Learn More About Your Drone
You're understandably excited about taking your brand new drone out for its first flight. Before you do so, you'll need to take the time to learn about your new toy. You don't want to crash your drone on its maiden voyage. Or let it fly off into the distance, never to be seen again. In these cases, there's a good chance warranty will be void. SwellPro has a pile of resources that's all about the ins and outs of your new drone.
Before Your First Flight
Calibrate
It's recommended that your drone be calibrated every time before it's flown. Doing so increase safety and ensures a stable flight and they're all important. If something goes wrong, technician can download the flight logs and check to see if the drone has been properly calibrated.
Make your drone visible and easy to return
It can be hard to spot anything in the water, even a small swell. Put some reflective tape around the top sections and the legs of your drone. This can make it easy to locate and retrieve your drone. Just make sure the tape won't impede operation. Also use a waterproof sticker to put your details on the drone itself. If a friendly boatie comes by it, it will be easy to return.
Put a GPS tracker on it
It might seem a bit redundant to suggest putting on something that should have its own GPS tracking on it. But consider that your drone will be moving so something with live tracking is likely your best bet to protect your investment. Here's a case wherein
Check your fishing rig
Consider the actual rod and reel you're using. Electric reels are becoming increasingly popular. Here, bigger is often better as we're asking more from the reel that might typically be needed for a deep drop application. If long-lining, consider the total amount of weight the reel is going to have to bring in. Also consider the force required to pull your drone in horizontally. Potentially dragging along the sea floor requires more force than pulling in vertically.
Insurance
It's important to know what you're covered for. Read up on your house and contents insurance. Some companies include covering your drone during use. This might also include public liability insurance, which is helpful if you crash into something that doesn't belong to you.
Rules and Regulations
Understand the rules and regulations regarding flying drones in New Zealand. A lot of beaches are remote enough that flight paths are not a concern, but it’s an aircraft. It can be a hazard to people, property and other aircraft. The Civilian Aviation Authority has resources to let you know the rules before you fly.
Take Your Drone for a Test Flight
Don't test it over the water
Take your drone out into a large field and have a play. Take off and land the drone a few times. Take it for a few short runs. The last thing you want is something wrong while the drone is out over the ocean. If you have an issue, at least it's over land, so you can easily recover your drone.
Don't use your phone app
This adds in another layer of complication. Focus on your drone to learn the basics on how to fly it correctly. Once you're comfortable with manual flight, add in some more automation and explore the advanced features.
Don't Rely on 'Return to Home'
The Return to Home feature is a convenience, not a save. If your drone has lost GPS connection or there's interference present, then Return to Home may not work. Take note that non-reliance on the automatic and GPS modes is mentioned in the manual. If you take your drone out and have it crash while relying on the 'return to home' mode, you're likely not covered under warranty.
GPS Interference
GPS interference can be a challenge to identify. Most of the time, drones will be working fine. But the calibrations weren't done correctly or didn't get the level of GPS lock the equipment needs to function properly.
Some good practice tips:
- Look out for power lines - both above and below the water! Apart from being a physical obstacle, the power coming out of the lines can cause magnetic interference. It's also worth checking on a marine chart if there are any submarine cables running in the area as they may affect your drone.
- Wait until you have a proper GPS lock before you take off. The lock is represented in different ways. Read the manual, understand what a full signal looks like, and wait until you have it before sending off your drone.
Battery Storage and Warranty
Please note: Warranty on the batteries of your new drone is three months unlike the rest of its parts.
How you store your batteries is also important. Store your batteries as per manufacturer's recommendations. Don't spend a day out with your drone, bring it back home and store it without properly recharging the batteries first (up to 75%). You'll likely find the batteries don't work as expected when you next use your drone again. Read more about this here.