Maiden Flight! by RodS
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Description
Today, we took the Phantom out for it's first flight. It started out beautiful and sunny, but by the time we got to the chosen take-off spot, the clouds had moved in, and the temperature started downwards.
The photos here are actually the second flight. On the first flight, I was concentrating on all the other aspects of getting this thing in the air, I forgot to click the camera icon on the Ipod. Video would have been quite interesting... You would have been entertained by my first (crash) landing into the evil bush in the 5th panel. The inset shows the result on the two counter-clockwise props!
The 'copter has two props that rotate clockwise, and two rotate counter-clockwise, thus cancelling out the torque, and eliminating the need for a tail rotor as on a single-rotor chopper.
Fortunately the Phantom ships with two full sets of props, so I replaced the two damaged ones, and took off again. I've ordered a couple spare sets of props, too! They don't give the dang things away, either!
We chose an industrial park in the northeast area of Kansas City, where I knew of a nice field. You can punch in:
39 08 15N
94 30 16W
in Google Maps or Google Earth to see where we flew.
Panel 1 is looking to the SSW. I didn't go very high on this first "shakedown" flight. I'm still learning about the Ipod the system uses to monitor the camera. I had the brightness down too far, and couldn't see the altitude - but I'd guess about 60 - 70 feet.
Panel 2 is looking almost due east. The Metro Community College Tech Center is on the left, the Ramada Inn is on the right, and the Hawthorne Power Plant is in the background right. That's my van in the parking lot.
Panel 3 - a "selfie" from about 100 feet! I'm holding the white controller, Jo is wearing a blue jacket, and coaching me not to go too high LOL!
Panel 4: Looking due west, you can see the Kansas City skyline at top left. You can see by the frozen water, it's pretty cold!
Panel 5: I'm about 6 inches off the ground. This time, it was a perfect landing! I was still a little too close to that infernal, #%^&^$@$% prop-eating naked bush! LOL!
This little 'copter is going to be more fun than a barrel of drunk monkeys! It handles beautifully - the controls are VERY responsive. You tell it to go up, it goes up! Same with forward, reverse, left, right, and yaw. Response is absolutely instant. Other than avoiding bushes, landing is quite easy - that was my biggest worry before flying this machine. Gently pulling the throttle below center is all you need. She comes down gently, and settles onto the ground - then you just shut down the motors.
Next flight, I'll try and get a few photos of her in the air! When you get the Phantom in the air, you can just release the controls, and she'll just hover in one spot using GPS to maintain position.
OK - Now I need to get busy on Page 19 of the T.N.A. story - it's almost done, so I hope to have it posted in the next few days.
Thanks as always for dropping by, and for all your great feedback and support! Hope everyone has a good week!
Comments (34)
doarte
Incredible adventure imagery of your new devise! Love it Rod! An amazing toy! And image!!! +5 from doarte's MADHOUSE & HAPPY HOLIDAYS
auntietk
That is totally cool!! I particularly like seeing you and Jo in the field. :) waves "Hi you two!" :D Awesome toy! Love it!
Diemamker
These shots are awesome!... it seems to take great shots, now to see just what you're going to take shot of... Man that copter was fling high! I don't know if it's that camera, but it looked like it was higher than 100 feet.. can't wait to see more pictures from this little spy in the sky.. nicely put together..
FaeMoon
LOL, looks like you had fun, my friend! Love the birds eye views!
Faemike55
Very cool photos Rod. no, good stuff, even replacement parts aren't cheap. Looking forward to more pictures AND video from you
barryjeffer
How cool is this... wow!
magnus073
Wow Rod, that new toy is about the coolest thing I've ever seen. I can't get over how great those photos look.
GrandmaT
You are HOOKED! This thing is awesome. The trouble you could get into has sooo many possibilities, especially in the summer. You need to get one of those 3D printers now so you can make your own propellers instead of having to reorder them after each flight. :-) Have fun with your new toy and take a picture of yourself using its camera when you take a picture of it with your camera. Did that make sense?
RodS
LOL - That's on the agenda for the next flight, Terri!
tigertim
Cool photo's Rod, and that's not just the temperature!.. and there is no snow! Nice set of images, and clarity looks great too!. Look forward to the next batch of evidence!.... and I know what you mean by a barrel of drunk monkey's.. younger brother just went and bought a mini indoor one... talk about awesome to fly!!
mikeerson
5 panel pictures... but... where is the Star? you know, the copter and that one guy, Sanchez.... or better known as hot rod - lol
jocko500
my brother in law is into this. he do not have a camera and also he into planes. very good shots
eekdog Online Now!
wowowow! this is way cool, Rod. just be careful of powerlines, oh and secret goverment areas, snicker.. this really takes great shots, i'm impressed by this. shoot you can fly this over a nude camp and get some real fun.. lol. Steve the Happiest of Holidays..
MagikUnicorn
Cool POV I like this great collage
Savage_dragon
Sux about the props, but I'm really impressed with the results. ")
bebopdlx
I agree, totally cool.
brewgirlca
Wow, that is really very impressive image quality. I would not expect anything less than quick response in a remote copter... it damn well better be! You must treat yourself to a trip to Canyon Country when you can. Can you imagine flying this thing over Bryce or Grand Canyon? Awesome that would be. Hope you are able to keep a job and move on to field crew. Leading a normal existance would be a bonus, and you have earned it. I know about the sleepless nights from job strees. The recommended 8 hours is a joke as is even 7. If I get 4 or 5 a couple of times a week that is really doing great.
blinkings
Looks like fun mate.
whaleman
Great shots and it is nice to see what fun you are having! This has to get on my agenda before too long, when I get tired of photographing models in my water studio. Maybe replace those props with metal and sharpen them so you can take care of that bush as you land, LOL! A chopper-weedeater!
giulband
Great work and interesting idea
MineFujiko
Beautiful capture of your flying eye, RodS-san!
drifterlee
Very nice shots! Sounds like fun!
debbielove
Well done dude! We have life off... lol Now! where do the babes sunbathe topless! lol ;-) I'll be waiting.. Well done and good shots! Rob
vitachick
Wow your new toy takes fantstic shots. Ya next is nude beach lol..
mrestey
WOOOOOOOW! That's really cool Rod! Sounds like you're off to a good start - now that you got your first crash out of the way, LOL. Awesome that you had spare blades. My copter came with some cheap wooden blades and I bought a spare set made of carbon fiber. Looking forward to more photos and page 19.
bmac62
Indeed, the possibilities are endless. KCTV5 will be calling you any day to buzz on out and check the weather for them:) Picture quality is outstanding. Isn't it amazing how one small bush can follow you around and jump right in the way to molest your new quad copter? Know you are going to have a ball with this Rod and we'll be entertained right along with you!
Cyve
It's realy fabulous... and this pictures are so fantastic !
StudioDP
Nice experiment.. Here in the Netherlands is it forbidden to fly in the open air.. it's too bad , it's one of my wishes fly also.
Razor42
Epic mate, looks cool! I've been through a few RC copters in my day so I know how expensive replacement parts can get. I hear people are using 3D printers to print there own replacement parts and creating custom chassis which sounds cool. Looks like heaps of fun!
misty7j3
"Wow"!!! Great photos!!!! I can see where you're gonna have tons of fun playin' with your new phantom copter.....I can't wait to see some more photos!!! Have fun Rod!!!!!!!!!! "lol"
Richardphotos
thanks for posting these and more in future flights. I agree the quality is very good