3DR Solo Smart Drone Review | The Good - Bad - Ugly & Tips

[@AgileMJOLNIR]

I'm looking at getting a Solo but I'm currently using a Phantom 3. The part where you spoke of the internal calibration and the drone darting off, this happened to me last weekend. My P3 did EXACTLY that! I've been flying it flawlessly but this one time I did no compass calibration and that's what took place. I thought it was a fly away but this makes much more sense. It rose up to it's hovering altitude then pitched left and flew off at a left angle. I had to pull the stick down to bury it into the ground to avoid hitting a guy on a motorcycle. Glad to see there's a more logical explanation of this.

[@AeroworksProductions]

AgileMJOLNIR Yes it can happen to any brand and most people new to the hobby do not think about this when they get it or after they have even a small crash. Best to check it once in a while to be safe.

[@AgileMJOLNIR]

Aeroworks Productions I think it's better to play it safe and do a compass calibration before each flight. Fortunately all I busted were a couple props and got the usual scrapes but aside from that it flys and the gimbal is fine. I sure did learn something.

[@dustintolman3184]

AgileMJOLNIR Same thing here. I was in South Beach Miami on top of a parking structure and it was windy. I did calibrate my P3 before flying, but after flying for about 15 min, and one battery change, the P3 started going against my controls somewhat. I had to force it down, thus making it bounce onto its props where I could not turn it off. Luckily just the props got ruined. Talk about nerve racking! Since then, I always check everything two or three times. And most insurance companies wont cover the drone, or let alone even offer me insurance if I tell them I have one. Anyway, good luck on future flights!

[@dustintolman3184]

Dustin Tolman I returned my 3dr because I couldn't wait for the gimbal. I did end up purchasing a Phatom 3, which I don't regret at all. I love the flat horizon (vs the fish eye of the gopro) and size of the unit. I'd still love to try 3dr solo once it's been tested and confirmed to work well with the gimbal. However, after comparing the footage from the P3 camera vs the Gopro, I may have to stick with the P3.

[@martymcflyer8487]

Aeroworks Productions The pre-flight calibration is an overlooked safety risk. Early on I did a faulty calibration with a P2 and had to crash land 30 seconds into a fly away -- this was in a close range, benign RF, good GPS visibility environment -- it took off on me. A DJI calibration dance takes < 30s, just do it per the manual unless you're certain the compass didn't pass close to a magnet, transformer, or motor between flights. The Solo cal appears to take a little longer which is unfortunate. Thanks for pointing out what seems to be the main safety risk of the Solo in populated areas Wifi interference but I don't think you mentioned the GPS-only GNSS issue, sure hope 3DR will address these issues in the near future. I expect a Solo may ignite when it crashes just like an Inspire can.

[@fawkyooo7377]

The recording with this drone only works with Hero 4 and only with certain firmware's. I updated mine and i have a camera that turns on and off repeadily. Also the Hero 3+ silver says its not compatible but will work with the method described. The gimbal didn't make a difference with the record feature unless it was a Hero 4. Love the drone hate that everything seems to be a battle with it since its discontinued.

[@Taematoe]

Just bought my second solo from b&h for 159.00 with lowepro case extra of everything and 2 flight batteries. Best quad for the money. Great video.

[@johnp5026]

Good tips on the calibration there. Have had my SOLO, with camera gimble and Go Pro Hero3 for a year, not flown it yet, still making sure I know the controls better. I am a pilot and find the controls somewhat backwards from an aircraft, normally pushing forward puts a plane nose down, but when I fly helicopters forward is actually forward!

[@teamifp4566]

Customer service rates right down there with Comcast! My unit has been returned twice and has spent more time in the air with FedEx than I have had flying it! Opt for a Phantom unit or wait for the proposed GoPro drone hopefully sometime next year!

[@BungsViet]

thorough review. Very professional and nice to get a point of view from someone who has been into RC for so long and not just recently, and not just a tech reviewer.

[@ChrisParayno]

Thanks for your opinion. It is very frustrating awaiting on the gimbal. I completely agree with you.

[@ChrisParayno]

Stoked!

[@raysample6618]

Have you used the Gimbal yet? does it work as advertised?

[@JEFFREYSOLORIO]

So how often is it recommended to recalibrate the compass and everything else? , also as a Solo owner I also think this thing is seriously lacking due to the camera gimbal anyways nice video.

[@AeroworksProductions]

JEFFREY SOLORIO After you initially get the Solo and then only calibrate the IMU & compass when the Solo tells you to. The Solo is like the IRIS in that when you travel to a new location and acquire a GPS signal, the appropriate magnetic declination is applied and therefore a new compass calibration is not needed. If you come in close contact with a magnetic source like car speakers, heavy machinery or electric motors, these things can all throw off a properly calibrated compass requiring a new calibration but again, the Solo should indicate the need for one. The main thing with all of the modern copters out there is before and after take-off if something rodent look right land and check it out. This could be strange flight characteristics, LED sequences, etc. Good luck!

[@JEFFREYSOLORIO]

AKRCGUY alright thank you for the tips. (:

[@ministrydrummer]

Is there any way to use a newer version gopro, like the Hero 5?

[@diegorodriguez7589]

Thanks for the review! Best review I've seen. It is better to know more about the flaws than the good things about it. Although some flaws are as bad as I thought it would be, great review. New Subscriber!

[@tilbury60]

Would the sj4000 work with this or only GoPro?

[@stirringmeteor2882]

What is the best camera are GoPro 3dr solo

[@ArtistGoneWildCT]

hi just i want to know something, 3dr solo work with 4hero gopro or with the others gopro too?

[@eveRide]

Excellent review! Thanks :)

[@TheM750]

+eveRide ADV Trading in your Iris+ for the Solo?

[@eveRide]

+M750 I tend to skip generations of tech. The Iris still flies well enough for me, I just need to find a way to reliably balance the thing so I don't get that awful wiggle in the footage. I've never gotten more than 5 consecutive seconds of decent footage from the Iris, and it's plagued by problems with range while in follow-me mode. I hear a lot of complaints about the Solo's gimbal shipping so late, and hit-or-miss customer service (it's been awful for me) from 3DR. Adam from Aeroworks actually sent me a replacement dongle when 3DR would not. I think that in time, I'll buy whatever Adam suggests, from Adam himself. Having an out-of-the-box tuned drone (that's going to take great shots off the bat) is worth a lot to me.

[@TheM750]

+eveRide ADV I agree. I was about to pull the trigger on the Solo, since it has excellent features and looks great (flies great too, from what I'm reading)...but, quads are developing so fast right now, it's hard not to wait a bit to see the next-gen stuff coming out. Catch-22...

[@DougCanning71]

Foam blanket I need one of those!

[@steveb2171]

Excellent video thank you, I'll wait until they get that gimbal out there and working right. Releasing the copter before the gimbal was ready was incredibly shortsighted on the part of the company.

[@giosossi]

how can you remove the information of gopro when you are recording? I mean the information of 1080, Wide, fps, the time, etc. can you help me please?

[@seemee548]

can the 3dr solo work with yi 4k? thanks

[@hoverbotfpv3547]

Good review! Did you get this demo free? Any motor specs or size given.

[@AeroworksProductions]

Hoverbotfpv I wish. No we had to buy our own at Best Buy :( Maybe 3DR will step up and send a gimbal when they come out?

[@kaganyochim6473]

Hi there: I too enjoyed the video, great info. Between the Solo and the Phantom 3 Pro, which is your choice? Ease of flight, reliability and stability are the top concerns. Thanks!

[@AeroworksProductions]

Really depends on a couple things. Do you already own a GoPro? What is your flight experience? The Solo will cost you more by the time you get everything you need but you will have a lot of advanced features and an open source copter. The P3 is easy to fly, comes with everything you need minus mobile device and is a proven platform but you have some limitations like a closed source flight controller and embedded no fly zones. Both capable of 4K HD video, you'll have to correct for fisheye on the solo where as the P3 lens corrects for this. So you have a few decisions to make.

[@SCDrums]

Great Video. Learned a couple of things!!! Good: Just purchased this system from BestBuy with 3 axis gimbal, extra batery, and 2 spare props for under $300. I had to install the new gimbal but it wasn't hard at all, took 5 minutes. Bad: New 3 axis Gimbal did not fix the Recording and Photo capture controls from ground for a Hero 3 (Unless I am doing something wrong). Everything I've read online says that it doesn't work with the Hero 3 or the newest GoPro Hero. I've been recording video or setting to take pictures automatically every 1/2 to 3,5, 10 secs . In 15 minutes of flight per battery charge, there's a LOTof pics to go through! Ugly: Now I have to buy a Hero 4, which is twice the price of the Drone because it is "supposedly" the Hero version that does work with the system. Any suggestions are appreciated!

[@GETLifestyle]

why is the GoPro upside down?

[@hnrybrv]

i have a sjcam 4000, would you know if the solo is compatible with it ?

[@PalaVR]

An additional 26 seconds of my life were spent watching intros that told me absolutely nothing that I didn't learn from reading the title and first 3 words of the description. Didn't like that. Thank you for not bothering with an unboxing. Really. Thanks. I appreciate that a lot. 2:45 I like that you didn't talk too much about what you liked about it, but skipped right to the flaws. I expect that something like that will fly nicely, and will work 'as advertised' out of the box, so I am interested in the shortcomings.

[@AeroworksProductions]

YarrVee Thanks for your comments. We have made a note about the timing on the intros and will try and keep them to a minimum. Our logo is always at the beginning for branding. Like I have said to others, this was my opinion and even though we sell 3DR products, it does't mean we are going to gloss over the flaws. We do this so the manufacturers will make things better for everyone.

[@PalaVR]

Aeroworks Productions Thanks for taking my comment in the spirit it was intended! Like a lot of people, I don't have as much time to keep up with the creators and topics on KZbin as I'd like to - You and FliteTest are the only two R/C channels I subscribe to - that's all I have time for! Completely unsolicited list of observations and Possibilities to explore: * Take advantage of the "automated" 3-second intro feature that KZbin has for branding. mashable.com/2014/05/01/youtube-creators-can-now-add-a-3-second-intro-to-all-their-videos/ * Long Intro, followed by long title cards, followed by...you telling me what was on the title cards AND in the video title. =) * The title of the video is great, and is really searchable. That's awesome. You've got a good, clear and descriptive thumbnail with good lighting. You have my interest! Jump right into the subject at hand! =) * Your channel name and brand aren't unified as either Aeroworks Productions or AKRCGUY...the "branding" isn't clear, and isn't really helping via search. Maybe skip "branding" entirely, since your content is really what I come for. Or start a second channel as Aeroworks Productions and brand the heck out of that? Unification would make your content look like you created it, and help avoid the image that it's just a ''rip and repost' of someone else's video (which is all too rampant on KZbin, yeah?) You've got good content and clearly care about what you're creating every video gets a little better!

[@AustinEmmel]

This video answered all the questions i had and could possibly have about drones! Im a young film producer and am trying to get all the gear i can to get the perfect shot, i've never even touched a drone in my life before, would you recommend this drone for a beginner? Is it worth it for a college kid like myself? Financially? Thanks so much!

[@BOOSTEDLASER]

xiro xplorer VS traxxas aton what is a better deal /quad?

[@NULUSIOS]

So, any news about the gimbal?

[@AeroworksProductions]

Ship us one and we'll do a new review with it.

[@HankStites]

As always, a great review. Thanks.

[@recent808]

Great video! I already have a solo and been fly it with only minor issues and I gotta say this video gave me a lot of info I never knew. Thanks for posting this.

[@kneel1]

I love my Solo, but yeah its pretty much worthless without the gimbal and it sucks waiting. FYI you can indeed change the name of the Solo_[hexValue] Wifi Access Point. It is NOT part of your mac address or serial number. It is simply a unique code given to each solo's access point. Name it Solo_[yourName] or AttackOfTheZuchinniPeople or whatever you want

[@filipstevens6263]

nice video, is 3dr working on obstacle avoidance for the solo?

[@AeroworksProductions]

filip stevens Not that i know of currently but there are other companies who have already made it for the IRIS and I wouldn't be surprised if the Solo was close behind. Here is that company- www.panoptesuav.com/ebumper/

[@GeorgeKennerLaser]

Got my Gimbal and it does not work with the HERO3+ Silver..... to me this is the UGLY...they said it would work with all the Hero3+ models.

[@naras7769]

Does it have glonass

[@dayanj]

Only reason I was thinking of going for Solo was orbit and other auto flight modes. Now DJI is introducing those features with P3 Standard and coming to P3 other models soon. What's your opinion?(if we disregard the customer service comparison). I want to trust 3DR but feel like DJI might be better on GPS hold etc than 3DR?

[@AeroworksProductions]

dayanj Stay tuned to our channel in the next couple days for a 3 way comparison video.

[@gremlin60]

flight time?

[@CarlosRojas-ph1ct]

when you buy the "Solo" includes the GoPro and how much it costs

[@AeroworksProductions]

Carlos Rojas The Solo does not come with GoPro, Gimbal or tablet. Those are all extras.

[@paulsaunders7122]

How often do you suggest calibrating the solo. Once after you buy it or at regular intervals?

[@AeroworksProductions]

+Paul Saunders When you get it, when ever you travel long distances, if you think your case has ever been dropped or come in contact with a high magnetic source like speakers in your trunk, and any time the app or the Solo isn't acting right. Sounds like a lot but better safe than sorry. Support led times continue to grow and the standard support email is not even reviewed for 2-3 days.

[@recent808]

Not sure why people aren't able to hit the record button during flight. I have a gopro 3 black on mines an it allows me to record and stop record during flight.

[@tracortracor92]

Hey Aeroworks, is there a way to get a hold of you guys to ask some questions? I do appreciate you reviewing the Solo as I'm new owner of one of them. My biggest concern is you guys seeing this as an obsolete platform. What's the best way to get a hold of it guys? Thanks!

[@AeroworksProductions]

www.aeroworksproductions.com

[@fede018]

Is the tablet included? Can you use your own?

[@AeroworksProductions]

fede018 Tablet is not included. iOS or Android will work though.

[@sammyfuentes2561]

I want to buy one 3DR solo bout is my firts time and I want to know if is worth the money it don't comes with the gimbal and I want to know if is whoth the 500. Dólar ore not?

[@RichardsWorld]

Reasons to buy this... you can go to a store and buy it locally... if you have a Bestbuy store nearby. It looks more cool than the DJI, and maybe some of the "smart" functions. That seems to be about it.

[@3DRobotics]

Richard's World Wireless HD downlink from GoPro® to iOS or Android from half a mile-no other drone does that. Exclusive and industry-first Smart Shots for one-touch, one-take easy aerial cinema: Cable cam, Orbit, Follow and Selfie. It can follow you. It goes 55 mph. Exclusive GoPro access for in-flight camera control and charging, including stop and start recording in flight. Pixhawk 2 next-gen autopilot - with redundancy for your redundancy. Industry leading customer support with full flyaway replacement and 30-day money-back guarantee. Gimbal presets with adjustable auto tilt control and adjustable speed control. One-touch emergency airbrake. Open gimbal bay for us or third parties to add new cameras and sensors to Solo’s carrying capacity. Open accessory bay for just about any other type of drone tech innovation you can think of, from us or others.

[@keironcsmith]

A fair review! Thank you this has been the most non biased review yet. It was very informative stating the good and the bad as well as the extra features that will be gained once the gimbal is attached. I also like how you said you'll do another review once the gimbal is in your possession. Thank you, you this was an excellent review!

[@carterrhyasen255]

Keiron Smith I know right

[@el3usis]

Do you need a cellphone connection on your tablet? How does the live video feed communicate between your gopro & tablet? Cheers

[@AeroworksProductions]

No you do not need a cellular connection. Video feed and control are transmitted over the Solo's private wifi connection.

[@el3usis]

+Aeroworks Productions Awesome, thanks for the reply

[@AeroworksProductions]

+el3usis Don't forget to subscribe!

[@itintelspage]

Great review!

[@Mn8Multimedia]

Is there an update to this video with the gimbal??

[@AeroworksProductions]

+Mn8Multimedia We would love to do another video with the gimbal and GoPro but 3DR is not currently working with us in regards to the Solo.

[@jtepsr]

Dear Adam I had pre ordered my solo on April 17, never got it from my dealer, canceled order because I was disgusted with 3dr in the way they handled this. The fact that it was not released with the gimbal makes me feel something is wrong with it. I bought a yuneec typhoon 4k Maybe next year when they get their act together

[@AeroworksProductions]

James Tepedino Totally understandable. In this market of a new drone every 3 months or less, waiting for a gimbal or any other part to complete your system is unacceptable. If it's not ready, don't release it. Especially if you advertise it as a smart drone requiring the gimbal to be smart :)

[@bara1918]

cool drone! still like it?

[@AeroworksProductions]

Stef the brainiac We love it, flies great and will be even better when the gimbal is released.

[@RonaldBrown59]

Nice review, and thanks for sharing.

[@GregCountry1]

So where is the updated review with the gimbal? Had mine for a week now, and it is just as good as my DJI if not better as far as ease of use.... Not sure what you mean by a big letdown...

[@AeroworksProductions]

3DR has been a huge let down. They got rid of all their great legacy products and made the Solo rely on another vendors camera. Now they add a Sony tablet and camera, call it a commercial UAV and charge over $6,000 for it. No thanks!

[@lloydprunier4415]

Great review, I have only had my Solo for a little less than a week. I received the 3 axis gimbal and was shocked to see the stiffness of the cable and wires that connect to it inside. Will probably have to make some mods similar to what I have seen others do. I know they have a relationship with Go Pro, but to make the gimbal with the fixed connector to only fit the Go Pro is a bummer for me. I don't have a Go Pro and can't afford one for sometime. I was hoping to use a cheap action cam until I get the Solo paid off but it appears that the connector in the gimbal will block the install of the cheap camera even though it has the HDMI connection. Hoping there is room inside the cheap camera to cut a relief slot to clear the connector.

[@drtray7364]

Isn't the only thing not made by 3dr the gopro? I'm not sure that sony has anything to do with it, and the price of it with the gopro is around 1200, not 6000. And anyway, they are moving more into the commercial market rather than the consumer.

[@AeroworksProductions]

+Dr Tray store.3dr.com/products/site-scan-hardware-license

[@drtray7364]

I believe that that product is for the site scan, which is a commercial tool. not the drone itself that a consumer would use. store.3dr.com/products/3dr-solo-with-3-axis-gimbal is what I found for the solo, minus the gopro.

[@kirstyloreenparton8733]

I read somewhere that this drone has problems with the gps and video if there is no wifi. This might be a really stupid question, so please bare with me as I am a tech idiot and looking into purchasing this for my boyfriend. If you're outside with no wifi is there a problem streaming the video and navigating the drone? I read a review where someone said something similar to this.

[@AeroworksProductions]

Kirsty, a wifi signal is not required to fly outdoors or stream the video signal. The Solo creates its own wifi hotspot and connects the Solo to the remote control and the remote control to the mobile device for viewing the camera video. Some people have had issues with their connection but a lot of that has to do with each persons location and environment. Contact us at www.hardcoredrones.com and we be happy to assist you with your drone selection.

[@androidpastor]

+Aeroworks Productions have you gotten the gimbal yet?

[@AeroworksProductions]

+androidpastor We did not. 3DR was not interested in us distributing the Solo so we sold ours and moved on.

[@99ejs99]

I have been flying mine, just getting used to maneuvering around and I am getting frustrated waiting for the gimbal. It does fly great and I have tried out all the automated features and they do work as advertised. I just want the f#kn gimbal to arrive

[@AeroworksProductions]

edwin suarez Couldn't agree more.

[@3DRobotics]

edwin suarez Gimbal shipping now!

[@AeroworksProductions]

3D Robotics Ship us one and we do a new review.

[@cwick221978]

Useful info and review. Thanks

[@LoveJoyPeaceAndHopeForAll]

Great review!! BTW, It's Inertial Measurement Unit, not Internal :)

[@5162peak]

I completely agree with the statements regarding the gimble. Video is worthless without the gimble.

[@3DRobotics]

Stephen Peak Gimbal shipping now!

[@5162peak]

+3D Robotics awesome! Love the solo. It's freaking awesome! Blows the phantom out of the water. I can't wait for the gimble. :)

[@s0berlin]

Has anyone taken stills via GoPro on timed shutter mode? If so is their a way to access the GPS data and tag it to the exif data on the images? This is a necessity for the type of work I am looking to do with the solo.

[@3DRobotics]

Stephen Oberlin Yes, we offer that capability via the Pixhawk. Contact [e-mail] for more info!

[@OhioPrepperOne]

Awesome review, great job!

[@HomesteadEngineering]

IMU: Inertial Measurement Unit

[@AeroworksProductions]

I corrected this in the video if you see the description. What happens when you film, edit and shoot in one take.

[@streamsniperjeremy]

Best Buy is liquidating their stock of these for $299 so not a bad deal for something that once cost $1,600 lol. I'm getting one just because they are so cheap. I don't care that 3DR isn't going to make more or continue with this model/line. Hopefully I get a good one

[@JohnSparda01]

hey i just saw that deal for best buy...i was gonna get the mavic pro, but this being 300 and come with the gamble free and then getting go pro for 300 is that a better deal? or just stay with getting the mavic pro?

[@SPDATA1]

Great! Informative and really helpful. Thank´s for UL. 👍

[@JohnS916]

Nice review, very informative as I just learned of this quad. Needless to say their video introduction was very impressive. I like what I see so far, but the jury is out until they fit a gimbal as the reviewer stated. I wonder what the hold up is on installing a gimbal? All the known quads have gimbals, maybe 3DR is working on something very unique to their quad, who knows. I'm always impressed with easy to use quads, so-called user friendly. I'm still in the research mode before I buy, but first I want to practice with a cheap drone just to get the hang of flying them. The intro price of $999 sounded attractive at first, but once you add a gimbal and spare battery you are in the $1500-$1600 range (I forgot what they were asking for these accessories, just a guess on my part). If thats the case I wonder if there are still enough advantages to the 3DR over the Phantom Advanced or even the Professional because they come in at a substantially lower cost, thats if the gimbal is included. Besides that I believe the Phantom 3 models also include a pretty nice camera too and by that will further widen the price gap because the Hero 4 option will push the price of the 3DR to close to 2 grand. Despite the user friendly features of the 3DR and if my figures are correct, I would buy the Phantom 3 professional. I heard their camera doesn't have the rounded horizon and is also 4K on the professional model.

[@3DRobotics]

John S Our gimbal is indeed unique-it not only stabilizes the camera, but communicates with the onboard computer and autopilot to control automatic camera pointing during Smart Shots. We’ve released a series of blogs over the summer detailing the production and release process for the gimbal - check those out? But it’s now shipping, and will be in the first customers’ hands next week!

[@victoroquendo2525]

The one thing that makes me nervous about buying is the fact that keep hearing people loosing their DJI Phantoms to connection loss. last thing i need is to loos my Gopro and a drone. Thoughts anyone? Is this drop reliable?

[@AeroworksProductions]

Are you interested in a Phantom or Solo? I can say that as a user of all DJI products, we have never had a connection issue or anything close to a flyaway. Also "Flyaway" is almost never heard of anymore. Many improvements in the last 1.5 years.

[@victoroquendo2525]

Aeroworks Productions thinking about getting the solo I mean for $399 with gimbal and extra battery at bestbuy seems like a steal

[@AeroworksProductions]

Yes, at that price definitely worth it. Hopefully they will continue to support them.

[@DoNothingChecks]

So if someone is buying their 1st drone, $350 with gimbal, extra battery and props is a good buy? I really like the Mavric ((I was excited about Karma until i heard there was no "follow-me" mode)) but wasn't sure if i could spend the $1k yet. That's a lot of money that i cant spend on my snowboards and mountian bikes lol.

[@waqasusmans]

DoNothingChecks, it depends on the features. This drone offers live FPv at 720p, altitude hold, auto return, follow me, orbit mode, way points and cable cam. It's max speed is 55mph!! I just bought one from Best Buy for $299. They have a package deal for $299 with Gimbal, extra battery and extra props. That's a steal compared to the original price of $1000+ for the whole package!

[@nippyzipper5524]

Decent honest review, no messing around unboxing and repeating the company blurb I can read anywhere, thanks for that. I could be tempted when the gimbal comes out, but to be honest it's just too expensive in the UK.. Solo + gimbal + 1 spare battery comes to around £1500. In the USA same package is around $1550 (£1000.). At £1000 I'd maybe go for it, but not at £1500. I don't need 4K video at the moment, a Phantom 3 Advanced comes in way cheaper and would likely suit my purposes pretty well .... shame really.

[@robertbowen9417]

there are quite a few great choices out there now. I guess price is the only real issue, although if you are anything like me, if I really want it, I'll find a way. lol

[@rallygou]

$300 on BestBuy .. ;)

[@oibal60]

Thanks for this.

[@Duraltia]

Hmm... RTF UAV's about the size and price range of the 3DR Solo should come with an App ( Android, iOS & Windows Phone ) that asks for the Serial of the UAV, once entered you're being asked to watch a series of Instruction/Safety/Guidance Videos, answer a set of questions related to each Videos and only if you answered them correctly should you be given the unlock Code matching the Serial of your UAV. The Videos should include stuff like: Common UAV Etiquette ( or Rules to go by ) Setting up your UAV before first flight Unsuitable conditions to fly in Things that can go wrong Your very first flight After your flight Maintenance It took two hard landings before I researched into the problem and why they happened before I found out about Vortex Ring State. I'm still not confident in knowing when a Fresnel Zone starts. All stuff not a soul tells you about in their Manuals ( DJI doesn't... )

[@AeroworksProductions]

Duraltia I've had this idea when it comes to limiting altitudes. Pilots with FAA exemptions would be allowed to fly at higher altitudes or at minimum up to the 400' maximum. Beginners and those without exemptions would be limited to lower altitudes. The problem is that the code would be hacked or shared in 5 minutes on the internet.

[@davidmanegold]

An "Internal" measurement unit?.... maybe check that again.

[@AeroworksProductions]

David Manegold This was corrected in the video via text if you watched. We all have flubs once in a while, especially when you are the photographer, sound guy, editor and actor :)

[@4jup4ter4]

Thank you!!!

[@Megamare1]

2020 & all the mods for Solo. Ppl still buying & using um!! Just batteries but can kinda get around that too

[@billgerety3359]

Thanks

[@tainoindio8129]

thanks good video

[@kellychan5705]

Ordered a drone from 3DR but keep on ordering missing things. These products are not for amateur. Please be careful.

[@adriancastro1456]

so i keep hearing gimbal. um, what is that? lol. and um, is it worth buying now?

[@tims2430]

LOL YES! It stables your video and pics and takes out the vibrations out. Get it!!

[@mortifiedbmx9282]

What happened to PS4? 😂

[@Zeaiclies]

my only down side to this drone is it's 20min. flight time.

[@U238Gu]

Made in China?

[@AeroworksProductions]

Yes, the Solo was. All previous products were made in their Tijuana or San Diego offices.

[@thebeastboy3413]

Could you send me a drone to make a video on youtube if you can plz cantact me and thankyou

[@adriancastro1456]

wish i could get a drone too. lol

[@Anthob22]

one of the best looking drones in its class but i think its too expensive being that DJI is leading the market

[@graphguy]

Packaging? A waste. Soft case is good. The copter that doesn't have retractable landing gear - bad. Price point compared to DJI - bad locked into GoPro - bad

[@redjack56]

I was lusting after the Solo in the beginning, now I feel like it is way over priced : Drone $1,000 GoPro 3+ or 4 another $350-400 plus Gimbal must have for proper video feed $400 You might also want an extra battery $150 So you see where I'm going, honestly for this kind of money this release should have been spot on but it was and is plagued by product delays and too much HYPE. There are better deals out there to be had you just need to do the research. Just my opinion.

[@davidringler7131]

I have had 3 iris.s and know a lot of people who have them and never ever once did I see it need to be autotuned!. All I ever saw what happened to those who autotuned there iris had nothing but problems! Especaily new to multirotor people or those that came from dji!. Autotune is for custom builds to get you in the ballpark!.Unless you know pixhawk let settings alone on iri DO NOT AUTOTUNE THERE IS NO NEED EVER!

[@droneaerial9140]

No gimbal on release? WTF? The P3 is miles better than the P2V+, and includes a camera at $999, so they've priced it better. DJI is winning this war. I'm *amazed* by the P3 over the P2V+ even.

[@rolo9570]

People waiting longer time than expected makes no sense at all... 3dr released Solo and they are now facing problems with the gimbal and Solo is "useless " without it. In my opinion, thats called false advertising

[@3DRobotics]

Nic Holas Gimbal is now shipping! And as for the delay, we’ve been transparent about the production and release process in a series of blogs over the summer. Have you checked those out? Enlightening about how complex the process is, and why we made the decisions to delay that we did-didn’t want to ship a merely passable product, but the best on the market.

[@bobcraig3648]

First comments negative, about a strap, and paint job? Who does this company really represent?

[@AeroworksProductions]

Professional observations but on a side note this review is over 1 1/2 old and really not relevant anymore as the Solo is almost extinct.

[@mortifiedbmx9282]

Not a helicopter btw. Its a pet peve of mine when ppl say that 😂

[@Prometheus1979]

What a bunch of cry babies, this is my first drone and I love it!! Almost bought a phantom 3 but I chose solo. I'm having so much fun with it and I don't have a gimble or go pro yet.

[@AeroworksProductions]

+mike poret As this is your first drone you may not want to critique others until you get experience with many different types of drones. Does the Solo have some good points? Of course. Does it still have issues? Yes. We fly several brands, types and sizes. There really isn't one drone for every job. Also, since this is your first drone, please don't be one of the many new statistics and do something stupid with it. No airports, White Houses, don't fly above 400' and you might as well keep it to under 200', don't fly over people, concerts, football games, etc. Be safe and have fun.

[@billsomrak]

As I mentioned to someone on a FB group, who was touting the "new low price" of this POS, now at $399, I said I wouldn't buy one for $39.95. I might buy one for $3.95 to display as a classic FAIL I don't think you can chalk up thousands of flyaways on an improperly calibrated IMU. 3DR is LEAVING the hobby drone business, and retailers are trying to DUMP this thing as fast as they can, recouping as much as they can before the bottom of the market for this thing hits. Perhaps, some time in the distant future, these might become highly prized, much as a pristine EDSEL or PINTO is sought after at "historic vehicle" shows.

[@G3e8White]

Great drone, but def not worth the money due to the tragic batteries.

[@gomigman5936]

What a piece of junk! The biggest let down I've ever spent so much money on!

[@AeroworksProductions]

We agree with you on that. 3DR is a big let down.

[@gomigman5936]

Sorry to use the profanity that I did, I can edit it I'm just really frustrated at the moment since I can't do anything with it! Thx.

[@gomigman5936]

Well, basically it stopped working 6 months and barely a few flights and no crashes! After I paid so much money for it also. Not only that, the way they advertised it as the next coming greatest drone at Best Buy before even allowing you to see it and having to buy it (except the promotions). But since I made that post, I then was dealing with the people at 3DR only to find out that they can actually get into your particular unit and see a log of your flights and they determined that we hadn't crashed it and that the problem was the hard drive itself either in the remote unit or the drone (I forget) in the unit was kaput! So I had to ship it back and they did send a "refurbished one" which we tested and has flown. So at the moment of the post I was quite angry that it would fail in such a short time and all the comparisons seem to put the Phantom 4 slightly ahead of it which makes me skeptical of this unit. Anyway, we're taking it out in some harsh conditions and flying it to it's limit to see if it truly holds up and then re-decide. Sorry if the original post was a bit harsh. I'll try to edit it as the moment I maid it I was quite upset after dealing with it's failure. But the people at #3DR were pleasant to deal with despite how angry and rude that I was so I do give them credit for that.

[@patrickdoyle569]

This company has been a nightmare to deal with. They have a common software issue that mine experienced. 4 weeks ago I sent my request for a solution and was told that it would be 2-3 week for it to be reviewed. It still has not been reviewed! After my purchase I found an article in Forbes Magazine pretty much saying that their new technology gave them the ability to take over the industry, but apparently they screwed something up because the article also said they are struggling to stay alive. BUYER BEWARE.