Hello from Oregon

[Bad Santa]

I just bought a DJI Mini 4.
I was a little too excited to get it flying. Haste makes waste.
Just got back from bothering the neighbors to let them know I'll be digging around in their tree tomorrow trying to get my drone down from a height of about 35 feet.
It was the maiden flight.
I learned a lot tonight.

 

[Lykus]

Welcome to the forum! Enjoy flying. If you don't have a case yet, check our MM410 case.

 

[MA2 317]

Hello from the Crossroads of America Bad Santa.

Welcome to the Forum.

 

[old man mavic]

welcome to the forum ,and your first encounter with the drones number one enemy "Trees"

 

[msinger]

Welcome to the forum @Bad Santa!

After flying many DJI consumer drones since 2016 (I own most all of them), here's what I recommend you do (at the minimum) to get started with your DJI drone:

• Skip buying a non-DJI practice drone and start with any of the DJI consumer drones (ideally the model you'll be flying most). While it's true DJI makes one of the most expensive consumer drones, you likely won't learn much about your DJI drones by flying drones made by other manufacturers. And then you'll be back to square one again when you finally decide to ditch the practice drone and start flying a DJI drone.
  
  
• Before attempting to fly, watch some videos on YouTube.com to learn more about your drone. Search for something like "Mini 2 Beginner's Guide" (replace "Mini 2" with your drone model).
  
  
• Read the DJI manual (available in the "Products" section of the DJI Download Center) from beginning to end (maybe a few times). You're certainly not going to remember everything, but it'll give you a good understanding of the available features and capabilities of your drone. And then you can go back to the manual or YouTube videos when you need to take a deeper dive into a specific topic.
  
  
• Before flying in the US, you must register your drone with the FAA (if it weighs 250 grams or more) and take the free online TRUST test (I like this one).
  
  
• When flying in the US, your drone must broadcast RID if it weighs 250 grams or more (or is registered with the FAA). Many DJI drones (especially the newer models) have that feature built into them. If you're ever flying a drone that does not broadcast RID (meaning it's not on this list), then you'll need to attach an external RID module like the Holy Stone or Ruko RID module.
  
  
• Don't power on your drone or take off when within about 20 feet of any magnetic metal objects (like your car or rebar in concrete sidewalks). See more on compass interference in this compass calibration guide.
  
  
• Before taking off, always review the drone settings in DJI Fly (or the app you're using) to ensure everything is set as expected. If you do plan on flying near any obstacles, ensure the RTH altitude is set properly in case your drone needs to automatically return back to the home point mid-flight.
  
  
• Never take off before DJI Fly (or the app you're using to fly) audibly mentions or shows the home point has been set. The drone will attempt to fly back to the home point location automatically if it loses connection with the remote controller, so it's crucial to ensure that location has been set prior to takeoff.
  
  
• DJI drones have a lot of awesome automated flight features. Use them with caution and never assume they are always going to function as expected (always be ready to take control if needed).
  
  
• Sensors are great and they can help prevent your drone from crashing into obstacles. They are not foolproof though. Never rely on them 100% or assume they are going to work perfectly in all flight conditions -- or react the same way when flying in similar conditions from past flights.
  
  
• Find a flat, wide open place to practice (free of people, trees, and all other obstacles). It's pretty hard to crash a DJI drone into the ground, so you'll likely have the best success if that's your only obstacle. Continue flying in this location (or similar locations) until you're able to control your drone without thinking about it (like riding a bike).
  
  
• Make sure you can easily see your drone at all times (required by law in most countries). After removing all nearby obstacles, nearly everyone who crashes/loses a drone is either not watching it with their eyes or cannot clearly see where it's located.
  
  
• The screen is chock-full of great information. Use it as a reference (sparingly) as you do when looking at your dashboard while driving a car. It's also a great tool for framing the perfect photo or getting your drone in just the right spot before hitting record. If you're mostly staring at the screen while flying, you'll probably have no idea where your drone is located.
  
  
• Don't fly in sport mode until you're comfortable controlling your drone. You don't want to get into a situation where you need to maneuver quickly and aren't quite sure which stick to move (another reason not to practice near obstacles).
  
  
• DJI batteries require special care that is unlike other batteries you commonly use. To prevent any damage to your DJI batteries, follow the tips in this DJI battery maintenance & storage guide.
  
  
• DJI drones record a lot of useful information in the TXT flights. The logs are helpful for things like troubleshooting issues you experienced during a flight, locating a lost drone, and many other things. The TXT files can be found on your phone/tablet or remote controller (if it has a screen). See these instructions for more details. And then you'll need a tool like my free online DJI log viewer or Flight Reader (keeps your flight logs offline) to decrypt and access/view the data within.

 

[Kendallfordguy]

Welcome from Wisconsin!

 

[RodPad]

@Bad Santa
Check out my location.

You already located a Mavic Magnet ()
You do know there is many in our area.
So soon, you have to be in the top 10.

I say I'm a professorial at finding these.
You going to have to beat my height record, 220' in a pine tree.

You are on the best forum!!

This is your introduction thread.
I will contact you via PM soon.

Rod ..

 

[PakNheat380]

Welcome to the forum from NW Montana

 

[Laborous]

Welcome to the forum from the beautiful woods of Maine!
Sounds like you learned that you need to practice in an open field(preferably) or a parking lt. As they say in baseball, keep your eye on the ball at all times. There’s lots of good videos on YouTube that take you from unboxing to you first flight and further. Fly safe and stay safe!

 

[Prop Wash]

From CA - @Bad Santa - Thanks for joining us @ MP!
Sorry to hear about your wayward landing. Been there, done that. Not fun. Hopefully, you'll be able to get it down safely. Also remember, if it looks like you're going to find yourself in a possible "situation," then get off the sticks. The done will stop where it is and hover, giving you a moment to collect your thoughts before resuming control.

 

[GFields]

Greetings from Birmingham Alabama USA, welcome to the forum! We look forward to hearing from you!

 

[AMann]

Welcome, you joined a very informative and supportive group of flyers! Sorry about your maiden flight, we all know the excitement you felt taking your bird outside for the first flight and hope for a safe recovery. Good luck and keep safe retrieving it!

A bit of humor for the first day out…

​

 

[SpitFire]

Greetings from Chicago the Windy City, welcome to the forum.
FLY SAFE & FLY SMART

 

[Bad Santa]

Thanks for all the welcomes and good advice.
For what I was trying to do, I wasn't prepared for the speed. It went further, faster, than I thought it would.
Was supposed to be a simple out and back. Using one stick.

Learned THAT lesson fast.

I'll update once I get the drone down from the tree. I really resonate with Charlie Brown. He's been like my spirit animal all my life. But I'm a MUCH better kite flyer.

 

[Bad Santa]

First update.

This will be an expensive lesson.

I can't see the drone in the tree. It's too dense to climb.
I have a few options.

1) Place a sign and wait for nature to bring it down, hoping it's not destroyed by the elements and whoever finds it is honest enough to return it.
2) Hire someone with a reach lift to retrieve it.
3) Write it off as a lesson learned, buy a replacement and new battery at a cost of almost $700

 

[LoudThunder]

It was the maiden flight.

Welcome from the Hampton Roads area of Virginia, USA. We have a Member's Map in the Upper Right of the Title Bar. Click on "Members" and then Click on "Member's Map…" Check it out and you might find some new flying friends.

Member Map

mavicpilots.com

I hope you bought the Care Refresh as there is a good chance that when your drone comes tumbling down, it will crash and possibly break something… If not, when you buy a replacement, buy the care refresh then…

Much of the information below has already been mentioned, but anyone who crashes their drone on its maiden flight, deserves to a few "wacks…" L o L . . .

As a New Drone Pilot, there are a couple of Legal Things you may need to do…

If you have not already done so, you will need to get your TRUST Certificate. You can get that at the Pilot Institute Web Site (FREE…). Your Drone weighs less than 250-grams (0.55 pounds), and while you are flying under The Exception for Recreational Flyers, you are not required to register your Drone.

Link to the TRUST Certificate at the Pilot Institute Web Site (FREE…)

FAA TRUST Online Portal for Recreational Drone Operators - Pilot Institute

Get your FAA TRUST Certificate of Completion to legally fly drones for recreational reasons in the United States.

trust.pilotinstitute.com

Link to the FAADroneZone (Optional Registration for Drones under 250-Grams…)

FAADroneZone

faadronezone-access.faa.gov

If you are considering acquiring your Part 107 License, here is a link to get you going…

Drone Courses - Free and Paid Drone Pilot Training

30+ free and paid classes to fly your drone. Pass your FAA Part 107 license exam, learn how to fly your drone, and more.

pilotinstitute.com

Since you live in Oregon, there are specific laws and rules for you to follow, please check the link below for all the Rules and Laws that are in effect in your neck of the woods and it also links you to some of the Best Places to Fly in your area… Also, if you travel on vacation, visit friends, and relatives in other parts of the country, check back here so you do not run afoul of the law.

Federal Drone Laws in the United States (FAA) - Pilot Institute

44809 is an exemption from Part 107 drone laws. This means that drone pilots fly under Part 107 drone rules by default unless they meet all 9 of the requirements to fly under 44809, the exception for limited recreational operations of unmanned aircraft. You can read more about these requirements...

pilotinstitute.com

Even if you have flown Drones before, here is some Good Old Fashion Advice…

You paid a lot of money for that Drone, put your phone number on it. If your drone gets lost or stuck in a tree and it finally comes down when you are not around, give the finders an opportunity to contact you so it can be returned.

Now, for the Fun Part, But do not let the excitement of the moment get the best of you. When you are going out to fly, do it slowly and deliberately. Get used to a set procedure and even practice it.

There are so many things I could write but these are the highlights that I feel need mentioning.

Plug in your phone/tablet into your controller; turn on the Controller and DJI Fly App (if it does not start on its own…). On the Drone, open the front legs, then open the back legs, then remove the Gimbal Cover.

The Gimbal is the most delicate item on the Drone and banging or bumping can damage it. I also fastened a short "Remove Before Flight" ribbon to the cover so it's more noticeable and I do not forget to remove it…

Turn on the drone and watch it come to "life." Watching the Gimbal go through its self-check is almost like watching a puppy or kitten opening its eyes for the first time…

Place the drone down (preferably on a Landing Pad) while it finishes its self-test (collecting satellites, etc…).

Check your battery status (Phone, Drone, and Controller), check the Signal Strength, by now the Controller should have reported it updated the Home Point.

Lift off, 6- feet (2-meters) or so, hover a bit, check the controls (move the drone a bit forward, back, left, right, yaw left and right). By now, your Controller will probably report again, Home point Updated.

If you go out in a rush and race thru your start up and take off before the drone has finished it prep, it may update its Home Point over that pond or that old tree you are flying over and in your excitement, you'll fly the drone long past it Low Battery point and when it engages Return to Home and lands in the pond or in a tree; it will be all on you…

Now go have fun, learn to fly the drone by sight before you try to fly it out a distance depending on the video feed, FPV.

I would also advise you to use YouTube and watch a lot of the Videos on flying and setting up the Drone. When it is too dark, too cold, or too wet, you can "fly it vicariously" through YouTube. Also watch some of the Blooper Drone Videos and learn how not to fly your "New Baby."

Below is the link to all of the downloads offered by DJI for the Mini 4 Pro, including the User Manual.

After you read the Manual, read it again, you will be surprised what you missed the first time and you will be better prepared for that first "scary moment…"

DJI Mini 4 Pro - Download Center - DJI

Learn and download DJI Mini 4 Pro related apps, software, and manuals at the DJI Download Center

www.dji.com

Fly On and Fly Safe…

 

[RodPad]

Since, you haven't got it.

Here comes my questions.
#1 you know its in that tree?
#2 you stated 35'?
#3 how tall is this tree?
#4 what type of tree is this?

A lot of members will post a picture of the tree.
Then many ideas, get posted

I will skip sending you PM for now.

Rod ..

 

[Bad Santa]

OK, so here's the location of the drone.
This picture was taken from in front of my house, 2 blocks away.
I guesstimated the height of the drone based on the height of the house next to it.
It's in the evergreen behind the deciduous tree. The ONLY reason I know it's there is because, from a single spot, in the backyard of that house, you could see it flashing. Other than that there's no angle to see it from the ground. I was using binoculars to try.

The resident of the house was very concerned that I didn't touch the fence (they're immigrant renters so I'm sure they're on edge).
Luckily there's a neighborhood mailbox under the tree so I'm going to put a "Lost" sign there in case it comes out on it's own and someone finds it before I can get the tree guys there to retrieve it.

I am assuming it's going to cost less for a professional to retrieve it than it will to replace, or repair it if it hits the ground.

I may not respond to all the messages and advice but I am reading it all and taking it in.

I did watch hours and hours of how to, and caution, videos before committing to the purchase. I just missed the part of not having obstacle avoidance in the dark.

Yes, I know I shouldn't have done my maiden flight in the dark. LOL. It was supposed to be a straight out and back and almost was except for being a half second late on the back. I really didn't think I had gone that far.

I'll learn.

FWIW, my son has already lectured me on the FAA stuff. He's quite knowledgeable on the subject. A little too knowledgeable sometimes. It's his job.

 

[RodPad]

The circle, you thing that is where it is?
All these new models, Is it white or black?
That also looks like a Spruce tree?

Judging the fence which normally is 6', when i noticed the top of the house, I was at 24'. two story house like that, must be at-least 40' ?
Somebody might correct me on that.

Addition, if it is still flashing, and if you can connect to it, you maybe get the correct height.
You might be able to start the props?

Ignore any negative stuff.
The ones that offers help, they are the ones that care.

What really sucks, you are not allowed on the property?

Rod ..

 

[rwilliam99]

...just missed the part of not having obstacle avoidance in the dark.

The other thing about obstacle avoidance - which you sort of learned - it isn't perfect - IMO you should never rely on it to keep you out of trouble. At best it is a safety net that might keep you out of trouble if you are lucky.

Looks like you are in my neck of the woods..... I too lost my first drone on it first real flight, so I can completely understand what you are going thru - I got my first drone for Christmas, took it up in the backyard, played with it and then took it on a hike with me and lost it in the first 10 seconds of its first real flight in the woods - I look back at how stupid I was, but it was a learning lesson. Hope you get the drone back unharmed.