GrogHeads Forum

IRL (In Real Life) => General Discussion => Topic started by: Jarhead0331 on June 08, 2014, 06:43:33 PM

Title: DJI Phantom 2 Vision Plus
Post by: Jarhead0331 on June 08, 2014, 06:43:33 PM
So I finally got the chance to go to a local ball park and fly this thing.  All I can say is that it is amazing. I was synched with 11 satellites and that really helped the drone to stay stationary, despite some pretty good wind.  I want to get comfortable with it before I really experiment with its capabilities, but today I got it up to an altitude of 200 feet and clocked it at over 25 mph. I took some really basic photos, but they will give you a good idea of the quality.  Next time I go up, I'll try to get some video.

Local middle school, Amy and Amelia in the bottom right corner.  Probably about 50ft.
(https://scontent-a-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/t31.0-8/10333371_4560889356466_1777496810841127510_o.jpg)

Baseball diamond, again maybe 50ft.
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfp1/t31.0-8/10257217_4560889116460_2506854596347730627_o.jpg)

Amy and Amelia, probably about 100 ft.
(https://scontent-b-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/t31.0-8/10295523_4560889196462_8011558751676445904_o.jpg)

Amelia was a little scared at first :-(
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/t31.0-8/10359119_4560889476469_5389131036033468744_o.jpg)

75ft.-ish
(https://scontent-b-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/t31.0-8/10257178_4560889516470_6944573185738199566_o.jpg)

The school...approximately 100 ft.
(https://scontent-a-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/t31.0-8/10348748_4560890356491_205653995526676745_o.jpg)

This is probably close to 150ft.
(https://scontent-a-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xaf1/t31.0-8/10380048_4560890396492_4221640618172381729_o.jpg)

200ft.! Look at all it can see.
(https://scontent-b-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/t31.0-8/10257211_4560890596497_1835418084038620467_o.jpg)

Amazing. It can go much higher...
(https://scontent-b-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/t31.0-8/10368835_4560890676499_5495826689617742319_o.jpg)

I discovered a little hidden trail
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/t31.0-8/10459017_4560890796502_4704199833795196122_o.jpg)

Looks like the making of an RPG
(https://scontent-b-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/t31.0-8/10317764_4560890916505_313786705906834327_o.jpg)

Another shot from about 200ft.
(https://scontent-a-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xaf1/t31.0-8/1973189_4560891076509_5781458836277526876_o.jpg)

One more.
(https://scontent-a-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/t31.0-8/10458955_4560891196512_6418074978985773358_o.jpg)

Getting ready to land
(https://scontent-b-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/t31.0-8/10321107_4560891476519_799038265724206235_o.jpg)
Title: Re: DJI Phantom 2 Vision Plus
Post by: Staggerwing on June 08, 2014, 07:03:56 PM
Wow! Fortress Jarhead now has hi-def aerial surveillance capabilities!

Did I read you correctly, that the thing has hands-free GPS based station-keeping? Amazing!
Title: Re: DJI Phantom 2 Vision Plus
Post by: Jarhead0331 on June 08, 2014, 07:25:07 PM
Quote from: Staggerwing on June 08, 2014, 07:03:56 PM
Wow! Fortress Jarhead now has hi-def aerial surveillance capabilities!

Did I read you correctly, that the thing has hands-free GPS based station-keeping? Amazing!

Yep and yep. I had a parrot 2.0 before this, but the phantom 2 makes that look like a child's toy.
Title: Re: DJI Phantom 2 Vision Plus
Post by: Gusington on June 08, 2014, 07:56:10 PM
That is unbelievable that anyone could have this kind of tech.
Title: Re: DJI Phantom 2 Vision Plus
Post by: TheCommandTent on June 08, 2014, 09:19:57 PM
Awesome pictures.  Seems like you could have alot of fun and get in alot of trouble with that think :)
Title: Re: DJI Phantom 2 Vision Plus
Post by: MikeGER on June 09, 2014, 02:09:04 AM
COOL  8)
... i bet it has a return to station (and than even land at station capability) when losing signal and wends into fail safe-mode?

@Gus
it really get interesting (and dangerous to the society) when it is possible to preset a flightpath, or just 1-point in space,  the drone flies to this point hover for a minute, does a 360 and shot a couple of pictures/videos, and then flies home an land... and ignores that it flies out of the remote-range for that trip  (with a patched flight software - or even vanilla)

JH, how long does the battery last   
(maybe put a GPS-locater on it. when it crashes out of LOS in the landscape you can salvage it)

next step is a video downlink and a FPV-google and a directive antenna (which a 3rd person points roughly in the direction of the drone) for you :-)
         
Title: Re: DJI Phantom 2 Vision Plus
Post by: DoctorQuest on June 09, 2014, 03:25:14 AM
The stroller looks pretty high-tech, too. Kevlar?
Title: Re: DJI Phantom 2 Vision Plus
Post by: Jarhead0331 on June 09, 2014, 06:29:49 AM
Quote from: MikeGER on June 09, 2014, 02:09:04 AM
COOL  8)
... i bet it has a return to station (and than even land at station capability) when losing signal and wends into fail safe-mode?

@Gus
it really get interesting (and dangerous to the society) when it is possible to preset a flightpath, or just 1-point in space,  the drone flies to this point hover for a minute, does a 360 and shot a couple of pictures/videos, and then flies home an land... and ignores that it flies out of the remote-range for that trip  (with a patched flight software - or even vanilla)

JH, how long does the battery last   
(maybe put a GPS-locater on it. when it crashes out of LOS in the landscape you can salvage it)

next step is a video downlink and a FPV-google and a directive antenna (which a 3rd person points roughly in the direction of the drone) for you :-)
       

It does have return to station and land when  and if it loses radio connection with the controller. I haven't tested this out yet. 

Flight time on each battery is estimated to be 25 minutes. This  might not seem like a lot of time, but it actually is. With the parrot, flight time was maybe 8 minutes tops.
Title: Re: DJI Phantom 2 Vision Plus
Post by: DoctorQuest on June 10, 2014, 01:53:10 PM
Quote from: Jarhead0331 on June 09, 2014, 06:29:49 AM
Quote from: MikeGER on June 09, 2014, 02:09:04 AM
COOL  8)
... i bet it has a return to station (and than even land at station capability) when losing signal and wends into fail safe-mode?

@Gus
it really get interesting (and dangerous to the society) when it is possible to preset a flightpath, or just 1-point in space,  the drone flies to this point hover for a minute, does a 360 and shot a couple of pictures/videos, and then flies home an land... and ignores that it flies out of the remote-range for that trip  (with a patched flight software - or even vanilla)

JH, how long does the battery last   
(maybe put a GPS-locater on it. when it crashes out of LOS in the landscape you can salvage it)

next step is a video downlink and a FPV-google and a directive antenna (which a 3rd person points roughly in the direction of the drone) for you :-)
       

It does have return to station and land when  and if it loses radio connection with the controller. I haven't tested this out yet. 

Flight time on each battery is estimated to be 25 minutes. This  might not seem like a lot of time, but it actually is. With the parrot, flight time was maybe 8 minutes tops.

That is a LONG time in the electric RC world. My indoor helo only flies for about 5 minutes. (That being said it is a pretty intense 5 minutes.) I have two batteries which helps.
Title: Re: DJI Phantom 2 Vision Plus
Post by: bayonetbrant on June 10, 2014, 04:25:31 PM
I got dizzy just looking at some of those photos. 

that's a very cool toy you've got there
Title: Re: DJI Phantom 2 Vision Plus
Post by: Jarhead0331 on June 12, 2014, 10:04:11 AM
Meanwhile, in other drone news...look at this crazy bitch.   

http://www.nbcconnecticut.com/news/local/Woman-Charged-With-Assault-Teen-Andrea-Mears-Drone-Madison-Hammonasset-262437001.html (http://www.nbcconnecticut.com/news/local/Woman-Charged-With-Assault-Teen-Andrea-Mears-Drone-Madison-Hammonasset-262437001.html)
Title: Re: DJI Phantom 2 Vision Plus
Post by: endfire79 on June 12, 2014, 10:09:55 AM
Cool stuff.   Sounds like we need a bigger fly swatter :)

What's the noise level on its motor/engine btw?
Title: Re: DJI Phantom 2 Vision Plus
Post by: BanzaiCat on June 12, 2014, 10:23:49 AM
Very cool. I saw one in action up close this past Saturday on a movie set...the director used it to get some overhead shots. He said it was about $2500 for the Phantom (not sure if it was a II, he just called it 'Phantom'), the video camera, and the monitor/controls. This is up there with 3D printers for me as a toy there's no way I can afford now, but who knows...
Title: Re: DJI Phantom 2 Vision Plus
Post by: Jarhead0331 on June 12, 2014, 11:17:25 AM
Quote from: endfire79 on June 12, 2014, 10:09:55 AM
Cool stuff.   Sounds like we need a bigger fly swatter :)

What's the noise level on its motor/engine btw?

I wouldn't describe it as loud, but the damn thing definitely does not incorporate noise dampening and stealth technology. It can be heard.  However, at 200 feet, it was pretty quiet. I would imagine that at altitude of up to 400 feet, it would be practically silent on the ground.
Title: Re: DJI Phantom 2 Vision Plus
Post by: Jarhead0331 on June 12, 2014, 11:21:10 AM
Quote from: Banzai_Cat on June 12, 2014, 10:23:49 AM
Very cool. I saw one in action up close this past Saturday on a movie set...the director used it to get some overhead shots. He said it was about $2500 for the Phantom (not sure if it was a II, he just called it 'Phantom'), the video camera, and the monitor/controls. This is up there with 3D printers for me as a toy there's no way I can afford now, but who knows...

The DJI Phantom 2 Vision Plus, which is currently their top of the line model, cost me $1299. Plus an extra battery, extra MicroSD card, an exceptional case that carries the drone, the controller, the batteries, spare parts and tools, with shipping, total cost came to just around $2000.

So far, worth every penny.
Title: Re: DJI Phantom 2 Vision Plus
Post by: GDS_Starfury on June 12, 2014, 12:20:48 PM
time to buy this R/C vehicle!

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hugojong.nl%2Fgepard.jpg&hash=e77ef9225e79a24a5023c9efa378151b5c602892)
Title: Re: DJI Phantom 2 Vision Plus
Post by: skeptical.platypus on June 12, 2014, 01:51:43 PM
I'm curious about the surveillance options. Are you choosing to take individual photos, or are those single pics from continuous video? Do you have to direct the camera? Is there something akin to a 360 degree pan? Is the data stored on board (and if so, what's the capacity) or can it be linked to storage not on the airframe?

I used to dream about financial independence, when I would buy a big limo, and get driven around until I spot some asshole driver, and then run over when he's stopped and plant an appropriately-named identifying bumper sticker. Now I'm thinking using a drone would be, much, much more awesome.
Title: Re: DJI Phantom 2 Vision Plus
Post by: Mr. Bigglesworth on June 12, 2014, 02:10:18 PM
Very cool. It would be nice to have a zoom lens and something with less barrel distortion.
Title: Re: DJI Phantom 2 Vision Plus
Post by: Jarhead0331 on June 12, 2014, 03:43:17 PM
Quote from: skeptical.platypus on June 12, 2014, 01:51:43 PM
I'm curious about the surveillance options. Are you choosing to take individual photos, or are those single pics from continuous video?

It takes photographs in 14 megapixels and captures video in 1080p. The pics I posted are not stills from a video stream.

Quote from: skeptical.platypus on June 12, 2014, 01:51:43 PM
Do you have to direct the camera? Is there something akin to a 360 degree pan?

You can control the pitch of the camera.  You can aim it straight ahead, straight down or anywhere in between.  The camera is controlled on your smart phone which gets mounted onto the radio controller that controls the actual drone. If you want to rotate the camera 360 degrees, you just rotate the drone.

Quote from: skeptical.platypus on June 12, 2014, 01:51:43 PM
Is the data stored on board (and if so, what's the capacity) or can it be linked to storage not on the airframe?

Yes. The drone comes with a 4GB MicroSD card. I believe it is upgradeable to 32GB.  You can remove the MicroSD card and download data directly, or your smartphone can download data directly through a wireless connection without the need for removing the onboard card. I downloaded about 25MB in photos from the drone directly to my smartphone in about 30 seconds. It was very fast.
Title: Re: DJI Phantom 2 Vision Plus
Post by: Jarhead0331 on June 12, 2014, 03:43:46 PM
Quote from: Mr. Bigglesworth on June 12, 2014, 02:10:18 PM
Very cool. It would be nice to have a zoom lens and something with less barrel distortion.

Yes. Zoom and FLIR are the only two things missing that keep this device from being totally epic.
Title: Re: DJI Phantom 2 Vision Plus
Post by: mirth on June 12, 2014, 03:45:49 PM
Quote from: Jarhead0331 on June 12, 2014, 03:43:46 PM
Quote from: Mr. Bigglesworth on June 12, 2014, 02:10:18 PM
Very cool. It would be nice to have a zoom lens and something with less barrel distortion.

Yes. Zoom and FLIR are the only two things missing that keep this device from being totally epic.

Zoom, FLIR and a Hellfire or two.
Title: Re: DJI Phantom 2 Vision Plus
Post by: Jarhead0331 on June 12, 2014, 03:46:56 PM
^Now you're really asking for someone to step in and ban these things. I'm totally satisfied with them not mounting any weaponry. I really just want to play.
Title: Re: DJI Phantom 2 Vision Plus
Post by: endfire79 on June 12, 2014, 03:48:48 PM
Hmm, not sure if I like all this stuff flying around and observing me.  Although they are very cool.

Is there a market for anti-drone devices yet ?  Business idea :)
Title: Re: DJI Phantom 2 Vision Plus
Post by: Jarhead0331 on June 12, 2014, 03:54:39 PM
Quote from: endfire79 on June 12, 2014, 03:48:48 PM
Hmm, not sure if I like all this stuff flying around and observing me.  Although they are very cool.

Is there a market for anti-drone devices yet ?  Business idea :)

I really don't think they have the range for truly effective spying.  They are really not meant for surveillance.  These hobby drones are more meant for capturing video and photographs from a unique perspective. Just like anything else, they need to be used responsibly.
Title: Re: DJI Phantom 2 Vision Plus
Post by: mirth on June 12, 2014, 03:59:25 PM
Nerf launcher?
Title: Re: DJI Phantom 2 Vision Plus
Post by: skeptical.platypus on June 12, 2014, 04:38:03 PM
Quote from: endfire79 on June 12, 2014, 03:48:48 PM
Hmm, not sure if I like all this stuff flying around and observing me.  Although they are very cool.

Is there a market for anti-drone devices yet ?  Business idea :)

I have a wee bit of a fear of not having a personal capacity for MAIP (mutually assured invasion of privacy. It doesn't roll off the tongue like MAD, I admit).

A polite society is a shamed society.
Title: Re: DJI Phantom 2 Vision Plus
Post by: skeptical.platypus on June 12, 2014, 04:41:22 PM
Quote from: Jarhead0331 on June 12, 2014, 03:43:46 PM
Quote from: Mr. Bigglesworth on June 12, 2014, 02:10:18 PM
Very cool. It would be nice to have a zoom lens and something with less barrel distortion.

Yes. Zoom and FLIR are the only two things missing that keep this device from being totally epic.

I have to disagree. Seems _very_ epic without zoom or flir, but my drone standards are objectively poor. (I'm still impressed with my styrofoam rc indoor helicopter.)

Thanks for the detailed reply, btw.
Title: Re: DJI Phantom 2 Vision Plus
Post by: Jarhead0331 on June 22, 2014, 10:47:53 AM
Took her up to 400 feet yesterday.  Same location and park.  Compare this with the shot taken at 200 feet on page one. Simply amazing.

(https://scontent-b-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/t1.0-9/10312680_10152439494537702_6120049673605166614_n.jpg)
Title: Re: DJI Phantom 2 Vision Plus
Post by: MikeGER on June 22, 2014, 03:11:04 PM
in the meantime .... i had checked the German hobbyists forums about JH's new drone type (for my arsenal ;) ),
it likes to have at least 5 but prefers 8 GPS sats (reported by some red-green led flashes in flight prep) . if it loose the GPS signal it flies/drift on and if it gets signal-strenght back goes straight to last good GPS position in 20 m height (not evading any objects on its way, that the pilot may had navigated around before.
also 20m is not enuf, when loss of signal it should rise to 50m or more for better GPS -signal, fly to set home-position and slowly drop and land there)

these drones need a simple-'radar-altimeter' for landing without GPS and 4 simple ultrasonic-distance-measurement sensors on its tips to evade objects (self preservation)
so i think i wait for a 3.0 Version with more 'situational-awreness'  and better fail-safe return features.

also in Germany (maybe whole Europe) the remote signal (and video) signal strenght is limited to 25 mW  while in the US its 125 mW ! .... so i would surly need to 'reimport' the US version (best send as a 'gift' from a Grogfriend, who got the money before with paypal of course ;-))
     
in Germany here i could instead just mount a gimbal-and-cam to a big-party balloon on a 50m string , to get overview pictures .... the 25mW killing the range/fun here :-/  I think signal strength drops with 1 / distance ^2  IIRC
Title: Re: DJI Phantom 2 Vision Plus
Post by: Jarhead0331 on June 22, 2014, 06:30:08 PM
Between 500 and 600 feet.

(https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/t31.0-8/615097_10152440470297702_577032454380911051_o.jpg)

(https://scontent-b-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/t31.0-8/1973331_10152440470302702_5052264281711619138_o.jpg)

(https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfp1/t31.0-8/10387135_10152440470307702_4306886251842942245_o.jpg)

(https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfp1/t31.0-8/10380423_10152440470317702_1367688402298735253_o.jpg)

Title: Re: DJI Phantom 2 Vision Plus
Post by: Staggerwing on June 22, 2014, 07:11:23 PM
If you point that thing north or north-east, depending on where you are, you might be able to see my town from up there.
Title: Re: DJI Phantom 2 Vision Plus
Post by: TheCommandTent on June 23, 2014, 07:45:30 AM
Those are some great pictures!
Title: Re: DJI Phantom 2 Vision Plus
Post by: Onion on June 27, 2014, 10:46:13 AM
I was wondering the other day how much drones like this would be useful during a Search and Rescue operation. Are they currently used in that capacity? Seems like the hovering type would be more effective (and cheaper) than fixed wing military types. 
Title: Re: DJI Phantom 2 Vision Plus
Post by: GDS_Starfury on July 04, 2014, 09:55:28 AM
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/t1.0-9/10488033_10152202619122951_1498429778273964334_n.png)
Title: Re: DJI Phantom 2 Vision Plus
Post by: MikeGER on July 04, 2014, 02:40:25 PM
excellent prank  ...now do this on a foggy eve  at a busstop near 'spooky side' (graveyard, old empty building you name it)  >:D
Title: Re: DJI Phantom 2 Vision Plus
Post by: GDS_Starfury on July 04, 2014, 11:16:35 PM
dayum!

Title: Re: DJI Phantom 2 Vision Plus
Post by: Staggerwing on July 05, 2014, 06:29:56 AM
That is way effing cool!
Title: Re: DJI Phantom 2 Vision Plus
Post by: Jarhead0331 on July 05, 2014, 07:06:49 AM
I wouldn't have had the balls to do that with my drone. I like my safe baseball field park just fine.
Title: Re: DJI Phantom 2 Vision Plus
Post by: TheCommandTent on July 05, 2014, 08:08:18 AM
That was awesome but how in the world did you pilot that thing at night in a sky that kept getting lite up by the fireworks.  Do they have some sort of tracker, running lights or video feed on the drone?
Title: Re: DJI Phantom 2 Vision Plus
Post by: Staggerwing on July 05, 2014, 08:23:18 AM
Depending on how sophisticated the drone is, I suspect the video feed would be a good bet.
Title: Re: DJI Phantom 2 Vision Plus
Post by: GDS_Starfury on July 05, 2014, 08:30:43 AM
the video was done with the very same drone JH has.  Im guessing any live video feed is coming from the Gopro if there even is one.
Title: Re: DJI Phantom 2 Vision Plus
Post by: Jarhead0331 on July 06, 2014, 09:35:15 AM
Quote from: TheCommandTent on July 05, 2014, 08:08:18 AM
That was awesome but how in the world did you pilot that thing at night in a sky that kept getting lite up by the fireworks.  Do they have some sort of tracker, running lights or video feed on the drone?

The drone, which is the same one I have, was undamaged during this flight over West Palm Beach, Florida.  It was filmed with a GoPro Hero 3 silver+, which I do not believe is the camera that came with my drone. I know this GoPro has enhanced low light capability, but I'm still uncertain how good visibility would have been through the video feed.  Perhaps the fireworks were so bright, it allowed for reasonable visibility. I've never flown mine at night, but I have had it powered on in the dark and visibility was extremely poor.

Kudos to this pilot. It is an outstanding film that really shows off how magnificent these little devices are.
Title: Re: DJI Phantom 2 Vision Plus
Post by: Con on July 06, 2014, 12:08:27 PM
While that is very cool I have to start wondering what will happen when inevitably someone uses these drones in a fashion that is dangerous to others.  For example you will get some idiot who wants to try and fly next to a commercial jet when it is taking off or landing etc and gets the drone sucked into an engine.  I can probably think of a half dozen other scenarios as well.

I get the feeling that after the first incident there is going to be a heavy handed approach to trying to legislate or regulate these drones

Con
Title: Re: DJI Phantom 2 Vision Plus
Post by: Jarhead0331 on July 06, 2014, 12:15:49 PM
There already are significant efforts aimed at banning or regulating these kinds of commercially available drones, but almost all of the efforts so far are based on grounds of privacy concerns. I don't see these drones as being any more dangerous (they actually seem less dangerous) then model RC planes and helicopters that have been commercially available for decades.  The only difference is that quadcopters equipped with wireless and GPS capabilities are much more accessible because they are easier to pilot.

There will always be idiots who use and abuse, but I see no reason to regulate or ban with the current technology available on these aircraft. Of course, common sense almost never prevails where legislation is concerned.
Title: Re: DJI Phantom 2 Vision Plus
Post by: Con on July 06, 2014, 12:28:46 PM
Quote from: Jarhead0331 on July 06, 2014, 12:15:49 PM
There already are significant efforts aimed at banning or regulating these kinds of commercially available drones, but almost all of the efforts so far are based on grounds of privacy concerns. I don't see these drones as being any more dangerous (they actually seem less dangerous) then model RC planes and helicopters that have been commercially available for decades.  The only difference is that quadcopters equipped with wireless and GPS capabilities are much more accessible because they are easier to pilot.

There will always be idiots who use and abuse, but I see no reason to regulate or ban with the current technology available on these aircraft. Of course, common sense almost never prevails where legislation is concerned.

I think you have nailed the key point versus RC which is the level of skill and commitment required to successfully pilot these types of planes.  With the new drones paired with streaming HD video literally anyone with enough cash can point these and go.  I suspect that as we see many more people playing with drones the number of idiots abusing them will likewise rise.

Con
Title: Re: DJI Phantom 2 Vision Plus
Post by: Jarhead0331 on July 06, 2014, 03:28:14 PM
Quote from: Con on July 06, 2014, 12:28:46 PM
Quote from: Jarhead0331 on July 06, 2014, 12:15:49 PM
There already are significant efforts aimed at banning or regulating these kinds of commercially available drones, but almost all of the efforts so far are based on grounds of privacy concerns. I don't see these drones as being any more dangerous (they actually seem less dangerous) then model RC planes and helicopters that have been commercially available for decades.  The only difference is that quadcopters equipped with wireless and GPS capabilities are much more accessible because they are easier to pilot.

There will always be idiots who use and abuse, but I see no reason to regulate or ban with the current technology available on these aircraft. Of course, common sense almost never prevails where legislation is concerned.

I think you have nailed the key point versus RC which is the level of skill and commitment required to successfully pilot these types of planes.  With the new drones paired with streaming HD video literally anyone with enough cash can point these and go.  I suspect that as we see many more people playing with drones the number of idiots abusing them will likewise rise.

Con

No doubt.  I'll keep hoping nothing too crazy happens. 
Title: Re: DJI Phantom 2 Vision Plus
Post by: Con on July 28, 2014, 05:51:57 PM
Well its not the first scenario I envisioned and the article headline is blowing it up to be a bigger thing than it was in actuality (if you bother to read through it all) but so it begins

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2708851/Drone-blocks-California-firefighting-planes-fires-rage.html

Con
Title: Re: DJI Phantom 2 Vision Plus
Post by: Silent Disapproval Robot on October 09, 2014, 05:15:27 PM
How's the drone holding up? 

I'm on the verge of buying one but I'm a bit leery as the two local DJI approved dealers both seem to have pretty poor reviews when it comes to customer support.

I'm looking at the pro pack with a hard top case, 3 batteries, rotor guards, and a few other bits that I can't recall right now.  Are 3 batteries overkill?  What kind of flight time are you getting per battery?
Title: Re: DJI Phantom 2 Vision Plus
Post by: Jarhead0331 on October 09, 2014, 06:16:41 PM
3 batteries is definitely overkill. 2 is just right. I get about 20 minutes flight time on average per battery. I haven't flown it in awhile due to time and other distractions, but my opinion remains the same...its a remarkable piece of technology worth every penny.
Title: Re: DJI Phantom 2 Vision Plus
Post by: Silent Disapproval Robot on October 09, 2014, 07:02:48 PM
Thanks.  Ordering mine now.
Title: Re: DJI Phantom 2 Vision Plus
Post by: jejo68 on October 11, 2014, 06:01:59 AM
Quote from: Jarhead0331 on June 12, 2014, 11:17:25 AM
Quote from: endfire79 on June 12, 2014, 10:09:55 AM
Cool stuff.   Sounds like we need a bigger fly swatter :)

What's the noise level on its motor/engine btw?

I wouldn't describe it as loud, but the damn thing definitely does not incorporate noise dampening and stealth technology. It can be heard.  However, at 200 feet, it was pretty quiet. I would imagine that at altitude of up to 400 feet, it would be practically silent on the ground.
Just out of curiosity. If you hover over my house and I shoot the damn thing Down, what would be the legal consequense ?
Title: Re: DJI Phantom 2 Vision Plus
Post by: LongBlade on October 11, 2014, 08:45:35 AM
Quote from: jejo68 on October 11, 2014, 06:01:59 AM
Quote from: Jarhead0331 on June 12, 2014, 11:17:25 AM
Quote from: endfire79 on June 12, 2014, 10:09:55 AM
Cool stuff.   Sounds like we need a bigger fly swatter :)

What's the noise level on its motor/engine btw?

I wouldn't describe it as loud, but the damn thing definitely does not incorporate noise dampening and stealth technology. It can be heard.  However, at 200 feet, it was pretty quiet. I would imagine that at altitude of up to 400 feet, it would be practically silent on the ground.
Just out of curiosity. If you hover over my house and I shoot the damn thing Down, what would be the legal consequense ?


Probably nothing good would come of it: http://mashable.com/2014/10/05/drone-beat-man-shoots-down-drone-police-search-missing-student/
Title: Re: DJI Phantom 2 Vision Plus
Post by: Jarhead0331 on October 13, 2014, 08:38:42 AM
Quote from: jejo68 on October 11, 2014, 06:01:59 AM
Quote from: Jarhead0331 on June 12, 2014, 11:17:25 AM
Quote from: endfire79 on June 12, 2014, 10:09:55 AM
Cool stuff.   Sounds like we need a bigger fly swatter :)

What's the noise level on its motor/engine btw?

I wouldn't describe it as loud, but the damn thing definitely does not incorporate noise dampening and stealth technology. It can be heard.  However, at 200 feet, it was pretty quiet. I would imagine that at altitude of up to 400 feet, it would be practically silent on the ground.
Just out of curiosity. If you hover over my house and I shoot the damn thing Down, what would be the legal consequense ?

You'd probably go to jail for unlawfully discharging a firearm and then get sued for destroying property. You do not own the air above your house. If it was my drone, there would be a few other consequences too.  >:D
Title: Re: DJI Phantom 2 Vision Plus
Post by: jejo68 on October 13, 2014, 10:41:56 AM
Quote from: Jarhead0331 on October 13, 2014, 08:38:42 AM
Quote from: jejo68 on October 11, 2014, 06:01:59 AM
Quote from: Jarhead0331 on June 12, 2014, 11:17:25 AM
Quote from: endfire79 on June 12, 2014, 10:09:55 AM
Cool stuff.   Sounds like we need a bigger fly swatter :)

What's the noise level on its motor/engine btw?

I wouldn't describe it as loud, but the damn thing definitely does not incorporate noise dampening and stealth technology. It can be heard.  However, at 200 feet, it was pretty quiet. I would imagine that at altitude of up to 400 feet, it would be practically silent on the ground.
Just out of curiosity. If you hover over my house and I shoot the damn thing Down, what would be the legal consequense ?

You'd probably go to jail for unlawfully discharging a firearm and then get sued for destroying property. You do not own the air above your house. If it was my drone, there would be a few other consequences too.  >:D
So in effect you can fly around filming other peoples property without any chance of them interfering on you
Title: Re: DJI Phantom 2 Vision Plus
Post by: LongBlade on October 13, 2014, 11:38:48 AM
Quote from: jejo68 on October 13, 2014, 10:41:56 AM
So in effect you can fly around filming other peoples property without any chance of them interfering on you

I'll defer to Jarhead for a real legal opinion.

However, it's my understanding that, at least with regard to walking around outside - you're allowed to see whatever is in the yard, but you're not allowed to take binoculars and peer inside the windows. The same probably applies to drones.

Why we don't own the air rights over our property, however, seems odd. I can see how, at 10,000 feet I might not, but at 100'? One would think that's within the realm of a tree's growth and be within my property.
Title: Re: DJI Phantom 2 Vision Plus
Post by: Jarhead0331 on October 14, 2014, 11:22:59 AM
The airspace above your home is generally considered to be public airspace and American courts have generally permitted surveillance of private property from public airspace.  As privacy law stands today, you don't have a reasonable expectation of privacy while out in public, nor almost anywhere visible from a public vantage.

The rapid expansion of the commercial drone market has raised several privacy concerns that the law has been slow to address. I believe as more incidents occur involving private drones, the law will adapt. 

I am aware of one incident in Pennsylvania involving an animal rights group who flew their $4,000 drone over land owned by a private hunters' group in an effort to record illegal animal abuse.  The hunters shot down the drone.  While I do not believe criminal charges were filed, there is an ongoing civil law suit.

So the short of it is, be very careful in what actions you take to preserve your perceived privacy concerns. You may subject yourself to criminal or civil liability...at least until the law becomes more developed on the issue.
Title: Re: DJI Phantom 2 Vision Plus
Post by: Con on October 14, 2014, 01:37:37 PM
I think the solution is simple,and brilliant. You need to bring back falconry as a sport and hunt those pesky drones out of the sky. You can't be sued if it was a natural animal act!

This untrained hawk took about 20seconds from acquisition to kill. Imagine what a falcon could do


Title: Re: DJI Phantom 2 Vision Plus
Post by: Jarhead0331 on October 14, 2014, 02:00:08 PM
Hmmmm...if you train a pit bull to attack a person or their property, don't you think that person will be open to criminal or civil prosecution? The question is rhetorical, of course. The answer is, yes. Your theory is humorous, but if not said in jest, its bad advice. lol
Title: Re: DJI Phantom 2 Vision Plus
Post by: Con on October 14, 2014, 02:45:00 PM
Quote from: Jarhead0331 on October 14, 2014, 02:00:08 PM
Hmmmm...if you train a pit bull to attack a person or their property, don't you think that person will be open to criminal or civil prosecution? The question is rhetorical, of course. The answer is, yes. Your theory is humorous, but if not said in jest, its bad advice. lol

All right then encourage falcons to nest on your property. If a photographer gets out of the jeep on safari promptly to get eaten and later pooped out of the alimentary tract of a large lion is it the safari park that gets sued?  ( probably yes but Darwinism should hopefully rule in the parks favor)

If you want to be sneaky fly drones covered in pigeon parts around to "encourage" the natural hawkish behavior.

Come on JH I sense a great business opportunity here and I might be looking for a legal partner to get in the ground floor of anti drone papparazi. Just need to think of a name. Der Falconizer?

Con

Title: Re: DJI Phantom 2 Vision Plus
Post by: Jarhead0331 on October 14, 2014, 02:48:09 PM
Quote from: Con on October 14, 2014, 02:45:00 PM
Quote from: Jarhead0331 on October 14, 2014, 02:00:08 PM
Hmmmm...if you train a pit bull to attack a person or their property, don't you think that person will be open to criminal or civil prosecution? The question is rhetorical, of course. The answer is, yes. Your theory is humorous, but if not said in jest, its bad advice. lol

All right then encourage falcons to nest on your property. If a photographer gets out of the jeep on safari promptly to get eaten and later pooped out of the alimentary tract of a large lion is it the safari park that gets sued?  ( probably yes but Darwinism should hopefully rule in the parks favor)

If you want to be sneaky fly drones covered in pigeon parts around to "encourage" the natural hawkish behavior.

Come on JH I sense a great business opportunity here and I might be looking for a legal partner to get in the ground floor of anti drone papparazi. Just need to think of a name. Der Falconizer?

Con

I'll be more than happy to assist you in your endeavor. However, keep in mind that I do bill by the hour and I'm not cheap!
Title: Re: DJI Phantom 2 Vision Plus
Post by: Smuckatelli on October 14, 2014, 03:01:48 PM
Quote from: Con on October 14, 2014, 02:45:00 PM

Come on JH I sense a great business opportunity here and I might be looking for a legal partner to get in the ground floor of anti drone papparazi. Just need to think of a name. Der Falconizer?

Con

You need to hurry up, there is already a company that is making equipment to neutralize the drone without damaging it:

http://www.ddcountermeasures.com/home.html

The have the target acquisition part, now they need to figure out a way to 'blur' the camera without damaging it.....
Title: Re: DJI Phantom 2 Vision Plus
Post by: Jarhead0331 on October 14, 2014, 03:07:42 PM
I'm suspicious of any endeavor that quotes Diane Feinstein as a source.
Title: Re: DJI Phantom 2 Vision Plus
Post by: Smuckatelli on October 14, 2014, 04:03:00 PM
Quote from: Jarhead0331 on October 14, 2014, 03:07:42 PM
I'm suspicious of any endeavor that quotes Diane Feinstein as a source.

I completely agree.......but, that being said...

Con can start a Grodheads Anti Drone Service that works on all drones except Grogheads drones.
Title: Re: DJI Phantom 2 Vision Plus
Post by: LongBlade on October 14, 2014, 04:43:45 PM
Not exactly on topic, but I started a course on legal surveillance today.

About killed myself trying to figure out which particular case got all evidence tossed out because of improper minimization (and still didn't find it) but it was fun trying.

I think.

Anyway, worth checking out if you want to be familiar with the issues.

https://class.coursera.org/surveillance-001
Title: Re: DJI Phantom 2 Vision Plus
Post by: LongBlade on October 14, 2014, 10:08:28 PM
Not to mention that drones cause riots.

QuoteSerbia's European Championship qualifying match with Albania was abandoned after 41 minutes following ugly clashes between both sets of players.

The brawl followed the arrival of a mini-drone, which flew over the stadium while carrying a flag with Albanian symbols.

source: http://www.cnn.com/2014/10/14/sport/football/serbia-albania-game-abandoned/index.html?hpt=hp_t2
Title: Re: DJI Phantom 2 Vision Plus
Post by: Silent Disapproval Robot on November 17, 2014, 12:28:20 PM
Tip of the day:  Don't fly the thing in ground station GPS control mode when it's too close to high voltage power lines.  It was both slightly nerve-racking and amusing at the same time.  The drone was following the pre-programmed flight path I gave it but it obviously got too close to the EM field from the power lines and lost its GPS connections.  It got confused, wobbled around for a bit, then entered its return home function.  When it enters this mode, it is supposed to climb to a preset altitude (mine's 65ft) and slowly fly back to its home station.  (Usually its start point but you can set new home stations on the go).  Unfortunately, as it lost its GPS signals, it didn't know where home was so it just went into Land-where-I'm-at mode.  It started to drop but once it got out of the EM field and re-established GPS, it snapped back into return home mode.  It'd shoot back up, lose GPS signal and drop back down again.  It did this 4-5 times while I stood there like a moron, trying to recall what the procedure was for breaking the return home protocol and re-establishing remote control.
Title: Re: DJI Phantom 2 Vision Plus
Post by: Con on December 20, 2018, 08:38:46 PM
Threadus Reserectus - Arise from the dead

Saw the chaos at Gatwick today from a deliberate attempt to screw up peoples lives with a drone.  Remembered I had posted some sort of similar scenario - Turns out I was four and a half years off which is frankly surprising!

https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/news/2018/12/20/londons-gatwick-airport-shutdown-drones-cause-flight-delays-chaos/2373311002/

Con

Quote from: Con on July 06, 2014, 12:08:27 PM
While that is very cool I have to start wondering what will happen when inevitably someone uses these drones in a fashion that is dangerous to others.  For example you will get some idiot who wants to try and fly next to a commercial jet when it is taking off or landing etc and gets the drone sucked into an engine.  I can probably think of a half dozen other scenarios as well.

I get the feeling that after the first incident there is going to be a heavy handed approach to trying to legislate or regulate these drones

Con
Title: Re: DJI Phantom 2 Vision Plus
Post by: Jarhead0331 on December 20, 2018, 09:28:44 PM
Some dipshit landed a drone on a British aircraft carrier. It caused quite a stir...

The sad part? They only found out about it when said dipshit tried to get access to the naval base in order to recover the drone from the deck of the ship.

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-40910087 (https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-40910087)
Title: Re: DJI Phantom 2 Vision Plus
Post by: Pete Dero on December 21, 2018, 04:10:34 AM
Gatwick runway reopens after drone chaos

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-sussex-46643173

Gatwick's runway closed just after 21:00 GMT on Wednesday when two drones were spotted flying over the perimeter fence and into the airfield.

More than 20 police units from two forces joined the search for the perpetrator, who could face up to five years in jail.
The military, with "a range of unique capabilities", was deployed to assist the police operation.

By Thursday night, 120,000 people had had flights cancelled and police said there had been more than 50 sightings of a drone since the runway was first closed.