This is above the clouds ...



Nigel

Nice video from latvia

Are there any altitude restrictions in Latvia?

Via Meteor Posted at 2017-7-4 11:19
Are there any altitude restrictions in Latvia?

Yes ...

In fact the rules are being revised and formulated for ratification by Lat CAA.

I don't fly illegally in unsuitable areas .. I only fly such in areas that little harm would come.

Sadly - today I lost my Phantom in the river ... I managed to salvage it ... she's opened up now and has blower on her ... basically I didn't listen to my own advice !! Don't stay up too long or far when wind is against RTH ! Battery ran out before she got home ...

Oh well ... not models fault !

Nigel

solentlife Posted at 2017-7-4 11:27
Yes ...

In fact the rules are being revised and formulated for ratification by Lat CAA.

This story gave me a strong "déjà vu" moment.

Phantom is half dead ... so it looks like its over for me for a while ...

Have to think what to do with the gear ...

Nigel

solentlife Posted at 2017-7-5 02:07
Phantom is half dead ... so it looks like its over for me for a while ...

Have to think what to do with the gear ...

Damn that's sad to learn.  As you know I love cloud soaring video's.

Here's the screen recording of flight and the tracked rescue on the app !!



Nigel

hope you get it sorted Nigel

solentlife Posted at 2017-7-5 04:44
Here's the screen recording of flight and the tracked rescue on the app !!

https://youtu.be/Mli8y4rI2H0

Aw Nigel, I'm sorry for your loss (I almost want to send you a condolences card)

Thanks for sharing the video, it was interesting and informative

Why did you do all of the things you've told us not to do?

You flew out into the wind, she fought it valiantly all the way back, you could have landed earlier!

Aw mate, I'm sorry - but glad you got her back - maybe she will dry out

Keep us posted

I had 2 beers before I went out there .. not drunk, but maybe it created a 'relaxed' attitude ?

But during the flight I was having multiple warnings about DISCONNECTED .. and watching the Signal Bars closely ... moving antenna ... controller to see what was problem ... which distracted me ..

I think once she sorted and started going the distance - events overtook me ...

Very true .. I could have landed out in a couple of locations - fields that I could have driven to ... but we all wish we could go back in time.

I thought about reducing my critical battery to 0% from 10% but I had a thought that you cannot do that anyway ... so left it ...

Lots of things have gone through my mind since ... if I had done this ... if I hadn't been so stupid ... etc.

I'm not afraid to post this event and its videos ... to help prevent anyone else doing similar. But it also shows how you can find your AC if it does go down by using the APP.
It also shows what I warned others who were following my range tests some timer back - its not the WiFi / 5.8 that will limit the max range - its the battery...
That flight hit 5kms with a short RTH in the middle - so I estimate in good conditions, without the battling head wind, that makes a 5km flight maximum based on 10% critical setting ... with 4km pushing limits as soon wind occurs.

So people please learn from my loss and I hope no-one else has same.

Cheers
Nigel

The P3 was opened up by me and had fan blowing on it all night.

It is now with my pal who is a wizard with stuff like this. He's dismantling the gubbins inside to check and clean.

So far he's checked camera and gimbal - fine no water debris or damage found.

So now he's going over the mainboards.

Nigel

solentlife Posted at 2017-7-5 07:05
The P3 was opened up by me and had fan blowing on it all night.

It is now with my pal who is a wizard with stuff like this. He's dismantling the gubbins inside to check and clean.

Fingers crossed

(have another couple of beers while you're waiting - like the expectant father)

Verdict after pal inspected :

Gimbal and Camera are undamaged.

Cables intact.

But mainboard is not operating properly.

Power side is faulty and will not switch off.

GPS is OK.

2.4 is not being transmitted from AC.

5.8 does not seem to be listening to controller commands.

Conclusion : 99% probability that mainboard is shot and preventing operation ... gimbal and camera likely OK, GPS is ok.

Repairs : We could fit a new mainboard for about 150 Euros, but no g'tee that gimbal is actually without fault. If it has - then that will cost another 250 Euros on top ... making total more than a second hand or refurb ...

I have possibility to pick up a P3S which has a motor problem ... so waiting sellers reply. Combine mine with his and I think I'll be back in the air ...

Nigel

solentlife Posted at 2017-7-5 02:07
Phantom is half dead ... so it looks like its over for me for a while ...

Have to think what to do with the gear ...

Hi Nigel, I'm so sorry for your loss!
I hope you can fix it as soon as possible.
Your advice is always precious!
MaxBDS