PLAY Any drone pilots on the board?

Dennis Olson

Dennis Olson

Chief Curmudgeon
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I picked up a dji mini 4 drone on the cheap (used on ebay). I managed to get the software downloaded. This drone is about the size of my outstretched hand. So are there any drone "pilots" on the board? I'd like to learn how to fly it. This is a basic drone without all the modern stuff like object avoidance. So I bought a 50-pack of spare propellers and prop guards from Amazon. So, how does one fly a drone?


I've been interested in RC model aircraft since I was a kid, but could never fly them because back then they were a ton of money. I got this thing for $65. Seems to be in great shape. Looks brand new actually. So... Pointers?

Thanks!
 
I used one for a while to check cattle on range, very cool!

If I can, you can! I just started with basic lift up, slowly fly around and set down.

Next thing you know I was buzzing under bridges and flying full speed 6 inches off the water scaring the heck out of my adult kid but I never crashed it haha
 
I've been into RC aviation for many years, had several planes (licensed pilot as well), but never done much with quadcopters. I know that many of the newer elec planes are relatively cheap, foam (pretty easy for basic repairs), its the radio that is still a little pricey (and batteries), but its way more affordable now than back in the day.
 
Dennis, I to have been learing {lol} to fly my recreational drone. The thing about flying it is fairly easy but cordinating using the camera and getting it to function properly while flying was the hard part for me. I am not a electronics expert but getting the camera functioning was the hardest part for me.

There are a ton of Youtube videos on how to fly them and how to learn the controls.

 
I picked up one of these for 8 bux.

Has its own controller.

Cat isn't impressed, little GSD is terrified.


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I’ve got one of those palm sized quad copters. It’s too cold and windy to fly outside right now. When summer actually arrives, I’ll be flying it every day.

Cost all of $22 on Temu. I’ve flown it and practiced in my huge living room, and Angel seems to despise it. It’s an E88 model with two batteries. I’ve also got an Osprey type twin rotor styled drone I need to get extra blades for.

My favorite was my Millennium Falcon drone. Made out of foam, it was kind of wildly fun to fly inside the house. Gave it to my grandson later for his birthday.

The E88 is a great size to fly inside, but would need a calm day outside to be safe.

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I have had several. I live in the woods. I no longer have any drones, but have had some spectacular crashes.

Last one had collision avoidance, but in the woods it simply will not fly, everything needs to be avoided which leads to inevitable drone suicide.

Did get some cools pics from above the trees. (this pic was up about 150 feet)

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The FAA has a website with the 'rules' for recreational flying, I have the FAA part 107 license for remote pilot. I used (when starting) a DJI mini 2 and it made some great photos for the engineering company where I work. I recently bought a DJI Air 3S which is not a mini and I had to register it... It's amazing all that it can do, mapping which I do, and commercial photos.. Have fun go slow and enjoy..
Edited to add a photo of a solar field I was inspector of construction..DJI_0365.JPG
 
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That pic is amazing!

So I got the software downloaded and the drone paired with the controller, and…. It’s going to rain all day.


Sigh….
 
They started using drones around here for planting, the fields are flown and then you use a ring roller. Drone cost I’m told is about 40k-70k depending. They also spray fields with weed killer. tried to down load picture can’t, pay load is about 400lbs.

After reading this going to look into a small one that you don’t need a license to fly. So much military activity around here might not be able too
 
The software has maps of restricted airspace. The drones may be programmed to not fly into that. But the map will show those areas so you’re not flying blind.
 
Dennis Olson said:
It does have RTH capability on signal loss or low battery. That's nice.
Click to expand...
It's a GREAT feature, I've needed that a couple times and it saved the drone for sure.

I have a Mavic Pro and an older Phantom 3. Flew them for years, just haven't much lately.

$65 for your DJI drone is a STEAL. Nice going.
 
I managed to get a memory card installed and formatted this morning. I need to calibrate the compass, but it’s been raining again all day. I’m going to have to sit and wait before I can take it out and finish getting everything ready.
 
Just looked it up my hole world is restricted air space, I know a couple of pilots going to go ask them what all the restrictions mean
 
Got the B4UFLY app it directs me to other apps think I might be okay. Found a Specta drone on Amazon
going to look on eBay.
 
I have a DJI Mini 4K. Lots of fun but definitely take it slow and spend time practicing using the controls at eye level. Do some take off and landings. Good luck!
 
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