Non-Mavic question

[OldSouthDuffer]

I am using an inexpensive JJRC H8D quad copter as my basic trainer. I have one I have had for a little while and have a new one. It drifts forward even though I have controller trimmed as far back as possible. Besides moving the CG back with ballast of some variety, are there other techniques to correct this?

I am purchasing my DJI soon but wanted to make my learning goofs on something cheap.

Any help would be appreciated.

Scott

 

[Brockrock]

If you have not already, where you want to post this question for a broader audience is the Drone Racing Pilot's forum - Drone Racing FPV Forum
I hope someone can help you out.

 

[OldSouthDuffer]

If you have not already, where you want to post this question for a broader audience is the Drone Racing Pilot's forum - Drone Racing FPV Forum
I hope someone can help you out.

I have not, thank you very much, for the recommendation.

 

[Cymruflyer]

If you are doing fine flying something small that drifts like that, you will have NO trouble flying a Mavic, Mavic 2 etc. It will be a breeze to fly, compared to what you are flying right now.

 

[Mavic Air Head]

I did the same thing when I started drone flying, and while I did gain some value in terms of skills and experience, in hind sight I would just take the DJI plunge. My first low cost drone demonstrated the thrills of a flyaway into the top of a 95' Lombardi Poplar where I can enjoy it each day with a pair of binoculars. The DJI products I've used are so much more precise, versatile and reliable, but they come with an extensive learning curve. That doesn't mean flying is intimidating, it's just that you can do so much with DJI birds as you learn what is possible. I would invest my time in learning what is possible and forego unlearning flying in constant fear that your cheap drone builds in you, and the video/photo capability of cheap drones won't really help if you want to seriously get into recreational or commercial video/photos. It looks like the price point of the new Mini makes it a great avenue to build skills and experience with a versatile aircraft without breaking the bank- may be a consideration. Of course a Spark can be had pretty reasonably too. I understand your logic since I did the same thing, just some thoughts.

 

[BigAl07]

I think it's an excellent idea to learn to fly on a Non-DJI (actually non GPS to be more specific) aircraft. The reason is because this actually teaches you how to fly the aircraft in "manual" modes and odds are at some point you'll need to know how to fly without the training wheels.

For the record, I'd say most Fly Aways are simply from the operator not knowing how to "Fly the Aircraft" when it drops out of "Training Wheels" mode for some reason. It's more of a Drift AWay than fly away. . . .

 

[DanMan32]

My first quad: Syma X5C. Upgraded to one with compass for course lock/headless mode. Did not maintain height on its own. Original seemed more stable than upgrade. Was able to battle wind a bit better.

Next: Phantom 3 Advanced. Like going from a Yugo to an Accord.

Now Mavic 2 Zoom.

 

[Mavic Air Head]

I think it's an excellent idea to learn to fly on a Non-DJI (actually non GPS to be more specific) aircraft. The reason is because this actually teaches you how to fly the aircraft in "manual" modes and odds are at some point you'll need to know how to fly without the training wheels.

For the record, I'd say most Fly Aways are simply from the operator not knowing how to "Fly the Aircraft" when it drops out of "Training Wheels" mode for some reason. It's more of a Drift AWay than fly away. . . .

Most fly aways with quality UAVs may be operator error, in my case the AC did not respond to any controls, gained altitude and flew away (really it flew away, can you believe it???) and collided with a tree. It was well within range (50 ft- until it hit the 95' level), no interference sources and I had just successfully completed a complex set of commands as I developed my skills, returning the aircraft to home manually (no RTH on this baby). Too bad the cheapo didn't have the capability to provide flight data so I could see the error of my ways.
There were no training wheels to fall off, at least on the one I still have in the top of a tree. I look at it daily to see if it has moved or fallen and it hasn't even grown training wheels while in suspended animation. I could have bought ND filters and extra batteries for my MA instead of buying this tree ornament.
I think most of the better drones are lost due to operator error, but I have never lost control of or had a flyaway with my MA. Why start with a cheap piece of junk when you can develop your skills quite nicely with a real UAV, not a toy being marketed as a good one? Just saying, I'll let you know immediately if my MA flies away.