The Amazing World of Drones

the amazing world of dronesA flying drone, with its lights conquering the night sky, can be a sight to behold. Drones are a relatively new phenomenon, and even avid pilots have not discovered everything about them yet. Come with us on a journey into their amazing world.


Drone Facts That Will Blow Your Mind


Drones
are becoming must-use devices for the military, scientists and professional photographers. Nothing stops the amateur pilot from enjoying them as well. Why do these winged wonders capture the imagination? These fun facts will just astound you:

Drones Have A Rich History

the rich history of drones
De Bothezat Helicopter, 1923. Image source: Wikipedia

Drones have a interesting history. Israel, the most heavily protected country in the world, was the first to manufacture drones. It is now, of course, the go-to country in the world for these devices. The Israel Aerospace industry is the world’s largest exporter of this defensive aircraft.

Drones Are Lifesavers

Drones, with their small size, have accessibility and flexibility. Government organizations use them to deliver medicines and other supplies to hard-to-reach areas. Non-Governmental Organizations in Africa rely on them to bring aid to remote locations.

Drones Fight Crime

Drones have unbeatable crime-fighting abilities. They help police departments by surveying areas with high crime rates. Even the Federal Bureau of Investigation uses them.

Drones make great farming equipment

Drones make farming easier. They can survey crops and give farmers an idea of their quality. Drones are agile and can cover big fields.

Drones give an aerial perspective of important events

Drones can present unique, stellar perspective of events from the air. They offer a panoramic view of weddings, concerts and sports events.

The world of drones will continue to hold imaginations hostage, in the years to come:


Reasons Why You Should Own a Drone

Flying a drone is an activity that can send thrills down anyone’s spine. But there is much more to a drone than mere flight. They have capabilities that will astound people of all ages.

Whether you are a 15-year-old teen who wants to capture aerial photographs to stun your friends or a mid-lifer who enjoys weekend fishing, you will find a drone to be a must-have assistant.

Most of these devices have built-in, HD-ready cameras that can capture panoramic shots from the air. If you are a teen who wants to take to-die-for selfies that will leave your friends goggle-eyed, drones are the tools you need.

A drone allows you to show off your piloting skills, regardless of your age. Drones like the Blade Nano QX, feature Sensor Assisted Flight Envelope (SAFE) technology. It gives them stability and allows them to do heart-stopping twists that will wow audiences.

If you are an active youth or a rugged adult who loves outdoor activities like cycling, use a drone to capture your movements from an aerial, panoramic perspective. Most of them have a Follow Me feature that enables them to track each of your movements, no matter how high up they are in the sky.

how to catch fish with your drone
Catching Fish With A Drone!!!

Do you enjoy fishing, but cannot access the middle of a lake? Get the help of a drone. Fly it to the center of a river, and it will reel in fish in no time.

Are you a beginning pilot who has never flown a drone before? Are you afraid to lose your device? Fret not. Most drones have a Return to Home feature that will prompt them to return safely to their take-off points, should you lose them.

Do you want to record the details your next camping trip, and show them off to your friends? A drone is right for you. Devices such as the DJI Phantom 3 enable Waypoint Mission Planning. Use this feature to determine where the drone should fly to, and capture jaw-dropping photographs.

You may be a real estate agent or photographer who needs to survey surroundings and take informative footage. Drones will scour the skies and offer you vivid perspectives of your neighborhood.

Anyone can do the things they never imagined they would be able to with the help of these devices.


Top 3 Best Drones on the Market for 2016

Drones feature in many lives and look to do so for a long time to come. These devices flood the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) market and spoil users for choice. Here are Quadcopter Arena’s picks for the best 3 drones in the UAV industry for 2016:

>> Holy Stone F181 RC Quadcopter

Like a rubber ball, the Holy Stone F181 RC Quadcopter comes flying back to you. The Headless Security system prevents you from losing it.

>> 3D Robotics Iris Plus Multicopter Drone

Iris Plus Multicopter Drone by 3D Robotics sleek black form scours the skies for close to 25 minutes. Integrated LEDs allow you to spot it at night, despite its dark color.

>> 3. DJI Phantom 4 Professional

The Phantom 4 is DJI’s latest and most stunning innovation.  A 12 MP camera captures aerial footage at 30 fps. A gimbal stabilizes the camera eliminating the jello effect.


How Much Does a Drone Cost?

Choosing a drone involves eustress or happy stress. It can be a headache but, is ultimately fulfilling. So, how would you pick a drone that is right for you? Manufacturers have developed drones for all price ranges, owing to their massive popularity:

>> Entry-Level Drones (under $200)

Small, uncomplicated aircraft suit pilots who have just started to hone their skills. They are small, lightweight and easy to maneuver.

>> Intermediate Level Drones (betweeen $200-$500)

Are you confident of getting your drone to take off, but are not sure how to do the fancy flips and rolls that will leave your friends gasping for breath? Your piloting skills are on the way to becoming fully honed. You may need to consider a mid-level drone.

>> Drones for Professionals (above $500)

Are you a professional photographer or someone who has piloted drones for quite a while? You will need a device that complements your abilities.

There is a drone for every need and budget. To find out more about these and other quadcopters, please refer to The Periodic Table of Drones that Quadcopter Arena has put together for you:

periodic table of drones
9 Trusted Drone Manufacturers

Are you raring to buy a drone, but have no idea where to get it? Finding a reliable dealer can dampen your enthusiasm. Here is a list of most trusted manufacturers that will make your job of picking a drone easier:

1. DJI

Groundbreaking drone guru DJI has become dominant in the UAV industry. Its devices enable users to capture stunning aerial shots from panoramic angles. Their GPS features allow them to return to their users, hover, and, of course, fly.

2. Parrot SA

French drone manufacturer Parrot SA is renowned for the versatility of its wireless and Bluetooth products. Their competency in producing UAVs has gained recognition. They created the famed Parrot Bebop AR Drone, equipped with a 360 Gyroscope that gives it stable flight.

3. Horizon Hobby

Headquartered in Champaign, Illinois, Horizon Hobby manufactures remote-controlled devices, including trains and drones. The company produces the well-received Blade Nano QX. This minute machine can fly anywhere. Pilots can use this flexible device to show off 360-degree maneuvers.

4. Walkera

Chinese drone manufacturer Walkera started up by the Pearl River Delta, producing hobby helicopters. It now creates drones like the Scout X4, which flies for 25 minutes. The drone also has retractable landing gear.

5. 3D Robotics

American company 3D Robotics has cornered the aerial photography market. It manufactures the Iris + drone, which takes to-die-for selfies with the help of a Follow Me feature. Pilots can plan their flights using the Auto Mission Planning function as well.

6. Hubsan

Chinese-based company Hubsan Technology has abided by its motto of independent innovation. It is well-known for its X4 range of quadcopters. These tiny devices come with stable airframes and LED lights.

7. Cheerson Hobby

Guandong company Cheerson Hobby is one of the leading producers of UAVs. It manufactures high-quality aircraft, like the CX-129. This astounding drone has a 6-axis gyroscope which stabilizes it.

8. Autel Robotics

Drone industry professional Autel Robotics, located in Bothell, Washington, has fulfilled its mission of inspiring creativity. It produces the X-Star drone, a user-friendly device with intuitive controls. This device thrills photographers with an Ultra HD camera.

9. Holy Stone

Taiwanese company Holy Stone spoils pilots for choice with its excellent product ranges. It created the F181, which comes with a lasting, hollow cup motor. This tiny device captures images while doing head-turning stunts.


How to Choose the Best Drone for You

So you have decided that flying a drone is the hobby for you. You are all raring to go. But have you picked the right drone? Quadcopter Arena has a few tips:

1. Price and Affordability

Cost is always a consideration when making any purchase. Choosing a drone for the right price can be overwhelming. Their costs and features vary. While some may cost a few tens of dollars, others can cost over a few thousand.

Balance quality and affordability. One may be cheaper than others, yet meet your criteria. But it may not fly well, or be made of a material that is not durable. It is best to choose a more expensive, but reliable drone.

2. Skill Level

Think about your skill level, and the abilities of others who may fly it. If the drone has many potential users, it should have different flight modes. If you are buying one for a child, it should be easy enough for him to fly.

gopro hero5 black
GoPro HERO5 camera

3. Camera

If you are an avid photographer or a teen who loves selfies, you may want to choose a drone that has a powerful HD camera. It should be able to capture aerial selfies from varied, panoramic angles.

4. Flight Time

A drone should be able to stay in the air for a while. Large ones can fly for about half an hour. If you prefer a mini drone that you can display, note that you may only be able to fly it for a few minutes.

5. Safety Features

Drone safety is an issue that troubles pilots, especially novices. Many fear their devices becoming lost or damaged.

A drone should have an auto-return feature that will prompt it to go back to its take-off point if it cannot communicate with its controller. It should also have landing gear which will allow it to touch the ground safely.

6. Controllers

aee ap drone remote control
AEE AP10 drone controller

Always consider the controller that comes with a drone. Most drone RC controllers function at 2.4 GHz. They should include a camera control option, such as a “one button flip.”

You may also choose a drone that you can control using a WIFI network. All that you need to enable is your mobile phone.

7. Sensors

Consider these to. GPS sensors would be the most necessary. They would allow the drone to return home, or land automatically. An altimeter would enable it to hover in place.

8. Weight

Heavier objects are harder to move, but this is not the case with drones. It is the light mini-UAVs that challenge pilots. Users often rely on the large ones for photography or delivery purposes.

9. Responsiveness

It is important to pick a drone that communicates well with its controller. The wider the communication distance, the better. In general, smaller drones can receive signals at about 984 ft (300 m), while larger ones like the DJI Phantom 4 can do so at 20000 ft (6km).


Here are 5 Top Rated Drone Models Reviewed

You know what you want from a drone, but feel overwhelmed by the available choices. Quadcopter Arena has five recommendations that should make it easy for you to choose the right drone:

blade nano qx rtf quadcopter>> Blade Nano QX BNF mini drone

a. Flying Time: 7 minutes
b. Weight: 0.8 oz (23g)
c. Camera: no camera
d. Special Features: SAFE technology
e. Controller: not included.

Holy Stone RC Drone with HD Camera Quadcopter>> Holy Stone F181 RC Drone

a. Flight Time: 8 minutes
b. Weight: 14 oz (396g)
c. Camera: 2MP (real-time aerial footage)
d. Special Features: Altitude Hold Function
e. Controller: 328ft (100m).

>> 3D Robotics Iris Plus Multicopter

3d robotics iris+ reviewa. Flight Time: 22 minutes
b. Weight: 8.8 lbs (4 kg)
c. Camera: GoPro Mount
d. Special Features: can chart a flight path automatically
e. Controller: includes enabled on-screen telemetry.

>> Autel Robotics X-Star Premium

autel robotics x star premium features and specsa. Flight Time: 25 minutes
b. Weight: 3.2 lbs (1.4kg)
c. Camera: 4K Ultra HD
d. Unique Features: Starpoint Positioning System
e. Controller: controls both the drone and its camera.

>> DJI Phantom 4

dji phantom 4 specificationsa. Flight Time: 28 minutes
b. Weight: 8.8 lbs (4kg)
c. Camera: 4K Ultra HD
d. Special Features: GPS and Active Track
e. Controller: 6561 yds (6 km).


How to Maintain Your Drone

Flying a drone is not as simple as taking it out of the box and launching it at whim. You will have to care for and maintain it as well. Here are some tips on drone maintenance and repair.

>> Binding

Many drones come with bound controllers, which saves pilots the trouble of syncing them. However, many of them are dependent on applications, so keeping software updated is important. DJI drones, for example, rely on an app to stay in the air.

After updating your firmware, make sure that your drone is compatible with it. Perform a test flight to make sure that the software update works.

>> Keep Spare Parts on Hand

It is also wise to keep spare parts on hand. You should always have extra propellers. They are so fragile that even hitting a fly can leave them unbalanced. Replace propellers even if they have tiny chips. When flying your drone, make sure that you have a set of repair tools with you.

how to maintain your drone>> Knowing Repairs

You should preferably know how to fix every part of your drone. An experienced pilot will understand his drone’s systems and how its manufacturer built them. At a minimal level, he should know how to replace propellers.

>> Having Enough Power

The amount of power a drone needs depends on its model. You may need to bring along more batteries if you are flying a Blade drone for half an hour. It only stays in the air for about 7 to 30 minutes, so you will need to have a few fully charged batteries on hand.

>> Cleaning Your Drone

Make sure that you clean your drone regularly. Use a small microfiber cloth to remove dirt from crevices. Canned air is great for removing dust from hard to reach areas. To clean your drone’s shell, use Isopropyl Alcohol. It will not damage your device’s circuits. Have a bottle of lubricant on hand to oil your machine’s motors.

Helpful Drone Articles

Have been you been itching to fly a drone, but know little about these devices? Here you can find all the advice you need. We have everything available, from descriptions of different drones to the latest news about them. Do navigate to our pages to discover more about these UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles).

Entry Level Drones Section >> are you a novice at drone piloting, and need to find out about suitable devices? Browse through our website’s information on entry level drones. We share everything about useful tools for beginning users, including the Blade Nano QX and the Hubsan X4, With our help, you will be able to find the right drone for you.

Affordable Drones Section >> drones need not be expensive, and there is one for every budget. Browse through our information on inexpensive quadcopters. We will provide the latest information on budget-friendly devices like the Holy Stone F181. UAVs need not blow a hole in your pocket.

High End Drones Section >> If you are a serious pilot, photographer or surveyor, you may be looking to invest in a high-end drone that will serve your purposes for many years. We have all the information you need on  quality drones like the DJI Phantom 4 and the Autel Robotics X-Star Premium.

How To Section >> drone care takes a lot of effort. If you are a beginner, you will need to know how to assemble, pilot and maintain your drone. How to section shares everything you need to know about how to care for your device.

News Section >> would you like the latest information from the World of Drones? Look no further than Quadcopter Arena’s news section. We will tell you about the latest UAVs as soon as they hit the market.

You do not have to scramble madly for information about drones. Find everything you need on our friendly drone reviews website.

1 COMMENT

  1. When flying, the battery is also a particular point that we need to concern and maintenance.

    A battery’s life can shorten if it is drained to the very bottom during flight. Aircraft can even be destroyed if users are not careful. When the battery power is less than 20%, it is best to turn around and recharge or switch batteries.

    Please do not store the battery for a long time after it has been completely discharged, to avoid the battery entering into an over-discharge state, which may damage the battery cell and make it unusable.

    If you do not use the battery for more than 10 days, please discharge the battery to 40-65% of its capacity for storage to prolong its service life.

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