Catch Your DRONE: No 2nd Chance! Most Awesome Way to do it on a Sailboat - Free Range Sailing Ep 203

[@hamishesslemont3705]

There are only two types of drone pilots; those who have crashed or lost their drones, and those that haven’t.........yet ! For vloggers like you guys, the drone adds another dimension to your production, which one simply cannot do without. 😊👍

[@patraic5241]

That rope attachment is a brilliant tweak. I wouldn't be surprised if manufacturers pickup on it and add the idea to their designs.

[@brunsonr]

That drone catching design is an elegant solution. Nicely done.

[@robertscranton8293]

I so much love how the two of you work together in all things you do. Wonderful!!

[@M2008tw]

I think it looks like a super good idea for a smart way to grab the drone. My only comment here is that when you are on the water there are far more variables at play. That's why whoever grabs the drone should wear safety glasses and gloves - better to look crazy for a short moment than to have to walk around with a glass eye for the rest of your life.

[@jennifermackinnon6982]

You explain things so well! No techno jargon just straightforward. Lovely.

[@helgioiisac]

This really help me in antarctic travel. Thank you!

[@nealmusto4947]

You are one clever bloke. Found your site when I was looking for info on rope to chain splicing and you blew me way with that and other tips and tricks during you refit. Keep it up.

[@rayyoung7780]

I like the haircut and beard trim Troy.

[@mikefetterman6782]

Cool innovation. The Aussies have always been like that. What are they putting in that Zyweic beer over there? ha ha

[@OliverM1812]

Do you know that it is not recommended to hold the drone while it tries to (re)start? (As you show at 10:33 of this vid.) The motors might get overloaded as it automatically gives full power. A solution is to flip the drone 180° around (props facing downwards) as soon as you got good hold of it, then DJI drones stop all motors immediately. Can be helpful both when a second person catches the drone as well as the pilot himself, as you do not need to pull both sticks down into the "corner". Super idea the rope - I will have one for my drone. Not only on a moving sailboat, but also on land when you have to handcatch (e.g. no dustfree landing spot or long grass) this is very useful. Thank you!

[@hansdegroot652]

after dicoveribg all the sailing videos and realizing a boat would be to expensive for me i bought a drone now i can make cool shots of the parking lot

[@PastorwithoutaPulpit]

You're both a walking testament to, "Where there's a Will, There's a Way". Well done and thank you for sharing because experience is the best teacher. Wow, I'm just full of cliche's today... Fair winds, following seas, safe travels and God Bless...

[@wimvandermaas1898]

Nice solution, inspired by your solution I came up with a variant that should have less air resistance and simply landing on the ground could also be possible. my idea is a thin fishing line (0.5 or 1 meter) with a small piece of lead at the bottom. Then you can grab it and simply pull it down until you can grab the drone.

[@stevesargent8611]

I had the same problem with my dji drone whilst filming off the Royal Notional Park. I didn’t realise until til after, as you did, that it was set to 300 m from the home point. Anyway, drone recovered I now have a set of floats on my drone. That means I can recover it if it goes in the water and also allows me to catch in easily on the boat.

[@peteryin742]

That was a most informative video. Learned heaps. Thanks!

[@heyt54]

Very clever idea, thanks for sharing, guys! Cheers from Sydney, where we had a beautiful day of sailing yesterday followed by thunderstorms today...

[@Madsfoghandersen]

Thanks for the idea of ​​using a string to catch the drone. But instead of sewing velcro to the string, I tied an adjustable grip hitch to secure the string around the drone. works perfect and easy to make. I use a 5-6mm. cord instead of 12mm. It is sufficient for me and only 10g👍.

[@SailingSula]

brilliant, thank you. will try the rope on the drone 👍

[@DinghyCruisingKingfisher]

Super helpful video. Am experimenting with a dji mini off the back of my heron. Talk about tricky landing in a hove to dinghy! There was blood. Everywhere…

[@MiQBohlin]

Very clever and informative episode. 🚁 There are quite a number of drone cut’s made by sailing channels. This one is in my opinion the best and most honest I’ve watched so far. Several clips of how to mount a shaft (or downward mast) and still, this is the first one with a strap. Seems easy and cost effective to make, not affecting the performance too much and not least important - lightweight.

[@FreeRangeLiving]

Easy and cost effective. That's us!

[@OcRefrig]

👍

[@johndixon5097]

Great video and great subject. Keep up the good work.

[@gazzasbees9377]

Thank you both so much. I like the new drone recovery lanyard ! Plenty of old 12mm to re-purpose here and I like the needle threading tip. I also was concerned about the home location changing when you were underway and this helps enormously. The eagle attack footage I must have missed before , they sure are hefty beasts, at my land based home there lives a pair of White Bellied Sea Eagles that own the airspace, I am sure they would love to play with a new drone ensuring an unfortunate outcome. The protective case looks good and I reckon the dedicated controller is a good inclusion, once again, my sincere thanks, absolutely made my day, Cheers from Gazza.

[@Nauticalimage]

You can set the drone home point to the controller so you don’t ever have that problem

[@gianluigimorelli7104]

Very useful for me! I flew the drone from the boat while sailing only once, with a very lucky recovery… this video will give me the tips and the courage to try again!

[@musbe1603]

Very awesome drone video ❤️❤️❤️

[@ianc4901]

I always likes your minimal approach to drone footage, quality is far better than quantity and the first couple of shots in this video were stunning, I'll have to grab a couple of stills for desktop backgrounds ! 😁 That shot of the ray was incredible too, I love the colours in those shots !

[@Grasshoppa65]

Love you guys.

[@pfeif1312]

The drone footage really shows how well you have designed the dodger, looks amazing, and like OEM!

[@kranzonguam]

Really interesting! I've wondered about drones on boats, and you've answered them! Thanks!! Take good care!!

[@reyarmas7]

insert a wire inside the rope to give it more rigidity

[@greenicecaps]

Awesome! Great tip!

[@QuitoWashington]

As I don't have heat gun or sewing skills, I have simply tied a 6mm rope around it with a bow line and about 10" of free rope hanging...does the trick so thank you for the idea! updating this because this just saved my drone....was flying and we drifted INTO the airport space...as a result, it would not follow the yacht....had to pull a quick U turn and had someone who never caught a drone before catch it with the strap hanging down....also, had someone else piloting the yacht so i could get the drone just in the right spot.... however.....the footage straight down means I can see the strap hanging down...that was a bummer

[@LesSharp]

Thanks guys! Great tips!

[@AdrianSmythe]

GENIUS !!!

[@dmarykavanagh]

Nice job!!!

[@andrevanderheyden7356]

I like your drone,its a flying thing with a ...strapon.👍👍🤙🤙👏👏💯😁

[@rw2578]

Well done. Nothing wrong at all with a little variation in content + The simple fact that you two could make any subject interesting.

[@tsurdyk]

The best solutions are the most simple. Elegant, even. Very nicely done.

[@rickytapper9779]

This is a fantastic idea. So simple, yet so necessary. Thank you for this. I plan on doing this for my drone on the boat right now.

[@georgepeat5269iearth]

love the calm demeanour of you both. your suggestive ideas& craftmanship is great. continued good health& sailing.

[@tommac9578]

Look into a Skydio 2 drone on the intetnet it will land on its container pad logo.

[@foundatsea3483]

Brilliant’

[@constantcomment1954]

I hope you get a patent for your idea quickly!!!!!!!!!

[@triggermurgatroyd9976]

The gear information episodes are by far my favourite, thanks guys.

[@brianboys9015]

Very interesting.

[@matt_kildea]

Ok this is message number 23 of " I want Free Range Sailing to come to South Australia" campaign Cheers Matt

[@jefferyturner517]

You too are the best lol. From Tennessee. Thanx U 2. J&K Turner.

[@MrTallpoppy58]

Drone shots are really good to provide overall context, so don't worry, they are good. Also, really admire your do no harm attitude, a perfect example for us all. So a small metal bucket & a bit of sand are a good addition to the must have list, so you don't burn your boat down. lol

[@richardherndon1541]

Very clever solution to an annoying problem. Great video!

[@LarsBocher]

That is an excellent idea. Perhaps the gripstrap could be made by just an extra length of velcro? Oh, and also a very handsome haircut, Troy. Is that another one of Pascale's talents?

[@FreeRangeLiving]

The rope was effective in that it was not prone to being buffeted upward into the rotors. As we said, the rotors provide down-draft but theoretical physics is not our strong suite (unlike cooperative hair-cutting😉) so paranoia ruled the day.

[@petersparkie]

great tips for drone. I wasn't aware of using phone "flight mode" to avoid interruptions. I've recently bought "FireHouse" brand strobe lights and find they really help visually locating the drone in clouds or dark ravine type situations.

[@edmundbarrett-lennard6640]

Great video. When RC car lipo batteries are swollen or damaged they are put into salt water to discharge until safe. This would also work for drone batteries, so if in the future you have swollen or suspect batteries. This would be the best way to keep them until you can dispose of them correctly. Just as you did in the metal container

[@Buckskin40]

Once again a most informative video on a subject I know nothing about, but it was fascinating. Thank you Troy and Pascy! You two provide me with many vicarious experiences that add to the pleasure of living. I really hope you will tell us soon your forward plans, 'sans Mirool'!

[@djkillachris]

Happened to me with my air 2 while sailing. I've been scared to try it again.

[@danfadden]

Would have never thought about using a rope instead of what most use (pvc pipe). It’s just as good but also lightweight and can fold up nicely in the case or your pocket! Love it! Great video!

[@jeffslaven]

That is an ingenious and inexpensive solution to drone catching. What's the bet some company will see this and create something similar and charge a fortune for it as an accessory!

[@sailingddcircumnavigation5931]

Awesome

[@waterboy8999]

Over and above everything else, and drones, both of you are great, kind regards from Scotland.

[@glenndavis479]

Who couldn't watch a video that imparts knowledge from experience , if you buggers aren't writing a book on Sailing/Circumnavigating Australia in the background I'd be very surprised...nice job splitting the topics down below as well.

[@carolinemcdougall8708]

Clever bunnies. I had a little drone (Entry zoneDji) yes I lost it. It did have a follow me" mode. I thought this was how the sailors kept their drones watching. This was very informative.

[@andythemick132]

Interesting review. my first DJI did not have video so I put a LED light on the front so I could see when it was facing me at distance to bring it back. Also helped if you wanted to fly in low light.

[@miguelpaixao1317]

Quite nice your explanation about drones. I do not know nothing about It. As you said Troy,, learning something more today. Thank you both!!

[@mememe5231]

On lipo’s. To discharge usually make a connector that fit’s your battery with a small high powered light bulb. So it can discharge the battery quickly for disposal. But you can stick them in a bowl of salt water for a few weeks to discharge. And supposedly neutralize the lithium. There are a few videos on proper discharge procedures.

[@RonClifford]

Exactly what I've been looking for. I'm on an Arctic Expedition in the summer and need to grab the drone from a moving ship and a zodiac

[@FreeRangeLiving]

A grand expedition! Good luck down there.

[@hampelrutledge4624]

Very clever solution to the problem!

[@jamesbaldwin2866]

Love the drone shots of Mirool blasting along. Found drone info and hacks fascinating. Have been curious about drone operation. Thanks for another great video!

[@iansmith6086]

The drone shots of you in full sail are fantastic

[@westmc45]

I found this the most helpful video you have made so far. I am looking for a drone now for my yacht and this helped me so much.

[@svfinisterra4182]

These drones have some great avoidance control features. The last 2 drones Ive had (Skydio 2) are so far advanced they crashed into sea because of obstacle avoidance, great for land not for the sea and sailboats. Thanks for sharing this. Cheers ⛵️🤙🏽😊

[@waynedoeblin6801]

You’re a clever cookie Troy,no doubt about it 👌🙂

[@memyselfandi9365]

I sometimes look at N.B.J.S. (no bullshit just sailing) that guy Erik flies drones in stormy weather.. SOLO... After looking at this I 'm even more confused how he retrieves drones?! Maybe he uses a giant butterfly net.😅. great work you too , we all enjoy your channel you have kept us sane while in lockdowns...👍

[@davefoster7770]

Over the sea. On the sea. Under the sea. You have found a nice balance. So...You're buying a new boat right? What's going on with that?

[@markfishersolosailing7033]

Hi, I modified my plastic potato masher, now i'm eating chips only lol :)

[@paulf897]

Have you thought about stringing a net over the cockpit and flying into it, cutting the power just before landing? Something similar works on aircraft carriers when the arrester hook fails and planes land in barricade net. If you had a large net made from soft material, flying into it and cutting power should work. Sticking a few hooks underneath may help it stay in net. Could land easier in strong winds and single handed?

[@OcRefrig]

Sounds like a Good idea ! Something like what a Catamaran has up front. Catamaran Net is probably awesome for landing drones.

[@paulf897]

I reckon having a loose'ish horizontal net (to avoid the drone bouncing off) and a few hooks underneath the drone would work really well.

[@FreeRangeLiving]

We like a minimal approach that stows well and can be deployed in a few seconds.

[@paulf897]

You would only need half a dozen or so clips to clip it on to the stanchions and lines, would pack up small too. It wouldn't need to be held that taught. Would work better on a bigger boat. Keeps the landing well away from fingers.

[@FreeRangeLiving]

1 strip of Velcro, 6" recycled rope, 3 seconds of your time.The hazard to drones is rigging so catching it outside the rigging is key especially given the deck (or a net) is rising and falling through a metre on a lot of retrievals so I'm afraid you have no chance of selling me on a net, but that's not to say you should be discouraged from rigging up your drone and yacht like that.

[@robinwells8879]

Drones have added an enormous amount of professionalism to videography. I find the footage mesmerising. Don’t hold back with the drone footage on my account. If you think what the options were like just last century they are truly remarkable pieces of technology but they just don’t like the standing rigging of a yacht. I am singularly talentless as a drone pilot with no hand eye coordination and so I have yet to be brave enough to deploy mine over water even if it’s a cheapy. They must be useful for navigating coral reef passes and the like for spotting the uncharted lumps and bumps.

[@davee5109]

like the catch rope. I was just thinking how far you have come in your video education since starting your channel! Keep it up!

[@keithh8661]

Hey guys ,check out Captain drone,he tells alot ,and also demos the drones, he showed one that ,returns to the remote ,is waterproof,and remote,can land it in water and look under water,take off from water ,if lands upside down in water ,can flip it over and take off ,but covers all the good and bad,bout all types of drones, thanks for great vidios

[@joecucch8261]

I put Velcro on a work helmet and some on the drone bottom. But so far I can't get anyone to wear the Helmet so I can do a landing in forward motion.

[@FreeRangeLiving]

You are giving them too much information. Need to know basis only..

[@topnobau]

Great idea about the rope! I've cut my finger on my current one! and bent(which means broken, once your spares are gone) the blades on my old one.

[@robinpedler1239]

Had the same problem with my mavic pro drone using short side connection disconnecting, very frustrating ,changed to USB under back of controller to phone and no problem , love your show

[@HDXBear]

Outstanding and very informative and that pressure relief valve everyone needs one of those. Cheers to ya both from British Columbia

[@svfreelance8235]

Thanks guys your productions are always inspirational good job Alan and the Sv Freelance in Canada

[@alanrobinson5109]

Hi Troy & Pascale, very interesting video, felt sorry for your drone which was attacked by the eagle. All the best from the UK.

[@tophatter15]

Again, a brilliant video!! Thank you!! Cheers n beers!

[@HopeOfJoe]

Thanks guys. Some very great information and tips. Stuff to remember. ✨ ✌️ ✨ 🌞

[@roderickmchardy3650]

hi ,,,, did you do an episode on fitting your Katadyn water maker ,, i have seen the refurb one and hope that you have an instilation one ,,, ta R

[@sailingkarma6772]

Set return to home point to ‘ controller’, on catching turn the drone on its side and the motors will auto cutout

[@donnakawana]

Brilliantly done, I've learned so much watching your channel... I love that!! Your 2 interesting intelligent ppl.. No to mention just like a weekly documentary film.. Thanks for all you 2 do an give.. really grateful subscriber....😊 Fare winds an following sea's my friends ✌🏼🧡😊❣️

[@LiftRanger]

Another great informational video. Look into Skydio drones. Their adverts say they are the best "follow me" drones on the market. That might solve the "home" issue.

[@Garryck-1]

A gear episode, AND a sewing tip! Awesome!

[@tilongatao]

Very interesting indeed. So that's the point of flight mode.

[@jimguy08]

Drone jesses: brilliant!

[@justme.9711]

Time stamps are great.

[@WildlyIntrepid]

Brillant! I'm gonna give that rope idea a go. Thanks. Did you whip the rope to the Velcro?

[@FreeRangeLiving]

Sewed it with whipping twine

[@joellynparks7805]

Thank you so much. Important information 📢

[@jerrycrockett2545]

Thanks for mentioning the moving home point issue. It seems obvious in retrospect but I'm not sure it would have occurred to me trying to retrieve a drone at sea. Excellent episode.

[@mobiuslooped1551]

FYI, on my old Mavic Pro Platinum there is a setting called "Turn OFF Max Distance". I believe it's in advanced settings. Not familiar with your model but see if that setting is available. Good luck. Martin -- s/v Lucky Spin PS - never had any problem with my MPP controller losing connection with iPhone 13 nor iPad 5th gen. I did get a longer USB to Lightning cable for the iPad, which By the way, amazing fits into the stock MPP controller. A tight fit but I like that! ;-)

[@lkirkby3]

Good tips and solution and some nice shots

[@parkeslife4323]

Nice work guys. On point as usual. Am a new drone pilot myself and have upgraded Mavic Mini to the Mavic Mini SE as it has the same wind resistance as the Mini 2, but for the price the extras of the Mini 2 didn't justify the extra few hundred $. Plus I prefer the controller and case of the Fly More Combo. Hi from the Sunshine Coast. 👍

[@nautichunt84]

Thank you for that, we have just got a dji mini se and this has given me a lot to think about. The phone call mid flight thing is a bit scary and we have trouble seeing the phone screen outside aswell