Def Droning on again

[Vidar]

As you are someone of infinite more experience with drones: Is flying in rain or snow an issue? Fog? Are there tiny silicon or rubber dingies anywhere that can be used to cover up USB plugs and what not? Say, for a Mini 4 Pro for instance?

Is this "care refresh" program worth it? (I think it is likely that I will do many silly stupid things and that said drone might actually listen to me and crash or worse..)

Don't mind me while I pick your brain! 

[Grant Lamontagne]

That is what I am here for!

Flying in rain or snow is not recommended as the drone is not waterproof.  Also, there is no way to clear water droplets off the camera lens which could obscure your camera feed and make it dangerous to fly.  And that’s assuming it doesn’t short out from moisture getting into its motors or innards.

Fog is not likely to damage the drone itself, but could very well cause you to fly into something if you can’t see it and it can’t see where it is going.  I don’t know how well the Mini 4’s obstacle sensors work in the fog, but I imagine they may be just as obscured as the visual mapping from the camera as they don’t tend to work very well in the dark either.

Care Refresh is a good thing if you think there is a chance you are going to crash.  Being a first time drone pilot, Care Refresh is a good thing.  It gives you access to a significantly cheaper replacement drone if you damage or lose it.

The chances of either of those things happening is high for a new pilot, and higher if you don’t have a more experienced pilot to help you.  Even with the help of a very experienced pilot ill managed to kill a few drones, so I think it’s a good thing.

Personally I would strongly suggest the Neo with a proper controller.  It will do just about anything the Mini 4 will do, except it is cheaper and will take more of a crash than the Mini without breaking.

Def

[Vidar]

That makes sense. So we need to be somewhat weather concious.

Care program it is then. Anyone with stocks in Dji might want to sell soon.

We ordered the Mini 4 Pro based on the camera really. She plan on doing various social media stuff with it, while I plan to use it for lazy/ safe exploration and general pictures and videos. But insights and inspirations gained might spiral it out into completely different things for all I know. We shall see.

Any worthwhile or should have accessories?

[Grant Lamontagne]

Spare batteries and a charger are good to have, so I hope you got the Fly More package.  If not you can still get those things but they will cost extra.

Also, if the difference in camera between the Mini 4 and Neo is a concern then you probably are a good enough photographer to want to get filters for the camera.  I have filters for all of my drones, but I find the one that I really miss if I don’t have it is the polarizing filter which helps a lot when flying over water.

The Mini 4 has obstacle sensing and avoidance (depending on which version you get) but that really only is an aid- it can still crash so be aware of where your drone is, where it is going and what’s around it.

Also, before getting fancy stuff to dress up your drone, check your local laws to see what weigh restrictions there are.  In many countries, sub 250g drones are considered toys and don’t have any restrictions, while anything 250g and up is covered by a bunch of regulations and/or licensing.  This is based on take off weight, not drone weight.

The Mini series is designed to be sub 250g, but if you add prop guards, landing gear, a strobe light etc you could end up having to register and license your drone.

Also, the sub 250g rule only applies to the standard battery in the Mini series.  The Extended battery puts it over the 250g mark.

Depending on which controller you get, you may also want a tablet holder.  If you have a controller with a built in screen then get a silicone cover with a sub shade built into it, and if you got the controller without the screen, get a tablet holder and a sun shade for the tablet.

I prefer to fly using a tablet/ipad because I like having the bigger screen, but there are a lot of benefits to the controller with the screen, such as convenience and separate photo/video buttons.  The convenience is obvious, but with my setup the drone is limited to having only photo or video mode active at once.  I can switch back and forth, but only if it isn’t recording.  With the controller without the screen on it you have separate buttons and can snap a picture while the video is recording.  Very cool feature and I wished I had it a few times.

That having been said, I have never wished for a smaller screen when flying!

It’s a lot of fun and as you have a lot more technical knowledge than I ever will, I am sure you will pick it up quickly!

Def

[Vidar]

Spare batteries and a charger are good to have, so I hope you got the Fly More package.  If not you can still get those things but they will cost extra.

Also, if the difference in camera between the Mini 4 and Neo is a concern then you probably are a good enough photographer to want to get filters for the camera.  I have filters for all of my drones, but I find the one that I really miss if I don’t have it is the polarizing filter which helps a lot when flying over water.

Yes, we got the fly more package - it seemed to make sense. And with a remote with screen for convenience - a larger tablet does make sense though. Also ordered a polaroid and ND16 filter. And some seemingly handy semisoft case for hiking. The registering and insurance seems easy enough, but there is a required online exam for any drone over 250g. With any extras it seems that might be needed.

The Mini 4 has obstacle sensing and avoidance (depending on which version you get) but that really only is an aid- it can still crash so be aware of where your drone is, where it is going and what’s around it.

If there is a way to crash it I'm sure I'll find it. My wife shares this confidence - she has faith in me! Should maybe have started out with the Neo for that reason alone, but well, common sense isn't all that common I guess. I'm pretty sure anyone with a Playstation has way better foundations for control than me.

The package has been laying around at the post office now for a few days so I have to drive and get it soon before they return it or something. Should be most interesting!   

[Grant Lamontagne]

Here are a few last minute tips for you- watch out for water, and try to stay at least 2m above the surface or the downward facing sensors will get confused and think it's about to crash.  It is programmed to gain altitude in that case, and that may not be a good idea if it's under a bridge, tree or other obstruction.  There is no upward sensor.

Don't ask how I know this.   

Also, the drone isn't waterproof, but it is tougher than you think. 

Following a situation like the purely fictional one above  my Mini 2 was submerged for about five minutes.  When I got it out of the water (it was about 30-50cm below the surface) I pulled the battery and put it in a bag of rice, where it stayed for a couple of weeks.  That drone is still flying today.

Also, if you find anyone selling Mini 3 batteries and accessories on the cheap (after they crashed or lost theirs) the Mini 3 batteries will work in the Mini 4.

I also wouldn't bother with any add ons.  The Mini 4 is designed to do everything you want to do with it without extra doodads, gadgets or addons.  IMHO, unless the law requires a strobe or anything, I just don't see anything that is actually necessary to stick on the drone.  Well, besides the filters, but I don't count those as you remove the factory lens cover to attach the filter, so the weight doesn't change.

Some links that may be of interest:

https://www.decalgirl.com/
This is a site for skins for your drone and controller.  Skins will protect the drone from scratches, can help identify your drone if you are flying in the vicinity of others, or can make it easier to find if it goes somewhere it shouldn't.  And, sometimes it just makes them look cool.

https://www.masterairscrew.com/
Upgraded prop blades.  I cannot comment if they actually reduce noise and increase flight time, but they are a bit more flexible than factory props and they are cool colors.  The shape also looks cool.

I've had skins from Decal Girl and a lot of props from Master Airscrew and I can highly recommend them both.

It's always worth having spare blades.  The drone will come with an extra set of factory blades, and always make sure to inspect them prior to any flight.  I am not saying the DJI blades are prone to cracking or anything, but they seem more willing to be damaged than the Master Airscrew ones.

Don't buy the carbon fiber blades unless you don't like your fingers.

Def

[Vidar]

There is no upward sensor.

That is a good tip. I assumed it would be detecting trees and what not going up so one save right there.

Don't ask how I know this.   

You read the manual?! 

Also, the drone isn't waterproof, but it is tougher than you think. 

Following a situation like the purely fictional one above  my Mini 2 was submerged for about five minutes.  When I got it out of the water (it was about 30-50cm below the surface) I pulled the battery and put it in a bag of rice, where it stayed for a couple of weeks.  That drone is still flying today.

That is quity hardy for electronics. 

On a sidenote dessicants like silica gel (pure in certain cat litters) and calcium chloride should work even better/ faster than rice. And having a chamber with reduced pressure (ie going towards vacuum) should help too. Rice is typically way more available than either and vacuum chambers of course, but if you happen to have them around then those are faster.

Also, if you find anyone selling Mini 3 batteries and accessories on the cheap (after they crashed or lost theirs) the Mini 3 batteries will work in the Mini 4.

Useful to know 

Skins will protect the drone from scratches, can help identify your drone if you are flying in the vicinity of others, or can make it easier to find if it goes somewhere it shouldn't.  And, sometimes it just makes them look cool.

https://www.masterairscrew.com/
Upgraded prop blades.  I cannot comment if they actually reduce noise and increase flight time, but they are a bit more flexible than factory props and they are cool colors.  The shape also looks cool.

I've had skins from Decal Girl and a lot of props from Master Airscrew and I can highly recommend them both.

I hadn't thought in those terms, but now I fear having a drone painted violet and with fluffy ears attached for the cute factor.. Oh well, as long as it works fine

[Vidar]

Two flights so far. This drone thing could catch on I think!

The video/ picture quality is a positive surprise for such a small sensor size (1/1.3"). Some issues with purple fringing along high contrast edges, and some distortions towards the edges, but something has to give in a bit for such a small lens I guess.

And I can add one thing to the list of mistakes to make with a drone: Forgetting to take off the semi-transparent camera cover. Which also covers some of the obstacle avoidance sensors. Thus when I got this thing flying, with that on, it got all confused and saw phantom obstacles popping up everywhere. Which made for some very crazy flying behaviour.

Being new to this I thought that would be easy to fix - I would just land it and remove the camera cover. It wouldn't have any of that. Every time it approached the ground it discovered phantom obstacles and refused to land.

From there it just got worse and straight into slapstick comedy land: I figured if it wont land then I will just grab it myself in the air. That was when it started just mocking me. I would carefully sneak up on it from behind until it was within reach. (I might add this meant wobbling around in hip deep snow...) Then, when I was close enough, my arm would explode out with a well choreographed grip. And every single time it would detect my arm coming, and move just that little bit out of reach. Clearly to tease me on further into the snow. After too many repeats of this I realized they have succeeded in making a digital fly as grabbing it seemed equally impossible. I then went for a desperate full-on body dive and grab tactic! The drone of course just moved elegantly out of the way - the ground with all the snow did not.

Luckily there was no other drone filming this charade as my wife would no doubt have made it into a viral hit sensation online. In the end I discover it flew with some level of control backwards and I managed to get it to land. Good times!

[Grant Lamontagne]

I meant to reply to this, got distracted and then forgot. 

Your game of drone tag and a hilarious, and one I tormented my father with!

The Neo has a function called Direction Track where it will fly in front of you, filming you as you walk.  If you change direction it will swoop to the side to get back in front of you.  If you move faster, it moves faster.  If you go backwards, it follows you.

I have footage of my 80+ year old father chasing the Neo trying to get it to land in his hand while it is in this mode, and the closer he tries to get, the more it swoops away from him.

If you want to hand catch the drone, please be very careful as it will make short work of fingers!

Def

[Vidar]

I think this drone has something similar. We haven't checked out every function yet, but you it seems you can choose what position it will try to keep relative to you.

Earlier in a parking lot I also tried to get away from it. Unless I find some dense bushes or get inside somewhere that seems impossible. These drones are surprisingly nimble and quick - certainly more so than me. If we still had a dog I can imagine all kinds of craziness. Not sure if what would be funnier - having it try to stay ahead of the dog or flying beside it. (After would be stressful I assume!)

As a total side note: I once met a documentary producer. Back in the day when they were the latest hotness he got a tiny digital camera with live video transfer. He thought about what he could use it for, and considered a documentary around a theme like "the world as a dog sees it". Thus he made some leather harness for mounting the camera on top of the head of his dog. It had antennas and blinking lights so he wasn't all sure if other dogs would act normal around it. Anyway, in the midst of some harness fitting and camera testing his dog decided it was time to run off from all this cyber madness. So before he knew it the dog had made for run for it. Last sighting was of it heading for town. No problem he thought, he could follow it for several kilometres with the camera. Surely he would recognise the surroundings and just go and pick it up again. So he got monitor going and hooked up the receiver. And he did recognise the background - it was a nearby convent for nuns. But the camera had some rhythmic shaking to it, and in the immediate foreground was a nun sitting way back on a bench and crossing herself while being humped on her leg by a hell dog with antennas and lights! He waited a while before getting the dog... 

 

[Grant Lamontagne]

I’ve gotten back to flying a bit now- it’s hard when you are in the double digit negatives, but as things are warming up a bit I can keep my fingers moving better!

I shoot a lot of stuff for my LinkedIn account, but for some reason, none of it ends up on my YT channel.  Here’s my latest:



Def

[powernoodle]

Very nice, sir.   

[Grant Lamontagne]

Thanks!

When it comes to dirt and gravel there is really only so many ways that you can shoot it and make it look even remotely interesting.  I have been posting a bunch on my LinkedIn over the past year, but nothing really that much more interesting.  The one that has gotten the most hits is a line painting truck, so again, not overly exciting!

Def

[powernoodle]

I bought a DJI Neo and RC2 remote - but have not taken them out of the box yet because of being busy with my job, moving houses, elderly mother, etc.  But its on the back burner when I have some time.

    

[Grant Lamontagne]

It’s a really great little drone, and I am super impressed with it.  I don’t even have a remote for it, so I’m only using it at a fraction of what it’s capable of and I think it’s the best drone DJI has put out yet- unless you are a serious photographer or cinematographer.

There are other drone that have better cameras and whatnot but for straight up versatility and functionality I don’t think the Neo can be beat- except by the Neo 2, and the three etc. 

Def

[Grant Lamontagne]

I have ordered a new drone.

It is called the Falcon V-Copter Mini, and I have been following it's development for years, and it looks pretty cool.  What makes this one worth getting?  I am glad you asked, here is the video:



With half the motors it looks like it has a more impressive battery life, while still being under the 250g limit imposed by laws in Canada and other places.  I don't know how well it will work, but it it an interesting concept.

That having been said, it doesn't have obstacle avoidance or any kind of follow mode, so it still lags behind even an entry level DJI model like the Neo, Flip or Mini series. 

But, better battery life and better acceleration/agility (if true) could come in handy, although I really don't see much point to the Reverse Mode where it flies upside down.  Other than showing off anyways.

Still, it looks pretty cool and sometimes it is good to have a non-DJI product.  Long ago my friend Frank (who flew these things professionally) was on a job and found out that DJI had geolocked their drones out of a certain area.  There was no real reason for it, as it was a legal spot to fly according to Transport Canada (who governs where you can and can't fly a drone) but for some reason the DJI software had the area blocked out.  Fortunately he had a non DJI drone (The Parrot Anafi pictured above) with him as well, and while it wasn't as simple as it would be with a DJI drone, it was doable.

So, while DJI is absolutely the best, there are times when another drone works better and it's worth having some variety in the stable.  We will see sometime this summer if this drone can stand on it's own!

Def

[Grant Lamontagne]

Some time ago OKnife sent me the Otacle D1 screwdriver to test out and I really like it.  But I didn't have anything too exciting to do with it, but last night I decided to change that- and some blades.

I have these yellow blades from a company called Master Airscrew.  Once my inner 12 year old stops laughing at the name, I'll tell you about them.

Okay.

Nope.  Not yet.

Okay, good now.

Master Airscrew makes aftermarket propeller blades for most of the DJI lineup and it took them (seemingly) forever to make ones for the Neo.

When they finally did, I grabbed a set and, like the screwdriver, I didn't do anything with them for a while.

Master Airscrew props (allegedly) are designed to reduce noise and increase flight times.  I have never really determined if they have or not, but I have used them on my Phantom 4 Pro, my Mini 2 and Mini 3 Pro, so why not also use them on my Neo?

Def

[Grant Lamontagne]

Mostly the motivator for swapping out the perfectly good factory blades is that next week I'll be visiting my father, and it makes it easy to tell his Neo and mine apart.

To start, I had to remove the prop guards, which are just clipped on.  I've never popped them off but once I did I could see why I never have before.  They are on there really smurfing good.   

The next step was matching up the blades with the current ones.  Two blades are clockwise, two are counter clockwise, and if you mix them up the drone won't fly right- or likely at all.

The Otacle D1 has a great selection of teeny screwdriver bits and the PH00 bit was the perfect size for the super tiny screws.  I'd be careful using these around electronics, as the bits are magnetized- but they fortunately weren't magnetic enough to mess up the drone motors.

Def

[Grant Lamontagne]

There are some markings on the blades that help you identify which is which, but they are difficult to spot- so difficult that I couldn't really photograph them all that well.  Basically there are a couple of very small markings on the blades.

Still, I have done this often enough and I know what I am doing.  I was able to get the whole operation done in less than ten minutes and then out for a quick test flight.

Given that the Neo was able to hold its own in a decent wind, I figured I must have done something right.   

Def

[Grant Lamontagne]

Not my best day today.   

I lost a filter and I'll have to get new blades, but the drone was recovered and still appears to be fully functional.

In case anyone is wondering, when putting a drone up against a steel tower, the tower wins.

Def

[Antti Lammi]

Is that now spy drone?

[Grant Lamontagne]

Not a very good one of it is- the facility I was scanning was decommissioned probably before I was born!   

Def

[Vidar]

Great way to camouflage a fixed surveillance installation. Just looks like an accident. Very cunning.

[Grant Lamontagne]

Funny you should say that- I’ve often thought that you could get longer videos by landing on street lights and filming from there rather than continuing to spin the props!

Def

[Vidar]

The snow is finally on the retreat here, so soon I will see if the drone I bought will be useful for finding some interesting locations. I'm optimistic. Just hope I don't get it stuck in a tree somewhere out of reach. If you can do that then I'm certainly at risk!

[Grant Lamontagne]

Well, in all fairness, I was well above the treeline.

Unfortunately I was not as distant from the tower as I thought I was.

I am uploading the photos that I did get to Polycam now, so maybe I will have a nice 3D render to show shortly.

Def

[Grant Lamontagne]

I don’t know how well these will work for people but I’ll give it a shot.

This is the old lumber mill in town. My grandfather worked here.

https://poly.cam/capture/5f5eb224-d064-4741-98a8-ea2b1b4f5da7

Let me know if the link doesn’t work and I’ll try something else.

Def

[Vidar]

Interesting! I like that. 

[Grant Lamontagne]

Dumb question- when you click on it, what do you see?

Do you get the interactive 3D scan or do you get just a video of the scan rotating?

Def

[Antti Lammi]

I get interactive 3d scan and can zoom and rotate it