If you'd like to support my travels around Scotland so that I can bring you new and interesting footage, you can always throw a wee bit of fuel in my tank by clicking this link (and it's very much appreciated!): www.buymeacoffee.com/WindsweptRobert
Hi Robert great video as you know on an overcast day I wonder would the strobe act as an aid to see the drone the colour of the drone would nearly blend in with the clouds as your looking up. Bye the way I won’t as the same Question I asked the last time 😂
What is the ground detection like in the dark? I thought, at first, it might just be an infra red type detector so darkness wouldn't matter. I have since found out though that there is some ground detail detection for warning about unsafe terrain for landing, so is there a simple (infra red?) camera there as the ground detector?
Hi Robert where do you stand on the rule when adding weight to your drone by fitting one of these strobes as it would take it over the golden 249g. Kind regards phill
Hi Phill. 2 of the Cree strobes still keep it within the required weight, as does one cree and one ulanzi. I tend to use my 2 Cree strobes - red and green. See this video for the weight test of these lights:ua-cam.com/video/JI2vmWRYnao/v-deo.html
The air 2 has a much better sensor so you should be able to get some decent night footage. I flew in the Scottish countryside where there is zero lighting!
I think that's an AWESOME light Robert, I may get 2 of these and do some sky light painting over a local lake where I live, Wow that strobe is really bright.... Great video and really enjoyed...
I am too, to be honest. Took some great panoramic shots of a sunset the other day but having trouble stitching them. I'll need to do some more work on this before I attempt a tutorial! :)
@@WindsweptRobert yeah on top of the drone i find it not that useful , on the bottom it is good but cumbersome attaching it without 3d printing a clip. On the arm sits close to the rotor and while it works it is way beyond my comfort zone :). Keep up the great videos
What are the rules on having VLOS at night? With the strobe added you'll be able to see your drone but not necessarily see any obstacles that aren't lit up.
Dang that last flight was pretty impressive buddy. I haven’t flown at night but have used strobes in the day on cloudy days and it even helps then. This was really an impressive demonstration. Gotta give you a gold star on this one. Lol. ⭐️
thanks robert, ive been looking for a decent strobe to use in the uk from amazon etc, the one i wanted firestone or something you cant seem to buy here in the uk.. so gone for this one, just sent my order in... im Barnsley Drone Flyer by the way on youtube, did an impresiion of you in one of my latest films when i lost drone... all done in jest as i love your videos
Thanks eddie. The camera does not do justice to the strobes. In the daylight, I could see it flashing quite clearly with my eyes. At the point in the video where I use post production to crop in on the drone, you can see the flashing. So it is visible to the camera as well.
Av just covered mine bar the green light a covered it all black to see if it makes it easier to see while flying will let yous know in hof am hour if it helps or no here goes 😏
Well a covered ma mini black only left the green light clear but it made no difference 😥 theres gota be someway tht u can see it through the day? Only been flying at night so I can see where my drone is 😏
Great video Robert...I am waiting for my Ulanzi led to arrive...Can you please tell me if it is okay to apply the velcro on the top of the mini 2 at the front, and is it okay to leave the velcro attached when not using the strobe light ?
The velcro plus the strobe doesn't take the weight over 250g, but as far as leaving it on? Depends on a few things - I don't know how susceptible to drying out the sticker is, but I trust my clear selotape over a velcro patch any day.
In this one, the thing that struck me is that you're flying that late. It's dark here, lower on the continent, at 5.30pm, and in summer we couldn't fly past 8.30pm under natural light. I'm thinkin', geez, the afternoon Guinness must be bloody cold by the time you get to it. Have fun mate.
Tell you what - I was shivering with the cold while filming this one. It was around 11pm when it finally got dark enough to do the night flight. We get very long days in Summer in Scotland as we are quite far north ;)
The reason the camera loses that light especially in the night footage is focus more than anything. Maybe having a tweak of focus or fixing focus to infinity might result in better video results? That said, clearly the strobe does the work! Thanks for the test.
@@johncarson1427 Ah no. My solution was not practical so I never did elaborate. Let's just leave it at that ;) I use my iPad now mainly because I can just see things better on the bigger screen :)
What if you kept your strobe light(s) on all the pushing you over 250G can get a jobs worth saying you cor fly here if you was near a town / city because of the weight go’s in to different category
The Ulanzi has proven a winner for me, in terms of the Pros: a) Brightness b) Doesn't require a blackfuzz sticker on yer drone. c) elastic mount option is pure genius. d) Easy usb-c charging. e) Long run time per charge f) You can use them on multiple drones, one or two at most is all you need 😏 Flew with these on my larger Fimi X8SE one night and I actually heard someone nearby laughing and shouting "Its a UFO or Secret Military Experimental device" -but that drone has a red, green and amber on it, plus whatever colors the Ulanzi was showing. Quite a show! Thr Cons: a) larger than the Firehouse, Flytron Strobon and others b) Limited mounting positions, due to its larger dimensions, keeping clear of props can be challenging. Conclusion: Its hard to beat this performance and value. Almost forgot: The Ulanzi offers a super bright pulse flash, a slower, less intense flash, in White/Red/Green. I have a pair of these and I really like them. 👍
Ah ha.... My purchase of 2 Ulanzis is vindicated. Thanks so much for the repeat test Robert. Next..... put another on the home point and see if Lassie can see that 'home beacon' 😉
Wow, what a great suggestion! I'm tempted to buy a Flytron Cree white one to do a direct comparison with the Ulanzi. Maybe have the RED and GREEN cree strobes at the home point to see if Lassie can see them?
@@WindsweptRobert the home beacon is a good idea for those flying with goggles fpv style but return to home is always available but it would be a useful camera test anyway
Bit dark like you say Robert but a great experience getting the drone out at night, I love my white strobe light It makes me want to do another night flight.
I might do another one - unless people are getting bored with strobe tests! I'll attach the Ulanzi to one leg and the red cree (it's the better one) to the other leg and fly out over the loch during the day so people can judge for themselves which is better for daylight flying, and how far it can be seen.
@@WindsweptRobert Robert could you do a video on calibrating the drone and the controller so the positioning arrow on the GPS map Is accurate. I have tried a few suggestions on this but even when I have the done this and tried a couple of meters up and a few meters in front of me it shows I am pointing to the left.
If you'd like to support my travels around Scotland so that I can bring you new and interesting footage, you can always throw a wee bit of fuel in my tank by clicking this link (and it's very much appreciated!):
www.buymeacoffee.com/WindsweptRobert
Once again a great test Robert. enjoyed it
Thanks Gavin. Was a bit of a repeat of last weekend, but worthwhile for Ulanzi owners :)
Hi robert. Another interesting and well watched movie.👍 I only watched it today because I was busy collecting material for my new film. Best wishes.🙂
Was nice to see you at the Premiere :)
@@WindsweptRobert I published the film a dozen or so minutes ago. I am sending the link. ua-cam.com/video/P8y_KrhkEYU/v-deo.html
I will definitely be there at the next premiere.
Very cool one 👌 thanks to you and bright Lassie😉
She's a good, bright girl!
Hi Robert great video as you know on an overcast day I wonder would the strobe act as an aid to see the drone the colour of the drone would nearly blend in with the clouds as your looking up.
Bye the way I won’t as the same Question I asked the last time 😂
White one flashes against the sky quite clearly in the daylight
What is the ground detection like in the dark? I thought, at first, it might just be an infra red type detector so darkness wouldn't matter. I have since found out though that there is some ground detail detection for warning about unsafe terrain for landing, so is there a simple (infra red?) camera there as the ground detector?
I'll try it out when I go out to do my night tests :)
Hi Robert where do you stand on the rule when adding weight to your drone by fitting one of these strobes as it would take it over the golden 249g. Kind regards phill
Hi Phill. 2 of the Cree strobes still keep it within the required weight, as does one cree and one ulanzi. I tend to use my 2 Cree strobes - red and green. See this video for the weight test of these lights:ua-cam.com/video/JI2vmWRYnao/v-deo.html
Got two of those for my air2 love them I’m a huckleberry for all flashlights haven’t flown at night yet on bucket list for summer camping trip
The air 2 has a much better sensor so you should be able to get some decent night footage. I flew in the Scottish countryside where there is zero lighting!
I think that's an AWESOME light Robert, I may get 2 of these and do some sky light painting over a local lake where I live, Wow that strobe is really bright.... Great video and really enjoyed...
I have a red and a green flytron Cree strobes and they are great too . See this video for a demo :ua-cam.com/video/Xo47HSoHxLU/v-deo.html
Robert could you do a video on stitching sphere panorama shots on the Mini 2...Iam really struggling with this..
I am too, to be honest. Took some great panoramic shots of a sunset the other day but having trouble stitching them. I'll need to do some more work on this before I attempt a tutorial! :)
Attached mine on the battery cover and pretty happy i can see the drone finally.
A lot of people site it on the battery cover, Riccardo. Seems like a good place for the strobe :)
@@WindsweptRobert yeah on top of the drone i find it not that useful , on the bottom it is good but cumbersome attaching it without 3d printing a clip. On the arm sits close to the rotor and while it works it is way beyond my comfort zone :). Keep up the great videos
Fantastic video buddy. If I put the strobe on the top do you still think it will be visible?. Also what tape did you use ? 👍👍
Cheers, G :) I just used clear sellotape . Aye, I’m sure it will still be very bright and clear if you mount it on top :)
@@WindsweptRobert Brilliant thanks for the reply 👍 😀
What are the rules on having VLOS at night? With the strobe added you'll be able to see your drone but not necessarily see any obstacles that aren't lit up.
I think the CAA regs re drones and classes are easily available online Rob. I agree with your second sentence.
Dang that last flight was pretty impressive buddy. I haven’t flown at night but have used strobes in the day on cloudy days and it even helps then. This was really an impressive demonstration. Gotta give you a gold star on this one. Lol. ⭐️
Thanks pal. Drone camera couldn't see anything because it was dark and in the middle of the countryside, but could still see the strobes flashing :)
thanks robert, ive been looking for a decent strobe to use in the uk from amazon etc, the one i wanted firestone or something you cant seem to buy here in the uk.. so gone for this one, just sent my order in... im Barnsley Drone Flyer by the way on youtube, did an impresiion of you in one of my latest films when i lost drone... all done in jest as i love your videos
I’ll check that out! Hope you used the link in my description to purchase your strobes ;)
Could not see it in daylight but definitely as it got dark.very bright.once again Robert and lassie. Good comparison video.
Thanks eddie. The camera does not do justice to the strobes. In the daylight, I could see it flashing quite clearly with my eyes. At the point in the video where I use post production to crop in on the drone, you can see the flashing. So it is visible to the camera as well.
Thank you Robert...
My pleasure, as always Rob :)
Small Lassie, BIG LIGHT! Wow! Two mile visibility. You make my Father’s Day wish list very easy Robert.🤔😋
The Cree strobes are very good and you can fit 2 at a time and still not be over 250g. the Ulanzi seems to be brighter, but weighs in at 6g
@@WindsweptRobert Thanks Robert!
Av just covered mine bar the green light a covered it all black to see if it makes it easier to see while flying will let yous know in hof am hour if it helps or no here goes 😏
@@andyinglis8687 can you video the drone from the ground and then post it so we can see Andy?
Well a covered ma mini black only left the green light clear but it made no difference 😥 theres gota be someway tht u can see it through the day? Only been flying at night so I can see where my drone is 😏
Wow definitely need to get some stoves once I am getting a chance to fly in low light conditions
Aye those stoves will be great to heat up yer beans while you are flying your drone! ;)
@@WindsweptRobert Almost sent a good sip of beer 🍺 out my nose 👃with that observation, ya rascal!
Great video Robert...I am waiting for my Ulanzi led to arrive...Can you please tell me if it is okay to apply the velcro on the top of the mini 2 at the front, and is it okay to leave the velcro attached when not using the strobe light ?
The velcro plus the strobe doesn't take the weight over 250g, but as far as leaving it on? Depends on a few things - I don't know how susceptible to drying out the sticker is, but I trust my clear selotape over a velcro patch any day.
I am trying to figure out your rationale for this test and the applicability of the results.
Comparison of the Cree strobe with the Ulanzi strobe to see if the visibility is in the same ballpark with both strobes. Pretty straightforward ;)
In this one, the thing that struck me is that you're flying that late. It's dark here, lower on the continent, at 5.30pm, and in summer we couldn't fly past 8.30pm under natural light. I'm thinkin', geez, the afternoon Guinness must be bloody cold by the time you get to it.
Have fun mate.
Tell you what - I was shivering with the cold while filming this one. It was around 11pm when it finally got dark enough to do the night flight. We get very long days in Summer in Scotland as we are quite far north ;)
Amazingly bright!
To the naked eye, it was still bright at the full distance - I just wish the camera could see what I could see :)
Yep, that’s bright enough 👏👍😉
Works! :)
Excellent Bob ! How many times do you wrap that sellotape round? ie: how thick is it covering the strobe light?
Cheers bud, great vid again
3 wraps around.
@@WindsweptRobert Cheers Bob
The reason the camera loses that light especially in the night footage is focus more than anything. Maybe having a tweak of focus or fixing focus to infinity might result in better video results?
That said, clearly the strobe does the work! Thanks for the test.
Thanks for the tips!
I have the same strobe as well and you've proved I made a smart enough decision. Thanks Don't think I be flying that far out at night though.
Flying out that far is NOT recommended. I only did it so that many more pilots don't have to!
@@WindsweptRobert Your a trooper, taking one for the team like that. Again my thanks to you and lassie for a great website, enjoy it every week.
a while back we talked about improving visibility of the screen, notice you are using your ipad more often now. Is that your solution.
@@johncarson1427 Ah no. My solution was not practical so I never did elaborate. Let's just leave it at that ;) I use my iPad now mainly because I can just see things better on the bigger screen :)
What if you kept your strobe light(s) on all the pushing you over 250G can get a jobs worth saying you cor fly here if you was near a town / city because of the weight go’s in to different category
Just means I’d have to fly as if it was an Air 2 instead of a mini 2
I get it that during day time and dusk these are a good idea but it seems pointless doing a night test as the camera can’t see anything
True that the mini 2 can't see anything, but other drones can :)
Really good 👍
Thanks 😁
The Ulanzi has proven a winner for me, in terms of the
Pros:
a) Brightness
b) Doesn't require a blackfuzz sticker on yer drone.
c) elastic mount option is pure genius.
d) Easy usb-c charging.
e) Long run time per charge
f) You can use them on multiple drones, one or two at most is all you need 😏
Flew with these on my larger Fimi X8SE one night and I actually heard someone nearby laughing and shouting "Its a UFO or Secret Military Experimental device" -but that drone has a red, green and amber on it, plus whatever colors the Ulanzi was showing. Quite a show!
Thr Cons:
a) larger than the Firehouse, Flytron Strobon and others
b) Limited mounting positions, due to its larger dimensions, keeping clear of props can be challenging.
Conclusion: Its hard to beat this performance and value.
Almost forgot: The Ulanzi offers a super bright pulse flash, a slower, less intense flash, in White/Red/Green. I have a pair of these and I really like them. 👍
Agree with every word :)
I have 2 on my drone. Love them!
2 Crees or 2 Ulanzis?
Windy who beamed up that coo?
I saw them LOL!
@@WindsweptRobert lol 1 just disappeared in the video?
Ah ha.... My purchase of 2 Ulanzis is vindicated. Thanks so much for the repeat test Robert. Next..... put another on the home point and see if Lassie can see that 'home beacon' 😉
Wow, what a great suggestion! I'm tempted to buy a Flytron Cree white one to do a direct comparison with the Ulanzi. Maybe have the RED and GREEN cree strobes at the home point to see if Lassie can see them?
@@WindsweptRobert the home beacon is a good idea for those flying with goggles fpv style but return to home is always available but it would be a useful camera test anyway
Bit dark like you say Robert but a great experience getting the drone out at night, I love my white strobe light It makes me want to do another night flight.
I might do another one - unless people are getting bored with strobe tests! I'll attach the Ulanzi to one leg and the red cree (it's the better one) to the other leg and fly out over the loch during the day so people can judge for themselves which is better for daylight flying, and how far it can be seen.
This will take the drone to 252g, but I will just fly it as if I'm under Air 2 rules - not near people or anything anyway flying over a loch
@@WindsweptRobert Robert could you do a video on calibrating the drone and the controller so the positioning arrow on the GPS map Is accurate. I have tried a few suggestions on this but even when I have the done this and tried a couple of meters up and a few meters in front of me it shows I am pointing to the left.
@@PetersReviews Don’t forget to calibrate the compass in your phone if you’re using an iPhone.👍
@@PetersReviews I'll need to have a think about that one!
I miss the days when DJI drones came with a bright led and gps was an option.
I'm too new to drones to know about this time :)
Hi Robert
Hi Jason!
👍
🚀