request of an unlocking code from DJI. Your Mavic wont even take off otherwise.

If its a Blue zone because of a near by airport, legally you can't fly above 15m in their airspace anyway.

Lord Spence · 23-04-2020 11:56am

ScrubsfanChris wrote: »

Blue zones require a request of an unlocking code from DJI. Your Mavic wont even take off otherwise.

If its a Blue zone because of a near by airport, legally you can't fly above 15m in their airspace anyway.

Whats involved in getting an unlocking code?

tedpan · 23-04-2020 12:58pm

Lord Spence wrote:

I am torn between the mini and the Fimi X8 2020 which is on pre order at banggood for â‚¬337 but that then soon adds up with a spare battery â‚¬70, Case â‚¬25 and Gimbel cover another â‚¬5 but there is no Fimi Refresh option like there is on the mini and obviously there is the warranty issue should anything go wrong down the line.

Although compact the Fimi is a far larger than the mavic mini and will fly better in wind.

Lord Spence · 23-04-2020 2:10pm

tedpan wrote: »

Although compact the Fimi is a far larger than the mavic mini and will fly better in wind.

Yeah if it came with refresh type scheme I'd think I'd go for it but wary of being a first time drone owner and crashing and also wannarty with banggood another big concern

ScrubsfanChris · 23-04-2020 2:14pm

Lord Spence wrote: »

Whats involved in getting an unlocking code?

Look up self unlocking.
They are also time limited.

Lord Spence · 23-04-2020 2:51pm

ScrubsfanChris wrote: »

Look up self unlocking.
They are also time limited.

Yes sorry I did a bit of research, a few seconds to self unlock and lasts for 72 hours not a big issue for me.

Anyone here have the mavic? you been happy with it so far?

ozmo · 23-04-2020 3:51pm

Lord Spence wrote: »

Anyone here have the mavic? you been happy with it so far?

Mavic 2 Air is maybe being released next week - another one to consider - a little more expensive - but if you are worried about bad signals - the Pros have no issues with this and the new Air 2 is supposed to be using the same OcuSync as pro and have longer battery life.
I was going to get a mini but went with Air (1) for the signal reliability, stability and ability to fly in a fair amount of wind. Its still tiny to travel with.

Lord Spence · 23-04-2020 4:21pm

ozmo wrote: »

Mavic 2 Air is maybe being released next week - another one to consider - a little more expensive - but if you are worried about bad signals - the Pros have no issues with this and the new Air 2 is supposed to be using the same OcuSync as pro and have longer battery life.
I was going to get a mini but went with Air (1) for the signal reliability, stability and ability to fly in a fair amount of wind. Its still tiny to travel with.

Yeah rumour has it the air 2 is out tomorrow for €799 that's €300 more then the fly more Mavic mini, might be worth the upgrade if I end up really enjoying drone flying

My bad looks as though Apr 27th touted as date

Tweaky · 23-04-2020 9:05pm

Lord Spence wrote: »

Yes sorry I did a bit of research, a few seconds to self unlock and lasts for 72 hours not a big issue for me.

Anyone here have the mavic? you been happy with it so far?

I have the mavic mini. Only have it since mid march and the start of the lockdown so haven't had much chance to take it anywhere other than fly it near my house . I got the fly more combo and it is well worth the extra for the case and the batteries alone. Definitely need more than one battery.
I'm really enjoying it. Camera quality is very good and it is easy to fly. You do have to pick your days for flying as it does not like wind. Regular wind warnings if you put it up to 30m or 40m.
I had my eye on the FIMI X8 at the time and went with the mini because there was immediate availability. I have actually pre ordered the new FIMI X8 and I will see which one I get more use out of and may sell on the other one. I'm just concerned the mavic mini is not robust enough for Irish weather conditions and particularly the wind. It maybe just that little be too light.
Range has also raised some concerns. I am getting weak signals at 400M in not a hugely built up area. Also being so small you lose line of sight very quickly on it.

Lord Spence · 27-04-2020 5:51pm

Tweaky wrote: »

I have the mavic mini. Only have it since mid march and the start of the lockdown so haven't had much chance to take it anywhere other than fly it near my house . I got the fly more combo and it is well worth the extra for the case and the batteries alone. Definitely need more than one battery.
I'm really enjoying it. Camera quality is very good and it is easy to fly. You do have to pick your days for flying as it does not like wind. Regular wind warnings if you put it up to 30m or 40m.
I had my eye on the FIMI X8 at the time and went with the mini because there was immediate availability. I have actually pre ordered the new FIMI X8 and I will see which one I get more use out of and may sell on the other one. I'm just concerned the mavic mini is not robust enough for Irish weather conditions and particularly the wind. It maybe just that little be too light.
Range has also raised some concerns. I am getting weak signals at 400M in not a hugely built up area. Also being so small you lose line of sight very quickly on it.

Well took the plunge and got the mini fly more combo, got it from heliservices in Clare after speaking with a really nice helpful guy on the phone. Getting it tomorrow will update on my thoughts for those interested

Tweaky · 27-04-2020 6:02pm

Lord Spence wrote: »

Well took the plunge and got the mini fly more combo, got it from heliservices in Clare after speaking with a really nice helpful guy on the phone. Getting it tomorrow will update on my thoughts for those interested

Enjoy it - it is great fun - The fly More combo is definitely worth it

Lord Spence · 28-04-2020 9:28pm

Tweaky wrote: »

Enjoy it - it is great fun - The fly More combo is definitely worth it

Well wow, this is the first proper non toy drone I have seen. The thing is amazing it is so so easy to use and immense fun. Sd card arriving tomorrow so looking forward to capturing some good footage. The fly more combo is essential in my opinion as I'd want a decent case and spare batteries and the charging dock is great and will even charge the remote via the external USB port. Overall be happy with the purchase, also go the dji refresh for piece of mind.

fearruanua · 30-04-2020 3:38pm

Lord Spence wrote: »

Well took the plunge and got the mini fly more combo, got it from heliservices in Clare after speaking with a really nice helpful guy on the phone. Getting it tomorrow will update on my thoughts for those interested

Took the plunge myself today. I had been saving moving for a golf trip to spain over easter that didn't happen obviously. Money had been burning a hole in my savings account!!!!!

:D:D:D:D
I'm from Galway so bought the mavic mini combo from

https://www.droneworksireland.ie/

went with the years insurance too. I'll let ye know how i get on.
#donttellthewife

Lord Spence · 30-04-2020 4:50pm

fearruanua wrote: »

Took the plunge myself today. I had been saving moving for a golf trip to spain over easter that didn't happen obviously. Money had been burning a hole in my savings account!!!!! :D:D:D:D
I'm from Galway so bought the mavic mini combo from

https://www.droneworksireland.ie/

went with the years insurance too. I'll let ye know how i get on.
#donttellthewife

Excellent congrats its so much much and the camera is excellent. Was going to go with droneworks too seems like a good company but kept my money locally in clare with https://www.modelheliservices.com/ can't fault them.

Went with the refresh package too. Wish the weather would pick up now though rain yesterday high winds today

fearruanua · 30-04-2020 4:55pm

Lord Spence wrote: »

Excellent congrats its so much much and the camera is excellent. Was going to go with droneworks too seems like a good company but kept my money locally in clare with https://www.modelheliservices.com/ can't fault them.

Went with the refresh package too. Wish the weather would pick up now though rain yesterday high winds today

Weather is promised to pick up again next week so fingers crossed we get a few nice, sunny and calm evenings to test it out!!!!

Lord Spence · 01-05-2020 12:33pm

fearruanua wrote: »

Weather is promised to pick up again next week so fingers crossed we get a few nice, sunny and calm evenings to test it out!!!!

Got out yesterday evening at sunset and got some really nice footage, Cannot wait to bring it farther afield and bring it out the cwest coast and around some parts of Galway/Mayo.

The Dji fly app editing software is really good to for a built in free app

fearruanua · 08-05-2020 7:04pm

DPD received the drone from the seller on the 1st of May(Yesterday week) and still no sign. Now i know there is a delay with courier deliveries but 8 days doesn't sound right does it? Can't get anyone to answer in DPD

:mad::mad:

Lord Spence · 11-05-2020 8:33am

I would contact the seller directly, its his responsibility to chase up DPD. He would speak with them daily id say for new deliveries etc.

ozmo · 11-05-2020 10:27am

Lord Spence wrote: »

The Dji fly app editing software is really good to for a built in free app

Yes but just remember by default its working from the video feed the phone received - which can be as low as 720p and can contain glitches - not the full high resolution file thats on the sd card in the drone. It usually looks fine - but there is much higher quality video on the drone if you are uploading to youtube etc.
There is an option to download HD images from drone - but it can take ages for longer flights.

fearruanua · 11-05-2020 10:57am

Lord Spence wrote: »

I would contact the seller directly, its his responsibility to chase up DPD. He would speak with them daily id say for new deliveries etc.

All good. I changed the delivery address to a nearby shop that's a drop off point and it seemed to have kick started the delivery. So picked up the drone on Saturday evening. It was actually fairly windy so decided against going outside for its maiden flight, so myself and the brother in law were just flying around the kitchen with it when my wife arrives in and says "Oh are ye not going outside with it??" So out we went.

:D:D

Battery wasn't full after all the flying around inside in the kitchen and we took off with the wind. :eek::eek::eek::eek:
Flew down over my parents house which is about 300m away. Messing around there for a while. Battery was just below 30 when we decided it was best to come home. But the wind was fairly gusting at this stage so she was never getting home. To make matters worse a friend of mine called in the middle of trying to get it home so the screen went off. Panic!!!! When we managed to get phonecall cancelled the drone had done an emergency self landing job. GPS was a great job though. Found it way off down in a field below my parents house. Ah stop. Some craic.

ozmo · 11-05-2020 11:12am

fearruanua wrote: »

Battery wasn't full after all the flying around inside in the kitchen and we took off with the wind. :eek::eek::eek::eek:
...the wind was fairly gusting at this stage so she was never getting home. ... When we managed to get phonecall cancelled the drone had done an emergency self landing job..

Very lucky it didnt crash badly on its first flight! :O

Some pointers you might find useful-

-Only fly on full battery
-If you get wind warning- fly Lower, there is less wind closer to ground
-if its really gusty and it not coming back , enter Sports mode, you get much more power to fight wind
do *not* press Return to Home when its caught the wind, it will fly higher into wind and will not have sports mode power.
-if possible fly out into wind - so when you fly home you will not be fighting wind on a low battery. You can tell its into wind when speed is lower than normal.
- if you have to land (or it lands) there is a find my drone option in the app to tell you where the drone landed

Good luck with new drone!

fearruanua · 11-05-2020 11:50am

ozmo wrote: »

Very lucky it didnt crash badly on its first flight! :O

Some pointers you might find useful-

-Only fly on full battery
-If you get wind warning- fly Lower, there is less wind closer to ground
-if its really gusty and it not coming back , enter Sports mode, you get much more power to fight wind
do *not* press Return to Home when its caught the wind, it will fly higher into wind and will not have sports mode power.
-if possible fly out into wind - so when you fly home you will not be fighting wind on a low battery. You can tell its into wind when speed is lower than normal.
- if you have to land (or it lands) there is a find my drone option in the app to tell you where the drone landed

Good luck with new drone!

Absolutely poxed ozmo it didn't crash into a wall. it was very close to one.
Thanks a million for the tips.
Sad thing is that i had heard most of what you mentioned on you tube tutorials and clips but it all went out the window on my first flight. Lesson learned i suppose and lucky still have it.

Lord Spence · 11-05-2020 12:30pm

ozmo wrote: »

Yes but just remember by default its working from the video feed the phone received - which can be as low as 720p and can contain glitches - not the full high resolution file thats on the sd card in the drone. It usually looks fine - but there is much higher quality video on the drone if you are uploading to youtube etc.
There is an option to download HD images from drone - but it can take ages for longer flights.

any suggestion for a similar easy to use free software to use on laptop instead so?

Lord Spence · 11-05-2020 12:36pm

fearruanua wrote: »

All good. I changed the delivery address to a nearby shop that's a drop off point and it seemed to have kick started the delivery. So picked up the drone on Saturday evening. It was actually fairly windy so decided against going outside for its maiden flight, so myself and the brother in law were just flying around the kitchen with it when my wife arrives in and says "Oh are ye not going outside with it??" So out we went. :D:D

Battery wasn't full after all the flying around inside in the kitchen and we took off with the wind. :eek::eek::eek::eek:
Flew down over my parents house which is about 300m away. Messing around there for a while. Battery was just below 30 when we decided it was best to come home. But the wind was fairly gusting at this stage so she was never getting home. To make matters worse a friend of mine called in the middle of trying to get it home so the screen went off. Panic!!!! When we managed to get phonecall cancelled the drone had done an emergency self landing job. GPS was a great job though. Found it way off down in a field below my parents house. Ah stop. Some craic.

Jesus make sure you buy the refresh package from DJI, Flying when below battery dear god

you madman. Motors decrease in power to as you battery drains just something else to remember, makes it much harder to fly in wind.

fearruanua · 11-05-2020 12:42pm

Lord Spence wrote: »

Jesus make sure you buy the refresh package from DJI, Flying when below battery dear god you madman. Motors decrease in power to as you battery drains just something else to remember, makes it much harder to fly in wind.

Waiting for a dead calm evening but i venture out again!!!! I have the refresh package but i think thats no good if you lose your drone which i nearly managed to do.

Lord Spence · 11-05-2020 12:48pm

fearruanua wrote: »

Waiting for a dead calm evening but i venture out again!!!! I have the refresh package but i think thats no good if you lose your drone which i nearly managed to do.

yes once you can reclaim your drone your good, but if it goes for a swim in the Atlantic then bid farewell. Get an app that gives your current wind and gust speed, I use KittyHawk app

fearruanua · 11-05-2020 12:54pm

Lord Spence wrote: »

yes once you can reclaim your drone your good, but if it goes for a swim in the Atlantic then bid farewell. Get an app that gives your current wind and gust speed, I use KittyHawk app

Where would you draw the line with windspeed?

Lord Spence · 11-05-2020 1:22pm

fearruanua wrote: »

Where would you draw the line with windspeed?

Anything up to 15mph you should be good but after that I would really consider the environment you are flying in, if its open (so you can fly at low altitude if you need to) and easily retrievable I wouldn't worry to much for anything between 15-20mph, Anything more then that I just wouldn't bother to be honest. As someone else here mentions if at all possible fly it against the wind on the outward journey so coming back it will be much easier

I am new to the drone couple of weeks so maybe others have more experience with it.

Tweaky · 11-05-2020 2:57pm

Lord Spence wrote: »

Anything up to 15mph you should be good but after that I would really consider the environment you are flying in, if its open (so you can fly at low altitude if you need to) and easily retrievable I wouldn't worry to much for anything between 15-20mph, Anything more then that I just wouldn't bother to be honest. As someone else here mentions if at all possible fly it against the wind on the outward journey so coming back it will be much easier

I am new to the drone couple of weeks so maybe others have more experience with it.

I would suggest this App https://www.uavforecast.com/
It is available for Android and IOS
Set your highest windspeed at 28Kmh at 20m and it will then tell you whether or not it is good to fly . The Mini does not like high winds.

ozmo · 11-05-2020 3:08pm

Lord Spence wrote: »

any suggestion for a similar easy to use free software to use on laptop instead so?

never found a good, easy to use, low cost one that can do 4K. Open to suggestions.

A few are mentioned like "davinci resolve" - but I found it tricky to learn and only found out when exporting the final file it was limited to 1080p - they hide that limitation well.

I use command line tools that edit the files lossless - simple joins and cuts only- but its almost instant editing on 4K files, rather than hours of rendering, which is great.

thund3rbird_ · 25-05-2020 12:25pm

Hi all,

I've been looking into getting a decent drone for a while drawn to the mavic mini after reading reviews & watching numerous youtube videos on it.

As the weight is 249 grams it currently does not need to be registered.

However, with the new regulations due to come in July will this model need to be registered as it has a camera?

Also, if it needs to be registered, is the list of registered drones publicly available or is it a non-accessible list?

ScrubsfanChris · 26-05-2020 3:25pm

thund3rbird_ wrote: »

Also, if it needs to be registered, is the list of registered drones publicly available or is it a non-accessible list?

The only list that is publicly available is the Drone Operators Contact List

That obviously doesn't include enthusiasts .

New Mavic mini

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