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Dont expect much from 3DR on this. Difference between DJI's offerings and the 3DR Solo is that they are using different technologies. Both are 2.4GHz but DJI is using their lightbridge, this essentially is a send only protocol from what I understand (think like broadcast TV). I believe that both sides (drone and controller are using this for each direction). 3DR Solo uses your typical wifi connection (802.11). Advantages to both methods. Personally I've only had 1 RTL due to Tx dropping out and that was at 300m away from me and it was on the limits of being able to see it properly. My Solo is fine for my needs. I have other multi's and fixed wings for further out but to be honest I cant go much further without being not able to see it. For TCP to be ineffective it only takes a 15% packet loss.I've had a Solo only a month, brilliant platform; however not sure why the TX/Rx RSSI drops so quickly, have suggested to support to look at using more redundancy bits in Tx/Rx, as even with 800mW cards (software mods as well) and 12dBi Omni / 14 dBi MPS antenna (on controller), the signal drops off so quickly. Not sure what encoding DJI use on the P4, to enable a solid data connection at low powers, and long distances.
I am awaiting a response back from support; once this is resolved I am sure more people will by Solos; it's just unfortunate 3DR have had so much unnecessary bad publicity.
Does anyone know when the Sony camera / Gimbal is coming out; otherwise looking to mod HERO 4 with RibCage for fitting other lenses?
Hi,
I just bought a brand new Solo a few days ago. I have only performed the preflight update process. Even though I had some issues with that, it worked out well eventually.
Because of my experience with the 3dr pixhawk and the different reviews I read I went out and bought this drone.
I have experience with NAZA V1, V2 and pixhawk from before. Never had any serious problems with these controllers.
After I picked up the package, I read the posts here, which now worries me.
It seems like there are some major issues with this drone which makes me uncertain If I should return it.
The main problems I found reading through these threads were:
1. GPS interference because of poor shielding (read about a different shield shich I found on 3DR website)
2. Serious issues with the last firmware 2.4.0
3. Problems with connection between the controller and the drone itself which causes random connection failure, resulting in crash or RTH.
The latest posts on this forum has made me wonder if I should return the drone to the store before taking it out for the maiden flight.
Is it worth going the solo way? Or should I go back while I still can?
Are there any good advice to minimise the risk of crashes or flyaways on this drone?
Thanks for any advice and input.
Chris thanks for your succinct response, OK so DJI are using some sort of DAB (QPSK) or QAM.
There must still be a way to increase the hamming distance of TCP / UDP Datagrams to give better robustness to packet / frame loss (layer 1 is probably a card firmware update...).
Or could one install a "physical" intermediate base layer Tx/Rx between the Solo and the Controller?
In the same way you can get physical converters for serial (MODBUS / HART) over TCP/IP (to increase workable distance)
I didn't realise it was as low as 15% for data loss (surprising for OFDM), no wonder the RSSI drops off quickly.
Well when the Sony comes out; and as you mentioned they're talking about uploading data directly to the internet; they will need to look at this swiftly as otherwise the current system will certainly slow up the data transfer, especially with a 20MP camera, unless they expand to 2.4GHz and 5 GHz (but the packet loss will still be an issue).
I agree I think I'd still pick a sony lens and gimbal even if it was $1500 (ouch); and yes an SDK would be ideal and allow further development........open systems are becoming more and more popular in industry, as there is nothing worse than have equipment go down and you can't repair it as there isn't a service rep available.
The 3.97mm was the lens I was looking at as well; is the sensor protected or will it get scratch every time you change the filter?
Ditto for me too. Has performed as advertised.No reason to be concerned. Seriously.
1. GPS should be fine in the latest versions.
In case you experience long fix times (>5 minutes at a new location never flown before or >1 min after a battery swap at the same location) get the upgrade shielding from the 3DR web store. Worth getting it because it's a pretty good improvement anyway.
2. Simply not true. I am flying 2.4 since April as beta tester. No major defects to my knowledge. No reason to worry.
3. I never had a connection loss over more than 100 flight hours over the past 12 months.
If you have the experience with Nazas and Pixhawk you will be fine and love it
My Pixhawk drone has set dust, my Naza quad got sold 6 months ago since I own a Solo
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