What Drones do you own?

[Homestar]

Well, just lashed out on a DJI Mavic Pro, and I'm pretty damn happy with it. Just took it for a test run around the back yard. Obviously has limitations with wind speed being so small and light but maybe I'm just used to flying my big hex around that can be flown in quite gusty conditions.

For those considering one, they are just coming down in price a bit at the moment as the Mavic 2 is about to hit shelves.

I bought mine second hand - in almost new condition from a lady who's into photography but ended up hardly using this and sticking to ground based stuff.

Got extra battery, car charger, etc, etc all for less than what a brand new basic kit goes for at the moment.

Will have it at Winter Wombat - and I think another will be there too, so I'll stick my big hex up high and film us playing with the smaller ones... 😆

[Landy Smurf]

I just got one not long ago.
They are pretty easy to use.
I have not had much time yet to fly it much yet and get use to all the different modes.
I have not tried sports mode yet either.
Here is a video I took last week.
YouTube (https://youtu.be/n_c0AWHi8g4)

What is the 'big hex'?

[Homestar]

Also I have a large Hex which is impessive but impractical - I was going to lash out on a big gimbal for it and hang a DSLR off it, but that hasn't happened and the Mavic Pro can take 12MP photos so probably never will now.

Also have a scratch built quad that is just a trainer and hack. Everyone should learn on something like this that flys either in ati or full manual - no fancy GPS rubbish to save the day!

[Homestar]

I just got one not long ago.
They are pretty easy to use.
I have not had much time yet to fly it much yet and get use to all the different modes.
I have not tried sports mode yet either.
Here is a video I took last week.
YouTube (https://youtu.be/n_c0AWHi8g4)

What is the 'big hex'?

Sports mode is less than sporty if you've flown anything with decent performance before. I had mine in sports then went looking for sports mode only to find I was already there...

The Hex is a Tarot 690 Pro with DJI Naza flight controls and a Taranis 16 channel controller. Hex was the ducks guts just a few years ago but is all but redundant now - apart from impressing people how big it is - and for grabbing a snag at Bunnings...

[Homestar]

Here's the Tarot - it runs 15" carbon fibre props and a 6S, 10,000mAH battery that gives it about 30 minutes in the air.

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/860/42744236095_dff1b32f1b_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/288aocR)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/288aocR) by Gavin Gregory (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150806513@N06/), on Flickr

[Homestar]

And a comparison pic with the Mavic next to it - it's like the Tarot's had a baby...

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/936/43647052481_13e6de2205_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/29uWy4B)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/29uWy4B) by Gavin Gregory (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150806513@N06/), on Flickr

[SSmith]

I bought a mavic pro for my travels, because it folds up nice and compact. Still figuring it all out.

It'll get a good workout at wombat.

Managed to overcome the app syncing issues (which made it all but useless) by plugging the phone into the normal USB not the intended spot [emoji848] beats me how/why, but it works.

[Homestar]

Looks like there will be 3 Mavic Pros at Wombat. 😁

We can all sit down and figure them out together. Mine worked fine straight up - updated the firmware, stuck in a 64gig card and headed for the skies. 👍

[Homestar]

And last but not least, my hack/crash quad - what I learnt to fly with. No GPS so a difficult start just in Ati mode and several bad endings. 😁. Easy and cheap to repair. I always had a spare set of props and an arm spare. Still a hoot to fly as it is very agile compared to the others. Can fly it in full manual if I concentrate, but it still gets away on me at times when I get a bit cocky...

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/841/43648431951_0e74d074fb_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/29v4C8z)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/29v4C8z) by Gavin Gregory (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150806513@N06/), on Flickr

The small toys from K-mart don't count do they? If they do, I think I have 4 of those left that I chase the cats around the house with... 😇

[goingbush]

Hey Gav.

if you get bored with your Hex , use the Electronics & make one of these . Just need to buy 6 x big mother ESC's & 6 big Turnigy 180 size motors & props . Only a blonde would be dumb enough to fly it though !


https://youtu.be/ONyUWirIWfk

[Homestar]

He he - you've met me mate, think I'd need bigger motors and props... 😆

It is quite amazing how quickly the tech is moving though and what people are doing with it.

[Lionelgee]

Hello Homestar,

In keeping with the spirit of this thread - I do own a Bugs 2. However, I am still in negotiation with the warranty holders as the thing did not work from the first minute it arrived in the post. Now they want a video of the machine not in operation then I have to upload it to a different branch of the company - then they will decide what happens. I did ask just for their postal address so they can have the unit back. Apparently that option is too easy. Catch 22 if I do take the unit to a local operator it will probably void the warranty.

Not so much own - a couple of years ago when I was at a loose end I was looking at leasing a Yamaha RMAX and doing agricultural spraying. After compulsory flying lessons; and costing in the CASA license and then the lease agreement including and per hour costs that it would involved with a new enterprise and no pre-existing clients ... the project did not get off the ground for me. I studied Farm Management - Horticulture. Still the worker drones are interesting beasties...

Accessed 27th July 2018 from - Top agriculture spraying drones: DJI Agras MG-1 vs Yamaha RMAX (http://dronesonvideo.com/agriculture-drones-dji-agras-mg-1-vs-yamaha-rmax)
Top agriculture spraying drones: DJI Agras MG-1 vs Yamaha RMAX



Kind regards
Lionel

[Tombie]

We fly a few fixed and rotary wing ones for survey.

Some fun stuff [emoji41]

[Eevo]

car has a drone at about 12khz

[Homestar]

Been watching a bit of this guy recently - most of his stuff is about his plane, etc but he runs a Drone business and this video shows off a real bit of kit - it's interesting when gets the DJI Inspire out for some tight work but ends up not using it because 'it's a toy' - with the gimbal and camera he has on it, there's nearly $7,000 - which he puts away to get the $100,000 unit out for to do the job properly. Whole different league this stuff is...


https://youtu.be/VkIL5I3IpyE

[bob10]

Drones being distributed to Army units Australia wide.

YouTube (https://youtu.be/vunmkm8Lnls)

[Homestar]

Interesting move in the US this week - section 336 has been repealed and a new act is coming which basically paves the way for commercial drone operation to start en masse. This was heavily petitioned for by the biggest players in the market - Amazon and Google and will see hobbyists having to register all drones now, pass a test and be willing to have all thier drone operation tracked. As you can imagine there are some that are up in arms, but as pointed out the FAA simply don't have the funding or manpower to actual check what everyone is doing.

Hopefully here in Aus, people will play be the current rules enough that they aren't tightened any more or banned completely or made it practically impossible to fly now like many Countries
have, but once commercial drone operations look likely here, I'm pretty sure that similar laws will find their way here.

Not overly bothered to be honest - I only fly in areas well out of the way and not around built up areas, which you're not allowed to do, but I'm sure some privacy nuts will complain. Not sure why, privacy is an illusion anyway. 😉

Good video about it all here -


https://youtu.be/N3QoQgGX9Xw

[timax]

I have just sold my Inspire 1 and now have a Mavic Pro 2 just for my personal pics.
Personally i think the rules and the enforcement of them need to tighten up.
Im a commercial photographer and so a drone to me is just another camera ,BUT.......
To use it in my job i need a pilot licence to fly it AND an operators licence for my company to then employ me as a pilot.
When i was going through all this licencing a few years ago the cost was about 6k for the pilot licence and a bit more for the operator. Then you need to write your maintenance manuals and pay your insurance etc. In the meantime companies all over the place are putting up drone images shot illegally. How many of you have seen 4x4 vids with drone footage? If they don't have these licences then its illegal. Dose CASA do anything about it? No!
I was questioned about double redundancy on the GPS and controller on the inspire. It only has one GPS etc so i was informed that on a full battery in a flyaway my craft had a range of 25km from memory and could i ensure i didnt come closer than 30m to any private property or people etc in that case..........um yeah nah!
SO yes a few changes need to be made.
Oh on the Mavic 2.....fantastic little craft and so much easier than the Inspire to fly without drawing too much attention. Expensive though.

[Homestar]

Agree 100% that there are operators out there making a quid from their footage that won't be doing it legally. I even think twice about posting my stuff on Youtube as this can be seen as a Commersial operation if I ever make money on my videos (which I won't, but you get what I mean), but most don't seem to care - the 4x4 vids are a good example - wonder if they even realise they are breaking the law?

Again, I think it comes down to CASA not having the resources to do much - they did ping that guy that flew his drone to Bunnings for a snag, but that's the only fine I've ever seen issued.

I just have the original Mavic Pro which does me fine - the camera does get on my nerves a bit though but I can ususally make something of it in post. The Mavic 2 sounds like a big step up from what I've seen on them. 👍

[timax]

For me it is.
It will shoot raw and so your able hold the highlight details better. Sunrise , sunset or sun on waves etc with the inspire was a problem. Basically the same as a Gopro. No need for ND filters either.
Regarding the rules.....i think its common sense what is unsafe. Spinning blades and a beach full of people for example. We still see these "amazing images shot by a viewer" at the end of the weather report on the tele though dont we. One i saw being applauded was a dusk shot over Sydney Harbour with the OP House and bridge in the shot. No question as to how the person got the shot after sunset in a no fly zone that just happens to be the Helicopter approach to Bankstown Airport.

[Homestar]

Yeah, that's a bit ****. If CASA can't even keep on top of gross misconduct like that then the slighty dodgy stuff I've done - like fly around and over some fellow AULRO'inas while camping or taking an overhead shot of Mums place is a little insignificant.

I'll always check the app before flying and fly where it's safe.

On a different note, took mine right out over water for the first time a couple of weeks ago - that was a bit butt puckering but I got some great footage - still need to edit that lot.

[ozscott]

Well, just lashed out on a DJI Mavic Pro, and I'm pretty damn happy with it. Just took it for a test run around the back yard. Obviously has limitations with wind speed being so small and light but maybe I'm just used to flying my big hex around that can be flown in quite gusty conditions.

For those considering one, they are just coming down in price a bit at the moment as the Mavic 2 is about to hit shelves.

I bought mine second hand - in almost new condition from a lady who's into photography but ended up hardly using this and sticking to ground based stuff.

Got extra battery, car charger, etc, etc all for less than what a brand new basic kit goes for at the moment.

Will have it at Winter Wombat - and I think another will be there too, so I'll stick my big hex up high and film us playing with the smaller ones... [emoji38]Great drone. My mate has one. We put it up at Lakefield National Park at Cape York...well it was up for about 20 seconds and was pulled back ASAP as 4 big raptors swooped it violantly...funniest thing in had seen for a long time (only funny because he managed to get it back safely).

Cheers

[Homestar]

Thankfully that's never happened to me (yet?) - had some birds check it out, but nothing more than that. There are plenty of videos on line of it as well. Glad he got ot back in one piece - I would be devestated if I lost mone like that when so new.

[timax]

Great drone. My mate has one. We put it up at Lakefield National Park at Cape York...well it was up for about 20 seconds and was pulled back ASAP as 4 big raptors swooped it violantly...funniest thing in had seen for a long time (only funny because he managed to get it back safely).

Cheers
Just a note on that for anyone in other states.
Queensland is the only place where you can fly a drone in a National Park.
Rangers will fine you if they catch you and are much more likely to look into who shot a youtube video than CASA.

[VladTepes]

Here is a video I took last week.
YouTube (https://youtu.be/n_c0AWHi8g4)


Brilliant !!!!!

Here's one a mate of mine did of Chesterton Mill, in the UK. Also a Mavic Pro.

YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LNwM1Sr6N1M)


A refurb Mavic Pro or new Mavic Air are around the same price - I wonder which is the better option?


Also purely from an interest perspective, as it is well out of my budget at $2500+ , the Mavic 2 Pro is an awesome bit of kit tech wise. Hasselblad camera, much better obstacle avoidance (all directions) etc.

Of course, if money is burning a hole in anyone's pocket there's always this, for a cool $10K:
DJI Inspire 1 RAW 4K Drone with ZENMUSE X5R Camera (Dual Remote) | JB Hi-Fi (https://www.jbhifi.com.au/drones-robotics/all-drones/dji/dji-inspire-1-raw-4k-drone-with-zenmuse-x5r-camera-dual-remote/977033/)

[Homestar]

While the Mavic 2 has some great improvements, the original Mavic Pro is no slouch either and still well ahead of the rest of the players even now. It's a great unit and good second hand ones are out there and at reasonable prices. I paid $1,200 for mine a few months back with 2 batteries. Each one had only been charged 4 times and flight time of the drone was less than 2 hours.

[timax]

My new pro 2 was more than double that.
Yes its good but if i wasnt a pro shooter then there is no way id buy one.
Just pick up a little used second hand series one instead.
Still a great thing and unless you have the sun in frame you wont see the difference on youtube, or at least not a $2k one.

[VladTepes]

timax what pro stuff you do?

[Captain_Rightfoot]

I've got a Mavic Pro. I'm pretty happy with it. Getting ND filters has been a tremendous upgrade to quality.

I do like the MP2 but don't think I can justify the update cost.

YouTube (https://youtu.be/Q--0sJ3tYPE)

[timax]

timax what pro stuff you do?
Tim Robinson Photography (http://www.timrobinsonphotography.com/)
Click on the travel page for what i like to shoot.
Or the instagram logo at the bottom of one of the pages. If you scroll all the way down you will see some car shots which is my other love.

[VladTepes]

Tim Robinson Photography (http://www.timrobinsonphotography.com/)
Click on the travel page for what i like to shoot.
Or the instagram logo at the bottom of one of the pages. If you scroll all the way down you will see some car shots which is my other love.

Just had a look - that's EPIC !!!! What a great photographer you are !

[shanegtr]

Don't own any drones myself, but just starting to gear up at work for inspections. I just put in the purchase req for a phantom 4 last week which will pave the way to upgrade to a matrice 210 with around 20K worth of cameras (the thermal image camera makes up 3/4 of that cost)

[DiscoMick]

I heard about a certain energy company, which I won't name, having big problems with eagles attacking its very expensive drones it was using for aerial inspections in remote areas. Lost a large number, apparently.

[timax]

Yes eagles , cockatoos , magpies will all take out a drone. I have landed my Inspire pretty fast on a few occasions.

[Homestar]

I've had a couple of birds come in close to mine but thankfully nothing more so far. (Touch wood)[emoji6]

[DiscoMick]

Yes, but I bet yours don't cost as much as these did.

[Homestar]

Still well over a grand I wouldn’t want to see trashed by a bird and I can afford it a lot less then an energy company can - I’m sure there wouldn’t be too many crying about them losing a few. 😊

[timax]

Yes, but I bet yours don't cost as much as these did.
I bet the pilots didnt pay for them out of their own pocket. Personally id rather a bird took out a 20K telstra drone i was flying than my own 2k one.

[Don 130]

I spotted this today, for those with Mavic pro

fosoto DJI Mavic Pro Case Drone Bag for DJI Mavic Pro EVA Hard Portable Bags Shoulder Foldable Portable Remote Controller Box-in Drone Bags from Consumer Electronics on Aliexpress.com | Alibaba Group (https://www.aliexpress.com/item/fosoto-DJI-Mavic-Pro-Case-Drone-Bag-for-DJI-Mavic-Pro-EVA-Hard-Portable-Bags-Shoulder/32826209535.html'spm=a2g01.12088580.layer-i6hyrj.355.2b397272vNYr7D&gps-id=5780288)

Don.

[trout1105]

I just bought a Mavic Air with the fly more combo.
I have never flown a drone before so I will be taking it easy on it untill I learn how to fly it properly.
I am in beginner mode at the moment a d i Love that return home button[thumbsupbig]
I am at Kunnunurra at the moment so I should get some pretty good footage around this area.

[Homestar]

I just bought a Mavic Air with the fly more combo.
I have never flown a drone before so I will be taking it easy on it untill I learn how to fly it properly.
I am in beginner mode at the moment a d i Love that return home button[thumbsupbig]
I am at Kunnunurra at the moment so I should get some pretty good footage around this area.

Nice. Play with it as much as you can, you’ll soon get the hang of it.

I’ve said it before but the biggest trap new flyers fall into is flying too low and crashing into trees. Put it up 50 or 60 metres so you’re clear of everything, that way if you fly it in the wrong direction, you won’t wreck it. 👍

[loanrangie]

Nothing as flash as some of the models mentioned here but the wife got me this little Zero-X Sabre for Christmas.
Still learning to fly it but took it to my parents on Christmas day to fly in their backyard (5 acres) and impressed how well it flies, no GPS, WiFi or phone app but does have a HD camera.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181228/6918160e22c23f9f2d56f6c1e7bf4563.jpg

[trout1105]

Nice. Play with it as much as you can, you’ll soon get the hang of it.

I’ve said it before but the biggest trap new flyers fall into is flying too low and crashing into trees. Put it up 50 or 60 metres so you’re clear of everything, that way if you fly it in the wrong direction, you won’t wreck it. 👍

I couldn't fly it too high where I was at Kununurra because the airport was too close But when I got home I sent it up 400m, Wow I almost got vertigo looking at the screen.
I also flew it in 20kts of wind and it handled that pretty well.
I have absolutely No justification for buying the drone other than I simply wanted one and they are a heap of fun to fly, I may even give sports mode a go one day[biggrin]

[loanrangie]

I couldn't fly it too high where I was at Kununurra because the airport was too close But when I got home I sent it up 400m, Wow I almost got vertigo looking at the screen.
I also flew it in 20kts of wind and it handled that pretty well.
I have absolutely No justification for buying the drone other than I simply wanted one and they are a heap of fun to fly, I may even give sports mode a go one day[biggrin]Same reason I wanted one, good rc toys were expensive when I was a kid .

[trout1105]

Same reason I wanted one, good rc toys were expensive when I was a kid .

I tried a few RC choppers a few years ago and they all ended up badly because they were bloody hard to fly, This Mavic Air pretty much flies itself and all you have to do is tell it where to go and it dodges all the bullets by itself[thumbsupbig]

[Homestar]

I couldn't fly it too high where I was at Kununurra because the airport was too close But when I got home I sent it up 400m, Wow I almost got vertigo looking at the screen.
I also flew it in 20kts of wind and it handled that pretty well.
I have absolutely No justification for buying the drone other than I simply wanted one and they are a heap of fun to fly, I may even give sports mode a go one day[biggrin]

Hope you mean 400 feet? [emoji6]. I wouldn't go telling the world about things like this if it was meters personally as the law makers have their attention focused on drone users at the moment - we all need to play within the rules or they'll tighten everything up even more.

[trout1105]

Hope you mean 400 feet? [emoji6]. I wouldn't go telling the world about things like this if it was meters personally as the law makers have their attention focused on drone users at the moment - we all need to play within the rules or they'll tighten everything up even more.

I got NO info regarding Australian drone rules when I bought the drone and just looked up "What is the max height you can fly a drone in rural wa? " on Google.

Yes I did mean 400 foot not 400m [bigwhistle]


Australian Drone Laws: What You Need To Know Before Taking To The Skies | Gizmodo Australia (https://www.gizmodo.com.au/2016/12/australian-drone-laws-what-you-need-to-know-before-taking-to-the-skies/)

How is the 120m rule applied? Is it 120m above sea level or is it 120m above the area you are flying the drone.
Also the "flying a drone out of visual line of sight" rule how is that defined?, If I fly the Mavic Air more than 100m away I am buggered if I can see it as it is very small but my line of sight is to the horizon and on top of a hill that can be several kilometres away.

[Homestar]

120 metres higher than the ground level where you are. Line of sight is you must be able to see it unaided at all time - not behind trees, over a hill or so far away you can't see it - small drones get away from you within a couple hundred metres even though they can fly KM. My big hex I can out to around 500 metres and I can just see it, but the Mavic Pro is around 200 metres. The Mavic air would be slightly less again as you've said.

Do you have the 'Can I fly here?' App? It is really essential to have this as it is updated live and tells you where you can - and more importantly- where you can't fly. You should always check this before sending the drone up as there may be restrictions you aren't aware of in the area - heli pads, fires etc. In Suburbia almost all of it is covered by some restrictions - doesn't mean you can't fly there, but it may mean you need to be more observant to low flying aircraft, etc.

This site is probably a better guide - Droneflyer | Recreational drone rules and regulation (https://droneflyer.gov.au)

They may seem restrictive but I've had no issues complying with them and I've found almost all people I ask if I can fly near, etc are happy to oblige - even though I don't technically have to ask in most situations I have, letting others know what your up to sure helps I've found. I've flown over and around building sites (afterhours with the site Managers approval) etc - all while staying 30 meters away from anyone etc.

If we all fly within the rules, then they won't get tighter even more - looks like England is about to tighten their laws even further since those dicks at Gatwick caused all those problems - those are the sorts of people that will ruin it for the rest of us.

[trout1105]

I just downloaded the CASA app and it shows me I can fly in an area of about a 10k-15k radius of where I am, Which is much more than my line of sight and certainly much more than the range of my drone.
I have No interest in flying the drone in suburbia or where other people are But I do want to use it next time I venture into an unknown (to Me) river system or reefs to explore them without putting my boat at risk by spotting rockbars or other hazards before I head into an unknown area.

I can fully understand the 120m and the line of sight rules being applicable in the City or suburbia But in the middle of nowhere or miles out at sea they don't make much sense to me.

[Homestar]

Just because it shows you a large area doesn't mean you can fly all of it at once. While I agree that there are places that you could easily and safely fly with the drone out of sight, on a public forum such as this I wouldn't condone it obviously. [emoji56]

It sounds like you have your head screwed on and have some common sense which is excluded deliberately by lawmakers to make sure the lowest common denominator is taken into account.

[trout1105]

I doubt that anyone will complain or there will be any CASA officials where I will be flying my drone in the middle of nowhere or out at sea so my chances of getting into trouble IF I do tend go a little higher or further than is allowed are pretty miniscule.
YES I agree that there are some individuals that do stupid stuff with their drones that make it harder for others to enjoy their drones But I am not one of them[thumbsupbig]
Now I have to get some software to edit my footage and to collect some still Arial shots of the areas I have had a look at for my next fishing adventures[biggrin]

[Homestar]

Yep, there are certainly times and areas where common sense and a complete lack of the civilised world would apply. Go have some fun - and try not to drown it! If you're flying over water, be very conservative with battery life and don't use return to home - seen plenty of footage of drones landing nice and carmly into the drink when people do this - not only do boats move - even at anchor, but home points are not accurate when only the GPS is relied on and there are no distinguishing features it can lock a home point to. Practice grabbing it out of the air from underneath - on dry land - there are some good youtube videos showing how this is best done.

Most of all - go have fun, that's what they're for. [emoji106]

[trout1105]

Yes I have to master the hand retrieve before I take it out to sea

[Pedro_The_Swift]

Tim Robinson Photography (http://www.timrobinsonphotography.com/)
Click on the travel page for what i like to shoot.
Or the instagram logo at the bottom of one of the pages. If you scroll all the way down you will see some car shots which is my other love.

Thanks Tim,,

Nearly all of those pics make me want to spend my dollars!! [wink11][biggrin]

[ramblingboy42]

I got NO info regarding Australian drone rules when I bought the drone and just looked up "What is the max height you can fly a drone in rural wa? " on Google.

Yes I did mean 400 foot not 400m [bigwhistle]


Australian Drone Laws: What You Need To Know Before Taking To The Skies | Gizmodo Australia (https://www.gizmodo.com.au/2016/12/australian-drone-laws-what-you-need-to-know-before-taking-to-the-skies/)

How is the 120m rule applied? Is it 120m above sea level or is it 120m above the area you are flying the drone.
Also the "flying a drone out of visual line of sight" rule how is that defined?, If I fly the Mavic Air more than 100m away I am buggered if I can see it as it is very small but my line of sight is to the horizon and on top of a hill that can be several kilometres away.

do you call up the QNH before you use it?

do they have an altimeter to tell you the height?

I think I'd rather fly a model aeroplane or helicopter though.

[Homestar]

do you call up the QNH before you use it?

do they have an altimeter to tell you the height?

I think I'd rather fly a model aeroplane or helicopter though.

No, QNH is not relied on but yes, the units we are discussing here have an altimeter - and stop you from flying higher than legal too - although this can be over ridden but for how long who knows. Each update to the app used to fly DJI drones has more data relating to where you can and can’t fly - they are starting to automatically lock down certain functions.

If you just want to fly, then yep there are other things that are better but as a camera platform, they are unbeatable. Non GPS controlled drones in full manual are fun to fly and I started by flying one first stabilised, but then full manual. Most people can’t fly this way though and buy these drones that basically fly themselves - while it sort of takes the fun out of it, I do still like to fly my ‘hacks’ to keep my eye in. You may like the racing drone scene - that’s where the skilful pilots are rather than us wannabe weekend camera drone pilots. 👍😊

Check out the video below - the wind is howling through the campsite but the little 700 gram drone still takes perfectly stable footage. At about 1.00 onwards the trees can be seen swaying a lot - it was very windy the day I shot this.


https://youtu.be/fyYiyF9jlwE

[ramblingboy42]

Yes I watched some racing drones recently at a club open day.

I don't know how they fly them like that as some of the manouvres cannot be seen by the naked eye.

running them through those tubes is amazing.

I remember sending my dog into tubes during agility competitions and wondering if he was going to come out the other side.

Not quite the same[bigsmile]

[mekon76]

Nice. Play with it as much as you can, you’ll soon get the hang of it.

I’ve said it before but the biggest trap new flyers fall into is flying too low and crashing into trees. Put it up 50 or 60 metres so you’re clear of everything, that way if you fly it in the wrong direction, you won’t wreck it. 👍

Wish I'd read this first.

I have a cracking video of my brand new Mavic Air 2 smashing its way down through a tree.

[Tombie]

Wish I'd read this first.

I have a cracking video of my brand new Mavic Air 2 smashing its way down through a tree.

Were you in Sport mode? The sensors usually protect it [bigsmile]

I had mine out the other day in seriously silly wind. 45km/h gusts at ground level.
Took it up and it wasnt liking it, it did hold its own though.

I use it to assist with my site work.

162121

162122

[PeterJ]

Great photos Mike. Just stumbled on this thread, but the answer is Mavic 2, what an awesome little piece of technology, just in the absolute beginner phase but have had some fun so far. The quality of the camera is excellent, just got to get out there and practice.

[Bigbjorn]

The son of an old mate runs free range chooks and pigs up on the Darling Downs. He does not like drones. One of the animal welfare groups targeted his place and he had to get police to eject trespassers. They then used drones to try to catch him in naughty operation of his farm. He has bought a Remington 10 gauge goose gun, 36" barrels and 3 1/2 chambers. He calls it his DRAK gun (Dronen Abwehr Kanon). The animal welfare types have not been back. He is quite disappointed as he is yearning to do a bit of drone shooting.

[Tombie]

The son of an old mate runs free range chooks and pigs up on the Darling Downs. He does not like drones. One of the animal welfare groups targeted his place and he had to get police to eject trespassers. They then used drones to try to catch him in naughty operation of his farm. He has bought a Remington 10 gauge goose gun, 36" barrels and 3 1/2 chambers. He calls it his DRAK gun (Dronen Abwehr Kanon). The animal welfare types have not been back. He is quite disappointed as he is yearning to do a bit of drone shooting.

I can understand his desire. Especially with those *******!

Problem is that goose gun couldn’t take down a drone at legal altitude.

He needs to be careful. Shooting down a drone is subject to the same/similar penalties as shooting down any other aircraft.

Same with a drone that is forced to land/crash on a property. If the landholder tries to keep it, that’s theft.

[mekon76]

Were you in Sport mode? The sensors usually protect it [bigsmile]

I had mine out the other day in seriously silly wind. 45km/h gusts at ground level.
Took it up and it wasnt liking it, it did hold its own though.

I use it to assist with my site work.

162121

162122

No mate, it was in the normal default mode. It did some flips and tried to correct itself and maintain flying, so not sure, but as per the other advice here, go higher than trees. It's really a bit unusual and odd to get your head around the screen and avoiding the looking at the drone. It's a strange dissonance, that takes some getting used to to try and work out what to focus on.

[mekon76]

I can understand his desire. Especially with those *******!

Problem is that goose gun couldn’t take down a drone at legal altitude.

He needs to be careful. Shooting down a drone is subject to the same/similar penalties as shooting down any other aircraft.

Same with a drone that is forced to land/crash on a property. If the landholder tries to keep it, that’s theft.

So the answer is let them wander on your property, as they get close to the downed drone, give them a couple of verbal warnings and then shoot at them as they pick up the drone. Win, win. I jest.

[Bigbjorn]

I can understand his desire. Especially with those *******!

Problem is that goose gun couldn’t take down a drone at legal altitude.

He needs to be careful. Shooting down a drone is subject to the same/similar penalties as shooting down any other aircraft.

Same with a drone that is forced to land/crash on a property. If the landholder tries to keep it, that’s theft.

"I thought it was a hawk attacking my chickens. My eyesight is not so good these days." The Remington site says the gun is designed for high flying large fowl like Canada geese and range can be enhanced by using larger shot.

[scarry]

"I thought it was a hawk attacking my chickens. My eyesight is not so good these days." The Remington site says the gun is designed for high flying large fowl like Canada geese and range can be enhanced by using larger shot.

10 gauge is a pretty rare size.

The shooter would have to be very lucky to hit a drone at much over 70M,i would think,particularly as they are also fast moving and quite small.

Even at 50M you would have to be a good shot.

More than likely the drone would be hundreds of meters away.

[Bigbjorn]

10 gauge is a pretty rare size.

The shooter would have to be very lucky to hit a drone at much over 70M,i would think,particularly as they are also fast moving and quite small.

Even at 50M you would have to be a good shot.

More than likely the drone would be hundreds of meters away.

Not so rare. Seems like there are a number of makes available

5 Best Shotguns for Goose Hunting | Outdoor Life (https://www.outdoorlife.com/photos/gallery/hunting/turkey-waterfowl/waterfowl-techniques/2011/09/best-goose-guns/)

Relatively cheap too as far as good shotguns go. All the bespoke "Best London" gunmakers will do one to order. They do charge just a tad more than a midwest gun shop though. Look at their sites, Purdey, Boss, Holland & Holland, Westley-Richards et al.

The Remington site is not working so I couldn't check their claims for range.

[Tombie]

Not so rare. Seems like there are a number of makes available

5 Best Shotguns for Goose Hunting | Outdoor Life (https://www.outdoorlife.com/photos/gallery/hunting/turkey-waterfowl/waterfowl-techniques/2011/09/best-goose-guns/)

Relatively cheap too as far as good shotguns go. All the bespoke "Best London" gunmakers will do one to order. They do charge just a tad more than a midwest gun shop though. Look at their sites, Purdey, Boss, Holland & Holland, Westley-Richards et al.

The Remington site is not working so I couldn't check their claims for range.

Found it last night 75 yards (effective)

[scarry]

Not so rare. Seems like there are a number of makes available

5 Best Shotguns for Goose Hunting | Outdoor Life (https://www.outdoorlife.com/photos/gallery/hunting/turkey-waterfowl/waterfowl-techniques/2011/09/best-goose-guns/)

Relatively cheap too as far as good shotguns go. All the bespoke "Best London" gunmakers will do one to order. They do charge just a tad more than a midwest gun shop though. Look at their sites, Purdey, Boss, Holland & Holland, Westley-Richards et al.

The Remington site is not working so I couldn't check their claims for range.

Custom made,so will make any caliber,at huge costs.

There are other sizes that are way more popular.

[Bigbjorn]

Not so rare. Seems like there are a number of makes available

5 Best Shotguns for Goose Hunting | Outdoor Life (https://www.outdoorlife.com/photos/gallery/hunting/turkey-waterfowl/waterfowl-techniques/2011/09/best-goose-guns/)

Relatively cheap too as far as good shotguns go. All the bespoke "Best London" gunmakers will do one to order. They do charge just a tad more than a midwest gun shop though. Look at their sites, Purdey, Boss, Holland & Holland, Westley-Richards et al.

The Remington site is not working so I couldn't check their claims for range.

Here is a link to the Westley Richards site. They advertise 4, 8, and 10 gauge as well as the usual 12 to 28 gauges and .410. Prices start at 64,500 pounds.

Westley Richards | Hand detachable lock (droplock) shotgun - New Guns (https://www.westleyrichards.com/new-guns/guns/hand-detachable-lock-shotguns/)

Westley Richards are based in Birmingham but are still regarded as one of the "Best London" gunmakers. Purdeys start around 100,000 pounds round figures. Sporting gentlemen usually bought these quality guns in matched pairs. Here is a link to building a bespoke Purdey. They take 1-2 years to make. Add in a couple of trips to London to be measured and fitted and for you and the gun checked out at their shooting grounds.

Building a Bespoke Purdey | Purdey & Sons (https://www.purdey.com/building-bespoke-purdey)

So a pair of bespoke Purdeys would leave little change out of AU$500,000. Then of course, you will need suitable shooting clothes, say 3,000-4,000 pounds, A Land Rover for your loader and gunbearer to bring your equipment, and a Range Rover for yourself and your "Best London" dolly bird. The dolly bird is potentially the most expensive item. Some are dear models to run. Rich mans hobby, isn't it?

[scarry]

A mate of mine is a trap shooter,and has them custom built.He actually flies over to have them fitted.

The last one cost a six figure sum:eek2:

[trout1105]

Why worry about shooting down drones, IF you have a problem front up to whoever is flying it and sort it out face to face.

[Tombie]

Why worry about shooting down drones, IF you have a problem front up to whoever is flying it and sort it out face to face.

And in many cases they are just ‘having a fly’ and will happily engage if spoken to nicely.

[trout1105]

And in many cases they are just ‘having a fly’ and will happily engage if spoken to nicely.

Exactly [thumbsupbig]

[mekon76]

Why worry about shooting down drones, IF you have a problem front up to whoever is flying it and sort it out face to face.

Not always a possibility. Like the idiots that fly them through our facility at night. Absolute morons. Wouldn't know where they are and outside of the compound. Nothing anyone can do. Flying a quadcopter through a Major Hazard Facility where we have everything rated and intrinsically safe as far as electronics, then some clown flies one right through the plant.

[Homestar]

Not always a possibility. Like the idiots that fly them through our facility at night. Absolute morons. Wouldn't know where they are and outside of the compound. Nothing anyone can do. Flying a quadcopter through a Major Hazard Facility where we have everything rated and intrinsically safe as far as electronics, then some clown flies one right through the plant.

Yeah, that’s just moronic. That would just about justify knocking it out of the sky IMO. It’s not like they’ll run to the Police whining about it while flying it illegally through a place like that.

[350RRC]

A mate of mine is a trap shooter,and has them custom built.He actually flies over to have them fitted.

The last one cost a six figure sum:eek2:

Does he do speed traps? He could do reeeally well.

DL

[Tombie]

From the Mavic Forums - guy was flying legally in the USA, not over somebodies property.

He was adjusting his camera settings (hovering) and heard a gunshot.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200622/846178d31c6c0052a48a090c7bd6ed4b.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200622/dcd47820756c1ffd47ab67c1142be5b4.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200622/4c9582ce69555949ed95f8dc516ce44b.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200622/5434ad4bd1a0018c38e9db9561600620.jpg

Amazingly, even though the battery was damaged, the drone managed to return to its operator safely.

Whilst I don’t condone it, that’s a pretty decent shot when it’s 390’ in the air and quite a distance away from the shooter.

Police are taking it seriously and charges are going to be laid on the shooter.

[Bigbjorn]

And in many cases they are just ‘having a fly’ and will happily engage if spoken to nicely.

My friend, the free range farmer is not concerned about people just 'having a fly'. More about organised political activist groups like those who invaded his farm, refused to leave until police arrived, and were flying drones with video cameras over his installations and animals. No doubt hoping to catch acts of animal cruelty to sell to the media. He considers them fair game and he should be able to let them have a dose of birdshot and some No3 buck into their drones. Police have told him not to set the dogs on them or shoot them.

[loanrangie]

Dusted my little drone off but cant remember how to connect the remote to the drone and i cant find the instructions, tried a few different processes of their other models but no luck so far.

[Tins]

Coupla months ago I got an Autel EVO II 6K Now the restrictions are lifted I can get out and fly it. Super little thing. Well, not so little.

BTW, the drone is registered and I am accredited.

175379

[Tins]

Dusted my little drone off but cant remember how to connect the remote to the drone and i cant find the instructions, tried a few different processes of their other models but no luck so far.

What model is it?

[Tins]

https://youtu.be/EFvPOKJIcXI

[loanrangie]

What model is it?I found another model they made and used the syncing procedure so all good now.

[Fourgearsticks]

I can understand his desire. Especially with those *******!

Problem is that goose gun couldn’t take down a drone at legal altitude.

He needs to be careful. Shooting down a drone is subject to the same/similar penalties as shooting down any other aircraft.

Same with a drone that is forced to land/crash on a property. If the landholder tries to keep it, that’s theft.


No consequences for shooting at aircraft. More than a few years ago I had bullet holes in my aircraft, rang the police and CASA. Neither were interested in taking it further. I told them who it was and where it happened. No action. Shortly after I had a CASA audit, they spent hours looking for snags, they finally grounded the aircraft until a supposed crack was repaired on the exhaust stack. The header was checked with dye penetrant, no crack found. CASA have lost respect with GA