Might i address a few things PabloP? (From an RC enthusiast)...this also for other newbs to RC aerial platforms... (WARNING!: Lengthy response/Advice Follows)
Please be advised i am only offering advice in a bid for continued safety & fun, not berating or judging you personally.. :8
You wrote;..."
I felt reasonably confident so then did a couple of flights at a yacht club event, but guess what, forgot to push the record button."
A. That you are still unfamiliar with particular operations, reveals you should not be flying around events/places or over people/vehicles (i am led to believe this also covers watercraft) etc....remember, your 'slip' of just one function based on 'unfamiliarity' can result in injury to persons or property, of which you are liable for. Please check out the CASA site or
www.maaa.asn.au/ for the latest Aerial Regulations relating to 'model Aircraft' for your own protection in what/where/ & how you go about using your new model.
You have even said as much per;.."Oh well more practice needed...". It might be an idea to get that down first, away from folks and events, before rushing to capture "that" great pic... :8
Followed by;.."
Glare on the phone screen is also a pain in the butt, so try and stand in the shade, else have to watch the drone".
A. ALL....responsible 'pilots' are aware at ALL times what attitude their aircraft is...and the 'hobby' Association Guidelines recommend pilots to have "eyes ON" their craft at all times. This is interpreted as the craft being within viewing distance with un-aided eyesight (corrective lens accepted).
Alternatively, you can set up FPV, and always have a "spotter" with you for peripheral vision around you aircraft for safety reasons. Also gives you the 'in the cockpit' feel.
Then,...."
It is surprising how quickly the time gets away from you as you fly this amazing drone. Get an extra battery or 2 (I have 3)."
A. There are Tx's that allow you to set "Timers" which, with a little 'testing' you can find the right 'flight' time (allowing for 'return/land') and set an ALARM. Even without an alarm, you can put some time in to working out each battery & flight condition parameters to get the best performance. Correct use & CARE will extend the battery life, and 'less' the need for many batteries on hand imo. Remember, low/med forward flight will use less energy than hovering/taking stills.
For this;..."
The drone is very quiet and doesn't seem to cause concerns to stock and wildlife"..
A. I will trust that you kept at least a 30Mt buffer and weren't flying "over" the animals???
Not being the 'fun police', rather the "continued fun - Police"
...i wish to help you avoid doing the things that can/will put an end to your "fun"...
Worried about this;..."
- If wanting to pan (for a video/camera shot), do it using the console screen, not while watching the drone."...
A. Again, i will 'trust' you also had a spotter with you...if you think i am being stringent, maybe time on y-tube watching what, and how quick, things 'can' go horribly wrong....PLEASE...make sure your 1st RTH test is done as safe as you can, and be sure your FAILSAFE kill-switch is working. Fly-aways can do un-foretold damage...you might get lucky, you might not.
With This;.."
The vertical and horizontal speed is very impressive."
Q. Can you tell how high you flew it? For those unaware, all "model RC aircraft" have a 400' CEILING. Community FYI.
I understand this is all a new, fun, exciting, and creative hobby, and as a participant myself with both Multi's & Heli's, i just wish to continue to be able to enjoy it, and am adverse to seeing folks doing the very things that may get it taken away from me.....like prospectors leaving open holes all over the place....both for the same reasons eh?.
Should you have been following the guidelines, then please accept my apology for being 'presumptuous' , and consider the above as a Community Announcement. :lol:
I do wish you all the best, and look forward to seeing your progress... 8)
Hope i didn't offend anyone with my bluntness... :8
Gypsy
