Isn’t it funny, how, when a hobby becomes your job, it can lose some of its fun?
I found this years ago playing basketball, and now, more recently, flying my UAS.
This time last year, any break in the clouds, would have seen me out flying my toy UAS. Now because i’m working and flying everyday, when the weekend comes, i just want a break from the Inspire.
VS
Why? well i think its down to my platform; The Inspire 1, it is an awesome work tool….but is it as much fun to fly as say a Phantom or similar smaller rig?
NOPE!!! I sold my Phantom to a friend a few months ago, and didn’t realise how much i missed it. We took it out over the weekend, and i had so much fun with it. Of course it isn’t as responsive or quick as the Inspire, but it so nimble and because it doesnt cost your right arm to buy, you can be more adventurous. If i crash my Inspire i’m out of work for a while!
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And i guess that is the crux of it. My Phantom was a bought as a toy. My Inspire was bought as a business investment.
Well if like me, you are looking to buy a new UAS for ‘fun’ and ‘weekend-warrioring’, maybe this is what you’re looking for……..
Looks cool right? A Tank Quadcopter – awesome! This is at least the forth UAS crowding funding campaign i’ve blogged about recently. And if you are quick you can pick one up for the bargain price of £55! – UPDATE – These have all gone. Next price is £59. Still so cheap. So much so, i’ve just backed them too!
Yay – First time, i’ve ever crowd funded before. I’ll be back with my own personal review in October…. right now they have £19,785 of the required £49,000 total.
I have seen a few threads on how well the DJI Inspire 1 handles wind.
You need to know you’re platforms Max Wind Speed Resistance for your Ops Manual; for the Inspire 1 the User Manual states 10 m/s.
10 m/s equates to approximately 22mph…. so you can imagine my slight hesitation when a friend suggested we took his Phantom and my Inspire out, to test her handling in the wind.
Not going to lie. It wasn’t his best idea. I don’t even have footage of his Phantom 2 because it was blown into a tree within 20 seconds of him taking off. A strong gust just carried it off, nothing he could do… broke 2 props but wounded his pride more than his craft (secretly i was actually happy, just confirmed for me that the Phantom 3 is not a competitor to the Inspire, 4k camera or not – they just aren’t stable enough).
So, i was even more hesitant when it was my turn, and my Anemometer said 26MPH… but as Paul Carr, the BNUC-s Examiner told me, “always test yourself, every time you fly, try something a bit more difficult than the last time”.
So i took her up, not high, because i wanted to make sure any potential harm was mitigated……
The footage from the Inspire was smooth and flat as per, but not worthy of posting, just a short video of me getting blown to shit by the wind!
Sufficed to say the DJI Inspire 1 can handle winds in excess of 30 MPH, here is the proof. Would i want to shoot a wedding or survey a roof, no. But i would be happy surveying a large building site or farmers field, no worries.
A few months ago a wrote about DJI annual and quarterly profits, and how difficult it was to get any real numbers. Well, here is a number $10 billion for you.
I meant to post this a few weeks ago, one of my oldest friends is a trader, he was telling me that his firm was thinking of backing DJI. I told him it was a no brainer, even though the new 3DR Solo looks like it could take a chunk out of the Phantom 3’s market, DJI have a bright future ahead of them.
VS
DJI is currently looking to raise money from investors for a a $10,000,000,00 or ten billion for a stock market valuation!
Not bad for a company that didn’t exist ten years ago. They now employ over 3000 staff with offices in America, Germany and Netherlands, and distributors all over the world, its not a bad investment if you have the cash!
Well done Frank Wang (CEO), who set the company up while at University, i barely even made it to class!
TU!
PS – how sweet does the new solo look. Looking forward to seeing that in action!
Just a quick post this evening, i’ve got another Pre Site Assessment to do, this time for my local, Country Hall and Park. Its a Grade I listed House, built in 1740, but the Estate dates back to 1086, and i’ve walked around its grounds for 25 years, so you can imagine how pleased i am. More news to follow.
So i came across this DJI Inspire 1 the other day. I thought the Inspire couldn’t look any better. Well i was wrong. I actually contacted the guy who made this on Facebook, Max Magerkurth. Not only has this guy got a coolest looking Inspire, he also has a name to match!
Check this out
Oh Yeah.
According to Max its been ‘Hydro Dipped’, no idea what that means, but that also sounds cool, and i want it too! Having your own company logo or branding on a flying platform is not a stupid idea!?!?! Now thats got me thinking…
If you like the Max’s Inspire, you might like some of his other fantastic creations.
I had a look around the net to see if anyone else had done similar things. It appears DJI are now selling a Carbon Fibre Inspire directly. Maybe everyone already knew this, but it was news to me.
Looks cool, better in my opinion than my white one, but not as cool as the first. I love the pattern and the red Leg Struts. They are my business colours, so yeah, we like.
DJI have just released details on the next set of up-dates for the DJI Inspire 1… and the one we have all been waiting for…..
GROUND STATION!
Yes, DJI have finally got round to giving us what should really have been launched, Ground Station control. Which will allow you to autonomously plan and navigate your flight plans. YouTube streaming will be available. Which is great for me, as i’ve just set up a YouTube Channel and this will cut out having to upload to my MacBook first. Sweet.
Their is brief mention of the new Inspire Gimbal, but there is still no mention as to when Home-Lock and Point of Interest will be released.
Come on DJI, stop giving us new updates for the Phantom3, lets get what people have paid a fortune for, sorted first…… stop being like Apple!
Not sure when over these updates will happen but ill keep you posted!
So, i have finally given into peer pressure and have set up a YouTube account.
Its sole purpose is to offer the same news, reviews, comments and opinions, in another format, that is sometimes more useful than simply writing about it.
For example, a few weeks ago, i attached a few luggage straps to my Inspire case and an old Rucksack, so i can take my Inspire on my back when Mountain Biking or Hiking. Lots of people got in touch, commenting on how useful the post was, and how they could do the same thing. Its so much easier to demonstrate this visually.
So here is the details of my new YouTube channel. I will apologies in advance for my Yorkshire accent, if i need to add subtitles just let me know. Please feel free to comment or rant, i’m not a precious person, i’m still learning, and hopefully this channel can help all us newbies!
I love my Inspire 1, its such a great piece of tech…
But.
Ask any owner of an Inspire 1, could it be improved? They will say yes, and then reel of a list of improvements. Granted, this is a very small list, but it will contain fairly major improvements. Mine is a very short list to be honest.
Lack of Zoom on the Camera. How close are you prepared to fly £3k to your target. It will clearly be solved with a later updated camera from DJI later this year or early 2016.
Thank you for my case, but why not make it easier to carry distances.
Thank you for my case, but why not make one side flat, making transport to flight mode quicker.
An additional front facing camera, fixed, solely for the Pilot, would be great, especially when working alongside an additional camera operator.
Not a long list, and these are all improvements that can be overcome. I have more issues with DJI than the Inspire, itself. Releasing the Phantom 3, so soon after the improvement to the Vision 2 Plus, and the unavailing of the delayed Inspire 1, for example.
What has annoyed me with the Inspire, is the lack of parts and spares. The TB48 5700mAh, has only just made its was to the UK, Quadcopters.co.uk and Heliguy had some in stock last week, but when i last checked they were out of stock again.
One of the Mobile Phone device holders i had for my second controller was faulty. Lee at Quadcopters.co.uk, told me that DJI hadn’t sent many of replacement parts for the Inspire, and it might take a few weeks. (luckly, Lee knows a lot more than i do and he was able to fix it while i was there today – not saying how though)
There is one major part that seems to be impossible to locate – A Replacement DJI Inspire 1 Camera. The camera isnt the best 4K on the market, but it is still amazing, and better than most will need it for. But if you trash your camera, for many, your out of business till you buy a new one. But if you cant even find a supplier, you only option is buying a new Inspire!!!!!!
This might give those of you who have a damaged Inspire Camera. Turns out DJI do make some replacement parts!
Ok, so its not available yet, but at least its coming! And at £500 (approx), its not a lot more than a replacement camera and gimbal for the Phantom 2 Vision Plus!
Here is another piece of Inspire 1 tech, many owners are itching to get their hands on, but cant find anything on the UK quad sites. The new Camera Mount
This camera mount looks great, and at £300 roughly, (if that what it ends up costing) is cheap enough for most Inspire owners add to their DJI horde. Also expected at some point in April 2015 according to the site, but i’m thinking its more likely we will see both items for sale in May or June.
I also heard from a very knowledgeable chap, (who has helped me lots, in fact from day one of my BNUC-s) who has been flying for years, that DJI is going to be releasing details of a new Thermal Imaging Camera for the Inspire very soon! I have no other details yet on spec or price yet, soon as i hear anything it let you know.
It was never a case of if, it was always when. And i shall be most defiantly, be parting with whatever they charge. Damn you Apple, sorry DJI.
You heard it here first!
TU.
Thanks to Jeff and Lee @ Quadcopters.co.uk for replacing my faulty Inspire battery and letting me fly my Inspire behind the office. And thanks to my pal Des, who gave me some invaluable flying ATTI tips in prep for my exam next week. Cheers guys.
**** UPDATE – Here is a link to my YouTube Channel, that shows me putting together my own DJI Inspire Case upgrade. Let me know your thoughts!****** 27/4/2015
***Sorry didn’t add the link – my bad – 30/4/2015***
So, those of you who read my ramblings will know that i have recently taken ownership of a DJI Inspire 1…. its epic…..when it works.
Had a few issues, including a TB47 Battery, just dying on my this morning, more on that later.
Apart from the lack of a second harness, for those who bought the ‘Dual Transmitter’ model, my only annoyance is the Case.
Yes, the Case is great for transporting your DJI Inspire in relative safety, not sure about checking it into the Cargo hold at the Airport. But in terms of lugging it from the boot to the house, it’s just fine.
However, what about when you get to where, you want to be. Its a suitcase, a suitcase without wheels. So you’ve got to carry it. No issues, if you aer a body builder, but most of us aren’t.
Lets be honest, getting the best shot can sometimes mean walking far. the best Up to the top of a hill, or mountain range, or down a valley. They require walking to. With all the extra equipment you might have taken with you, having just one hand free isn’t easy or safe. (i learnt the hard way and fell on my ass the other day, as i only had one spare hand walking down a muddy path – fail).
What is required, is a sturdy ‘Rucksack’ designed carry bag. And as with most things, it doesn’t take long for accessories to follow a popular product.
Although this model wont give your Inspire the same proection the other RucksackSuitcaseBagThing will, i bet it is also lighter, so better if your treking a few miles to get the best shots. This bag is coming in at £50, so a few quid more.
However, cheap skates from around the world, if your saving every penny like me, for extra air miles (new batteries!), why spend £50, if you can spend £2!!!!!
Boom – take that the Economy.
Here is my cheaper alternative, or maybe just a quick fix until your RucksackSuitcaseBagThing arrives.
POW – £1 Suitcase Strap from Costco x2
Fit one strap between the backplate of your rucksack, and one over the top and clip them both on the front. Jobs done.
I works best on a full size rucksack 45 litre plus. They have really good lumbar support and extra back padding. Mine is a Berghaus and it has an adjustable back support, with metal runners, so its really solid. It felt stable and solid with the Inspire Case attached, only issue was walking out the door… word of advice, go sideways through doors!
And because its a rucksack, you have plenty of space for your DSLR, Macbook and you an even attach you FPV or Tripod to it.
Its not going to win any ‘Bag of the Year’ awards, but it allowed me to put it on my back, get on my mountain bike and ride to my local River, with about any issues at all.
So if you have a DJI Inspire, and your fed up with lugging it up hills, get yourself to costco, or a bike/camping shop, and get yourself some Luggage Straps – best to get some heavy duty ones that will last, might be a bit more, but certainly less than £50 for a custom made job off ebay!
So if you have read my site before, you will know that i have been waiting for my Inspire for a good few months now. And in fact the Inspire 1 and the promotional video showing two controllers with 2 iPads attached for multi aircraft/camera control sold it to me. I was Inspired – sorry, i hate myself too.
I have had the Inspire 1 in my possession for a good few days now and have taken it on a grand total of 24 flights according to the DJI Pilot App.
Which is a great place to start. I haven’t used the Pilot App before and i have found it amazing. I used a iPhone 5s and although the screen is too small to fully appreciate all the controls and the layout.
The Harness included for the much heavier controller (compared Phantom version) is great. good quality and fits easily over my coat. Annoyingly, purchasing the ‘Dual Transmitter’ option, doesnt entitle you to a second harness. DJI you suck for this. However as you only charge £7 for a new one.
The case is a welcome addition, but i wish they had designed to carried as a back pack. Carrying it in its current case, up the side of a mountain is going be fun!
The actual Inspire is gorgeous. Sleek, clean white lines, cut with smooth carbon fibre arms and props. It is much much bigger than my Phantom, and actually makes it look like a toy RC craft when sat next to each other.
The frame feels sturdy, and you know it won’t, ‘tip over’ on landing because a sudden gust of wind. The Inspire can quickly be converted from Travel mode, to Takeoff mode to Flight mode, by a simply toggle on the controller or via the App.
It is something of beauty to watch the Inspire, take off or land manually and rise/lower the Landing Gear itself. The technology inside this machine is amazing.
It is defiantly the best choice for UAS Pilots looking to enter the ‘commercial’ market place, but haven’t got a spare £10,000 lying around for the equivalent 4K comparison, ie an S1000, plus Gimbal and Cannon Mk3.
And i’ve saved the best bit for last. The handling. It. Is. Epic. Imagine your Phantom on rails. Push the control stick sharp left or right, the Inspire dives sharply in that direction, then comes to an immediate holt. Fly in a direction, then let go of the controller. It stops. The GPS is first rate. Lower the Inspire to the ground, with the landing gear raised, it will lower automatically as you approach the ground.
Its not crash proof, but DJI are getting there! I certainly feel far more confident and comfortable taking the Inspire places i would not feel safe flying the Phantom.
Here are just a few of the images i’ve taken recently.
Disclaimer – Images not taken for profit.
These images are a mix of screen shots from video footage, and actual images taken from the Inspire camera function.
I will post some more pictures and videos shortly.
VS 
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