Quick Vlog#2: Drones, illegal FPV and FrSky radios

[@onjofilms]

"Maximum altitude of 400 feet above ground level (AGL) or, if higher than 400 feet AGL, remain within 400 feet of a structure. " is the regulation. So according to regulations, you can fly 400 ft over the space needle and be in regulations.

[@GonzoKY]

Actually he is correct. 400 ft AGL and 400 ft above structures within 400 ft laterally of the structure. Quote from Part 107 " The maximum allowable altitude is 400 feet above the ground, and higher if your drone remains within 400 feet of a structure."

[@jsugar72]

what does part 107 say about golf airspace which is unregulated?

[@jonbbaca5580]

Bruce, your wisdom is always appreciated. I nominate Bruce for RC Ambassador to the UN!

[@vuchuong74]

I second that. Love Bruce. Love Stu too.

[@SgtRic58]

Another note about the Seattle Space Needle: It sits on a flyway. Seaplanes are constantly flying within a few hundred feet in their pattern.

[@BradParler]

While I'm not in the hobby yet (still lurking and deciding on what to build) I really enjoy your videos!!! Would love to hear more about what you watch!

[@hansleatherby1032]

Great work Bruce - I like the relaxed approach keep the UK modellers up to date - nobody else makes the effort

[@roberttucker6338]

Hi Bruce, As always... good info! I've ordered the Hall Effect gimbals and can't wait to get them. I've been trying to get the Hitec ones to replace the Taranis ones but they are always back ordered. Smart move for FrSky to go with drop in Hall Effect ones... Glade I waited! Keep up the GREAT work on your KZbin site. Next time you hear from Dave from Radical R/C tell him I said hello! Bob from NJ MIB

[@enriquekramer4590]

Yes, would love to know what KZbin channels you watch regularly. Thanks for all your good work!!!

[@kammelryder]

More VLOGS please Bruce! Always good to hear news from around the world. the Seattle needle incident seems to have passed uncommented over here. Are you planning to do a review episode of the new Hall Effect gymbals? (fitting etc.)

[@thebridgeninja]

Yes. And the controller you hope frsky would make, flysky kinda did with the evolution. Uavfutures did a side by side with his taranis. Doesn't have the same range, but it might be the sweet spot for backpacking. Would love to see you tear one apart!

[@reflector36]

Agreed, i want that form factor, 2 control sticks, 2 - 3pos switches, and screen, but running Frsky compatible OpenTX

[@alexcrowder1673]

The difference in range was roughly 5%, which is pretty negligible. They are both excellent.

[@williamdecker3989]

Yes! Would love to see what you're watching. Thanks Bruce!

[@MojoPapiFPV]

We are confined to stay below 400ft as per FAA -- HOWEVER, we have to stay under 400ft of the top of the tallest structure. Soooooo if the building was 1,000feet you can fly up to 1,400 so long as you are within a 400ft radius of the building/structure. "this rule will reduce the operating ceiling to 400 feet AGL unless the small unmanned aircraft: (1) is flown within a 400-foot radius of a structure, and (2) does not fly higher than 400 feet above the structure’s immediate uppermost limit. This operating-ceiling provision will be waivable."

[@scottthompson2481]

Yes Bruce , love to see what you are watching !!!

[@topcat143]

Enjoyed the VLOG Bruce. And yes I would like to see the sites that you think are worth watching. Wishing you moerate temps, blue skies and calm winds. Bill

[@highhelix]

You are 100% right about your influence in people buying FrSky, don't let them think you weren't. I bought my X9D and many many other FrSky products because of you.

[@StacemanFPV]

Good stuff Bruce! I pre-ordered the hall effect gimbals the other day, and look forward to giving those a test.

[@GeorgeCooper_LoneWolf]

Hello, Bruce you should take a look at the Turnigy Evolution, I was using my Futaba to flying well everything I own but now when it comes down to the quads I only use the turnigy evolution it's a great little transmitter no good for the planes but perfect for the quads and will do just what you want fit straight into your backpack no problems. As for the Space Needle I watched that video and it looks to me like the guy deliberately flies into it for some strange reason. anyhow another great video Bruce.

[@3timesagain.]

George Cooper the evolution is amazing

[@modzfpv555]

What an awesome T-shirt.... Remind me so much of my childhood playing Bruce Lee on the Comodore 64. Great times :)

[@fastsofaracing]

Modz FPV dude same here. Bruce Lee such a great game. c64 best ever.

[@modzfpv555]

I had the commodore +4 before the 64 so I had plenty of experience by the time the 64 canm out. Still got it along with an old Sinclair and Atari 2600 lol great times.

[@PJZombie]

Modz FPV don't you mean Vic 20? I'm pretty sure I remember the Plus 4 came out AFTER the 64 and was nowhere as successful as the C-64. great times...

[@modzfpv555]

Ha ha yeah you're right the plus 4 was after the 64. I never had the vic20 though. I've had everything else from a BBC micro to an acorn. I must see if the tapes still load after all these years lol

[@PJZombie]

Modz FPV It was exciting times... Atari 2600, Commodore 64, Amiga 1000 through to the 4000, Spectrum, Vectrex, ColecoVision, TRS80 Tandy, Amstrad ... and the list goes on and on..... well never see such exciting times and progress again...

[@plasticbutcher]

I am definitely interested in the other channels you watch Bruce, great vlog today. Cheers

[@airplaynfpv8901]

Best thing about the Taranis line is their end user flexibility. I bought the X9E tray style radio, and was able to add 2 gimbals for camera pan/tilt, and tilt rotor control. In my early days, I was a JR or nothing R/C'er. Once I got into FPV, I found that the proprietary hardware, and software limitations made the big brand radios undesirable.

[@adyfparish]

Yes Bruce, we'd love to see what you watch :D

[@CrashHancock]

In regards to all of the "unstickered" VTx's here in the USA, if you have your HAM license, you are, in fact, allowed to use that equipment. Case in point, there are a few manufacturers that make amplifiers for the HF bands that are not certified. I am allowed to use them (I hold an Extra class license). Now if a CB radio operator tried to mod one for 11 meter (Citizen Band frequencies reside here), they would be fined if caught. Another great video, Bruce!

[@hankhasemeier6887]

from a business standpoint for frsky you're right. it's not very smart for them to be releasing such great tech because nobody is going to want to upgrade later down the road. but from a consumer standpoint we should all really really appreciate them. they are making amazing gear available for as cheap as possible.

[@AdaptFPV]

Apparently if your within 400 feet of a structure, you can fly above 400 ft if the structure is at that height.

[@SamFugarino]

I probably shouldn't say this, but since you ended your little war, your channels have become my favorite rc news channels. The content is excellent. In my opinion, better than Flight Test or RC Groups. Keep up the good work.

[@xjet]

Thanks for the kind words.

[@gaspererjavec7108]

Missed this nice to have you back

[@Noircogi]

That paper from the ARRL lists RMRC as the source of those "international" transmitters, but they've clearly stated for at least a few years that they won't ship the international versions to US addresses. Only the "legal" 1258/1280MHz versions. I'd be amazed if the various manufacturers of transmitters and receivers all have matching frequency errors. In my experience, I can use several different 1258MHz transmitters just fine with my RMRC receivers set to 1258. If they go after RMRC/GetFPV, then we'll be stuck only able to get the international versions from Hong Kong or China.

[@RobertSzasz]

The space Needle crash came within a foot or so of hitting workers at what looked like 40+ mph. And ARRL has a very good point, it's not just nav aids it's also the automated collision avoidance systems. The ARRL has been on the front edge of making sure people follow the law and don't interfere with important systems.

[@acrocurious8023]

That C64 shirt is really awesome. Bruce Lee was my Jam. Also i'm old :P

[@osenseijedi]

You should talk about NZ regulations, its always interesting to see what's happening in other countries!

[@EnuffsEnuff318]

Soon they will be requiring drivers licenses and insurance for RC cars. They want to REG our nuts off.

[@andrewgtjackson]

I would love to come take a peek of new Zealand, not to far from Alaska. been a fan of the channel for a while now. good day!

[@denwater7874]

The 400 ft rule is... 400ft above flat ground and/or 400 ft above the tallest structure where you are flying. So, if the space needle is 800 ft tall, the pilot was clear up to 1200 ft above the base of the structure.

[@PatriotPaulUSA]

They are developing Hall effect gimbals for the X7 too.

[@RamyRC]

yep I agree to see a video of what you watch on youtube :D

[@AKCobra1120]

I went and got my HAM license last summer because I knew this was eventually gonna come up. The bottom line is anything over 25mw is illegal in the US without a HAM license, even on 5.8. The lower frequencies like 1.3 you need the license to use at all, but on 5.8 you're good up to 25mw. Either way, I figured the FCC would eventually get tired of the FAA getting all the headlines and start cracking down on this, so I figured I may as well get ahead of the game for once. For any of you in the US, I recommend just getting your HAM license and avoiding any future hassles. It's not that hard (about a week of running through the on-line guides) and you learn some pretty useful information in the process.

[@tothehilt]

Loved your piece on Frsky Bruce.

[@chrisstalker8480]

Bruce i feel like iv been watching you since the beginning of time lol... you always have great advice. Keep up the awesome work and thanks for the honest reviews :)

[@PixelFPV]

The Commodore 64 shirt is amazing :D

[@1stProtocool]

yes ! Bruce, love to see anything you recommend, Have been watch RC coffee chat, every since you pointed us at it. Thanks mate. Im New to the hobby,apart from some slope soaring balsa kits in the early eighty's and have been putting together the bits to build a few models from scratch, downloaded the plans for the flight test wings ,and have a set of micro sky hunter parts on the way ,as recomended by Matt Osbourne, have ordered the Flysky FS-i6S as a first radio, Is this open TX ? Anyway thanks for all the great content and hope to be able to pop in and visit next spring ,Cheers Jim B

[@TheTotalGeek]

Yes, please share your recommended youtube channels Bruce. Cheers!

[@juz70]

Yep... backpack FPV is what we want. A smaller radio would be great.

[@Flyeasy441]

I love the FrSky receivers as well, they are very good.

[@cuefpv5116]

Hi Bruce! I just found your channel and really enjoyed your thoughts and opinions. Keep up the good work and keep fighting the good fight!

[@washussan]

Hey Bruce. I've been following you for years. You're really good, but not exactly humble, and so I understand why some people have a problem with you, hehe. Anyway thanks for the Taranis tip a few years back, I bought one and it spread like wildfire on my RC club after people saw how good and flexible it was.... even top notch scale builders who only bought expensive futabas! Thanks

[@ggiemax7751]

Good VLOG, xjet. Used to be a member of ARRL and they are aggresively protective of frequency use in their FCC allotted spectrum. They have to fight industry tooth-and-nail to get and keep their spectrum and they guard it jealously. It's just unfortunate that there's a clash between my two hobbies, drone flying and amateur radio. And so much of the radio gear I buy from China is of questionable legality here. But the FCC wouldn't go after the user, they would go after the manufacturer and retailer, which of course we know is safely in China. And since most of it is direct retail from China via mail, the FCC doesn't have anyone here in the US to charge. And yes, I love my Taranis.

[@ummagawdFPV]

dude.... i love your shirt Bruce

[@digitalmojofpv6217]

ummagawd agreed... love to have one

[@xjet]

Thanks man... I'm so retro :-)

[@TheTurbo930]

Yes it is sick to the max!! hehehe do like it tho!

[@DJaquithFL]

I live in America and I don't want to be the one who's the case law reference. The FAA also states to above 400' to stay away at least 400' away from structures. Our liability laws are also in place. While I appreciate the high altitude city scenes I don't want to risk man slaughter nor personal injury.

[@ArcticRain]

You CAN use non FCC certified gear if you hold a Technicians HAM radio license. The Technician License The Technician class license is the entry-level license of choice for most new ham radio operators. To earn the Technician license requires passing one examination totaling 35 questions on radio theory, regulations and operating practices. The license gives access to all Amateur Radio frequencies above 30 megahertz, allowing these licensees the ability to communicate locally and most often within North America. It also allows for some limited privileges on the HF (also called "short wave") bands used for international communications. Fairly simple to get and lasts 10 years.

[@UAVfutures]

next time im down in NZ Bruce can we catch up for a lamb and pea pie and a cuppa. Would love to just talk shop for an arvo with you.

[@xjet]

Yeah mate... you're always welcome. I'll keep a quad charged and ready for you :-)

[@ChristianWilhelmsen]

Oh get a field you two

[@TheTurbo930]

Well I'd like to join you two dadgummit!! Hallr when this all takes place I'll grab a airline ticket right away!!

[@drewhodge3820]

I like this Vlog Bruce. Keep up the great work.

[@weavostigercat2000]

NIce 1 Bruce , I have them gimbals on a pre order for my Taranis , when they turn up .

[@muzfpv8824]

yes i agree, alex edit deserves more views. one of my fav youtuber.

[@skylords2608]

Love the Turnigy Evolution. Hope they continue to develop it.

[@aarem01]

Turnigy evolution will fit in your backpack. Are u reviewing the turnigy?

[@justinspirational]

correct me if I'm wrong but doesn't the new FrSky Q X7 come with up to 16 channels- not just 7 as you suggested Bruce? thank you

[@LegGiant]

I've got to say I've been loving the Flysky I6. Smaller than most, cheap, 6 channels by default and 10 with a real simple hack, IBus (SBus) as a step up from PPM. I came to this from the Turnigy 9X which everybody recommended to people with limited budget then added the Orange DMS2 DSMX module. From there went off and used a moded Devo 7e again using DSM. But the clincher was small mini quads and receiver size. On a 130, 150 everything was too tight. The FS- A8S solved so many problems due to tiny size that I had to jump back to the modern version of Flysky. I would love a Frysky tranis if anyone has one spare, but would really recommend the Flysky to anyone with a limited budget.

[@sziltner]

Excellent VLog. Great way to start my morning. 👌 Being from the USA 🇺🇸, and a law abiding citizen, I registered with the FAA when it was free to do so. I have held a General class ham license since 1980 so that's not an issue. Interesting enough, some of my flying buddies have recently received their ham tickets to be legal. It's easy to do now that the code requirement has been removed. And as of yet a 10 year ham license is free! Will be waiting for your next VLog. 73 N6QNA

[@coldude2559]

keep up the good work mate, greetings from Melbourne!

[@stephengloor8451]

Yeah Bruce I really need to watch more KZbin :-) Seriously I would be interested in some more links. I agree about both the new radios that FrSky have released. Not tempted at all. My Taranis has never missed a beat and I have no thought of replacing it. I will get the new sticks though. The new smaller radio does look nice however I have just fitted an old Turnigy 9X with an AR9X board making it much the same thing.

[@cd4222]

Enjoy your videos a lot! You have a fan in Utah USA!

[@Tespen42]

Great vlog. The quad crashed on the top of the needle where several men were working. Maybe he will be forced to eat in the restaurant as punishment. I would be interested in what you like as far as other channels. Thanks again for this very interesting and helpful channel.

[@stefanusrheeder4162]

I love watching your revievs although we all do not always agree on the same things. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THE HORUS although you made it clear you do not. Yes, there were some issues with drone flyers that did not get the range in the beginning and some software glitches but they are mostly fixed now. I do not fly drones yet but would like to try in future. Like your reviews though. keep it up. Thanks

[@JonathanPopZAR]

yes would love to see the KZbin channel lists

[@N0FPV]

Where are you getting 7ch from? it runs OpenTX and has the XJT module built in. It is physically limited to 12ch as far as I can tell but firmware wise it should support up-to 16ch out.

[@TroyNahrwold]

Absolutely! Would love to see some me good KZbin channels featured.

[@hughhemington9559]

Hey, a friend stumped me! He wants to get started, with a FrSky Taranis and a PC flight simulator. What's the best quad "trainer" and does he need anything special to connect and use his Taranis? I didn't start with a sim, preferring to re-kit a quad repeatedly to see if I could wind up with one made entirely of CA and hot glue.

[@naveennoelj]

Thank You for all your videos. Yes would like to see some good channels. Keep up the good work.

[@tom7601]

I had a couple of Commodore 64s with the 5.25 floppy and printer. I started out with a VIC 20. I used a 300 Baud modem to connect to a couple of BBSs. Ah the good old days. In the past, we could use frequencies in the 6-Meter band for R/C.

[@xjet]

I think you still can... I wasn't aware of the 50MHz band being closed for RC use by HAM ticket holders.

[@Galileocrafter]

xjet tom7601 Until about 4 years ago we could still use the 40 MHz band here in Switzerland, which was exclusively reserved for model aircrafts. Now we can't use 18 out of 23 channels anymore and the 5 others are now open for all R/C gear. BUT they gave 23 channels in 35 MHz exclusively for model aircraft, so there is that. But i doubt anyone is still using that band. I only see 2.4 GHz remotes around here. Oh and i remember using the 27 MHz band for all sorts of R/Cs, don't know if that's still open here.

[@wdavie27]

xjet hiya Bruce nice review as always my friend but what's your opinion on this new x7 radio have you used one yet and do you think this is a very good radio to Bay Bruce

[@timothylowe8567]

yes I would love to see the stuff you watch sir!

[@oilswoodhome]

Yes, Alex Edit, very good. Thank you for your video's.

[@patrickcol]

Just thought you might like to know the BBC series, 'Sherlock', (which is a huge hit here in the UK), featured a ZMR250 carrying a Hi-Tech grenade, apparently capable of destroying the flat and anyone in the flat below. It magically smashes through the window before ominously zooming around the room to land in the centre. Nice to see it had prop guards on though, didn't want to hurt anyone:) A few months ago we had An episode of 'Casualty' where, what looked suspiciously like a Hubsan H107, brought the Air Ambulance helicopter down as it smashed into the rear rotor! Jesus, no wonder the regulators are on our backs, these quads are bloody dangerous.

[@jvon811]

Technically.... the Space Needle in Seattle is within 5 miles of 2 airports. Kenmore Air Seaplane base (W55) AND the Seattle Seaplane base (0W0). You'd have to get permission from the Airport Manager of each or both (not sure how those places are run) in order to be legal to fly there.

[@xdanmercerx]

from what i understand, if a transmitter is not fcc certified (99.9% of all 5.8 vtx's) then an arrl ham licence is required. also some frequencies require this licence to operate regardless. from what i understand....

[@clouddancer7624]

Actually, what it says here in the US about the 400' rule is, "One cannot fly over 400" above the ground, UNLESS you need to photograph a tower, for instance, then the rule goes on to say one cannot fly over 400' ABOVE the tower. So, if the tower is 1000'AGL, you can legally fly no higher than 1400' above the tower, and staying within a 400' radius of the tower itself"! That's my understanding of the rule, and I am an FAA licensed "Private Pilot", and have flown RC planes of all sorts from 1975. Drone are fun, but my preference is "Pattern".

[@amk1108]

your sarcasm is level king!!

[@MartyFaeScotland]

+1 for AlexEdit - Great vLog Bruce, Cheers! :-)

[@dikkybee]

Have you had a look at the Turnigy Evolution as I was thinking it would be fine for chucking in a backpack but unless you say it is a good buy then no way would I even consider such a purchase

[@fuyingbro]

I use a Devention F12E with 4-in-1 module. Really enjoy it. Paired with RX8R

[@DynamikArray]

That shirt is awesome!

[@tivowillieb]

Yup I second the shirt, first I thing I noticed. Simply awesome.

[@andrewgoodall2183]

Way of the Exploding Fist?

[@stridermt2k]

Yes very cool shirt.

[@campus206]

i agree

[@Jimster71]

If it was IK+, pressing T on the keyboard would make Bruce's pants fall down :)

[@Maxpakts]

I would not have gotten that you were actually talking about the X7 without the picture showing up.

[@GraemeDJ]

If you get the chance could you do another DLG video maybe explain how to look for thermals and give some more general info since not that many people know about it or how to get started. I really enjoyed your HK mini versus video. Maybe you could review the new cheap TechOne DLG 1000.

[@AwakeningsDigital]

Bruce, what do you think of the Tunrigy Evolution? every other reviewer seems to love that thing.

[@gwoodford1]

Yes... And love the C-64 T-shirt!

[@KwadSkwad]

to be fair, Bruce, it was not a tiny plastic drone, it was a DJI Inspire, which is a pretty big bird.

[@3timesagain.]

Kwad Skwad what a waste of a beautiful quad

[@3timesagain.]

Kwad Skwad I see we both like kwads;)

[@brunoluz4301]

I remembered as he spoke of the "Playstation design" of the Turnigy Evolution, which is a pretty reliable transmitter itself, and could be as good as the Taranis. i've seen a comparison review the other day, i'll see if i find it.

[@MaxxEastick]

OK, yes .. I would very much like to see the other KZbin stuff you watch. Also, talk about New Zealand Model aero laws, and other countries as well, it opens up varied discussion and provides the opportunity to refine the laws and behaviour of pilots as well, or at least come up with some reasonable arguments from varied experiences.

[@IanF-FPV]

Bruce please test the Turnigy Evolution radios..

[@TheTurbo930]

Just wait....FrSky has something FOR the EVO!!!! FrSky X-LITE!! LOOK INTO IT!! Awesome!

[@MartinL1958]

The Seattle drone incident, isn't the problem that after the building strike, the drone might potentially fall uncontrolled the height of the needle and strike a person causing significant injury or death?

[@northernflyer5311]

The 400' is a FAA guideline only, not a requirement. Fixed wing RC have been flying way above this, for decades.

[@joethestack3894]

Yes, we would like to know your KZbin channel recommendations! Thanks.

[@hhsphotography]

The two people on the top of the Space Needle were installing Pyro Technic show. A previous case in Seattle is currently in the courts and FAA is asking for 1 year in jail and $5000 fine for getting "drone" too close to KING helicopter. The TaranisQ X7 is 16 channel upgrade to 32 just like the Taranis.

[@DaveMerc]

1280MHz and 1258MHz are the only two 1.2-1.3 band frequencies we can use in the US legally for armature video broadcast.

[@BrotherdMike]

Speaking of FrSky, will you be buying and reviewing the new Taranis Q X7s?

[@xjet]

Yes, already ordered.

[@goriverman]

How about the new trinity evolution radio. I just bought one and I love it.

[@joshwells4020]

Hey Bruce, Im new to the hobby so the qx7 looks really interesting to me. if its so compatible to the xd9 does that mean the hall effect gimbals will drop in the qx7? Thanks

[@joshwells4020]

Really! You would think that they would be. The review i saw had the qx7 opened up and said they were basically the same. Could you summarise the difference between the qx7 and the x9d gimbals?

[@seantheberge5456]

FrSky is going to release hall effect gimbals for the x7 soon.

[@ulwur]

if you ever get a hold of frsky please demand an explanation about the LBT European firmware mess they're in. like if you buy receivers from an Europe based seller you have to reflash the internal module, and then you can't use older receivers anymore, just European LBT x series.

[@gizfpv]

Aw man I'd love to get a selfie with Bruce!!

[@StormadoMan]

Great t-shirt Bruce!

[@roypeters8787]

Nice Job . . .looking forward to your most enjoyable list-Pappy