EXTRA BUZZ
EXTRA BUZZ
Tech Buzz : Taking off with drones
By Emmet Pedrick
Quadcopter with camera
Drones are continually gaining in popularity but there are some things to consider before just jumping right in and buying anything off the shelf . Before even hitting the stores , know where it is safe and legal to fly a drone . There are sites online that will tell you if your area has drone flying restrictions . AirMap and Mapbox are two recommended by CNET reviewers .
Expect to have to register your drone with the FAA . Basically , any RC aircraft , unless it is considered a toy , has to be registered with the Federal Aviation Administration . The registration fee is $ 5 and it can all be done online . You don ’ t have to register each aircraft , just yourself , and you ’ ll be given a number to attach to what you ’ re flying . It ’ s the FAA ’ s way of getting you to agree that you are familiar with the safety guidelines including staying more than 5 miles away from airports and below 400 feet .
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Why are you buying the drone ? Is it for personal hobby use , a venture into aerial photography , or are you getting together with friends to race them ? The intended use will help you narrow the selection of compatible drones . A toy drone may be all you need and most of these are intended for indoor use .
Be prepared for repairs . You will crash your drone . Make sure you look into one that has easily replaced parts . Consider extra components that will protect exposed parts , like a rotor cover . These components can help prevent the need for part replacement .
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Check the flight time and remember that the manufacturers expected time is during prime flying conditions . You will likely experience less than prime conditions on a regular basis . A second battery will help you get more from each flight .
Consider your personality habits going in . Buying the cheapest drone you can find may seem like a good way to start , but you may find yourself overly frustrated with a drone that doesn ’ t do what you were expecting . Look into the drones capabilities and see if it seems to meet your needs . Onboard GPS may be an important feature but raise the price of the drone . The payoff is more than likely worth the cost .
When you are ready to buy make sure you are getting
Racing Quadcopter
everything you want ‘ in the box ’. Drones come in several categories and you need to be aware which one you are purchasing . Ready-to-fly ( RTF ) drones require little to no assembly and are ready to fly out of the box . Almost-readyto-fly ( ARTF or ARF drones may require some minor assembly and additional equipment such as a receiver and radio controller . Bind-n-fly ( BNF ) models are essentially RTF drones with a receiver , but not a radio controller , you must buy it separately . But you can then use that controller to pilot other BNF aircraft , saving you some money if you decide to grow your RC aircraft collection .
Purchase the best product for the desired usage and user personality and you will soon find yourself with a long lasting and rewarding activity .