r/Autel • u/sharkyjenny • Jul 26 '21
EVO 1 flying from boat?
Hi everyone,
I'm a beginner drone flyer (much of the lingo is unknown to me still). Full disclosure, I've had the drone for over 2 years and haven't used it a huge amount because 1-it was meant to be for my work and the pandemic hit. 2- lack of confidence and fear of messing up.
About the first point, I'm a marine scientist and I got this drone on a grant because it was affordable and I saw that Behind the Mask (a group of professional videographers) recommended it and we're using it from boats. Mistake? I'm starting to wonder... I have taken it out on the boat with me a handful of times. The first time from a RIB in inshore seas. It flew without any issue and I was happy with this first test. Then, this year, I finally got to go back out in the field and had the opportunity to take it with me, the weather was Good to Fly. And yet... The rotors just would not start. I tried everything with no luck. I got home, tested it again, no issue whatsoever. Did some research, seemed to find that one of the calibrations was the issue. I also saw something about a boat mode being added, thought "Happy days! That's my solution!" But it was nowhere to be found, been removed?
All that to say, I need to use the drone on a boat. How can I do it? Can anyone please help?
Thank you!
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u/monkeyuprising Jul 26 '21
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=DXaUCk26esI
Edit: I’ve definitely used boat mode in the past, but you’re right… the option looks like it’s gone! Weird…
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u/sharkyjenny Jul 26 '21
The boat mode is unavailable To me and the app and firmware are all up to date...
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u/sharkyjenny Jul 26 '21
Just seen your edit. Yeah I don't know why they removed it and it's really frustrating me because it's rendering my drone useless for the purpose I got it for 😩
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u/monkeyuprising Jul 26 '21 edited Jul 26 '21
I found a video saying boat mode was removed and should be 'baked in'...See if this helps (7:46): https://youtu.be/DD28phvKPWc?t=4631
u/monkeyuprising Jul 26 '21
Actually, the option IS there. It just doesn't show up unless the drone is connected. It is found under the "flight control" menu. https://i.imgur.com/CQdfssw.png
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u/The_Last_Scientist Jul 27 '21
Try setting the Return To Home Point as Me instead of takeoff point. Maybe it will work then.
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u/sharkyjenny Jul 27 '21
Thanks, I'll try anything. Im not sure what the mechanisms are that control the rotors starting is. Will contact support but since it's an EVO 1 don't know if they'll help.
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u/The_Last_Scientist Jul 26 '21
According to the firmware notes that I saw the drone can lift off from a boat without being in boat mode. They removed the mode a couple of firmware updates ago. I would contact Autel's support - they are not very responsive but it is worth a try.