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DJI Phantom Series
The Serious Big Boy Toy Absolutely NOT for inexperienced NOR timid!
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MikeK
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October 20, 2015 - 6:43 am
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Redfive said
Apart from the longer the pole the more strain on each connector it is a great idea. Fortunately I have not needed such a devise (YET) but anything that can get a quad down to earth is worth trying.

Thank you, Bryan.  

I think you're right about the weakened connector potential.  But if the right stiffness of plastic tubing and connectors is used I think it could work out okay up to 40' - 50' (with no wind).  

A package containing enough for 25' would cost too much to market if manufactured here in the U.S.  But if the Chinese could market it for around $5, two packages could reach 50' and a $10 investment would appeal to any drone pilot who flies near trees.  I know I wouldn't hesitate to spend ten buck for it.  

What do you think?  

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Redfive
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October 20, 2015 - 5:00 am

Apart from the longer the pole the more strain on each connector it is a great idea. Fortunately I have not needed such a devise (YET) but anything that can get a quad down to earth is worth trying.

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MikeK
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October 19, 2015 - 8:08 am
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S/F,

Recalling my frustration when my $40 bird landed in a tree I can imagine how you felt to watch it happen to your Phantom, which you've already dunked in the Pacific.  Having recently had the same tree-stranding experience (at a less costly level) I certainly do empathize with you and I am sincerely pleased that you managed to retrieve that bird.  Too bad about your injuries.  They could be much worse, so it may be said that at your age you are a true hero in the r/c heli enthusiast ranks.  

The green vegetation stains seen on your Phantom in the images you posted can be washed away.  My x5c was in its host tree throughout two very heavy rains.  When it came down and I went over it with a soft cloth all the stains washed away.  I was amazed to find that after its ordeal the bird flies as well as ever -- and after several hours in the charger the battery, which was dripping wet, seems to be holding a longer charge than before.

Your tree-bound experience, combined with mine, along with another which is posted here, and undoubtedly many, many more point to a definite need for some means of retrieving helis from trees.  GyroBob has suggested fly-casting-type approach.  My idea is some sort of limited-energy, toy-grade, plastic bow-fishing rig.  

Another thought I have is based on a surplus item I once bought at a Dollar Store, which was a package containing six 18" x 3/4" wood dowels, threaded at both ends, each having a threaded plastic connector attached at one end.  I don't know what the original purpose of these dowels was but I screwed them together to open and close a ceiling vent.  The relevant point being when screwed together these wood dowels can form up to a nine foot rod.  

Two packages of these dowels would produce an 18' rod, three packages @27', and so on.  What I'm describing would be a blessing to heli pilots.  Unfortunately I've never seen these dowel packages again.  But I'm wondering how much a package of six, five-foot, hollow plastic tubes, threaded at both ends, with connectors could be sold for.  They would produce a 30' rod.  Two packages -- up to sixty feet.  

You and I understand the value of such an item.  So would any heli pilot who flies near trees.  And I think it's something the Chinese could produce and market very inexpensively.  

What do you think?

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Syma Freak
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October 18, 2015 - 5:18 pm
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Guys you are machines. Well to give you update of my Phantom flying still with the first version.

I flew high last week, flicked the orientation switch by mistake as coming down to close to me, messed things up, she landed in a tree. So at my tender age of 65 and a few whiskeys up my belt decided to climb the tree with a 10ft bamboo stick...

Results were good for my Phantom but not so good for me!

About 6 feet up I started to slip on some green moss on the tree, down I came, lucky to land in vegetation, facial cuts and leg bleeding, as getting up the trusty Phantom fell out of the tree landing correct way up net to me, all this time my Gopro was filming, hope to edit that and post.

The Phantom still flies missing two prop guards, what a machine this is, been in the Pacific sea, fallen out of trees and still going.

Morale of the story, nothing wrong with Phantom just the pilot, and as over 60 not a good time to climb trees ssw_yoda

P1010001.JPGImage EnlargerP1010003.JPGImage EnlargerP1010002.JPGImage Enlarger

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"Fly like a butterfly sting like a Syma" http://syma107.com

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MikeK
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October 14, 2015 - 1:38 pm
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Sarge,

I don't have a Phantom (yet) but I plan to get one around Christmas time -- provided I can master all three control channels on my x5c.  Because if I cannot confidently maneuver this $40 quad I am not going to risk planting a $1,500 investment in a 40' tree!   Also, my car is beginning to act up and if I have to replace it that will put my helicopter plan on hold.

But if I do get the Phantom-3 I've been eyeballing I'm sure your YouTube advice will someday come in handy.  So, thanks in advance.

 

Mike--

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rbethman
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October 13, 2015 - 9:37 am

SF, JamDJ, and Mike,

I was about to go insane pondering the upper and lower body replacement!

Get on YouTube!  I have found a whole raft, (boatload if you wish.), of videos that deal with repairs and you name it there!

Turns out I found one that deals specifically with replacing the Upper and Lower Body parts on a Phantom 2 Vision+!

The body halves come with ALL new screws for everything!  The video is absolutely great!  This has taken it to no longer having to worry so much.  It pretty well amounts to unscrew from one part, then screw it into the new part.

I connected the Phantom to the computer, even powered it up, and updates the Firmware in the Master Controller.  That folks, is the heart and brain inside her!  She took it fine, completed, and said it checked fine once completely shutdown and powered back up.

The camera even was showing first person video through the smartphone.  I feel a lot better that the Master controller did indeed power up and take a firmware update.

I have begun by taking the GPS antenna and receiver out of the old upper body and begun to place it in the new one.  Believe me, between the video, AND the way it is built, you really can't go wrong!  You CANNOT put the GPS board in WRONG!  It has a very specific boss pattern in the upper body shell that you would have to destroy it to get it in turned wrong!

You do NOT need to send them off for repair to do something at this level!  If you can watch a video, and use a screwdriver and an allen wrench, then you too can do this!

Regards, Sarge

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rbethman
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October 11, 2015 - 4:25 am

Well,  I've got the top body off.  First thing I noticed is the antenna connector came off its pins on the main board.

Going to take a bunch of pictures BEFORE I even remove the first screw!  While I do NOT see anything overheated or cracked, I have a fairly good Idea that The Phantom wasn't very happy when I stuffed it!  It has a red LED in the lower body part that was lit when I got to it.

Most connectors and/or wires are stuck down with white silicone.  I have GE 375 that is pure Silicone that does NOT give off Acetic Acid fumes when it cures.  This is one thing we learned from others mistakes when their Amateur Radio Station antennas connections were sealed with the wrong type of RTV Silicone sealant that indeed gave off the Acetic Acid fumes during curing.  It corrodes all the brass, copper, and even the silver plating.

I picked up 5 large tubes at a yard sale foe a $1!  They usually run about $12 to $17 a tube.  I have found a lot of uses for it!  I even seal against water getting into aluminum connection boxes.  I can always slit it with a utility knife razor blade.  Just keep the fingers out of the path!

The Upper body part was fun getting the pretty small Metric Allen wrenches undone.  Then of course, there are the obligatory tiny Metric Screws too!  The lower body part is loaded with them!  That's why the pictures!

I also plan ahead and get a big bag of unused Urine sample cups that are plastic with screw on lids.  I label each one with what fasteners I put in them.  Darned if I am going to lose or put the wrong length one in the wrong place!  DJI uses a blue colored thread lock on their fasteners.  I have the Blue Loctite that I have used for decades.  Iy you really don't want to be able to come apart, you use the purple or magenta formula.  Blue is pretty standard, and I have never had it vibrate loose!

I hope to have it back together sometime this next week.

The granddaughter is totally wrapped in her new microscope!  Next comes more teaching her the finer elements, and connecting the Microscope 5MP camera to the computer.  Then she will learn the software to measure the cells of whichever sample she takes pictures of!

Off and running again!  Sure glad I love electronics!  Otherwise I'd have become catatonic when I saw the receiver and the Master Controller in the lower body part!  Kind of a very interesting method of placing the receiver antenna as a copper sheet in the upper body part!  Smart design!

Regards, Sarge

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rbethman
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October 9, 2015 - 6:25 am

Mike,

If electronics aren't your thing, consider this idea.  You have two sets of legs on a phantom.  One on the left, another on the right.

Since there is a cross piece on the bottom of each pair of legs, and the camera looks forward between both sets, you could either use some bright red paper or plastic on the left pair of legs, then some bright green on the right pair of legs!  Now you don't have to worry about wiring, voltages, or any of that nonsense!  As I write this, I am starting to like this idea for myself too! 

I had problems with landing on the open part of my backyard deck.  I ordered and have in my hand a digital anemometer and thermometer.  I can see exactly why that part of the deck is NOT a good place to take off and land.  the wind and its direction is different in about six or seven places out there. Guess the deck is out of the landing/take-off zones!  Entirely too unpredictable!  So I'm going to stick to one of two places on the ground.  Just have to locate fairly flat spots.

The soft mount for the camera is due in Saturday.  The two halves of the body are due in Monday.  As much as I want to get it all re-done and back in the air, It will have to wait until after the granddaughter's visit all next week!  Haven't seen her in a bit.  I want to teach her how to use her Birthday present!  She is going to go nuts!  It is a high grade Microscope, that has a 5MP camera attachment, and ties to the computer to take pictures and then use software that is close to Photoshop.  There are two 100 prepared boxes of slides too.  The little one, actually almost 12, and not really so little any more.  Off and running folks!

Always more to do!  Regards, Sarge

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MikeK
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October 5, 2015 - 9:08 am
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Sarge,

First, many thanks for posting the link to that instruction manual.  It will no doubt make a world of difference for me if my Phantom-3 plan works out (around Christmas-time).  

Next, too bad about the mishap with your Phantom.  I know that hurts but based on your past and present comments I'm sure you are capable of fixing it.  It's one thing to crash a $40 x5c but quite another thing when it's a $1,500 investment, which is why I'm holding off while I practice to master the basic skills.  

It certainly seems that trees are a problem for us.  Those with access to a desert environment have a big advantage.  I would include beaches in that but Syma Freak has reported dunking his Phantom in the sea -- where I assume was off a beach.  I suppose the next best place for us is the middle of a golf course.  

Thanks, too, for your advice about the Port and Starboard running lights (LEDs).  I do agree, and I would make the effort to install them, but I wouldn't know where on the circuit board to connect them, or how to form the circuits.  As you know, the x5c has big red and green lights under the legs, red showing front, green showing rear.  They are very helpful when flying at dusk or at night but not during daylight.  So the LEDs would be helpful then.  I think Port and Starboard LEDs would be much better than the big underside lights on the x5c -- which are useless during daylight.

Mike

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rbethman
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October 4, 2015 - 10:47 am

Mike,

You explained how you got into the tree in the first place.  To be honest, I'd bet that everyone on this forum has done exactly what you have!  You see, it takes a whole bunch of flying to mentally adjust to which way to move what when whatever R/C aircraft is moving in a different direction than when you started.

There are a number of things to help in the meantime.  You could install a couple of LEDs, one red and one green, just like the Red and Green lights on a full size aircraft.  Red means Port or Left.  Green means Starboard or Right.

This is a carryover from ships.  It becomes second nature to keep in mind the shorter name for the color also means the shorted word for the direction - Red = Left.  Then the Longer one goes with the longer word for the direction - Green = Right.

The amount of battery power for two LEDs is not even worth considering!  They will only run 20 to 100 mA at 3VDC.  You could scrounge LEDs from old computer parts.  Circuits are easy to find all over the internet.  Use Bing.com and enter LED circuit.  You will be over run with the list of sites.

Regarding the address for that PDF file, I don't have access any longer.  Basically I told the Administrator Group of the DJI Forum board to stick it!  When someone decided to give a thumbs down on a simple post regarding FAA No Fly Zones and what you CAN do if in one, I felt that DJI really wasn't concerned whatsoever with the concept that one of these larger UAVs can and will bring down a General Aviation Aircraft and the inherent results to the entire hobby when it does take place.

The poster on the DJI Forums whom wrote it goes by the posting name of Fantomas.  I do have the document, and will tell you the name of it.

The heck with that!  Here is the link to the latest version of it: 

<https://www.dropbox.com/s/mv8d1hohc3mceym/DJI%20Phantom%20Vision%20Summary%20Guide.pdf?dl=0&gt;

This is where the Author keeps it, and always the latest version is there.  Cut and paste is all else fails.

Regarding my Phantom 2 Vision+, it is currently out of commission.  It is my own fault!  I failed to keep my eyes on it as I flew around my property and stuffed it real good into a tree, and the thud as it hit the ground.

I have begun to disassemble it.  The very obvious is that I absolutely need the upper and lower body set.  I just ordered that today, along with the shock mount rubber kit and anti-drop pieces.

I have rebuilt R/C glow fueled helicopters, so what can this really get me into?  Electronics?  That would be one of my most enjoyed hobbies!

I will just pay very close attention to circuit boards and search each and every one for ANY cracks!  Then re-assemble and then start performing tests.  The last test will be to hit the power to the blades.  Then attempt a very gentle lift off and hover, before trying anything further.

Regards, Old Sarge

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MikeK
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October 4, 2015 - 6:27 am
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Sarge,

Thanks for the info on DJI Phantom.  The address for the PDF manual will be especially helpful.  Also impressively helpful is your comments on the hazard associated with careless handling of the more powerful birds.  

By the way, as mentioned in an earlier message, my x5c got stuck in a tree about two weeks ago.  Right now New Jersey is experiencing the fringe effects of Hurricane Joaquin, which includes winds up to 65 mph.  Yesterday Joaquin blew that x5c out of the tree.  I dried it with a cloth, brush, pipe-cleaner and hair dryer.  Incredibly it is flying as well as ever -- even after being thoroughly drenched by heavy rains.  

Mike

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rbethman
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October 2, 2015 - 5:51 pm

Mike,

Don't even give age a bad rap!  I hope to get to 79!  I'm a youngster at 65, and I have been flying R/C Aircraft since '89.

I even went out in '92 and got my private pilot's certificate.  We are only as old as we feel.  I'll admit to feeling pretty old some days.  That would be attributed to dumb things I did when a whole lot younger!  The Phantom 2 Vision+ has the ability to let it hover in place *if* you set it up right.  You need to really read the manuals!  There is one out in PDF format that is the best documentation I've ever seen written!  It is by another Phantom owner that goes by the name "Phantomas" on the DJI Phantom Forums.  He brings out details that SHOULD have been written in very clear language.  It gets into it and you will learn more from HIS write-up than anything DJI ever printed!

SF,

Don't feel alone with regard to drawing blood!  I have a bad habit of grabbing the Phantom legs when things go to crap!  It is a habit of attempting to save the $$$ invested!  Oh but you should see the scars on BOTH arms!  It ends up looking worse initially, simply because I'm one of those that my Dr. has on that daily 81mg coated Aspirin!  I bleed like there is no end.

I am really going to have to break that habit!  My Phantom is on the workbench right now.  I crashed it pretty good.  Going to have to apply some heat with a heat gun and take the tweak out of the lower body part!  The top is okay.  Prop guards are toast!  I only broke one blade.  I consider myself lucky!

Like you wrote - you get cocky after a bit.  Then YOU get bit!

Regards, Old Sarge

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Syma Freak
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September 17, 2015 - 6:56 pm
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I am doing more research on quads and just bought the Walkera 250 Runner which is more for fpv and racing, now i see they are bringing one out with gps as well, the market is getting flooded with quads now, i still see the Dji phantom as the best, however competition is high and would expect more models and makes before Christmas.

"Fly like a butterfly sting like a Syma" http://syma107.com

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MikeK
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September 17, 2015 - 5:08 am
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Syma Freak said
One thing I did that caused a bit of blood loss was messing around with Phantom on software and did not take props off, like a fool turned off remote and she went into return to home doing damage to me and my home, always take props off if attaching via usb port to upgrade software DJI gives you

S F,

Many thanks for the info on the DJI.  Your comment on its ability to hover in place (rather than drifting the way the x5c does) is very helpful because drifting is a major problem for me.  

I probably will be making the move around Christmas time and I'm leaning toward the DJI.  I like its looks.  

Mike

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Syma Freak
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September 16, 2015 - 5:50 pm
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One thing I did that caused a bit of blood loss was messing around with Phantom on software and did not take props off, like a fool turned off remote and she went into return to home doing damage to me and my home, always take props off if attaching via usb port to upgrade software DJI gives you

"Fly like a butterfly sting like a Syma" http://syma107.com

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Syma Freak
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September 16, 2015 - 5:38 pm
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MikeK,

I am impressed with your tender age, I am now 65 and only started 10 years ago in this hobby, the more you practice the better your motor skills will stay sharp.

As for the DJI Phantom you will find it much easier to fly.First it has GPS, that means as you stop moving forward, back etc, she just hovers without drifting, also they have orientation control that on my old Phantom means around 30feet away you can switch on remote so that which ever way you are facing my hitting control will always come back to you. Also has return to home if say your remote losses signal will rise 40 feet and come back to where you first binded quad. After 2 years of flying the Phantom, i have put into the sea, rebuilt and another crash below as just getting cocky and not paying attention to trees, however not much damage, crashes are inevitable the more one flies the cocky we get.I recommend the DJI Products, have done a small review here on the first Phantom http://djiphantomreview.com/

Video at a friends house with me crashing into a branch, only one prop damaged, my pride hurt more

https://youtu.be/XSDUOLwiTV8

"Fly like a butterfly sting like a Syma" http://syma107.com

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MikeK
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September 15, 2015 - 1:28 pm
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Sarge,

Just want to let you know I find your posts informative because I am seriously planning to graduate from the Syma x5c to either a DJI Phantom-3 or a Walkera Voyager.  Holding me back is my inability to develop reflexive mastery of the fourth channel, meaning not having to think about making quick movements and adjustments.  Up/down, left/right, forward/back movements occur reflexively.  Don't have to think about them.  But when I rotate the nose 90 or 180 degrees I am still unable to change direction without thinking about it.  

The first real consequence of this deficiency, which probably is attributable to my age (79), occurred the other day when I planted the x5c I've been flying for several months in a pine tree branch about 40' high.  I had rotated the nose 90 degrees and when the bird started drifting I didn't think and did exactly what I shouldn't done and steered it right into the tree.  

Fortunately I have another x5c but I feel badly about the lost one because I've been flying it almost every day for months and I wanted to see how long it would last.  But it's gone and lesson learned.  It showed me I'm not ready to play with the big guys yet and I'm not going to risk losing an expensive toy -- and possibly hurting someone or damaging property.  I'm sure the reason for the drones crashing into those sports events last week are the result of pilots with undeveloped or under-developed reflexes.

Question:  I think the x5c is an excellent little quad for its price category.  But one limitation is its relative inability to hover.  It tends to drift even in the slightest breeze, which contributes to difficulty in controlling it.  Does the Phantom have a self-adjusting capability to enable stable hovering?  

Thanks for your time.

Mike

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rbethman
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September 14, 2015 - 11:33 pm

Hey JamDJ!

 

Yep!  We have to watch out.  Too many fools go flying in the wrong places!  When an idiot causes the Wildfire Aircraft to get grounded, and homes are lost, we will end up with tighter Laws!

 

That is why I posted the FAA *Internal Memorandum*.  You have to go hunt to find the FAA No Fly Zones for your area.

 

Then compare that with the FAA *Internal Memorandum*!

 

Going off to get my latest glasses.  I was having a problem with the Right eye.  Turns out it is eye muscle rotation.  So the Ophthalmologist has altered the right lens in a manner that he calls "Torque The Eyeball".  Sounds like he has it right too!

 

I got to see it while I was there.  By Gosh, it worked in the Office!  So I am picking them up in 30 minutes.  I'm just about 2 miles from there.

 

I have to swallow more coffee, get in the wheels and get going.  Taking coffee with!  It is a Thermal Insulated Stainless Cup that holds 32 ounces.  Normally drink two every morning!  Just to get the brain and body functioning up to snuff!

 

Old Soldiers live on it!

 

Regards, Old Sarge

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JamDJ
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September 14, 2015 - 11:23 am
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Hiya, Sarge! Great to hear from you!

No worries about the fonts, I can't figure out

single spacing! Glad all is well with your DJI,

please keep on posting, we miss you!

So far what I like are........the first 2 letters!

Good luck with it and keep safe, both you and

anyone watching. Too bad about the accidents at concerts

and sporting events here, going to give us all a bad vibe.

At least no one has been hurt so far, let's all keep it that way.

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rbethman
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September 14, 2015 - 7:29 am

Hi Y'all!

Sarge back at Y'all again.  Great news!  My two sets of blades are due on or about this coming Thursday!  So I'm going to be airborne shortly.  I need the practice to gain better proficiency!

 

I've got my landing pad ready.  I think I'm going to put it out on the grass in a flat spot.  That will be an achievement in itself!  The slope of my property is crazy!  The house is on a ridge.

They managed to grade this lot like some monkeys.  My driveway is crazy!  It resembles the front of the British Aircraft Carriers!  I keep telling my neighbors that when the wife comes in, that she should "Call the Ball"!  She comes in and I hope she doesn't slip off the brakes!

It is interesting to say the least.  These fonts and such are a bit crazy to control.  Sorry folks!  I'm very accustomed to Microsoft Word 2013.  I don't know what this is, but I sure don't have the same grasp of it.

 

I give up.  Anyway, I'll be practicing landing proficiency quite a bit.  Naturally I will also make trips around the property too!  I can use one battery for the takeoffs and landings.  When that one starts to get low enough, (The smartphone shows Controller Battery Status & Flight Battery Status.)  The Phantom has these Smart Battery Packs.  They also give visual indication on the end of the battery.  Naturally they put that on the REAR!  So the degree of usefulness is debatable.

 

Well, that's enough for today!  Don't forget you can write direct!  Regards, Old Sarge

 

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