Excellent New Drone for Boating - DJI Mini 2

Bigplumbs said:
I started this thread to cheer myself and perhaps others up and to alert people to something they might like to consider. If you want to discus all the drone laws then might I suggest you start your own thread. Constantly quoting the laws or worse perceived laws simply drags people down and depresses them. Not particularly helpful at any time and in particular at the moment.

For your information I am aware of all you are saying....... I have been doing this a very long time and also don't need lessons from your good self on these matters

As I said if you are interested in all the negative stuff I would be grateful if you would start a new thread and you can discuss that with others of a similar mind
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I'd just like to say I appreciate baggywrinkle posting the various regs related to drone use in this thread, I really dont see why its negative at all, its just the law. Its not dragging anyone down (except maybe you - for some odd reason) , its just making everyone who might be interested in a drone better educated about the rules.

Bigplumbs you seem to be taking what baggywrinkle is posting as a personal slight or attack on yourself, its not, its just the rules. Feel free to ignore them and take any possible consequences (including none at all) or follow them religiously, its your choice.

This thread is better with information and discussion about the rules than without it.
 
julians said:
I'd just like to say I appreciate baggywrinkle posting the various regs related to drone use in this thread, I really dont see why its negative at all, its just the law. Its not dragging anyone down (except maybe you - for some odd reason) , its just making everyone who might be interested in a drone better educated about the rules.

Bigplumbs you seem to be taking what baggywrinkle is posting as a personal slight or attack on yourself, its not, its just the rules. Feel free to ignore them and take any possible consequences (including none at all) or follow them religiously, its your choice.

This thread is better with information and discussion about the rules than without it.
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Well you carry on and continue to drag down the mood and depress people. By the way much of what Baggy has posted is inaccurate. If you want to find out the rules a google search will take you to the accurate information. I wanted this thread to be a happy place to discuss the good points of the drone...... There are and will always be the rule quoters who think they are in some way clever to simply copy and paste mostly twoddle that just restricts people. This is often driven by OCD.

Either way I made myself a little rule in March this year...... If a thread depresses me step out of it. I started this thread to cheer people up but sadly it has dragged me down.

I am out of here
 
Bigplumbs said:
Well you carry on and continue to drag down the mood and depress people. By the way much of what Baggy has posted is inaccurate. If you want to find out the rules a google search will take you to the accurate information. I wanted this thread to be a happy place to discuss the good points of the drone...... There are and will always be the rule quoters who think they are in some way clever to simply copy and paste mostly twoddle that just restricts people. This is often driven by OCD.

Either way I made myself a little rule in March this year...... If a thread depresses me step out of it. I started this thread to cheer people up but sadly it has dragged me down.

I am out of here
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I'm sorry you have become upset by the discussion about the rules associated with flying drones - it was not my intention to upset anyone, rather to try and shed some light on how the rules relate to drone choice and usage. The rules are after all the primary factor behind DJIs creation of the Mavic Mini and Mini 2 in the first place - being under 250g puts them in the least regulated category of UAs, second only to childrens toys, which IMO is one of their biggest plus points when it comes to leisure use.

If much of what I posted is innacurate then I would appreciate you pointing out where the errors are - I don't claim to know everything - pointing out any errors will be to everyones benefit. I've spent a lot of time on the CAA, FAA, and European Union Aviation Safety Agency web sites reading through their UA related information and FAQs, most of what I have posted comes directly from the EASA web site. I may well have misinterpeted some of it, it's overcomplicated and not immediately comprehensible. Your diagnosis of OCD in this case is not so wide of the mark ;) - but this is the internet so there are all sorts of strange people out there.

A google search for the rules also throws up all sorts of conflicting info, including drone training companies, who often spin the rules to sell their training courses. One I visited did exactly that and claimed that owners of the DJI Mini should take their online course because the Mini fly more combo came with prop-guards. Fitting the guards takes the MTOM over 250g - which means you need to do the online course and exam to legally fly it with prop guards in public. They also suggested that ND filters, extended landing feet, sticker kits, and a host of other accessories could take the MTOM over 250g - yet again using this as justification to sell training. I guess this is why the Mini 2 is closer to 242g - it allows for ND filters, and a few other odds and ends while still staying under 250g.

Anyway, hope you are still enjoying flying your drone collection and sorry to have dragged your mood down.

PS: For those reading this thread who are not into photography, a neutral density (ND) filter can be used to increase the shutter speed of the drone while taking video in bright sunlight - this induces motion blur which makes the video smoother and more natural to the viewer. They have no real use in still photography on the Mini though - unless for some reason you are still seeing over-exposure on the fastest shutter speed available. Circular polarisers are also pointless on a drone as you rotate them once the shot is framed to increase colour saturation and reduce glare and reflections - obviously, once it is airborne you can't adjust it.
 
Baggywrinkle said:
Thank-you. The privacy thing is a problem because people imagine that drones can zoom in on every detail, showing them what it can actually see satisfies most people with privacy concerns .... but as for being able to remain anonymous while flying a drone ... those days will be gone shortly.

Remote ID is the Trojan horse that will effectively introduce an AIS equivalent for drones. The sub 250g drones are currently exempt from Remote ID, and DJI are planning to release a Drone-To-Phone App ... this is what it does.

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The tablet I use does not have a phone function in it at all
I download the relevant maps of the area and surrounds of where I'm going to be flying plus any activation/unlock needed
 
So you guys have cost me some dosh. Can’t afford a Mini2 as a first plaything, it bought a first generation Mavic Mini off eBay. Not flown yet as v. windy but looks in good condition.

Unfortunately the DJI Fly app won’t load on my basic Samsung phone, in spite of having suitable Android version. Seems that DJI Fly only works on a very narrow range of Android phone types (so more spend!)

Can I test fly it just from the controller, or does that not work?

The app runs on a large iPad, but that clearly won’t fit into the controller. Would it be OK to use a longer cable and fly from controller plus iPad close by?
 
MapisM said:
Hi M, the new deck on JW definitely looks the part, congratulations! (y)
I hope to see her in flesh next year. Fingers crossed for the sh!tshow to come to an end ASAP.

Back to the point, I have no first hand experience on how effective the avoidance sensors of the bigger models can be in all circumstances.
So, if you say that they wouldn't "see" a boat shroud, I take your word for it, of course. Still better than nothing, I suppose?
In the few experiences with the Mini of this summer, I never had any problem to avoid collisions, because as already said the thing is very stable and predictable.
But I did feel that a fair share of my attention was absorbed by constantly checking where the drone was going and what was around it - also because I mostly flew it in the marina, with several sailboats masts potentially interfering.
That's what made me guess that an automatic collision avoidance could allow the pilot to concentrate a bit more on the video composition.
Maybe not when there are sailboats around, but probably in many other occasions where obstacles are more clearly noticeable by the sensors, I suppose.

Anyway, FWIW, this is a short video that I made this summer in the marina...
...before someone else crashed the Mini on the big sailboat, that is! :giggle:
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Hi P,
Marina Sifredi is looking posh with the big boats around the office area. I assume that at the closing few seconds we managed to get a glimpse of the Lido Blu in the same berth as she was last year?
 
Hi C, that's correct, and you can also (barely) see her at the very beginning, partially hidden behind some sailboats.
By now, we call it our "summer home"! ?
We like the open view from the cockpit, and also in the peak of the summer it's more quiet than the main dock.
The only drawback of that position (with the bow pointing N) is that with SE wind we have a bit of waves entering the harbour, and the boat takes it on her beam, hence rolling a bit.
Pretty rare in summer, but can happen a bit more frequently in winter.
In fact, since the end of Sep, we moved to our "winter home" near the office, where the Amer 94 was in the video.
The waves (whenever there are any) can still reach also that spot, but the boat takes them on the bow, and doesn't roll at all.
I like FoC zero speed stabilization! :giggle:
 
dunedin said:
So you guys have cost me some dosh. Can’t afford a Mini2 as a first plaything, it bought a first generation Mavic Mini off eBay. Not flown yet as v. windy but looks in good condition.

Unfortunately the DJI Fly app won’t load on my basic Samsung phone, in spite of having suitable Android version. Seems that DJI Fly only works on a very narrow range of Android phone types (so more spend!)

Can I test fly it just from the controller, or does that not work?

The app runs on a large iPad, but that clearly won’t fit into the controller. Would it be OK to use a longer cable and fly from controller plus iPad close by?
Click to expand...

You can't fly from the controller alone, you need a tablet or phone. It's a pain that the Android app only runs on 64bit versions of Android - so although you may have a version high enough, if it's not a 64 bit phone, it won't work.

DJI Fly App Android compatibility : A comprehensive guide

You can also buy an extended lead and a tablet holder like this for your iPad ...

LEKUFEE Lightweight Aluminum Alloy Foldable Tablet Holder Mount for Mavic Mini/Mavic 2 Pro/Mavic 2 Zoom/Mavic Pro Platinum/Mavic Air/DJI Spark Remote Controller（Not Fit for Mavic Air 2: Amazon.co.uk: Computers & Accessories

With the Mavic Mini it's a good idea to have the antennas pointing at the drone while in flight, so having the iPad lying somewhere on the end of a long lead would make changing settings and keeping an eye on the drone quite difficult IMO.
 
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Baggywrinkle said:
With the Mavic Mini it's a good idea to have the antennas pointing at the drone while in flight,
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AFAIK, radio waves are emitted from the sides of an antenna (generally speaking) - more current flows in the base of the antenna as well.
So, when you say "pointing", it would seem to me that you should actually have the antenna "pointing" 90 degrees away from the drone in order to expose the flat side of the antenna towards the drone.
Same with all antenna.
 
Hurricane said:
AFAIK, radio waves are emitted from the sides of an antenna (generally speaking) - more current flows in the base of the antenna as well.
So, when you say "pointing", it would seem to me that you should actually have the antenna "pointing" 90 degrees away from the drone in order to expose the flat side of the antenna towards the drone.
Same with all antenna.
Click to expand...

I guess I didn't explain it very well, my bad .... there are two antennas on the controller and one in each of the front legs of the drone.
For best performance ....

1606140285175.png
1606140573014.png
 
Just flown my Mavic Pro out to sea here in Devon.
We wanted to photograph the 4 cruise lines that we have here at the moment.
It is very deceptive.
They look like they are really close.
After 2500 metres out, the drone was still nowhere near them.
Down do 50% battery so I brought it back.
It could have gone further but we were faffing around on the way out and wasted a bit of the battery.

DJI_001e1.resized.jpg

DJI_0021e.resized.jpg

But on the way back, it stopped to take a pic of the coastline.

DJI_0036e.resized.jpg

BTW we had visual contact with the drone all the time ;)
 
MapisM said:
Hi C, that's correct, and you can also (barely) see her at the very beginning, partially hidden behind some sailboats.
By now, we call it our "summer home"! ?
We like the open view from the cockpit, and also in the peak of the summer it's more quiet than the main dock.
The only drawback of that position (with the bow pointing N) is that with SE wind we have a bit of waves entering the harbour, and the boat takes it on her beam, hence rolling a bit.
Pretty rare in summer, but can happen a bit more frequently in winter.
In fact, since the end of Sep, we moved to our "winter home" near the office, where the Amer 94 was in the video.
The waves (whenever there are any) can still reach also that spot, but the boat takes them on the bow, and doesn't roll at all.
I like FoC zero speed stabilization! :giggle:
Click to expand...

A was asking me a couple of days ago what your plan is for this winter, haul out arrangement/time etc.
Haven‘t heard anything about Bart this last season?
 
Baggywrinkle said:
You can't fly from the controller alone, you need a tablet or phone. It's a pain that the Android app only runs on 64bit versions of Android - so although you may have a version high enough, if it's not a 64 bit phone, it won't work.

DJI Fly App Android compatibility : A comprehensive guide

You can also buy an extended lead and a tablet holder like this for your iPad ...

LEKUFEE Lightweight Aluminum Alloy Foldable Tablet Holder Mount for Mavic Mini/Mavic 2 Pro/Mavic 2 Zoom/Mavic Pro Platinum/Mavic Air/DJI Spark Remote Controller（Not Fit for Mavic Air 2: Amazon.co.uk: Computers & Accessories

With the Mavic Mini it's a good idea to have the antennas pointing at the drone while in flight, so having the iPad lying somewhere on the end of a long lead would make changing settings and keeping an eye on the drone quite difficult IMO.
Click to expand...

Superb thanks. Yes my current Samsung J5 phone is just 32bit and hence won't download the Fly app. Was planning to update the phone, but the DJI compatibility list seems to lag a long way behind the phone releases (and/or not include phone models only released in certain markets).
As I don't want a big screen or super expensive phone, I was wondering about Samsung S10e or S20 FE, but neither is listed on the DJI or other compatibility websites. These seem to have the same processer as their bigger models - Exynos 9820 and 990 respectively, so am hoping these will work. But bit of a risk of buying and still not work. Seems shame to have to buy a second hand S9 just to use the drone.

The tablet holder could be a useful interim device - just spotted it needs longer cable, not included, so started by buying the longer cable for a test flight (if the gales ever stop!)

Thanks again
 
AndieMac said:
A was asking me a couple of days ago what your plan is for this winter
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No plans, really.
Our usual overseas winter trips with home exchange are all on hold.
They are rather complex trips, requiring a fair bit of fixed planning well in advance, flight tickets, etc.
Totally incompatible with the still uncertain pandemic development.

So, we are taking it (very!) easy, living aboard in CF, where if nothing else weather is warmer than in N IT.
Besides, by now we are so used to living on the boat that I'm sure we would miss her whenever we'll go back home... :)
 
dunedin said:
Superb thanks. Yes my current Samsung J5 phone is just 32bit and hence won't download the Fly app. Was planning to update the phone, but the DJI compatibility list seems to lag a long way behind the phone releases (and/or not include phone models only released in certain markets).
As I don't want a big screen or super expensive phone, I was wondering about Samsung S10e or S20 FE, but neither is listed on the DJI or other compatibility websites. These seem to have the same processer as their bigger models - Exynos 9820 and 990 respectively, so am hoping these will work. But bit of a risk of buying and still not work. Seems shame to have to buy a second hand S9 just to use the drone.

The tablet holder could be a useful interim device - just spotted it needs longer cable, not included, so started by buying the longer cable for a test flight (if the gales ever stop!)

Thanks again
Click to expand...
I always "lag behind" Android phone development and then buy a well known brand.
Apart from being much cheaper, one application that I use requires "root" access so having some support out there and not being on the bleeding edge suits me.
So, I am currently using Samsung S8.
I cracked the display about a year ago so rather than spend £70 or £80 to fix it (and that price would probably have gone up because I would have added a new battery whilst it was in bits), I decided just to buy another S8.
They are fine phones - camera is a bit out of date but still very good.
That then left the old cracked S8 as a dedicated phone for the drones.
You can still pick up an unused S8 for a couple of hundred quid on Ebay - no SIM needed and it runs the DJI apps fine.
 
Hurricane said:
not being on the bleeding edge suits me.
So, I am currently using Samsung S8.
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You must be joking: the S8 indeed IS on the bleeding edge, by my standards.
Last year, after my S5 didn't survive an unplanned swim with it in my pocket, I fetched another identical one, dismissed by my sister in law.
Greatest mobile since the Nokia 6210.
And constantly upgraded by Lineage developers, BTW!
I've been on Android 10 (natively rooted) for months now... (y)
I'm estimating to use it for another 4 or 5 years at least.
Unimaginable nowadays, with non-replaceable batteries.
 
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