Need a dentist? How about a Quadcopter!

   

A Ireland man has provided a creative solution to pulling his 8 year old son's loose tooth, by using a DJI Phantom 2 Vision. The father tied a string to the boy's loose tooth and then powered up the Phantom 2 Vision, pulled the string tight that then pulled the tooth out, leaving the now toothless boy behind. But it does appear the boy may loose out on any money from the tooth fairy, cause after the pull the tooth was never found.

Drone Captures Flooding in Desert

A DJI Phantom 2 and GoPro 3+ captured amazing footage of some rivers flooding in the Arava Desert. The flooding may not be what you would expect when you hear that term, but rain fall in the Arava desert only brings enough water to fill the canyons a couple times a year. The quadcopter was able to go fly through the canyons and get some video of the flooding.

What 8 GoPros and a UAV can do!

Octofilms, an aerial filming company that uses drones for filming, recently was involved in making a music video for the band Booka Shade's new song "Crossing Borders". But using just one GoPro to shoot the video wasn't enough, they decided to use 8! By using the 8 GoPros together, they were able to create a 'little planet' affect, giving you some interesting footage to enjoy!

Copper Shielding for the Blade 350QX

Blade Heli's has announced that all Blade 350 QX's will now include copper shielding in the box to aide with GoPro interference issues. The copper shielding will help block in RF noise, and help with the GPS lock issues some have been experiencing.

Here is a nice how to video provided by Blade to help you install the copper !

Alaska to ban the use of drones while hunting

Thinking of getting the Blade 350QX2 AP Combo to use as a hunting tool? Well think again. Law makers in Alaska will be instituting a ban on the use of any type of drone that will be used as a hunting aid. Unless otherwise stated as illegal, you're currently allowed to do it according to the Alaskan hunting regulations.

The issue was brought up after Alaskan troopers had heard about a moose hunt from 2012 that had assistance form a Drone with a camera mounted to the bottom. With the use of the UAV's the hunters are able to fly above the trees and spot any moose or bear that may be below. The draft regulation has been sent to the Department of Law for review and is expected be a law as of July 1st. 

Grizzly attempts to snack on a GoPro

A film maker in Alaska who has made it a career choice to photograph a variety of bear species was able to catch some footage of a grizzly bear trying to have a quick snack. Too bad the snack was his GoPro. Of course, we wouldn't be watching the footage if the bear had actually ate the GoPro.

Drone Hacking Phones

Hackers in London have created a drone that can steal data, such as passwords and locations, straight from your smartphone. The drone, appropriately codenamed Snoopy, pretends to be a mobile network that the smartphone has previously connected to, and once connected can intercept every transmission that the phone sends or receives. 

During the test demonstration the drone was able to identify 150 smartphones and collect the network information as well as the GPS location. The passwords of Paypal, Amazon and Yahoo test accounts were also picked up during this demonstration.

Flying Quadcopter Flock

A Hungarian research team has developed the first group of drones that can fly autonomously as a group. The lead scientist, Tamas Vicsek, claims that this is the first group of multiple drones that can interact with each other. 

The researchers are using quadcopters that have GPS functionality; so the Quadcopters can communicate their positioning to the other drones and coordinate their individual flight plans. The quadcopters did not fly together flawlessly until the team managed to speed up the reaction time in the quadcopters; but even after sometimes the communication between them results in a jammed signal.

Ice Caves with a DJI Phantom

Fireflight Films recently used a DJI Phantom with a GoPro Black 3+ to shoot ice caves in Alaska; it is claimed to be the first documented drone flight through ice caves. Enjoy this amazing footage!

Superman with a GoPro

Ever wanted to be Superman and fly around fighting crime? Well you may not be able to do that, but thanks to CorridorDigital you can see superman's POV. With the use of a DJI Phantom 2 and a GoPro Hero 3+ attached you are able to see what it might look like if you were Superman for a day; from fighting crime, saving a girl from a burning building to returning the lost GoPro camera he uses for the day.

A Drone that can fire a weapon! meet Stun-Copter

The drone name CUPID, which stands for Chaotic Unmanned Personal Intercept Drone, introduced itself publicly by shooting a taser at a volunteering intern at a demonstration at SXSW. CUPID was designed by Chaotic Moon to deploy autonomously once an alarm was triggered, then send live video feed back to the user with the option to authorize or detain the subject. Once detaining has been chosen CUPID drops to fully autonomous mode to detain the subject until police arrive, and sending and impressive 80,000 volts of electricity if needed.

The makers of CUPID hoped this demonstration would shed light on the quickly changing technology and how it can be used in the near future. Chaotic moon also released a video to explain how CUPID worked. 

Phantom 2 Vision over Harlem explosion

A DJI Phantom 2 Vision was able to capture aerial video of the aftermath from a gas leak explosion in Harlem, New York earlier this week. The pilot used his Phantom 2 Vision to fly up above the flattened structure to capture this birds eye footage of the wreckage.

Law enforcement questioned the pilot about his drone before allowing him to launch. The pilot was cautious and made sure not to interfere with the law emergency responders. Soon after the pilot was asked to ground the Phantom in hopes of alleviating the chaos surrounding the building; but not before gaining some remarkable footage.

GoPro Announces Major Firmware Update For Hero 3 Plus (+) Models

On March 6th, 2014 GoPro Cameras has announced an upgrade to firmware to version 2.0. Just in case you missed it there was an upgrade for the Hero 3 last summer as well.

Here are the release notes from Go Pro. Just a reminder, if you don't have the Plus (+) model you can't apply the upgrade that was released on March 6th, it's only for the GoPro Hero 3 + Black or Silver. 

We are excited about the new SuperView 60fs mode at 1080p.

Go Pro App:  The quickest and easiest way to upgrade your camera firmware is via the iOS or Android app. You can find a link to the app on the GoPro Website.

For more information visit the Go Pro Website

Latest Release Notes:

HERO3+ Black Edition - update 2.0

• New video modes 1080p SuperView™ 60 fps and 1080p SuperView 50 fps
• Auto Low Light settings for new video modes 1080p SuperView 60 fps and 1080p SuperView 50 fps
• New Auto Low Light settings for higher frame rate video modes, including 960p100 fps, 720p120 fps, 720p100 fps and 720p SuperView 100 fps
• Changes the Auto Low Light mode default setting to “On”
• New advanced Protune™ controls for Color, ISO Limit, Sharpness and Exposure
• Changes the Protune default settings for Color to "GoPro Color" and Sharpness to "High"

HERO3+ Silver Edition - update 2.0

• Increases field of view (FOV) for all photo and video modes

All HERO3 cameras - update 3.0

• Enables compatibility with new GoPro App features
• Corrects HDMI TV preview from low res to high res
• Fixes forced exposure lock on 0.5 and 1 second Time Lapse intervals
• Optimizes compatibility with select microSD cards by reducing data stream rate to 35Mb/sec while recording in 4K, 2.7K and Protune modes (HERO3: Black Edition only)

Start Update

Phantom shoots active volcano

A DJI Phantom recently captured some unbelievable footage from from the Yasur volcano.  Mount Yasur is one of the most active volcanos, known as the lighthouse of the Pacific because of its frequent eruptions. The activity of this volcano is shown in this amazing video by Shaun O'Callaghan captured with his DJI Phantom an GoPro camera.

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GoPro Action Camera Captures Pelican Flight

Pelican FPV During Flight!

This is a cool video of a Pelican that was abandon by it's flock and then helped by locals. They attached a GoPro Hero camera to it's beak to capture it flying. It's amazing it came back home after flying around just above the water. It's a good thing he didn't fly away or we would never have seen the footage and that camera could have hindered him while eating too. It's a great perspective of bird flight. Enjoy.


The GoPro Pelican Flight Video

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Phoenix R/C Pro Simulator V5.0 Now Available!

The new Phoenix R/C Pro Simulator V5.0 is now available! With improved software users are able to import 3D geometry definitions from almost any program so that you can fly creations of your own, with the capability to even share online.  Multiplayer mode with voice chat allows users to fly and learn from pilots around the world, but if you would prefer to keep your learning experience private there are tutorials from world-class champions pilots.

With new models added users have the choice of over 200 different models of aircraft, including models with AS3X and SAFE technology. With an improved model editing system, users are able to completely control each models flight characteristics in detail. 

The Phoenix R/C Pro Simulator V5.0 also comes in a software only version that does not include a DX4e, making it perfect for pilots who already have a transmitter. Already have Phoenix software? Don't worry current users can upgrade to the V5.0 software that is available on Phoenix's website.

UAV pilot wins case against FAA

A federal judge has ruled in favor of a pilot who was recently fined for using his UAV for commercial purposes. The National Transportation and Safety Board has dismissed the Federal Aviation Administration proposed $10,000 fine stating the FAA can not fine any one flying small commercial drones since they currently have no legally binding rules for this category of flying machines. The pilot who was using a 56 inch foam glider to take aerial video to use for advertising was fined in April of 2012 for a flight that had occurred in October of 2011.

In a recent article the FAA stated that there is no gray area when it comes to flying a UAV commercially, you must have some type of FAA approval. Though some pilots are using there UAV's commercially already, many are waiting for the the legality to become more clear. Some Blade 350QX pilots have been waiting to use their machine for aerial photography, with manufacturers like Blade even coming out with products like the Blade 350QX2 that include an aerial photography mode.

Congress had passed legislation in 2012 that directed the FAA to develop rules and regulations that would allow for drones to safely be integrated into the skies by 2015. But it currently appears that the FAA is behind schedule on the development of these rules and regulations. The FAA recently released a myth busting article to clarify the misconceptions surrounding UAV rules and regulations, but after the recent ruling it appears that the policy statement the FAA had issued may be unenforceable. The FAA is currently appealing the ruling.

Solar Plane Can Fly 5 Years Non Stop

Titan Aerospace has developed a solar drone, the Titan Solara, that is said to be able to continuously stay in flight for 5 years. With 3,000 solar cells covering the upper wing surface, the stabilizer and the elevator the drone with a 50 foot wingspan can generate up to 7 kilowatts of power; with any unused energy being stored in lithium ion batteries that are located inside the wing.

The titan Solara has autopilot capabilities that can fly, take off and land autonomously. But using the high speed radio links it is possible to transmit the telemetry data back to the ground. Flying at 65,000 feet the Solara will fly above most aircraft or any weather that could block the sun from reaching the drone. The Solara is marketed as an "atmospheric satellite",  meaning it could deliver satellite services without leaving the atmosphere. The Solara looks to have a bright future, with companies like Facebook even having interest in using this drone.

Blade Helicopters Announces New Version of Blade 350 QX GPS Quad Copter

Blade 350 QX New Version Announced Today! 

Note: All new orders placed at redrockethobbies.com for the Blade 350 QX will be shipped with this updated version as of today. Blade will announce an upgrade solution shortly for those who already own a 350 QX.

All new Blade^® 350 QX models will feature a new Firmware 2.0 update and more convenient chargers. This firmware update facilitates a new flight mode configuration as well as a refined starting procedure. Additionally, the firmware update improves GPS and compass performance during preflight and flight.


Refined Start Procedures
• Pilots can now move both sticks into the bottom inside corners to start the craft.
• Left-right-center procedure remains active as well.


New Flight mode configuration
• Smart Mode with green LED indicator.
• Aerial Photography Mode with smooth self-leveling characteristics with GPS and altitude lock. Purple LED status light.
• Stability Mode with blue LED indicator.
• Agility Mode, now only available on DX6i or higher with red LED indicator.


Compass and GPS Error Detection
• Yellow LED light calibration indicator.
• Adverse flight prevention in the event GPS and compass errors.


Convenient Charger
• 12V auxiliary port charger.

Important information for existing owners of the 350 QX with original firmware
For owners of the original 350 QX (BLH7800/BLH7880), an optional upgrade solution for the firmware with be available by early April for a nominal fee. More information will be available on bladehelis.com in late March, once details are available.

You can browse our selection of The Blade 350 QX Quadcopter here 

Indestructible drone?

Everyone knows that this hobby can get expensive quickly, but California company Game of Drones has recently developed a solution that may help fellow hobbyist with broken quadcopter bodies. The company has been able to develop an indestructible quad airframe that can exceed the typical abuse that users would typically encounter.

The company, appropriately named Game of Drones, was able to gain knowledge from trial and error by participating in an event they have called "fight club"; that pairs drone against drone with the last one flying dubbed the winner. The company has also completed a wide variety of tests that vary from stomping on the airframe to even shooting the quad with a 12 gauge shotgun.

Using kickstarter the company has raised enough money to get the project of the ground. With the assistance of over 280 backers and over $50,000 raised, the company is one step closer to delivering consumers an indestructible airframe. The company is currently accepting pre-orders for both products that are carried; the Action-Sports Airframe or the Action-Sports Drone, both with expected delivery in April or May 2014.

Ph.D. in drones?

Love flying? Looking for a career that is compatible with your passion? Well some colleges are now offering degrees in drone technology! Dozens of schools across the country are now offering UAS (unmanned aircraft systems) courses, with a few offering drone technology degrees.

Some colleges offer classes online where others offer a hands on experience with classes taking place inside of an airport hanger. During the program students will have the option to get a Ph.D. in UAV system engineering, get certified as a drone pilot, or learn to become a professional aerial photographer. The Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International estimates that this industry could create 70,000 new U.S. jobs.

The current FAA regulations still place a strain on current possibilities; but with companies like Amazon and Dominos talking about drone delivery it appears that a degree in drone technology may be part of a blossoming new career path.

Drone Aerial Photography Over Dolphin Stampede Dana Point California

This is some of the best drone footage we have ever seen! An excellent video of a Dolphin stampede and whales migrating off the coast of California all taken from a DJI Phantom 2 Quad Copter! If you want to see this activity up close and personal you can take a safari if you are in the Dana Point area. See Capt Dave's Excursions for more information.

New product! Vaterra 1967 Ford Mustang

The new Vaterra 1967 Ford Mustang will bring you back to the good days. This low profile vehicle carries an a officially licensed mustang fastback body with a dynamite power system.

The Vaterra Ford Mustang is equipped with the versatile V-100-S chassis leaving options to change the body to varies Vaterra 1/10 scale bodies. The low profile tires with 54mm wheels showcase the added detail of the brake and caliper.

With waterproof electronics, AVC technology and shaft driven 4WD the Vaterra 1967 Ford Mustang RTR is a fun car for anyone!