On the other hand, the preplanning and programming of the Litchi waypoint mission is where the skill comes in, and the fun is realized when the mission is completed, and then refined, and rerun, to improve upon it each time. To successfully automate something, you first have to be able to do it manually, or at least thoroughly understand the manual parameters. Litchi should be the tool to run the perfect mission, with the pilot then choosing the perfect conditions in which to fly the preprogrammed mission to optimize distance and flight time.
Not much to see at night in the dark over the ocean. Sort of a waste of the venerable 4K video camera and gimbal setup on the P4. If there isn't anything worth seeing where you are flying, there really isn't any need to send a flying photographic platform there. The whole purpose of long range flying with a P4 for me is to shoot great footage up to 5 to 6 miles away in a semi-urban area, without leaving home, and without having to deal with traffic, parking, and all the annoying questions, and even intermeddlers telling you they don't want you flying there. The fish won't complain, but you can't see them at night!
Not much to see at night in the dark over the ocean. Sort of a waste of the venerable 4K video camera and gimbal setup on the P4. If there isn't anything worth seeing where you are flying, there really isn't any need to send a flying photographic platform there. The whole purpose of long range flying with a P4 for me is to shoot great footage up to 5 to 6 miles away in a semi-urban area, without leaving home, and without having to deal with traffic, parking, and all the annoying questions, and even intermeddlers telling you they don't want you flying there. The fish won't complain, but you can't see them at night!
Hey bud, this is farthest distance from home, not total flight distance. Looks like you may have made it out 13,480 feet one way, but that doesn't make the Top 30.
Automation also introduces the possibilty of changing conditions, like the huge construction crane that wasn't there when you created the mission, but someone hired for the day, on the day you fly the mission, that Litchi could innocently fly your aircraft into, or the tall sailboat or ship that happens to cross into the path of your low flying aircraft over water. Live flying is still safest, and you can spontaneously find interesting subjects that peplanning couldn't have anticipated. Each has its place. I'm still getting up to speed on Litchi. Flying behind tall buildings that fully block signal to photograph the back side without triggering RTH is very appealing, as the Litchi mission continues with or without signal to completion.
Indeed! Amazing what 3200 ISO can pick up in 4K video at night over the city, or in a fireworks show! Making it home is just a little more challenging in the dark, flying by telemetry alone. For me, the distance tests are only relevant in areas that I intend to fly over for video. However, I understand the desire and the challenge to push the limits to the extreme. Best to get a battery mod first, just in case, as the range of control is completely independent of the battery (unless you insist upon also making it home, which is what the battery mod is for
). One way flights with a chase crew are the best way to test range without a battery mod. More difficult out over the ocean.Indeed! Amazing what 3200 ISO can pick up in 4K video at night over the city, or in a fireworks show! Making it home is just a little more challenging in the dark, flying by telemetry alone. For me, the distance tests are only relevant in areas that I intend to fly over for video. However, I understand the desire and the challenge to push the limits to the extreme. Best to get a battery mod first, just in case, as the range of control is completely independent of the battery (unless you insist upon also making it home, which is what the battery mod is for
Also here in Finland, out over the seas at night seem to be the best as the big ships are usually in port or are out to see so they are transmitting nearby and wrecking my signal. Also, I have great insurance so if it goes in the drink, I will get a new one the next day. I fly for fun, and well maybe profit as I was asked to help film a documentary. So we will see how that goes. I still have my day job.
Those big ships make very interesting subjects, but not if they are ruining your signal! Have you tried the channel hack, to see if it helps your signal stability in congested areas like that? Day jobs make our hobby possible!I'm just keep it stock. I like flying at night. It is calm and there are less people to annoy me or ask questions like: "Is that a drone?" Yes some really ask.
Those big ships make very interesting subjects, but not if they are ruining your signal! Have you tried the channel hack, to see if it helps your signal stability in congested areas like that? Day jobs make our hobby possible!
) but my real hobbies are photography (I am perfecting my night shooting with the P4 which is hobbled by its sensor), and Aikido (with Samurai sword training). I grab the drone when time permits and I head out down to the harbors to fly. If you get the chance, head over to www.vimeo.com/toho and you can see what I face when flying in the harbor but also some decent night flying.
