Imagine spending just one week to master the thrilling art of flying a cinematic FPV drone! In British Columbia, a spirited trio known as TMS Productions captures this adventure. Tommy, along with identical twins Mitchell and Stephen, blend PNW vibes into their bustling journey of learning, building, and mastering drone flight. They dive headfirst into the world of FPV drones with zero prior experience, piecing together complex equipment and navigating through trial and error.
Equipped with the Eachine EV800D goggles and other top-notch gear, the team takes on challenges like soldering and indoor test flights. Despite some initial mishaps, such as a brush with injury, the group’s persistence pays off. Their goal? To pull off a ridge dive—plummeting the drone down a cliff—within just one week. This video showcases not just stunning visuals but also the learning curve, insights, and sheer excitement involved in flying an FPV drone. Follow their journey as they transform from beginners to confident pilots, capturing breathtaking footage that is both thrilling and risky.
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Parts List:
Goggles: Eachine EV800D
RC Receiver: Frsky XM+ Micro Mini Receiver
Motors: Racerstar Racing Edition 2205 BR2205 2300KV
Frame: Eachine Wizard X220HV
VTX: Eachine TX805
Propellers: Dalprop Cyclone T5040C
Controller: FrSky Taranis X9 Lite Pro
FPV Camera: Upgraded Foxeer Falkor 1200TVL
Battery: FCONEGY 4S 14.8V Lipo Battery
Flight Controller: MAMBA F405 MK2
FAQ’s
Q: How old are you?
A: You are 19 years old!
Q: How many are in your team?
A: Your team consists of 3: Tommy, Mitchell, and Stephen! Mitchell & Stephen are identical twins, and Tommy is their friend who resembles them!
Q: What does TMS represent?
A: It’s the initials of your first names combined! (Created at age 15, what were you expecting?)
Q: Where is your origin?
A: British Columbia, Canada! Enjoying those PNW vibes;)
Q: What equipment do you handle?
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small drone (to fly through things): https://amzn.to/2Qnm60O
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Laptop (MacBook Pro Equivalent!): https://amzn.to/2ZQ2V2S
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As always… you’ll catch the next update on Monday! 😉
Created by: Tommy DeWitt, Stephen & Mitchell Kucher
Music: Licensed through
Cameras: Fuji X-T2, BMPCC4k, Sony A73
Mic: Rode VideoMic Pro+
Drone: DJI Mavic Air, FPV Drone
Software: Adobe Creative Cloud
Understanding FPV Drones
Definition and Basics of FPV Drones
First-Person View (FPV) drones bring a new dimension to drone flying, allowing you to experience flight as if you are sitting in the cockpit. Unlike traditional drones, FPV drones transmit live video from the drone’s camera to goggles worn by the pilot, providing a real-time view of the landscape from the air. This immersive experience is akin to piloting the drone in real life, making it a thrilling and invaluable tool for filmmakers and hobbyists alike.
Key Features of Cinematic FPV Drones
Cinematic FPV drones are specially designed to capture breathtaking aerial footage. They often have higher-quality cameras capable of recording in high resolution, providing a vibrant and detailed capture of scenes. These drones are agile, allowing for rapid maneuvers and smooth transitions, which is crucial for dynamic shots. Advanced stabilization technology helps maintain steady footage even during complex movements. Their robust construction enables them to withstand minor crashes and impacts, making them suitable for adventurous shoots.
Why Choose FPV Drones for Cinematic Shots
Choosing FPV drones for cinematic filming offers several advantages, primarily their ability to capture unique perspectives and dynamic shots that are difficult to achieve with traditional cameras or drones. FPV drones can weave through tight spaces, dive down cliffs, and soar over landscapes seamlessly, creating a more engaging visual narrative. They provide filmmakers with unparalleled creative freedom, offering angles and motions that were once unimaginable, thereby enhancing the storytelling capability of films and videos.
Introducing TMS Productions
Who are Tommy, Mitchell, and Stephen?
TMS Productions is a vibrant and innovative team consisting of three young enthusiasts: Tommy DeWitt and identical twins Mitchell and Stephen Kucher. Each of them, at just 19 years old, brings unique energy and creativity to the team, embodying the spirit of youthful adventure and exploration. Despite being remarkably similar in appearance, the twins and their friend bring diverse perspectives to their projects, helping them create captivating content.
Origin and Purpose of TMS Productions
Born from a shared passion for storytelling and creativity, TMS Productions started as a collaboration among friends eager to explore the possibilities of filmmaking. The name “TMS” creatively combines the first initials of Tommy, Mitchell, and Stephen, symbolizing their joint venture into media production. Based in British Columbia, Canada, their projects often exude Pacific Northwest vibes, reflecting the natural beauty and adventurous spirit of their surroundings.
Engagement with the Audience
TMS Productions actively engages with their audience through platforms like Instagram and TikTok, where they share their exciting journey and regular updates. They have built a community of followers who are captivated by their projects and appreciate their entertaining and educational content. By promising weekly updates, TMS ensures their audience remains connected and anticipates new adventures every Monday, fostering a loyal and engaged fanbase.
Essential Equipment for FPV Drone Flying
Overview of Components Used in the Project
To embark on their FPV drone project, TMS Productions utilized a range of essential equipment, carefully selected to ensure optimal performance and learning. Understanding each component’s role was crucial as it determined the drone’s functionality and the success of their filming endeavors. Key tools included goggles, receivers, motors, frames, flight controllers, and other integral parts.
Detailed Description of Eachine EV800D Goggles and FrSky XM+ Receiver
The Eachine EV800D goggles played a vital role by offering clear, real-time video transmissions from the drone’s camera, providing a true FPV experience. These goggles are known for their durability, ease of use, and affordability, making them an ideal choice for beginners. The FrSky XM+ receiver, with its high sensitivity and security, ensured a robust and reliable connection between the drone and the controller, crucial for maintaining control during flight.
Racerstar Motors and Eachine Wizard X220HV Frame Specifications
The Racerstar motors are revered for their efficiency and power, offering the necessary thrust and speed for performing dynamic aerial maneuvers. Coupled with the Eachine Wizard X220HV frame, known for its lightweight yet sturdy construction, these components provide the drone with stability and agility, allowing for smoother flying and more precise control.
The Role of Eachine TX805 VTX and Dalprop Cyclone Propellers
The Eachine TX805 VTX (Video Transmitter) is essential for transmitting clear video signals back to the goggles, ensuring that pilots have a continuous vantage point from the drone’s perspective. Meanwhile, the Dalprop Cyclone propellers, known for their durability and aerodynamic efficiency, provide the thrust needed for intricate aerial dynamics, offering pilots the ability to execute sharp turns and rapid movements with ease.
Importance of FrSky Taranis X9 Lite Pro Controller
The FrSky Taranis X9 Lite Pro controller is a favorite among drone pilots for its ergonomic design and programmable features. Its precision and responsiveness are crucial for executing complex maneuvers, and its user-friendly interface is essential for beginners who are still familiarizing themselves with FPV drone controls.
Upgraded Foxeer Falkor Camera Benefits
A vital component of the setup is the upgraded Foxeer Falkor camera, known for its superior image quality and low-light performance. This camera provides crisp, clear footage and is capable of capturing stunning details, making it perfect for filming cinematic shots even in challenging lighting conditions.
Battery and Flight Controller Choices: FCONEGY and MAMBA F405
The FCONEGY battery powers the drone with reliable and long-lasting energy, crucial for extended flight sessions. Coupled with the MAMBA F405 flight controller, which provides robust and accurate control functions, these components ensure stable flights and allow pilots to focus on capturing the perfect shot rather than worrying about technical difficulties.
Preparing for the Journey
The Initial Challenge as a Beginner
Embarking on the journey of learning FPV drone flying presented numerous challenges, particularly for someone with no prior experience like Tommy from TMS Productions. Understanding the nuances of settings, controls, and the technical jargon associated with FPV drones seemed daunting initially. The learning curve was steep, demanding patience and a willingness to embrace trial and error as part of the process.
The Month-Long Wait for the FPV Drone Setup
After researching the necessary equipment, placing an order, and eagerly waiting an entire month for all components to arrive, anticipation built up. This wait period was filled with mixed emotions—excitement about the impending experience and curiosity about the challenges ahead. This time also allowed for preparation, such as gathering knowledge about the FPV community, which proved invaluable later.
Significance of Simulator Practice for Beginners
Before even attempting to fly the physical drone, practicing on a simulator emerged as a critical step for beginners. The simulator provided a safe environment to practice essential controls and maneuvers, minimizing the risk of damaging equipment through costly crashes. Though initially overlooked, the subsequent hours spent in simulated practice equipped Tommy with foundational skills, making the eventual transition to actual flight much smoother.
Building the Drone from Scratch
Challenges Faced in the Building Process
Building the drone from scratch was a formidable challenge, heavily involving technical skills and patience. With components arriving separately, understanding how each piece fit into the grand puzzle required careful attention and research. The complexity of integrating various elements, from the frame to the flight controller, presented a substantial learning curve, especially for a novice.
Overcoming Lack of Soldering Experience
Facing the task of soldering without prior experience was intimidating. Soldering is a delicate process essential for securing connections between components. Although daunting, it quickly became a hands-on learning experience. Perseverance and careful attention to tutorials and expert advice eased the process, ensuring the connections were stable and functional without any damage.
Lessons Learned from the Assembly Experience
The assembly process was not only technical but also a tremendous learning experience. It taught patience, attention to detail, and the importance of meticulously following instructions. Mistakes became learning opportunities, showing that developing such technical competence can lead to personal growth and confidence in handling complex tasks.
First Flight Experiences
Initial Indoor Flight Attempts
Eager to test flight capabilities, Tommy attempted his first flight indoors, a decision with inherent risks. Despite the excitement, controlling the drone within a confined space presented unique challenges. It quickly became evident that, while caution was emphasized, the goal was to familiarize himself with the controls and hover abilities.
Risks and Precautions Highlighted by First Injury
The first indoor flight underscored the associated risks, leading to an unfortunate injury due to picking up the drone while it was active. This incident highlighted essential precautions—like ensuring all equipment is shut down before handling. These risks reinforced the criticality of respecting the power and unpredictability of FPV drones.
Adjustments and Learning from Mistakes
Post-incident, adjustments were necessary, emphasizing careful planning and adherence to safety protocols. Each mistake underscored valuable lessons, leading to improved strategies and a more structured approach for future flights. The emphasis on ongoing learning and adaptability began to form the basis for safer and more effective flying sessions.
Progressing Through Practice
Documenting Gradual Improvement
Progress in FPV drone flying was marked by documenting each flight, noting successes and areas needing improvement. This gradual improvement was observed in the growing confidence and control in piloting the drone, as well as an increased ability to perform complex maneuvers. Keeping a record provided a source of motivation and a reference for progress.
The Role of Mentorship and Community Support
In the learning journey, support from the FPV community proved invaluable. Encounters with experienced pilots led to sharing tips, offering mentorship, and even providing critical resources like propellers. This support network helped mitigate challenges and motivated continuous learning and exploration within the FPV realm.
Adapting to the Learning Curve
Successfully adapting to the learning curve involved accepting setbacks as part of the journey and using them to propel further progress. It required embracing both successes and failures with a balanced perspective, developing resilience, and continually exploring new techniques to improve flying skills and achieve greater goals.
Achieving the Final Goal
Setting the Ambitious Goal: Performing a Ridge Dive
Rising to the challenge, Tommy set an ambitious goal of performing a ridge dive—a complex maneuver involving flying the drone down a steep incline. This goal was set to test his skills under higher difficulty, pushing the limits of what was achievable within a week’s practice.
Overcoming Initial Nervousness
Facing the ridge presented considerable nervousness; however, the accumulated experience from practice and community support helped in overcoming initial anxiety. By focusing on the task and relying on prepared strategies, the nervousness transformed into focused determination to successfully execute the maneuver.
Successfully Capturing the Desired Footage
Against all odds, Tommy achieved the ridge dive, capturing breathtaking footage and realizing the goal set at the start of the week. The culmination of practice, planning, and persistence paid off, delivering impressive cinematic results and marking a significant milestone in the FPV drone journey.
Reflections on the Learning Experience
Embracing the Challenges and Triumphs
Reflecting on the entire experience, embracing both challenges and triumphs was crucial for growth. Each challenge faced reinforced perseverance and adaptability, while triumphs validated the hard work and commitment invested. Together, they formed a comprehensive understanding of FPV drone dynamics.
Understanding the Significance of Patience and Persistence
Beyond technical skills, the journey underscored the importance of patience and persistence in achieving complex goals. Delays, setbacks, and unanticipated challenges tested resilience, but persistent effort and a patient approach led to continued improvement and eventual success.
Anticipating Future FPV Drone Adventures
With the successful completion of the initial goal, anticipation for future adventures with FPV drones grows. Armed with solid fundamentals and a supportive community, TMS Productions looks forward to exploring new challenges and creative possibilities offered by FPV drones in filmmaking.
Conclusion
Summarizing the One-Week FPV Drone Learning Journey
The journey of learning to fly a cinematic FPV drone in one week revealed an exciting and rewarding experience, filled with both learning and creativity. Overcoming initial hurdles, developing crucial skills, and finally achieving the set goal demonstrated determination and passion from TMS Productions.
Encouragement for Aspiring FPV Drone Pilots
For those inspired to embark on a similar journey, remember that the key lies in persistence and a willingness to learn from both success and failure. Engaging with the FPV community, leveraging available resources, and maintaining curiosity can transform challenges into achievements.
Final Thoughts on the Potential and Risks of FPV Drones
While FPV drones offer unparalleled filming opportunities and creative expression, they also carry inherent risks requiring respect and caution. Balancing enthusiasm with safety considerations ensures the realization of the incredible potential FPV drones hold, opening gateways to capturing extraordinary cinematic shots.