User Panel
User Panel
User Panel
OK, USA
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Posted: 9/22/2023 8:01:11 AM EST
Hey guys, started this thread as I didn't want to step on the "learn me up on" thread.
In a nutshell, I think it would be cool to have something like this.. I had almost made up my mind on the DJI Avata, until I read up on the other thread... Then it hit me.. I don't know shit about any of this! I thought it was basically plug and play, buy this, slap some goggles on, and go fly.. That thought didn't age well. Lol.. Anyways, after reading through and trying to understand/grasp some of the terminology those guys were discussing, what are the advantages of piecing together a FPV drone? Seems like the pieced out cost is similar to the Avata package? Honestly, the DJI controller kinda looked idiot proof to me, hence why I thought I would go that route. Really don't have anything in mind, other than playing around.. Not looking to get into making youtube videos, etc, but would be cool to get some arial shots, birds eye view, etc. This will be nothing more than a cool toy/gadget, and not used for racing, advanced photography, etc. I've tried to look through some various drone forums, but find I have no idea what they are talking about most of the time. Is there a website "drones for dummies" that can start leading me down the path of knowledge? Thx! |
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Posted: 9/22/2023 9:00:36 AM EST
[#1]
It can be as plug and play and idiot proof, or as from scratch as you want.
The Avata and the larger "FPV" (that's the name) are plug and play. You can be flying in the time it takes to charge. The DJI drones have all the DJI stability you would likely appreciate at the expense of downright speed and agility. The DJI offerings aren't winning any races. The video quality of the DJI units are second to none. You're not getting Full HD digital transmission without DJI giving it to you. They do sell units that fit on any other FPV drone basically but again you're no longer in the PnP realm. Decide what you want and go from there. If 15 minute, stabilized, HD flight is what you want, get the DJI (either one). If you want fast, agile, lightweight, and likely worse video quality and a bit of a learning curve, go with something else. There are a million options. Some people even build their own frames. It's a pretty open ended hobby. |
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Posted: 9/22/2023 9:41:02 PM EST
[Last Edit: TotalUnRecall]
[#2]
I hate to recommend DJI but for what you want it sounds like the best fit. That being said, when you crash, and you will when flying in acro mode, things are a little different. DJI’s aren’t made of carbon fiber. AFAIK, they’re plastic. At least my old Mavic 2 Pro was. I have slammed my drone full throttle into the ground when inverted. Completely destroyed a battery but changed the props and and it was fine. I’d bet money a DJI couldn’t do that. Plus I’m not even sure you can buy parts to fix them yourself. Like I said I’m not sure about that though. If I smash into a wall and break an arm it’s 2 screws to change the arm and it costs me $10 shipped for the part, give it take. If you want to just get some pics in the sky and cruise around then get a DJI. I get that FPV can be overwhelming but after watching a few videos and doing some reading, things just started to make sense and I’m hooked. I may not have GPS and all that whiz bang stuff, (which you can add, BTW) but you make sure the goggles are recording and when you crash just watch the playback and you can find the quad. If you know you’re close you can activate the beeper also. Not sure if this helps and not trying to convince you either way. As long as you are having fun that’s all that matters.
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Posted: 9/23/2023 7:06:05 PM EST
[Last Edit: MadMonkey]
[#3]
Much as Josh Bardwell annoys me, he knows a ton about multirotors and https://www.fpvknowitall.com is a great site to find info on a bunch of recommended parts.
Oscar Liang is probably my favorite and is also super knowledgeable. This is what you're asking for: https://oscarliang.com/fpv-drone-guide/ Honestly, building your own or at least buying a prebuilt legit quad will give you a better experience, and you'll gain skills that are useful elsewhere. A simulator is also extremely helpful. |
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OK, USA
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Posted: 9/25/2023 1:52:38 PM EST
[#4]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By MadMonkey: Much as Josh Bardwell annoys me, he knows a ton about multirotors and https://www.fpvknowitall.com is a great site to find info on a bunch of recommended parts. Oscar Liang is probably my favorite and is also super knowledgeable. This is what you're asking for: https://oscarliang.com/fpv-drone-guide/ Honestly, building your own or at least buying a prebuilt legit quad will give you a better experience, and you'll gain skills that are useful elsewhere. A simulator is also extremely helpful. |
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Posted: 9/26/2023 10:02:33 AM EST
[#5]
I started the other thread but, I'll share what little research I've come up with since getting into it.
The DJI Avata would be fine for someone just wanting to cruise around with FPV while having the leveling stability of the DJI platform. Nothing wrong with it and it will work for most anyone. The problem comes in with crashing which, based on my first 5 hours of SIM flight is grossly UNDERREPORTED. You will crash....A LOT. The consensus from my reading is that the pre-built drones or build your own drones are easily repairable in the field if you have the parts. You can be back up and flying in a short time. From what I've learned so far, the Avata isn't built that way. For my own venture into this hobby I've set a minimum 100 SIM hours before purchasing a drone. I have a TBS Tango 2 Pro radio thanks to the recommendation by @Keith1980 and have just been learning the basics in the SIM. I'm planning to get my googles very soon because I want to fly the SIM with the goggles on. I want to get used to the goggle style flying instead of looking at a computer screen. From my research, everyone says it's different in the goggles. Hope that helps a little. |
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CA, USA
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Posted: 9/26/2023 10:22:01 AM EST
[Last Edit: uglygun]
[#6]
For somebody with no experience it boils down to this.
DJI "FPV" equals a kid with training wheels learning to ride a bicycle. It wont let you get too stupid, you can quickly figure out how to fly within it's performance window. Actual FPV is essentially a dude with no experience riding anything going out and hopping on a liter bike and Yeeting himself into a bridge abutment. What they call FPV is loosely correct, you get to see what the drone sees thanks to goggles. Actual FPV drones that are PNP still require some knowledge to get up and running and almost all of them are low latency highly responsive drvices that react instantly to twitch movements. Fortunately FPV drones are highly survivable. And if you start out on a sim you can save yourself a LOT of crashes with true FPV as you train up. As for actual FPV drones be it a racer or a freestyle build, just becaise you buy a drone does not likely mean it will be your only one. If you have even a remotely addictive personality the desire to know more or tweek them will have you trying other options. Things like starting with a base line 5 or 6 inch drone is typical. But then there are the little 2-3 inch micros. It is fair to say you will wind up with a half dozen or more if you get hooked. |
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