Parrot Mambo ($130)

At last, the days of poor performing, low priced drones may be coming to an end! The Parrot Mambo is a self-stabalizing quadcopter that uses proximity sensors to maintain position for fun and easy flights in indoor and outdoor (low wind) environments. The primary features of the Parrot Mambo include:

• Low cost, high performance recreational drone
• 10-minute flight time
• High definition video and photo capture
• Fun attachments including an aerial cannon and claw grabber
• Autonomous flight modes and “Learn to Code with Drones” software available

Expert advice: The past few Christmases have typically featured drones given as gifts that were more likely to break into pieces following a crash on their first flight then anything else. That was because reliable stability and positioning sensors were only available on drones costing well into the hundreds of dollars, but not anymore! The Parrot Mambo, as well as a few other similar systems have recently hit the market and are now bringing the true magic of aerial imaging and FPV flight to new enthusiasts, both young and old. For $100-$150, it’s my opinion that every home should have one under the tree this year!

DJI Spark ($399)

The Spark is a mini drone perfect for beginner drone enthusiasts. The aircraft has intelligent flight control options, a mechanical gimbal and a camera with great image quality. Here are the top features to consider:

• Quickly launch the Spark right from your hand with face recognition
• Take aerial photos using hand gestures
• Quickly edit and share videos to social media using the DJI Go 4 App
• Intelligent flight modes help create aerial videos in just a few taps
• 16-minute flight time
• 50 km/h speed

Expert advice: The Spark is excellent for the recreational pilot looking for better range, a more intelligent system, and better camera performance compared with cheaper “toy” drones. Make sure you purchase the optional remote control unit as well; otherwise, your flight distance will be limited to the WiFi range provided by your phone or tablet. The gimbal on the Spark will provide camera stabilization on 2-axis, but not all 3, so you if are looking to create or capture true professional aerial imagery, you should probably spend a few more dollars on a more advanced system.

DJI Mavic Air ($799)

This portable drone is as tall and wide as a smartphone when folded; making it a great option for travelers. It’s easy to fit in a backpack and launch to capture numerous adventures. The aircraft features high-end performance such as:

• Take aerial photos using hand gestures
• 21-minute flight time
• 3-axis gimbal camera
• 32 MP sphere panoramas – The Mavic Air stitches 25 photos together in 8-seconds to create panoramas
• 4K and slow motion video
• 8 GB internal storage
• ActiveTrack follows up to 16 targets even when they’re running, jumping or cycling.
• FlightAutonomy 2.0 offers flight safety and ease

Expert advice: The Mavic Air offers many of the same capabilities as the Mavic Pro or Mavic Pro Platinum, and even a few that those models don’t have. The biggest downside is the reduced endurance with most users reporting maximum in-flight times of approximately 15 minutes before the low battery indication is given; however it’s compact design and 3-axis stabilized gimbal make it fantastic for travel, and it can still deal with roughly the same maximum wind speeds and environmental conditions as it’s more expensive counterparts.

DJI Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 ($1,499)

The DJI Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 is the most current evolution of the iconic DJI Phantom Series, and arguably the best and most widely used all-around multi-rotor drone for professionals and serious recreational users:

• 30-minute flight times
• 72 km/h speed
• 1-inch 20-megapixel sensor with a mechanical shutter capable of shooting 4K/60 fps video
• Visual Navigation system includes 6 vision sensors and 2 infrared sensors for 5-directional obstacle sensing and avoidance capabilities
• Remote controller with built-in screen option

Expert advice: If you are looking to give the ultimate gift to an aspiring professional drone pilot, look no further than the Phantom 4 Pro V2.0! The imaging payload is second to none in its size-class and is suited for both professional aerial photography and videography, as well as aerial mapping/modeling and general infrastructure inspections. Useable flight times can reach up to 25 minutes before the low battery warning is heard giving plenty of time to get the job done!

Looking to pair one of these systems with drone training? Use the coupon code ‘BlackFriday18’ to receive 25% off all DARTdrones drone training classes and workshops. Offer ends Sunday, 11/25. Call the DARTdrones Team at 800-264-3907 with any questions.

The post Best Drones for Christmas 2018 | Holiday Drone Gift Guide appeared first on DARTdrones.

DJI Mavic Pro Accessories

The Mavic Pro offers great capabilities for commercial drone use. The compactness of the unmanned aerial vehicle allows pilots to take it just about anywhere, which is great for completing multiple drone jobs. For pilots looking to enter the commercial UAV industry and conduct flights for commercial drone use, the Mavic Pro can fulfill many different roles and functions at a very reasonable price. As with any drone, there are accessories that increase the performance and utility of the aircraft whether you are utilizing it for drone pilot training like Mike Uleski, or using for recreational, government, or other business purposes. In this article we will discuss 12 of Mike’s favorite accessories that he uses with his Mavic Pro, both recreationally and professionally.

1) Stick Protector

The design of the Mavic Pro transmitter makes it very easy to throw in a backpack and head out the door. The mobile device holders fold in to the body of the transmitter, along with the antennas. However, the control sticks are left exposed and can be damaged if not protected. Several designs are available that stabilize the control sticks, protect the transmitter screen, and also allow you to secure your mobile device cord to the transmitter so that you cannot forget to take it along.

2) Mobile Device Holder

The Mavic Pro Transmitter was designed to unfold the lower position and secure the mobile device that you are using as a display. However, many have found that larger devices, such as the iPhone Plus Series, especially when placed into a protective case, do not easily fit. The largest device that the Mavic Pro transmitter can fit is a bare iPad Mini 4. If you do want to use a larger device, there are holders designed to allow for the use of a standard mobile device holder. The lower portion fits into the transmitter as designed, but has an elevated mobile device holder that can fit just about any size mobile device. In addition, they allow for the attachment of a lanyard that allows the transmitter to be worn around the neck to prevent dropping it.

3) Compact Mobile Device Sunshade

Everything with the Mavic Pro is designed to be compact and easy to take with you anywhere. But a sunshade is an indispensable item for a drone pilot as most mobile devices can be difficult, or impossible, to see in bright conditions. This accessory is great to bring along for commercial drone use cases. Some sunshades can be quite bulky and reduce the convenience provided by the Mavic Pro. One of my favorite sunshades, made by PYGtech, is very lightweight and attaches easily with silicone rubber loops on each end. When folded, the sunshade is almost flat and can be easily stored in your travel bag.

4) Antenna Signal Attenuators

The Mavic Pro uses the DJI Occusync transmission technology that provides incredible signal reliability and range. Some areas still can present a challenge with interference from other radio signal sources. This can cause signal lag, video signal breakup, or possible control signal loss. An antenna attenuator allows for the transmitter to send and receive a stronger signal simply by directing the signal to the standard Mavic Pro antennas. If you happen to experience signal interference, slide the attenuator over the antennas and point the transmitter at the Mavic Pro. It’s important to note that these attenuators do make your transmitter more directional and the operator should keep the transmitter directly pointed at the aircraft during flight for best performance.

5) DJI 4-way Charge Hub

It is hard to take the Mavic Pro out and only fly one battery (~27 minutes). The batteries do not take long to charge, however, a good solution to having to constantly monitor and change the charging battery is the 4-way charging hub. The standard version uses the 50 watt charger included with the Mavic Pro. It does not charge the four batteries simultaneously, but will sense the battery with the highest charge and fully charge that battery before beginning to charge the next highest charged battery, until all four are fully charged. It is a very handy accessory to allow all four batteries to charge hands free after a long day of flying and be ready for the next day. An advanced charging hub is available and allows you to use the charger included with the Phantom 4 for faster charging. As with any LiPo battery charger, always monitor the batteries and charger during the charge cycle for safety.

6) Mini Landing Pad

The Mavic Pro sits on low profile landing gear. This keeps the aircraft very compact, but does lead to some negatives. When turning on the Mavic Pro, the camera gimbal will begin a calibration cycle. It is very important that the gimbal not be restricted during this calibration. When sitting on the landing gear the camera is very low to the ground and can easily make contact with the ground or grass. Also, when starting the motors, dirt, dust, and grit is blown up around the aircraft. This material can enter the gimbal system and cause calibration and stabilization failures. A collapsible landing pad can negate both of these issues, and also provides a high visibility landing area. Specific commercial drone use versions are available, but a collapsible auto window shade is capable of performing just as well.

7) Camera Filter Set

Professional photographers and videographers know that even though your lens does most of the work when capturing the image, filters can be just as important for that perfect shot. They may reduce glare, allow the camera to slow the video shutter speed for a more cinematic video, or increase photo contrast.

Typically, a filter set will include a UV filter, circular polarizing filter, and neutral density (ND) filters of various strengths. They are a great addition to your flight bag and will allow you to explore what your camera can do. The filters for the Mavic Pro are a friction fit to the camera barrel. It is recommended to leave the rear gimbal lock in place when installing or removing the filter to stabilize the camera gimbal and not place stress on the rubber vibration dampeners.

8) DJI Goggles

“I originally entered the world of multi-rotors building FPV race quads. Since that time I have had the ability to use a wide variety of FPV goggles ranging from analog transmitters/receivers, to connex HD setups. I recently added to my collection the DJI goggles. The goggle activation was straightforward and wirelessly linked to the Mavic Pro without any issues by following the DJI tutorial. Upon my first flight tests I was very impressed with the image. The resolution was spectacular and I experienced no video lag or signal drop out during the flight. Adding in the head tracking function truly completes the immersive flight experience. Flying in fixed-wing mode was a true joy with the drone effortlessly cruising along and banking in the turns as if being in the cockpit. The addition of the touch pad interface is a great feature that allows setting and function changes without having to remove the goggles. Even for commercial drone use, the ability to fully concentrate on your subject can provide a better idea of the shot that you are attempting to capture. Remember, you must have a visual observer/spotter when flying to satisfy FAA drone rules, part 107.33, and to comply with AMA FPV document #550 if flying recreationally when wearing these goggles”, said Chief Public Safety Instructor of DARTdrones Drone Academy, Mike Uleski.

9) Prop Guards or Cages

The Mavic Pro is a great platform to use for real estate videos, both outdoors, and indoors. The tripod flight mode and vision positioning system allows the Mavic Pro to be flown precisely in very close quarter locations, and function as an aerial tripod. But even the most experienced UAV pilots can have a moment of control loss that could lead to a crash of the aircraft, and potentially damage property. The DJI snap on propeller guards do a phenomenal job of protecting the Mavic Pro when making light contact with objects such as walls or furniture. These propeller guards also fold, keeping with the compact nature of the Mavic Pro. For more hazardous environments, DJI has recently released a set of propeller cages that completely surround the propellers, including top and bottom, making it very difficult to crash due to the collision with an object.

10) Polar Pro Katana

A very popular commercial drone use is shooting real estate videos. When shooting real estate, you not only want to include the dramatic aerial views, but also the ground level and interior shots. The Mavic Pro has a wonderful camera that is more than capable of capturing these videos or images while in flight, but sometimes it is easier to use the Mavic Pro in a hand held configuration. The Katana makes using your Mavic Pro as a hand held gimbal camera effortless as it provides handles to hold and your mobile device in a central location for both framing your shot and easy access to the shutter/record controls. It is a great accessory that opens up many more opportunities to use your Mavic Pro to capture amazing photos and videos.

11) Landing Gear Extensions

The Mavic Pro was designed to be low profile, and it fits the bill very well in that regard. One downside, however, is the lack of ground clearance during takeoff and landing. This can cause issues on rough terrain, or for allowing the camera to properly go through the initialization cycle without binding. Landing gear extensions allow you to maintain the compact storage that the Mavic Pro is known for, while providing the ability to add a few inches of ground clearance under the aircraft. Most designs are a slip-on or snap-on design that do not require any alterations to the airframe and fit neatly in your travel bag when not installed.

12) Travel Bag

If you purchased the Fly More Combo Bundle, you received the shoulder bag designed for the Mavic Pro. But, as you add some of these accessories and extra batteries, you will require a slightly larger bag to transport everything. A smaller camera bag designed for a DSLR camera works beautifully to carry everything that you would need for commercial drone use, or for a full day of recreational flying. Other than the DJI Goggles that have their own carrying case, all of the accessories featured in this article fit into, or clipped onto, the small camera bag pictured here.

The Mavic Pro broke the mold when it was introduced to the market and is a powerhouse in a small package. It combines professional quality drone features capable for commercial drone use, drone pilot training, as well as recreational flights, with an airframe that is able to fold and easily be taken with you to capture amazing shots on-the-go! It’s important to note that in order to utilize some of the accessories mentioned above, it’s crucial to know and understand all FAA drone rules for commercial drone use.

About Mike Uleski

Mike Uleski holds the title of Chief Public Safety Instructor of DARTdrones Drone Academy. Along with teaching drone pilot training, FAA drone rules and regulations courses, and advanced public safety UAV training across the U.S., Mike is an active Sergeant with a public safety department in Florida, where he is cross trained as a law enforcement officer, firefighter, and EMT. Mike has extensive aviation expertise with a degree in Aeronautical Sciences from Embry-Riddle, a commercial pilot certificate with single-engine, multi-engine and instrument ratings, and 17 years of experience building and flying remote controlled aircraft.

About DARTdrones Drone Academy

Our drone academy has trained thousands of UAV pilots in 40+ cities across the country. As the nation’s leading drone academy, we pride ourselves on our professional curriculum for commercial drone use, government use, and recreational drone pilot training. We offer in-person and online courses on FAA drone rules and Part 107 test prep to pass the Airman Knowledge Test in order to legally use an aircraft for commercial drone use. We also host hands-on drone pilot training courses to get you launched in this growing industry and to learn to fly a drone. Visit www.dartdrones.com or call us at 800.264.3907 to learn more about our drone academy!

The post 12 Must-Have Mavic Pro Accessories for Commercial Drone Use appeared first on DARTdrones.

Before buying any drone, you should decide the price you’re willing to pay for a drone and what you actually want to DO with the drone.

Beginner drones can be broken down into two categories:

• Consumer – made for hobbyist (recreational) pilots
• Prosumer – halfway point between consumer and commercial (professional) drones. These models are designed for people who want more sophisticated features – better video, longer flight times, navigation, streaming, etc.

We’ll be grading consumer and prosumer drones through six categories: Flight Time, Range, Control Type, Camera, Loss Prevention and Weight/FAA registration. Drones that weigh between .55 pounds and 55 pounds must be registered with the FAA.

So, leaving no drone unturned, here are our suggestions for the best beginner drones on the market.  

The 3 Best Beginner Drones (Consumer)

Beginner consumer drones need to be small and cheap, but tough. They have to withstand a lot of crashes (it happens to us all) and offer replacement parts. Consumer drones are most often below $200, like the ones listed below.

No. 3: Syma X5C-1 Explorers 2.4G 4-CH 60Axis Gyro RC Quadcopter with HD Camera

The SYMA X5C-1 is a well-designed drone from a company that’s respected around the world. It’s tough, simple to learn and won’t break during its initial flight. And the controller is very responsive and easy to use.

• Flight Time: 7-9 minutes 
• Range: 100 meters
• Control Type: Controller
• Camera: 2MP 720p HD
• Loss Prevention: Return Function
• Weight/FAA registration: No FAA

No. 2: DBPOWER MJX X400W FPV Drone with WiFi Camera Live Video Headless Mode

The MJX X400W offers a built in WiFi component so you can watch a live video feed on your mobile phone. It also features a headless mode, and is easily upgradable to 3D Virtual Reality.

• Flight Time: 8-9 minutes 
• Range: 100 meters
• Control Type: Controller
• Camera: 720p HD
• Loss Prevention: Return Function
• Weight/FAA registration: No FAA

No. 1: UDI U818A WiFi FPV RC Quadcopter Drone Headless Mode with HD Camera, VR headset

The U818A features WiFi and First Person View to watch a live video feed of your flight from your iPhone or Android mobile or tablet device. It’s also compatible with VR headsets for a truly amazing experience. The U8181A is more expensive than other drones we reviewed and does require FAA registration to fly. Beginners should also note that the flight range is less than other drones. But if those things don’t bother you, the U818A’s durability, speed and features are second to none.

• Flight Time: 7-9 minutes 
• Range: 30 meters
• Control Type: Controller
• Camera: 720p HD
• Loss Prevention: Return Function
• Weight/FAA registration: Yes FAA

The 3 Best Beginner Drones (Prosumer)

Beginner prosumer drones are mid-size, slightly more expensive and durable, offering more replacement parts and upgradable accessories. Prosumer drones typically range from $200-$500.

No. 3: Chroma Flight-Ready Drone with 3-Axis Brushless Gimbal for GoPro Hero4

Looking for a high-performance aerial platform for your GoPro Camera? The Chroma is the closest thing to a friendly “Plug-and-play” GoPro drone you’ll find.

• Flight Time: 30 minutes 
• Range: 300 meters
• Control Type: Controller
• Camera: GoPro not included
• Loss Prevention: GPS, Auto & Key
• Weight/FAA registration: Yes FAA

No. 2: Parrot Bebop 2

The Bebop 2 is the new version of Parrot’s bestselling drone. It records sharp 1080p HD video and offers a battery life over 25 minutes. The Parrot app is extremely easy to use on your smartphone or tablet.

• Flight Time: Over 25 minutes 
• Range: 300 meters
• Control Type: Smartphones/Tablet app
• Camera: 1080p, Fisheye
• Loss Prevention: Return Home, GPS
• Weight/FAA registration: Yes FAA

No. 1: DJI Phantom 3 Standard Quadcopter Drone with 2.7K HD Video Camera

The Phantom 3 is extremely easy to control, packed with features and supported by DJI’s remarkable customer service. The 2K camera can capture Full HD 1080p video and the wide angle f2.8 lens provides distortion-free video and pictures. An all-around terrific entry-level drone! Best of all, it’s been showing up for sale (new online) at $400 and under during the last few months.

• Flight Time: 25 minutes 
• Range: 500 meters
• Control Type: Controller and app
• Camera: 1080p, wide-angle lens
• Loss Prevention: GPS, Return, launch and assist
• Weight/FAA registration: Yes FAA

Glossary of terms for beginners

Accelerometer: An electrical device that measures acceleration for a specific direction of flight.

Almost Ready to Fly (ARF): These drones include everything you need but require some minor assembly.

Gimbal: The device that holds the camera on some drones.  These devices will have small motors that help increase video stability in flight.

Drone: A slang term for a UAV (unmanned aircraft vehicle).

First-person View (FPV): A mountable camera on the drone that allows the pilot to see in real time what the drone is seeing.

Follow Me Mode: This feature locks the drone’s direction and movement on a specific mobile target.  It’s a great option for aerial photography.

Gyroscope: A device that measures angular velocity and helps to keep your drone stable.

Headless Mode: The drone will go to the left when you pull the controller’s left stick and go to the right when you pull the right stick (etc), regardless of the direction your drone is pointing.

Hexacopter: A multirotor vehicle with six rotors for flight.

Multirotor: A drone with multiple rotors used in flight.

One-Key Return: This function will allow your drone to fly back to the take-off position.

Payload: The amount your drone can carry on top of its own weight and batteries.

Quadcopter: A multi-rotor drone with four rotors for flight.

RC: Radio controlled.

Ready to Fly (RTF): Can be flown right out of the box – requires no assembly.

UAV: Industry term for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (aka drone).

VR: Virtual Reality feature.

DARTdrones hopes to help you make informed purchases. We have more than 40 expert drone instructors with a wealth of knowledge about UAVs. Check out some of our drone training courses!

Contributor AJ Cote wrote this post for DARTdrones about what are the best beginner drones.

The post Best Beginner Drones: Which Products Make the Cut? appeared first on DARTdrones.

The best way to determine which drone is right for you is to figure out what you plan to use your drone for. Then pick the drone that best suits those needs. Overall, drones can be broken up into three utility categories: camera drones for consumer, professional aerial photography, and videography; racing drones, for when you feel the need for speed and want to compete, and micro drones, best for fun flying indoors and practicing. 

Now, let’s look at some of the best drones for sale in each category.

Best Camera Drones for Sale

Drones for sale in this category, obviously, have a camera that is either permanently mounted or interchangeable. Another important aspect is the ability to hold a fixed position, altitude, and direction. They also come with intelligent features to help fly safely and get desirable camera shots like flying to waypoints, orbiting around points of interest, and most importantly, an interactive smartphone or tablet application that allows you to see what the camera sees. Compared to other camera drones for sale, DJI is the leading maker of prosumer level drones on the market right now because of their unique and user friendly interface along with the stability and performance of the gimbaled camera.

DJI Phantom 4 Professional

It’s hard to beat the value and performance of the Phantom 4 Pro. It carries a unique balance of functionality and quality with dual positioning systems for accuracy and redundancy, a 20 megapixel camera, and 360 degree obstacle avoidance technology.

DJI Inspire 2

The Inspire 2 is really about as professional as you can get without going custom made. The system comes with an interchangeable gimbal mount allowing the use of different cameras to achieve high quality (4K 16.0M) stabilized video with customizable features.

DJI Mavic Pro

For the outdoor adventurer, DJI makes the Mavic Pro which has a stabilized, front-mounted camera with quickly detachable blades and retractable arms that fold inwards making a very compact unit easy for travel.

Best Racing Drones for Sale

ESPN recently began broadcasting the Drone Racing League events on television. These are a series of speed and agility competitions among national championship drone racers being held at different cities around the United States.

While other commercial drones usually come in a complete and ready-to-fly package, when it comes to racing, you won’t usually find drones for sale like that. It’s because racers prefer to build their own custom rigs. A drone racing rig consists of three basic parts, the drone, radio controller, and first person view (FPV) goggles.

The Drones

For custom built racers, every aspect of the drone is customized from the frames and motors to the onboard electronics. This allows drone racers to, “Dial in” his or her quadcopter attributes such as the overall look, size, weight, speed, responsiveness, onboard telemetry systems, and more, to achieve a competitive edge. The KISS line of onboard electronics and GEP RC racing frames are both popular.

The Radios

To control the drones, racers use radio communications for both controlling the drone and streaming video to the FPV goggles. In the drone racing community there exists two leading manufacturers of RC radio systems, the Spektrum and the Taranis. Both are fully capable systems, however, the Spektrum radios tend to require less set-up, while the Taranis are usually more customizable. One thing to note is that the receiver in the drone and the transmitter (controller) will only work with their respective counterparts. As a result, most racers tend to stick to one brand or the other for interchangeability.

The FPV System

Perhaps the thing that makes drone racing so popular is the perspective you get when you are flying virtually from the cockpit onboard the drone itself. A camera on the front of the drone transmits video wirelessly to a pair of goggles with tiny LED screens. For this immersive experience racers look to Fatshark and Foxeer as the leading FPV systems of choice.

Those looking to start out in drone racing for the first time might consider a complete racing drone for sale. The TBS Vendetta is one example. It is a ready-to-fly FPV Racer from Team BlackSheep that provides an out-of-the-box racer ready to link with any radio/receiver set.

Best Micro Drones for Sale

Micro drones are drones for sale that are primarily intended to be flown indoors or outside in light wind conditions. That is because they are very small and lightweight. Micro drones are good for practicing because they are durable and can withstand repeated crashes. Their light weight and small form keep any damage to a minimum compared to the large consumer kinds mentioned earlier. If you can fly an RC quadcopter without any position or altitude hold modes, like most micro drones, it will be much easier to fly a well stabilized, and much more expensive drone. Since these micro drones are commonly very similar in performance, here is a summary of the most popular drones for sale in local retail stores and drones for purchase online.

Micro Drones for Sale at Local Retail Stores

Sky Viper

This is micro drone that comes with a smartphone or tablet application for live video streaming. It is easy to setup, control, and can maintain a fixed altitude and direction, but not position.

Protocol

This is a good one for free flight practice. It doesn’t come with any altitude or position hold modes making it more challenging, yet still very fun, to fly. It has a fixed camera that can record to an onboard SD card, but no live streaming capability.

Drones for Sale at Online Retailers

Hubsan X4 Series

Hubsan has several different micro drones for sale. Configurations range from non-stabilized drones with live streaming apps to position and altitude holding capable drones with  FPV screens built into their controllers.  

Syma X Series

The Syma X series of micro drones are comparable to the Hubsan in almost every way. However the controllers typically don’t have the built-in display option. 

Now that you know which drones to look out for, you can get ready to fly. And don’t forget DARTdrones offers many classes, including Part 107 Test Prep Course and in-person UAV Flight Training.

Sean Pagliari is a pilot, Navy veteran and one of DARTdrones’ drone flight instructors. He wrote this post about the best drones for sale.

The post Drones For Sale: The Best Camera Drones, Racing Drones, and Micro Drones appeared first on DARTdrones.

In this article, we will lay out the top 10 drone accessories for a DJI Phantom 3. Here’s a quick look at what we’ll cover:

1. Battery Charging Dock
2. Prop Guards
3. Mobile Device Sun-Shade
4. Transmitter Labels
5. Gimbal Guard
6. Landing Gear Extensions
7. Camera Filters
8. Upgraded Device Bracket
9. Transmitter Strap or Harness
10. Antenna Signal Boosters

The top ten drone accessories that any Phantom 3 (standard, advanced, or professional) drone pilot should have:

1. Battery Charging Dock

You can never have enough batteries. But they don’t charge themselves. Most drone pilots will add several extra batteries to their drone case. The included DJI battery charger is able to charge one battery at a time, and it can be inconvenient to keep returning to check the charging status and change out a charged battery.

The solution is to add a battery charging dock to your supplies. This dock will allow you to have four batteries that will all charge automatically in sequence. The dock will sense which battery has the most charge, and charge it first, before moving on to charge the next lowest battery. Once the full charge cycle is complete, you can return to find all four batteries ready to fly again.

Remember to always charge your batteries in a safe location away from flammable materials, and do not to leave them unattended during charging. Buying Drone Accessories: Battery Charging Dock Options

A battery dock makes getting ready for your next flight a breeze. Photo: M. Uleski

2. Prop Guards

A damaged propeller is the bane of the drone pilot, especially if you forgot your spares at home. A great way to protect your propellers is to add a set of prop-guards to your drone. These allow you to fly your drone with less worry of the propellers striking an object while in flight, or the ground when landing. Versions are available that can be permanently installed to your drone, or incorporate a quick release system so that they can be removed when not in use, or for travel.
An additional advantage is an increase in visibility for orientation. Having red prop-guards on the front with white prop-guards on the rear makes it much easier for the pilot to determine which end is forward.
Always make sure that your prop-guards are installed securely before taking off so that they do not come loose in flight, strike a propeller they were meant to protect, and cause a crash.

Buying Drone Accessories: Prop Guard Options

Prop-guards may give you a second chance when in a sticky situation. Photo: M.Uleski

3. Mobile Device Sun-Shade

Nothing is better for a drone pilot than flying on a beautiful sunny day. But this can make seeing the screen of your device difficult with glare and a washed out screen. An easy addition is a sun-shade or visor. Many different aftermarket versions are available, but you can also build your own out of foam board. You can find templates by searching for your specific device.
A sun-shade is a low cost accessory that greatly increases the visibility of your device. A definite must for any drone pilot.

Buying Drone Accessories: Hoodman Sun-Shades

A sun-shade can be very simple, but makes for a much better view. Photo: M. Uleski

4. Transmitter Labels

Your Phantom 3’s transmitter has a lot of different control sticks, buttons, switches, rollers, and other functions. It is very easy to forget what switch exactly does what. An easy solution is a set of labels that keeps the information at your fingertips. These self adhesive stickers are easy to apply, easy to read, and provide a wealth of information right where you need it.

These labels provide easy to read information that can be referenced in an instant. Photo: M. Uleski

5. Gimbal Guard

The heart of the drone for most pilots is its camera. But the camera and gimbal system is a very fragile component of your drone. And other than the bottom of the landing skids, it is the closest to the ground when landing. This makes it very susceptible to damage if it strikes an object during landing. Several companies produce an aftermarket gimbal guard that spans between the landing skids. This allows your camera to have a full field of view, but with a bit of protection in the event of a not so soft landing, or having to put down on rough terrain.

A landing like this could easily damage your camera and gimbal. Photo: M.Uleski

6. Landing Gear Extensions

The Phantom 3 series has a relatively small set of landing gear. These do a great job of keeping the landing gear out of the camera’s view while in flight, but can allow the drone to tip while landing, especially if the wind is blowing at your landing site, or landing on uneven terrain. For a new pilot they can provide a more stable landing while learning and prevent a tip-over crash.

Landing gear extensions widen the “wheelbase” of your drones landing gear. They are typically a snap-on accessory that are easy to install and remove as needed. Be aware that during certain maneuvers they may become visible in your shot.

Buying Drone Accessories: Landing Gear

Landing gear extensions make for a stable landing, even on rough terrain. Photo: M.Uleski

7. Camera Filters

Professional photographers and videographers know that even though your lens does most of the work of capturing the image, filters can be just as important for that perfect shot. They may reduce glare, allow the camera to slow the video shutter speed for a more cinematic video, or increase photo contrast.

Typically, a filter set will include a; UV filter, circular polarizing filter, and neutral density (ND) filters of various strengths. They are a great addition to your flight bag and allow you to explore what your camera can do. Keep an eye out for a future article with an in-depth discussion of filters, and what they can do for you.

ND filters are like sunglasses for your camera and provide different effects. Photo: M. Uleski

8. Upgraded Device Bracket

The Phantom 3 Advanced and Professional models provide a great mobile device holder to install on your transmitter. However, many Phantom 3 pilots have found that the plastic bracket that comes with the drone wobbles when using a larger device such as a 7” or larger tablet. An easily solution is to purchase the metal version designed for the Inspire 1 transmitter. I added this to my Phantom 3 Advanced transmitter and it now holds my Ipad 9.7” tablet without any movement. Various aftermarket metal versions are also now available.

Keep your mobile device steady with this simple upgrade. Photo: M.Uleski

9. Transmitter Strap or Harness

Your transmitter is a vital piece of equipment for flying your drone. And having control of it during your flight is crucial. Dropping your transmitter could cause serious damage to it, your mobile device, and can cause a crash of your drone. A lanyard to allow the transmitter to hang from around your neck is a great way to keep it secure.

For long flights, DJI also offers a harness that works very well and distributes the weight of the transmitter to your shoulders and back rather than your neck. I have added a few extra straps to mine that attach to the sides of the sun-shade with Velcro that allows me to use my mobile device easily without having to constantly hold the transmitter.

A harness system can make your flight more comfortable. Photo: M.Uleski

10. Antenna Signal Boosters

The radio signal technology used by DJI is phenomenal. But in today’s world of WIFI devices, it is possible to sometimes get a fuzzy video signal at times. This can cause your displayed video image to lag, freeze, or lose connection completely.
Adding a set of parabolic antenna signal boosters to your existing antennas allows your drone to better communicate with your transmitter. I have flown in situations where I encountered video feed issues due to an interference source that would cause the video to intermittently freeze. After installing the signal boosters I was able to have a clear, and freeze free, video feed for the remainder of the flight. The best part is they are easy to install and require no modification to your transmitter.

Like an old set of TV “bunny ears”, these signal boosters will improve your video quality. Photo: M.Uleski

Since the DJI Phantom 3 was released, DJI has launched many new models that offer better technology and safer, more efficient flights. With this advanced technology in mind, it’s important to view newer models such as Phantom 4 Pro, Phantom 4 Advanced, Mavic Air, Mavic 2 Enterprise and more. Watch this Mavic 2 Enterprise unboxing video with our Chief Pilot:

To learn how to fly your drone, check out our hands-on drone training course. If you’re interested in becoming a professional, licensed drone pilot, take a look at our complete drone training package.

The post 10 Must-Have Drone Accessories for DJI Phantom 3 | Updated 2019 appeared first on DARTdrones.

We are here to help! We have broken out the best drone gift options for every type of drone pilot.

Drone Gifts for the Beginner Drone Pilot

Thousands of people are going to become first time drone owners this holiday season, but as the one buying the gift, how do you know which drone is right for them? There seems to be drones of every shape, style, size, and price. For the beginner drone pilot, a small toy drone may be the perfect gift. They can figure out if they would like to take their hobby further and someday upgrade to a larger drone. Check out some small toy drone options:

Parrot BEBOP DRONE & Parrot SKYCONTROLLER ($299.99)

This drone is perfect for beginners who have never piloted a drone before. The Bebop drone’s controllers are ergonomically designed for comfortable, easy flights, and it even takes good quality video and pictures. With the “emergency” mode, it lands automatically without instruction, to ensure your Beginner Drone Pilot is always safe.

Blade 200 QX BNF with SAFE®Technology ($149.99)

The Blade 200 QX provides smooth flight capability using SAFE Technology, which will assist your Beginner Drone Pilot on their flight. When the control sticks are released, the Blade 200 QX will remain self-leveled, which is great for practicing on before making the transition to more robust drones.

Drones 101: Drone Aviator Readiness Training Online Course from DARTdrones (Free for a limited time)

Keep your Beginner Drone Pilot safe by enrolling them in the DARTdrones Drone Aviator Readiness Training Online Course. This 1-hour interactive course goes over the different drones on the market at different price points and complexities, the rules and regulations as mandated by the FAA, tips and tricks for safe flight, and the biggest safety concerns when operating drone equipment. Keep your Beginner Drone Pilot from fines or confiscations this holiday season.

Enroll for Free Here: https://www.dartdrones.com/drones-101-holiday-gift-2016/

Drone Gift Guide for the Young Aviator

Does your child dream about becoming a pilot when they grow up? Make their dreams come true with these kid-friendly and safe toy drones at friendly price points. Makes for amazing stocking stuffers or gifts from Santa!

Sky Viper 2 Inch Nano Drone ($25.49)

This drone is under 3”, can be flown indoors and outdoors, and is super lightweight and durable. It is agile and its 4-bladed sensors allow for precision piloting. For kids 12+

JJRC F180 Mini RC Quadcopter Drone ($31.99)

This drone comes with a removable protective prop protector so your kids can practice flying without the damage! It has 6 colorful LED lights for added coolness. This drone can even perform 360 degree roll-overs!

Drone Girl’s I Fly Like a Girl T-Shirt ($21)

The Drone Girl, Sally French, is a great role model for any new drone pilot. The Drone Girl is one of the leading blogs in the drone industry. Check out her site for great industry updates! Check out her t-shirts here.

Gift Guide for The Drone Entrepreneur

The Drone Entrepreneur wants to quit their 9 to 5 job and start a business in the drone industry, but is having trouble finding their niche. Here are some great gifts to help them along and start 2017 off right!

DJI Phantom 4 Professional ($1,499; Now $999)

The newest in DJI’s Phantom family, the Phantom 4 Professional is the only drone your Drone Entrepreneur will need to start their business. It features an updated camera, a 1-inch 20-megapixel sensor allowing it shoot at 4K/60fps video with burst mode stills at 14 fps with no added weight. It includes 5-directions of obstacle sensors and 4-directions of obstacle avoidance. The controllers now feature a 5.5 inch 1080p screen that is more than twice as bright as a phone or tablet that would have been used on previous models. The screen is now more visible in direct sunlight, without the need for a controller hood.

Launching a Drone Business Under Part 107 Course by DARTdrones ($300)

This course will give your budding entrepreneur everything they need to start their drone business. They will gain access to our online portal filled with classes such as Marketing Your UAS Business, Insurance and Liabilities, and Software and Applications – all crucial topics for Drone Entrepreneurs.

Learn More Here

Part 107 Test Prep Course with DARTdrones ($250 Online, $670 In-Person)

Learn to pass the FAA Airman Knowledge Exam with the DARTdrones Part 107 Test Prep course. Offered both online and in-person throughout the country, passing the Part 107 Exam allows drone pilots to fly commercially and make money with their drone! Learn More Here

The Hobby Drone Pilot

If your drone pilot loves flying their drone recreationally and taking it with them on trips and outings, here are some great accessories to keep their drone in tip top shape.

DJI Phantom 3 and 4 Backpack ($49.95-$104.95)

A backpack is a great gift for any Recreational Droner. It is perfect for on-the-go outdoorsmen who take their drones with them on adventures. Opt for a hardcase backpack to keep their drone safe while they are traveling!

Drone Floatation Device – WaterStrider ($99)

Check out this cool new drone innovation from DroneRafts. Help your Drone Hobbyist fly their drone over water without the fear of it touching down and damaging their equipment. Perfect for hobbyists, outdoorsmen, and casual photographers who are still getting the hang of their drone.

Hoodman 3 Foot Drone Launch Pad ($79)

Grab a really cool and user friendly Hoodman Launch Pad for $79. These are great for making sure that new drone pilots are protecting their drone and practicing being able to land exactly where they want.

DARTdrones is a national flight school for drone pilots offering expert certification and training.

The post Holiday Drone Gift Guide 2016: Top Ideas for Drone Pilots of All Levels appeared first on DARTdrones.

Let’s check em’ out!

Turn Your Drone Electric Blue With LED Night Lights

If you want your drone to light up the night sky (and possibly fool some UFO watchers), then fitting LED lights is the way to go.

Whichever drone you have, there’s most likely an LED light kit that can add some sparkle and flair to your night flying.

One of our featured drone accessories:

SKYREAT LED Blue Light Kit Strip for DJI phantom 3 Professional and Advanced

Keep Your Peace of Mind by Fitting Propeller Guards

If your drone doesn’t already come with propeller guards – then we strongly suggest that you have some fitted.

Propeller blades (especially on larger drones) can be very dangerous. There’s no need to risk potential harm to yourself or others, when you can easily eliminate this hazard by fitting propeller guards.

One of our featured drone accessories:

HOBBYTIGER® Propeller Props Blades Guards Frame Protector Cover Protection 9″Inch for Drone DJI Phantom 3 Phantom 2 Quadcopter

Fly for Longer With Spare Batteries

With flight times on some drones as low as a few minutes, investing in extra batteries is one thing you should definitely consider.

You may be surprised at just how cheap spare batteries are. For the majority of drones, it’s also a straightforward operation to switch a dead battery for a fully-charged one.

One of our featured drone accessories:

Combo: Tenergy T439 charger for 3.7V Lithium RC battery + 5pcs 380mAh batteries for Hubsan X4

See Your Controller Screen in Direct Sunlight

If you’re using a smartphone as a drone controller, you may have discovered one problem: Bright, direct sunlight makes it almost impossible to see the screen.

Luckily, clever designers have created custom sunshades. These fit around the phone and prevent the sunlight from turning your screen into a mirror!

One of our featured drone accessories:

Mudder 5.5 Inches FPV Cellphone Monitor Sunshade Hood Cover for Phantom 3 and DJI Inspire 1 Transmitters

Let This Bag Protect You From Battery Fires and Explosions

Did you know that LiPo batteries are prone to catching fire, or even exploding? These are scary scenarios that you certainly don’t want to encounter.

You can help defend yourself from these dangers by charging, storing and transporting your LiPo batteries in a flame-retardant bag. As the saying goes… “Better to be safe than sorry!”

One of our featured drone accessories:

BW® Fireproof Explosionproof Lipo Battery Safe Bag Lipo Battery Guard Safe Bag Pouch Sack for Charge & Storage

Whether you’re flying for fun, or have more serious goals, we’re sure these drone accessories will help take your piloting skills to new heights.

And finally… keep you and your loved ones safe this holiday season by signing up for a training class with DARTdrones. DARTdrones Flight School is one of the only FAA Certified drone flight schools in the country. Sign up today with the code “santacertified25” to receive $25 off a UAV Basic Training course!

Happy (and safe!) flying!

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This guest post is courtesy of FlightBots.com

FlightBots provides the latest news, stories and original content on “Drones for Good” via multiple social media sites including Facebook, Flipboard,Twitter and YouTube.
Get in touch with FlightBots: contact@flightbots.com

The post The Best Drone Accessories for Under $25 appeared first on DARTdrones.