The Drone Thread

[blade81]

https://youtu.be/qx5rLUECMhk
Consider Flying fpv perhaps

 

[thinkpad79]

thanks for the info. My mavic pro crashed during my last trip, waiting for the new model.

 

[Quadcopter]

thanks for the info. My mavic pro crashed during my last trip, waiting for the new model.

crashed my spark few wks ago. bought the replacement gimbal from china and luckily could get it repaired. i might consider getting a set of this US$999 skydio2 to replace my spark if skydio2 is crash-proof. Even for Mavic2, side obstacle sensors are usually non-functioning (unless you fly in tripod mode).

skydio2's obstacle avoidance looks much more reliable than mavic2, only problem is shorter range (running on wifi like spark)

 

[Quadcopter]

Thanks for the recommendation, but many place selling 1k plus for Spark fly more combo, more than air ticket for my holidays! ... assuming they have stock?!

this is what i think, and note that there could be other better drones or solutions that i do not know of.
1) If you can wait, then wait for Mavic Mini. But likely is going to be expensive and available in 2020Q1
2) Get a new Fimi X8, it has optical positioning. <S$700 from banggood or gearbest. 11.11 should have more big discount. Go youtube and find out more, check if X8 could take off without gps, check if X8 is suitable for you.
3) Get a used Mavic pro at S$700 from carousell (don't get used Spark unless you could get a very good condition fly more set at S$400-450). Or wait for Mavic Mini announced officially, and people will start to lelong all Spark, Mavic Pro on Carousell.
4) Just buy that hubsan H117S if you can't find something more suitable. Just be more careful during take off, landing or flying at low altitude

these are the things that make Spark very attractive for tour.
1) Palm launch, some places might be metal everywhere on the floor and giving you magnetic interference. You will not be able to launch a Mavic but Spark palm launch is OK. (Bt Panjang/PangSua pond has this problem)
2) Optical positioning. Much safer at low altitude, Spark does not easily get pushed by wind. Drones with GPS guided only will have some problem. Check the youtube video below
3) Solid propeller guard. Is safer. Mavic, A3, H117S, X8 do not have it
4) No need folding and unfolding, and is small enough. You might give up of simple aerial selfie when thinking of the unfolding/folding.
5) 2-axis gimbal. Can tilt camera through remote control. You cannot do that on Zerotech Dobby
6) Battery size. Spark has smaller battery size easier for aircraft fire safety check. But, so far even big mavic2 batteries could be bought onto aircraft without rejected at safety checks.
7) Fast take off. Spark could start hovering in the air within 30-45seconds, before any GPS position 3D-Fix. (max altitude 5m if without gps)

 

[Stong&Thick]

hi, has anyone bring their drone to taiwan? need to apply any permit?

I am going there soon, hoping to bring my drone there.

 

[marius]

Hi
Visiting Singapore next week after a long time. Currently living in Sydney.
Want to buy a Mavic Pro Platinum. Any tip for a place for best deals? The advertised prices in Singapore seem equal to or even more than the Australian prices.

Thanks

 

[happinesscuminpairs]

this is what i think, and note that there could be other better drones or solutions that i do not know of.
1) If you can wait, then wait for Mavic Mini. But likely is going to be expensive and available in 2020Q1
2) Get a new Fimi X8, it has optical positioning. <S$700 from banggood or gearbest. 11.11 should have more big discount. Go youtube and find out more, check if X8 could take off without gps, check if X8 is suitable for you.
3) Get a used Mavic pro at S$700 from carousell (don't get used Spark unless you could get a very good condition fly more set at S$400-450). Or wait for Mavic Mini announced officially, and people will start to lelong all Spark, Mavic Pro on Carousell.
4) Just buy that hubsan H117S if you can't find something more suitable. Just be more careful during take off, landing or flying at low altitude

these are the things that make Spark very attractive for tour.
1) Palm launch, some places might be metal everywhere on the floor and giving you magnetic interference. You will not be able to launch a Mavic but Spark palm launch is OK. (Bt Panjang/PangSua pond has this problem)
2) Optical positioning. Much safer at low altitude, Spark does not easily get pushed by wind. Drones with GPS guided only will have some problem. Check the youtube video below
3) Solid propeller guard. Is safer. Mavic, A3, H117S, X8 do not have it
4) No need folding and unfolding, and is small enough. You might give up of simple aerial selfie when thinking of the unfolding/folding.
5) 2-axis gimbal. Can tilt camera through remote control. You cannot do that on Zerotech Dobby
6) Battery size. Spark has smaller battery size easier for aircraft fire safety check. But, so far even big mavic2 batteries could be bought onto aircraft without rejected at safety checks.
7) Fast take off. Spark could start hovering in the air within 30-45seconds, before any GPS position 3D-Fix. (max altitude 5m if without gps)

Think will shift my budget to get a Mavic Air instead, got concern with pre-owned as really do not know the history. Thanks for such detailed respond.

 

[K_Gokiburi]

Sentosa Merlion

 

[blade81]

Sentosa Merlion

Isnt this inside a no-fly zone?

 

[TioBan]

Isnt this inside a no-fly zone?

Apparently only the area near the cable car linking to mainland is no-fly, according to CAAS’s map.

 

[blade81]

Apparently only the area near the cable car linking to mainland is no-fly, according to CAAS’s map.

Entire sentosa is no fly in flywhere.sg

 

[K_Gokiburi]

Apparently only the area near the cable car linking to mainland is no-fly, according to CAAS’s map.

Yes, I based it off CAAS's map

Entire sentosa is no fly in flywhere.sg

Prefer to use CAAS map since it comes straight out of gahmen's mouth. Anyways Sentosa in flywhere.sg is classified under 'fly at your own risk'.

https://www.caas.gov.sg/public-passengers/unmanned-aircraft-systems/area-limits

 

[happinesscuminpairs]

Yes, I based it off CAAS's map



Prefer to use CAAS map since it comes straight out of gahmen's mouth. Anyways Sentosa in flywhere.sg is classified under 'fly at your own risk'.

https://www.caas.gov.sg/public-passengers/unmanned-aircraft-systems/area-limits

wonder what’s the red circle area is?

 

[hwzlite]

Yes, I based it off CAAS's map



Prefer to use CAAS map since it comes straight out of gahmen's mouth. Anyways Sentosa in flywhere.sg is classified under 'fly at your own risk'.

By right , ""Do note that drone-flying is not allowed over Sentosa without prior submission of requests."" , by left , anyway nice takes!

 

[hwzlite]

Drone Recon: BOKA Vanguard - The World's Largest Semi-Submersible Heavy-Lift Vessel

Managed to stalk it on Oct-18th before it left the next day.
Took me 6 sorties (camped at east coast's Starbuck for recharging batts). Reached target at ~50% batt with ~2mins strafing windows.

POI: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BOKA_Vanguard
Drone: DJI Spark
Flight Telemetry: https://app.airdata.com/share/wPIlxM
Latest Vessel loc: https://www.vesselfinder.com/?imo=9618783
Music: Homeworld - The Bentusi Arrive (Ambient Edit by SuperFrodo )

 

[blade81]

Yes, I based it off CAAS's map



Prefer to use CAAS map since it comes straight out of gahmen's mouth. Anyways Sentosa in flywhere.sg is classified under 'fly at your own risk'.

https://www.caas.gov.sg/public-passengers/unmanned-aircraft-systems/area-limits

I see. I asked because friend of mine was stopped by ranger from flying drone within sentosa. In fly where.sg its indicated as private property so it checks out. Clearly Caas and onemap had different demarcation over area where flying is permitted.
Nevertheless nice video!

 

[K_Gokiburi]

Managed to stalk it on Oct-18th before it left the next day.
Took me 6 sorties (camped at east coast's Starbuck for recharging batts). Reached target at ~50% batt with ~2mins strafing windows.

POI: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BOKA_Vanguard
Drone: DJI Spark
Flight Telemetry: https://app.airdata.com/share/wPIlxM
Latest Vessel loc: https://www.vesselfinder.com/?imo=9618783
Music: Homeworld - The Bentusi Arrive (Ambient Edit by SuperFrodo )

Fantastic!

 

[happinesscuminpairs]

Found a brand new Spark fly more combo @$819 but only 2 battery. Worth to buy?

 

[Quadcopter]

Found a brand new Spark fly more combo @$819 but only 2 battery. Worth to buy?

i bought my spark fly more S$899 2yrs ago from hachi/challenger. Someone now selling a new Mavic Air S$820 on carousell?..

seems like DJI is announcing Mavic Mini this week. Mavic Mini is having 30min flight time (Spark 15min) and 4km range (Spark 1km, S'pore 100m). Looks like Mavic Mini is going to kill Mavic Pro, Mavic Air and Spark. watch 1min40sec in the video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gsoiYr3LEDU

Why not just wait for Mavic Mini announced first. Once announced, sellers will have to give big discount on Mavic Air, Mavic Pro, Spark in clearing their existing stock (or used sets also). After that then you decide if to buy Mavic Air/Pro or Spark.

 

[happinesscuminpairs]

i bought my spark fly more S$899 2yrs ago from hachi/challenger. Someone now selling a new Mavic Air S$820 on carousell?..

seems like DJI is announcing Mavic Mini this week. Mavic Mini is having 30min flight time (Spark 15min) and 4km range (Spark 1km, S'pore 100m). Looks like Mavic Mini is going to kill Mavic Pro, Mavic Air and Spark. watch 1min40sec in the video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gsoiYr3LEDU

Why not just wait for Mavic Mini announced first. Once announced, sellers will have to give big discount on Mavic Air, Mavic Pro, Spark in clearing their existing stock (or used sets also). After that then you decide if to buy Mavic Air/Pro or Spark.

Seem like Mavic mini is very basic set without front or rear sensor, just the bottom camera.
Saw one you tuber saying that based on weight calculation which seem very logical as battery weight itself is already about 100 plus gram, leaving less than than 149 grams for the main body, motor/propellers and electronics.
If true, then Mavic Air price may not drop that much.