I recently lost my favorite drone, the Flywoo Explorer LR4, which was a bummer, but I've already ordered the upgraded version. In the meantime, I've been enjoying flights with my Armattan Marmotte and HSKRC Freestyle 250. I also switched to plain black propellors, as the printed ones tend to shatter in cold crashes.

I'm really happy with the GoPro footage from my Marmotte flights. The Hypersmooth feature and ND16 filter give it a buttery smooth, cinematic look. I've been reviewing my flying history and can see significant improvements, especially since applying the cinematic preset. I'm gaining more confidence and flying closer to the ground, even with a few close calls.

I recently delved into the software side of FPV drones, and it's surprisingly straightforward compared to the hardware. The flight controllers run firmware like Betaflight, which is the industry standard. It offers features like RPM filtering for smoother flights and allows customization of various peripherals. Betaflight has evolved from earlier versions like MultiWii and Baseflight, with forks like iNav and Emuflight catering to specific needs.

Configuring the software involves setting up protocols like DSHOT for communication between the flight controller and ESC. Additionally, the radio's firmware, often OpenTX, plays a crucial role. OpenTX is powerful but complex, allowing extensive customization of controls and functions. Understanding these software components is key to optimizing the performance and feel of your FPV drone.

I've been writing about FPV (First Person View) drones for a while and realized I've used some terms that might be unfamiliar. So, I'm starting a series to explain these terms. This first part focuses on the hardware.

I've covered various aspects of FPV drone hardware, including drone sizing, types, motors, batteries, propellors, flight controllers, electronic speed controllers, cameras, video transmitters, receivers, goggles, and radios. Each component plays a crucial role in the performance and functionality of an FPV drone. For instance, the size of the drone and its propellors can affect its speed and maneuverability, while the type of battery and motor can influence its power and flight time.

I recently took my Explorer LR4 for a spin along a road, enjoying a relaxed flight. Unfortunately, I lost video signal on the way back, around 1.6km from my starting point. Fortunately, I had reattached the buzzer, making it easier to locate.

I was expecting better range than the 2.3km I achieved. I plan to try a helical antenna next to improve this. Additionally, I've changed the color of my Explorer, thanks to Flywoo's free 3D printed parts giveaway. It's not only easier to spot but also looks great!

I recently upgraded my drone props to the Gemfan Hurricane 51433. My previous Azure LCP 5040 props struggled with the added weight of my GoPro, so I decided to try something new. I wasn't satisfied with the Ethix Peanut Butter & Jelly props I had previously used, so I opted for higher pitch props this time.

The Gemfan props significantly improved my drone's performance. Punchouts were more powerful, and I found the flight time to be comparable to my previous setup. The smoothness of the flight felt similar, although I need more flight time to make a definitive judgment. I chose the Skitzo Galaxy color scheme to match my drone's aesthetic, and I'm happy with the overall look and performance of the Gemfan Hurricane 51433 props.

I had a great time flying my Armattan Marmotte drone today. It was my first flight since it was repaired, and while it was a bit rough with a couple of ground hits and tree encounters, it was still a blast. I've recently upgraded to a GoPro Hero 9, which is heavier than my previous model, and I'm noticing the difference in flight performance.

The extra weight is affecting my flight times and maneuverability, so I'm planning to experiment with new Gemfan 51433 propellors to see if they can help carry the weight better. I'm also keeping an eye on my propellors after one came loose mid-flight, a reminder of why we should always be cautious when flying.

I recently repaired a drone in just 10 minutes. It was a simple fix involving a few screws and some electrical tape. Now, I'm eager to test it out in good weather.

I've also been working on designing a GoPro mount for the drone. My initial idea didn't work out, but I have a few more concepts to try. I'm determined to find a solution that's both secure and stable.

I recently encountered another minor issue with my Flywoo Explorer drone. The buzzer got stuck on, and I had to improvise a fix with my car keys while traveling light. Despite this, I enjoyed a good flight, pushing the drone to around 750m away from home using just one omni-directional antenna.

The flight had its thrills, including a couple of moments where the video cut out. These hiccups are all part of the excitement of FPV flying, making each flight an adventure.

I finally got my drone off the ground! After some initial hiccups with the configuration, I was able to take it out for a spin. The wind was a bit strong, but the drone handled it well, reaching speeds of up to 40km/h into the wind and a thrilling 110km/h with a tailwind.

I made several upgrades to the standard model, including a Caddx Baby Turtle for better video quality and a Rush Tank Mini for improved long-range video transmission. With a CNHL Ministar 4s 850mAh battery, I got about 7.5 minutes of flight time, which I'm happy with considering the windy conditions. I'm looking forward to seeing how it performs on a calmer day.

I recently purchased the Flywoo Explorer drone, which is renowned for its quality despite a few issues. Unfortunately, my experience has been far from smooth, as the drone hasn't even taken to the skies yet.

I encountered a series of mishaps, from buying the wrong version to damaging components during soldering. Each setback led to more orders and weeks of waiting. However, I'm determined to get it flying, and I'm hopeful that the next attempt will be the charm.