Drones, Quadcopters and Helis, Oh my...

[mecicon]

While surfing the web a few weeks back I found a special offer for a quadcopter with camera for only $90 shipping included.

http://codeblackdrone.com/

I bought three, with the intent to give one to my son and either a backup or potential gift for someone else.

UAV's can be purchased for much less, but I didn't know better at the time.

I have piloted both fixed wing and rotor planes (helicopter) in the past, using information from the seat of your pants is completely different than remote control. Much like video games we lose our sense of feel.

My first attempt at flying was difficult. I gave myself no advantage, outdoors, gusty winds, not following the directions = a recipe for disaster.

Even the directions instructed "outdoor use only".

My second flight:
http://vimeo.com/115399339

I am now practicing indoors and have much improved.


http://vimeo.com/115487971

It seems that about two hours of flight time are necessary to be proficient.

[TrailManorMan]

I have found them to be fun but difficult to control in wind. I need to practice a bunch more but do enjoy the flying in remote areas

[mecicon]

Originally Posted by TrailManorMan

I have found them to be fun but difficult to control in wind. I need to practice a bunch more but do enjoy the flying in remote areas

What do you have?

[TrailManorMan]

Two helicopters only but wanting the four prop "drone" thinking it may be more stable for a rookie ??

[LoveToCamp]

They appear to be about 6" in diameter. Is that correct? The Website doesn't show any scale, and has scant information, but I think I caught a glimpse of another UAV in the video.

Thanks for sharing!

[mecicon]

Originally Posted by LoveToCamp

They appear to be about 6" in diameter. Is that correct? The Website doesn't show any scale, and has scant information, but I think I caught a glimpse of another UAV in the video.

Thanks for sharing!

Yes, that would be my son's they are sold under the name "code black drone" they are essentially a Hubsan X4 and can be picked up for about $40-$50, I have already purchased a larger SYMA X5C-1. The Hubsan is a good entry level easy to operate machine because of it's stability.

Measuring the propeller guard diagonally it is 6" good eye there.

What's interesting is that I purchased these as a Christmas gift before Thanksgiving, a week later I was at my son's condo for dinner and he was building one from scrap parts.

Learning to fly (properly) is challenging but I am getting the hang of it.

[Redtail Cruiser]

I gave a Syma X5C to my Son-in-law and Grandsons for Christmas. He flew it around our family room that morning, to get a feel for the controls, then we took it outside and he managed to show his seven year old son how to make it hover. Me, I crashed it in the first ten seconds. We all had some good fun with it.

Wishin everyone a Happy New Year and safe camping in 2015

[mecicon]

Originally Posted by Redtail Cruiser

I gave a Syma X5C to my Son-in-law and Grandsons for Christmas. He flew it around our family room that morning, to get a feel for the controls, then we took it outside and he managed to show his seven year old son how to make it hover. Me, I crashed it in the first ten seconds. We all had some good fun with it.

Wishin everyone a Happy New Year and safe camping in 2015

It takes practice.

http://vimeo.com/115673551

[Wingedryder]

To all you experienced pilots, would be pilots, and non-pilots alike...

Here's to each and every one of you making many safe and happy TM memories in 2015!

MY thanks to one and all for so many good tips and helpful responses to our quandaries with the TM during this, it's first, somewhat tumultuous, year!

BTW, don't know if some of you "pilots" need more experience at the stick, or a videographer, or both, but the vids probably won't get you any Hollywood endorsements. At any rate, keep those rotors a turnin'!
Any chance this board is monitored by the FAA?

[mecicon]

Originally Posted by Wingedryder

At any rate, keep those rotors a turnin'!
Any chance this board is monitored by the FAA?

No, but they are monitored by the NSA.