thinking about getting a drone on payday

so im thinking about getting a DJI Spark with the accessory pack

link to DJI site

for 650$ it seems like a good way to get into the drone game, my question is

does anyone have one of these? if so do you like it?

it has a 16min flight time and a range of over a mile, the pack that comes with it has a controler and it uses your phone as screen.

it will be interesting to see if it has software limits on altitude

Will you register it with the FAA. Will you disclose your intended use of the drone. What's your credit rating? Are you free from criminal charges? Have you been convicted of ever obstructing a commercial flight?

Are these reasons why you shouldn't be allowed to fly something, anything, you've built or bought?


Are these questions, even if innocents of their implied allegations, enough to stop you from doing something as a free citizen?

a reply to: EternalSolace

will i register it with the FAA if needed, yeah

criminal charges(other than traffic stuff), no.

and if they asked what i wanted it for i would say art, and a hobby.

i wouldn't be flying it around airports so i dont think it will obstruct anything.

it is interesting they arent allowed to be exported outside the US and canada, there is even a FLIR camera you can get.

i think having a powerful handheld drone that i can use for many reasons is super cool, and they might not be available forever.

originally posted by: penroc3
a reply to: EternalSolace

will i register it with the FAA if needed, yeah

criminal charges(other than traffic stuff), no.

and if they asked what i wanted it for i would say art, and a hobby.

i wouldn't be flying it around airports so i dont think it will obstruct anything.

it is interesting they arent allowed to be exported outside the US and canada, there is even a FLIR camera you can get.

i think having a powerful handheld drone that i can use for many reasons is super cool, and they might not be available forever.

Should you really be required to disclose such information outside of your final purchase?

That's my point.www.abovetopsecret.com...


Should a drone purchase be required to register? Absolutely not.

Should a government tag be placed on civilian drones? Absolutely not.

If I recreational build a drone that's capable of dropping a BLU-117....


If you know what that is... than you'd give it over unconditionally .

Stay away from Gatwick airport ... I hear they are a little touchy about drones

a reply to: EternalSolace

some south american political leader was almost assassinated with a consumer drone that had C4 strapped to it recently.

i can see it from both points of view.

seeing as most people will use a cell phone for the screen it kind of already has a tracking device in the system.

i think with some software enforced 'no-go' zones like airports and military bases or critical infrastructure there is no need to register them.

With anything that could be a tool or a weapon i think it might be a good idea to know who owns them. what if someone were flying it by an airport and managed to bring down an aircraft(accident or otherwise) it would be good to know where it came from.

I would look into RC controlled aircraft instead. Much more fun.

I've got a different brand. They are a lot of fun.
I'm still in practice mode, It's a starter drone with really good features that can get you out of a situation where you fear you may lose the craft. Made by Holystone. 20 minute flight time.
I've read the many models, when flown too aggressively at first, end up..well, they end up irretrievable.

I only fly mine out in the middle of nowhere, scenic but no people.

I'd love to have the Inspire 2.

Way out of my price range.

a reply to: penroc3

I’m pretty much an expert when it comes to drones.

The Spark is a decent entry level drone if you only plan on being a part time hobbyist.
It has one of DJI’s best sensors - for its size. But there are downfalls with it -
You will notice that the Spark and the Mavic’s sensor will often take blurry photos when the drone is in motion. Yet the video doesn’t experience this problem.
You will more often than not have to stop, focus then take your picture.
The Mavic has the same problem.

Also if you plan on flying in any sort of wind, I advise against the spark.

The DJI phantom 3 advance is still an amazing piece of kit.
I’ve flown it in 60 km/h winds.
And The price will be in the same ball park.

I used the P3A accompanied with an RTK GPS for survey grade Photogrammetry.
The camera is outstanding.
You can also later sell it and trade up for a phantom 4 pro.

DJI makes great UAVs all around but the Spark is pretty limited when compared against anything above the P3 Standard. It only has a 500 meter radio contact radius.

No need to register Trump got rid of that. They are great fun

No need to register Trump got rid of that. They are great fun

No need to register Trump got rid of that. They are great fun

a reply to: penroc3

But ya, my job is to fly drones - surface and Underground.
I’ve helped develop and test UAVs from most major companies- including DJI.

I helped develop the drone that I’m using in the below video and was award by the Canadian institute of mining for being the first person to fly underground.
Changing the level of standard safety practices in mining.

a reply to: penroc3

This is my video from the first ever drop raise inspection - which got me the award.
Before this, abandoned mine workings where a mystery and considered a lost cause in most cases.

a reply to: penroc3

it is interesting they arent allowed to be exported outside the US and canada,

Are all the parts produced in America !

My company owns the DJI inspire. The 4k video is beautiful.

a reply to: Macenroe82

the spark seems right for the price.

honestly i just want to whip around my house(outside) and maybe take it on trips.

its actually under 600$ with 2 batts, charger, controler, extra propellers, propeller guards and the 1 year warranty with 2 replacements of major parts included in that warranty

granted that is some serious coin but not the end of the world if i lose it, break it or lose interest.

it would make a cool delivery drone for things 3.5 grams and under, open the window and fly it out to the person and fly it back in.

a reply to: penroc3

If you Get the DJI Refresh warranty you will get a replacement if you crash it.
It’s pretty cheap to

DJI Refresh

a reply to: penroc3

Also, it might seem minuet but make sure what ever device you plan on installing DJI Go 4 on, will support the current firmware version.
It’s an older post, but you will get the idea.

Any issues you have with your spark, you will be able to find the solution on the DJI boards.

Spark firmware problems