Anyone have a first person flyer drone?

Does it work well. This things look kind of fun.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=70pusNNunMA

Gotta agree it looks kinda cool.

I’ve always thought quads and drones were kinda boring, this just changed my mind, shared on my clubs web site.

I’ve looked into micro quadcopters a bit. You can get non-FPV camera models for as little as $50. The set-up in that video is probably $500 assuming they’re using goggle displays. Guys that are pretty serious will then do some mods for reliability, trim some weight, better batteries/charger, etc. But it seems like they are reasonably reliable aside from crash damage.

But yeah, that looks like a load of fun.

Brian

I have been thinking the same thing as you.
This is the first video that piqued my interest (might have been posted in another thread in this forum).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NsxyV-kgfio

Sort of, I have a photo drone with a video down link, kind of fun until the spotter decides to watch the video with me. I don’t have return to home & GPS which would make it a helluva fun thing to do!

It’s like the star wars return of the jedi speeder bike scene, minus the danger. I wonder it you can fly the drones by using the force :wink:

Does it work well. This things look kind of fun.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=70pusNNunMA]

From memory H20fun flies commercial drones but not sure if his photography is via FPV or line of sight. Edit: Actually I think its Endless H2O

I think a lot depends on your equipment. Some of the basic level stuff requires line of sight such that flying through the trees etc would result in the video feed dropping out into static. I’ve only just started using my Fatshark goggles in an extremely basic, open sports field when deserted. You get nervous as hell to start with because you need to figure out the depth perception too. Probably helps to throw the goggles on, hold the camera and walk around your house to get a basic feel. I’ve also found that the goggles don’t necessarily fit my face that well (like they push on my eyes and don’t allow me to focus right). The alternative is to use a display with a dark sheet thrown over it to block out light.

There are some absolutely awesome videos online that get people excited. I guess the risk I see is that the authorities will start clamping down because you see some real idiots flying them where they really shouldn’t be - but consequently get some awesome shots of downtown urban settings.

I am just using an out of the box original DJI Phantom. Still nervous about the GPS return to home feature as many have had issues with their gear just flying away (possibly interference etc) so I haven’t got very adventurous yet. Looking forward to taking some great scenery footage down the road.

that looks pretty awesome! If the blades were quieter I could see it being used for hunting lease overviews and monitoring in addition to the Star Wars racing.

I’ve been flying model aircraft for years. We prefer not to call them drones, but yes, I have a number of aircraft that most would consider in that category.

The 250 size multirotor is very popular, relatively cheap, and pretty durable. Here is a boring video of mine flying around: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_3R0cJjzJM&list=UUHIgfz3o6Yx4UqXSq7uaC_w

I also have videos from my aerial photography machine on there.

FPV goggles can cost a fair bit. Better to dip your feet in with a beginner model while learning to fly. Lots of options out there.

I am getting more interested in a FPV quad and also Aerial Photography (AP) quads.

I have a couple micro helicopters and a small quad that can carry a small camera, and they are a ton of fun.

The helis are a lot harder to fly, so a much better challenge as far as finding a new hobby to try to get good at.

The technology that keeps coming out for them is amazing.

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that looks pretty awesome! If the blades were quieter I could see it being used for hunting lease overviews and monitoring in addition to the Star Wars racing.

I haven’t hunted in several years, but my first thought would be that it would be a great way to scout for wild game.

That definitely looks like some serious fun.

Does it work well. This things look kind of fun.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=70pusNNunMA]

From memory H20fun flies commercial drones but not sure if his photography is via FPV or line of sight. Edit: Actually I think its Endless H2O

I think a lot depends on your equipment. Some of the basic level stuff requires line of sight such that flying through the trees etc would result in the video feed dropping out into static. I’ve only just started using my Fatshark goggles in an extremely basic, open sports field when deserted. You get nervous as hell to start with because you need to figure out the depth perception too. Probably helps to throw the goggles on, hold the camera and walk around your house to get a basic feel. I’ve also found that the goggles don’t necessarily fit my face that well (like they push on my eyes and don’t allow me to focus right). The alternative is to use a display with a dark sheet thrown over it to block out light.

There are some absolutely awesome videos online that get people excited. I guess the risk I see is that the authorities will start clamping down because you see some real idiots flying them where they really shouldn’t be - but consequently get some awesome shots of downtown urban settings.

I am just using an out of the box original DJI Phantom. Still nervous about the GPS return to home feature as many have had issues with their gear just flying away (possibly interference etc) so I haven’t got very adventurous yet. Looking forward to taking some great scenery footage down the road.

I fly UAV’s for my business. My FPV setup is more like semi-FPV - line of sight (me controlling UAV) and Realtor/homeowner holding FPV 5.8 ghz equipped 7" monitor. I evaluated true FPV (Fatshark goggles), but my current business doesn’t warrant it for air use. I borrowed a buddies FPV goggles recently and ran my RC car in my craw space, before and after I had it resealed, and was that a fun look!

Hobbyking has a FPV goggle set for $30. I bought a pair. They work pretty well for the price. Basically it is just a modified small LCD with the fresnel lens. I prefer my Fatsharks, but those cost a hell of a lot more. For tight FPV flying like in the videos you watch, goggles are better, they give you a more immersive feel. The external screen is good for easy watching and framing the shot you want, but not as much for FPV.

Here is my main quad that I have done some AP work:

http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k133/jh041166/DPP_0058_zps6323b676.jpg

Here is my mini quad for FPV fun

http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k133/jh041166/CAM00266_zpstt3ln71q.jpg

My advice to anyone getting into the hobby is to buy something really cheap to learn basics on first, then do your research on buying what you really want, fly in safe areas, and stop calling them ‘drones’ :slight_smile: