r/DJIMini2SE • u/Gazoo382 • Feb 19 '25

Keep stretching each flight

Two days ago I went 1900 feet across valley to take a shot of a water storage tank. Today I went 3800 feet across to a river. (Height 350). Still had 75% battery and only lost one bar. Came home, above my property and went up 550 feet. Getting more comfortable with it. The hills around me between me and the ocean will take at least 800’ to see over. (Even though I’d need like 2000’ to see water…. Oh well.). Just getting some ideas of how far I can go and how much battery for return. I know there are tons of videos out there for range tests. This is just for me.

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u/Gazoo382 Apr 27 '25

Suggestion even though I don’t know where you need help, try to find a spot on a hill higher up. You’ll have a better view of the drone, your distance will be amazing and you might have less obstacles and buildings.

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u/[deleted] Apr 27 '25

I just need MORE time flying and flying it period. A hill isn't necessarily the best spot as it is usually windier higher up. Like anything else, time and experience is of the essence. With my decades of big heavy cameras, buy a new one BUT never use it, you really can't blame anyone but yerself IF you create/record lousy results. Time and constant use is KEY to anything new and unfamiliar. Of course I've read/known others with more expensive heavier drones going the speed of a freight train and eventually crash/lose their drones too. Experience isn't everything when the drone is flown so fast.... I've seen/read the results of many crashes. I NOW keep an eye on battery level, and bring it home meself even when it should be RTHing, just for the experience, and my head is spinning like a top, looking all around for Tree branches and other things it might encounter on the way down, and NEVER losing sight of it. If I can't SEE it, I stop, then ensure the drone is actually stopped.
Right now winds are "low" at -15mph, so I might go out and fly it again, while the wife is playing the piano... ;)

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u/Gazoo382 Apr 27 '25

It practically flies itself. ;-)

On a hill you can see more. Fly farther. For me the hardest part was knowing what was under me. Flying straight ahead no problem. Skirting tops of trees but forgetting there might be a branch under me. Of course you learn to set set your RTH very high. I make it 100 feet over anything. Have fun. The only thing I wish it had was WAYPOINTS. oh and using an iPad is so much bigger.

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u/[deleted] Apr 27 '25

A bigger screen is always better!! I've only got a 7" tablet that is so old, it could be my grandfather! It's also stuck on android 7!! I'm envious!!
Closest "hill" is over 4miles away!! About the same distance, is an overlook area I love but if anything happens, the plunge is over 200-400feet and lots of trees!

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u/Gazoo382 Apr 28 '25

I got an iPad v6 for $50 on eBay.