Any drone guys in here?

creepycrawly · Jul 20, 2017

I did a search and found a ton of old threads. Nothing super recent.

I just picked up a Traxxas Aton and it is really awesome. The technology has come so far that it is amazing. I bought mine used for $200 and it was worth every penny. It is a gps drone with 3 different modes from film mode where it will almost fly itself to expert mode where it will fly 55+.

I slapped a GoPro on it and got some sweet video. I have the bug now. I really want a Mavic Pro but can't justify dropping a grand on a drone.

Anyone on here fly? Whatcha got?

BUG-E J · Jul 20, 2017

Spying on your neighbors is not a hobby weirdo.

The Luke · Jul 20, 2017

My father in law has a blade chroma that only comes out of the box whenever I fly or. Overall it's not bad. Definitely has some glitches they still need to work out.

creepycrawly · Jul 20, 2017

BUG-E J said:
Spying on your neighbors is not a hobby weirdo.

You haven't seen my neighbors.... :cougar:

poolman · Jul 20, 2017

Hahahaha

yankster · Jul 21, 2017

I've got a DJI Phantom 4. There's a few newer versions of the Phantom so the 4 was a good bit cheaper than retail. Camera is amazing.
Here's a fly over of the pipeline and compressor station I'm working on in Ohio:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B67jXBdPnKUKWmtsWnA5dmFyQmM/view?usp=sharing

Here's the whole album of pics and vids:

https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B67jXBdPnKUKQS0wN1Zic2E5Skk

creepycrawly · Jul 21, 2017

That's awesome. Have you messed with the waypoint flights at all or do you just do the phone/tablet and fly what you see?

I really like the idea of the mavic because it is a lot more portable and convenient. I have a feeling I'll wind up with one pretty soon. The drawback for DJI stuff is that with the new software, there's pretty much nowhere around me I can fly it.

yankster · Jul 21, 2017

I haven't messed with waypoints or the tracking functions.
They just changed the software July 5th and removed all the restrictions. You have to manually turn them off in the app but that's easy enough.
This pic was taken at 1800' close to a private airport with no issues.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B67jXBdPnKUKQ3Q2bFIwY3ZpV00/view?usp=sharing

They said people buying them to do building inspections and environmental work around national parks were getting pissed and either hacking the software or buying different brands, so they removed the restrictions and said it's like driving a car, if you break the law it's on you not them.

yankster · Jul 21, 2017

https://qz.com/724517/dji-is-letting-people-override-its-software-that-prevents-its-drones-flying-in-restricted-areas/

creepycrawly · Jul 21, 2017

That's good info. Thanks again!

That's how it should be. Don't be stupid and it will never be an issue.

jeeptj99 · Jul 21, 2017

I would love to get into drones but it's so freaking expensive. I've already got $600+ tied up in a rc car I don't get to use that often hard to make myself spend that again.

onepieceatatime · Jul 21, 2017

Re: Re: Any drone guys in here?

yankster said:
I've got a DJI Phantom 4. There's a few newer versions of the Phantom so the 4 was a good bit cheaper than retail. Camera is amazing.
Here's a fly over of the pipeline and compressor station I'm working on in Ohio:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B67jXBdPnKUKWmtsWnA5dmFyQmM/view?usp=sharing

Here's the whole album of pics and vids:

https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B67jXBdPnKUKQS0wN1Zic2E5Skk

Where's that at in Ohio?

Sent from my SM-G930T using Tapatalk

jeeptj99 · Jul 21, 2017

how high can those things fly?

creepycrawly · Jul 21, 2017

jeeptj99 said:
how high can those things fly?

Legally, 400 ft in most areas or 400 feet above an obstacle such as a tower or antannae. Physically, 7k feet is no problem. It's just not safe or smart.

The new mavic has a range of 4.3 miles out but most guys get about 3 miles before they have to head back for battery life. Still a 6 mile round trip.

The traxxas Aton is awesome but you can only fly it as far as you can see it. I bought mine used for right at $200. It's a ton of fun, but a total gateway drug.

jeeptj99 · Jul 21, 2017

There are guys around here that are making a killing taking pictures of houses and that sort of stuff with drones. I've heard of people actually being able to survey with them. It's crazy. Maybe one day i'll get one.

TBItoy · Jul 21, 2017

jeeptj99 said:
There are guys around here that are making a killing taking pictures of houses and that sort of stuff with drones. I've heard of people actually being able to survey with them. It's crazy. Maybe one day i'll get one.

I wonder if the gov has worked out the business licensing deal with that?

jeeptj99 · Jul 21, 2017

no idea. a customer at work was showing me this giant trex deck he built for a guy that he had a drone guy come out and take pictures of it. He was the one saying they could survey with them.

creepycrawly · Jul 21, 2017

TBItoy said:
I wonder if the gov has worked out the business licensing deal with that?

Absolutely. You have to have a license with the FAA to use them commercially. Tons of dudes on the youtubes have received letters.

If you think big brother doesn't watch YouTube and social media for violations, think again!!!! Just hop on there and search FAA violation drone and check out all the stories.

creepycrawly · Jul 21, 2017

jeeptj99 said:
There are guys around here that are making a killing taking pictures of houses and that sort of stuff with drones. I've heard of people actually being able to survey with them. It's crazy. Maybe one day i'll get one.

I just decided to sell some of my other RC stuff that doesn't get much use to fund one. We will see what happens.