Cheap drone (Sub $200)

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xpd

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#260147 13-Nov-2019 08:26

Been looking at options for a cheap drone to play with, and found theres a number of options out there now which all actually seem to have semi-decent reviews/features.

Ryze Tech Trello and the Kaiser Baas Trail / Switch have caught my attention.

All with 720P camera etc, but the Trail has basic GPS support and can "follow" you.

Any recommendations ? Would only be using it for a bit of fun, nothing serious.

I know you get what you pay for so not expecting stunning quality :D

XPD / Gavin

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surfisup1000

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#2352611 13-Nov-2019 08:40

Noel Leeming are selling the Ryze Tello for $159. Probably the best deal on the market for a cheap drone.

There are so many factors that can make using a drone a PITA.... DJI has the best price/performance/usability/spare parts and accessories.

Follow 'you' can be quite useless if the implementation is weak or the drone does not have obstacle avoidance .

xpd

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#2352616 13-Nov-2019 08:55

DSE/Kogan have a refurbished Ryze for $99. Could just get two LOL...

XPD / Gavin

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nitrotech

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#2352668 13-Nov-2019 09:59

Son has a tello and from what I can tell it's OK but it is just a toy with limited range, flying around in a 10m circle just isn't much fun.

I've got a Mavic Pro and Mavic Air and just sold my phantom 3 - they are amazing drones but obviously much more expensive.

The Mavic mini gets pretty good reviews - but still expensive at around 700

lomenak

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#2352671 13-Nov-2019 10:10

nitrotech:

flying around in a 10m circle just isn't much fun.

This comment is bang on. I'd get at least a Spark, Mini or an Air.

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#2352672 13-Nov-2019 10:11

If you're into ordering from overseas have a look at the RCSaylors youtube channel. They review lots of cheap and nasty drones - along with some ok ones.

They'll def say which ones to stay away from. And there are lots that you don't want to waste your money on.

My views are my own, and may not necessarily represent those of my employer.

dt

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#2352678 13-Nov-2019 10:26

Bought my boy a Tello, do not rate at all, batteries take hours to charge and you get like 15 minutes indoor use or 10 minute outdoor.

You can't take them to the park because boy, if the wind catches it.. cya later... they aren't powerful enough to fight the wind.. thankfully after sprinting after it for a few minutes it hit a chain link fence and dropped the the ground.

indoor or back yard use only.

If I was to do it again I would have saved the money up and put it towards something with a bit more grunt, the mavics look good

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#2352688 13-Nov-2019 10:46

So many options!

You can go with.. Brushless vs Brushed motors, local vs direct from China, wifi controlled or remote controlled, camera FPV or just recording..

A few models you should look in to:

Top of the range wifi FPV:

H502S hubsan X4 Desire - brushed motor, 5.ghz FPV with built in LCD in remote control.

Entry level brushless (much more powerful motors)

Bugs B2C - brushless motors, built in FHD recording, no streaming capability. This can carry a go-pro.

Personally I would NOT touch the Tello with a 15ft barge pole.
The view quality is very piss poor, frequently dropping to 15-25 frames. To overcome this you need to use a wifi repeater.

Bugs and Hubsan are two very reputable and reliable brands, Eachine can be very hit and miss.

xpd

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#2352742 13-Nov-2019 12:48

Thanks all, decided to go with a budget one ($158 inc spare battery and SD card) from Kogan for now, if I find Im keen for better, will go from there :) Also the "local" support is a bit more appealing at this stage ;)

The Bugs B2C looks good for the price, Ive got a GoPro that dosent do much - so if/when the Kogan crashes, will look at the Bugs :)

XPD / Gavin

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networkn

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#2352744 13-Nov-2019 12:53

In my experience with RC items in general, people outgrow them and resent the money they spent on a cheap starter unit. No need to go crazy and spent $1500 for a first device, but there are so many compromises in the lower end units, that it can taint your view.

As someone else said, small units can't cope with wind, or decent distances.

I'd save for slightly longer and get something up from the usual units like the Trello etc.

xpd

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#2352763 13-Nov-2019 13:55

networkn:

In my experience with RC items in general, people outgrow them and resent the money they spent on a cheap starter unit. No need to go crazy and spent $1500 for a first device, but there are so many compromises in the lower end units, that it can taint your view.

As someone else said, small units can't cope with wind, or decent distances.

I'd save for slightly longer and get something up from the usual units like the Trello etc.

True, but I know that, so not expecting wonders from this one :) Just more of a case "can I fly the cursed thing" ;)

And Im sure if I get bored with it, the kids will take it off my hands :p

XPD / Gavin

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networkn

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#2352783 13-Nov-2019 13:58

Don't you mean, take your hands off with it ? :)

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#2352793 13-Nov-2019 14:29

kmart quads crash just as well as the rest of them and are a lot cheaper.

Richard rich.ms

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#2358768 21-Nov-2019 15:56

Well, got the drone. Quite neat, some good control features.

But... (always a but).

The manual is next to useless - it alludes to be able to use an SD card on the drone directly, but nothing to show where/how. I have found a "slot" that looks about right for an SD card, but dosent want to take it.

Streaming video is via an app on my phone, and when this is used, it seems to disable the separate controller and you have to use the phone app to fly - which is extremely frustrating :)

But for the $$ Im happy with really for the short time I've played with it. Ive contacted Kogan to see if they know about loading SD onto the drone, but if a negative answer, I'll just have to practice using the phone controls :)

XPD / Gavin

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xpd

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#2358827 21-Nov-2019 18:52

And I just worked out how to do streaming with the controller active. Phew :D

XPD / Gavin

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sdavisnz

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#2358831 21-Nov-2019 19:09

For learning the cheaper ones are good cos you are more likely to learn to actually fly.

The expensive ones basically are so good they fly themselves.

So it's good to have experience If you do ever get into trouble with a better one.

I worked my way up to a phantom and very pleased I flew with ribbisht before investing in better tech.

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