I'm thinking about purchasing a drone for myself to fly around my small farm to check sprinkler systems. I want something <250 grams and I'm looking at a FIMI (sp) 3 mini. Hopefully I can get by without a 107. But I'm an Amateur radio operator so I know the test will not be a major hurtle. My user name is my FCC call sign.
I'm looking for a drone for myself for Christmas. I'm >70!
- Thread starter KW5KW
- Start date
I don't know the answer to your question as I am a new operator myself. I just wanted to say hello, KE4PJR 73s!
QSL
have you thought about using our 6M ham frequencies for RC?
I used to fly rc fixed wing airplanes and I did for a short while but to be honest I felt I had better control (less interference) with the spectrum 2.4 ghz controllers so I switched and stuck with that.
- Joined
- Aug 7, 2022
- Messages
- 350
- Reaction score
- 394
- Age
- 67
- Location
- Birmingham, Alabama, USA
- Website
- digitalphotocreations.co
Greetings from Birmingham Alabama USA, welcome to the forum! We look forward to hearing from you!
I would recommend the Mini 4 Pro
I would recommend the Mini 4 Pro
LoudThunder
Well-known member
Welcome from the Hampton Roads area of Virginia, USA.
As a New Drone Pilot, there are a couple of Legal Things you may need to do…
If you have not already done so, you will need to get your TRUST Certificate. You can get that at the Pilot Institute Web Site (FREE…). IF the drone you buy weighs less than 250-grams (0.55 pounds), and while you are flying under The Exception for Recreational Flyers, you are not required to register your Drone. But if the drone weighs more than 250-grams (0.55 pounds), and even while you are flying under The Exception for Recreational Flyers, you are required to register your Drone.
If you are only flying your drone for fun to check out your sprinkler system, you do not need a Part 107 License, but if your friends/neighbors ask you to do the same, then you would need a part 107 license…
Link to the TRUST Certificate at the Pilot Institute Web Site (FREE…)
FAA TRUST Online Portal for Recreational Drone Operators - Pilot Institute
Get your FAA TRUST Certificate of Completion to legally fly drones for recreational reasons in the United States.
trust.pilotinstitute.com
Link to the FAADroneZone (Optional Registration for Drones under 250-Grams…)
FAADroneZone
If you are considering acquiring your Part 107 License, here is a link to get you going…
Drone Courses - Free and Paid Drone Pilot Training
30+ free and paid classes to fly your drone. Pass your FAA Part 107 license exam, learn how to fly your drone, and more.
pilotinstitute.com
Since you live in USA, there are specific laws and rules for you to follow, please check the link below for all the Rules and Laws that are in effect in your neck of the woods and it also links you to some of the Best Places to Fly in your area… Also, if you travel on vacation, visit friends, and relatives in other parts of the country, check back here so you do not run afoul of the law.
Federal Drone Laws in the United States (FAA) - Pilot Institute
44809 is an exemption from Part 107 drone laws. This means that drone pilots fly under Part 107 drone rules by default unless they meet all 9 of the requirements to fly under 44809, the exception for limited recreational operations of unmanned aircraft. You can read more about these requirements...
pilotinstitute.com
Even if you have flown Drones before, here is some Good Old Fashion Advice…
You paid a lot of money for that Drone, put your phone number on it. If your drone gets lost or stuck in a tree and it finally comes down when you are not around, give the finders an opportunity to contact you so it can be returned.
Now, for the Fun Part, But do not let the excitement of the moment get the best of you. When you are going out to fly, do it slowly and deliberately. Get used to a set procedure and even practice it.
There are so many things I could write but these are the highlights that I feel need mentioning.
Plug in your phone/tablet into your controller; turn on the Controller and DJI Fly App (if it does not start on its own…). On the Drone, open the front legs, then open the back legs, then remove the Gimbal Cover.
The Gimbal is the most delicate item on the Drone and banging or bumping can damage it. I also fastened a short "Remove Before Flight" ribbon to the cover so it's more noticeable and I do not forget to remove it…
Turn on the drone and watch it come to "life." Watching the Gimbal go through its self-check is almost like watching a puppy or kitten opening its eyes for the first time…
Place the drone down (preferably on a Landing Pad) while it finishes its self-test (collecting satellites, etc…).
Check your battery status (Phone, Drone, and Controller), check the Signal Strength, by now the Controller should have reported it updated the Home Point.
Lift off, 6- feet (2-meters) or so, hover a bit, check the controls (move the drone a bit forward, back, left, right, yaw left and right). By now, your Controller will probably report again, Home point Updated.
If you go out in a rush and race thru your start up and take off before the drone has finished it prep, it may update its Home Point over that pond or that old tree you are flying over and in your excitement, you'll fly the drone long past it Low Battery point and when it engages Return to Home and lands in the pond or in a tree; it will be all on you…
Now go have fun, learn to fly the drone by sight before you try to fly it out a distance depending on the video feed, FPV.
I would also advise you to use YouTube and watch a lot of the Videos on flying and setting up the Drone. When it is too dark, too cold, or too wet, you can "fly it vicariously" through YouTube. Also watch some of the Blooper Drone Videos and learn how not to fly your "New Baby."
Fly On and Fly Safe…
Hey fellow Ham, I'm new at Drones too, but have been reading about them for a decade or more, just now am I buying one.
DJI Mini (anything) or Potensic Atom will work for you. Both under 250 grams.
KK7EIS
Hey fellow Ham, I'm new at Drones too, but have been reading about them for a decade or more, just now am I buying one.
DJI Mini (anything) or Potensic Atom will work for you. Both under 250 grams.
KK7EIS
