Just exactly how good is the obstacle avoidance ?

[glocke12]

I have an area near my house that I can walk through that is wooded, with a trail that is probably 5-6 feet wide, that narrows down to about 3-5 feet wide in spots where branches or shrubbery encroaches on the trail. Overhead, Id say on average the vertical clearance ranges from maybe 8 feet upwards to 20 feet.

I've thought about using my mini 4 pro in AI tracking mode to follow me on a walk through this area, but I have not done so yet because Im not sure just how smart the obstacle avoidance is.

With the mini 4 pro do what I want it do in this area ?

 

[Felix le Chat]

O/A is a lot better than it was three years ago, but still nowhere near as good as the advertising videos claim it is.

There is only one way you'll find out, but the weight of available evidence and experience leans heavily towards you ending up playing hunt-the-drone in the shrubbery.

 

[BossBob]

Walk it first, checking that there are no leafless fine branches. Then fly it manually to check that you can fly the route. Then go for it. I was pleasantly surprised when my Mini 4 pro was able to follow me for over 100m along a woodland path coping with rise and fall of the path and intrusions by branches. I wouldn’t go off path with the drone as it will probably just confuse it. The most annoying part of it all was the constant row of the proximity alerts coming from the remote. That speaker is going to have to be attended to!

 

[AZAV8R]

Walk it first, checking that there are no leafless fine branches. Then fly it manually to check that you can fly the route. Then go for it. I was pleasantly surprised when my Mini 4 pro was able to follow me for over 100m along a woodland path coping with rise and fall of the path and intrusions by branches. I wouldn’t go off path with the drone as it will probably just confuse it. The most annoying part of it all was the constant row of the proximity alerts coming from the remote. That speaker is going to have to be attended to!

I agree about the proximity alerts; rather obnoxious. I just upgraded to the RC2 from the N2 and assumed that I can just turn the volume down. I haven't had the opportunity to test that theory. Are the proximity alerts adjusted by the master volume control?

 

[BossBob]

I’m using the RC N2. There is no means to adjust the volume of the built in speaker which sounds exactly like the speaker in a 1990’s hand held electronic game. If the warnings had been routed through the phone speaker I’d have some control.

 

[MS Coast]

I just upgraded to the RC2 from the N2 and assumed that I can just turn the volume down. I haven't had the opportunity to test that theory.

It's a fact, not a theory. Swipe down from the top of the screen to access the volume control and other settings.

 

[MS Coast]

Small branches, particularly those without leaves, are not detected well by the OA system. Almost all trees have them and most shrubs, too, with the exception of very dense shrubs like privet hedges and hollies.

For situations similar to what you describe, I use the Neo rather than risking one of the more expensive drones.

You might try having the drone track someone else walking the path while you follow with the control in hand and ready to take control if a problem occurs. Also, try shooting your video in smaller segments rather than a single long clip and avoid having to rely on the drone to navigate the tricky parts.

 

[AZAV8R]

It's a fact, not a theory. Swipe down from the top of the screen to access the volume control and other settings.

I know I can do that, but was wondering if it mutes critical alerts. I'll find out today!

 

[Chrislaf]

For situations similar to what you describe, I use the Neo rather than risking one of the more expensive drones.

I agree! For what you want to do, a drone like the NEO is better suited to the task. Although the NEO doesn't have any obstacle avoidance, it uses AI to follow the path you take along the trail. I find it to be excellent for this purpose. It also has completely enclosed props so if it hits something like a branch it usually just carries on tracking.

As an example, I was out for a walk yesterday along a bush trail similar to what you describe with no leaves on any of the trees yet. The NEO followed me perfectly and I could relax and enjoy the walk through nature. The NEO did hit a stray branch and it fluttered around a bit, re-acquired me and continued following with no problem. I could not do this with any of my other drones as I would have to constantly monitor the tracking. This is where a drone like the NEO shines.

Chris