I've got a skydio 2 and a hover x1.

I'm sorry SteveS doesn't kayak anymore, neither of your drones fit what I'm searching for right now.  As 123engineering is about to tell me (and what I already knew) is the skydio 2 will need to be registered with the FAA and a remote ID module installed.  Too bad, because that would be fun to fool around with.  The hover x1 is interesting, but I need to pilot a drone FPV if I'm going to learn anything that will help in the future.

I appreciate the offer, but I'm sorry, they don't fit.

SHUCKS

Check the latest FAA regulation changes, I think they are going to force Remote ID rules soon.  Check FAA website: https://www.faa.gov/uas/getting_started/remote_id
Any commercial use requires an FAA 107 license, which is not that difficult to get but will cost you $175? to take the exam.  I got my 107 a year ago but didn't fly much lately.

Paul

I'm familiar with the FAA regulations, Paul.  It's rumored that the FAA might have announced a delay in timing and they may go into effect early next year, although the exact date is uncertain.  The biggest problem the FAA is creating is that no matter what UAV one owns. if it's heavier than 250 grams, you'll need to register it with the FAA and install a remote ID transponder which aren't built into the drone, and a newbie like me will have to solder something to the tiny circuit boards and OMG, that's not my forte.  I'd fry something critical, no doubt.

Just like me to show up a day after all the fun...

I have been flying drones on and off for the last several years.

[...]

Paul

I figured it out!  Several - many - of the DJI drones can stay in the air for 20+ minutes, but they seem to be the exception, not the rule.  I apologize for being surprised that any drone could fly that long.

I'm not sure I know enough to recognize that I'm still stupid.

There's also these folks.  Not sure if you're close to them or not, but I'd be shocked if they wouldn't guide you along better than I can if you started asking questions.

https://dronecampca.org/

I have been flying drones on and off for the last several years.
One of the cheapest ways to learn is to buy a toy drone and practice joystick skills first.
Most drones come with two batteries and a charger, but you might need to get a couple more due to their limited flight time.
Most batteries last approximately 15-20 minutes of flight time.
The drones are so advanced that they can fly independently and avoid collision.

Paul

Paul, I'd sure like to know which drones can get 15-20 minutes of flight time on one battery, because most of those pilots online get ecstatic if they can squeeze 5 minutes out of a flight.  Are you flying the long distance drones that are larger than 7-inches?

I'm serious, not diss-ing on you.  I first started thinking about 20- or 30-minute flights with a UAV and it still bugs me that I'll need to change batteries several times to fly that long.  It must be great.

- Kevin

I'm thinking about learning to pilot a recreational drone and the first stumbling block I came to was the LiPO battery charger.

Is there anyone using radio-controlled models or drones who can help me figure out what I need - or just how to figure out what I need?

Also: is there such a thing as LiFePo4 battery packs for these things?

I should never have started down this trail.  I seemed smarter before I did.

- Kevin

Interesting, I haven’t experienced that state of goop before. I’ve had the webbing straps go crusty, it seems that’s just before they break. I might be tempted to try soaking/washing and using dry hair conditioner on them, just a thought

I'ver used a lot of GOOP, on water baths, to seal screw holes for accessories... I've used it a lot, and I've never seen it get hard and next to impossible to remove either.

I'll see if soaking the straps in hot water helps.  I hope they don't break.  I'd have to replace the entire seat if they do.

Thanks for the suggestion. 

Very interested.  I can't see how you got the wiring to the Humminbird.  How?  How did youy do it?

I'm serious about being interested...  Tridents are like crack to me.