Free tip, if you disassemble the Karma controller, you'll see there are two antennas inside. One is an omni pole antenna connected to a PCB, the other is a small patch antenna. The patch antenna is stronger, but very directional, and is in the back of the controller. So, if you want a better signal, try holding the controller pointed at the Karma drone, and not pointed down at the ground (as you were when you were filming it). These drones fly on 2.4Ghz wifi frequencies, not typical 900Mhz RC controller frequencies, so range in general isn't going to be phenomenal.
Great job! If the Karma had decided to return to home on the backside of the tower it would have flown right into it. I think everyone has come to expect the tech that DJI and Yuneec offer so the Karma appears rather Caveman in its abilities.
Yup, definitely a very valid point. I do however often set my RTH value pretty high for this very purpose, but with the tower at 200ft, then it wouldn't have cleared it.
I bought my Karma fort A$499, with two batteries Karma Grip etc, which is a bargain here, a DJI dark is A$799, For the price it's a great drone, I have had an issue for one day, tested the limits the next day and it worked flawlessly.
No really, it was discontinued a year ago. Production stopped. GoPro did release a firmware update for it at time of Hero7 release, merely to ensure it worked with that camera. The Karma team has largely been disbanded and moved to the rest of GoPro.
Perhaps the antenna array in the controller is directional, and needs to be aimed at the aircraft. I think the autonomous modes are nifty, but I have concerns about setting the controller down and moving away from it. A pilot can not maintain positive control of an aircraft without the controller in hand, and the aircraft appears to lose signal when it moves away from the direction the controller is pointing.
Hi Folks - yup, definitely aware of the GoPro Karma recall, which appears to be due to the battery connector coming loose during flight, in turn causing the unit to plummet to the ground. None of which however changes just how bad the unit is otherwise for what I showed in the video. ;)
Ok, folks, I need some advise...I just got the GoPro Karma Drone with the Hero Black 6 Cam on it. I bought the Drone thinking and understanding as told by one of the sales people at Best Buy, that it would support the "Follow Me" application. If any of you does have the application and use it, can you share your expertise with me? Thanks!
If this video (or channel) is monetized by RUclips, that makes this hop a commercial flight, requiring FAA licensure under 14 CFR Part 107, and requires compliance therewith.
Nice video. I would like to clarify a few things on your Karma. You lost connection most likely due to interference with the tower and/or airport signals that are always on. Being a retired cargo pilot my friends and I have witnessed near misses at airports with drones. Hence the reason they don't want you flying over controlled airspace drones tend to lose it and takeoff on their own. I too own a Karma Drone and had to go through the recall. Mine was the stabilizer that was not connecting to the camera. It has been exceptional since I have gotten it back. I have had it at 400ft. and 2000ft away and never lost a signal yet. I have been in areas where it took longer to connect before takeoff due to interference. If you lose signal the Karma will retry and connect if no connection is able after about 10 or so seconds it goes into return to base mode. You CAN set how you want it to return home in the settings. You can set what height you want it to go to first then fly back to where you originally started and land avoiding all objects in it's path. During that time it is possible to get a connection and override the controls. It's a really good drone with descent safety features. I look forward to the updates with follow mode. For the price def. a top 5 drone. :)
As explained in the video, there's no airport there. It was shut down 25 years ago (Stapleton airport). The tower was empty and left as a token. Nothing else remains (no electronics).
A couple things: 1) Guidelines state that you shouldn't fly out of direct line of sight (ex behind a building) 2) They also suggest that you are supposed to be in control of your drone at all times (ie. not placing the controls away while it is operating) 3) GPS navigation is often poor around large obstacles especially when at ground level. 4) Competing signals for radio towers, home networks, power towers, etc. interfere with most devices that deliver or receive said signals. 5) Trying to communicate wirelessly from ground level is literally the poorest signal vantage point. 6) The abandoned traffic control tower might still have some sort of radar or communication devices in it that could interfere with your drone/controller even though it is no longer operational. Point being, there are two antennas (apparently) in the control, the one that provides the best single is the one that operates in a direct unobscured line with the drone (again, apparently). The other more omni directional component is weakened when low to the ground and, just like wifi in your phone or computer, is compromised by competing signals, radiation, etc. So, if you want to follow regulations/guidelines, you shouldn't be flying out of eyesight and shouldn't be flying without the controller. Also, for best results, you should keep the controller in a location that provides the best possible range and out of any areas that could be causing numerous problems due to interference. Also, the loss of GPS and device communication often yield similar results, you might be suffering from both in this scenario. I am not trying to be argumentative, just possibly providing some clarification. I get that you might be frustrated that you aren't able to fly the device the way you want to, however there is the possibility that you are suffering to environmental issues and possibly arent operating the drone in the way it is meant to be handled. You also might find that on a different day, none of the problems you experienced would occur. It might also be that you have a defective device, and from my experience, GoPro support (when you do finally get a hold of them) is pretty good. I have a Karma Drone (purchased post recall) and I have had zero issues thus far.
Eric Bernal Ive been flying my karma for 6 months and have not had any issues, I stick to faa guidelines, below 400, within line of sight, non populated areas, I fly with the knowledge that these drones are toys and not made anywhere close to aerospace standards, so its going to fail at some point.
Ouch, not only is the karma now recalled but that curved horizon looks terrible. I couldn't watch the whole thing because of it. I do like these automated shots though and appreciate all the smarts in the software. I hope GoPro can salvage this somehow.
I have been on this quest aswell, my observations are that if you are looking for a drone it's simple the DJI Mavic Pro, but if you're looking for a camera/stabilizer/backpack AND a drone you should take the karma.
Well it's better to have them than to not have them :) And if you're going to fly them through the woods it sounds like a good idea to have them so maybe the DJI Mavic Pro is a better option for you then?
Ramon Hernandez if your going to fly through the woods expect to crash at some point, sensors or not. Not having sensors will make you more aware of the situation. They don't work with branches, nor cover the sides and back of the mavic, just look at all the crash videos, I generally fly my Karma in open areas, and I get hyper focused when Im around any objects, being trees, power lines, air traffic towers, ask any helicopter pilot what they are looking out for.
how come everyone knows the karmas flaws but is ignorant or ignores dji's flaws? lol. DJI has its fly aways, its flip of death, its NFZ nonsense, its constant updates, horrible customer service, and its military ban. Seriously don't get dji, look into getting something else like parrot, 3DR, karma, yuneec, evo, anything.
I had nothing’s but signal and gps loss I dot trust this thing as far as I could through it. I think this thing is the big piece of junk I ever had.the glitches all the time bad product
Thanks for your detailed review and ideas
Free tip, if you disassemble the Karma controller, you'll see there are two antennas inside. One is an omni pole antenna connected to a PCB, the other is a small patch antenna. The patch antenna is stronger, but very directional, and is in the back of the controller. So, if you want a better signal, try holding the controller pointed at the Karma drone, and not pointed down at the ground (as you were when you were filming it). These drones fly on 2.4Ghz wifi frequencies, not typical 900Mhz RC controller frequencies, so range in general isn't going to be phenomenal.
OMG becky!!!!! right short GREAT shots.... gggggggaaaaaaa
Great job! If the Karma had decided to return to home on the backside of the tower it would have flown right into it. I think everyone has come to expect the tech that DJI and Yuneec offer so the Karma appears rather Caveman in its abilities.
Yup, definitely a very valid point. I do however often set my RTH value pretty high for this very purpose, but with the tower at 200ft, then it wouldn't have cleared it.
Love your videos! I live in Aurora down near Cherry Creek State Park!
I bought my Karma fort A$499, with two batteries Karma Grip etc, which is a bargain here, a DJI dark is A$799, For the price it's a great drone, I have had an issue for one day, tested the limits the next day and it worked flawlessly.
Somebody said KARMA is discontinued-not true. Back in production with several fixes! GL
No really, it was discontinued a year ago. Production stopped. GoPro did release a firmware update for it at time of Hero7 release, merely to ensure it worked with that camera.
The Karma team has largely been disbanded and moved to the rest of GoPro.
Perhaps the antenna array in the controller is directional, and needs to be aimed at the aircraft.
I think the autonomous modes are nifty, but I have concerns about setting the controller down and moving away from it. A pilot can not maintain positive control of an aircraft without the controller in hand, and the aircraft appears to lose signal when it moves away from the direction the controller is pointing.
Hi Folks - yup, definitely aware of the GoPro Karma recall, which appears to be due to the battery connector coming loose during flight, in turn causing the unit to plummet to the ground. None of which however changes just how bad the unit is otherwise for what I showed in the video. ;)
Gopro must implement a stronger Transmitter or better Antennas for future Models.
How many people are watching this in 2018?
2019!! 😎
2021
21 too
Ok, folks, I need some advise...I just got the GoPro Karma Drone with the Hero Black 6 Cam on it. I bought the Drone thinking and understanding as told by one of the sales people at Best Buy, that it would support the "Follow Me" application. If any of you does have the application and use it, can you share your expertise with me? Thanks!
im looking into buying a drone, might go with a DJI phantom 4, seems superior out of all of them in the reviews
So how safe do you think it was to leave the controller on the ground and ride away from it. Hopefully you dont actually have an FAA license.
hahahahah you worried about a pedestrian showing up?
If this video (or channel) is monetized by RUclips, that makes this hop a commercial flight, requiring FAA licensure under 14 CFR Part 107, and requires compliance therewith.
Very nice video !
Nice video. I would like to clarify a few things on your Karma. You lost connection most likely due to interference with the tower and/or airport signals that are always on. Being a retired cargo pilot my friends and I have witnessed near misses at airports with drones. Hence the reason they don't want you flying over controlled airspace drones tend to lose it and takeoff on their own. I too own a Karma Drone and had to go through the recall. Mine was the stabilizer that was not connecting to the camera. It has been exceptional since I have gotten it back. I have had it at 400ft. and 2000ft away and never lost a signal yet. I have been in areas where it took longer to connect before takeoff due to interference. If you lose signal the Karma will retry and connect if no connection is able after about 10 or so seconds it goes into return to base mode. You CAN set how you want it to return home in the settings. You can set what height you want it to go to first then fly back to where you originally started and land avoiding all objects in it's path. During that time it is possible to get a connection and override the controls. It's a really good drone with descent safety features. I look forward to the updates with follow mode. For the price def. a top 5 drone. :)
As explained in the video, there's no airport there. It was shut down 25 years ago (Stapleton airport). The tower was empty and left as a token. Nothing else remains (no electronics).
A couple things:
1) Guidelines state that you shouldn't fly out of direct line of sight (ex behind a building)
2) They also suggest that you are supposed to be in control of your drone at all times (ie. not placing the controls away while it is operating)
3) GPS navigation is often poor around large obstacles especially when at ground level.
4) Competing signals for radio towers, home networks, power towers, etc. interfere with most devices that deliver or receive said signals.
5) Trying to communicate wirelessly from ground level is literally the poorest signal vantage point.
6) The abandoned traffic control tower might still have some sort of radar or communication devices in it that could interfere with your drone/controller even though it is no longer operational.
Point being, there are two antennas (apparently) in the control, the one that provides the best single is the one that operates in a direct unobscured line with the drone (again, apparently). The other more omni directional component is weakened when low to the ground and, just like wifi in your phone or computer, is compromised by competing signals, radiation, etc. So, if you want to follow regulations/guidelines, you shouldn't be flying out of eyesight and shouldn't be flying without the controller. Also, for best results, you should keep the controller in a location that provides the best possible range and out of any areas that could be causing numerous problems due to interference. Also, the loss of GPS and device communication often yield similar results, you might be suffering from both in this scenario.
I am not trying to be argumentative, just possibly providing some clarification. I get that you might be frustrated that you aren't able to fly the device the way you want to, however there is the possibility that you are suffering to environmental issues and possibly arent operating the drone in the way it is meant to be handled. You also might find that on a different day, none of the problems you experienced would occur. It might also be that you have a defective device, and from my experience, GoPro support (when you do finally get a hold of them) is pretty good. I have a Karma Drone (purchased post recall) and I have had zero issues thus far.
I hope it's not a sign of things to come but GoPro have just recalled the karma drone due to power problems.
Does the Karma have a follow mode? Like if I wanted it to follow me snowboarding or something
No, it does not.
it does now
yes it does, only if you have controller in your hand.
It does with the most recent update but it's technically following the controller (and the controller needs to stay open).
Strange that you had such issues with the signal. Mine has been flawless so far, nothing unexpected.
Eric Barone same here. No issues at all.
Eric Bernal Ive been flying my karma for 6 months and have not had any issues, I stick to faa guidelines, below 400, within line of sight, non populated areas, I fly with the knowledge that these drones are toys and not made anywhere close to aerospace standards, so its going to fail at some point.
I'm thinking the controller does not have a good transmitter. A stronger boast might fix the connection issue.
I remember when we used to just ride our bikes and we didn't need to video every second of it.....
You don't need to. Just ride your bike.
I just ride my bike all the time, it' s great!
Ouch, not only is the karma now recalled but that curved horizon looks terrible. I couldn't watch the whole thing because of it. I do like these automated shots though and appreciate all the smarts in the software. I hope GoPro can salvage this somehow.
Curved horizon? Are you talking about the lens? That has nothing to do with the drone.
Is this still an issue or the new ones had been fix? Thx for the video.
Oscar Pallares its not an issue any more
Huh? It's still an issue. Nothing had changed in this regard in any of the firmware or hardware updates.
Great video!!! Keep it up!!
I have until father's day to make up my mind,, which you recommend the karma or dji mavic pro
I have been on this quest aswell, my observations are that if you are looking for a drone it's simple the DJI Mavic Pro, but if you're looking for a camera/stabilizer/backpack AND a drone you should take the karma.
robin boelens thanks for the reply
my only concern is the karma lacks the safety sensors. do i really need them of I'm going to fly it thru the woods
Well it's better to have them than to not have them :) And if you're going to fly them through the woods it sounds like a good idea to have them so maybe the DJI Mavic Pro is a better option for you then?
robin boelens
Thanks I appreciate your input
nice video and info
Ramon Hernandez if your going to fly through the woods expect to crash at some point, sensors or not. Not having sensors will make you more aware of the situation. They don't work with branches, nor cover the sides and back of the mavic, just look at all the crash videos, I generally fly my Karma in open areas, and I get hyper focused when Im around any objects, being trees, power lines, air traffic towers, ask any helicopter pilot what they are looking out for.
how come everyone knows the karmas flaws but is ignorant or ignores dji's flaws? lol. DJI has its fly aways, its flip of death, its NFZ nonsense, its constant updates, horrible customer service, and its military ban.
Seriously don't get dji, look into getting something else like parrot, 3DR, karma, yuneec, evo, anything.
Sod the drone, I want to go and UrbEx that control tower!
Linear mode on the GoPro, or superview?
In this case, Wide on 4K with flat color profile (had planned to do more tweaking later, but decided to move on).
Wow what are you camera settings for that video?
That's a whole lot more than 200ft
At 10:36 what is the music ? Thx
I had nothing’s but signal and gps loss I dot trust this thing as far as I could through it. I think this thing is the big piece of junk I ever had.the glitches all the time bad product
Will u make a new video with the updates?
Wow, that sucks.
www.bikeradar.com/news/article/gopro-karma-recall-48556/ Rut ro
Really bad wireless link if it drops so easily.
Liked this vid. The Karma, not so much..
olá amigo te acompanho pelo seu canal no you tube, me manda uma gopro hero 5 black de presente, sou louco por esta câmera um forte braço
can you talk a little slower
He explains why he was talking fast....maybe slow down the play speed?
olá amigo te acompanho pelo seu canal no you tube, me manda uma gopro hero 5 black de presente, sou louco por esta câmera um forte braço