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Going Fullframe

October 21, 2015
By admin in Uncategorized

My work horse – the Olympus EM-5 micro 4/3 has been a fantastic camera, and the only thing i can complain about is some limitations of the dynamic range in darker areas, so I have been thinking about moving over to a full frame camera setup for some time.
Initially I was leaning towards the Nikon D810 DLSR, but I like the mirrorless systems and believe that this is the future, and when the Sony A7RII showed up I finally made up my mind.
According to tests, this camera will beat the Nikon when it comes to dynamic range at higher ISO, so I have great trust in this kit. Now it´s time to take it to the test and see haw it performs…
A7RII

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Small FPV quad

December 18, 2014
By admin in Uncategorized

Just got the new Blade Nano QX FPV version is equipped with a tiny camera and transmitter with almost the same weight as regular Nano QX (22 grams).
It uses the frequency compatible with FatShark goggles

PC180185

 

By admin in Uncategorized

We took a trip to Estonia to dive a former Soviet submerged prison

New toy – Blade 350 QX

September 19, 2013
By admin in Uncategorized

This is a brand new compact size quadcopter. It is available as Ready to fly (RTF) or Bind and fly (BNF).
I choosed the BNF version that includes a pre-built quad, LI-PO battery, charger, Gopro camera mounts (that is the olny thing you need to assemble) and spare props.
There are three different flight modes:
Smart mode – Ensures that the quad don’t get too near the pilot, and also offers a Relativity functionality that follows the directional input from the pilot regardless of the orientation of the quad (similar to Intelligent orientation mode on the Dji Naza).
Stability mode – Uses the GPS and altimeter to maintain stability, including a hold function.
Agility mode – A freestyle mode for more experienced users that allows acrobatic flying.
My first impression is that it´s extremely stable and has the most advanced control unit i have tested. I was also impressed by the flight time. I flew for over 12 minutes with the 2200mAh Li-Po and there was plenty of juice left.
I can highly recommend this quad for both beginners and more experienced pilots.

P9190201 P9190203 P9190205

Blade Nano QX

August 23, 2013
By admin in Gadgets

This tiny quad is really fun to fly. It has a weight of only 18 grams, and the fligt time is about 8 minutes with each of the two provided 150mAh Li-Po batteries.
The smart USB charger lets you charge the battery in any USB port.
There are two flight modes: Stability mode and Agility mode for more advanced flying.
I have crashed a number of times into furniture and stuff, but this litle $69 quad is tough.

Blade_nano_qx P8230092
 

 

Going FPV

August 9, 2013
By admin in Gadgets

Got my Fatshark Attitude goggles and tried some First Person View flying with the quad copter.
Your first few FPV flights are pretty scary but awesome. It feels a bit like actually flying a real aircraft.
I had to sit down to keep my balance and concentrate on the flight 🙂

 

And here is a clip when testing the RCtimer Gopro Gimbal…

Flying quad

June 29, 2013
By admin in Gadgets

Multi rotor flying looks fun, so i wanted to try my self and ordered a Dji F450 kit with Naza V2 flight controller and GPS.
It was quite easy to assemble and after reading lots of manuals and tutorials i managed to do the configuration and calibration correct.

  

By admin in Diving gear, Hillbilly/Backyard projects

NI-MH batteries are quite sensitive to both exterme heat and cold. I left the battery pack for my underwater scooter in the garage during the winter. I think that is the reason why it never reaches full voltage during charge. I ordered 20 Tenergy F Size 1.2 V 13000mAh NiMH cells from http://www.all-battery.com/. It cost me about $260 + shipping and local tax.
A ready to use battery pack costs about $800 so you can save some bucks if you assemble your own.
The new battery pack is about 2.2 kg lighter than the original so i need to add some weights before diving.

I used PVC pipes and hot glue to make a stable pack The batteries came with soldering tabs. However i found that i needed 40Amp heavy duty soldering bars instead.

I used PVC pipes and hot glue to make a stable pack
The batteries came with soldering tabs. However i found that i needed 40Amp heavy duty soldering bars instead.

Burn testing the battery pack  with two 3 ohm 300W resistors to simulate the Scooter. 50 minutes burn time and still over 20V

Burn testing the battery pack with two 3 ohm 300W resistors to simulate the Scooter.
50 minutes burn time and still over 20V

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The battery pack is ready and charged

The battery pack is ready and charged

Gavin Mini DPVs - Time for a dive

Gavin Mini DPVs – Time for a dive

Video light

December 20, 2012
By admin in Diving gear

I was looking for an affordable UW Video Light kit for the GoPro camera and I decided to try two Archnon D32VR LED lights:

Each light is equipped with a powerful Li-ion battery and has four LEDs: Two white CREE XM-L U2 LED (max 1400 Lumens) and two Red CREE XP-E LED N3 (max 200 Lumens).
It is depth rated to 100 meters and has a Radiation angle of 120 degrees.

Baltic sea at it’s best

November 21, 2012
By admin in Uncategorized

Most “cocktail divers” thinks that the Baltic sea is just a mud hole with bad visibility with nothing to see. But if you are interested in history and like well preserved wrecks pickled in green water, this is the place to dive.
November could be the best time for diving there. The water is still not to cold, ant the visibility can be quite amazing. Here is a footage from a great dive last weekend with stunning visibility.