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My drone flew 87 missions before it died. I got 34 out of it.
I use a drone for site surveys and progress tracking on a big mixed-use project in Austin. The manufacturer said it should last 200 flights easy. I was lucky to get 34. Battery life dropped fast after 20 flights, and the gimbal started twitching on number 30. I know I should baby them more, but on a active jobsite they take a beating. Anyone else burning through drones way faster than the specs claim?
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derek_brown2813d agoMost Upvoted
Wait, are you sure it wasn't a lemon from the factory? I burned through a DJI Phantom 3 in like 18 flights once, and the gimbal went all jittery just like yours. Turns out a little pebble got wedged in the hinge from a landing in some gravel, but the repair cost almost as much as a new one. @oliver_fisher would probably tell me I'm crazy for not sending it back under warranty, but I just figured it was a tough lesson. The rated flight count on these things is a joke if you're actually using them in dusty or windy conditions. I'm convinced the 200 flight number is for a drone that never touches dirt.
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Wait, only 34 out of a claimed 200? That's insane, lol. I'd be absolutely livid if I got less than half the rated life out of a drone.
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