I Built A BETTER Drone Than DJI - Holybro x650

[@firebird-drones]

I've been thinking about how we might have to start building our drones if the DJI ban does happen. Especially with how expensive American drones are. This could be good in the sense where pilots will get a fuller understanding of how drones work when having to build it. Can't wait to see some more footage and photos from the Holybro

[@DylanGorman]

I appreciate the comment! This is exactly why I am starting this series, to help all of us find other options in the market. Even if they aren’t perfect.

[@DANKFPV]

Careful, building drones is highly addictive and fun✌️

[@Louisianahelicam]

Start now!

[@CodyCha]

just buy DJi drone from Canada

[@cadthunkin]

This is a useful video to me, as the DJI geofencing can be a problem sometimes. So the killer combo is DIY platform, global shutter camera for mapping, compatibility with decent mapping mission software like drone deploy, and high end gps for RTK or PPK processing. Obstacle avoidance is nice, but not critical. The M3E has all that for about $7k but is chinese and geofenced. Funny thing, US gov says no chinese drones but the electronics on every commercial drone can come from anywhere. Then, you can upload the photos and video anywhere. We managed to ban drones that have the best safety features in favor of super expensive competitors the taxpayers get the bill for.

[@DylanGorman]

Exactly haha. I will for sure be putting out a part 2 to this video showing the upgrades with RTK gps and at minimum a mechanical shutter camera with 24mp-42mp camera resolution with at least 25-30 min of flight time. Stay tuned!

[@Louisianahelicam]

Glad it worked

[@lee8org]

@@DylanGorman What about gimble?

[@TurboTronics11]

Everybody forgot here, the Superb Hasselblad triple camera setup of DJI in Mavic 3 Pro!! And also the object tracking, hypershots, automatic cinematic video by drone! Just select an object and that's it! Drone will take the best shot! The asteroid mode, the ADAS, the gimbal, the build design and quality! None can beat DJI at any cost.... Although handmade drones have a different feel of customization...

[@DylanGorman]

I mentioned this exact thing in the video, I think DJI still dominates. However, I think many people are scared to get into DIY drones, but now with options like this kit, I think it’s much easier to get into this than before.

[@mikesclocks3666]

Great job! Thoroughly enjoyed the video as I'm considering building my own drone and am looking at the Holybro X650. Looking forward to future videos featuring the X650.

[@Jaceace87]

Great job Dylan. I was wondering when someone was going to be smart enough to make a video like this I’ve built the same exact drone and put a rock r3 on it to save my team money.

[@DylanGorman]

I’d love to see this!

[@Louisianahelicam]

Excellent! Saves thousands and just as reliable.

[@TommyMartin]

Looking forward to the follow up video's. Can't wait to see the camera payload and processing mapping images work flow. Thanks for the video. I may have one of these in my future.

[@DylanGorman]

You and me both!

[@daveinmontana77]

Hey Dylan... can this drone be flown autonomously using Drone Deploy, Maps Made Easy, Pix 4D, et al? What about return to home, RTK for Photogrammetry, 3D Modeling, LiDAR using Rock Robotics, high end cameras, GPS using Emlid Reach 3, CORS, etc.? Lots of unanswered question still...

[@russevans3586]

I have recently purchased the Holybro x500 v2 and it's going to be a very inexpensive solution that will meet my requirements, which include using a companion computer to perform AI-enabled mission tasks. Thanks, Dylan, for getting a series started on this drone - I'm really looking forward to future videos on how you build-out new capabilities.

[@DylanGorman]

That sounds interesting! What’s the companion computer that you are using?

[@russevans3586]

@@DylanGorman Right now, I'm going with a Raspberry Pi 5. In the spirit of not reinventing the wheel, I'm leveraging and adapting the experiences of others. Also, there's a lot of information on ArduPilot and Pixhawk websites on how to integrate things.

[@thegooniverse495]

Seems like EVERYONE has this exact video posted. I am super excited that you are just starting with this video, and you are going to show us what the drone is capable of. I literally have zero clue what this drone is capable of, but I sure do know how to troubleshoot the thing from all the set up videos lol. I subscribed, and can't wait for the follow up videos showing us what this can do!

[@ShermanKenB]

You can build a 5 inch freestyle frame, install INAV to get the capability of position hold which allows you to take your fingers off the sticks and the quad will hover. Toss in a go pro camera and I can remotely trigger the shutter on the go pro in either photo or video mode. All for less than $1k and roughly the size of the Mavic 3, just no folding props.

[@keithramey4723]

This is exactly the type of info that I've been wanting. Thanks!

[@DylanGorman]

Glad it was helpful!

[@alacazaba]

Looking forward to the Herelink integrated version, that is a welcomed upgrade, and hope you delve into gimbal integrations, gremsy, tarot, or other

[@BookOfMorman]

Love your channel

[@kajpetersen1536]

Very anxious to see follow-up videos... might just buy the kit now before the prices go WAY up.

[@spartanaerialservices]

Great vid Dylan!! Im going to build one for sure!

[@DylanGorman]

Looking forward to seeing it in your arsenal

[@PeterRospond]

Good stuff Dylan. Thanks!

[@blackbird351mag]

Wow you got me interested looking forward to future updates

[@DylanGorman]

More to come!

[@andre890]

I really like the customization of this concept. being able to spend less and get the same is a nice concept. I would probably still buy a dji for the feel and learning curve, and then buy the Holy Bro and build my custom rig.

[@DylanGorman]

Have control was the point of this drone. DJI still has fantastic systems but do get costly!

[@mklphoto]

Nice to see al the work that 3Dr did in the early days is still viable.

[@tonysimek]

Dylan, really interested in this after you get to the video feed. I really need to see the gimbal view to know what I am filming for clients.

[@georgeadams6277]

Thank You so very much for your hard work Dylan. You've inspired some to innovate in this industry.

[@miked7728]

Oh nice! I got the same kit haha. I think I went through the same videos before ordering to get familiar with Holybro. Amazing drone for the price. It was easy to set up. I havent flown mine yet but i think after watching this, I cant wait to take it out. This is my first drone and Ive been learning Mission Planner and all the laws around how and where to fly and I think I have a good grasp. Got my 107 scheduled in a couple weeks :) I am trying to write an API for a separate app so that it will send waypoints to Mission Planner to create a semi-autonomous flight plan. I should just take out before I try any of my custom stuff so that I can’t blame my terrible pilot skills on the code 😅 The payload on this thing is insane. Maybe a bit overkill for my needs, but I am hoping the trade off is flight time. Looking forward to seeing what you put on this thing!!

[@b3owu1f]

What we need is the ability to add gimbaled cameras + FPV camera in one drone.. though that would likely require two operators similar to cinema drones that are big and carry full blown camera systems.

[@thirtythreeeyes8624]

Nurk did it on like a 5"

[@DylanGorman]

As the comment above me has stated, Nurk built a pretty cool one!

[@Louisianahelicam]

Simple to do

[@SeanPitts]

Love the video! Looking forward to the updates. Been wondering about DIY options for mapping/etc.

[@DylanGorman]

More to come!

[@joaquinmojado]

Good info have you done the upgrade yet this is 3 weeks old????

[@badrulhisyamo]

this is good idea..

[@una-takeda]

I love that you are doing this, and I have a lot of questions. Primarily with Camera payload since I have yet to wrap my head around that aspect. Controlling the Drone and Shooting Video or Photos. I look forward to your next episode on this topic.🎃

[@gda882002]

i own the x500 and love it !

[@1EyeInTheSky]

With the ban(stupid govt) on the horizon this might be a viable option. I would like to see a 3 axis gimbal and some way to see what the camera see's so you can tell if you are getting the shot framed correctly as well as other payload add ons. I will definitely be following this series.

[@DylanGorman]

This is 100% in the works!

[@thomashardy9994]

They just need to offer a video transmission system like fpv drones do. Connect to goggles and you’re good to go.

[@Louisianahelicam]

@@thomashardy9994Already exists

[@Twinaviation1]

Hi Dylan, You mention that larger battery should not be problem. Just wondering what is physical limitation for that battery compartment? I am thinking 9000 mAh vs. 8000mAh - 168mm Length x 65mm Width x 51mm Height 9000mAh - 208mm Length x 73mm Width x 37mm Height which is just slightly longer but thinner.

[@IslandCreek]

Fascinating content!

[@SiteSpecialistsLLC]

thank you for this video it's great. I know that it's quite a leap but it would be great if we could find a way to get the telemetry and the video to a display controller the way the DJI does.

[@TomFYouTube]

What flight controller are you using? What digital FPV system are you using? What about a stabilized gimbal with FPV. All that ads considerable cost over a former P4P or Inspire.

[@Sackenstein]

Great video! Can you add optical avoidance sensors?

[@ChipmanRealtyGroup]

Very interesting. Do you think it could carry an rs2 gimbal with a smaller cinema camera below?

[@kansaitraveler]

In the spring I started building my own 5” drones. Glad I did! I will certainly try building this one. And if I can build a mapping drone that beats DJI in quality and price then bring it on!!

[@DylanGorman]

Part 2 of this video series will show you exactly how to do so!

[@kansaitraveler]

@@DylanGorman Awesome!

[@Kevanroskam]

Would love to see lots of options for USA built drones right now! Including large payload options for agriculture applications.

[@DylanGorman]

Me too! I’m going to be exploring and sharing what I find (that is affordable) and posting it here on my channel

[@UpstateDronePilot]

I built an s500 with pixhawk 2.4.6, it seems unless you want to spend a lot of time configuring or spend a lot of money, it will be a little bit of time for mavlink/mission planner to make it more friendly for everyone. I wish there was some customization without going all out on gps, and other items, as well as the parameters for lidar etc. DJI has obstacle avoidance and other Lidar sensors, this is the one issue when trying to wire and things like that, getting everything to work together takes time

[@DylanGorman]

I feel like the DIY route has it upsides and downsides, with the biggest downside is the configuration and time it takes but allows for so much control of what you want your drone to do, not what the manufacture what’s it to do.

[@russevans3586]

One of the main reasons I chose the x500 kit is CUSTOMIZATION for experimentation. With a system like this, having multiple options inherently means you're going to spend a lot of time learning new things. If that's not what you want, then this may not be the system for you.

[@Louisianahelicam]

Nothing to it

[@staravelli1207]

need this content

[@DrJ3k4lMrH4d3]

I built a TBS discovery running DJI naza m lite and that drone flies smooth.

[@myokimaru]

can it carry a 5 pound load? or what the maximum weight it can carry? im searching for building my own drone

[@alexrcastillo1977]

Going back to when I build DJI flame wheels. And flew GoPros. LOL

[@DylanGorman]

Phantom 2 with the H3-3D were interesting times!

[@ariefbudiman6605]

Yup.. that's right. This video is reminding me back to those days when I built my TBS Discovery Pro...😄😄😄

[@alexrcastillo1977]

@@ariefbudiman6605 I remember those

[@BeauTheC.H.U.D.]

Got an F550 Flame Wheel Hexacopter right here next to my desk. Good ol NAZA V2 flight controller. Just got some new batteries for it the other day so i could start messing with it again. Even have one of those smaller Tarot 3 axis gimbals and the HERO4 silver to go in it. The good old days. Had a Yuneec Typhoon and a Blade 350 QX3. the Typhoon had a 3 axis gimbal with an integrated 4k camera and the Blade was a 1080HD version of the gimbal/camera on the Typhoon. This was all back around 2014-2016. When I started getting back into the hobby again a few years ago I was a little stunned at the lack of options. It seemed that with the exception of FPV quads, DJI had pretty much became the only real option for camera/video drones, with most companies that offered comparable specs being much more expensive and pretty much out of reach for your average enthusiast. Back in the early days there were many options that were competitive with DJI not only in spec but in price. Of course these kind of camera/payload centric carbon fiber kits have been around since the early days and truthfully dont look to have changed all that much in design either. Which there is no need to really redesign something that already works right? LOL. At least the technology is advancing in terms of electronic components. I wonder if DJI does become unavailable do you think we will see another company step up to fill DJI's void or will we see a bigger demand for these DIY platforms and in turn really start advancing the quality and amount of components available in order to have just as capable systems. Its definitely been interesting to watch the evolution of this industry. It was kind of the wild west back then. Before the geofencing and FAA bs. Back when you could build a quad and fly it without too much worry.

[@kova1359]

Spectacular...Can this drone match the DJI Agras T16?

[@hchattaway]

this is awesome! I've wanted to do this for a long time... My only concern is the Mission planning software being actively maintained? I looked at the forums and there are a lot of old dates in there. I bought the DJI M3T for thermal jobs.. but would love something like this with a global shutter and nice camera for doing surveying and 3d models. Thanks!

[@kamransfrli3700]

Hello! How does this drone stay so stable? Could you help me? I want to build an FPV drone that remains stable in the air, like a DJI drone.

[@kizzjd9578]

Any calibrated camera and rtk/app base station capability? Sometimes the dji simplicity is better than having so many different parts and apps etc.

[@whatabigmess2949]

Hi, I have that kit but I have hard time setting up the radio controller Tx16S. I bound it with the R81 receiver but I am not able to see it in ArduPilot. Do someone has any resources? Thanks

[@bashardawood8743]

Can you add object avoidance

[@Twinaviation1]

Hi Dylan. I am working on similar project and Holybro is excellent platform for development. Same as you being my first DIY drone I am trying to determine ways to install thermal camera and have an wireless feed directly to controller or Ipad platform. Any suggestions. Looking forward for future videos in this series.

[@Taurus-Sound]

Please drop the next video!!!! I wanna see what you come up with for mods on this

[@patrut-v2q]

You just went back in time with this drone. Nothing new here. Building a drone like you described is old school technology. This is how I got my start 10 years ago. Used mission planner also. Thought it was so cool to have autonomous flight. It was a pain in the ass to get the pids set correctly. Don't think I'll go back to those days unless I have to. Autell has a cheaper option for thermal at around $3300. So if you got a descent thermal camera for your drone how much would the cost be then?

[@DanniD-s2e]

I’m a beginner so this has really opened my eyes up to other possibilities. If I could invest in equipment that would allow me to do geo mapping in the uk what would I need?

[@wawifpv]

Awesome!

[@creativeleodaily]

I was looking for a video exactly like this one, thanks God KZbin Algorithm sometimes work well lol 😅

[@DylanGorman]

Glad I could help!

[@EagleEyeDroneNetwork]

What kind of sensors you can add to this drone?

[@DylanGorman]

RGB, Thermal and maybe a LiDAR if I can configure it correctly!

[@russevans3586]

@@DylanGorman You can also add a depth camera for obstacle and other aircraft avoidance.

[@lee8org]

There is an old Australian movie "The Castle" and one line from it "You are dreaming!".......someone forgot payload......Look Good luck with it, the drone creation is not an issue. To make it work smooth with camera and gimble is another story.

[@Louisianahelicam]

Easy

[@DylanGorman]

I’m in for a project for sure but I’m excited to test it out

[@bamcameback]

Ouuuuu this is very interesting

[@tommaillard1415]

Curious to see the next video. Can you share the software you use to program flight paths? I build diy race drones, been looking to make a diy DJI equivalent for cinematography and sensors just like you, but biggest issues I’ve been trying to get around is stable altimeter and gps led flights for precise sensor photo/video capabilities. Gimbal too

[@Which-Way-Out]

Arducopter is what's loaded on the flight controller, and 'Mission planner' is the PC software for tracking and creating autonomous flight plans.

[@tommaillard1415]

@@Which-Way-Out so it’s not betaflight for this?

[@Which-Way-Out]

@@tommaillard1415 No. Betaflight is designed for smaller form factor flight controllers, and more orientated towards free style flying, that lack the memory and support, for multiple sensors etc . For open source pro' flight controller software, you basically have the options of iNAV & Arducopter for multi rotors.

[@Louisianahelicam]

Mission Planner, Solex, QGC…all done with ease.

[@tommaillard1415]

@@Which-Way-Out sweet I’ll check it out thanks a lot

[@borrefpvortiz6255]

I will like to know more about the camera set up and how you intagrate everything like dji. (Geotagging)

[@SilentEagleFPV]

The ban is only on new fcc licenses for new products from dji. Your existing drine will still fly.

[@DylanGorman]

This is correct!

[@Louisianahelicam]

Gonna keep that Mavic for 5+ years?

[@sUASNews]

Not true, it's Chinese made parts. T Motor for instance

[@DennisErvin-ne7xr]

With the new ID laws for drones how does one go about adding this feature and the ID number that normally comes with manufacturers?

[@skyboys9814]

Can I build a drone that can handle a Dji RS 4 Pro Gimbal with a GH7 And a sirui Lens ?

[@roguereconnaissance70]

Wanna help me build an IR mapping setup for wildland fire? Needs to have long range and endurance for the larger fires.

[@DylanGorman]

That sounds like an interesting project! I’d be interested in collaborating on this.

[@Louisianahelicam]

I built a 25 minute machine with a FLIR Vue Pro 640 thermal payload for under $2500.00. It’s handled at least 100 refinery inspections in the past two years.

[@Tpolsky90]

@@Louisianahelicam very promising! Can you share more details about the build? Love to do something like this that can handle long range and long flight. We get cleared to fly in a TFR and can fly very high and far.

[@ZED-PV]

How exactly is this better than a DJI drone? Just the fact that setup is more complicated, it has no payload, no RTK, no obstacle avoidance and the software has so many places you can make mistakes. Don't get me wrong. I love ArduPilot and all it's capabilities but it really can't compete with DJIs ecosystem which is easy to use and allows for custom payloads. The reason DJI is so successful is because it allows non-technical people to do advanced missions and capture advanced data. DJI makes drones the easiest they can be. Let's see you build a drone cheaper than the M3E that can compete. Let's see you build a cheaper drone than the M3T that can compete.

[@DylanGorman]

I agree with you on many of these things but my goal with this is to open people’s eyes up to other options on the market. With the next video I am preparing for this series, I’ll do exactly that and build something in the range of a M3E but has similar functionality to an M350 including RTK and a high resolution camera.

[@ZED-PV]

@@DylanGorman I've built many ardu based aircraft from fixed wings to tail sitters to multicopters. It's an amazing and versatile open source system that's for sure but as my DSP has grown the cost of time and random troubleshooting was not an acceptable cost. I can train and get a pilot up and running with DJI drones in no time. With ardupilot the pilot needs to have a technical grasp of the systems to even be able to setup and successfully use such a drone. This alone is a no go for me. The market for people who have the technical ability to build and use an Ardupilot drone is so small in comparison to a DJI drone. Again don't get me wrong. Ardupilot has it's place and it's place can be for much more advanced aircraft and data capture and customisability but it's not for everyone for sure. I look forward to your upcoming videos!

[@DylanGorman]

Maybe you and I can have a chat on all of this. Also I too train lots of people on DJI because they are just so simple. I’m looking more towards the people that need options other than DJI!

[@Delta9SFBay11]

I Love my Autel...

[@cd5676]

Just another click-bait social "influencer" behavior. Saying you built a better drone than DJI is like saying you built a better phone that Apple.

[@SilentEagleFPV]

What about video downlink, obstacle avoidance, sensor integration? DJI is still the way followed by Autel.

[@DylanGorman]

That will be with the upgrades that I make to this system which will still cost less than a DJI M3E

[@Louisianahelicam]

All of this exists now

[@frankc.9853]

I'd be interested in building something like a Mavic 3 series drone in the future, especially if there is a ban. I'd want something more compact.

[@DylanGorman]

I’m hoping to find a more compact solution, time will tell though when something does come out that is space friendly

[@Hotwire_RCTrix]

So that wasn't a 2013 phantom. I have one I can send you a picture of, if you like. In 2013 those with a DJI Phantom 1 used GoPro cameras. They used an FC from the flame wheel they sold in 2012. I know this business of DIY drones inside out and what you created isn't half of what a Mini 4 pro supplies. What you have is a hobby project but not a DJI equivalent.

[@ZenoTasedro]

Yooo literally doing the same thing, but I dunno wtf I'm doing 😂 my holybro x500 arrives on Monday

[@DylanGorman]

Check out the two channels I linked in my description, they helped me out tremendously and what’s even better is that their guides are for the x500!

[@russevans3586]

I just bought the x500 and I'm very pleased with it.

[@ZenoTasedro]

@@DylanGorman I saw this previously and completely agree, the Mad's Tech video I'll probably rewatch a couple more times lol I'm still pretty new to drones and photogrammetry, but my background is in software/hardware engineering and saw the X500 was well supported by Ardupilot and PX4 while being a great price and had to order it 😂 Very curious to see how your x650 goes! I see the potential in the adaptability and felt like this will be how I get a drone with thermal capabilities and good automation support

[@Louisianahelicam]

@@ZenoTasedroYou’ll find yourself in a stronger market position than just one of hope.

[@jessegraham21]

I wonder if you could fit an emlid RX on and time topo shots with images from the camera. Would be great to reduce the cost of the overall build to not have a dedicated high grade gps on the drone.

[@DylanGorman]

Emlid RX would be too heavy. The system I am upgrading too only cost about $1,100 and includes the RTK gps, flight controller and wireless video link and control of the drone

[@jessegraham21]

@@DylanGorman can’t wait! This series of videos are going to be so exiting!!!!

[@johnmajka5404]

I have about $10,000 invested in 6 DJI drones & about $2,000 in Autel drones. This DJI Drone ban is extremely concerning. What happens to our Care Refresh Plans if the Ban is passed? Will batteries still be available? So many questions.

[@Louisianahelicam]

Prepare

[@nok9635]

You May not know it yet, but you want to check out Joshua Bardwell. He is like your favorite uncle that is also the godfather building and fixing anything with four or more propellers that fly regardless of what components, transmission, brands, or anything else really is involved. What I love about this video is that while it obviously is not a final solution, you tried. Even a lot of content talking heads that are like you in some ways and they are people that in other ways I like, they mostly are talking about what will happen under different circumstances and what may happen and how to prepare for if this does happen. And you are like me, so you are like well what's a solution I have in hand right now? And then you're like well I don't know how to build these things but the parts in the internet are available. So you go do some research and just come up with a prototype solution for your own needs, knowing that it obviously is not a final solution, and then you just go and build it. And rather than being worried about your ego, and I know there are some trash talkers about you because that's how I know your name from other content talking heads talking trash about you, so I know that you are already picked on in some ways, but you're not worried about your ego you're just like well I just tried this thing and I'm going to share it with y'all. But instead of thinking about what if and whatever you're just like well what's a solution that works maybe and you go and build it and share it with your internet friends. And then you will use your new experience to either have a new skill that you can use to repair all sorts of things including things that fly, otherwise you are ready for the next prototype to try and meet your needs for potential ban. That's pretty cool man. If you have not already done this though, I would highly recommend that you ask yourself the question does this comply with some things that are potentially going to become laws or regulations and if not, how? Because you are going to be using this professionally it's a much higher higher visibility item so you are much more likely to come under regulatory scrutiny etc. So what are my solutions to this? I will be honest and say that I do not know the answer yet, but just wanted to make sure that you are thinking about this.

[@DylanGorman]

I do enjoy Joshua’s content too and totally forgot to mention him! I haven’t heard of any other content creators talking trash about me, and if they are that’s disappointing considering I am only trying to bring information to the masses. What I enjoyed most about this project is the amount of information that I learned and how much I didn’t know about the DIY space. So I do appreciate you words. As for the regulatory items, it’s still in the beginning stages but I’m sure with all the new tech coming out, there will be some guidelines to follow. Until then I just advise people the be smart.

[@Supriyadi-tq2yt]

the hard things are about the camera . . . not many camera can be controlled with the FC (even just for closing the shutter camera). and the gimbal payload, it's in the market for long time but the price seems not going cheaper.

[@Louisianahelicam]

Full camera control exists now and has for some time

[@Supriyadi-tq2yt]

@@Louisianahelicam it is existed for long time already. But the price and image quality are still inferior compared to 10 years mirrorless like Sony A5000.

[@Louisianahelicam]

@@Supriyadi-tq2yt I've built and own custom drones with the RX0 II, A5100, A7, A7RIV, A6400, A6500, A7S, ILX-LR1. These are all used weekly and I have full camera control over each. Yes, many modern turnkey drone cameras are inferior to larger sensor variants from 10 years ago.

[@chaddytee726]

back in the day DJI never sold complete drones, only components, I used to buy the components build them, and sell them, early old-school Naza flight controllers etc, then they brought out the Phantom and that ended that..yeah I'm that old haha

[@DylanGorman]

Honestly, those were some wild times back in the day lol. I remember those days too.

[@gyroscopeug]

Those times were the best, I miss them

[@sUASNews]

Cough, that autopilot is not NDAA so you may still have issues.

[@DylanGorman]

I’m well aware! Next upgrade I’m doing should have a NDAA complaint autopilot

[@londenard]

"Under $1,000" Um... camera/ payload cost? Laptop cost? Not to mention everything you are missing... Fpv feed? Return to home in case of signal loss? Low battery? Obstacle Avoidance? Water resistance? Motorized gimbal? Portability? Quieter? Faster? Remote control of the camera? The Mavic 3 Enterprise is $3600 with RC Pro, hard case, batteries, etc. I'm not sure what camera you're gonna use but it'll have to have better than a 4/3" and mech shutter. I used to buy drone kits and parts from Frank Wang before DJI made drones. I'm not interested in spending my free time building and maintaining kit drones. Lastly... aren't all or most of those parts made in China? Including the radio? The ban is on Chinese drones in general, not just DJI.

[@DylanGorman]

I think you may have missed a few parts to the video because I do talk about the upgrade path that I will be taking to address many of those items. And as for the M3E, you need to add an extra $1500 to that for extra batteries and an RTK antenna. The upgrade on this drone will allow for a small gov camera, autonomous missions, apsc or full frame 24mp-42mp mechanical shutter on a gimbal. Oh and it will have a remote control independent of a PC. It may not be as “portable” or polished as a DJI drone but it will get really close to functionality and honestly give people an option towards that. I’m no DJI hater at all, I think they build the best systems on the market, I even own several of their systems and still use them on a daily basis. I’m just exploring a different path that most people don’t know exist.

[@russevans3586]

The ban hasn't impacted the purchase of Holybro equipment yet.

[@DylanGorman]

Oh also for the “ban”, it’s not directed towards hardware, it’s FCC licensing that they are going after.

[@londenard]

That radio requires a FCC license...as does the flight controller. Your title says "better"... if you want to add RTK and extra batteries to the M3E, ok. That's $5000. I'm just not seeing where you're gonna get a mech/global shutter camera, non Chinese control system, non Chinese RTK system, non Chinese FPV system, etc for under $5000. Then you will need a computer to plan your missions, you can do that on the RC Pro. You kept switching DJI drones in your video. One minute you're talking about a Mavic 3E, then an Air 3 and then a Matrice 350. What about the M30? It's under $7000. I've seen the M30T full kit fur under $8000. I don't think you're a DJI hater but I find it hilarious that you think you can build a better drone for less money when the entire American drone industry hasn't been able to accomplish that. Which is the REAL reason for the Chinese drone ban. Anyway, good luck!

[@DylanGorman]

@londenard it’s a challenge that I’m up to. If I fail then I fail but overall I think this is great exposure to what the current market looks like. I feel like this can be a learning experience for everyone.

[@joetheairbusguy1813]

Did the kit come with remote id? Also, some earlier versions of the drone ban were extensive in that they banned all Chinese made components. I’m assuming this kit has overseas parts included. Do you if any components are manufactured in china?

[@DylanGorman]

The ban (if it does come into effect) is really only applied towards the software, not so much the hardware. Version 2 of this system in Thai video series will include an upgrade that has remote ID integrated.

[@X862go]

What is the fight time of the Holybro x650

[@russevans3586]

Dylan mentions flight time in the video - I believe he stated that a 45-minute flight is possible with the right battery(ies).

[@DylanGorman]

Depends on the batter that you have on. What you see in this video, I was able to get over 30 min with 15% to spare on a 8,000 6S battery. I can grab a larger 10,000 or even 12,000 6S and get even more flight time.

[@Rvalivesound]

All the parts I buy, from receivers to 4 in 1 ESC boards, flight controllers, frames, VTX, cameras etc, come from plants in China mass produced. If the ban hammer comes down in the USA, won't they block all these parts suppliers too? I am starting to feel like a hoarder I am getting parts now to ensure I never have to stop building drones.

[@DylanGorman]

The ban has more to do with software but I guess we need to wait and see what happens over the next few months

[@redeyeelectronics1211]

I missed my hobby 3 years ago 🥺 , I stopped because the parts are too expensive.. and I can't afford it .

[@aaron6516]

Thanks for doing this... only real issue I see is industry supported software. Many clients i deal with won't even talk with you unless you fly DJI drones. And are the components Blue UAS? Or is it all still made in China? Yes yes yes... I look forward to seeing you put this thing to work and see how you build it out!! My use cases this is what I need!!

[@DylanGorman]

There are Blue UAS components but they are very expensive for no reason

[@Louisianahelicam]

Most customers only need the deliverable set and will choose the vendor that can deliver… pre or post ban

[@Fpvpro1]

Dylan you put together a very nice video, I'm sure you realize there's a lot missing, these build videos need to be three to four videos in length showing each step? Painless 360 post these videos in great detail, he has done this particular one as well. There are too many step to a build like this and why confuse it by mentioning DJI? Please step back and rethink your presentation.

[@DylanGorman]

The purpose of this video was to show people that there are more drones out there than just DJI since it is the most popular brand out there. I did not intent to show all the steps in building the custom quad which is why I pointed to mads tech and painless 360 for these that were interested in those steps. This video is perfectly fine how it is and it presents a compelling viewpoint towards the custom drone industry that is often forgotten by the masses.

[@WestFPV]

Great video I love to see you venturing out of DJI, but in my honest opinion you went the wrong route... The drone you built is nice and I'm not trying to offend you but it's outdated already. Firstly your using mission planner when you should be on INAV for waypoint mission or betaflight for general flying, Secondly this drone does not compete with DJI for the fact it doesn't not have a camera for inflight viewing and it doesn't not have a proper 3-axis gimbal for the cinematic shots. you are on the right path of what you want and if you need any help building the ultimate cinelifters I can offer some insight! I hope you take my comment as me giving help rather trying to talk down your project!

[@WestFPV]

The parts you picked are the problem though, sorry I should have explained that more, you already have good ESC you just need a actual flight controller... they also sell really nice 4in1 and even 8in1 ESC for Cinelifter setups, you would then get a Flight controller (if you need 8 motors the FC needs to support that aswell). Then get yourself a diversty ELRS receiver and a ELRS module for your TX16. You will have good range with that receiver. Put a nice HD video link in it (i dont wanna say the DJI o3, but it's a good HD video link for flying near building/wifi environments.)

[@WestFPV]

The cheaper alternative to the DJI o3 is the walksnail moonlight kit

[@DylanGorman]

I appreciate you comments and suggestions! This video was more aimed at just getting setup, I will be swapping most of the autopilot and other systems out with a cube pilot configuration. Part 2 of this series is already in the works!

[@WestFPV]

@@DylanGorman Love to hear it! Keep up the video this series is great for DJI pilots!

[@paulroyle-grimes]

it is about the camera......the camera.......any drone can fly ok - it is about the camera....

[@DylanGorman]

I’ve got some fun cameras planned that I’ll be putting on this guy. Hope you check out the part 2 in this video series!

[@boskobuha8523]

It is cheaper, but you did not include your work and effort in the price. How much does your or someone who knows how to assemble that drone cost per hour?

[@DylanGorman]

I did forget to mention that! In total it took about 1 hour and 15 min to build the drone and another 45 min to install firmware and configure the drone plus about 30-45 min to charge the batteries!

[@djalmaribeirodrone]

Back to 2014

[@DylanGorman]

Yes indeed!

[@Which-Way-Out]

There seems to be no viable open source software that comes remotely close to DJI's collision detection, object avoidance and object tracking.

[@joosttromp]

there is, it’s ardupilot

[@Louisianahelicam]

Ha! Not at all correct.

[@Which-Way-Out]

@@joosttromp As far as I'm aware, Ardupilot doesn't have the smarts to follow you through obstacles like a DJI can.

[@dante9192]

30 minutes flight time?? I can easily do 40 with my DJI. So far it’s just hype…

[@kevinherbert1817]

Now ok two things that is good but let keep it real how are u match that drone to a Mavic 3 match it to D j I aspire

[@MAV_ist]

Video and image transmission technologies are very primitive.

[@DylanGorman]

I beg to differ

[@anokboomer1155]

I'm smoking a pig's butt and using my fancy Chef iQ Sensor smart thermometer for the first time. While setting up the smart thermometer hub station with my iOS phone, the Chinese forced me to connect to the internet with wifi so it could keep the firmware updated and shoot me an advertisement here and there. I was furious. Thank God I don't have a Smart Toilet...yet. Do any components of the Holybro x650 kit, or other parts sold by Taobao, require occasional updating with Mother China?

[@DylanGorman]

As far as I know, none of the components on the Holybro x650 kit require a “phone home”. All the firmware and updates are typically done when you want to do it.

[@RaniRani-zt2tr]

First❤

[@NBC_NCO]

I hate my Hubsan GPS drone. It always needs a satellite connection. Spin around 3 times. Stand it up and spin it around again 3 more times. I just want to fly it with line of sight without all that fuss.

[@Louisianahelicam]

Poor gps/compass

[@londenard]

I kept hoping this was a joke...

[@dante9192]

BS, bs, bs…

[@DylanGorman]

Ok

[@23lkjdfjsdlfj]

Ban DJI right now!!!

[@sk8rboy1255555]

No, just no

[@chesterlim15]

What do you mean it'll get a better position hold with an upgrade in antenna? 13:15

[@DylanGorman]

Check out the Here4 or HerePro from Herelink. RTK GPS system!

[@Louisianahelicam]

RTK Simple

[@Dav5049915]

I like both technologies, however, Ardupilot is like having a rooted android phone that can technically do anything. But DJI is like iPhone, it just works, even if it doesn't have all the customization and new features.