Featured Threads Archive

Both of our eBooks are FREE for download from Amazon this Wed, Thursday and Frida – April 29,30 and May 1.

Both of these books are for beginners so if you are experienced in the hobby you’ll want to look for something else. These are for those who want to understand the technology, features and possibilities…again, at the beginner level.

https://www.droneflyers.com/2015/04/free-ebooks-on-drones-3-days-only-wed-fri/

This thread will serve as a discussion and continuation of the blog article at:

https://www.droneflyers.com/2015/04/dji-phantom-3-improvements-over-phantom-2-vision-plus/
"DJI Phantom 3 Improvements over Phantom 2 Vision plus"

Let's hear your thoughts on the subject!

`This will be a continuing discussion of the Phantom 3 intro - as well as touch on anything else new at NAB (National Assoc. of Broadcasters) which occurs in Vegas this coming week.

Our intro article is at:
https://www.droneflyers.com/2015/04/dji-phantom-3-and-other-nab-annoucements/

DJI sent me some coupon codes with a one-time use. I assume they are only good on DJI's site.

They give you 5% off whatever the current prices are. I know that Phantoms are already heavily discounted, so this could be a good deal for some.

UPDATE - not good on the Phantom 3's - I just noticed DJI inserted that into the coupon......it would have been nice for them to think of this a while ago...the coupons said "Phantom Series" - oh, well, they are growing too fast for their own good...still, if anyone wants 5% off the P2 models, etc. on the DJI site the coupons are good - same with the Inspire coupon (below).

CODE: HBJTER38

CODE: 8BFGKJYA

CODE: 276MU8VY

CODE: HQLM4TJA

Here is the link to the Phantom on DJI's site.

Here is one Inspire code.....I'll know when it's used and post another (if I have one!)
LBSNAGQH

Question:
Im wanting to get into drone flying. Are there any drones I can control. with my wireless laptop?

Answer:
A laptop can provide some parts of the control, but usually not all. Also, this is probably not the way to start out in the hobby - you should get some toy drones and learn how to use the sticks.

There are a number of simulators which will work on a laptop.

Also, if you end up (later) with a more advanced machine that uses the open source APM flight controllers, there is a Mission Planner app - which does GPS flight planning and more - that will run on your laptop:
http://planner.ardupilot.com/

Here is a great app for knowing where to fly, the wind, solar storms, weather:
http://www.hoverapp.io/

It's free!

This is a mini-review of the Trackimo Personal GPS (and GSM) Tracker

I ordered this from Amazon at this link. It does seem like the price can vary, as I paid about $100, but noticed a price of $140 when I returned to look at it again.

Note: You can click on any of the images below to enlarge them!

What is it?

This is a small device which can be carried or attached to objects...which then uses a combination of GPS and the GSM cellular network to provide the location of the device. The Trackimo can be monitored through a app or through the Trackimo web site. It provides a number of extra features such as email or text notifications when certain events occur - or on the pressing of certain buttons. For example, a person who was going hiking alone could carry it and have a button...

This thread will contain continuing discussion and hints regarding the Blade Nano qx - the original review is here on our blog:
https://www.droneflyers.com/2015/01/blade-nano-qx-first-look-review/

This is the forum continuation thread for the Syma X11 Hornet Quadcopter review posted at:
http://wp.me/p25InU-fjL

If you know anyone experienced in R/C who may want to put together one of these, please spread the word!

http://roswellflighttestcrew.typepad.com/dronefortheholidays/

The Phantom Vision is now selling for about $1000, the lowest price ever.

NOTE- this is the older model - the unit was upgraded with newer props, motors and TX in November, 2014.

The older version is probably only worthwhile for certain people....

1. You already have some batteries and know exactly that this units will fit you.
2. You want to buy it for some parts and sell the rest - example - you may want the gimbal and camera as a spare - you can certainly sell the remainder of the equipment for at least $550, giving you the cam and gimbal for $450 (it is usually $695).

FREE - both of our eBooks will be free for downloading over the extended (4-day) USA Holiday Weekend. Spread the word - please share!
Book #1 - Getting Started with Hobby Quadcopters and Drones
Book #2 - Buying and Flying the DJI Phantom Quadcopters

https://www.droneflyers.com/2014/11/ebooks-available-free-download-thanksgiving-4-day-holiday/

Please Note – these are books for beginners – if you are an experienced R/C pilot or already deep into the hobby, please do not read and then post a review saying “These are for beginners” or something of the sort. Instead, tell all your friends and family members who want to get started to download these – that way they won’t ask you as many questions!

Inspire is now released - here is info:
http://www.dji.com/product/inspire-1

DJI is announcing a new product next week - rumors, patent filings and leaked photos show that it may be foldable and specially designed for camera work. Rumor also has it that this new machine should sell in the price range of $2K to 2.5K, depending on options. A good overview of the rumors is here:
http://www.quadcopterguide.com/dji-inspire-1-leaked-with-photo/

For those wishing to view the DJI patent application for this general type of machine, that is here:
http://www.google.com/patents/US20140263823

The key to the patent application seems to be the "transformable" nature of the product - meaning both the ability to fold and also the ability to change layout and shape based on what the payload may be.

(from the patent application)
"DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The present invention provides systems, devices and methods for a transformable aerial vehicle. The...

New Phantom 2 models have various improvements.

Keeping it short and sweet, these are improvements to the compass, to the transmitter and to the propellers and motors. The combination will greatly improve the ability of the P2's to work with heavier payloads - and anyone who has flown a fully loaded Phantom can attest to their need for this!

When I tested the Phantom 2 Vision+ I noted the heavy feeling of the performance and wrote that I would not purchase one until improvements were made! It may now be time to open my wallet!

Here is the official announcement and list of improvements.

MANY vendors are still selling the old model - they are often advertised a little cheaper.
Our suggestion is to get the newer model, especially if you are buying the Phantom 2 Vision+. This is due to the better stability and larger payload capabilities....

Here is a deal that can't be beat!

https://deals.ilounge.com/sales/dji-phantom-fc40-the-world-s-1-rated-drone-free-shipping

It shows $499 and mentions a code on that page, but use THIS CODE (stack20-NF3G2P) instead, and you get 20% off the $499 - $300 total.

I tried it myself to make certain - see enclosed screen shot!

3 days over Labor Day Weekend (Sat, Sun, Monday)
http://amzn.to/1rW4HZ9

This thread will serve as a continuation of our 1/2 complete review at:
https://www.droneflyers.com/2014/08/parrot-rolling-spider-minidrone-first-look-review-rating/

Sadly, the product is not ready for market as it performs "flyaways" regularly - both for myself (three times), another reviewer and two of the initial buyers who reviewed it at the Apple Store.

Buy one only if you intend to fly 100% inside. Or, better yet, wait until they fix it - if they fix it.

I recently tested a Blade 200 QX and was impressed by this compact powerhouse. The review is here:
https://www.droneflyers.com/2014/08/blade-200-qx-quadcopter-first-look-review-rating/

This thread will serve as the discussion thread as well as contain additional hints and updates.
Let's hear your experiences if you own and fly the 200 QX.

I wrote it - a paperback edition will be available soon, but until then the eBook is available at Amazon.

https://www.droneflyers.com/2014/07/new-ebook-buying-flying-dji-phantom-quadcopters-learn-buy/

Sure, this camera has been available for years - but it's the tried and true model, and it's often available (refurb with full warranty) for $140-$170. I picked mine up for $150 - mostly just to mess around with and also because none of my other cams have the full waterproof enclosure. I can use this one on the sailboat and beach!

This model is easy to use and it fits most of the stock GoPro mounts that quad manufacturers provide - such as the DJI Phantom 1, various gimbals, etc.
I put it on the P1 with a vibration reducing mount, although for still photos this is probably not needed.


Operation is quite simple and it has all the features you need for flying - my first tests are with the still photos. Various settings are available such as an intervalometer and other timers...as well as settings for resolution and lens width. The Hero2 has a fisheye-type lens, although it's possible to use software to correct some of the fisheye effect....