I've been a bit quiet lately due to personal matters, but I'm excited to share that I've upgraded my drone goggles. I snagged a great deal on some second-hand Fatshark HDO goggles with an ImmersionRC RapidFire module. These goggles are top-notch, featuring OLED screens and a 37-degree field of view, making my flying experience much more immersive.

The RapidFire module is a game-changer. It combines signals from two antennas to create a clearer picture, reducing static and interference. My initial test was impressive—no more signal breakup, and an audible beep alerts me when I need to adjust my antenna direction. It's a significant upgrade from my old setup.

I recently built a new drone, inspired by Tommy's series on designing a sub 250g drone. I wanted to create something durable and lightweight, and I'm thrilled with the result. The build process was a learning experience, with key takeaways including the importance of checking arm orientation and the best way to mount camera plates.

The drone flies amazingly, offering a high thrust-to-weight ratio and confidence in tight spaces. However, it lacks a high-definition camera, so all footage is analog. I also captured a timelapse of the build process, adding a fun touch to the project. The final weight was just over 250g, but it's still incredibly agile and powerful.

I finally got to fly my drone again after a long quarantine and some bad weather. I tried out new propellors, the Ethix Candy Cane P4, and I'm really liking them. They're lightweight and handle my drone's weight well.

I had a few crashes, but luckily, nothing broke. I even got stuck in a tree for a bit, but managed to knock it down with some branches. I ended my flying session with a slow-motion video for some fun.

In this final part of the FPV terminology series, I covered a range of maneuvers and terms that are essential for any FPV drone pilot. I explained tricks like the "Punch Out," "Flip," and "Powerloop," which are fundamental moves that test your drone's power and your control skills. Each maneuver has its unique technique, from maintaining throttle during a "Powerloop" to executing a precise "Split-S."

I also discussed various flying styles and technologies, such as "Cruising" for long-range flights and "Hypersmooth" for video stabilization. Additionally, I touched on regulatory terms like "Sub 250" for lightweight drones and practical terms like "Turtle Mode" for self-righting your drone. This should give you a solid foundation in FPV terminology.

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.