McGanksta's Master Thread

McGanksta · Sep 28, 2021

So, I tend to get started on something, then ask a ton of questions about random aspects of the topic-at-large.
In the past I have consolidated most of my what amounts to thinking out loud and brainstorming into 1 thread. It has worked well in the Cigar and Homebrewing forums I am involved in, so I thought I would give it a go here as well.

The first topic is my flight book.
On my first adventure out, while I might not have done anything wrong, I could have done it a lot better. I am a creature of habit, and have not developed any for flying, to fix that I am making a flight book. It will consist of a Mission/flight check list, break down of the settings I am currently using across the app, procedures for getting the video/photo settings adjusted, and a list of "basic" shots to help me improve my video collection. The goal within 2 years is to be part 107 and have a side hustle going for all my real estate friends, so having a defined "shoot" will be helpful.

Part 1 is the Mission/Flight check list. The first draft is attached below, please look it over and help me refine it. It is sorta Mini 2 specific, just a tad, anyway.

Thanks in advance

McG

BenCat · Sep 29, 2021

Gday, looks good mate, I am a bit of a nerd and find it easier to have smooth workflow through my documents, and to that end I have recreated your PDF in to a table based on with a couple of minor changes (added PIC - Pilot in Command, date, time and location).

I can't upload MS Word documents, so just change the file extension of the one that says to (change it to .docx from .pdf).

Cheers, Ben.

McGanksta · Sep 29, 2021

BenCat said:
Gday, looks good mate, I am a bit of a nerd and find it easier to have smooth workflow through my documents, and to that end I have recreated your PDF in to a table based on with a couple of minor changes (added PIC - Pilot in Command, date, time and location).

I can't upload MS Word documents, so just change the file extension of the one that says to (change it to .docx from .pdf).

Cheers, Ben.

Thanks,
I will work some of the ideas into my work flow. The list I posted above is just a shell, so i could share it and get feedback just like you provided.

The final will be reformatted and printed on 5.5 x 8.5 card stock and put in a mini-binder.I am working on a few other aspects of this project such as a fillable flight log ( like many of the excel ones found on the web), a cover page that has all my FAA info, the "master" shot list for outdoor missions and one for Real Estate missions, a cheat sheet for my preferred settings, also a check list for checking exposure.

I am sure the more I fly, the more of this will become automatic and second nature, but until then...the Army in me says have a plan

Thanks again for all the help!

McG

McGanksta · Sep 30, 2021

Got out today for about 30 min, wanted to try stick mode 3, while I still have a lot to learn and master, mode 3 did feel better to my console gamer brain.

Was flying over some construction near a park that is being built in my neighborhood, and got a few "hey! check that out!" and that perked up my attitude in a good way.

Found out that the trees around me are not as tall as I estimated, but the big take away is that even though it was overcast my iPhone XR just not bright enough, I do have sun shade, but didn't use it today.

Got to keep working on my flight book this week.

McG

BenCat · Oct 1, 2021

Going old school gamer style, I like it!

McGanksta · Oct 1, 2021

My brain is wired that way I guess

McGanksta · Oct 4, 2021

Ok, new question, working on the video set up section of the flight book. So I have an idea of hoe to select the correct ND filter if needed, and I have a decent idea on how to set the white balance, or at least let the Mini2 do it then lock it in.

What I am not sure of is if I am using a ND filter to I set white balance before or after selecting the filter?

Thanks in advance
McG

RandyV · Oct 10, 2021

McGanksta said:
So, I tend to get started on something, then ask a ton of questions about random aspects of the topic-at-large.
In the past I have consolidated most of my what amounts to thinking out loud and brainstorming into 1 thread. It has worked well in the Cigar and Homebrewing forums I am involved in, so I thought I would give it a go here as well.

The first topic is my flight book.
On my first adventure out, while I might not have done anything wrong, I could have done it a lot better. I am a creature of habit, and have not developed any for flying, to fix that I am making a flight book. It will consist of a Mission/flight check list, break down of the settings I am currently using across the app, procedures for getting the video/photo settings adjusted, and a list of "basic" shots to help me improve my video collection. The goal within 2 years is to be part 107 and have a side hustle going for all my real estate friends, so having a defined "shoot" will be helpful.

Part 1 is the Mission/Flight check list. The first draft is attached below, please look it over and help me refine it. It is sorta Mini 2 specific, just a tad, anyway.

Thanks in advance

McG

McGanksta said:
Ok, new question, working on the video set up section of the flight book. So I have an idea of hoe to select the correct ND filter if needed, and I have a decent idea on how to set the white balance, or at least let the Mini2 do it then lock it in.

What I am not sure of is if I am using a ND filter to I set white balance before or after selecting the filter?

Thanks in advance
McG

Holy crap! I read your checklist and got a migraine. It's a good one, don't get me wrong. Everything there is legit. I guess I'd better make a copy and use it in the future.
I'm a nooB 2 and I don't want to make any costly or stupid mistakes.
You ask good questions and you're in the right place.
We both share the same goal.
RandyV

McGanksta · Oct 10, 2021

RandyV said:
Holy crap! I read your checklist and got a migraine. It's a good one, don't get me wrong. Everything there is legit. I guess I'd better make a copy and use it in the future.
I'm a nooB 2 and I don't want to make any costly or stupid mistakes.
You ask good questions and you're in the right place.
We both share the same goal.
RandyV

When the "book" is complete I will post it for use and critique

McGanksta · Oct 20, 2021

Well a week in Cancun sure was a lot of fun.

Attached is the first part of the flight book I am working on. It covers preflight / post flight and the basic settings to ensure I don't shoot some footage in 1080 and some in 4K and should help my footage be more consistent.

Feedback is always welcome!

McG

McGanksta · Oct 21, 2021

I think I got my youtube channel sorted...just need some videos now

RandyV · Oct 22, 2021

McGanksta said:
Well a week in Cancun sure was a lot of fun.

Attached is the first part of the flight book I am working on. It covers preflight / post flight and the basic settings to ensure I don't shoot some footage in 1080 and some in 4K and should help my footage be more consistent.

Feedback is always welcome!

McGView attachment 136873 View attachment 136872

Learning as I go. Your list is encouraging, informative and I'll be following as I spread my wings...uh... props.
Excell spreadsheet here I come.
Thx.

McGanksta · Oct 22, 2021

RandyV said:
Learning as I go. Your list is encouraging, informative and I'll be following as I spread my wings...uh... props.
Excell spreadsheet here I come.
Thx.

These are made in PowerPoint, if you want I can send you the file

RandyV · Oct 23, 2021

RandyV said:
Learning as I go. Your list is encouraging, informative and I'll be following as I spread my wings...uh... props.
Excell spreadsheet here I come.
Thx.

Mc: A while back you said you could send me a link to your Excel preflight check list.
I forgot to request it. (All check lists you have access to.) Could you send it to;
[email protected]? Thanks.

McGanksta · Oct 23, 2021

RandyV said:
Mc: A while back you said you could send me a link to your Excel preflight check list.
I forgot to request it. (All check lists you have access to.) Could you send it to;
[email protected]? Thanks.

as soon as I get home

McGanksta · Oct 23, 2021

RandyV said:
Mc: A while back you said you could send me a link to your Excel preflight check list.
I forgot to request it. (All check lists you have access to.) Could you send it to;
[email protected]? Thanks.

Sent

RandyV · Oct 27, 2021

McGanksta said:
These are made in PowerPoint, if you want I can send you the file

Somebody sent me a very detailed one. 6 pages. Excellent. Uh, please send yours and I'll compare... or it might be yours. Dunno!

TRogan42 · Nov 1, 2021

McGanksta · Feb 28, 2023

Ok, going to bring back this thread, and use it to keep stuff updated.

I need to break out the Flight book, and update it, and add some simple test maneuvers as part of my warmup for now.
I am/have been looking for some little cards or graphics that show the stick inputs to perform different moves, I might have to make them myself...

Ordered some MAS Stealth props for the Mini2, to help with the lack of air at my native elevation. Also thinking that I may have to remove the skin, even though it only weights a few grams.

McGanksta · Mar 6, 2023

My new props arrived, but I can't find my spare DJI props or the screwdriver...so new screwdriver set will be here tomorrow. It has been super windy the last few days, so I am not missing any flying time.
There is a lot of information in the book pages in the post above, I need to put in some simple settings for auto mode for taking video.....