Recent content by WingmanGoose

Depends. They can cite under local and state law. Some localities have ordinances restricting drones. Some state laws are pretty extensive for aircraft laws and some aren’t. Then it also depends if you’re actually violating any of those ordinance or laws. A good example would be deciding to...

At this point, I’m only moderately jealous of the longer flight time, better camera, and better gimbal. Seems like the Spark is equal to, or better than, the MM in other aspects. I know it’s not a major thing but I very much dislike the removable joy stick knobs on the Mavic series and I hate it...

I’ve had a happen a couple times when I’ve traveled with it for a few hours away from home. Calibrating the IMU and compass has worked to fix it for me.

Under 250 grams mean you don’t have to register. It’s not a huge deal in the US because it’s only $5, but some countries have extreme flying restrictions for drones over 250 grams so it will be a big deal in those countries.

I too missed out on the target deal. I see these have been sold. If it was you that bought them, MPB has a relatively short return period but they’ve been good about it. As soon as I’ve gotten the batteries, I generally check the number of charge cycles, charge it up fully, and do a test hover...

Edit: I see these have been sold. I know buying used batteries is controversial but it worked out for me so I could build up a supply of batteries while saving money. I wanted to pass along a good deal. MPB.com has two used Spark batteries for $24 each shipped right now. I’ve bought a few...

We’ll lose some as some people are addicted to upgrading to the newest model as soon as it’s released, but I’ll be around. I have too much invested in the Spark and they aren’t outdated. It doesn’t make financial sense to upgrade drones every 2 or 3 years as old models are discontinued for newer...

There’s two specific battery spaces plus the battery in the Spark. There’s also the bank charger slot that can hold a couple more batteries if you don’t have that style of charger. Total, it holds 5 batteries with ease without needing to use the zipper portion. You can actually fit 7 total...

I’m guessing the remote won’t be included either. It’s a large money maker for DJI and other drone companies, and it helps to have a low MSRP to entice people. Skydio doesn’t even include a remote with their new drone. They know the remote will be a large seller to those that bought just the...

I have one of these cases and I like it. This case is sold under many brand names. They’re made in China and then sold by whoever buys a batch. They’re about $15ish on eBay if you want to wait for it to come directly from China or $20ish if you buy from an eBay seller (or amazon) that’s in the...

Before tracking down a demagnetizer, I would try calibrating the IMU. That may solve the issues and it’s free. IMU calibration is easy to overlook, especially when there isn’t a message or reminder like there is for compass calibration. In my experience, the only sign the IMU needs calibration...

Keep in mind that strong radio signals can interfere with electronics. WiFi and Bluetooth are not magical beams. It’s just frequencies of radio waves. Electronics have RFI shielding, but it’s not equal quality of shielding between makes and models. Likewise, varying devices have varying degrees...

As you said, manned aircraft stuff has been around a long time. Drone apps and laws are still very new. As examples, Part 107 stuff is just 3 years old, and the recreational test is still in the development stages, and the LAANC system is like a newborn baby. Be patient and I’ll bet they’ll be...

Having flown an ADS-B DJI, I’m a fan of the technology and pay a bit extra for it if it was an optional add on. One of my recent concerns has been what happens to legacy drones if FAA requires a transponder. I believe it was this video I recently watch that includes the FAA saying they aren’t...

I apologize if I sounded overly harsh in the last paragraph. Having a remote control is THAT important for happy Spark ownership. The Spark is a very useable real drone when used properly and with the right equipment. DJI choosing not to include a remote with the basic Spark is just a method to...