So I bought a drone..and wrecked the drone

Toggle sidebar Toggle sidebar
S

SAWYER

Lifer
Apr 27, 2000
16,742
42
91
I came across a DJI Phantom 2 v2 for a good deal on craigslist a few days ago. I get home and watch a youtube video on the basics and within a few minutes I am flying(well could never get the compass calibrated). It was dark but I couldn't wait, I was like a kid on Christmas morning. I am flying around in my front yard and hit a tree limb, it tumbles and I get it going again. I am getting more comfortable with it so I am zipping along full speed all the way across my front yard and spinning it around by my neighbor's drive and smack into a tree. I take it inside and see I broke a few blades and one of my compass calibration lights will not come on. I took it apart and do not see any loose wires but I did notice on one side I do not see an antenna wire coming out but there is a hole for a wire.

I took some screen screen shots from the desktop software, i have not made any changes. Does anything look like it should be adjusted?
JFV0X7z.jpg

r7d7qa3.jpg

2JYPkvY.jpg





I took the blades off and started it up and it seems like the throttle will stick, is this something that can be adjusted?
 
Last edited:
ultimatebob

ultimatebob

Lifer
Jul 1, 2001
25,134
2,450
126
Possessed Freak said:
You mean quadcopter, not a bee or a UAV.
Click to expand...

The DJI Phantom 2 has GPS and a camera, and can fly home on it's own. So, technically it does meet the criteria for a drone.

Unfortunately, the OP made the same mistake that I did and tried flying their new toy in an area next to trees. They somehow seem to be magnetically attracted to them, no?
 
IGBT

IGBT

Lifer
Jul 16, 2001
17,964
140
106
I hear a sling shot and fine filament fishing line will take them things down.
 
gorcorps

gorcorps

aka Brandon
Jul 18, 2004
30,739
452
126
GagHalfrunt said:
What is the appropriate PEBKAC acronym for drones?
Click to expand...

DADDIO

(dumb ass drove drone into object)

edit:

it also works for those that don't hit anything, but flew way too high and lost connection

(dumb ass directed drone into orbit)
 
Last edited:
Jeff7

Jeff7

Lifer
Jan 4, 2001
41,596
19
81
Ouch. Based on my own experience, assume that quad #1 will die horribly, and spend accordingly.

Once the sacrifice has accepted, consider bumping up your budget.
 
S

SAWYER

Lifer
Apr 27, 2000
16,742
42
91
I took it apart and it looks like the crash made one of the leds come loose, I got it working. Now I await the new blades
 
W

WHAMPOM

Diamond Member
Feb 28, 2006
7,628
183
106
SAWYER said:
I came across a DJI Phantom 2 v2 for a good deal on craigslist a few days ago. I get home and watch a youtube video on the basics and within a few minutes I am flying(well could never get the compass calibrated). It was dark but I couldn't wait, I was like a kid on Christmas morning. I am flying around in my front yard and hit a tree limb, it tumbles and I get it going again. I am getting more comfortable with it so I am zipping along full speed all the way across my front yard and spinning it around by my neighbor's drive and smack into a tree. I take it inside and see I broke a few blades and one of my compass calibration lights will not come on. I took it apart and do not see any loose wires but I did notice on one side I do not see an antenna wire coming out but there is a hole for a wire.

I took some screen screen shots from the desktop software, i have not made any changes. Does anything look like it should be adjusted?
JFV0X7z.jpg

r7d7qa3.jpg

2JYPkvY.jpg





I took the blades off and started it up and it seems like the throttle will stick, is this something that can be adjusted?
Click to expand...

No, that is why you buy another and are careful with it. Open field, no obstructions, learning curve. People who take out their brand new toy(car,boat, motor cycle,etc.) and wrecked it, the multitudiness.
 
ultimatebob

ultimatebob

Lifer
Jul 1, 2001
25,134
2,450
126
WHAMPOM said:
No, that is why you buy another and are careful with it. Open field, no obstructions, learning curve. People who take out their brand new toy(car,boat, motor cycle,etc.) and wrecked it, the multitudiness.
Click to expand...

Yeah... keep it away from large bodies of water as well. My quadcopter eventually ended up in a salt marsh when a gust of wind got it, never to be seen again.
 
Aikouka

Aikouka

Lifer
Nov 27, 2001
30,383
912
126
Just don't fly it that fast until you're really good at reacting. If you want to get better at reacting without the potential to destroy your drone, this cheap one might not be a bad option. I have one, and it works fine. To try and learn how to fly them better, I'd do things like fly them around a tree. Doing that means you just fly it toward the tree, go around one side of the tree, wrap around, and then fly it back toward you. However, regardless of what commenters say, I'd definitely avoid flying it in any sort of wind.

I've actually been tempted to pick up a Phantom 3, but with all the negative air around drones these days, I'm more worried that one of my neighbors will get all angry about me flying it in my own yard. I did get some good advice to just fly around in my garage, which actually isn't too bad of an idea. I could maybe even create some obstacles!
 
Ns1

Ns1

No Lifer
Jun 17, 2001
55,419
1,599
126
my buddy just built himself an FPV drone for racing

:awe:
 
balloonshark

balloonshark

Diamond Member
Jun 5, 2008
6,827
3,296
136
Ns1 said:
my buddy just built himself an FPV drone for racing

:awe:
Click to expand...
My next rc will probably be a budget micro or 250 FPV racing quad. I've always wanted to wiz through the forest like I'm on a speeder bike.
 
S

SAWYER

Lifer
Apr 27, 2000
16,742
42
91
Trees yes, power/cable/phone lines no. I will have to stop flying in my yard, way too many big trees


R9cGaci.jpg

UO1voGw.jpg
 
Last edited:
Paratus

Paratus

Lifer
Jun 4, 2004
17,375
15,177
146
I suggest checking out Know Before You Fly

Currently, small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) may be operated for hobby and recreational purposes under specific safety guidelines as established by Congress. Small UAS flown for recreational purposes are typically known as model aircraft.

Under the Special Rule for Model Aircraft, recreational UAS must be operated in accordance with several requirements, including a community-based set of safety guidelines and within the programming of a nationwide community-based organization such as the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA). Operators not operating within the safety program of a community-based organization should follow the FAA’s guidance here.
What is recreational use of sUAS?

The recreational use of sUAS is the operation of an unmanned aircraft for personal interests and enjoyment. For example, using a sUAS to take photographs for your own personal use would be considered recreational; using the same device to take photographs or videos for compensation or sale to another individual would be considered a commercial operation. You should check with the FAA for further determination as to what constitutes commercial or other non-hobby, non-recreational sUAS operations.
What are the safety guidelines for sUAS recreational users?
  • Follow community-based safety guidelines, as developed by organizations such as the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA).
  • Fly no higher than 400 feet and remain below any surrounding obstacles when possible.
  • Keep your sUAS in eyesight at all times, and use an observer to assist if needed.
  • Remain well clear of and do not interfere with manned aircraft operations, and you must see and avoid other aircraft and obstacles at all times.
  • Do not intentionally fly over unprotected persons or moving vehicles, and remain at least 25 feet away from individuals and vulnerable property.
  • Contact the airport or control tower before flying within five miles of an airport.
  • Do not fly in adverse weather conditions such as in high winds or reduced visibility.
  • Do not fly under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
  • Ensure the operating environment is safe and that the operator is competent and proficient in the operation of the sUAS.
  • Do not fly near or over sensitive infrastructure or property such as power stations, water treatment facilities, correctional facilities, heavily traveled roadways, government facilities, etc.
  • Check and follow all local laws and ordinances before flying over private property.
  • Do not conduct surveillance or photograph persons in areas where there is an expectation of privacy without the individual’s permission (see AMA’s privacy policy).
  • For more safety information, please download the Know Before You Fly brochure here.
Click to expand...

You may want to buy some prop guards. I've had some rough landings but only damaged the guards themselves and not the props. They also make it more likely you won't crash if you bump something solid.
 
Last edited:
Aikouka

Aikouka

Lifer
Nov 27, 2001
30,383
912
126
Paratus said:
You may want to buy some prop guards. I've had some rough landings but only damaged the guards themselves and not the props. They also make it more likely you won't crash if you bump something solid.
Click to expand...

I've had guards get caught in trees though! :\
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

COMPANY
RESOURCES
FOLLOW
Top Bottom