Why I'm STAYING with 3DR - a little personal info, my first and last

[Raybro]

Awesome!! No crashes, no glitches....my cat likes to chew on props so I'm on my 3rd set...

Go 3DR!!!!

 

[GoodnNuff]

Awesome!! No crashes, no glitches....my cat likes to chew on props so I'm on my 3rd set...

Go 3DR!!!!

I have a Bengal cat that eats plastic! Can't leave a plastic bag around - he will eat it. He doesn't cough up hair balls, he coughs up plastic.

 

[Raybro]

My cat likes chewing on props for some reason. I have to remember to take them off when I bring the quad in the house. He's chewed up my Phantom props as well.

 

[Chip Luck]

I was offered a refund on mine. I chose to RMA and get it back. Why? I have faith in what I believe to be the best designed most forward looking system on the market. Mine was flawless before the gimbal. Then the controller crashed on a factory reset. Shortly, I will have a fully and properly system back from 3DR.

Btw...after being without an SLR since the crash of 35mm film and processing I finally invested in a DSLR. I got a Nikon D3300 combo pack. This thing is awesome!!!

Took me a while to get accustomed to a UAV, never owned one and spent a LOT of time here and on other boards trying to 'fix the darn thing' and could not be happier. Having bearing issues with the motors and probably a bent bell from all those crashes, but guess what... I'll fix it. Prop balance kit just came in today. Bearings on order, probably will have to eat a motor pod, unless 3DR sends me that, plus 11 destroyed prop's, but yet to send them the logs.

As far a camera's, yep - took the dive into DSLR's with a Nikon D610 and hated it, darn this was a PIA to figure out so I went to manual mode/ISO. After learning the camera for a few months, I love the thing and shoot mainly in Aperture Mode. Broke the bank and bought the Nikkor f/2.8 24-70mm and f/2.8 70-300mm lenses and the 910 flash and still learning, just like my 3DR Solo. Keeps you young man!

I miss the smell of development chemicals though, and the stained fingers, and... my then girlfriend for some reason liked the darkroom and the red lights and... never mind!

Cheers

 

[Raybro]

I just had a friend of mine I became acquainted with when I was on the DJI forum that picked up a Solo, gimbal, Hero 4, and extra props at a Best Buy in Minnesota. He's been flying the P2V+ and also bought the P3 Pro when it came out.
It was after I sent him a few of my videos (with the gimbal) that he went out and finally bought it. We have emailed each other for the past several months and he's a little frustrated with his P3
I told him it's a different world from DJI and Solo's potential is pretty much unlimited.
He's had a little issue with the gimbal which flops occasionally and told him about various things to try. Also, don't hesitate to contact support. They can't get things right if they don't know what the problem is.
He's a great guy and I feel like he will be on the forum soon. He will be an asset here. He helped many people on the DJI side.

Laissez les bons temps rouler!!

 

[Rusty Jones]

You've got Nikon and 3DR. Obviously a man of taste.

Same here. Nikon and 3DR

 

[Rex Barlow]

You've got Nikon and 3DR. Obviously a man of taste.

I am Nikon freak and new 3DR Solo Freak but start disappointment with 3DR..

 

[Dirby]

Awesome!! No crashes, no glitches....my cat likes to chew on props so I'm on my 3rd set...

Go 3DR!!!!

my cat likes to chew on them too.
Dosen't seem to alter the flying though flys the same with teeth marks on the props.

 

[Raybro]

When he chewed on the Phantom blades it left chips but the Solo blades seem tougher and just left dents.

 

[seansolo]

Gang,

Just had to chime once and final on the whining issue. This is only a comment, this is a free nation and everyone has a right to voice, and this is just my opinion and the last on this board.

As a first time owner and newbie of a UAV, GoPro, et. all and never have shot video from the air before about a month ago, yep I am a newbie at this... however:

First, I'm R/C since a kid, ground and air. I'm also a photographer, hired by a leading studio when I was 15 years old, and a development and project engineer for 25+ years - mostly military products, flight simulators etc. all.

The main point I am making will be: some people do not realize a product release/development cycle. What happens when marketing and investors say's "ship it anyway" and engineering says "it's not ready yet"... I have been the almost all my life and it eventually aged me quick man. We bust our rear ends to get the what we call pre-release product 'ready to ship' or deliver to the US military and overseas customers, then spend countless wasted development hours having to cover engineering's rear ends in multiple meetings with marketing and management and then just telling them all to leave us alone and let us get our job done and get this product finalized with the SOW (Statement Of Work), parts ordered, developed, tested, qualified, QC'ed and delivered to the customer. In other words just "WTF are you doing to us"? This is on 30 million dollar military flight simulators mind you, not a small quadcopter.

Just one personal development cycle event I was in charge of: Have you ever sat alone with a government rep' trying to explain why one flight panel in the multi-million dollar simulator is not there, it was 'only a hole' the upper left AUX console panel located on the main instrument panel missing a HMD control switch with two sets of I/O harness hanging out (I still did not know if it was a pot' or rotary control, so I ran A/D and D/I I/O to the switch on initial design). This was on a F/A-18 flight simulator during final test, with dozens of government personnel and support currently 'flying' what we do have in the production bay. I explained "as soon as I hear back from the pilot in overseas I spoke with yesterday on the phone.." and he replied "really? how did you mange that", I said "sir, it's my job" and I told him I would give him a written update, later.. I had work to do. I had spoke to the F/A-18 pilot while he was sitting in on the tarmac in Iraq, in the only model F/A-18 that matched the contract SOW, and he eventually called me back with the data I needed. You see, we did not have that block/model here available to climb in and check out every switch on every panel like I usually do (yep, loved that part of the job), they were all deployed. It was over ONE control, that turned out to be a 8 position rotary switch that cost us $12,000 each as we used actual flight hardware (talking about long lead times). With over a 8,000+ run wire list and all the other panels, displays, instruments, controls, ejection seat, HUD, integration et. all, we were still waiting on one dad burn switch. Long story short - got the switch installed at 3:00am and integrated with I/O and software, tested and verified 2 days before final shipment of 8 sim's to 2 military bases in the US. Everyone was happy and I had more grey hair started...

OK, now... on to Solo. Being new to this type of photography I researched and talked UAV pilots and searched the internet for over a month before going with Solo. Why did I go with 3DR? Because I have met some awesome people in both 3DR itself and in on-line groups. Am I mad at 3DR because they are going through development issues, heck no. Why, because I'm here to help and have been in friendly contact since day one with 3DR and they listen and treat me well and the support has been above average IMHO.

As far as Solo: I have had 7 low level flyaway's and crashes, 11 damaged props, waited a month on my gimbal, loss Sololink at 30' for some reason, GPS issues, and so forth. You know what, I don't care... why because working with 3DR they WILL get this product finalized and you can bet in the end they will prevail. I have nothing against DJI, owners/pilots/photographers. You see, competition is good for all UAV companies in this rapidly growing market and it's going to be a gun fight to see who 'comes out on top'. Does not matter, it's product competition that makes better products for all of us, no matter if it's a Chevy or a Ford. Right now I have a gimbal, video is great (thanks to input from fellow 3DR owners and support groups) and flying like a dream due to a few mod's (thanks again..). No more crashes and I'm learning and getting better at it, each flight - one at a time.

In summary: pick and stay with what you have, be it 3DR, DJI or even Nikon, Canon, Chevy or Ford, et. all. Make your choice and be supportive to whoever you are with and help THEM and fellow owners/users out, you will be personally satisfied and the company(s) will be better off in the long run. BTW: I should have gone with Canon as my first DSLR, most my best close fiends own Canon's and I'm stuck with my 'small' selection of Nikon lenses? No, I now have friends with Nikon's and we swap gear. Dang it, but I love my Nikon.

Sorry about the long post, but in life complaining will get you no where, fast. 3DR is just trying to install that last 'control switch', or are they?

Pick your maker, your own path and live in peace. And fly safe.

Cheers

 

[seansolo]

I think we chose Nikon again. I am new at this Solo was my first. i don't want to be apart of this learning curve. I want a product that works. It was sold to me by a best but salesman with a simulator that had a gimbal 4 months later cant get the gimbal to work. Sent it in to 3DR they said it would be a priority manager said i would have it back in a week. it was a week before they would even confirm it was there. Im sure solo will be great when they are ready to release it. Its just not ready. For those who want to be apart of this preelease lets try to figure it out great send me a free one and i will participate. I got over 2500 invested in this thing and cant get the shots i bought it for almost 6 months ago. for less than 1500 dollars i could have had a phantom and been in quad copter bliss. So like i had to do when the Cannon 5D came out and i gave up on Nikon and made the switch. I am going to go buy a Phantom 3 professional. Done with 3dr and there broken promises until they get a product that works ell i would have been way happier with a Iris and gimbal that works.

 

[Chip Luck]

I think we chose Nikon again. I am new at this Solo was my first. i don't want to be apart of this learning curve. I want a product that works. It was sold to me by a best but salesman with a simulator that had a gimbal 4 months later cant get the gimbal to work. Sent it in to 3DR they said it would be a priority manager said i would have it back in a week. it was a week before they would even confirm it was there. Im sure solo will be great when they are ready to release it. Its just not ready. For those who want to be apart of this preelease lets try to figure it out great send me a free one and i will participate. I got over 2500 invested in this thing and cant get the shots i bought it for almost 6 months ago. for less than 1500 dollars i could have had a phantom and been in quad copter bliss. So like i had to do when the Cannon 5D came out and i gave up on Nikon and made the switch. I am going to go buy a Phantom 3 professional. Done with 3dr and there broken promises until they get a product that works ell i would have been way happier with a Iris and gimbal that works.

We all are in this boat together, join the crew and sail the ship - or jump ship. The 3DR Solo will be the quad, you can bank on it. Sorry your are having problems with your Solo. It's not a pre-release anymore as my Solo is doing just fine now and capturing great video (have you looked up gimbal install instructions or mods yet?). If you state your issues and look around at the boards, there are a LOT of people and resources here to help you out. Sorry about your issues, but the rest of us are moving on, contributing and supporting 3DR. This is not a complaint thread and will get you no where. RMA the thing then, and get your P3 or whatever pleases, and be happy in your purchase.

Peace and Cheers

 

[Chip Luck]

I am Nikon freak and new 3DR Solo Freak but start disappointment with 3DR..

As stated, ask and you shall receive. Check out forums on what ever issue you are having. I did and followed others advise while my Solo was a basket case and a pain in my side IMHO. Now, a few weeks later, Solo now captures some awesome footage and no more crashes, thanks to the gang here and other resources. Solo may not be perfect, but it will be when WE are done with it!

Cheers

 

[Chip Luck]

Also, FYI: if your on Twitter and following 3DR, 3DR CEO Chris Anderson, et. all, you can see there is a LOT coming down the pike, great video's from users being posted, upgrades, software you name it. I cant' wait. Darn this Solo thing, a real time hogger, however I love it... developer at heart!

In other words, 3DR is busting rear ends to PR and get this thing off the ground. And if you have not yet had the pleasure to deal with 3DR support yet, be nice and polite like any other situation - have been treated like gold and have made a few friends over there in 3DR headquarters in CA.

Cheers

 

[nexxypoo]

Agreed. Open Source was the clincher for me.
Duh!

 

[seansolo]

We all are in this boat together, join the crew and sail the ship - or jump ship. The 3DR Solo will be the quad, you can bank on it. Sorry your are having problems with your Solo. It's not a pre-release anymore as my Solo is doing just fine now and capturing great video (have you looked up gimbal install instructions or mods yet?). If you state your issues and look around at the boards, there are a LOT of people and resources here to help you out. Sorry about your issues, but the rest of us are moving on, contributing and supporting 3DR. This is not a complaint thread and will get you no where. RMA the thing then, and get your P3 or whatever pleases, and be happy in your purchase.

Peace and Cheers

I was curious if any one else was having the same problem. I am sure 3DR solo will be great and I am glad you are such a sailor and Down for the ride me myself wanted a drone that took gombal quality videos 5 months ago when a sales man at best buy talked me into solo that we both thought had a gimbal from the display. I have sent my solo in with a rma and was promised it back in a short time now after that period of time i believe they may be sending me a new one from china. I made a my comment because i bought and own a solo and this is a forum for people to talk about what is going on with there solo. It is within my right when 3DR makes me promises and dose not keep them to talk about it in a forum and see how others dealt with it. Im sure you will like my posts more when I have my working solo until then you may not want to read them.

 

[Chip Luck]

I was curious if any one else was having the same problem. I am sure 3DR solo will be great and I am glad you are such a sailor and Down for the ride me myself wanted a drone that took gombal quality videos 5 months ago when a sales man at best buy talked me into solo that we both thought had a gimbal from the display. I have sent my solo in with a rma and was promised it back in a short time now after that period of time i believe they may be sending me a new one from china. I made a my comment because i bought and own a solo and this is a forum for people to talk about what is going on with there solo. It is within my right when 3DR makes me promises and dose not keep them to talk about it in a forum and see how others dealt with it. Im sure you will like my posts more when I have my working solo until then you may not want to read them.

You will get it ironed out I'm sure. If you need ANY help at all, check out the forums as mentioned and I guarantee you will get your Solo flying - the way it was designed to. And... hang on to your hat, mods and update are a coming. Welcome to the board, good luck with Solo - your going to like it.

Smooth sailing to you. Cheers

 

[Chip Luck]

And... a few more reasons to stay with 3DR:

Introduction | 3DR Solo Development Guide
3DR Solo (Developer Information) | Developer

And many more. BTW: I'm now dual booting my desktop between Win 7 and Linux (Ubuntu). Now I stay in Linux 98% of the time and can directly access the Solo Network with no issues at all. Have fun, and let's develop!

NOTE: not for newbies though, be careful if your not familiar with coding - you can brick your Solo or Controller and will have to factory reset the thing!

Cheers

 

[seansolo]

You will get it ironed out I'm sure. If you need ANY help at all, check out the forums as mentioned and I guarantee you will get your Solo flying - the way it was designed to. And... hang on to your hat, mods and update are a coming. Welcome to the board, good luck with Solo - your going to like it.

Smooth sailing to you. Cheers

im sure it will work out and solo will be great I just wish I had mine and could try the fixes on the boards instead of it being lost in RMA land with a new story every day.soon I am sure. I so dislike whiners and hate it when it comes from me.

 

[Chip Luck]

im sure it will work out and solo will be great I just wish I had mine and could try the fixes on the boards instead of it being lost in RMA land with a new story every day.soon I am sure. I so dislike whiners and hate it when it comes from me.

I understand your frustration. Why issues with 3DR RMA?, I can't tell you. Be polite and call them back and get an update. Patience padwan...

Cheers