Got my Mini 3 yesterday for it's low-light capability. Sent it up at night (while recording) and when it returned to home, I couldn't see it because no status lights were on and had to sweat the GPS landing in a tight spot. (very nerve-wracking). Called DJI and explained and they said return it for a new one. But I found out the lights turn off when you record. Called DJI tech again and they did confirm this but I had already sent back the drone, apparently for no reason. Replacement coming Friday. Live and learn!
I didn't know this!
- Thread starter davedrone 178
- Start date
The pity of it is that there is, as far as I know, no option to control the LED on/off when recording behaviour.
In the Go and Go4 App there is an option. ...... Another 'improvement' of the fly app.
It is very sad that a DJI rep did not know of that feature.
In the Go and Go4 App there is an option. ...... Another 'improvement' of the fly app.
It is very sad that a DJI rep did not know of that feature.
vindibona1
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Dave...
It is obvious that you are new to this whole thing so I'll be gentle. Drones flying at night MUST be equipped with appropriate anti-collision lights that are visible up to a distance of three statute miles. Had you mounted one or more strobes on your drone you would not have had the issue of lack of visibility that you described. The status lights would not be powerful enough to qualify for the anti-collsion requirement. There are several threads on the forum that go into depth regarding the best strobes for this purpose.
Here is a link that you should begin with that will lead you to other information. The TRUST "test" is now mandatory for both all drone pilots and contains the basic/vital information that everyone. FAA link
I am new so thanx for being gentle! I'll check out the info you referenced before I get my replacement. Thank you!
We keep learning all the time Dave, and welcome to the forum. It is important that you learn as much as you can as per vidibona1 comments.
Regards
Regards
DJ Wes
Well-Known Member
You must be new here too. The rule you quote is not applicable to recreational flights. You are quoting a Part 107 rule.
globetrotterdrone
Well-Known Member
As far as I read and interpret the new scheme ALL flyers beyond daylight operation need to have anti collision lights, 107 need some further things :
Can I Fly My Drone At Night: Pilotinstitute.com
Both Part 107-licensed and recreational drone pilots can now fly their drones at night without having to apply for a waiver.
pilotinstitute.com
I even would say, it's so obvious with the general rule that you are always obliged to not operate your drone in a dangerous manner. A light is highly in the interest of the pilot.
Dave, welcome to the site, and welcome to droning. I got my first drone a little over a year ago and it has been great. Sure I still get anxious when it's more than 20 feet from me, but it has taken me places and I have seen our world from vantage points I never would have attained. Take the TRUST test, buy a strobe, charge the batteries, obey the laws, and have fun.
Ps. I find the strobe is even helpful during the day to help me maintain VLOS (visual line of sight). Enjoy!
Ps. I find the strobe is even helpful during the day to help me maintain VLOS (visual line of sight). Enjoy!
I haven't read the entire thread but the reason for having the lights off while night recording is simply to prevent the lights from streaking lighting into your images. No reason to complain about that!
If you still need the light I'd suggest a strobe attached as far away from the lens as possible
Dale
vindibona1
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The recreational pilots have always been able to fly at night (with the required anti-collision lights). The Part 107 pilots used to have to apply for a nigh waiver. Illogical and backwards, but now fixed.
Night flight rules
I think it's best to know what you're talking about before insulting people. Either way, insults are not appreciated.
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maggior
Well-Known Member
It's is really aggravating when DJI reps know less about the product they are supporting than the community. I had calibration issues with my brand new Smart Controller. Despite a ton of research I didn't find any answers until JUST after I sent it in for repair. Then the replacement I was sent had a screen that was lifting in the corner. All good now thankfully.
Regarding flying at night...a good strobe will be very helpful. Even if the lights stayed on, they likely wouldn't have been as helpful as a strobe would be.
It's a good idea to only fly in areas you are familiar at night because of the limited visibility.
Regarding flying at night...a good strobe will be very helpful. Even if the lights stayed on, they likely wouldn't have been as helpful as a strobe would be.
It's a good idea to only fly in areas you are familiar at night because of the limited visibility.
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vindibona1
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Again, at night a good strobe is required. I use strobes day and night. During the day a strobe can take your visibility of your drone from approx 400' to about 1600', depending on your eyesight and how bright the day is.
maggior
Well-Known Member
It was very good! I compared it to an Autel EVO lite+ that I just did some night shots with. The Mini 3 was definitely the better image. Slightly brighter and much cleaner
Welcome to the forums! What's a shame is that it is not documented ANYWHERE in the manual.
Additionally, here is a great resource for both the new and experienced pilot operating here in the USA.
Happy flying!
New England Droning
Well-Known Member
check the firehouse arc 5 or others they have. The arc 5 for an on-top light is perfect and I have some of the smaller ones for lateral lights and I can see it out quite a distance. Also, there is one thing else... there are no landing lights on a mini 2 so I carry a strong but small flashlight and in the future, I may mount it to my controller so when I get close I can see the light from the drone and follow the light to a hover and then illuminate the landing zone and land the drone. Good luck!
I think it’s good to direct new users to the FAA. Unfortunately, FAA website information is often confusing. Add to that that they don’t date the entries, and it can be hard to figure out what’s going on. Consider the following 2 excerpts from the sites listed:
“TRUST is The Recreational UAS Safety Test. It provides education and testing for recreational flyers on important safety and regulatory information. If you fly your drone recreationally under the Exception for Recreational Flyers you must pass the test before you fly.”
So, it’s mandatory.
But if you read this (the link in the post I’m replying to), it seems optional.
“The Recreational UAS Safety Test or TRUST is available! Recreational flyers are encouraged to take and pass TRUST at their earliest opportunity and carry proof of passage when flying.”
Both links seem to be current information, but they both can’t be right.
I think that no matter how it is written down , the interpretation of the reader is the one the reader will go by, it seems that regulators world wide cause this problem , the word MUST is very rarely used. Cheers Len
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