Greetings, everyone.
After reading this forum for years, I finally decided to join, mostly because I currently own 2 Mavic - branded drones and sometimes would like to join in certain discussions, not just read them. A self-introduction follows...
I consider myself an experienced RC builder, UAV pilot and photographer, and also an amateur programmer. I have been in RC hobby for 12 years, designing and building planes, cars, boats, walking and balancing robots, VTOLs, multirotors of all shapes, and even some unorthodox camera gimbals (including what I believe to be the very first 360 stabilized camera platform). For 7 years I had an aerial videography business with a partner, who was/is a professional videographer. I was in charge of "all things technical". Unfortunately, this kind of business sometimes requires a bit of recklessness from the pilot to get the needed shot. Very early, in 2012 I believe, I experienced a pretty bad flyaway of a 15-pound octo because of a rushed preflight check. Thankfully, no one was hurt except the drone. After this incident, I developed extra cautious approach to flying, and insisted on strictly obeying rules ever since, especially when piloting large drones (and all were large, the smallest of them the Inspire 2). This kind of attitude on my part was not conducive to our business, in the long run. So, despite the fact that I rebuilt the octo, flew it and many other drones afterwards and never had a single accident since, my "professional career", or at least a significant chapter of it, came to an end. (I still have my Part 107 license, though).
For a year since the business ended I thought I would never want to touch another drone in my life. Then Mavic Mini was announced. Suddenly I realized I wanted that thing. It would let me to enjoy piloting a drone again, like many years ago, without worrying of hurting someone badly or losing a ton of money in an accident. So I bought it and flew it for a week. Then I modified it quite extensively (I enjoy building even more than piloting). Old habits die hard, I guess. Now my Mini has carbon fiber arms, front LEDs, weighs 12 grams less than original, consistently flies for 30+ minutes and is much more wind-resistant. If there is interest, I will describe the mod in the appropriate section of the forum. Recently I got myself another Mavic, an Air 2, which is not yet modded, but will be more likely than not.
So, this is the portion of my background that I think might be relevant here. To conclude the self-intro, I will add that I live in East Northport NY, USA, am 49 years old, and that English is my second language.
After reading this forum for years, I finally decided to join, mostly because I currently own 2 Mavic - branded drones and sometimes would like to join in certain discussions, not just read them. A self-introduction follows...
I consider myself an experienced RC builder, UAV pilot and photographer, and also an amateur programmer. I have been in RC hobby for 12 years, designing and building planes, cars, boats, walking and balancing robots, VTOLs, multirotors of all shapes, and even some unorthodox camera gimbals (including what I believe to be the very first 360 stabilized camera platform). For 7 years I had an aerial videography business with a partner, who was/is a professional videographer. I was in charge of "all things technical". Unfortunately, this kind of business sometimes requires a bit of recklessness from the pilot to get the needed shot. Very early, in 2012 I believe, I experienced a pretty bad flyaway of a 15-pound octo because of a rushed preflight check. Thankfully, no one was hurt except the drone. After this incident, I developed extra cautious approach to flying, and insisted on strictly obeying rules ever since, especially when piloting large drones (and all were large, the smallest of them the Inspire 2). This kind of attitude on my part was not conducive to our business, in the long run. So, despite the fact that I rebuilt the octo, flew it and many other drones afterwards and never had a single accident since, my "professional career", or at least a significant chapter of it, came to an end. (I still have my Part 107 license, though).
For a year since the business ended I thought I would never want to touch another drone in my life. Then Mavic Mini was announced. Suddenly I realized I wanted that thing. It would let me to enjoy piloting a drone again, like many years ago, without worrying of hurting someone badly or losing a ton of money in an accident. So I bought it and flew it for a week. Then I modified it quite extensively (I enjoy building even more than piloting). Old habits die hard, I guess. Now my Mini has carbon fiber arms, front LEDs, weighs 12 grams less than original, consistently flies for 30+ minutes and is much more wind-resistant. If there is interest, I will describe the mod in the appropriate section of the forum. Recently I got myself another Mavic, an Air 2, which is not yet modded, but will be more likely than not.
So, this is the portion of my background that I think might be relevant here. To conclude the self-intro, I will add that I live in East Northport NY, USA, am 49 years old, and that English is my second language.
