Dji Phantom UAVs

[MikeyC]

davidexige said:

I'm seriously considering purchasing a Dji Phantom 3, probably the advanced model, however before I do I'm trying to do all my homework, therefore does anyone have any recommendations for any particular forums, Google throws up lots US sites but there doesn't seem to be any UK specific ones. Thanks in advance.

you could try here

If you're new to them, then please don't ignore the fact that you'll need to learn to fly it first!

[Mr Trophy]

Couple of goodies arrived to the office! Carbon blades and a Orange case to carry it

[Pvapour]

well, it arrived yesterday, easy to set up & fly, already hurtling around chasing the dog

I can see me wanting a race version, carving a course through our forest and starting something

better get on with some filming first though

[RegMolehusband]

A word of warning. An unexpected gust of wind blew mine against an oak door a few days ago. The blades took gouges out of the door, it landed upside down and wouldn't stop even with a CSC. Bits of blade hit me on the cheek at high speed, and they stung.

I can't imagine the damage it would do if a blade sliced at a cheek or eye! There's a lot of power in those motors so you need to treat them with respect.

I could only stop mine by gingerly picking it up by the inverted landing legs and pulling the battery out whilst avoiding the blades.


PS Don't fly close to buildings in a breeze.

[TheTrash]

Have been looking to buy one and see the Standard model is down to £449 and Advanced £699. I can see a purchase coming along today!

[theboyfold]

TheTrash said:

Have been looking to buy one and see the Standard model is down to £449 and Advanced £699. I can see a purchase coming along today!

Where from?

[TheTrash]

http://www.wexphotographic.com/buy-dji-phantom-3-s...

[JonV8V]

Advanced of out of stock.

I've read the specs but can't decide if the Advanced is worth the extra £250. I'd use it mainly for photography rather than video.

[Dan_1981]

Likewise - just looked at the comparison site and can't see what the advanced brings over the standard?


Is that a decent price for the standard?

[TheTrash]

I went for the standard as I don't need to record anything more than 1080 or 720@60 fps. Now download the pictures from the first flight, which went really well.

I think they have reduced them because the newer 4k ones are about to come out.

[Phunk]

So after my randomly falling out the sky incident.

DJI want the drone back to take a look, reading online that can take up to 2 months and most of the time they just offer 20% off a new drone.

So, fitted a new camera at £379, all seemed fine. Then the drone refused to take off, gave a 'error 45'. Take it to my local drone repair place, they tell me the GPS connector on the main board is buggered. Need a new one - £350.

SO - it's cost me £729 to take off with batteries at 61%.

Think i'll do my licence now to claw some cash back!

[GetCarter]

Phunk said:

So after my randomly falling out the sky incident.

DJI want the drone back to take a look, reading online that can take up to 2 months and most of the time they just offer 20% off a new drone.

So, fitted a new camera at £379, all seemed fine. Then the drone refused to take off, gave a 'error 45'. Take it to my local drone repair place, they tell me the GPS connector on the main board is buggered. Need a new one - £350.

SO - it's cost me £729 to take off with batteries at 61%.

Think i'll do my licence now to claw some cash back!

Sorry to hear that. I'm still arguing the toss with China via Wex. Serves me right for taking off with 65%! (My laptop is showing 43% at the moment, better turn it off in case it suddenly dies).

[jimbouk]

Just about to sign up for the Resource group course, that combined with plummeting drones, leads me to getting some specific insurance.

Any recommendations?

[Boatbuoy]

jimbouk said:

Just about to sign up for the Resource group course, that combined with plummeting drones, leads me to getting some specific insurance.

Any recommendations?

I'm on the 'coverdrone' policy through John Heath Insurance for my commercial operation.

https://www.johnheath.com

HTH
Olly

[Mr Trophy]

So what are we saying here - only take off with 100% batteries?

[GetCarter]

Mr Trophy said:

So what are we saying here - only take off with 100% batteries?

Yep. Most that fall out of the sky seem to do so when you take off at less than 100% There are lots of theories as to why.

I got a 'Critical Low Voltage' warning at 59% (as it was ascending) and then everything just shut down... video, motors - the lot.

[myvision]

GetCarter said:

Mr Trophy said:

So what are we saying here - only take off with 100% batteries?

Yep. Most that fall out of the sky seem to do so when you take off at less than 100% There are lots of theories as to why.

I got a 'Critical Low Voltage' warning at 59% (as it was ascending) and then everything just shut down... video, motors - the lot.

This is only the P3's is it? I haven't heard this about the vision+ Or is that also the same?

[GetCarter]

myvision said:

This is only the P3's is it? I haven't heard this about the vision+ Or is that also the same?

I think it's just the P3... but Im not up to speed on other craft

[leggly]

The Inspire has been suffering the same problem apparently, "smart" batteries ain't that clever after all.

[leggly]

Mr Trophy said:

So what are we saying here - only take off with 100% batteries?

The recommendation seems to be, keep them at around 50% charge for storage and then fully charge the day before use if you can't do it on day.