Radio Control DroneZone - Issue 39 - August-September 2022

70 Pages·2022·22 MB·English

Issue EvErything you nEEd to know about
39
dronEs, quads, uavs & hElicoptErs
Aug/Sep
2022
£5.99 R a dooi o C o nnnt r o l eeAugust/September 2022
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ON TEST
Smart-Spec 150 S
New Blade Helicopters mini-sized model
gets a Smart makeover for 2022
A Flying Revolution
How the multicopter scene started, and how
it has developed into what we have now
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in association with
THIS IS JUST A SMALL SELECTION OF THE HIGH QUALITY
PRODUCTS DISTRIBUTED IN THE UK BY 360 RC TECHNOLOGIES
0 RC Technologies, Units Z2 & Z3 Radius Court, Maple Drive, Hinckley, estershire, LE10 3BE. Tel: [phone]. Email: [email protected]. (360 RC Technologies is a trading name for Robbe Schluter UK Ltd).
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Contents
F3N Takeover
F
or this issue’s Editorial piece, I wanted to hand podium has taken part in F3N. This format provides not is flown twice, freestyle and a flight to music. You get
it over to one of most popular contributors, Julie only the base structure for competing it also gives you to choose seven manoeuvres out of a choice of 40 of
Fisher. Not only is she well known for her role a fun way to improve your flying in every aspect whilst varying difficulty. There is a great website www.f3cn.org
in organising the F3N League and many other gaining advice from advanced pilots and judges. Your (under documents scroll down to manoeuvres) where the
events, but she is also the wife score is unique to you and it improves along with manoeuvres are shown using moving diagrams so you
of Dave of Flyin’ Fish fame and mum your journey. can see exactly how they should be flown.
of top helicopter pilot, Summer. You You will learn how to structure a flight, positioning, At the end of each round pilots will get their score sheet
may be wondering why we haven’t use of airspace and so much more. Most pilots returned to them so that they can see how they have been
had an F3N League reports in the think they are not good enough, but you would be marked. Judges are happy to be approached (between
magazine this year and that was due surprised how much F3N can teach you even at an rounds) to give you feedback on how you can improve
to competitor uptake so here was an early stage of your flying career. Flying in front of in future rounds, something which doesn’t happen in any
opportunity for her to push the series. judges and fellow competitors does take courage, other competition that I’ve been to (and I’ve been to lots!)
Now it’s over to Julie: but I promise you, we don’t bite. In fact we’re a If you’ve never been to an F3N competition and want
friendly bunch of RC heli enthusiasts who welcome to find out more, contact me at julie@flyinfish.co.uk
“So you can fly your RC helicopter and are looking for the newcomers. If you are stringing together rolls, loops and or come along and spectate to see what it’s all about.
next level of progression. Maybe you want to enter one stall turns why not give it a go? Details of all our events can be found on our Facebook
of the fun flight to music competitions such as Helifest, Here in the UK we aim to have three to four competitions page www.facebook.com/f3nuk” n
but you don’t know how to structure a flight, or you just a year where pilots of differing levels will come together
want some guidance on how to improve? Then I have and compete. As you will have no doubt read from Matt Benfield, Editor
the answer… F3N. This is the gateway to improvement my numerous articles on F3N events, there are three [email protected]
and without exception, every pilot you see on the pro aspects to the competition – set manoeuvres which

“This is the gateway
to improvement and
without exception,
every pilot you see on
the pro podium has
taken part in F3N”
DroneZone 4 RotorWorld
Insight
PUBLISHER
8 Front Page
Doolittle Media Ltd
The Granary, Doolittle Lane Breaking news stories from the world of helicopters,
Totternhoe, Beds, LU6 1QX drones, multicopters and UAVs
Tel: [phone]
[email protected] 24 What’s New
www.doolittlemedia.com
The latest new drones, helicopters, products and
EDITOR
accessories launched for this growing market
Matt Benfield
[email protected] 56 Coming Up
DESIGN Looking ahead to helicopter and drone events for the
Alex Hall coming months
eover ADVERTISING MANAGER 57 Next Issue
Alan Harman A glimpse of what’s coming in the next issue of the
Tel: [phone]
magazine
[email protected]
DISTRIBUTION 60 Buyer’s Guide
Seymour Distribution Our comprehensive listing of available multicopters in
2 East Poultry Avenue all classes
London, EC1A 9PT
Tel: [phone] Contacts & Info
NEWSTRADE Information and contacts that will help you get the most
Select Publisher Services from your drones
3 East Avenue
Bournemouth, BH3 7BW
Tel: [phone]
[email protected] Features
No part of this publication may be copied or
reproduced in any form whatsoever without
written consent from the publisher. This 14 Blade 150 S Smart
includes the scanning and re-use of
photographic or written material on the The latest evolution of Blade’s 150-size line-up is the
internet, whether for commercial purposes
or otherwise, photocopying and information S Smart that as the name suggests, now comes with
retrieval systems. Smart-specific electronics as well as the capability of
The publishers cannot be held legally forward programming. With a lot of experience of the
responsible for any errors in the content of
Drone Zone magazine, nor are they liable for Blade range, Ian Peckett was handed the task of testing
any loss resulting from such errors, including
negligence. Readers place reliance on the the new model
information contained within at their own risk.
20 AHA F3C Sportsmans Training Day
Organised by the Association of Helicopter Aerosports,
the F3C Sportsmans Training Day aims to give
interested pilots a chance to find out more about the
© DooLiTTLE MEDiA 2022 class. Roger Mayo reports from the event hosted by
Heli-Pad Model Club
26 An F3C Heli For The Long-Term
After owning the SAB Goblin Urukay Genesis for
around a year, Tim DiPeri offers his thoughts on the
design and specification, what equipment he uses and
most importantly, how it has performed in the air
36 Custom Canopies
If you have a spare canopy lying around, why not give
it a personal touch with a new paint job? Spraying a
canopy is not as hard as many think as Mike Szabo
runs through how he does it from start to finish with lots
of tips along the way
42 Comparing Two of China’s Finest
Both the Air 2S and Mavic 3 are excellent models from
DJI and we have loved every minute of ownership. But
they do require a decent amount of investment so if you
are considering buying either, then read our mini guide
to the best bits of each
48 Drone Development
Shaun Garrity was a keen helicopter pilot before he
was drawn into the new genre of flying enjoyed that
we now call multicopters. From starting out by scratch-
building his own models through to the latest high-tech
Chinese machinery, Shaun has experienced most
varieties so who better to brief you on the history of all
things drone...
DroneZone 5 RotorWorld
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LATEST NEWS...
FRONT PAGE
BMFA SETS NEw REcORd
ThE 15 MAy 2022 SAw ThE BMFA cENTENARy REcORd ATTEMPT TAkE
PlAcE wiTh GREAT SuccESS AS SiMON VAiTkEViciuS, ThEiR REcORdS
OFFicER ExPlAiNS
"O
n the 15 May 2022 BMFA members across the UK came together at 12 noon to collectively attempt to set a new record for the greatest number of model aircraft
of all types in the air at one time at BMFA affiliated clubs around the UK. The attempt was one of a number of events celebrating the BMFA/SMAE Centenary.
I am pleased to report after checking the submitted results from each of the clubs participating that we had a total of 3109 models in the air at 12 noon and that
263 BMFA affiliated clubs took part. We have therefore achieved a new BMFA National absolute record. I will be submitting a dossier to the FAI for the issue of the Diploma to
acknowledge the achievement and, when successfully issued, apply for a World Record.
I would like to thank everyone who participated and the clubs hosting the attempt. It has been a fantastic event and has exceeded my expectations for participation and
enthusiasm for all involved. Clubs around the country have made the event more than just a flight around 12 noon. Some have opened their doors to non-club modellers, some
have held social events, some air shows, and some used it as a chance to engage fliers of all ages. It has been a superb community building activity.
I would also like to thank the press and TV for all of the coverage which has been achieved, which has given positive exposure to the sport.
I plan to hold an ‘In the air’ webinar briefing on the event sometime in early July to give an update on the FAI Diploma and provide some statistics for the event. We also would
like your viewpoint as well and there will be an opportunity to share thoughts and good practice.
Thank you all again for making the attempt so successful."
For more details on the centenary celebrations, head to https://100.bmfa.org/ n
Charmouth Fun Fly Take Two

ThE SEcONd EVENT ORGANiSEd
By ThE ASSOciATiON OF
hElicOPTER AEROSPORTS AT
chARMOuTh iS cOMiNG
F
unfly number two of the year at Charmouth is
not far away so if your planning on attending
the weekend, why not take advantage
of the pre-pay option on the website to get a
£5 discount. Charmouth is the longest running
funfly in the UK, and is run twice a year by the
Association of Helicopter Aerosports. It is a great
opportunity for helicopter pilots from all disciplines
and club/sport flyers to get together. Organised
by the AHA, the autumn event takes place on
8-9 October 2022 at Charmouth, located on the
Jurassic Coast close to the famous seaside town of
Lyme Regis in Dorset.
For full details of this event and others organised
by the AHA head to their website. The Charmouth
Funfly information can be found at http://theaha.
co.uk/charmouth.html n
Tron 5.8 HeriTage
T
ron Helicopters is now offering the 5.8 Heritage from 1000kV to
model. The recommended blade size is 570mm 1350kV for 6S
to 610mm with a tail blade of 86mm to 95mm. and 560kV for12S
Supersonic canopy mounts are included in the kit for with a 6mm shaft
the backside, as is the Semi Fusion edition design with diameter. A 16T
the frame and tail fin decals. Other features are a wide pinion comes in
battery compartment with a quick lock and release the box with 13T,
system, mini or full-size cyclic servo option with adapter 14T, 15T and 17T
in the kit, the motor mounting design that features a options and this drives the POM-CNC machined main 3300mAh being recommended. The servo layout has
bearing block supported pinion to reduce overall wear gear. The innovative FBL tray offers adjustable damping been carefully thought out to work with the FBL system
on the power system and drivetrain, a super heavy-duty hardness whilst the octa boom design with oval sides and speed controller, with east cable routing and
one-way drive and a third bearing block support for eliminates the need for supports. The heli can be used various options to ensure a clean setup. Finally, the high
the main shaft. The 5.8 is compatible with a wide with a wide range of batteries including 6S, 8S, 10S visibility canopy is offered in two designs with either
range of motor sizes (4020, 4025 or 4225 series) and and 1S, with 6S 5000mAh to 5500mAh, or 12S grey/neon yellow or white/neon orange options. n
DroneZone 8 RotorWorld
DJI
Announces
MInI 3 Pro
The MAnufAcTurer DescrIbes
The MInI 3 Pro As, "The fIrsT
hIgh-enD ProDucT of
The DJI MInI serIes", whIch Is
lIghTweIghT, PorTAble AnD
Powerful. AheAD of A full
revIew In The nexT Issue, here
Are The heADlInes
The new Mini 3 Pro from DJI is their very front of the drone, broadening sensing drone this size.
latest and most powerful lightweight range for even safer flight. A complete A full suite of intelligent capturing
and portable camera drone. As gimbal redesign unlocks more camera modes from DJI's Air and Mavic series
previous mini-sized models, it weighs less angles than ever, enabling movements like is now available on Mini 3 Pro to let
than 250g so falls under some of the drone tilt-up shots and vertical shooting. you create like never before. With a
restrictions faced by some regions and In a first for this series, you get Tri- single tap, you can do the following:
countries. Other features include 4K/60fps Directional Obstacle Sensing, consisting
video, ActiveTrack, tri-directional obstacle of forward, backward, and downward FocusTrack Suite
sensing, and 90 degree gimbal rotation visual sensors. The forward and • Spotlight 2.0 keeps the subject in
to shoot high-quality vertical imaging for downward sensors have a wider field of frame while you fly manually
social media, and a flight time of well over view, providing seamless coverage for • Point of Interest 3.0 circles the subject
30 minutes. better route planning and environmental in a set flight radius and speed
“When we launched the Mini drone series awareness. These sensors also enable
in 2019, our goal was to give everyone the Advanced Pilot Assistance Systems (APAS) ActiveTrack 4.0 follows the
easiest way to see the world from above 4.0 that automatically detects and finds a subject in two selectable ways:
for the first time,” said Ferdinand Wolf, safer path around obstacles during flight. Trace: The aircraft tracks the subject at
Creative Director at DJI. “Through their In addition, these sensors also enable a constant distance
images and stories, we discovered how the entire FocusTrack suite, which allows Parallel: The aircraft tracks the subject
capable a small aerial camera could be. users to select a subject that the drone while flying beside it at a constant
Today, we share the integration of excellent automatically keeps within the centre of angle and distance
flight capability, intelligence, and imaging the frame during flight while automatically
versatility into our ultra-lightweight aerial planning a safe flight route. Thanks to its Finally to meet old and new flyers'
camera. DJI Mini 3 Pro raises the bar on upgraded sensing system, DJI Mini 3 Pro needs, the remote controller line-up is
what a portable, powerful camera drone is the first of the Mini line-up to integrate expanding with DJI RC, a lightweight
can achieve.” APAS and FocusTrack. remote controller with a 5.5-inch
DJI actually spoke to their customer base When it comes to the imaging system, built-in touchscreen. With the DJI Fly
about how they would develop the Mini the 1/1.3-inch CMOS camera sensor app already integrated, users don’t
series that lead them to integrate their has dual native ISO, an aperture of f/1.7 need to mount their smartphone to their
excellent flight and imaging versatility and shoots images at up to 48MP and controller.
into its smallest drone making the Mini 3 video at up to 4K/60fps. To help capture DJI Mini 3 Pro retails for £639 and
Pro unbelievably powerful for a drone so high-quality easy-to-upload content, the includes DJI Mini 3 Pro, and excludes
compact. Like its predecessors – Mavic camera rotates 90 degrees for True any remote controller for those who
Mini, Mini 2, and Mini SE – it keeps the Vertical Shooting, creating incredible already have a compatible model to
same compact foldability, but now comes photos and videos in portrait orientation control the drone. For £709 you get
with more built-in features than any other without quality-cutting image zooming and a model that includes a DJI RC-N1 or
DJI drone its size, thanks to enhanced flight cropping. For the most vivid detail, HDR £859 including a DJI RC.
performance, camera system, battery life, video recording is available at frame rates In addition, accessory kits made for DJI
and intelligent features that were previously up to 30fps. A Normal colour profile is Mini 3 Pro are available. The DJI Mini
only available in the Air and Mavic series. available for quick in-app editing, while 3 Pro Fly More Kit retails for £159 and
One unmistakable result of this exploration D-Cinelike allows for more post-editing includes two Intelligent Flight Batteries,
with Mini 3 Pro is a completely new possibilities. one Two-Way Charging Hub, two
structural design that brings several With a maximum flight time of 34 minutes sets of propellers, and one Shoulder
performance enhancements. The arms and as standard, there is also an extended Bag. All other accessories will be sold
propellers have been adjusted for more flight battery option for the first time in DJI separately. For more information on
aerodynamic flight that increases flight drone history. The Intelligent Flight Battery all the new features, accessories, and
time. This new design also mounts forward Plus allows for a maximum flight time of 47 capabilities, please visit https://www.
and backward dual-vision sensors at the minutes, an unprecedented capability for a dji.com/dji-mini-3-pro n
"The DJI Mini 3 Pro refines what
a sub-249g camera drone can do..."
DroneZone 9 RotorWorld
LATEST NEWS...
Snapchat LauncheS
The Pixy
This new drone focusses on video conTenT making iT ideal for snapchaT fans
S
nap Inc is the parent company of Snapchat and they have announced the release of their Pixy drone. Designed to be simple to use, the pocket-sized model is a tool that
will appeal to influencers or users to add a different kind of content for their stories. Being so easy to use, it's clear that this type of model could introduce a whole new
generation to recreational drones on a large scale and with key features like the ability to deploy with a single press of a button and following one of four preset flight
paths, it's obvious why. The drone can float, orbit, or follow wherever it is directed, and these are all possible without the need for further setup or transmitter. Once the flight
has finished, the Pixy is then able to return and land in the palm of the user’s hand.
Naturally the videos captured from flights are wirelessly transmitted to the Snapchat app where they are saved into the Memories section. Further editing can be carried out
using such tools as Lenses, Sounds and Smart Edits.
At present, we could only see that the Pixy is available to buy in the USA and France. Priced at $229.99 it comes with a bumper and carrying strap, rechargeable battery, and
USB 3.0 charging cable. n
funfly aT mk heli club
M
K Heli Club is opening its gates on the 23 July 2022 and welcomes pilots of all
levels to come and enjoy its facilities and friendly atmosphere. There will be a
raffle courtesy of Hely-Shop, a BBQ and refreshments available to purchase, and
you may even see an ex-World Champion or current Freestyle Masters champion flying on
the day. Tickets are £10 for Saturday flying and charging. If you are interested on arriving
on the Friday, you need to get in touch with the club. You can register your interest at
https://surveyheart.com/form/6287da3ce0bda8494871a832 n
DroneZone 10 RotorWorld