WHICH FPV CONTROLLER TO GET? SIMPLE GUIDE TO DECIDE

Beginner FPV fliers should understand a little bit about the Radio World.

There are the Systems they run on Open TX, Edge TX. Similar to Operating systems like Mac and Windows.

Then there are protocols they run on: ExpressLRS (Open Source), Multi Protocol (4in1), Crossfire, Tracer, FRSKY (Closed Source)

For a beginner I recommend open source ExpressLRS Software. This will be the cheapest and largest FPV user base.

If you have a drone that runs a different protocol, you can always buy a module to add on the back of your current radio. This will make it pretty much compatible with any drone. I will link a few modules after the Radios.

First radio controller I recommend is the Radiomaster Zorro, it has a very nice compact design similar to Playstation and Xbox controllers, which I would assume most people are coming from.

Radiomaster Zorro ELRS- $140 https://amzn.to/3T1Vphe

The second radio I recommend is the Radiomaster pocket. This is a very small form factor controller that can fit in your pocket!

Radiomaster Pocket ELRS- $70 https://amzn.to/3uWCUTx

The last radio I would recommend is the Radiomaster Boxer. This is a larger size radio that is great all around. Just a little larger to carry around and more expensive.

Radiomaster Boxer ELRS- $160 https://amzn.to/431Kadb

All of these Radios can have modules added to the back of them to make them compatible with more protocols.

Lets say your drone has a Crossfire protocol, example below would be a Crossfire Module that would fix on the Radiomaster Zorro and would make your radio compatible with that protocol.

TBS Crossfire Nano TX - $80

https://amzn.to/4c0xIi0

If you are looking for a module for the boxer you will have to use the Micro module.

TBS Crossfire 915 Micro TX V2 - $130

https://amzn.to/3OZcAz2

Insta360 Walkaround of Townhome association using Drone Deploy

Drone Deploy - Townhome Project Management

Tinyhawk 2 Emax RTF and BNF kits WHATS THE DIFFERENCE

Well well, a ready to fly drone kit / bind and fly kit. Very deceiving the difference between the two. The ready to fly kit is obviously ready to fly, the bind and fly kit is a bit misleading as you will need your own controller and goggles.

If you are a beginner and have no idea what you are doing then the Ready to Fly kit is for you. Everything you need to get started. Drone, Goggles and controller. See below

If you already own your own Goggles and a FRsky D8 compatible Remote controller then you are ready to go and can purchase the Bind and Fly kit of just the drone. Below is the image of what you get with the BNF. The drone and a couple batteries.

See the difference in what you get. Some people will think they can buy a Bind and Fly and bind it to any controller they have. Not the case. You will need a controller with the FRSKY protocol.

You will also need a pair of analog goggles. These I could see some people having, but not many.

If you are new to this and want to get into FPV I would recommend the RTF kit. You will get everything you need to start flying a drone.

If you are not new to FPV, then I would recommend buying a Radiomaster controller with ELRS and buying drones that are compatible with that controller. The Radiomaster controller will be much more precise in controls while flying.

Link you to my other post of what I highly recommend for a beginner kit. page.https://www.metzgee.com/tech-blog/beginner-fpv-tiny-whoop-parts-list

Tech Blog

Requesting Access from DJI to Fly in no fly zone

Requesting access from DJI to Fly in a no fly zone

• Get LAANC Approval from air control by airloft

• Go to DJI Safe website - https://fly-safe.dji.com/unlock/unlock-request/list

• Login

• Click New Unlock Request

• Click Accept

• Request custom zone access

• Click Confirm

• Fill out Information

• Explain why you are requesting access 

• Upload documentation from LAANC (Screenshot of approval)

• Click Next

• Upload Documentation

• Send to DJI

• Wait for approval

• They will email you approval

• Go to DJI Go 4 app (iPad or iPhone)

• Turn on Drone

• Follow instructions https://flysafe-api.dji.com/en/help/unlock

INSTA 360 GUIDE TO DOPE FOOTAGE

As a photography and videography enthusiast, I recently purchased the Insta 360 One R camera and have been blown away by its capabilities. This camera's ability to capture 360-degree footage has allowed me to explore and document the world around me in ways that I never thought possible.

In this blog post, I want to share my experience with the Insta 360 One R camera and highlight some of its impressive features. From capturing stunning walks in the park to providing 360 tours of houses, this camera has been a game-changer for me.

One of the things I love about this camera is its versatility. I can use it to capture immersive 360-degree footage of landscapes, cityscapes, and even interiors. It has given me the ability to showcase my surroundings in ways that traditional cameras simply can't match.

Another feature that sets this camera apart is its user-friendliness. The accompanying app makes it easy to edit and upload my footage to social media platforms, and it offers some impressive features, such as the "invisible selfie stick" and filters that allow me to create cinematic shots and add a creative touch to my videos.

The Insta 360 One R also boasts exceptional image stabilization, which is essential when capturing 360-degree footage. Even when I'm walking or moving, the footage remains smooth and stable, which is crucial for providing a comfortable viewing experience for my audience.

In conclusion, the Insta 360 One R camera is a must-have for anyone looking to capture stunning 360-degree footage. Its versatility, user-friendliness, and image stabilization make it an excellent choice for both amateur and professional videographers. I can't wait to continue exploring the possibilities it offers and sharing my experiences with the world.

Links to the camera above in action!!

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/dxql85pVI2Y

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/A7VFHrLe_Mg

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/dxql85pVI2Y

Links to Purchase:

Insta360 ONE RS 1-Inch 360: https://www.insta360.com/sal/one_rs_1_inch_360?utm_term=INRJRRW

Inta360 GO 3: https://www.insta360.com/sal/go-3?utm_term=INRJRRW

How do I know if I have the correct ESC and FC? How do I know the pin connections are the same?

ACRONYMS: ESC - Electronic Speed Controller - This controls the power going to the motors

FC - Flight Controller - Controls the ESC, VTX, Motors, RX, additional accessories

VTX = Video Transmitter

RX - Radio Transmitter

FACEBOOK POST: Hey all! Need some help. I asked the getfpv help if they could help me find a replacement fc for my 5inch (pictured below). They referred me to a 20 x 20 fc (in picture). Which is the wrong size so I printed an adapter mount to sit on top of the esc. Before I solder the motors to the esc, I just want to make sure the fc and esc are compatible.

Do I need to switch the bat and ground wire before I plug it in? What’s the best route on this? Thanks

Luke Unger the ground and battery do look switched

Metzgee what is the best way to flip the ground and battery? Watched a JB video on pulling out those pins and he wrecked the plug head pulling them out. Should I just cut each wire and solder them back?

Aaron Blowers

I usually use something very small(razor blade or very tiny flathead screwdriver) and gently lift the plastic until the cable releases.

Garrett Schafer worst case, you can cut the plug off on the FC side and solder to the pads in any order you want! So no harm in trying to repin the connector

Solution: Check the FC pin guide against the ESC pin guide. If they are out of order you will need to switch the order. You do that by the suggestions above in the FB post.

Beginner FPV Micro Drone Parts List

WELCOME TO FPV! It is going to be tough, frustrating and down right ridiculous at some points. BUT! It will all be worth it. Flying acro and flipping and spinning around in the air is exhilarating. Now lets get to what you are here for a parts list to get you started:

There are about a million acronyms in FPV (First Person View) so I will try and describe them all.

CONTROLLER

Remote Controller (RC) - https://amzn.to/42jLw2K - Radiomaster Zorro - $129

DRONE

Micro Drone - https://newbeedrone.com/products/hummingbird-v3 - $89

Other names for drone - Quad, FPV, Microdrone

ANALOG GOGGLES

Box Goggles to get you started - https://amzn.to/42EV9Jt - $99

EV800D FPV Goggles with DVR - 5.8G 40CH 5 Inch Screen Built in Antenna

These goggles have a built in DVR so you can record your footage. Buy a SD Card below in my link and you will be good to start recording your progress!

32GB Micro SD - https://amzn.to/48hntCS - $15

WATERPROOF DRONE - Premium Acrylic Conformal Coating

Waterproofing a drone with Premium Acrylic Conformal Coating involves a careful and meticulous process to ensure all electronic components are protected from moisture. First, disassemble your drone to access the electronic components. It's crucial to work in a well-ventilated area and wear protective gear. Clean the components with isopropyl alcohol and a lint-free cloth to remove any dust or grease. Once the parts are dry, apply a thin, even layer of Premium Acrylic Conformal Coating using a brush or spray, making sure to cover all electronic parts but avoiding any connectors or moving parts. Allow the coating to dry according to the manufacturer's instructions, typically a few hours. After the coating is completely dry, reassemble your drone. This coating provides a durable, moisture-resistant layer that helps protect the drone's electronics from water damage, extending its lifespan and reliability in various weather conditions.

How do you fly when it is snowing? - Tiny Whoops

Ahh here we go again. The dreaded winter months. Sitting inside for hours on end staring at your phone. IVE HAD ENOUGH. Time to stare into the goggles. This is my first winter with a Tiny whoop. I have had it for just over a week and I am OBSESSED. Having a drone that I can fly indoors without annoying the crap out of my girlfriend is a game changer. I purchased a 35g Tiny Whoop from Newbeedrones. This analog drone is the lightest and most controlled drone I have ever flown. The 1s batteries last between 2-3 minutes of flight. Just enough to get a good rip around the house in.

Reccomendation for Winter flying:

Buy Tiny whoop drone - preferably analog because they are cheap and light

Practice flying inside everyday

Get better at flying even during the winter months

Step by Step Guide to a Smooth Orbital Shot

Creating a smooth orbital drone shot requires precision and finesse. Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. Choose a Captivating Subject: Identify a visually appealing subject or location that will benefit from an orbital shot, such as a landmark, building, or natural feature.

2. Plan Your Flight Path: Plot the intended path for your drone, ensuring it follows a circular trajectory around the subject. Use mapping apps or pre-programmed flight modes if available.

3. Set Up Your Drone: Prepare your drone by checking its battery life, GPS signal strength, and camera settings. Ensure that obstacle avoidance systems are enabled.

4. Take Off Smoothly: Lift off your drone smoothly, ensuring it hovers steadily at an appropriate altitude. Position it to have a clear line of sight to the subject.

5. Start the Orbit: Begin the circular orbit by gently tilting the drone while maintaining a consistent distance from the subject. Use the right stick (yaw) to control the rotation speed.

6. Maintain Altitude and Speed: Keep a steady altitude and rotation speed throughout the shot. Avoid abrupt movements, and use slow, gradual adjustments to maintain the circular path.

7. Frame Your Shot: Monitor your camera feed to frame the subject in the center of the shot. Adjust the camera tilt and pan as needed to maintain the desired composition.

8. Anticipate Wind Conditions: Be aware of wind conditions that may affect the drone's stability. Make minor corrections to counteract any drift caused by wind.

9. End the Orbit Smoothly: When you've completed the desired orbit, gradually slow down the rotation and bring the drone to a stop. Ensure a smooth transition as you exit the orbit.

10. Land Safely: Carefully bring your drone back to a stable hover, then descend and land it gently to ensure a smooth finish to your orbital shot.

Remember to practice and refine your skills to achieve the best results. Smooth orbital shots can add cinematic beauty to your aerial footage, so patience and practice are key to mastering this technique.

The Best Drones for Fall Photography

DJI Air 3

The best drones for fall photography, as you read you will see the descriptions of some drones paired with a story or experience I have encountered with the drone.

Lets start off with the best bang for you buck :

Budget drone: DJI Mini 3 - $800 Description:

Small - 249G

Vertical and Horizontal Shooting

1/1.3-inch Sensor

51 minute Battery life

DJI 02 - 720p - 10Kilometer Range - 6.2 Miles

Experience: This is on the bucket list to purchase. The small compact size is very hard to beat. The range is insane. The price is very reasonable and you get the RC remote with it which is better than using your phone for the controller screen. The vertical shooting is something no other drone can do currently.

Best Mid tier Drone:

DJI Air 3 - $1500

Medium Size 720g

2 Cameras
46min Flight time

1/1.3 CMOS Wide

1/1.3 CMOS 3x Medium Tele

DJI 04 - 1080p Transmission

20 Kilometer range

12.5. Mile range

Experience: This thing just came out. I will be getting it soon. I have the DJI air 2s which is incredible for the weight and price. This new one will blow that one away. Two cameras. Longer battery life. 12 MILE RANGE?? Crazy you can sit in your car and fly a whole cornfield without moving. GET THIS ONE.

Best Top Tier -

DJI Mavic 3 Pro- $2500

Large Size 958g

3 Cameras
43min Flight time

4/3 Hasselblad Camera

1/1.3 CMOS Medium Tele

1/2- inch CMOS Tele camera

DJI 03 - 1080p Transmission

15 Kilometer range

9.3 Mile range

Experience: I would imagine this one is top tier. Cameras are insane on this one. 3 cameras. Great flight time. This is a great drone for professional use. If you need the 3 different cameras this might help. However the Air 3 does pretty much everything this does for 1k less and has longer range because it has the latest technology.

Overall:

If you want a budget drone get the Mini. If you want the best drone for the money get the Air 3. If you are looking to spend as much money as possible buy the Mavic 3 pro

Unlocking the Potential of AI-Powered Drones: Where the Industry is Headed

Drones have revolutionized the way we view and interact with the world around us. From capturing stunning aerial footage to conducting search and rescue operations, drones have become an integral part of many industries. One of the most exciting developments in drone technology is the incorporation of artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities, which is paving the way for new and innovative use cases.

AI-powered drones have the ability to autonomously navigate and make decisions based on real-time data. This allows them to perform tasks that were previously impossible or extremely difficult for humans. For example, drones equipped with thermal imaging cameras and AI can quickly detect and locate individuals in a search and rescue operation. Similarly, drones with AI-powered sensors can detect and diagnose crop diseases, allowing farmers to take corrective action before the problem spreads.

Another area where AI-powered drones are making a significant impact is in the delivery and logistics industry. Amazon has been testing drone delivery services in select areas since 2016, and with the incorporation of AI, these delivery drones can optimize their routes, avoid obstacles, and safely land at their destinations.

In addition to improving efficiency and safety, AI-powered drones are also helping to reduce costs. For example, drones can inspect and survey large infrastructure projects like bridges and wind turbines at a fraction of the cost of traditional methods. This not only saves money but also reduces the risk of injury to human workers who would otherwise have to perform these dangerous tasks.

The potential for AI-powered drones is virtually limitless, and the industry is headed towards continued growth and innovation. In fact, it is estimated that the global drone market will be worth $43 billion by 2024, with a significant portion of this growth coming from the use of AI-powered drones.

As with any technology, there are also concerns about the potential risks and challenges associated with AI-powered drones. These include issues such as privacy, security, and the potential for drones to be used for malicious purposes. As the industry continues to evolve, it will be important to address these challenges and ensure that AI-powered drones are used responsibly and ethically.

In conclusion, the incorporation of AI capabilities into drones is transforming the way we interact with the world around us. From improving efficiency and safety to reducing costs and opening up new possibilities, the potential for AI-powered drones is truly exciting. As the industry continues to grow and innovate, it will be important to balance the benefits of this technology with the need to address the potential risks and challenges.

How to Schedule and Pass Part 107 in 2023: Become a Certified Drone Pilot

To schedule a Part 107 test in 2023:

1. Check eligibility: Be at least 16 years old, able to read, write, speak, and understand English, and physically and mentally fit to fly a UAS.

2. Register with the FAA online.

   1. https://www.faa.gov/uas/commercial_operators/become_a_drone_pilot

3. Schedule your test at an approved testing center, allowing enough time to study.

4. Pay a non-refundable test fee of $160.

5. Study regulations, airspace classification, weather, emergency procedures, and more using the FAA study guide and free online course.

   1. Watch this review video, it will help in passing the exam https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_ucCKFJUCU

6. Arrive at the testing center 15 minutes before your appointment with two forms of identification.

7. Receive your results immediately after completing the test. If you pass, get a temporary certificate and wait for the permanent one. If you fail, wait 14 days before retaking the test and pay the fee again.