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Mini quad drone
Usually I don't like to post non-VO stuff, but I have been having too much fun with this little guy to not share it. I've always loved rc flight, recently however the price has come down so much, it's a hobby anyone can pick up. The quad in this link is Wi-Fi with and HD camera and is controlled with a smartphone with live on screen video for around ($20 US) Also found a non-camera RC version for $9.50 US; both are available on Amazon. I can't express how much fun I've been having. Indoor and outdoor flight. Harder to control than a fixed wing, easier than a helio. Very good beginner product for those wanting to get into RC flying. The thing is just over 2" wide, and my 3 year old is able to even perform rudimentary flight with it; it's that intuitive.
I had one like that, was fun to buzz the cats with it, till the one got pissed and swatted it into the floor hard enough to break loose all sorts of bits off the inside. After that it just made grinding noises.
Wow. I knew they were getting cheaper, but I didn't realize they were that cheap.
Living in the future is awesome.
Living in the future is awesome.
While I can't make any claims to the longevity of these little guys, having only owned them around two weeks. However, as someone who considers themselves an avid tinkerer and repairs electronics professionally, these quads are pretty solid in design. There are no gears to grind even :). The frame of the drone is a single circuit board that has the motors directly mounted to it. The motors themselves are slip bearing motors, and the blades are press fit and easily replaceable. When you do need a replacement, a 36 pack is a few dollars and come with a plastic snap on cage that makes the quad able to hit stuff and bounce off.
On one of my first test flights I flew the thing over my two level house, plus 30 ft of yard and crashed in the street. Just had to bend a blade back into place. Still works great. Oh, and I landed and submerged the thing in a tall glass of water (I know what are the chances) and the thing still is flying like when I took it out of the box.
On one of my first test flights I flew the thing over my two level house, plus 30 ft of yard and crashed in the street. Just had to bend a blade back into place. Still works great. Oh, and I landed and submerged the thing in a tall glass of water (I know what are the chances) and the thing still is flying like when I took it out of the box.
Looks to be a great intro into R/C and FPV. The lag mentioned in the "cons" is a little sucky, but unavoidable when flying by phone, and will only affect "FPV" flight. Over all, looks cool.
I have a bigger one that's cool no live feed but it does flips and stuff. I managed to scare a flock of hookers on the next block after flying to high and crash landing hehe.
I have this one: http://amzn.to/2aTPTqB
I got it at Marc's (closeout store) for about $20. Its fun to use to buzz the cats and dogs. Runs for about 8 or 9 minutes on a charge. I have taken it at least 150 ft in the air, not bad for 20 bucks. Pretty tough, I fly it about as well as I fly a XC so its gotten beat up a bit.
My favorite is taking it in the backyard around dusk. I think the props make a noise that attract dragonflies, they'll come to it and chase it around!
I got it at Marc's (closeout store) for about $20. Its fun to use to buzz the cats and dogs. Runs for about 8 or 9 minutes on a charge. I have taken it at least 150 ft in the air, not bad for 20 bucks. Pretty tough, I fly it about as well as I fly a XC so its gotten beat up a bit.
My favorite is taking it in the backyard around dusk. I think the props make a noise that attract dragonflies, they'll come to it and chase it around!
Random question, don't you need a license to be able to fly them legally
In the US, in most jurisdictions, no. But there are laws in place governing things like max altitude. Also there are restrictions around airports that I assume vary from place to place
Where im at bigger drones need same license as planes!