Flying drones - Tips and tricks

[Adrian@TORQEN]

Got a DJI Phantom 4 delivered today and went out to try it on farm land near M1. Amazing tool (or should I say toy ), video and photo quality is outstanding.

 

The model I got came with 1 extra battery but I think I need at least 2 more, getting about 15-20min fly time on each one.

 

Obviously, couldn't resist, looking into few mods:

 

1. Antenna boost / range extender, around 15km / 9-10miles:

 

http://fpvcustoms.com/products/phantom-4-fpvlr-advanced-antenna-kit-includes-free-shipping

or

https://www.maxxuav.eu/collections/dji-phantom-4/products/itelite-maxxrange-antenna-full-kit

 

2. Battery mod to extend flying time to about 45 min:

 

http://fpvcustoms.com/products/multistar-lihv-6600ma-split-battery-pack-includes-free-shipping

 

3. ND filters to eliminate over exposure/ white washout:

 

https://www.polarprofilters.com/collections/featured-collection/products/dji-phantom-4-filters-cinema-series-vivid-collection

 

4. Channels hack firmware to get 32 channels:

 

http://forum.dji.com/thread-27147-1-1.html

 

5. Propeller guards:

 

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01FNXKAAS/

 

 

Anyone else in here uses a drone? Any tips and tricks and recommendations to improve flying time, quality of the video and photo, range?

 

Please share!

 

 

 

 

Edited August 23, 2016 by Adrian@TORQEN

[ChrisS]

Get insurance and see the CAA guide lines. (someone I know,still does not have insurance--naughty boy)

 

Rumour has it that some people are getting restless about privacy etc.

[Juggalo]

Do want one of these.

Can't help thinking they're going to clamp down on them in some way fairly soon. As usual, some people are being absolute dicks with them.

I heard that someone flew one inside an airline corridor last week or so - a plane narrowly missed it.

[ChrisS]

DJI 3 and above have built in software so they can not enter certain air space. Airports,MOD etc. The others, I know not.

 

But...... What man can make......man can break. So people will hack the software and remove it.

[Fodder]

DJI 3 and above have built in software so they can not enter certain air space. Airports,MOD etc. The others, I know not.

 

But...... What man can make......man can break. So people will hack the software and remove it.

I thought with the latest software update they have added an option to disable this feature however it still logs you've done that as well as when and where so yes people will find away to disable the logging aspect I'm sure.

 

Also agree with Juggalo, been thinking of getting one for a couple of years now however I think legislation will sooner rather than later pretty much inhibit when and where you can fly them rendering them pretty much useless.

 

A friend who lives in Boston was telling me he'd come close to buying a phantom in the past however to legally fly it he'd have to drive about 2 hours away due to restrictions imposed.

[Adrian@TORQEN]

CAA guidance:

 

http://www.caa.co.uk/Consumers/Model-aircraft-and-drones/The-Dronecode/

 

 

[Ekona]

Do these things generally come with an altimeter built in, so you know how high you are?

 

I have no idea what 400ft looks like when I'm standing on the ground looking up!

[Adrian@TORQEN]

Yes, the DJI Phantom 4 has, there is a setting to fly up to 500m Took mine to 300m briefly yesterday to test it, on a field, I took the photos in my first post from that altitude.

[Adrian@TORQEN]

ICO guidance on privacy:

 

https://ico.org.uk/for-the-public/drones/

[Ekona]

Yes, the DJI Phantom 4 has, there is a setting to fly up to 500m Took mine to 300m briefly yesterday to test it, on a field, I took the photos in my first post from that altitude.

So you totally ignored the dronecode as posted by the CAA then?

 

Good to know they do have a gauge on them though, I guess that also stops people claiming they had no idea how high they were.

[Adrian@TORQEN]

I could still see it, I have eagle eyes It was only for about 1-2 minutes testing to see how quick it starts loosing signal.

 

Yes, it has GPS logs as well in the software

[bladerunner]

I currently have 2 Phantom 3's and a Yuneec Typhoon H hexacopter, mostly used as photography platforms as that is what they are really good at, Have done the antenna mods on all 3 crafts but mainly for better video feed and not distance.

[Adrian@TORQEN]

Which mod have you done on the antenna?

[GMballistic]

I've got a drone Adrian but it's only a cheap one (really, really cheap compared to yours) that my Mrs bought me but I still love flying it when I get the chance and the weathers good enough.

 

Great pictures btw ~ such amazing quality.

 

 

Good place for spares etc (imo): https://www.rcgeeks.co.uk/quadcopters

 

Two related drone threads here: http://www.350z-uk.c...393-what-drone/

http://www.350z-uk.c...-own-drone-kit/

[bladerunner]

Which mod have you done on the antenna?

 

I have the Argtek antennas on my P3 Standard and my range improved a lot but also much better wifi link to the bird, I have also fitted ITelite dbs flat panel antennas to both my P3 Advanced and also my Typhoon H ST16 controller, much better range and more stable video links on both craft.

[bladerunner]

Which mod have you done on the antenna?

 

I have the Argtek antennas on my P3 Standard and my range improved a lot but also much better wifi link to the bird, I have also fitted ITelite dbs flat panel antennas to both my P3 Advanced and also my Typhoon H ST16 controller, much better range and more stable video links on both craft.

 

If you use Facebook there are numerous pages on there for Phantoms and most other brands of drones and some very good info on upgrading antennas and batteries.

[Adrian@TORQEN]

Ordered the ITElite DBS antenna yesterday, looking for a few more accessories today.

 

Post some Facebook links of the pages you're mentioning please.

[bladerunner]

https://www.facebook...54164408060489/

 

https://www.facebook...77754675844396/

 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1032617213448493/

Edited August 18, 2016 by bladerunner

[Adrian@TORQEN]

ITElite antenna arrived today from Luxembourg, RC modified to accommodate it, ready to play in Scotland in few days, can't wait Took me about 30 minutes or less to replacing the wiring for the antenna inside the RC, quite an easy job.

 

 

 

[GMballistic]

Sure it works much better but looks like a lunch tray.

 

Is it heavy then?

[Adrian@TORQEN]

150-200g more, not heavy, but OMG the signal is strong, I can move the ISS from the joysticks :lol: And a few satellites!

[GMballistic]

Awesome.

 

Look forward to seeing some high altitude video then when you can.

[Adrian@TORQEN]

After reading a few reviews, I also ordered this, in case the drone gets lost

 

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01CIDUK1U/

 

few reviews here: http://forum.dji.com/thread-8489-1-1.html

[Will370z]

Loved mine when i took it on the Euro roadtrip, its one of my new favourite toys.

 

Be careful using them abroad - certain countries are very very strict

[glrnet]

Sh!t, thought this was going to about Zorsts.