Recent content by El Rey

  1. E

    Pontoons or Flotation Devices for the Phantom

    The biggest tip I could give after my recent loss, is don't fly over water that you have no means of traveling on. I would still fly my next one over water tomorrow, but there's no point (or large risk) in theoretical water proofing or buoyancy if your Vision lands in the middle of a large...
  2. E

    Old news? Two RC choppers lift woman off ground

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=58u0H5beDzQ#t=141
  3. E

    Pontoons or Flotation Devices for the Phantom

    Below are what some other people and companies are doing - just with a brief search. Based on how much interest there is, I think DJI should come out with a weatherproof, water-resistant product. http://www.instructables.com/id/Waterpr ... -Airframe/...
  4. E

    STICKY: NEW SPREADSHEET FOR PHANTOM OWNERS

    I was flying pretty much level but it was moving around as it headed into the wind. With my complete lack of knowledge about aeronautics, I'm supposing that the strong headwind that created the instability also pushed the Vision's downward thrust back at it while it was in a slightly tilted...
  5. E

    STICKY: NEW SPREADSHEET FOR PHANTOM OWNERS

    Not sure if anyone is interested in this, but here's a sample spreadsheet for Vision crashes. Can be seen and edited by anyone using this link. https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc ... sp=sharing Sadly I am the first person on it, since I couldn't contain my patience and flew my Vision over...
  6. E

    Pontoons or Flotation Devices for the Phantom

    I have the same foam in double thickness, so that is one option - yes. The other one I'm considering is something close to the last design but without some/all of the holes, and perhaps a bit larger. Other types of foam - Also something to look into. I don't know the buoyancy properties of...
  7. E

    Pontoons or Flotation Devices for the Phantom

    Yes that's my concern too. Balancing the need to keep the camera FoV clear with a design that will not topple forward. Those little protrusions in the front were an attempt to provide some minimal forward surface area. Having said which... FAIL Did not float. Not enough surface area. Back to...
  8. E

    Pontoons or Flotation Devices for the Phantom

    Thanks for the suggestion. If a test flight indicates some issues I'll whip the guards off.
  9. E

    Pontoons or Flotation Devices for the Phantom

    For some reason I completely missed your earlier post about downdraft. If I'd seen it earlier I would have tried something different earlier. Cheers for that. I will be testing the float in the bath today before I take it out.
  10. E

    Pontoons or Flotation Devices for the Phantom

    Here's round 2. • Trying to leave the path below the props free • Lighter than the first pass • Enough surface area to provide flotation and a reasonable chance of a flat landing • Not interfere with the camera FoV Will test it tomorrow.
  11. E

    Safe response to police officer who says to stop flying

    'Hallo Officer, Yes a lovely day for flying. No I'm not peeping into windows. Did you know though, that the US, British, Australian and many other governments have been hoovering up emails, phone calls, and other private information from everyday citizens who are not breaking the law? Did you...
  12. E

    P2V prop guard owners (DJI brand only)

    Bought some from Helipal. • Very easy to install and take off for travel. What's painful about undoing two screws per guard? It's 5 minute's work. • Do not affect performance in any measurable way. • Do what they're supposed to. I had a few rough landings before guards and lost props. I've had...
  13. E

    Landing Gear Options for P2V

    The ones I've seen online are carbon fiber and offered increased clearance, so the $40 - $60 cost seemed OK. Which ones have you seen that you're not interested in - got any links so we know what you're not into?
  14. E

    SALT WATER CRASH LANDING!!!

    Join the flotation thread on here and start experimenting with things that might help a watery landing. Obviously there's a large number of us who want to fly over water, and nobody seems to be working on a commercial solution - so maybe we can crowd-source our own setup and sell it at cost.
  15. E

    Pontoons or Flotation Devices for the Phantom

    FAIL. With this shape of foam attached the Vision didn't even want to lift off. I can only assume the foam is directly in the path of lift, or creating some air paths that disrupt lift. Will take a closer look at some other disc designs online, but probably will try a tri-pronged design next -...