Once More Considering Drone Purchase (Not Really Valkyrie Related)

[carolinarider09]

I am once more considering a drone purchase.   The drone would have several uses.

One, It would be used around my house to "monitor" changes to the environment as the days, weeks, months, and years make changes that might be hard to see from the ground.

Two, take on trips, car or bike.   So, I have a trailer I pull behind the Goldwing to it would have to be able to fold up to a rather small size, maybe the size of a small box of cereal.  I might use it to get an "overhead" view of where I was on the trip (stopped of course). 

Three, just basic surveillance.   It would be nice to have an infrared capability for night use.

Don't know much about them.  Flew radio controlled airplanes many years ago.  Sort of understand the how and why of flying something toward you and left is right and right is not left, etc.

Did a search here on the forum and found one or two devices but not much information on them.  Based on that I did a search and found this link.

This is also the price I was considering. 

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1784782-REG/dji_cp_ma_00000731_01_mini_4_pro_drone.html?msclkid=2bc010c36752194c90777588bdbe872e

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

[Serk]

Sadly my DJI Mavic Pro (First generation) sits covered in a layer of dust unflown for years; I'm not terribly current on drone stuff but DJI generally makes the best...

However.... it's a Chinese company. And under Chinese law all companies must quietly submit to the Chinese military.

And the device knows where it is and is taking high definition video.

...and calls home...

So just something to consider.

(Having said all that, if I were to get another my search would still start with DJI)

[Serk]

Oh, and what do you mean not Valkyrie Related?!?!?! Heh...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R428nUPGdrI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7sglxim7lFo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xOx3O35hcLI

[carolinarider09]

I did seem to remember some drone videos included on here but could not find them in my search.

Thanks for the confirmation.   

And yes, the China thing is worthy of note. 

[f6john]

I’m partial to the Predator Drone with the optional Hellfire missiles but the $34 million price tag has me stumped right now. The military lost one today to Yemeni forces over the Red Sea. You have to be careful where you fly them I suppose.

[Hook#3287]

I’m partial to the Predator Drone with the optional Hellfire missiles but the $34 million price tag has me stumped right now. The military lost one today to Yemeni forces over the Red Sea. You have to be careful where you fly them I suppose.

I bought a DJI something or another.  It's cool and I take it out on a bike ride and explore things with it.

Cool hobby.

Though, I spend some time relearning how to set it up and run it.

I bought a tablet to use as a screen cause the phones are to small for me.

Got extra batteries and you gotta keep em charged as they run out just sitting.

It's the closest I'm going to get to piloting.

You got to register it with the faa I believe and there's restrictions on outside of personal use.

That unit looks like a good starter.

[Hook#3287]

Also, if the Chinese are watching my machine, good, it will waste their time.

[carolinarider09]

I bought a tablet to use as a screen cause the phones are to small for me.

Got extra batteries and you gotta keep em charged as they run out just sitting.

Thanks for the feedback. Had not even considered the "Tablet".  One I was looking at seemed to have its own "display" but I might be mistaken. 

Will research what is in the "box".

[Timbo1]

I have a couple old Parrot Bebop 2 drones that are fantastic for video, flight time and range.  Parrot is a French company but they may now be having their products manufactured in China I'm not sure.  Either way I think Parrot would be a good alternative to look into for your needs.

[carolinarider09]

I have a couple old Parrot Bebop 2 drones that are fantastic for video, flight time and range.  Parrot is a French company but they may now be having their products manufactured in China I'm not sure.  Either way I think Parrot would be a good alternative to look into for your needs.

 

[Hook#3287]

One I was looking at seemed to have its own "display" but I might be mistaken.

I don't think it does, at least it's not shown in the ad.

I believe you need to hook up a smart phone for display.

[carolinarider09]

I have a couple old Parrot Bebop 2 drones that are fantastic for video, flight time and range.  Parrot is a French company but they may now be having their products manufactured in China I'm not sure.  Either way I think Parrot would be a good alternative to look into for your needs.

The place I was looking BHP PhotoVideo lists the Parrot Bebop but says they are no longer available.  At least on their website.

I only chose BHP PhotoVideo because I have done business with them before.  Back when I was active in astrophotography. 

Will check elsewhere.

[Hook#3287]

Looking at the sales web site you posted, the model in your post does not have a display in the controller.

That model does come with a controller with a display if you upgrade it.

I have the DJI Air 2 and a Samsung tabA

[carolinarider09]

One I was looking at seemed to have its own "display" but I might be mistaken.

I don't think it does, at least it's not shown in the ad.

I believe you need to hook up a smart phone for display.

In looking again, I think you are right.  Will add to the cost because I was hoping to use something besides my phone.  

My wife keeps asking me what I want for Christmas....  

[carolinarider09]

Looking at the sales web site you posted, the model in your post does not have a display in the controller.

That model does come with a controller with a display if you upgrade it.

I have the DJI Air 2 and a Samsung tabA

Thanks for checking. 

Just another learning experience.

[carolinarider09]

WOW!!!

I looked at the video for the DJI Mini Pro 4.  WOW!!!   I thought it was just, you plug in the battery, extend the props, turn the receiver and transmitter on and then advance the throttle. 

I guess, hidden in what appears to be a complex activity is the benefit of some safety in the operation (not just to the device). 

Will do some more reading and looking.  If I go this route I will probably get some sort of tablet for viewing.   

Well I guess since it does have "object avoidance", that might make it more complex and easier to operate. 

[Jopson]

I have a DJI air2 S. It’s great! Excellent camera quality, obstacle avoidance system is nice. Really nice drone for the money. I just use my phone as the screen, but have thought about getting a small tablet too.

[Hook#3287]

Disadvantage of the tablet is the weight, but in short doses, it's not that bad and I use a neck strap.

The larger size of display is worth it.

It took awhile to find the tablet and cable that worked.  Also needed a holder for the tablet, as it won't work on the controller w/o it.

I also bought 2 extra batteries and a 3 battery charger.

It's a fun hobby that I use every couple of months.

[carolinarider09]

Good information thanks. 

[JimmyG]

Those are great drones, but Serk is correct on the China stuff.   I researched a lot too and like most things, over-researched , you can drown in information, but to be practical, you are looking for fun and just a hobby.  Consider a few things when researching. First, know what the rules of flight are, and the restrictions the FAA puts on things flying around in the air.   1 mile vs 12 miles of range doesn't mean anything when it comes to the FAA, if it's out of sight, basically, it is illegal unless you have waivers from the FAA so that range is impressive, but you will never fly it 3 or 4 miles away from you, you just won't, unless it goes nuts and decides to take off on its own, and yes, that has happened to people, so there is that.  Also, all drones must be registered, regardless of weight, and have a registration number. You are limited to 400 feet elevation in uncontrolled air space and must be able to see the drone at all times.   
OK, just a couple of things to know there. Plenty of resources to study to get all the info you want.  A few things to be compliant with, but really easy to do, sometimes they just sound hard.
Look at EXO drones in your hunt.  they have impressive drones too, and they are an American company, although they have some overseas affiliations I believe.
Drones are fun and take cool pictures, but like Serk, my drone collects a lot of dust nowadays.  I get it out, dust it off, and have to charge everything up, calibrate, etc. before I can fly it. When it was new, I kept all that done, ready to just go fly it.  Heck, go for it.

The folks like me out in the middle of nowhere can fly it without any worries, city dwellers will have to be more vigilant.    Hope this helps a little.

[carolinarider09]

Those are great drones, but Serk is correct on the China stuff.   I researched a lot too and like most things, over-researched , you can drown in information, but to be practical, you are looking for fun and just a hobby.  Consider a few things when researching. First, know what the rules of flight are, and the restrictions the FAA puts on things flying around in the air.   1 mile vs 12 miles of range doesn't mean anything when it comes to the FAA, if it's out of sight, basically, it is illegal unless you have waivers from the FAA so that range is impressive, but you will never fly it 3 or 4 miles away from you, you just won't, unless it goes nuts and decides to take off on its own, and yes, that has happened to people, so there is that.  Also, all drones must be registered, regardless of weight, and have a registration number. You are limited to 400 feet elevation in uncontrolled air space and must be able to see the drone at all times.   
OK, just a couple of things to know there. Plenty of resources to study to get all the info you want.  A few things to be compliant with, but really easy to do, sometimes they just sound hard.
Look at EXO drones in your hunt.  they have impressive drones too, and they are an American company, although they have some overseas affiliations I believe.
Drones are fun and take cool pictures, but like Serk, my drone collects a lot of dust nowadays.  I get it out, dust it off, and have to charge everything up, calibrate, etc. before I can fly it. When it was new, I kept all that done, ready to just go fly it.  Heck, go for it.

The folks like me out in the middle of nowhere can fly it without any worries, city dwellers will have to be more vigilant.    Hope this helps a little.

Yes sir, excellent information.  Thanks. 

I am in the process of putting an iPad on my Christmas wish list (refurbished from Apple) to use as a "viewport".  It will be in the 8" screen size.  Have not settled on the model.   But I use Apple products for all my micro needs and so far so good. 

[Timbo1]

Its been many years since I've messed with my drones but there is an app out there "B4UFLY" that will show you areas which you can fly.  I recall there seemed to be more No fly zones around me than fly zones.  I was quite surprised at the number of No fly zones in the Tulsa area.

During this same time there were lawsuits against the FAA about the requirement of registration of drones.  It seems it was illegal for the FAA to put in place policy to collect fee's and user data as there was previous legislation stating they could not implement new policy regarding registration or something along those lines.  I don't know what the outcome of the lawsuits were but when I was flying I think anything over 500g needed to be registered which I did.  Shortly after I heard about the lawsuits but didn't really follow what happened with that.

Also around the same time frame DJI had began what I think they called GEO Zones.  This was control software built into the drones control which prevented the owner from flying in no fly zones which frustrated some owners.  I'm not sure if this is still the case or not or if it's similar on all drone manufactures today.

Laws pertaining to flying drones seem to always be changing so I'd suggest you dig deep across the drone forums in addition to the FAA.

[carolinarider09]

Its been many years since I've messed with my drones but there is an app out there "B4UFLY" that will show you areas which you can fly.  I recall there seemed to be more No fly zones around me than fly zones.  I was quite surprised at the number of No fly zones in the Tulsa area.

During this same time there were lawsuits against the FAA about the requirement of registration of drones.  It seems it was illegal for the FAA to put in place policy to collect fee's and user data as there was previous legislation stating they could not implement new policy regarding registration or something along those lines.  I don't know what the outcome of the lawsuits were but when I was flying I think anything over 500g needed to be registered which I did.  Shortly after I heard about the lawsuits but didn't really follow what happened with that.

Also around the same time frame DJI had began what I think they called GEO Zones.  This was control software built into the drones control which prevented the owner from flying in no fly zones which frustrated some owners.  I'm not sure if this is still the case or not or if it's similar on all drone manufactures today.

Laws pertaining to flying drones seem to always be changing so I'd suggest you dig deep across the drone forums in addition to the FAA.

Thanks for the information.  All good stuff that I had not considered but, in hindsight, does not surprise me at all.   

[JimmyG]

Well, your post prompted me to get my drone out, charge everything up, calibrate everything, and get outside and fly.  They are a hoot for sure. It was windy and at first, I thought I may get into trouble , but mine is heavy enough to do pretty well in the light wind.
Definitely follow a few forums to see what the latest news is on drone rules and regs.  Latest one I heard was they were going to require a radio signal emitted from your drown to be able to track it. I don't know if that has happened or not, but certainly worth digging into to find out.

[carolinarider09]

Well, your post prompted me to get my drone out, charge everything up, calibrate everything, and get outside and fly.  They are a hoot for sure. It was windy and at first, I thought I may get into trouble , but mine is heavy enough to do pretty well in the light wind.
Definitely follow a few forums to see what the latest news is on drone rules and regs.  Latest one I heard was they were going to require a radio signal emitted from your drown to be able to track it. I don't know if that has happened or not, but certainly worth digging into to find out.

Thanks for the feedback.   I will check the radio signal thing. About the same as them being able to shutdown your car if they "feel like it" on new cars (forget the year they want to start).   

Oh,,, do you have a forum recommendation before I start looking?

[JimmyG]

Sorry, but I do not.  I just read several different ones gathering info. Plenty out there for sure.  Good luck and enjoy.

[carolinarider09]

I was doing some research, trying to find out what I was really getting into with this drone purchase and found the link below.

Now, in the past, I have built and flown various radio controlled aircraft.  Both powered full time and gliders (or sailplanes, only using power to get into the air).   So, I thought I was fairly experienced in what I might need to know to operate a drone.  WRONG!

These drones, while not really complicated, have so many "options" and control variations that it might take a lot of practice to really get one moving and recording in the way I envisioned.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FcFKkmmT68o

[Serk]

This thread got me curious as to if my ancient, literally covered in dust, hasn't been touched in years DJI Mavic Pro (First Generation) would still get off the ground.

...the app for this generation of drone isn't in the Google Play store, I had to follow a QR code and do a manual side load of the download from DJI, got it installed, had to take my newer, larger phone out of the case and do some wiggling to get it into the controller, but got that done, got everything powered up, lots of updates to apply, got those done... By the time that was done the drone's battery was down to 50ish % (If not used they'll self deplete to 60ish percent to prolong life) and there's 20+ mph winds today, but...









Took me a few minutes of fumbling to remember how to take off and the controls, but it flew. Wasn't a long flight or a fancy flight, I'm just impressed the thing still works after years of dormancy...

So... Minus points to DJI for being Chinese, but plus points for longevity...

BTW, even my first generation, back when I knew how to use it, I managed to have my elderly, non-tech mother take off and fly it around a bit. If you don't turn the safeties off, it's pretty user friendly to fly. Forget most of what you know from RC airplanes and just let it take care of itself, most of the time...

(Only time I've crashed mine was back when I turned the safeties off and was doing stupid high speed runs next to the house and went into a branch... )

[carolinarider09]

Very impressive Serk.   It's always fun to get back into an activity.

Just now, trying to decide if I go with their controller/display (which cost about $200) or go with my phone.  While I always have my phone with me, I do like to have a device specific for a purpose if possible. 

[Jess from VA]

Pretty impressive cul de sac (and houses there) Brian.   

You could really repel boarders behind those stone walls.  (I'm always thinking about that stuff  )

The drone also shows some pretty impressive roofs on those houses.  At today's prices, I would not want to have to pay for a new one.

[carolinarider09]

DJI Mini Pro 4 Plus.   

More later. A work in progress.

Oh, and yes, China does monitor what you do but I am trying to minimize that.  May not be workable but it is not connected directly my wifi. 

[Serk]

It likely won't survive to be enacted and then survive any legal challenges, but there is a legal move to ban sell/usage of DJI drones in the USA, and it's further along than one would guess:


"At issue is the Countering CCP Drones Act, which is contained in the NDAA. Introduced by Representative Elise Stefanik (R-NY), the act would add Chinese drone manufacturer DJI to a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) “covered list” of products that are prohibited from running on US communications networks. The bill states that DJI communications equipment and services “pose an unacceptable risk to U.S. national security.”"


"Having passed in the House, the NDAA—and the included Countering CCP Drones Act—are now under consideration by the Senate."



https://www.commercialuavnews.com/news-round-up-where-things-stand-with-the-potential-ban-on-dji-drones

Not trying to freak you out, as I said unlikely to actually be enacted and enforced, there's just too many DJI's out there, but wanted to make you aware.

[JimmyG]

After reading this latest, I looked in the corner on the floor, and yes, my drone is still in its case just sitting there.
 

[carolinarider09]

It likely won't survive to be enacted and then survive any legal challenges, but there is a legal move to ban sell/usage of DJI drones in the USA, and it's further along than one would guess:


"At issue is the Countering CCP Drones Act, which is contained in the NDAA. Introduced by Representative Elise Stefanik (R-NY), the act would add Chinese drone manufacturer DJI to a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) “covered list” of products that are prohibited from running on US communications networks. The bill states that DJI communications equipment and services “pose an unacceptable risk to U.S. national security.”"


"Having passed in the House, the NDAA—and the included Countering CCP Drones Act—are now under consideration by the Senate."



https://www.commercialuavnews.com/news-round-up-where-things-stand-with-the-potential-ban-on-dji-drones

Not trying to freak you out, as I said unlikely to actually be enacted and enforced, there's just too many DJI's out there, but wanted to make you aware.

Yes, during my final research I did see that bill, thing was being addressed. 

If I replace the battery that comes with the mini pro 4 with the smaller battery it will be less or equal to 249 grams in weight and is not, therefore, required to be registered. 

So, how would they know I had one.

And yes. I know, China can't be trusted.  But, whenever the thought of China comes up about drones I was wondering, what about all the other "smart electronics" things made in China.

[carolinarider09]

I have been spending the last few weeks, looking at videos, reading documents about the drone, how to start and stop, take off and land.  

Videos are not that informative for us old folks, a little too fast.  So, I have been putting off the first test flight until today.  

Last week I fired it up and hooked it up to my travel router which I hardwired to my network.  I figured at least I could control when it connected and where it connected to.  Did the update, went back to reading.

Today I took it out for a test flight.  Almost all the initial test flight videos are taken in wide open spaces.  While there are some around here I did not want to travel so I decided I would take a test flight in the yard.

I had an issue with the gimbal.  It said it was blocked (not the real word but similar).  Found out later that while I had removed the gimbal cover I failed to remove the piece of foam rubber that was behind it to minimize the effect of shipment on the gimbal.  So, the video below is with the gimbal blocked.

First thing I will note is that you almost need one of those stylus pens.  I think I have one somewhere. The icons on the screen are really small.  

Second thing I will note is that it wanted to do an update by connecting the Internet.  Since that was done about 7 days ago I figured it was not needed.  Finally got past it.

Anyway, finally get it airborne (no real issues just taking precautions and double checking everything).  

I was impressed as to how really easy it was to control.  And how well it responded.  

The only think you will see in the video below that is not cool is the camera motion do to the foam rubber blocking gimbal movement.  (hope I did not overload anything).

And of course my image is a bit older and sweater than I would like but..... it worked.

I put the video in Dropbox because I did not want to really share it with the world.  Make the next one I will put in Rumble or Youtube.  

Oh, the video plays at 480P so you have to manually selected the highest video resolution on the Botton right hand side of the playback screen.

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/9ai3w8wwjsrrnkv6mb4hy/First-Flight-07-09-2024.mp4?rlkey=u0msyrgf05kf6987aacpwcqjy&st=tjue7m38&dl=0

[carolinarider09]

Took the drone out today for a second trial run.   One issue I have (maybe age related) but the screen on the controller is hard to see in bright sun light.  Had to move into the shade to see the screen well.

Got it up to over 150 feet (just a guess still learning).   But the video clarity is still pretty impressive. 

The first 30 second or so are sort of boring but....   

Again, I don't know for sure but it will probably start at 720P and you will have to manually change the resolution to see the whole 4k view.

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/ukjvntdsm2u9wag3bv41p/Second-Flight-07-12-2024-2.MP4?rlkey=lfvh1jf98p0eezigacvfio4q6&st=wykqiw2r&dl=0

[JimmyG]

Okey dokey

[Louis]

 

[Wizzard]

I have a couple old Parrot Bebop 2 drones that are fantastic for video, flight time and range.  Parrot is a French company but they may now be having their products manufactured in China I'm not sure.  Either way I think Parrot would be a good alternative to look into for your needs.

I have one of those also. Easy to fly and fun.