just wondering if anyone has tried to make a sort of water float plane style  pontoons for the Phantom in case it does land in water.
It would raise the gimbal a bit more for safety, could work I think.
Like a slip on style you only use them when going out over water.

Chances of that working are very low, the reasoning being that the phantom is very very top heavy. It would instantly flip over. Floats are generally used as a recovery device, in case the phantom crashes into the water, the floats will at least make the phantom recoverable.

Are you wanting to do a lot of water landing?
If you only want floats to overcome a fear of flying over water, forget it.
The Phantom flies perfectly well over water.
Your Phantom will fly a lot better without trying to strap cumbersome floats to it.

Flying with floats is like trying to have sex with gumboots on.

Geebax Posted at 2016-8-1 23:31
Flying with floats is like trying to have sex with gumboots on.

Gumboots are only appropriate with sheep from what I have read

Rigworker Posted at 2016-8-2 15:47
Gumboots are only appropriate with sheep from what I have read

Ah, that only applies to New Zealanders (alledgedly), we may be very fond of our sheep in Australia, but only when converted into lamb cutlets.

... and I thought it only applied to Yorkshire - where men are men and sheep are fearful

tiscali Posted at 2016-8-2 18:28
... and I thought it only applied to Yorkshire - where men are men and sheep are fearful

In New Zealand it has to do with sheep in gummies and men with Velcro gloves......
( there goes another hijacked thread)

MrPinaColada Posted at 2016-8-2 00:11
Chances of that working are very low, the reasoning being that the phantom is very very top heavy. I ...

Yes you are correct, I did not think about the Phantom being top heavy.
Oh well
Thanks for replying

I built a float system that works pretty well. Battery doesn't last as long nor does it obviously go as fast, but works pretty well. I dont typically land on water, but this gives me that option in the event I can't make it to shore as I do a lot of filming from a boat.

(Sorry for the jerky filming, my 13 year old doesn't hold the camera very steady)

https://goo.gl/photos/eScD6oFMSLm9WHjy8

Geebax Posted at 2016-8-2 17:02
In New Zealand it has to do with sheep in gummies and men with Velcro gloves......
( there goes ano ...

Gum boots and wellies are ok for you boys but I like to kiss em first lol.

Jamie,

I don't think I'd put them on my birds and they are ridiculously expensive but here you go.

Jerry

Dronerafts

MrPinaColada Posted at 2016-8-2 00:11
Chances of that working are very low, the reasoning being that the phantom is very very top heavy. I ...

Um....no.

mike75 Posted at 2016-10-24 23:13
I built a float system that works pretty well. Battery doesn't last as long nor does it obviously go ...

Hmm .. what would you rather have when you're flying above water?
a phantom that flies well and gets maximum battery life.
or
a Phantom that can't fly well, has short battery life and has a problem dealing with wind

Unless you intend making water landings, why would you want to handicap the Phantom so much?
If it's because of a concern about safety and a desire to bring the Phantom home again, this is having the opposite effect.

labroides@yahoo Posted at 2016-10-25 18:52
Hmm .. what would you rather have when you're flying above water?
a phantom that flies well and ge ...

I completely agree with you Labroides, and normal conditions where I took off from land, I wouldn't think of using any sort of flotation device, but for me, the "home" takeoff point is often a speed boat that won't be in the same spot at landing, often miles from nearest shore. Being that the Phantom has a lot of moving parts and electronics, at some point I anticipate an electronic freeze, a radio glitch, or a strange downdraft, or something that forces the drone down. If it sinks, I loose everything. In an emergency I would like the option for the drone to end up in the water without sinking... ideally land with no damage, or at a minimum have enough of the craft stay above water so I could fish it out. At least then I can dry things out and salvaging or replacing parts. I'm completely wide open to suggestions... the contraption I built was out of necessity, and it does work, but if someone has a better idea, please suggest away!

mike75 Posted at 2016-10-24 04:13
I built a float system that works pretty well. Battery doesn't last as long nor does it obviously go as fast, but works pretty well. I dont typically land on water, but this gives me that option in the event I can't make it to shore as I do a lot of filming from a boat.

(Sorry for the jerky filming, my 13 year old doesn't hold the camera very steady)

Nice idea ... a great way of recycling water bottles too!

I take it that cross member was aluminum, or was it plastic, glued?

mike75 Posted at 2016-10-28 16:42
I completely agree with you Labroides, and normal conditions where I took off from land, I wouldn't think of using any sort of flotation device, but for me, the "home" takeoff point is often a speed boat that won't be in the same spot at landing, often miles from nearest shore. Being that the Phantom has a lot of moving parts and electronics, at some point I anticipate an electronic freeze, a radio glitch, or a strange downdraft, or something that forces the drone down. If it sinks, I loose everything. In an emergency I would like the option for the drone to end up in the water without sinking... ideally land with no damage, or at a minimum have enough of the craft stay above water so I could fish it out. At least then I can dry things out and salvaging or replacing parts. I'm completely wide open to suggestions... the contraption I built was out of necessity, and it does work, but if someone has a better idea, please suggest away!

This idea of being able to retrieve your bird is even more important now, since DJI 'Care' covers water damage!

mike75 Posted at 2016-10-28 16:42
I completely agree with you Labroides, and normal conditions where I took off from land, I wouldn't think of using any sort of flotation device, but for me, the "home" takeoff point is often a speed boat that won't be in the same spot at landing, often miles from nearest shore. Being that the Phantom has a lot of moving parts and electronics, at some point I anticipate an electronic freeze, a radio glitch, or a strange downdraft, or something that forces the drone down. If it sinks, I loose everything. In an emergency I would like the option for the drone to end up in the water without sinking... ideally land with no damage, or at a minimum have enough of the craft stay above water so I could fish it out. At least then I can dry things out and salvaging or replacing parts. I'm completely wide open to suggestions... the contraption I built was out of necessity, and it does work, but if someone has a better idea, please suggest away!

Could you describe the cross member raw materials and construction? Thanks!

It's all good to have a idea that may suit your needs, but the flotation device may affect your phantoms vision sensors etc, this could become a problem when trying landing. Just something to consider.

Strap this on one of the legs.  If you dunk it, at least you get it back.  

GetterBack Rod Recovery System