Hello from the U.P.

[Cincigreg]

Welcome to the forum. We vacation in the UP every summer and I always bring my drone. I have flown in around Grand Marais & around big Manistique Lake

 

[PHZ]

Hi all;

Just joined the board this afternoon and looking forward to the hobby. I have been a licensed private pilot since 1992 and have flown radio controlled airplanes and helicopters in the past. (Boy, are the helicopters hard to fly....LOL). I am also a weather buff being a pilot and hold a general class amateur radio ticket as well as a weather website on the sig line.

Decided that I would like to check out the drone community and a lot of things have changed since the last radio controlled helicopter I flew about 15 years ago. After watching all of the videos on Youtube and checking out places like this I have a Mini 3 pro on order with the extended range batteries and other accessories and am looking forward to it. I do think for being a newby it would probably be wisdom to purchase the DJI extended care package which I will do when I register the drone.

Back in the day I also did technical director and director three camera shoots using the analog equipment back in the 1990's so this hobby encompasses everything that I like. You have the video camera aspect, radio, weather and of course flying.

One of the best things I like are the redundancies built into the drones to help you fly safely with the obstacle avoidance and that of course is a major concern when you are dealing with a piece of equipment that cost $1000 on up. I've crashed more than one RC airplane back in the day and that becomes quite expensive and cost a lot of money along the way to be good at it.

Anyway, glad to join the board and as noob's with anything tend to ask basic questions that have been asked and answered hundreds of times into tedium I am going to do a bit of lurking, reading and watching videos along the way and might have some questions with post production of videos and editing as things have come a long way since doing productions on videotape.

Doug

Doug:
Welcome to this fantastic realm. For some of us it is a hobby, for some a career, and for some both.
I love Marquette and try to get there as often as I can, about once every 4 years. I relly enjoy the Vierling.

I also fly RC and have loved photography since I was eight. Flying camera drones is the perfect nexus of our interests.
I believe you will love the Mavic 3 Pro. Send us some pics.
Best,
Phil

 

[PakNheat380]

Welcome to the forum from NW Montana. My favorite thing in the UP are the “smoked whitefish” shacks that stretch along the shore of Lake Michigan from the time you turn west off the Mackinac Bridge on to Highway 2. I happen to live just off Highway 2 between Kalispell & Libby MT.

 

[SparePartz]

Hi all;

Just joined the board this afternoon and looking forward to the hobby. I have been a licensed private pilot since 1992 and have flown radio controlled airplanes and helicopters in the past. (Boy, are the helicopters hard to fly....LOL). I am also a weather buff being a pilot and hold a general class amateur radio ticket as well as a weather website on the sig line.

Decided that I would like to check out the drone community and a lot of things have changed since the last radio controlled helicopter I flew about 15 years ago. After watching all of the videos on Youtube and checking out places like this I have a Mini 3 pro on order with the extended range batteries and other accessories and am looking forward to it. I do think for being a newby it would probably be wisdom to purchase the DJI extended care package which I will do when I register the drone.

Back in the day I also did technical director and director three camera shoots using the analog equipment back in the 1990's so this hobby encompasses everything that I like. You have the video camera aspect, radio, weather and of course flying.

One of the best things I like are the redundancies built into the drones to help you fly safely with the obstacle avoidance and that of course is a major concern when you are dealing with a piece of equipment that cost $1000 on up. I've crashed more than one RC airplane back in the day and that becomes quite expensive and cost a lot of money along the way to be good at it.

Anyway, glad to join the board and as noob's with anything tend to ask basic questions that have been asked and answered hundreds of times into tedium I am going to do a bit of lurking, reading and watching videos along the way and might have some questions with post production of videos and editing as things have come a long way since doing productions on videotape.

Doug

Welcome Doug from Texas USA (KD5FB)

 

[Hfcomms]

My favorite thing in the UP are the “smoked whitefish” shacks that stretch along the shore of Lake Michigan from the time you turn west off the Mackinac Bridge on to Highway 2.

Umm...the fudge and pastys too.

 

[Dale D]

Hi all;

Just joined the board this afternoon and looking forward to the hobby. I have been a licensed private pilot since 1992 and have flown radio controlled airplanes and helicopters in the past. (Boy, are the helicopters hard to fly....LOL). I am also a weather buff being a pilot and hold a general class amateur radio ticket as well as a weather website on the sig line.

Decided that I would like to check out the drone community and a lot of things have changed since the last radio controlled helicopter I flew about 15 years ago. After watching all of the videos on Youtube and checking out places like this I have a Mini 3 pro on order with the extended range batteries and other accessories and am looking forward to it. I do think for being a newby it would probably be wisdom to purchase the DJI extended care package which I will do when I register the drone.

Back in the day I also did technical director and director three camera shoots using the analog equipment back in the 1990's so this hobby encompasses everything that I like. You have the video camera aspect, radio, weather and of course flying.

One of the best things I like are the redundancies built into the drones to help you fly safely with the obstacle avoidance and that of course is a major concern when you are dealing with a piece of equipment that cost $1000 on up. I've crashed more than one RC airplane back in the day and that becomes quite expensive and cost a lot of money along the way to be good at it.

Anyway, glad to join the board and as noob's with anything tend to ask basic questions that have been asked and answered hundreds of times into tedium I am going to do a bit of lurking, reading and watching videos along the way and might have some questions with post production of videos and editing as things have come a long way since doing productions on videotape.

Doug

Welcome to our great group and I welcome your expertise!


Dale
Miami

 

[PakNheat380]

Umm...the fudge and pastys too.

 

[SpitFire]

Welcome to the forum Doug, from Chicago the Windy City.
FLY SAFE & FLY SMART

 

[LoudThunder]

Just joined the board this afternoon and looking forward to the hobby. I have been a licensed private pilot since 1992 and have flown radio controlled airplanes and helicopters in the past.

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

Even with all your other credential 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…) . If your Drone weighs less than 250-grams (0.55 pounds) and you are flying under The Exception for Recreational Flyers, you are not required to register your Drone.

When I first started flying I registered my Mini 2 because the TRUST Certificate and FAA Registration established me as a "certified" Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Pilot.

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.faa.gov

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

Online Ground School: Aviation Classes - Pilot Institute

Pilot Institute offers courses on drones and airplanes from world-class experts. Pass the Part 107 or Private Pilot exam and take to the skies.

pilotinstitute.com

Since you live in the UP of Michigan, 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.

Drone Laws and Best Places to Fly in Every US State - Pilot Institute

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 kitten or puppy 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, 4-5 feet (1-1/2 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 3 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 3 Pro - Download Center - DJI

Learn and download DJI Mini 3 Pro related apps, software, and manuals at the DJI Download Center

www.dji.com

Fly On and Fly Safe…

 

[kalimah]

Hi all;

Just joined the board this afternoon and looking forward to the hobby. I have been a licensed private pilot since 1992 and have flown radio controlled airplanes and helicopters in the past. (Boy, are the helicopters hard to fly....LOL). I am also a weather buff being a pilot and hold a general class amateur radio ticket as well as a weather website on the sig line.

Decided that I would like to check out the drone community and a lot of things have changed since the last radio controlled helicopter I flew about 15 years ago. After watching all of the videos on Youtube and checking out places like this I have a Mini 3 pro on order with the extended range batteries and other accessories and am looking forward to it. I do think for being a newby it would probably be wisdom to purchase the DJI extended care package which I will do when I register the drone.

Back in the day I also did technical director and director three camera shoots using the analog equipment back in the 1990's so this hobby encompasses everything that I like. You have the video camera aspect, radio, weather and of course flying.

One of the best things I like are the redundancies built into the drones to help you fly safely with the obstacle avoidance and that of course is a major concern when you are dealing with a piece of equipment that cost $1000 on up. I've crashed more than one RC airplane back in the day and that becomes quite expensive and cost a lot of money along the way to be good at it.

Anyway, glad to join the board and as noob's with anything tend to ask basic questions that have been asked and answered hundreds of times into tedium I am going to do a bit of lurking, reading and watching videos along the way and might have some questions with post production of videos and editing as things have come a long way since doing productions on videotape.

Doug

Welcome from the L.P.

 

[Hfcomms]

I'm learning more about patience as I'm getting older. Was expecting the drone kit this past Thursday and sure enough it arrived at the work location. Went to work and the box was pretty light and beaten up and looked like it had been opened. Sure enough the drone and RC controller were missing along with the extended range kit. All the thief left me with was the landing pad, bag and an SD card.

Fortunately I found the UPS driver in town and he took it back right away and filed the report of damaged or missing goods. It would of been a bigger problem if I had to rectify it later as I had someone at work sign for it as the whole kit and extras was about $1500.

I bought it from the DJI store on Amazon and they get back to me early yesterday morning and shipped out another package which will arrive on Monday. If everything comes to pass as promised that is fantastic customer service but the original kit weighed 7lb and the tracking information on this one shows that although a signature is required it only has a logged weight of 1lb. In addition this package originated from a UPS distribution center in Illinois instead of the storefront in New Jersey so I'll have to wait and see what I've got on Monday.

When I caught up with the UPS driver he said this is actually a fairly common occurrence. But, if a theft occurs in transit then it seems like it would be a UPS employee or contractor? Not too concerned about it as I can always get a refund through the credit card for fraud but this Amazon Storefront does a lot of business so I think they will take care of it o.k.

I usually don't leave reviews on Amazon but if they come through like they said I certainly will leaving a glowing review for them.

Patience is a virtue possess it if you can. Seldom found in women and almost never found in men.

LOL!!!!

 

[Xitor]

Welcome from a former Michigander living in the Dallas area. I envy the nature shots you'll be able to get in the UP!

 

[Hfcomms]

Assuming I get the drone....heh!

 

[careless]

Welcome from Kentucky USA

 

[Laborous]

Welcome to the forum from the beautiful woods of Maine!

 

[Hfcomms]

Got the drone kit for that I am thankful. I did the updates and a very short test flight. Only complaint so far is why in the world doesn't DJI include their 30 watt USB charger when you are spending close to 1K? That and the USB-C to USB-C cables are a mite short but there are work arounds for that. Also got the Fly More battery kit and charger and again just the USB-C cables and no wall wart.

You would think..........

 

[Hfcomms]

Pretty amazing little device. I did the Trust training and registered the drone so cleared to fly officially. Was sunny early this morning but a bit gusty and we're still deep in winter up here but after taking off and hovering around for awhile I went up a few hundred feet above the trees and got about 10 minutes of footage and I have to say it's pretty incredible since the last RC I flew was a helicopter many years ago and flying that was like walking on marbles.

These little drones are so intuitive and pretty darn stable considering how little they weigh. Tested out the RTH feature and she came right back and darn near dropped down into her own footprint. Now I have to figure out how to get the screen capture from the RC back over to the computer. I run Mac's and the usb-c cable to usb-c isn't letting me into the internal SD card on the controller so back to the books.

 

[kalimah]

Pretty amazing little device. I did the Trust training and registered the drone so cleared to fly officially. Was sunny early this morning but a bit gusty and we're still deep in winter up here but after taking off and hovering around for awhile I went up a few hundred feet above the trees and got about 10 minutes of footage and I have to say it's pretty incredible since the last RC I flew was a helicopter many years ago and flying that was like walking on marbles.

These little drones are so intuitive and pretty darn stable considering how little they weigh. Tested out the RTH feature and she came right back and darn near dropped down into her own footprint. Now I have to figure out how to get the screen capture from the RC back over to the computer. I run Mac's and the usb-c cable to usb-c isn't letting me into the internal SD card on the controller so back to the books.

I put the sd card in a card reader to transfer footage to my MacBook. Real smooth transfer.