Drones

[jwax]

Anybody been playing with these marvels?
I started a few years ago with a Phantom 2, since went through a 2 Vision Plus, and now toying with a Phantom 3 Standard. All bought used/broke.
Loads of tech in these things, and loads of fun!

[dacflyer]

I have some obsolete drones, but they are open source. i still fly them, even got my license.
But now the Gubment and FAA want them to have ID reporting communications. ( so they can track you like a real airplane )
Also if it weighs more than a half a pound, you MUST register it.
It's all about the safety for other real pilots and the general public.
This not a hobby any more..Which sux.
but the drones i have are IRIS+ Which was made by 3DR Robotics

These are not mine, but they are the exact models.

[jwax]

So true, and in 5 years the sky will be filled with them!
Still lots of fun!
I find the "Autonomous" mode a little disturbing where the drone is no longer visible by the pilot. It flies a programmed course by GPS and can be as far away as battery power allows. 5-10 miles!

[dacflyer]

gotta keep in mind too,, that you have to have enough power to return to base too...

[jwax]

Yes, except for the guy that drove up a mountain near his home, launched the drone and told it to go home. 7 miles.
He beat the drone home and watched it land in his backyard.

[dacflyer]

Well now... There's always the exceptions.. I am sure it was for SCIENCE....lol

[Jastreb_J21]

I'm not working on one... yet. I've joined the forums because it's a gold mine of info for my project (basically, a R/C plane, but instead of just getting a controller, you have a full "flight sim" suite with live feed from a camera in the cockpit, altitude, speed etc data from on board sensors, and controllable flaps and retractable landing gear), but if my friends and I manage to make it real, the next step would be to make it autonomous, even if just partly, so that it can navigate by itself, and possibly take off and land.

[Lusifa22]

How much is this drone for such a good device? It is convenient for shooting beautiful scenery.

[ismailkho]

That sounds like an incredible journey you've had with those marvels! It's fascinating to see the progression from the Phantom 2 to the Phantom 3 Standard. Drones have indeed become a fascinating blend of technology and entertainment, offering a unique perspective from the skies. It's great that you've been able to explore these drones by purchasing used ones and fixing them up. It not only allows you to enjoy the amazing technology they offer but also gives you the satisfaction of bringing them back to life. Keep having fun and exploring the endless possibilities these drones provide!

[Emily2023]

It's all about the safety for other real pilots and the general public.
This not a hobby any more..Which sux.

[dacflyer]

Emily >> Facts.. I'm almost scared to even fly mine any more..
I now have to have a transponder on my drones. But you don't have to have one for ultralight flying.. Go Figure..