Initial observations mini 4k

[sdtag]

So I got the mini 4k on Christmas. From everything I’ve seen on line I got the cheapo model for beginners but it sure flies great. It stops on a dime and spins on a needle. It feels like I am driving a Ferrari now compared to a mini van.

With my old Phantom the app would start recording video as soon as I started the motors. With DJI Fly I have to remember to do that myself and so far I am getting it wrong. Stopping recording when I think I’m starting and vice versa and taking pictures when I am trying to shoot video. Rotating down when I am trying to rotate the camera up. I think I just need more flight time to get used to it now.

On my old Phantom controller I added a yaw switch. It added resistance to the yaw circuit so when my switch was on I could yaw very slowly for good video pans. This new controller kind of feels like that is built in already. It seems like the yaw rate is a lot slower than the other controls. It almost feels dis-proportional but I’m sure I’ll get used to it. I tried all 3 modes. Just my initial observation/comparison.

The mini is a lot smaller and quieter than my Phantom and it flies farther so it’s easy to lose line of sight. I’m still a little nervous about going too far anyway. Old habits from the Phantom lol I don’t want to fly farther than I am willing to walk to retrieve a downed quad. I’ll work on that. It’s a state of mind.

So far the controls and video feed seem very stable. And so far I seem to be ok with my phone in the cradle. I assumed I would be getting a tablet and one of those holders, but so far so good with the cell phone.

I took it to my daughter’s house and it wouldn’t even start the motors because she lives next to a little regional airport. I had to ask for permission and received and entered a code then I was able to launch and fly. All from within the DJI Fly app. I thought that was pretty cool.

I think the mini records flight logs but I’m not sure where they are or how to get to them yet.

I realize that I got the beginner quad and I am coming from 10 years on the Phantom so I’m not exactly a beginner but I feel like I am learning a lot all over again. Plus, when the Phantom started acting up I started flying it less and less so I am pretty rusty now anyway. But mode 2 is mode 2. Right?

So any words of wisdom for me?

Am I on the right track?

Why do I feel like I am the only one here with a mini 4k?

I don’t even have a mod list gong yet and so far I don’t see the need. I don’t like prop guards and the landing gear things don’t appeal to me. Maybe some kind of firmware or software upgrade or hack to make a follow me mode available. I know I know if I wanted it to follow me then I should have gotten a mini 4 pro lol Or maybe one of those drop things…

So far I am having fun and have no regrets. I hope that doesn’t change

 

[rwilliam99]

There is a lot to learn - I've been flying my drones for about 4 years now and still feel like a beginner, but I've learned a LOT. My suggestion is to practice, practice, practice, practice - and learn the options in the software, what they do and how they work (like Return to Home - that is a biggie). Getting to know how your drone responds to stick inputs and building up muscle memory for flying is really important.

For your question about yaw rates, those are adjustable - you can change the rates to allow for smoother, less sensitive moves with the drone. There are a variety of pages and youtube videos but here is one:

Mastering Your DJI Drone: A Guide to Expo, Gain, and Yaw Controls

TImothy Brazzel on how to enhance cinematic expression.

www.thedroningcompany.com

The mini 4k is basically a mini 2SE (a VERY good drone) with an upgraded camera. It is a well proven drone that flies well - its biggest drawback is no obstacle avoidance, but since you shouldn't rely on OA, it really isn't that big of an issue.

Good luck and have fun!

 

[Droning on and on...]

Adding to the discussion about adjusting rates, the Phantom had a switch to change between Normal, Sport, and ATTI mode. Assuming you are familiar with these modes, it's the same with N/S modes, on the Mini 4K, but ATTI is no longer available, replaced with "Cinematc", which is an even gentler, slower mode with reduced control rates, drone speeds, and soft dampening for ending control movements.

The speeds, rates, etc. for all three C/N/S modes can be adjusted to your taste in the DJI Fly app, as well as stick expo curves. I find I prefer slower C values, so those get turned down, and I end up increasing N/S values.

 

[sdtag]

Oh man the adjustments are in the software! I don't have to hack up hardware anymore!
Like I said I know I got the cheapo beginner model but wow this is impressing me every time I fly.
Its amazing what 10 years of technology can do.
I'm just flying around the house right now. Getting used to it. I'll post a link if I do anything spectacular but I don't see that happening yet.
On my old Phantom controller that switch did GPS, Atti, and fail safe. I think I set it up that way if I remember correctly. I think there were options there. Its been a while...