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Drone the tenth - every flight is a crash
by Manuel Wenk
Drone the fifth - I'm finally flying, just not with my drone
26.5.2020
I'm flying a racing drone with first-person view goggles for the first time. It's great - although my drone remains on the ground despite the help.
A big thank you to the many users who responded to my call to accompany me on my first flight. Many more responded than expected. The message from Remo particularly made me smile:
I couldn't help but laugh, because I've been through exactly the same thing! From broken soldered FCs to errors with the connection to the remote control to two half-cut fingers including an emergency recording because the copter was arming too early on the first flight. I almost gave up. Unfortunately, I didn't have a mate at the time who could teach me the ropes.
In addition, I have seen many great videos, which I don't want to withhold from you.
Propellers at supersonic speed
Till picks up the drone and laughs. There is nothing left of the two propellers. Till had deliberately connected a battery that was too powerful. This caused the propellers to turn so fast that they reached supersonic speed. I would never have thought such a thing possible. Till tells me that such minor material damage is the order of the day. That's why they never go out into the field with just a drone.
Tips and tricks from the pros
In Betaflight, we go through the settings and adjust parameters where necessary. My motors are all turning in the wrong direction. We change that accordingly. The two of them also set the sensitivity of my copter to a lower level. They recommend this for beginners.
Flying while sitting or vomiting while standing
After further instructions from the two of them, I sit down on one of the camping chairs they have taken with them. Standing up, beginners in particular would quickly lose control of their bodies. This can end in nausea and vomiting.
Luckily, Marvin has a small, robust drone that he lets me use. Armed with his goggles and drone, I set off on my first FPV flight after all. After two seconds, I crash for the first time. The second flight takes longer and I hit one of the gates that Till has set up for the first time.
I move my head so much that I hear laughter all around me. I notice myself moving my head, but I can't do anything about it. I fly until the drone runs out of battery and am now even more excited to get my own up in the air. The fever has gripped me and I know that it won't be my last race drone flight. I'm already fantasising about a Cinewhoop (racing drone for filming), although I know that I need to get to grips with my DIY drone first.
Lessons learnt
Till and Marvin recommend an ESC from Hobbywing. Because the ESC and flight controller together are only around 20 francs more expensive, I decide in favour of a stack for the sake of simplicity. This allows the ESC and flight controller to be connected without soldering. Certainly a good combination. The money I've paid so far for this is 413 francs.
So it goes on
Marvin and Till were a great help - even if my drone still doesn't fly. At least I've finally been able to do a few laps with a drone. They continue to offer me their support. In the next part, Till comes to my house. We'll assemble the drone, programme it and take off. I promise!
Manuel Wenk
Communications Manager
Manuel.Wenk@digitecgalaxus.chAs a Multimedia Producer, preparing multimedia content and knowing about cutting-edge technology is my business. My main focus at digitec is producing videos. I can’t wait to try out new products such as cameras, drones or smartphones as soon as they’re launched. This is where being at the source comes in rather handy. When I’m not working, I’m probably skiing, biking or hiking – the mountains are my place to be.
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