A question for pilots that use prop guards

[bdooley]

This question is for pilots that actually use prop guards. If you don’t use them or feel they shouldn’t be used, please move along without commenting.

I fly a Mini 4 Pro and would like to get some prop guards to be 107 compliant for flying near people. Also for times when wires or trees (without leaves) are nearby.

I have read that the prop guards may cause problems with the obstacle avoidance system. My question is how much of a problem is this since the prop guards help minimize the chances of damaging your drone if you run into something?

I am aware that there are some downsides to using them like added weight, drag, shorter flight times and the time to install and remove them - I can deal with that. But are there any other downsides that you have experienced in using prop guards?

I have also seen where people have painted them bright colors for added visibility. What color would be best? I understand that they added visibility has the downside of bringing out the Karen’s. Has anyone experienced that?

TIA for your input!

 

[msinger]

I fly a Mini 4 Pro and would like to get some prop guards to be 107 compliant for flying near people

In that case, you'll probably want to choose a different drone for operating near people. The DJI Store notes their prop guards should not be used with the Battery Plus as the extra weight will overload the drone's capacity. And as you probably know, Remote ID is only enabled when using the Battery Plus.

 

[MARK (LI)]

The prop guards are actually intended to protect people in the event of a mishap.....Although there may be a bit of protection to the props...it really is not much....if you get close enough to a branch that is not detected by OA, it will likely penetrate the sphere of protection of the guard, hit a prop and cause the drone to fall....as far as painting them, I would try a neon yellow, green or orange...they do make it a bit easier to keep the drone in sight, as it does increase its silhouette ...as far as attracting nuisance people, I find that the sound of the drone is what catches people's attention more than seeing it in the sky

 

[bdooley]

In that case, you'll probably want to choose a different drone for operating near people. The DJI Store notes their prop guards should not be used with the Battery Plus as the extra weight will overload the drone's capacity. And as you probably know, Remote ID is only enabled when using the Battery Plus.

I had forgotten the part about the fact that DJI had mentioned that the guards should not be used with the Battery Plus. Thanks for reminding me because all 3 of my batteries are B+!

And no, I was not aware that Remote ID is only enabled with the Battery Plus so thanks for letting me know!

I was really not planning to invest in another drone but maybe I should consider getting a Neo since they are relatively inexpensive. If it is or will eventually be compatible with my RC2 controller I might consider that.

 

[msinger]

If it is or will eventually be compatible with my RC2 controller I might consider that

Per the RC 2 specs, the RC 2 is compatible with the Neo. However, the Neo does not have Remote ID built in.

 

[MARK (LI)]

Does the Neo have RID?

 

[msinger]

Does the Neo have RID?

No

 

[Chrislaf]

The NEO is also much louder than the Mini 4 so if you are concerned about flying near people and bothering them or Karen’s then it may not be the best drone for your purposes.

Chris