What would you do with it? Where would you take it? If you like cutting edge technology, a drone is definitely an item that should be on your wish list!
Fiction Becomes Reality
I had to review this very cool ‘quadcopter’ after reading a few novels that featured them in remarkable ways. First was Kill Decision, by Daniel Suarez. While it still seemed a little futuristic to me, the plot presented seemed all too conceivable. In the book, which I highly recommend, the drones are programmed for surveillance certainly, but also to carry weapons. Because of their relatively low cost, in the novels they were used in large numbers. You can use your imagination to realize the extremes to which that could go.
The second novel is Piranha, by Clive Cussler and Boyd Morrison. Again, drones were programmed to act as weapons, able to cause serious damage to boats, planes, and anything else standing in the way of their owner.
Both books made me consider how easily the average person could make use of them. Then I saw the Phantom 3 Professional.
What do you think? Can you see how efficiently drones can be used in the near future? Whether for good or for bad, they are no longer futuristic. They are here now!
The DJI Phantom 3 Professional Quadcopter
What’s wonderful about this particular model is that it includes a 4K UHD video camera with 720p resolution. It records onto the camera itself, but using the DJI app, you can watch it live on your tablet or smart phone (IOS or Android available). It’s smaller than earlier models. It has a longer flying time, and it includes the camera.
For indoor use, it includes a “vision positioning system” that makes it effective and easier to manage. Using ultrasonic sensors in lieu of a GPS signal.
But I imagine most of us would find far more uses outside. Catching the scenic views, watching traffic, even recording your pool party would be such fun.
It features…
- 3 axis gimbal
- Fully stabilized
- Digital streaming
- Rechargeable remote
- Flight battery
- Flight time is about 20 minutes
- Recharge time fast with 100 watt charger
- Distance of 1.2 miles, though some report further
- And more…
Warning for those near the White House
A note of warning that is stressed: You CANNOT use within 15 miles of the White House, even with the GPS off. It will NOT fly. So if you live within those boundaries, be aware. But if not, what fun to take aerial photos. If there are places you are unable to get to for photography or investigation, wouldn’t it be great to fly your drone up to the heights and guide it to the perfect place? Seems like a must for a tour or vacation, doesn’t it?
It is suggested that you start your training in an open field. Even first time flyers can learn quickly this way. Once you have the hang of it, you can experiment. Some even film fireworks at night. While fairly easy to learn, you will find you can do more and more with the recommended app. It sounds so fun to experiment with that alone. There are other apps out there as well to program more complicated plans for flying.
I bet this will be an amazing bestseller for birthdays and Christmas this year. Appealing idea, isn’t it?
Extra Battery
With an extra battery you can keep flying while the primary battery recharges. It always seems like a good idea to have a back up, doesn’t it?
A Protective Case
A definite recommendation to keep your drone safe and protected for travel or at home.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
December 22, 2016
In the UK regulations regarding the operating of drones are already quite restrictive and are likely to become ever more so as these devices become more common. They will be both a boon, with uses such as rapid deployment to the site of a disaster or major incident thus giving the emergency services an early look at what they are faced with or delivering urgent medical supplies to remote areas, and a curse – do you know what one common use of drones in the UK is? Breaching prison security to drop drugs/phones to inmates in the exercise yard!