Skydio 2 long-term review: the good the bad the ugly︱Cross Training Adventure
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- Опубликовано: 4 авг 2022
- crosstrainingenduro.com Our Skydio 2 long-term review! There has been a lot of media hype about the Skydio 2 drone. Some reviews by social media influencers say it's the best drone in the world. Others regret their purchase and didn't like autonmous drones. Plenty of owners have good and bad experiences with Skydio 2 problems... like me in this Skydio 2 review. After nine months of flying, we cover the problems we experienced, the positive aspects, and whether this drone might suit your purposes. We obviously have a focus on using the drone to film motorbikes. I have two friends who use this drone too, they concur with my experiences. They fly with the Skydio beacon too. Is the best drone from motorbikes? Skydio Autonomous flight and collision avoidance. Skydio claims to be the best drone in this respect. This is true. But the system is far from perfect with Skydio issues. Earlier promotions showed the drone effortlessly flying between trees. And that it was almost impossible to crash. Many users have crashed their Skydio, and found it does not navigate through trees well... at least above a walking speed. Thankfully Skydio has downgraded their claims now. And they have introduced Skydio Care. This reduces the cost of repairs or replacement for drones that have crashed, landed in water, or flown away. See other Skydio 2 reviews. Skydio tracking. The Skydio tracks the subject through a mix of visual tracking and a GPS signal via the beacon. Range is extended by connecting with our cell phone too. Skydio says the maximum range of the Skydio 2 is 1.5km but we always find it loses tracking much sooner. At times it has stopped tracking at very short distances. It happens... a lot. Where possible, we try to fly with the drone in front where we can watch it. Otherwise, we have to regularly look behind to make sure it is still there. Often it isn't. This seems to be rare for slower moving subjects. Possibly motorbikes are stretching the capabilities of the Skydio too much. Skydio range? Always make sure the drone is tracking you! Sometimes the drone is facing you. You think it has connected. But then it just wanders off... possibly looking for other drones to mate with? Who knows. Sometimes the drone will start tracking another motorbike, even though I have the cell phone and beacon on my motorbike. At least it is still filming a motorbike. But this could end badly if it's a rider not in your group who takes a different turn. Video quality. Experienced drone operators often complain about the quality of Skydio's video. We have left it unadjusted so you can see how the automatic light balance can vary dramatically. Also, aperture adjustments can be very rapid. Some owners set the aperture manually and have to make corrections in post-production. Skydio does not provide a 'flat' colour profile that would allow for higher quality footage to be manipulated easily in post-production. We find there is regularly a red 'hue' in some footage that can't be fixed with colour correction. Other footage can be too saturated. Contrast is too high in some conditions. It can only be fixed to some extent in post-production. We mainly use the beacon to direct the movements of the Skydio. It usually works quite well. However, there are times the artificial intelligence takes over and the drone becomes quite erratic. We want a lower altitude. It will suddenly fly up. And vice versa. You direct it to the left, but it goes to the right. This can be unnerving. I always try to avoid certain obstacles but occasionally the drone will decide to do the opposite. Make sure your phone is compatible with the drone before you buy! My phone supposedly met the requirements. But it wouldn't work and Skydio said "Oh that Nokia model doesn't work. Buy a new phone". I asked "Why don't you publish a list of non-compliant phones?" No answer. Another $400 added to the cost of my drone. Doh. This all sounds very negative, doesn't it? Yes I'm disappointed. Skydio's earlier promotions promised so much. But unfortunately I think it's only a matter of time before this drone is destroyed in a crash, or disappears into the distance. Put your name and phone number on the drone. With luck, someone might return it. Let's look at the positive side of the Skydio 2 drone. It's not made in China! I am sure many components are made in China. But it's great to see a USA company in charge. It is simply the best autonomous drone currently available. Nobody else comes close. Yes there are plenty of problems. But you can get great shots without being an experienced drone operator. Ditto for the obstacle avoidance. No other drone comes close... yet. Motorbikes do sometimes push the capabilities of the Skydio too far. But for most other sports the Skydio is a clear winner in this respect. Who shouldn't buy this drone?
Music: Clockworks by Dolby
#crosstrainingadventure #adventureriding #skydio2review 
Спорт
SKYDIO NO LONGER SELLS CONSUMER DRONES They will continue selling professional drones. It seems that is where the big money is. We assume they'll continue continue support for the consumer drones for years though. "Unfortunately, we have shifted away from our consumer drone operations. Ryan Dougherty | Skydio July 2023.
POTENTIONALLY POOR GPS COVERAGE OUTSIDE NORTH AMERICA? I tried filming in Vietnam recently and the Skydio would regularly go berserk and kept disappearing. It was simply too risky to continue. 😒 I suspect the problem could be Skydio only uses GPS and GLONASS systems which cover the American continent very well? But Skydio DOESN"T include the Beidou satellite coverage provided by Chinese satellites which most other drone brands do use. This can mean poor GPS links in Asian countries and elsewhere. For example, this link shows 139 countries where Beidou has more satellite coverage. rntfnd.org/2019/08/22/more-beidou-than-gps-in-130-of-195-countries/ Flying a Skydio outside of north America? Use this app on your phone to see the various satellite constellations in your area: play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=cache.wind.gps&gl=US
MORE COMMENTS ABOUT CAMERA QUALITY I mentioned the video quality does not seem to be on par with DJI and other drones. I have found the best way to get reliable image quality is to only film on overcast days. In bright sunlight the Skydio often does a weird colour correction. Unfortunately there is no 'raw' setting where the Skydio makes no adjustments and you can do your own post-production adjustments. I am aware that white balance can be set manually, but on our motorbike rides I simply don't have time to experiment with this. A 'raw' setting would be much simpler. Many will think I am being too critical but it would be good if they could match the competition in this respect.
SKYIO CRASH COMPILATION Learn the limitations of your Skydio drone. Below are examples of some crashes. Some don't really have any apparent cause. Others are the obstacles that Skydio now provide warnings about E.g. Avoid power lines, thin branches, low light conditions. Me? I've only had two crashes, both with soft landings thankfully. But I've been very careful with steering clear of trees etc.
Skydio crashed in first 90 seconds ruclips.net/video/yft4v2p7PuA/видео.html
Skydio crashed in first 8 minutes ruclips.net/video/Px_fXp4GJKI/видео.html
Skydio crashed in first 15 minutes ruclips.net/video/WRbL8ElbFQk/видео.html
Skydio crashes into pond on first flight ruclips.net/video/qSwdgZtWLGY/видео.html
Skydio crashes into tree 2nd flight ruclips.net/video/gVLpSLwBmzU/видео.html
Skydio crashed on second day ruclips.net/video/VxMnyjOkUAw/видео.html
Skydio crash analysis ruclips.net/video/_T1mHla0GzQ/видео.html
Skydio crashed into tree ruclips.net/video/gvxxOVW2eCU/видео.html
Skydio crashed into thin branch ruclips.net/video/VodFsiR7XCw/видео.html
Skydio crashed into power line ruclips.net/video/YAEqvtCvj9M/видео.html
Skydio dives into water ruclips.net/video/EspuKPWvfk4/видео.html
Skydio almost crashes into water ruclips.net/video/Y2y0IYCxksQ/видео.html
Skydio drops out of sky ruclips.net/video/nhDsQeLaWOA/видео.html
Skydio crashed into thin branches ruclips.net/video/_T1mHla0GzQ/видео.html
Skydio crashed into lake ruclips.net/video/aO8OBlw8Z4A/видео.html
Skydio crashed into tree during winter: ruclips.net/video/8qaeAHELHxw/видео.html
Skydio crashed in low light ruclips.net/video/ZsUQTrRS02k/видео.html
Skydio flies into fence ruclips.net/video/tbUwk3YkD3k/видео.html
Skydio crashed into tree ruclips.net/video/7WYhWdhc59o/видео.html
Skydio hits power line and crashes ruclips.net/video/GU-QhYlK8Yo/видео.html
Skydio flies into tree without leaves ruclips.net/video/dmT50xR2W2A/видео.html
Skydio files into thin branches ruclips.net/video/Vs1pWk_IFEA/видео.html
Skydio files into thin branches ruclips.net/video/fEznVMcapBI/видео.html
Skydio files into thin branches ruclips.net/video/r84rka5MjKU/видео.html
Skydio files into thin branches ruclips.net/video/kZ6BfdkwFcQ/видео.html
Skydio files into thin branches ruclips.net/video/0qIbUUOizPA/видео.html
Skydio crash compilation ruclips.net/video/yd-TUY7FDU0/видео.html
Interesting to see that the Chinese GPS constellation, Beidou, is actually more common in at least 195 countries: rntfnd.org/2019/08/22/more-beidou-than-gps-in-130-of-195-countries/ It's worth checking on this if you plan on using your Skydio outside of north America.
Well I purchased a Skydio 2+. I flew many type of quadcopters over the last ten years and this one is the best by far.
What about air 2s
thanks for confirming my suspicions
I'm still using it, Scott. And getting reasonable shots. But it's just a case of realising its limitations. And also being prepared for that fatal crash and then it's AUD3000 down the drain.
Thanks for the review
No problem 👍
Brent Pearson seems to have a lot of success with his Skydio drone, he has some great footage.
Yes Brent did comment on my first report saying he thought I was being a bit harsh toward Skydio, and I respected his opinion. However I bought mine based on their earlier promotions which I think drastically over-estimated the drone's abilities to navigate between trees and avoid hitting them. I really intended to use this drone more for our enduro rides in forest but I'm simply not game when I have so many issues in wide open areas on adventure rides. They have deleted a lot of those earlier claims which is good to see. I think the claims made on their website are much more realistic now.
One great thing about the DJI mini 3 is the go home mode, where it automatically goes back to the launch area when the battery is near flat or when you command it to do so.
Down side, registering it, and having to use a remote.
Edit; incidentally, you and ‘skids and stuff’ are my favourite DR650 content makers. I’m heading up to NSW/QLD when weather permits, I’d love to meet and greet. Excuse me if I get a bit star struck.
skydio does the same
Just saw this review, I thought I'd add my 2c worth. For background, I've been flying Skydio for over 18 months now, and I have no association with Skydio at all.
Skydio is not perfect, that is for sure. But my results have been quite different to yours. A love the Skydio, I've had a total of two crashes, both times the skydio hit very fine twigs (which they do warn about) and both times my Skydio was undamaged (luckily). But I think I fly the drone differently to you. I only ever fly the drone in front of me when it's clear terrain or sparsely populated terrain. I use the phone mounted on the bars to ensure it's following.
In wooded terrain, I pull the Skydio in behind at my 6'oclock position and it does a pretty good job dodging trees and following me. (not perfect but pretty good). The skydio does glitch out occasionally, but it is only occasionally for me. I find the image quality to be fantastic. Yes, I do get occasional WB shifts and exposure shifts, but generally the image quality off the camera is amazing. I would like a flat colour profile though... So I agree with you on that.
The way I fly the skydio is quite dependent on the terrain I"m riding through, so I will set angle, height and range accordingly, and the terrain will also dictate the dynamic moves that I do while riding (repositions of the drone). I've never had a Skydio hit a tree or obstacle like you have... that was really weird. perhaps it's a software glitch, but I fly my skydio through thick trees a lot and I'm generally pretty happy with the way it performs.
I agree Brent. It's generally great in those wide open spaces, it particularly worked well in your Flinders Range ride. I'm just back from six days in the outback and it worked very well as there were no trees to catch it... vids are on the way. I'm not keen to fly mine behind as it can lose signal then I have to backtrack a kilometre to find it again. I'm thinking of getting a Senna headset to match my brother's and then he can ride behind the drone when it's following me and let me know when it's caught behind a tree or simply lost signal and is hovering.
I know my review is quite critical compared to others, but like many I did buy mine due to their earlier promotions which indicated the Skydio would fly effortlessly between trees. I actually wanted to use it mainly for my enduro channel but quickly realised it simply wasn't up to the job. Skydio have now removed those earlier claims from their promotions which is good to see. I simply don't want others getting caught out by expecting more from the drone than it is capable of. It's autonomous flying is certainly brilliant in more open areas and as long as you are aware of its limitations!
@@crosstrainingadventure Looking forward to seeing your six day outback adventure. I agree with you that there is no way the skydio would be suitable for typical enduro riding.... that is just way too many trees. Maybe one day :-)
I must say that BDR looks great (and I too have trouble coming to grips with the nuances of the USA lol). I'm enjoying your use of maps in the vids by the way. Do you ever use Google Earth? It took me ages to work out how to successfully create videos I could use. But I like how you can zoom in from outer space to a particular trail. There's a little bit of this in the latest outback Finke Race track vid at the start.
@@crosstrainingadventure I'm on a flight tomorrow, so I will download your outback video and take a look.
Regarding Maps, I believe that maps are a really essential part of adventure riding videos. I think they are such a critical part of the story telling. Over the last 6 months I've tried to really improve my use of maps in videos. Here are two examples.
* High level map overview: ruclips.net/video/qm0k6L7geP8/видео.html
* 3D map overview of a trail: ruclips.net/video/qm0k6L7geP8/видео.html
I'm actually a map geek and love maps, so it just adds to my "labour of love" when producing these videos.
Good stuff! I've included the 3D map occasionally but only when someone has given me the file to use... I don't have the software. Yes this whole editing business is like doing down the rabbit hole. We might get quicker at editing, but then we find all this new time-consuming stuff to add in. 😂 If you ever want to try Google Earth, just let me know. The platform has one or two kinks that make video creation impossible until you learn its foibles.
INDEX OF TOPICS COVERED
0:33 Problems with collision avoidance & autonomous flight
1:16 Tracking issues and range
2:37 Video quality problems
3:09 Beacon commands versus AI
3:39 Phone compatability issues
3:52 How is the upgraded Skydio 2+ better?
4:24 What we really like about the Skydio
5:45 Who should buy this drone?
Remember this review is from a motorcycling perspective! You will probably get better results with slower moving targets (even though we ride slowly for the drone). Also, keep in mind Skydio has drastically toned down their original claims about navigating between obstacles and avoiding crashes... no doubt because so many of us complained about these issues! Their current cliams are more realistic, thankfully.
Given Skydio has used social media influencers to generate a lot of hype, we think this needs to be balanced with comments from other users.
"1st Flight out after updating Firmware On Skydio 2 and beacon... it started tracking me from side when it was supposed to be in front and it crashed into something. I’m a 10 year drone pilot and never have crashed 1 time." Ryan Hughes
"Looks like Skydio2 becomes dumber and dumber every firmware update.. I swear Skydio was freaking awesome first time I flew it, even dodged thin branches. After an update, flew and not even 10 secs after taking off crashes into a tree!" Rex-Rizza Barcarse
"So my Skydio 2 decided to land in the middle of the river overwriting my controls commands" Jaime Martinez
"I was flying on an open area on a ranch and it decided to crash I am not sure how it happened It just lost track of my phone somehow and next thing I was looking for it all over the place." Malvin Chitsa
"My Skydio 2 crashed. When trying to stay in front of me, it flew towards the sun backwards and probably didn't see the ocotillo it then flew right into." Stefanonwheels
SKYIO CRASH COMPILATION
Learn the limitations of your Skydio drone. Below are examples of some crashes. Some don't really have any apparent cause. Others are the obstacles that Skydio now provide warnings about E.g. Avoid power lines, thin branches, low light conditions.
Skydio crashed in first 90 seconds ruclips.net/video/yft4v2p7PuA/видео.html
Skydio crashed in first 8 minutes ruclips.net/video/Px_fXp4GJKI/видео.html
Skydio crashed in first 15 minutes ruclips.net/video/WRbL8ElbFQk/видео.html
Skydio crashes into pond on first flight ruclips.net/video/qSwdgZtWLGY/видео.html
Skydio crashes into tree 2nd flight ruclips.net/video/gVLpSLwBmzU/видео.html
Skydio crashed on second day ruclips.net/video/VxMnyjOkUAw/видео.html
Skydio crash analysis ruclips.net/video/_T1mHla0GzQ/видео.html
Skydio crashed into tree ruclips.net/video/gvxxOVW2eCU/видео.html
Skydio crashed into thin branch ruclips.net/video/VodFsiR7XCw/видео.html
Skydio crashed into power line ruclips.net/video/YAEqvtCvj9M/видео.html
Skydio dives into water ruclips.net/video/EspuKPWvfk4/видео.html
Skydio almost crashes into water ruclips.net/video/Y2y0IYCxksQ/видео.html
Skydio drops out of sky ruclips.net/video/nhDsQeLaWOA/видео.html
Skydio crashed into thin branches ruclips.net/video/_T1mHla0GzQ/видео.html
Skydio crashed into lake ruclips.net/video/aO8OBlw8Z4A/видео.html
Skydio crashed into tree during winter: ruclips.net/video/8qaeAHELHxw/видео.html
Skydio crashed in low light ruclips.net/video/ZsUQTrRS02k/видео.html
Skydio flies into fence ruclips.net/video/tbUwk3YkD3k/видео.html
Skydio crashed into tree ruclips.net/video/7WYhWdhc59o/видео.html
Skydio hits power line and crashes ruclips.net/video/GU-QhYlK8Yo/видео.html
Skydio flies into tree without leaves ruclips.net/video/dmT50xR2W2A/видео.html
Skydio files into thin branches ruclips.net/video/Vs1pWk_IFEA/видео.html
Skydio files into thin branches ruclips.net/video/fEznVMcapBI/видео.html
Skydio files into thin branches ruclips.net/video/r84rka5MjKU/видео.html
Skydio files into thin branches ruclips.net/video/kZ6BfdkwFcQ/видео.html
Skydio files into thin branches ruclips.net/video/0qIbUUOizPA/видео.html
Skydio crash compilation ruclips.net/video/yd-TUY7FDU0/видео.html
Has there been any firmware updates since your review that have improved or otherwise?
Barry, great review. I've had my skydio2 for almost a year and crashed and burned 2 drones having them follow me on my bikes. I've gotten some epic photos/video, but I'm scared to use it any more given so many crashes. I do NOT believe these are made for following motorcycles in the wild. I've tried dirt bikes, adventure bikes and snow bikes. All 3 types of moto the skydio2 software SUCKS! One crash was following my tenere 700 and it hit a cable and I was super lucky to find the drone! Another one hit a tree branch and needed full replacement. I HATE how the battery separates so its really hard to find the drone. Another was on the snow bike and my buddy saw it go under the snow after it hit a branch. Search youtube for foxymcrider skydio and you can see my crashes. I wish we could buy the crash protection like DJI on the skydio2. I could care less about longer distance, I really need good software for following motorcycles.
Unfortunately I'm in the same situation. I'm taking all sort of precautions now. But I know it's only a matter of time before it dies. I just hope I have enough footage to justify the cost. 😢
I've added your snowmobile vid below. Feel free to add my text below as pinned first comment to your Skydio vids. I'm trying to warn potential buyers to do their research. I still think it will suit many people... but it ain't great around trees or for motorbikes. Yet.
SKYIO CRASH COMPILATION Learn the limitations of your Skydio drone. Below are examples of some crashes. Some don't really have any apparent cause. Others are the obstacles that Skydio now provide warnings about E.g. Avoid power lines, thin branches, low light conditions.
Skydio crashed in first 90 seconds ruclips.net/video/yft4v2p7PuA/видео.html
Skydio crashed in first 8 minutes ruclips.net/video/Px_fXp4GJKI/видео.html
Skydio crashed in first 15 minutes ruclips.net/video/WRbL8ElbFQk/видео.html
Skydio crashes into pond on first flight ruclips.net/video/qSwdgZtWLGY/видео.html
Skydio crashes into tree 2nd flight ruclips.net/video/gVLpSLwBmzU/видео.html
Skydio crashed on second day ruclips.net/video/VxMnyjOkUAw/видео.html
Skydio crash analysis ruclips.net/video/_T1mHla0GzQ/видео.html
Skydio crashed into tree ruclips.net/video/gvxxOVW2eCU/видео.html
Skydio crashed into thin branch ruclips.net/video/VodFsiR7XCw/видео.html
Skydio crashed into power line ruclips.net/video/YAEqvtCvj9M/видео.html
Skydio dives into water ruclips.net/video/EspuKPWvfk4/видео.html
Skydio almost crashes into water ruclips.net/video/Y2y0IYCxksQ/видео.html
Skydio drops out of sky ruclips.net/video/nhDsQeLaWOA/видео.html
Skydio crashed into thin branches ruclips.net/video/_T1mHla0GzQ/видео.html
Skydio crashed into lake ruclips.net/video/aO8OBlw8Z4A/видео.html
Skydio crashed into tree during winter: ruclips.net/video/8qaeAHELHxw/видео.html
Skydio crashed in low light ruclips.net/video/ZsUQTrRS02k/видео.html
Skydio flies into fence ruclips.net/video/tbUwk3YkD3k/видео.html
Skydio crashed into tree ruclips.net/video/7WYhWdhc59o/видео.html
Skydio hits power line and crashes ruclips.net/video/GU-QhYlK8Yo/видео.html
Skydio flies into tree without leaves ruclips.net/video/dmT50xR2W2A/видео.html
Skydio files into thin branches ruclips.net/video/Vs1pWk_IFEA/видео.html
Skydio files into thin branches ruclips.net/video/fEznVMcapBI/видео.html
Skydio files into thin branches ruclips.net/video/r84rka5MjKU/видео.html
Skydio files into thin branches ruclips.net/video/kZ6BfdkwFcQ/видео.html
Skydio files into thin branches ruclips.net/video/0qIbUUOizPA/видео.html
Skydio crash compilation ruclips.net/video/yd-TUY7FDU0/видео.html
@@crosstrainingadventure An interesting crash compilation. Is there a way to limit the top speed? It seems that the nasty crashes happen when there is a high speed maneuver, usually while trying to regain a position relative to the target. I found that you can set minimal height, but nothing about speed. I was surprised to not find any duct/cage models that could be printed for it, that would solve the tiny random branch problem, the way the cage R1 did, maybe it confuses the collision detection. The optical flow sensor on my drone, and probably every other drone, also gets very confused above water and snow, so those crashes make sense.
I'm not aware of a speed limit setting. I remember an owner stating he'd love a 'safety' option where the drone didn't get so close to trees... possibly that might help? Unfortunately I know it's only a matter of time before there's the fatal crash into a tree. I'm doing all I can to reduce the risks though. With luck there might be a firmware upgrade that improves the collision avoidance?
@@crosstrainingadventure Oh yes, a safe mode when it stays farther from trees and goes slower, would be amazing. Sacrifice some of the amazing shots for a peace of mind...
Overall, it would be great if they just had way more options. From what I've seen, sometimes it just wants to stay too autonomous :) , I guess that's what you get with a drone from the land of freedom
I'm curious, In your real world testing what was the maximum speed you could go before it would fail to track?
The top speed is around 60kmh. It seems to track fine at that speed. Often I've put the drone up front then ridden past at 90kmh and it tracks fine. But of course it slowly drops behind and mine will lose tracking once it's anywhere between 50 metres to 300 metres behind the bike. It's not speed but distance that seems to be the issue. The new 2+ model should have better range.
Does it not have an audible beep beep beep when
crashed?
When I flew rc planes (lots) I eventually made very
loud beep alarms that would trigger when I turned
my transmitter off, so whether it was out of range
and crashed,
or I turned off tx , the beep would activate. I found
planes that would have been permanently lost this way.
I can't hear any beep over the motorbike noise...
@@crosstrainingadventure
So true, I assumed that if I for instance
was looking for my drone, I wouldn't
expect to find it sitting on my bike. shrugs...
In the settings you can tell it to return to the point of take off which is handy...
Woah !! My understanding was Skydios are not compatible with DR650s....particularly when they spend 95% of the time on the back wheel.
😂 Especially when both wheels are spinning in the air and I'm trapped underneath the bike
I didn't realize this channel was active, for some reason
I'd thought you'd abandoned it. shrugs...
I've been posting weekly vids here for ages but I know RUclips doesn't often notify viewers about new vids even if they are subscribed and click that little bell notification thingy too.
You’re droning on again- - -
I see what you did there .😁
Props to you for noticing!
I wonder if you keep your firmware updated? I watch your review and the drone sounds terrible, but I think that it might be just the way you present it.
I have had it follow the wrong bike, but once you separate enough, it switches to the gps location. So your fears of someone stealing the drone are unfounded.
Mine has never crashed, but it has stopped in trees, and the phone messages me to say it is stuck. You didnt mention that.
You can always find it easy if it is stuck.... it has a map on the phone app.
The aperture thing might be an issue for some. I have seen it do it. Ive never owned a camera expensive enough that doesnt do it though. Your footage looks like you have an nd filter on it. Would that make it worse?
When directing it left and it goes right... thats because it does not yet know your direction of travel until you move. You didnt mention that, and i think it is misleading to say it simply goes right when moved left. Similarly, it raises its height when you start out running it so that it can see you. Mine never randomly goes up and down. Maybe your lenses are dirty?
Also, how do I get a free drone? Can you please give me a shout out so I can get enough subs to get a free one! Surely mine will explode into a ball of fire soon!
You should also mention how the charger arcs like a mofo in Australia. It is a dodgy piece of electronics. Scares me every time I plug it in!
Interesting to hear your take on the Finke gorge, my brother, Jeff, and I will be riding it in two weeks, woohoo. Jeff is good mates with Ian who you know (GS1200), I finally met him two days ago and we were discussing your vids (in a positive way of course!).
If you see my earlier Skydio vid, I think they misrepresented its abilities with their earlier promotions. Along with many others, I was quite disappointed. However they seem to have deleted much of that from the website and I think they present the drone's abilities more accurately now. And as mentioned, I think some social media guys get free drones (or cash) then did absurdly positive 'reviews'. I simply want to inject some reality!
Yep, latest firmware. I've used lots of DJI footage the past four years and there's no sudden aperture change. So I assumed it's just Skydio thing. Hopefully a firmware update will fix it one day.
Weird direction changes... I always check the lenses are clean before each flight. I'm always moving so I'm not sure why the drone will occasionally do the exact opposite. To date it hasn't caused any crashes but sometimes I'm directing it away from water and it just heads for the water.
No idea how to get a free drone lol. This one cost a fortune!
The charger arcs? No probs with mine so far. I hope it doesn't fry the drone or the batteries one day.
@@crosstrainingadventure The Fink gorge is definitely worth doing. Very pretty through there. I struggled on the stones... like soft beach sand with each grain being the size of a golf ball! I felt very unstable on that stuff with the front washing out everywhere. I tended to get off the wheel tracks and onto untouched stone and it was better... a bit like virgin sand is. I actually felt relived when I hit the actual sand! Besides that gravel, it was brilliant. Sometimes the track seemed to disappear or dead end, but it was easy enough to find the proper track. And since you will be in the neighborhood, go to Palm Valley in the next gorge over. A very nice ride out to the end of that and a nice walk at the end.
Fair enough about the skydio promo stuff. Maybe it did lift expectations too high. Ive actually never owned a drone before, so it might be an advantage to operating the skydio! I find it very quick to launch and land (Ive seen those dji operators do their dance before every launch) and it does more than I expect. As for the direction changes, your experience definitely sounds different. I wonder if the AI is not consistent across units? Would be interesting to hear from an employee.
The arcing is when i plug in the power brick with the american flat plate pins. No other power brick does it, so I dont know what it is, but im sure to plug in the usb lead second, not first.
I also find it hard to believe Ian talked about me positively... he's always ringing me telling im a flogger, not a vlogger! Haha.
My skydio 2+ crached at the first day use, following my motorcycle :(
Bummer. Into a tree, Paulo?
Most of this footage is almost unwatchable, looks like
it was shot with a toaster, on my laptop,
but of course the vid content is great as usual.
The coloration isn't the issue that I see on my end
it is the resolution, super low.
3 issues that stand in the way of my buying the S2;
1. Seems that it is only practical to use if you also pair it
with phone, not just the beacon (not for me)
2. So far I'm not impressed with vid quality, I don't want 4k
just decent like my phone's resolution.
3. I don't know how I'm supposed to find 'it' on single track
when it has wondered off.
Bonus issue; 4, $1000 us / 1400 aus dollars lol, if it had avoidance
and a way to find it easily, plus good resolution, I'd be ok with
the price. (actually cheap compared with other brands)
The original 4k footage is very sharp, but RUclips has messed with it and it was only a 1080p file. The colours are usually pretty good, but can go very wrong at times. E.g. a red hue that can't be corrected. It works without the phone connection but it's just the range is reduced.
@@crosstrainingadventure
I'm told that 4k files can be a headache
for us to transfer to youtube and
just work with, due to the massive file.
This video may be great viewing to
others, but for some reason, it
is blurry and 1973-low resolution on
my end, and I'm not exaggerating.
I'll look at the video again and see if
I can point out any segments that
rendered in decent to good resolution,
if I recall there were a couple of few
segments.
Motor bikes stretching the drone too much yet they show cars and motorbikes in their promotional videos... I'll stick with my DJI for now ☺️
It has a top speed of 60kmh and in my experience it will track cars or bikes well at that speed, as long as it's not trying to dodge trees or cliffs etc. But some of their earlier promotions about it weaving its way through trees seamlessly were greatly overstated in my opinion.
It seems that it sadly doesn't work in EU. Many drones in EU have different controllers and limited range, but based on the info I've found, skydio in EU is just an expensive coaster. I hope you bring your skydio with you on your next EU trip and verify this. I was very interested in it, not because of its impressive autonomous function, but because it's not Chinese. CCP is getting extremely evil. Sadly, I haven't found any non Chinese long-ish range consumer drone available here.
e: Seems that 2 could be made to work, even though it's not imported, but 2+ wont.
Interesting... I assume that means you can't get your phone to hook up, but you could still use the beacon though? I just saw this thread, it looks as though they are trying to fix it for European use. www.reddit.com/r/Skydio/comments/smd6wt/notice_skydio_2_does_not_work_in_europe/
I have been in touch with the CEO of Skydio and he's personally responded and overseeing this issue. It is a known issue he said. This is what he responded in our last communication:
Quick update: we have a fix and we think we have a way for you to deploy it. We're validating now and looking to enable our CS team with it. I will let you know if something changes or I will put you in touch with someone who can get you going.
I have been contacted in PM by Skydio 2+ users in Switzerland, Italy, Poland & UK so far who's birds are all grounded so far due to this issue as their packages have arrived.
The positive is that the CEO himself is on top of this and they are working on a fix. That's assuring and speaks well of the leadership at the helms of the company and how grounded they are to their customers challenges and are actively involved in ensuring there's a resolution. You certainly won't hear from the CEO of DJI!
@@crosstrainingadventure This is extremely positive news. I really hope more people here would get them, so I can pick their brain about it and hopefully, my next drone wont be DJI. It seems like an amazing tool for capturing you our adventures and it's not from CCP run company. Also the fact, that the CEO is open to talking with people who experience issues, not just those who say positive things is impressive.
Fingers crossed! Yes I'm glad there's a non-Chinese drone available. I'm trying to reduce the risks as much as possible, but I can't help feeling mine will have a fatal crash soon. I just hope I have enough footage by then to make the cost worthwhile.
@@crosstrainingadventure From what I've seen, it could be that even if there is a fatal crash, the drone would be repairable. I'd love for them to have schematics and more options for purchasing parts, but just the active support and some parts are a good start.
My comment was deleted?
What was the comment, Shane? I've been getting piles of automated spam messages so I've got a pile of words that are blocked automatically. There is the risk of a normal comment being blocked...