DJI F550 build - let's go!

[Richlizard]

Not a Scooby Simon.

[simon]

Cheers lovin the honesty lol

[n506]

Cheers not sure how I';m gonna power them at the minute though as my balance plug is used for a voltage alarm.
May have to trawl the net to see if i can find a balance y lead to power both or if even this would work or effect the voltage alarm.
Do you know what voltage they run off?

Couple of balance lead extension cables cut and soldered together in a suitable fashion? Quick and dirty, but probably more than good enough.

[simon]

Couple of balance lead extension cables cut and soldered together in a suitable fashion? Quick and dirty, but probably more than good enough.

Yeah thinking that might be the only way. Just had a quick google and cannot find one ready done with the right ends attached.

[Opto-Mystic]

Try these Simon:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Dji-F450-Flamewing-Quadcopter-Strobe-Flashing-4-Arm-Version-Led-Kit-/111231630374?pt=UK_ToysGames_RadioControlled_JN&hash=item19e5ebfc26

or

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Dji-F450-Flamewing-Quadcopter-Led-Light-Kit-No-2-/111231372029?pt=UK_ToysGames_RadioControlled_JN&hash=item19e5e80afd

or

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Dji-F550-Flamewing-Hexacopter-Quadcopter-Strobe-Flashing-Led-Kit-/111231630778?pt=UK_ToysGames_RadioControlled_JN&hash=item19e5ebfdba

[Richlizard]

Well it feels pretty stable to me. And although I have had to use the Gopro usb to report image back, it is pretty clear.

I was advised to put the battery beneath the craft to give plenty of air room for the antenna. It is probably psychological, but it just feels unsafe having it here, especially as I tried to balance the gimbal/camera with it. What do you think?

Oh and one annoying thing that I thought might solve itself with this upgrade is that although all images (every 5 secs) are showing, the mp4 video is there but will not play. It is not a player thing, it shows as a blue note instead of the regular wmp file. So frustrating. And it is happening on both of my SD cards, a second one purchased thinking the original was dud.

Anyway...

IMG 34801

[simon]

I think the blue note you mention is because its an mp4 file. I convert the files to an avi format in go pro studio which is free from the Go Pro website. Then the files play in windows media player quick time and vlc player etc etc.

[Richlizard]

As I said Simon, the file is inaccessible. I have other mp4 files on the same disc with the WMP logo (taken from the gopro with a preview image).

But recently the file regularly changes to this blue note and I already know it is corrupt and unplayable. They cannot be converted either.

I will take a screenshot later to show what I mean.

I think the blue note you mention is because its an mp4 file. I convert the files to an avi format in go pro studio which is free from the Go Pro website. Then the files play in windows media player quick time and vlc player etc etc.

[Opto-Mystic]

GoPro acknowledge that there are some issues with certain cards. They have published a list of cards that they have tested and approve for use in their cameras.

I have no problems in seeing images or vids vis bluetooth on my HTC One X phone. I am wondering if your experiences are due to a card that does not comply...

See: http://gopro.com/support/articles/software-update-release
Look for SD card recommendations.

As a point of interest, I always download my sd card contents via a card reader fitted with a micro sd adaptor. So far, no problems.

[Richlizard]

I do exactly the same Donald with regard to uploading.

As for viewing the file. If it is corrupt, makes no odds whether I view it on ipad or laptop, it will not work even though it shows as being there.

The original card - Sandisk - was working for months with no issue at all. Then began intermittently working then not. The second one is similar. Both are correct class (10) but I will check the list for compatibility on their list.

[Richlizard]

Whilst being rather proud to have got 13.5 mins with gimbal and Gopro attached, I was not so proud to be spectacularly dumped from the sky during a time test (ok quite close to ground really) breaking my legs and dump the 550 in mud. 

Hey, but the test went well and I know where to set my timers and voltage now, once repaired. And no, it won';t be 13 mins. 

I am kind of hoping my SD card has failed lol.

[Opto-Mystic]

Oh dear... Richard, I guess that is a right of passage or your initiation in to the  ';running repairs';  part of the learning curve... (I have a set of props put away that I would not like anyone else to see! that was when I learnt how not to land on my neighbours roof!)

Keep a roll of kitchen towels in the car, together with some water - Helps to clean up stuff before anyone else sees it!

[Richlizard]

I blame my time-keeper!

[simon]

Led';s and lipo alarm fitted with "Y" harness. Bought 4 balance extensions as suggested and made the lead out of 2 of them. All wired up and ready just in time for it to constantly ****** it down doh!
Did you sort the Gopro issue? ?

[Richlizard]

Ha, lovely lights Simon!! :)

Where did you mount the lipo alarm? Do you think it will be of real benefit when it is 100m away? I know it sounds an alarm, but I have been reluctant to fit mine as I fear the alarm may be a little off-putting for any future client. Would you really hear it that far away?

As a matter of interest, what undercarriage do you have? Mine snapped on its first hard landing.

As a matter of more interest (getting nosey now), what not do you have on top? Is it just laminated paper?

Oh, the Gopro. Which issue? lol. The SD card still fails on occasion. Last night my monitor gave me a yellow triangle telling me the card had been repaired or something. No idea what that means and needless to say I had no footage.

If you meant the gimbal, I have sorted the Zenmuse out, but the Aerox has been a complete failure, whatever I try it slopes to the left. Aerox have said best to send it back for repair at cost. Totally amazed there is only a 30 day warranty!!



Cheers
Rich

[Opto-Mystic]

If you meant the gimbal, I have sorted the Zenmuse out, but the Aerox has been a complete failure, whatever I try it slopes to the left. Aerox have said best to send it back for repair at cost. Totally amazed there is only a 30 day warranty!!

Rich, that seems to be against your statutory rights. How long have you had it? Did you purchase it from a UK company?could it be possible that you return it for a refund as ';Not fit for purpose';?

30 days seems rough to me!

[Richlizard]

I thought the same.

They quoted this to me:

"Aeroxcraft Ltd products are designed and manufactured in the UK to the highest standards.

Due to the nature of the use of our products a 30 day warranty applies to electronic goods supplied by Aeroxcraft Ltd. This warranty also applies to electronics goods supplied as part of another product, for example an electronic gimbal controller supplied with a camera gimbal. Faults caused by misuse, user negligence, modifications or physical damage are not covered by this warranty.

Aeroxcraft Ltd airframe structures and Aeroxcraft Ltd gimbal structures are warranted for 90 days. Faults caused by misuse, user negligence, modifications or physical damage are not covered by this warranty.

Aeroxcraft Ltd cannot be held liable for any damages or consequences experienced by the end user of our products. It is the end users responsibility to make sure that the product is used safely, responsibly and in accordance with local laws/regulations.

No other warranty, expressed or implied, shall apply."

[Richlizard]

Ironically, I just took the 550 up with Zenmuse gumbal.

Guess what... it slopes to the left haha. Maybe Andover just slopes to the right!!

[Opto-Mystic]

Ironically, I just took the 550 up with Zenmuse gumbal.

Guess what... it slopes to the left haha. Maybe Andover just slopes to the right!!

Maybe you need to recalibrate the FC on a level table...

Also on another thing, I have just sent you a PM

[Richlizard]

Hi Donald.

Yes I did that on both basic and advanced.

Maybe you need to recalibrate the FC on a level table...

Also on another thing, I have just sent you a PM

[Opto-Mystic]

Have you checked the settings of the ';Trim Levers'; on the transmitter itself? Are all 4 showing zero (bottom line on the transmitter display screen.)

[Richlizard]

I think the blue note you mention is because its an mp4 file. I convert the files to an avi format in go pro studio which is free from the Go Pro website. Then the files play in windows media player quick time and vlc player etc etc.

Crikey Simon. I just tried that Gopro Studio thinking it may just keep the size lower than my own conversion program. I have it on full high settings... and it is awful compared to the original!

I think I will stick to Winavi which does a real good job.

Orig v aviconvert

Rich

[simon]

I mounted the alarm on the rear low down, facing down so the l.e.d is visible.
The landing gear is the aeroxcraft. I added foam to the bottom purely to gain a little more clearance for the gimbal when landing in long grass etc etc.
The label on top was made using a dynamo labelling machine from Aldi!
Heres a link for you.

http://www.dymo-store.co.uk/dymo-letratag-lt-100h-label-maker.html&currency=GBP&language=en?gclid=CNqV0Jm_rbsCFWbLtAodUw0ABQ

[Richlizard]

Have you checked the settings of the ';Trim Levers'; on the transmitter itself? Are all 4 showing zero (bottom line on the transmitter display screen.)

All at zero. Doesn';t the trim only affect the craft? So the gimbal should remain level no matter what?

[Opto-Mystic]

You';re right Rich - I was grasping at straws for you.

The only other thing I can think of is looking at your craft with a critical eye and see if everything is visually mounted parallel to the bottom plate especially the gimbal & it';s mounting & that the bottom plate is parallel to the horizon. Be particular when inspecting the fitting on the anti-vibration rubbers - is each one seated in its recess properly, top & bottom.

If that checks out, then I am at a loss to suggest anything else other than to try and shim the gimbal mount so as to  ';correct the error'; visually and take it for a quick test flight. If the results as still on a skew, that would meke me believe that the problem is associated with the setting/calibration area

[Richlizard]

The problem though Donald (apart from the fact it has been returned) is that it sits perfectly when first plugged in and after take-off.

It is only after moving a little that it begins to slope. I need a cloud bench. :)

[Opto-Mystic]

Ahhh... For some reason, I thought you had two gimbals, the one you have sent away and a Zemnuse...

... Well, it was a thought.

[Richlizard]

Oh yes, yes I do.

I haven';t taken much notice of the Zenmuse issue as I have faith it will sort itself on the next flight lol. It was a little windy after all.

But again, I noticed nothing when it was on the bench.

[Richlizard]

I think the blue note you mention is because its an mp4 file. I convert the files to an avi format in go pro studio which is free from the Go Pro website. Then the files play in windows media player quick time and vlc player etc etc.

Hi Simon.

Took a short video clip in between downpours today and the mp4 file failed again. Here is a screenshot showing a failed on alongside a good one so you can immediately see that a failed one has occurred.

Rich

[simon]

Mmm never had that yet but guess theres time lol.
As far as errors with my go pro not had a single 1. Mines a hero 3+ black edition. I did fork out for one of the approved cards as suggest on the go pro website. 
Sorry cannot help any further as I';m still learning myself!