Drone Wars 3: The Skydio S2+ Review

[@aureycorreia]

Please never stop doing what you do. You are very appreciated. Thank you

[@cevisuals]

As an owner of 3 DJI drones, I have lamented that I"m stuck with Chinese made equipment I plan on repurposing one for strict recon capabilities. We literally have no other true American made drone companies that offer something that us mere mortals can afford. As a result, who knows what hidden proprietary tech is embedded that can disable using them at any given moment...

[@milesrost6674]

Well put. Thanks, Cheers!

[@accunutoutdoors2717]

Or, perhaps more sinister, access the data from. Location data and camera access are not good for any company to have without permission, let alone one in China.

[@michael18754]

I agree with you 100%.

[@sethlouey9922]

We need 0day to hack the DJI software and jailbreak it.

[@rickace132]

Maybe, a US company can buy DJI.

[@redmatador2]

This is my new favorite chanel now. Please make a video about Meshtastic devices.

[@MapleHillMunitions]

Please x2

[@waylonk2453]

I would also like a comprehensive meshtastic vid. Ham Radio Crash Course keeps up with the developers of the project over on his channel.

[@jamesbridges7750]

​@@waylonk2453Andy Kirby and Ringway Manchester(he is pulling off some super long range contacts) over in Britain have a crazy meshtastic community . I've been playing with them( atak plugins, directional antennas etc) but nothing like those guys and TheCommsChannel.

[@bachasaurus]

Plenty of meshtastic content out there, but as someone dipping their toes into meshtastic I would also appreciate an in depth discussion on its applications for "Trex" type activities

[@heathaustin2476]

Second this!

[@YorktownUSA]

The Skydio 2+ is no longer manufactured for individual consumption. To get one, have to call the company, pretend to be another company, and pay 5.5k minimum for what is normally a 1k drone. Soooo... DJI is still the only real game in town. There's a few other Chinese companies making them, but fuck it, if it's gunna be Chinese, might has well be DJI. I hope Skydio ramps it's production back up again, so they can make stuff for private citizens once again.

[@ronfurro4161]

CA based company... Free promotion and new customer traffic and you mark it not for sale. Brilliant!

[@762Coolhand]

Skydio is moving to LE and mil contracts only.

[@isaacbotkintrex]

Regular citizens can buy from Skydio, but you have to buy a big drone for big money. I wonder if they are saving their last few S2s for those of us with warranties.

[@hehe-mq2bk]

they have discontinued consumer-grade drones

[@user-mp3eq6ir5b]

Private Citizens gonna have to Upgrade to Auxiliaries. Don't Like the Feds? Get with your County.

[@LeftCatcher]

That could be modded to look for power lines, and also equip with an induction coil, and programmed to take advantage of parallel power lines in-route of it's primary directive(s) Could follow a car, or maintain a recon objective indefinitely if it can continually recharge via induction from power lines, although it wouldn't tell anyone it does that... Also I wonder if it can be embedded with a mesh network of other like drones, and made into a cluster computer, you could have a lead drone slave a cluster computational swarm, or a squad that has been outfitted with different onboard gear. And the "brain power" would increase with the size of the swarm. Your lead drone, or Master/brain drone, would literally just need to be a router to support the mesh network and direct the swarm as needed. Hell they could even send some of the drones to collect power from the power lines, and then dispense it amongst each other throughout longer missions. I wonder how this would work with a Nix Linux environment. Also if you can figure out contactless "in air refueling" via electronic induction, I think the Air Force & space Force would pay a lot of money for that. I'd do it, but I'm practically a foreskin's length away from being homeless so...

[@dylancleveland]

If it could be modded to look for powerlines, DJI would have done it by now with the Air 3 or Mini 4 Pro tbh.

[@user-mp3eq6ir5b]

I don't think a 5 olt 2.4 amp charge pad would survive bear contact with a 500MW porlwerlune Maybe perch on a cross tree between the center neutral and one of the 110v supply conductors. Next Topic: Bird Proofing

[@user-mp3eq6ir5b]

That didn't spell well thx a.i.

[@shmuckling]

Yo! This series is amazing! I've been wishing someone made videos breaking down this exact thing for a long time now!

[@hopewilliams6705]

This would be great for me as a Rural water operator... From 3D mapping my water system and looking for leaks where the lines run through the woods and not having to physically walk the line! It would be cool to drop a GPS Ball into the line then load that data in the drone to have an already marked path to get it to map the system. Im excited!

[@ericw8464]

They've been known to dive into water. Skydio says not to fly them over water and won't cover any accidents if they happen over water

[@hopewilliams6705]

@@ericw8464 gotcha but it's typically very small pools of water when we have a leak

[@RenegadeADV]

First one of your videos I have seen, great point of view. Looking forward to the next one on the drones in Combat!

[@94Greenbean]

When you demonstrated the 5G hotspot on the drone, my mind was blown, great idea! WOW that’s very very interesting indeed! Great work as usual guys! Love me some Botkin content any way I can get it!!!

[@hopewilliams6705]

Why wouldn't a person use it in that way ? Alot of times it only takes a little critical thinking to do wonders.

[@therealjohnsmith4811]

Skydio X10 with night sense is going for @ $28k / kit. A Mavic 3T can be had for @ $6k. For civilians, DJI is more realistic a capability.

[@isaacbotkintrex]

Yeah, but with less capabilities and regularly phoning home. There are tradeoffs.

[@Trooper_Zero1]

also, DJI drones have been proven to send photos back to china, as well as foreign companies tracking the drone. DJI drones also have limits such as going to high, among other things. I wouldn't trust anything from DJI.

[@therealjohnsmith4811]

@@Trooper_Zero1 No, they haven’t. Its full of could’s, possibly’s, and maybes.

[@therealjohnsmith4811]

@@Trooper_Zero1 There are no limits on DJI drone height. You have to go in and acknowledge that you understand and acknowledge the risks and legalities of flying above 400’ AGL. 400’ AGL (or 400’ above the highest structure in the immediate area) is the height limit for drones in the US without FAA approval. It’s a safety feature for the operator. They will not let you fly in FAA restricted areas unless you obtain the proper permissions from the FAA. While this may be a pain to a recreational consumer, its a blessing to those that use them for business and don’t want to lose their investment. There is way too much fear mongering about Chinese drones as we complain on devices made in China that have everything from personal finance info to photos you may not want anyone else to see. There is no proof anywhere that DJI drones send info back to China that is used by the CCP to exploit the info.

[@Trooper_Zero1]

@@therealjohnsmith4811 DJI is basically the Chinese government. The reason their drones are so affordable for their insane capabilities is because the Chinese govt is giving them huge subsidies because they understand the tactical advantage of wiping out the competition so that there are as many Chinese drones in the US and elsewhere. They can send all the data the drones collect back to China and the Chinese govt. it’s terrifying

[@timothyjones8863]

I am so excited for the next episode let’s go, FPV!!

[@waylonk2453]

The all-in-one android controller looks like a great match for quadcopters. Good idea!

[@Bhagya_supun]

Steamdeck would be even better option because it use open Linux operating system (Arch Linux fork) and you can install any linux software on it (basically a mobile Linux computer). Has a Open bootloader so you can install different operating system if you want to. It's Privacy and Repair friendly device. USA designed and made.

[@waylonk2453]

@@Bhagya_supun I didn't know the steam deck is open source and repair friendly. That's great news! I haven't had the balls to install linux on my PC yet but could see it on a steam deck. Now to find one used and I'll be in business.

[@aureycorreia]

Yesss been waiting for this video

[@akkid17]

Awesome video as usual 🤘🏻🤙🏼

[@johnnybagofdoughnuts4193]

The music is borderline Tron:Legacy in feel. It’s fantastic.

[@RAMZAVFX]

Good ol open source info. Love to see it.

[@SteelWolf13]

That's a vid I'd like to see. A walk through starting from install to setup to use on that android device with ATAK.

[@xxxlonewolf49]

Crazy cool avoidance stuff

[@kodiak7964]

Keep up the good work man.

[@SavageGoodsT]

See Canine Defense tech, Momentum drones, and Ark electronics. They are more into the DIY/hackable drone approach.

[@newtoncain]

fantastic

[@Shackleford_Rusty]

Good stuff overall loving this channel

[@felixruiz2838]

Great video !!!

[@BattleChemist]

It really does come down to a balance of cost and capability.

[@SarahGildaMarcos]

Thank you for sharing this, "Sir" good morning 💚🇵🇭💚

[@michael18754]

Dji 🥇

[@ipsctraveler9187]

Just awesome content.

[@hehe-mq2bk]

Didn't Skydio discontinue its consumer-grade drones?

[@timothyleebond]

Yeah unfortunately

[@iamninjak5250]

So if Skydio is no longer promoting the consumer market, what happens when the Skydio 2+ needs an update? will the software just sit stagnant from whenever the last update was done?

[@zachleitinger]

Do a future video on AUTEl drones I have heard that they are a bit more secure than DJI and are are less vulnerable to electronic warfare.

[@isaacbotkintrex]

Yeah, they are pretty highly praised by the drone pros that I know.

[@762Coolhand]

Autel drones are not GEO fenced like DJI. They are good but have been known to leave costumes high and dry with older units by not make last gen batteries.

[@user-mp3eq6ir5b]

Just a parting thought - considering the likelihood we are entering WW3 (5th Gen) picking up a couple of capable drones could be more useful for community protection than buying bricks of 7.62 rounds for your Zombie Defense Team. If you prepare for the EMP problem by storing your device packages in an RF container you could network with your local command and control to great effect.

[@cevisuals]

Agreed! 🇺🇲

[@cameron3525]

Dumb question: when you say “wifi” do you mean you have to connect to a preexisting wifi, or that the devices connect to each other using their own internal wifi. I don’t have wifi out here in the country-wondering if I can still use it.

[@T.REXLabs]

Internal WiFi. It makes it's own network.

[@lililililililili8667]

Need open source solutions like ardupulot capable of using camera based navigation

[@I2AT]

Love your content and the videography. Nicely done sir. Super cool to meet you outside of Shotshow this year. Take care from Idaho.

[@TonywithaT]

Can you do a video on drone signals and what they use and how they are spotted and counter tracked etc and how to encrypt them ?

[@user-sy4el3qx1u]

I just found your video blogs today I know I know I'm a terrible human being. But I enjoy them! And probably you heard this before but numerous points I can't help but think I'm listening to Norm Macdonald formerly of Saturday night Live (RIP) review drones... you sometimes sound like him. Carry on I'm only on episode 3, but I'll catch up

[@lukewilliams3334]

Much respect for Sydio; when innovation struck rock bottom for DJI (as will always occur when no meaningful competition is available), Skydio came in and whooped DJI back into action. It took them a few years but DJI is back on their feet. The privacy kind of sucks but on iPhones you can be careful about when and for what permissions will be accessible and should go through their privacy policy.

[@thomaslingkianwui]

I think DJI is very much like Tesla…if it ain’t broken, don’t fix it

[@therealjohnsmith4811]

No drones obstacle avoidance can see small branches. Even X2Ds obstacle avoidance wont save it from small branches and wires. We will see if the X10 does any better.

[@T.REXLabs]

Yeah, it's kinda dangerous to send drones zipping through the TN undergrowth. We should try it!

[@therealjohnsmith4811]

@@T.REXLabsWe have 5 X2D Thermal / Color. We tried them inside and they are simply too big for a domestic size structure and the obstacle avoidance is either too intrusive or, even on the 4” (minimal) setting, wont save you from smaller objects. The cost of “Blue List” drones is ridiculous compared to a DJI equivalent. Some of the features are “nice to have,” but I think a cheaper, more essential capability drone would be a better option from Skydio for what we, that want a US made drone, would be after.

[@bidenisasnake9932]

Sorry Dude, This UAS sucks the air out of the room if you fly Recreational/Hobby. I am using a couple DJI products only because Autel dropped the ball on Consumer level birds.

[@SOCMMOB]

ALL of these companies are moving away from consumer services and moving toward their holy grail of global government and enterprise contracts. Major firearm and gear companies, technology companies (including Nvidia themselves), among others. We need to continue to support the outliers who are focused on individual liberties and services. Unfortunately, China is stepping in to fill that void that American companies are abandoning.

[@isaacbotkintrex]

There's no problem with supporting Enterprise customers. As a business owner myself, I am all for business-to-business transactions, and businesses will usually need (and be able to afford afford) a different kind of equipment from individuals. Also, advanced sensors and processing is more important and more affordable in an industrial tool than a recreational one, and that research is more likely to trickle down to cheaper devices later than vice versa.

[@SOCMMOB]

@@isaacbotkintrex yeah, eventually it will trickle down and that’s great. But no offense, unless you have 30,000+ employees or 3 million+ armed subordinates, you aren’t the enterprise these companies are aiming for. You, like the average consumer, are sales “gravy” and an excuse to spend tax deductible revenue on advertising. BTW, love you bro and keep the amazing content coming.

[@xxxlonewolf49]

Maybe a clear plastic shell to protect the gymball? Make it replaceable.

[@domenicdirienzo2087]

How would you connect these to a Hotspot and control it by cellular? Would love to figure that out.

[@fletcherallen3478]

The power lines looked like 12kv or 21kv primary lines which give off a touch of radiation could have interfered with the electronics.

[@thereddaikon]

So with DJI getting banned are they going to reconsider exiting the consumer market?

[@netRunner42]

Sorry to ask, so the skydio s2+ does not send sensitive data back to the USA and give NSA etc. therefore access :?

[@T.REXLabs]

It does not. It does not ask to phone home or seem to try to phone home, based on network traffic.

[@netRunner42]

@@T.REXLabs Ty

[@doejohn8674]

It's a pity they stop making them! How long will they support existing products? if you buy a used one and you crash it, you are SOL. We need an open source 3D printable drone with ots electronics...

[@T.REXLabs]

This is a good reminder for me to check the warranty on our drone.

[@dylancleveland]

DIY drone kits are all over the place. Just don't have the software of these drones.

[@SnackPack913]

Good start up idea, a home brew, highly customizable and open source Linux based OS. People could share open source tools they develop to increase capabilities and you could even fly it using your Steam deck which runs Linux!

[@MetroplexAerials]

Did the new RID stuff have to do with Skydio switching up possibly? Does anyone that has one know if there is a RID option?

[@isaacbotkintrex]

The S2+ definitely has RID... Not sure if that was the first.

[@Hornet135]

Nobody really cares about remote id.

[@kayak_homie]

A Google pixel phone running GrapheneOS, with a plugged in gaming controller, might make an interesting drone controller

[@davidsirmons]

Kudos on the Terminator music around 4:30

[@T.REXLabs]

I'm surprised that you are the first to notice it!

[@SIG_X]

Nobody bought the civ gotennas because they looked goofy af compared to if you saw the mil version. If it had looked exactly the same and had the same mounting features and etc just did them brightly colored so there's no confusion on the version it would have sold waaay more

[@timothyleebond]

But can I buy it ,thought they are for business only

[@laitunyee6204]

Very exciting video 👍👍 Which Android remote control is which model? Can you explain this? I saw this remote control and it felt good. It was better than the original one and it didn’t need to be connected to a mobile phone. Thanks 🙏🙏

[@bennyg.official]

thanks for this. curious to hear your thoughts on how skydio compares to Red Cat

[@craigpalmer9196]

Thank you for doing this project I am sure in the end lots of ppl will be helpped

[@JukeBoxHero-sk7cq]

Could you please make it more of a priority to showcase prices of products. I love your content

[@coinopanimator]

Hasnt skydio announched that it wont be supporting cocnsumer drones now?

[@huskynoob7881]

I've gotten some great footage with my Skydio 2 on my channel;, but looks like DJI is catching up with omnidirectional avoidance. Maybe reverse engineered skydio's :D

[@felixruiz2838]

How do update skydio 2+ to commercial??

[@T.REXLabs]

You contact them, and they can walk you through it.

[@AllenTweed]

I've flown the X10 and it is almost as good as the M30T. But, the DJI costs $10k and the Skydio is $20k to $30k. Very few public agencies can afford the Skydio. Are you supported by Skydio in any way?

[@CraigGrunenfelder]

the last 20 seconds was the absolute reason these companies move from consumer to industrial markets. The common consumer seems to demands instant gratification with zero effort and no cost.

[@Bhagya_supun]

Steamdeck would be even better option than Retroid because it use open Linux operating system (Arch Linux fork) and you can install any linux software on it (basically a mobile Linux computer). Has a Open bootloader so you can install different operating system if you want to. It's Privacy and Repair friendly device. USA designed and made.

[@T.REXLabs]

Yeah, I think they have tremendous promise. However, I did just go with android because the Skydio has an existing Android app, and controls that were easy to map to the sticks.

[@zapman2100]

why not the Autel Evo III drones?

[@GldenRetriever]

evo 3 doesn't exist. there are evo 2 v3 and the 4t/4n/alpha/titan/etc.

[@FlatlanderFishing]

I'm a cinematographer, but also interested in drones for other reasons. Would love to see your thoughts on some of the bigger drones like Sony's? or Freefly's? GREAT stuff!

[@FlatlanderFishing]

Or even the larger Skydio drones!?

[@LiveWellUkraine]

22:00 Recent papers and articles have been published pointing out that lack of sales and regulation hindering commercial and private UAV ownership have a direct impact on innovation. I'm not much on corporate welfare. But when it is security related I might relent. Skydio and others need to be providing consumer level drones to compete with DJI. If it takes some government research grants... so be it. Skydio just serving the LEO and Mil markets isn't going to be enough iterations to really be innovative. The FAA's overly heavy hand isn't helping either. Ukraine is showing just how far behind the US is from a security stand point. The UAV/S cats are out of the bag. The train has sailed. Ukraine now is the number two drone producer in the world. Behind China.

[@itsreallytom4310]

Was this video sponsored by skydio? I’m asking because I’m curios if this review was biased at all. Thank you

[@T.REXLabs]

Nope.

[@itsreallytom4310]

@@T.REXLabs it’s a shame. It’s a great product. Especially the S2+ but I can’t support or trust a company who’s blatantly actively lobbying against DJI because they can’t keep up

[@AutoSia]

​@itsreallytom4310 and they don't sell it to consumers anymore.

[@DarkNight118]

Thank you! I would not mind long vids. If it is all the same to you.

[@JJ-wd4rb]

No mention of the teal drone? The video sounds like sponsored by skydio.

[@EastTexasADV]

Thousand dollar range?? W the external battery charger the two extra batteries the charger comes with. The Beacon, and the remote your at over 2k. Just the base drone was $1200 w only the 2 batteries it comes w standard. You mentioned that in the middle of u putting this video together they announced they where discontinuing it. Odd they made that announcement in August of 2023. Also you don't have to have the bulky dual battery charger. You can charge the battery on the drone itself. With that said I did learn a bit about other abilities as far as the GPU which im starting to toy with Sucks they no longer make this Drone. If anyone wants one of these Drones you can find then used for 2k+

[@ericw8464]

They won't take off in low light. Forget any dreams of a epic sunset shoot.

[@felixruiz2838]

I own 2 skydio 2 and 2+

[@justinm3259]

The problem with autotracking is that it only fails once... (and it will fail eventually) then the drone is destroyed; I don't trust that when flying a $1200 to $20,000 drone.

[@Ke3per88]

I'd take my Radiomaster Boxer ELRS all day long.

[@gemini-007]

Do you hold a Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate from the FAA to produce these videos?

[@Hornet135]

Why would you care?

[@chrisrishermn]

Designing AI drones to recognize, follow and target humans. What could go wrong?

[@spldrong]

Someone just need to make an American DJI customization company.... dont try to beat them... just use their own stuff against them

[@styxrf]

Bummer they stopped selling to the consumer market

[@touge242]

on related news, ya'll have a very nice homestead.

[@Andyrewk]

when youre behind on the info youre trying to show you know a bunch about, this is the video you'd make

[@xilix]

I think they'll be back, it's just gonna take some time. They need to make some money first.

[@3ewfdsr]

the skydio 2+ is no longer available for purchase for consumers

[@charlesspidell1447]

Iam in maryland, if you know anyone interested in a skydio kit with batteries large case full

[@SVTBansheeman]

I wonder how many they will sell due to this video 🤔

[@overlandpup4507]

None. They don't sell to individuals anymore.

[@Alex4n3r]

Chinese IR cameras are quite cheap and don't have silly limitations.

[@T.REXLabs]

It's true. Despite China having a far more authoritarian government than the US, often their consumer products are more open and hackable.

[@Alex4n3r]

@@T.REXLabs Are they co-financing their military development by selling consumer hardware or are they just more open to sell dual use technologies?

[@NonyaDamnbusiness]

Skydio does *not* sell consumer products only commercial products. You can tell because you're not allowed to buy one directly off their website or off Amazon. You cannot buy one anywhere else either. You have to first give Skydio all your contact information and suffer through sales spiels before they'll even tell you how much it costs. No thank you. It's cheaper to just build a hand-thrown fixed-wing recon or FPV drone out of an existing buy-n-fly RC glide plane. Can probably get more airtime with one of those as well.

[@LolzerCakes]

Skydio left the consumer drone market.

[@RShankar-vr9is]

4:28 small children are not the perfect example. Sir!😂😂😂

[@KendallT751]

I swear he’s saying “DGI”

[@AutoSia]

He does. It's fking annoying

[@charlesspidell1447]

Key frames

[@Andyrewk]

Skydio only makes non consumer drones now. So you can t even buy them anymore this is worthless. You also have to have a part 107 certificate to use this for footage even.

[@zlanar]

Ok then study and get your 107. 🤷🏽‍♀️

[@Andyrewk]

@@zlanar if that’s what they want to do with their drone, they absolutely should.

[@odlanorirom]

skydio shudve continued their consumer drone of S2+

[@banza1]

talking lot about dji. i would love to see something from parrot drones

[@T.REXLabs]

They have done something similar to Skydio, and now they specialize in higher-end drones. No more mid-range, and no more toys.

[@jacobsmith5056]

IT IS THE CONTROLLER! All these brands come out with great tech but give a $h!t control this is where DJI dominates the market they have 2 outstanding controllers not just this “hook up your cell phone or beacon crap. Why should you buy a 3rd party “gaming controller” to have superior control of your drone? Why aren’t these drone companies smart enough to figure that out?

[@gabrielalejandro4404]

It's not that they don't realize it. The problem is the transmission system. It's so bad, there's so much latency in the image transmission that no matter how good the control you're using is, you'll always see the result of your movement 1 or 2 seconds later. With DJI's new transmission system, the video latency is 40ms (practically imperceptible to the brain), but these lousy drones generally have latency that can vary between 1000 and 2000ms, even when the drone is flying just a few meters away!

[@jrapp1468]

Controversial take: You should be more concerned about the FBI than you should be about the CCP.

[@BobLionel]

its a great drone, if you don't need to fly more than 20 mins AND don't want to go more than 100 yards from the controller. it's range is pathetic. It's great for following you on your bike but thats the end of it's usefulness.

[@ImperialArmour]

Isn't this the drone company who had difficult selling units in both the consumer and B2B market? They resorted to crying to a politician to change the rules in their favor lol.

[@freeman-1776]

The Drone Wars. Hahahaha. There is no civilian drone war. You're obviously a Skydio rep, trying to brainwash drone pilots and potential drone pilots to abandon DJI. Skydio is a good drone and yes, it is American made. But it still isn't as advanced as DJI. I have no use for an autonomous drone. I want full control of my drone because machine AI is not full proof. It still crashes. If I crash my DJI drone then I and I alone am responsible. It makes me try harder. I most certainly do not want a machine crashing my drone. Sorry Skydio, But I'm sticking with DJI, Ban or no Ban. I'm just wondering how much Skydio is paying you and what politicians are also supporting your obvious attempts to smear DJI. Currently DJI is the best series of drones on the market. They are the best. Not giving them up.

[@MatyasArby]

Skynet

[@danielkemp4860]

FIFTIETH VIEW 💪💪💪

[@superuser13]

All good American drone companies go military only or go out of business. This is detrimental to important tech this country needs desperately in order to have good engineers, operator and pilots.