Rc flight camera action march april 2016

T H E U K ’ S 1 S T D R O N E A N D M U LT I R O T O R M A G A Z I N E

DR

E SH ON

OW

2016

FROM ENTRY LEVEL QUADS TO FPV RACING, AERIAL FILMING, IN-DEPTH BUILD GUIDES AND INDUSTRY INNOVATION

ISSUE 04

2015

2015

UK WHAT A CORKER!

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group

SPORT DRONES SMALL FIELD FUN FLYERS • ARES SPIDEX 3D • DROMIDA VISTA • UDI RC LARK

DETECT X380-C TESTED! XK INNOVATIONS QUAD WITH DUAL-GIMBAL ACTION-CAM

3D MODELLING

FIRST STEPS FOR PRINTING PLASTIC PARTS

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PARROT PERFECTED?

FIRST LOOK AT THE REVISED BEBOP 2 CAMERA DRONE Issue 04 £4.99

RCFLIGHTCAMERAACTION.COM

New Drone Tech Explained & Explored

Pictures and plenty of praise from December's dronefest

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DRONE NEWS

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LATEST NEWS FROM AROUND THE DRONE WORLD Contributing To RCFCA Magazines can only thrive if they have a good base of regular contributors. Here at RCFCA we are looking to build up our existing cohort of drone flying authors and would welcome contributions from aspiring new writers. We are seeking content across all disciplines within the drone flying hobby, and covering all levels of experience. We are especially seeking pilots who can share their knowledge of FPV racing, as well as those who are embarking on commercial careers in drone flying to write about flight training and advanced uses for drone aircraft.

If you are interested in becoming a contributor to RC Flight Camera Action then please contact me at: kevin.crozier@traplet.com

Readers Welcome Too!

INTRODUCTION Welcome to RC Flight Camera Action issue 004.

My name is Kevin Crozier and I’m the Group Editor of the R/C flight titles here at Traplet Publications. My mugshot may be familiar to those of you who have come into the brave new word of drone flying from an aeromodelling background as my main job is Editor of RCFCA’s sister magazine, RC Model World. In that particular magazine we cover all aspects of R/C model flying, from sport model aeroplanes and highly detailed scale models, to gliders and model jets. And there’s a growing amount of drone content too, so I hope you will pick up a copy of RCMW when you next visit your local newsagent as I’m sure there will be something of interest for you inside.

But I’m chuffed to welcome RC Flight Camera Action to Traplet’s R/C flight group of magazines, as I think it is the natural home for a magazine that covers all the many and varied aspects of the drone flying hobby. Although I would describe my main hobby as R/C model flying, I’m also a keen amateur photographer so I am hoping to grow the aerial photo/video content of the magazine and make it really live up to the Camera part of RCFCA’s name. On the other hand we need to have a good balance with the FPV side of the hobby, particularly the racing drones, which Pete Gray made such an impact with in recent issues, coming from his R/C car racing background. Which neatly leads me on to...

If contributing articles is not your thing but you would still like to be a part of the buzz at RC Flight Camera Action then there are numerous other ways that you can participate.

We want to see your very best aerial photographs for a forthcoming Readers’ Picture Gallery in every issue. And if you have any cracking drone videos and would like to share them with our readers then send us a link to them too.

Pictures and video links will also be shared on our exciting new Hobby Hub website.

We also welcome your emails, letters and comments, not only regarding the magazine but on any drone related subject. It is our intention to print a selection of correspondence in a new Postbox readers’ letters page.

Finally, as drone flying is such a relatively new hobby there will be many readers with questions about flying them, and related matters such as how to get the best out of the cameras and where to race quads with like minded FPV enthusiasts etc. With this in mind we would welcome your suggestions for a FAQ style Technical Support column.

So please don’t be shy. Get in touch, either with me using the email address above, or with any of my colleagues listed in the panel opposite.

Model Aircraft Registration Begins In The USA On December 21st, 2015 the US Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced a web-based aircraft registration process for owners of small unmanned aircraft (UAS) weighing more than 0.55 pounds (250 grams) and less than 55 pounds (approx. 25 kilograms) including payloads such as onboard cameras.

Registration is a statutory requirement that applies to all UAS aircraft in the USA. Under this rule any owner of a small UAS who has previously operated an unmanned aircraft exclusively as a model aircraft prior to December 21, 2015 must register no later than February 19th, 2016. Owners of any other UAS purchased for use as a model aircraft after December 21st, 2015 must register before the first flight outdoors. Upon completion of the registration process the web application will generate a Certificate of Aircraft Registration/Proof of Ownership that will include a unique identification number for the UAS owner, which must be marked on the aircraft. The number can be inside the aircraft, such as a battery hatch but should not require tools to access.

Owners using model aircraft for hobby or recreation will only have to register once and may use the same identification number for all of their model UAS. The registration is valid for three years.

The normal registration fee is $5, and the full rules can be viewed at: www.faa. gov/news/updates/media/20151213_IFR.pdf

The Academy of Model Aeronautics Responds The AMA (the US equivalent of the BMFA) was a member of the task force that helped develop recommendations for this registration rule and they had argued that registration made sense for those operating outside the guidance of a community-based organisation (typically a model flying club) or those flying for commercial purposes.

Unfortunately the new FAA registration rule does not include their advice. The AMA have stated that the registration process is an unnecessary burden for all of their members (primarily model aircraft enthusiasts) who have been operating safely for decades. However, they have provided their members with important information about how AMA members can comply with the new federal requirements.

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CES ‘16 The International Consumer and Electronics Show is held every year in Las Vegas, and is a place for all those who thrive in the business of consumer technologies, with more than 3,600 exhibiting companies, including manufacturers, developers and suppliers of consumer technology and its relevant hardware. And this year Drones were again one of the big talking points at the show, with many new models and accessories shown over the fourday event. Parrot, Yuneec, Hobbico and Squadrone were amongst the drone companies exhibiting.

Below is just a flavour of some of the new drone tech seen at CES ’16.

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EDITOR

DJI Phantom 3 4K This new version of the classic drone wa s unveiled by DJI, along with a number of other Phantom UAVs at the Vegas show.

The new model is basically a 4K Wi-Fi model of the popular Phantom 3 drone, and weighs in at 1280 g. The 3 relies on Wi-Fi and not the Lightbridge video downlink system. But while this means that the live feed will be of a lower quality and will have reduced range, the 4K camera is a super addition as previously only the Phantom 3 Professional had the same.

DJI say the 4K comes with an integrated, gimbal-stabilised 4K camera, ultrasonic sensors and has remotecontrol buttons for playback, video recording and the camera shutter. Flight time is claimed to be around 25 minutes. With this new drone, one gets a 480p image at 30 fps and a range of 1.2 km from the camera. It is compatible with iOS8 (or later) and Android 4.1.2 or later. Suggested pricing for the Phantom 3 4K is $999.

Yuneec Typhoon H Ushering in a new standard for aerial photography and challenging DJI’s dominance in the sector is Yuneec’s Typhoon H drone. Packing in Intel’s RealSense technology it allows the Typhoon to avoid collisions, and the H also has a 4K CGO3+ camera and is able to capture 12MP images thanks to the 360-degree gimbal camera. Yuneec commented at CES that the Typhoon H adds new flight and image capture modes including Point Of Interest, Orbit, Curved Cable and Journey. Plus new and innovative safety features include ultrasonic proximity detection to assist in avoiding large obstacles, and a failsafe system that allows the drone to remain stable and land if a motor should fail.

The Typhoon H will be released in the first half of 2016 and will be priced at $1,799.

Parrot Disco This fixed-wing, 700 g drone from Parrot is not only easy to fly but also ready to fly straight out of the box. Getting the Disco into the air is pretty simple as well – turn it on and throw it into the air... Simple as! The UAV starts flying on its own automatically once the pillot has launched it into the air.

And landing it is no issue either, as the in-built sensors detect the ground and can land the plane with ease.

Capable of reaching speeds of up to 50 mph and flying for 45 minutes, the Disco also has a 1080p camera which is mounted on its nose and can take 14MP stills. It will be available in 2016, but as yet release dates and pricing information have yet to be announced.

We liken the Disco to a Bebop 2 with wings! Read the first in a two part review of the Parrot Bebop 2, starting on page 24 of this issue of RCFCA.

Kevin Crozier Email: kevin.crozier@traplet.com CONTRIBUTORS Kevin Crozier, Tom Stephenson, Mal Luff, James Crozier, Manny Williamson, Mark Beacham, Craig Hughes DESIGN AND PRODUCTION MANAGER: Nick Powell DESIGNERS Nick Powell and James Scott ADVERTISING & TRADE SALES Angela Price Email: angela.price@traplet.com ADVERTISING COPY Email: adcopy@traplet.com Tel: +44(0)1684 588517 SUBSCRIPTION MARKETING Ally Alldritt Tel: +44(0)1684 588521 Email: marketing@traplet.com MANAGING DIRECTOR Tom Stephenson CHAIRMAN Tony Stephenson DISTRIBUTED BY Seymour Distribution Ltd NORTH AMERICAN DISTRIBUTION Traplet Distribution USA Ltd, 806 Parkland Ct, Champaign, IL 61821, USA Tel: 217 355 2970 Email: info@traplet.com AUSTRALIAN DISTRIBUTION Traplet Publications & Hobbies, P.O.BOX 501, Engadine, NSW 2233, Australia Tel: (02) 9520 0933 Email: sales@traplet.co.au SOUTH AFRICAN DISTRIBUTION Traplet Publications (PTY) Ltd, P.O.BOX 1067, Oudtshoorn, 6620, South Africa Tel: +27 44 272 5978 Email: southafrica@traplet.com CUSTOMER SERVICES, SUBSCRIPTIONS & BACK ISSUES Tel: +(0)1684 588599 Email: info@traplet.com trapletshop.com OR shop.inspiredtomake.com For latest Subscription offers please turn to page 6 All subscription offers are based on the cover price.

Lily Camera Drone The list of just some of the new drones seen at CES ‘16 would be incomplete without highlighting this year’s winner of the CES 2016 Innovation Award. Despite weighing in at a mere 2.8 pounds, Lily Robotics’ Lily Camera drone packs in quite a punch for a drone of such diminutive size!

The Lily Camera drone is basically a solid camera which can film and track you when on the move. It is a ‘throwand-shoot camera’ that is waterproof and capable of recording 1080p at 60fps and taking 12 megapixels stills.

Flying and setting up is as easy as 1, 2, 3! The wrist controller allows you to set the drone up to lead, circle, follow, go up etc. so you can take shots from the best possible angles. Priced at $799, The Lily can be preordered online as deliveries are due to start in February: www.lily.camera/

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The publisher cannot accept responsibility for unsolicited correspondence nor some of the opinions expressed. All material and artwork originated by Traplet Publications Ltd., photographs, drawings, plans used in this magazine become the publishers copyright under Copyright law. Some photographs may have been digitally re-mastered. The Company reserves the right to suspend or refuse any advertisements without giving reasons.

Whilst every care is taken to avoid mistakes, Traplet Publications Ltd. cannot be liable in any way for errors or omissions. Nor can the Publisher accept any responsibility for the bona fides of advertisers. ©2015 Traplet Publications Limited ISSN 9-772056-728009

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PRODUCT REVIEW: DETECT X380-C

Detect X380-C YOU KNOW WHAT THEY SAY ABOUT QUADCOPTERS WITH BIG FEET? NO, WE DON’T EITHER! BUT THE X380 FROM XK INNOVATIONS CERTAINLY HAS SOME MIGHTY LARGE PAWS. IT’S ALSO A PRETTY CAPABLE CAMERA DRONE TOO, AS WE FOUND OUT WHEN WE BORROWED ONE FROM CML DISTRIBUTION

Ok, let’s go in feet first, as we made a big thing of them (literally!) in our introduction. Although of conventional configuration for a medium size quadcopter the XK Detect X380 does indeed sport generously sized round feet on the end of each telescopic style leg. We say telescopic style as the legs are in fact moulded in one-piece and do not have any internal shock absorbers, as their appearance would suggest. The feet do however have soft foam

rings underneath them to cushion landing shocks and to help prevent the aircraft slipping off smooth surfaces, such as the picnic table that we use as a pit bench. The only drawback to this is that the foam rings do a good job of soaking up any water when placed on wet ground, but those large pads do at least mean that the weight of the model is well spread if you want to fly from sodden ground, such as we have here in the UK at the moment.

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Once the props are on it will not fit in the outer box.

But the inner tray is useful to carry the drone and its transmitter around

A Proper Look

Large flip top boxes are all the rage at the moment and the black cube that the Detect is supplied in is no exception. Inside is a polystyrene cage that offers good support to the ready to fly drone and its accompanying 2.4 GHz transmitter. The Tx is of familiar R/C styling and is powered by six AA batteries.

There is no warning against using rechargeable cells, so we used our favourite NiMH’s in the tight fitting battery box at the rear of the unit – there’s no danger of the batteries coming loose in this one!

The transmitter is supplied in Mode 2 stick configuration but there is a Stick Mode button if you want to change it to an alternative mode. But Mode 2 is our preferred way to fly R/C models so we were happy to use it straight from the box. It should also be noted that the Tx is pre-bound to the drone at the factory.

The model is supplied without its propellers being fitted so once they have been bolted in place it is not possible to put the drone back in its box. You can however still use the lower half of the polystyrene cage to support the aircraft whilst in transit and storage. It also provides a handy place to store the transmitter when not in use.

In the top section of the polystyrene packaging you will find the four propellers (unusually for a drone no spares are supplied), together with a set of instructions and a package of accessories.

The accessories include a small cross headed screwdriver, a spanner and a couple of small Allen keys, which will aid maintenance of the quad; you will also need to use the spanner to fit the propellers.

A USB card reader is also supplied to enable you to

Mains power supply and LiPo charger, complete with UK plug adapter

The 3S 5400 mAh has conventional modelling type power and balance connectors. It proved very economical in use, giving ample flight times

A big black carry box will bring the Detect X380-C safely to your door

download pictures and videos from the 4 GB micro SD card supplied with the 12 MP resolution/1080p, 30 FPS action camera that comes pre-fitted to the two-axis brushless gimbal mount. A micro USB lead is also included for downloading to devices that only have a micro USB connector, such as a tablet.

An additional micro USB lead is also supplied and after a bit of head scratching we realised that this was for recharging the 900 mAh lithium pack that powers the camera. This sounds quite a lot but the camera did seem to be quite power hungry so we would recommend recharging the camera between flying sessions.

A strange Y-lead caused another bout of head scratching, but CML, the UK distributor for Hubsan, tell us that this is for use with the optional FPV system, which we hope to test next time.

All Propped Up

The only assembly job needed with the Detect X380 is to fit the four propellers. But before we did this we put the LiPo flight battery on charge. The 11.1 V (3S) 5400 mAh 20C pack is fitted with an XH style balance lead and an XT60 power connector. The use of such common connectors means that it will be easy to charge it using a wide range of fast chargers and balance boards. To be honest we were very tempted just to charge it using our usual set up, but XK include an AC100-240 V to DC12 V power supply, complete with UK 3-pin plug adapter, and a 12 V 2S/3S balance charger, so for the sake of completeness of this review we decided to use their charging package to see how well it performed.

Accessories include two USB leads, a micro SD card reader and various tools. The Y-lead is for the optional FPV set

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