Great review Ken. Hey, you tried it twice, and you can defiantly see how jerky it was. They need to embrace their company name and make the motion more Fluid. Thanks for the time you spent so others can save their money. It's nice having someone you can trust to review a product before you buy it.
I was asked to review that unit weeks ago along with everyone else. I turned it down since it made no practical sense for the average drone user (build a better mouse trap????).
@Lon Denard for increasing the possibilites of gettin stuck and, of course, nobody is cover your "actions" on the air, controlled or not NUT yourself so I considering I am giving myself the best possiblity by using the ONLY approved methods of the facotry to which you´re paying thousands of dollars (maybe is just a contoversial way of taking care of their own products but.... it seems something like that is working for the Apple Company from a long time ago)
I don't think it's a good idea because why would you want a controller that controls your controller when you already have a controller if you have them all together you can have a controller that controls your controller that controls your controller that controls your controller that controls your controller that's just silly
Great video Ken, I was offered one of these for review by their PR company, I'll be saying a firm no. Anyone endorsing this dangerous and unsafe product is either incompetent, desperate to be liked or on their payroll. Thanks for being an honest reviewer!
I talked to an Iraq veteran amputee about this, and after seeing your first video he said "why bother? I can use my one hand with the two sticks of the standard controller and feel safe" (He flies a Mavic in a sitting position with the controller velcroed to the leg of his cargo pants.) I think that says it all really, and bangs another nail in the FT Navigator's coffin. I do wonder where these odd people who pop up and say "I've been using the FT Navigator for some time and it works great/perfectly!"come from though... My question would be: "works perfectly" compared to what?
TOTALLY AGREE and of course more safe than attach another controller to control the controller than controls the controls on the controlled one.... 😂 ☝️
maybe DJI nerfed the FT aviator with a hidden/sneaky/deceptive firmware or software update. on the mavic 2, dji did not change the firmware version number, but did in fact update the firmware and pushed it through the dji go app. this effectively killed rollback. it is not beyond them.
Thank you for your honesty Ken. If it doesn’t work well reviewers should say so. As it stands right now I wouldn’t even try this product if they offered to send me one for free. As for this helping people with disabilities, I am one....and have worked as a counselor with many many other disabled people. Anybody Who has difficulty with their hand dexterity or fine control will have a very difficult time using this at all. With all respect to Scott P. the astronaut I think this controller will cause many people to lose their drones. Just my opinion.
you're totally right Mike... not only losing it, causing some other damage while is OFF of your control and no warranty or assurance company will be covering that because of this "little" issue and other similars... and remember you're not a disabled one in the "typical" way of saying it Mike 🤗 you're doing SO MUCH more than "regular" ones to fly your drone (as I do on my part too, handicapped but not devasted for that reason and flying from time to time mine too when my "little issue" allows me to do that). GREAT guy in here...!!!! 👏
@Lon Denard More than 100% agree with you buddy... that´s because is not even a consideration thinking in a device like that for "disabled ones" and not because it could be not FANCY but fanciness doesn´t means NEDDED at all. ; ))
I'm glad that you made these videos. I was interested in this back in December and after tons of delays I became concerned that there was some issues because they kept pushing back the ship dates. I feel sorry for the people that paid for these close to a years ago and still haven't received them.
You guys crack me up, it looks like you had ton of fun making that intro. Personally I don't understand the need for the FT Aviator, a controller will give much better control of the drone. It almost looks like it operates like one of those cheap rc car controllers with only switches in them. Loved the review, thanks you.
OMG, grand opening, Ken & Kelly, well done! Ken, excellent job of taking the time to review the FT Aviator for a second time. Wow, the way your Phantom was jerking back and forward is not right, even in turtle mode. I think the product needs a bit more refining and hopefully, they'll end up with an outstanding product on the market. Only time and further testing will tell, and I'm hoping Fluidity will come out on top. Looking forward to seeing you again this year at #SPINUP, take care!
You have a great sense of humor and always take the reviews seriously, but not yourselves. Communicating an honest open minded review of a product sometimes results in discovering flaws in the product being reviewed. Some TH-camrs decide to sugar coat thier reviews in hopes of garnering more free product and being invited to review many devices. It takes ethics to not fall into that trap. Fun videos to watch and I bet they are more fun to make.
Should you be holding the bottom of the joystick? What if the bottom is attached to a flat surface. The whole purpose of a stick is to free up your other hand right?
Great review! I don’t own a drone yet, but I’ve been watching lots of aircraft and product reviews in the meantime. When I first saw the FT Aviator, I was “academically” intrigued, my biggest question was whether or not it replaced the factory controller. Now that I see that it doesn’t and it just adds clutter, I don’t see the point of it at all. Not to mention it drops the ball on the initial promise of “single- handed operation”, as your “free” hands ends up cradling the Aviator
Hi Ken. My P4P controller contracted a problem after firmware update in Jan 2018. Purple light on RC and impossible to link to Aircraft. Tried every suggestion, including yours (thank you) but to no avail. I preordered this FT Aviator in hopes I could fly again. I did NOT realize it only connected to controller. So I'm still grounded. I received FT Aviator and have not opened it. I'll see what I can to to return it. Thanks for all you do. You and Kelly, plenty funny fellas. appreciated!
Hi Bruce, I had something similar when I purchased a used controller to act as a slave for my inspire1. When I turned it on the LED was purple. After much googling I realised I had to "hard reset" the controller before I could pair it to my Master RC & Inspire. The hard reset proceedure for the P4P controller is ... turn on the RC, hold C1, C2, and the record button, then turn off and turn on the RC again. This should clear the controller and allow it to be re-bound to the P4P. Hope that helps.
@@nickcooper7133 Thanks Nick. I found that same FIX. Didn't work for me. Contacted text chat with a rep today, He had me do that procedure (and a few others others) We got the purple light to turn blue, which turned out to be short lived. Power cycle RC returns light to purple. Sent the whole thing back today for repair. Thanks again for your suggestion and possible solution.
My take is that it's a design flaw. The movement of the joystick is with reference to the base unit. If the base too is hand held, then every movement of the joystick is inadvertently amplified by the counteracting movement of the other hand holding the base. The base needs to be fixed rigidly to overcome this. Short of bolting it to the table, this would be difficult to overcome.
I just don't get the concept, an alternative product to control a drone should be better or have some extra features that make flying easier or safer. This just seems like a device that makes control difficult and scary!😮😯🙁😊😁 I can see some benefit to a one armed drone pilot, if they could sort out that herky jerky control, it needs to be more gradual and progressive, so a small movement on the stick produces a gentle movement of the drone, much like the yaw control👍😁 But if it voids the warranty? That's a risk not many would take😯
Funny and informative. I like that ken keeps bringing up the importance of knowing that 3rd party apps and devices void the warranty and the care plan for that matter .a question was brought up about how they might know if litchi was used, I realized when drone x factor mentioned DJI asking for the flight data, there wouldn't be one as far as the go 4 app was concerned. So it's great that Ken brings that to people's attention that may not even think twice about it.
I saw another video with this device mounted on a tripod and it worked better, but it showed that my own comments were spot on. The device is nice, but to use a joystick type product you need it to be steady and be able to get good feed back from the control.
Well Ken, no one can say this time round that you didn't give this FT Aviator a fair chance being another unit and all. You have now confirmed that this device is absolute gimmicky junk, the jerkiness of the controls definitely can't be good for the p4. thanks for the honest review...again!
I was in the repurchase orders while it was being made. They finally got the the point of sending them out but only to USA peeps. I was so pissed that they kept our money for over a year & then didn’t bother getting the CE certified for other countries. I ended up with a full refund & no product 😩😩😩 But now after your review I feel I was the lucky one. As of 2022 “Team Fluidity is heads down, working on cool cutting edge tech. As a result, we are currently no longer selling or supporting the FT Aviator - stay tuned for future announcements!”
Dude every time I see a notification from your channel I know it’s going to be a good video. Your great ! Always enjoy your videos. Funny video dude. Your to much brotha! I would never want to fly with that aviator. Not comfortable with those jerky movements
The FT Aviator was designed specifically for dodging drone nets shot from other drones. It's also great for those birds of prey they train to take out drones. Just a flick of the stick, and your drone snaps right out of the way and into the clear, thus effecting your escape. The FT is used endorsed by Sir Hugo Drax, Le Chiffre, and dr Julius No just to name a few. It's used exclusively by Bill and Hillary and the entire War Room staff!
First off, thanks Ken for the first HONEST review of this product! As someone who started and now mentors a world champion competitive robotics team for 12 years. RELIABILITY IS KEY! These robots compete autonomously and by driver control. The main abilities of a successful robot is reliability and control. I was excited when I saw the FT aviator product video at first but quickly assumed that it was trash just because of the build quality & materials that I could see in the video. At least you and Kelly had some fun making this video, not a total loss.
Wow, did you know that when an astronaut's head explodes, you can hear it clear over in Tyler, Texas? I do feel pity for him, but this sort of review will force them into revision mode. I had a great deal of interest in it when it was being teased and really wanted to review it on my channel, but I'm over that. Thanks, Ken!
Thanks Ken. You were very fair here and very cordial to Fluidity. It is what it is. Working with a DJI drone always feels like a smooth ramp gold. Anything else is not acceptable after you have that and rely on it. And frankly, I can't believe they thought people would not notice this? I think you hit it on the noise. They're not using high enough quality potentiometers or using rheostats. Would be fun to see if the herky jerky was there in an M2. That would confirm it's a mechanical weakness. Now let's hope DJI finds a way around the patents and build it into a seamless ergonomic unit themselves. I was on the fence wanting one even if it would have been perfect simply due to the lack of ergonomics. Being somewhat inconspicuous is huge for me and this is making a mess of that.
Glad you liked it! I suspect there might be some micro-switches in there. It might have been cost prohibitive for them to use a comparable potentiometer.
I do not understand the issues you had, I have one it is as smooth as it can be. I use it with my phantom 3 pro. Think it was your camera interfering or area? Mine has absolutely no issues.
Ken this might be a stupid question.... what if you dial down the Exp... and the sensitivity settings from the DJI radio? I understand that it's not being controlled by the radio, but maybe that would have some influence on The Aviator?
I love your videos and reviews and love the honesty you put on them, I'm just wondering and surprised that you've had problems with the Aviator. I looked at probably almost every other review on this and other than 1 or 2 quirky things mainly about the app people seem to be having no problems with it. I just find it strange. Just wondering if maybe something else where you're testing it maybe interfering with the signal or a possible problem with the drone your using. You have way more experience with drones than I do and that is why I appreciate and love your videos, but I was just inquisitive about those things. Thanks
Hey Jack. If adding another link to the control "chain" presents even a SMALL chance of control loss, that's all it will take to crash your drone. This product doesn't instill confidence, therefore... it's garbage.
Well I was thinking, maybe, just maybe, it would work this time, Nope. Thanks Ken and Kelly, much appreciate the effort, put into this re-review. 2 Thumbs Up.
This video is a great example of why Ken is the BEST person to get advise on drones from, he aways gives a honest answer, thanks Ken I truly appreciate your hard work and honesty. keep being YOU......lol
Ken, Thank you for your 2nd review on this. I have one for my drone gear and used it once this far. I agree with you on the jerkness of the activation of the movement. The movements of Yaw, Pitch and Roll need to be smoothed out some. The climbing and decent of the controller IMO is good. The camera controls are at a good starting point but needs FW updated to include some basic function like ZOOM. I received a reply from Scott on the camera issue stating just what I thought. A FW update to allow the controller to evolve with different drones. I fly in a class C surface area 1.3 miles from s military airfield with many height restriction as. The area is located really close to the airfields critical area. I have been flying for 3 years with the following: Yellow Spark Mavic Air Mavic Pro Phantom 4 Mavic 2 Zoom Inspire 2 And even as a Retired Naval Air Traffic Controller with s CTO in the airspace I fly in I would not date take the drone above 50 ft AGL. It is much different, jerky and I do not feel safe using it ATM. That may change but we will see. Nice X-Ray. If I give the FT a fair shake and it is not looking good I will send it to you do you may do a full break down so you can do the most comprehensive review on the FT. (You would be allowed to break it apart in the interest of drone education,) Ken on a personal note I love your videos. I might have a set of propellers for you to give me your honest opinion on if you have a Mavic 2 Zoom/Pro. Hit me back if interested
Bill almost lost his drone with that thing. A standard controller in Mode 2 works just fine. I have a Mavic 2 Pro and I take it hiking and that controller is just more crap I'd have to haul with me.
Thank You for the honest review of the product. You gave it a go twice and it did not work correctly either time. Maybe if they go back to the drawing board and figure it out it could possibly be a good product, but as it stands now I will be staying away from it.
Thanks for the review Ken and Kelly I would have to agree with you I would like to fly my drone with that jerky sensation I just wouldn't feel safe flying with that controller anyway keep up the great videos love to watch
Do you remember a year or so ago reviewing a little drone that used a handheld bluetooth mouse as the controller. How nice would that be on a Phantom or Mavic. How hard could that be to add to an app?
Sometimes you just cannot improve upon the manufacturers devices. I don’t know what the use case could be for this controller except that people sometimes just want to be different.
From the very beginning, I thought it was a dumb idea simply because of having to daisy-chain two controllers. My crystal ball tells me that DJI will buy these guys out (which is probably what the FT Aviator guys set out to achieve) and then eventually release a new optional controller for those who want to move away from the traditional Dual Joystick type of RC.
I’m with the others. Why invent something that works something that has already been invented that works quite well and can’t be advanced any further. It’s like, let’s invent another wheel but let’s make it hexagon shape, it will stop cars rolling backwards so we can do away with the auto hold brake.
Bookly UnderCover agree 100%. Same issue with 2 different controllers. I’ve tested mine and did videos as well. Phantom 4 Pro. Never any issues from day one. And I wasn’t being timid or particularly careful with the stick. I was yankin and bankin that thing. Smooth as butter. No different than with the OG controller.
@@KenHeron I love your stuff Ken. But others have tested it with a different series DJI product and not had this problem. You're right that not working well with a Phantom 4 is bad news, but the end feeling is more that this is a comedy pile on than a review.
Thanks for the great laugh. I'm so glad you did this review. I almost bought one out of curiosity before I saw your first video and was honestly hoping for redemption thinking it might be a good tool to intro my godson to drones.
I was told by fluidity that the controller has settings to make your input not so aggressive. I am struggling for the right words but they said that you can control the sensitivity via the app
The advantage to that style of controller to me would be one hand operation so to me it needs to mount to your fore arm. Table was a good try Ken. Just guessing but maybe try adjusting the ESP and gain settings. Don't know but it does need some work.
So, how "Buzzed" were you when you found camera "B(ee) ?" I don't know, but Kelly freaking out at the end reminds me of my dog getting excited when she hears the leash and harness to go for a walk!!! Or, when the cold cut drawer opens.
I really hope the people that developed this product weren't trying to target drone racers, because as a multigp drone racer, this just makes no sense, that coupled with the fact that it doesn't work at all makes this product a non-starter.
As usual you are honest. Thank you for your review. I don't know why people trying to reinvent something that works fine. The DJI RC is just perfect, why risk your drone using some other controller, especially because if it crashes, you are not cover by the guarantee.
Another great video and review, I feel you gave it a fair shot. I think it would be a poplar accessory once the products been refined. I don't think it will ever be suitable for precision flying , more for just taking it out in the open and having fun in FPV
I’m sorry you and Kelly are just too good together. Two peas in a pod. As you pointed out DJI which most of us worship found out this was used say goodbye to all that money that just flew away because a joystick like this is in no way ready for prime time. I have no desire to lose my new Mavic Air or Spark. Nice farmer bought my Phantom so even if I still had it I wouldn’t risk it. It’s a great concept but honestly that is all it is a great concept. It also shows that one side doesn’t fit all, especially in Drones and controller/software.
So I'm curious do you have Expo control and sensitivity control maybe you have to calibrate it it really sucks to see something that cool not work properly
Great review Ken and Kelly! I hope you dont feel bad because of your negative review.. it is what it is.. I am willing to bet that Fluidity values your opinion on the unit and will take it back to their developers to improve on it. Your opinion matters in the drone community.. you didnt just fail it, you also gave advice on what they need to look at. Great job guys!
Don't joysticks as a control I/O device require, for successful use and reliable signal, need to be used on a stable platform? Not a human hand.... How do the official instead you pó9 also they mention a list of other drones that the controller is compatible with, but he never even thinks to try to test that out.... The possibility the controller may fly another drone smoothly remains a mystery.
Well, at least it was a great idea, and too bad it doesn't work that great - at least for now. And this video was first class! Well done Ken & Kelly! 😎
Team Fluidity is heads down, working on cool cutting edge tech. As a result, we are currently no longer selling or supporting the FT Aviator - stay tuned for future announcements!
Thanks Ken I trust all your reviews and your honesty the Aviator is a good idea but it needs a lot more modifying in the TEC & the design. All the best Eden valley drones UK.
Well done, fun and fair. A whole generation of kids including me left the Atari Joystick to go to the 2 joystick d-pad controller. We became the masters of time and space, wasting zombie robots, aliens, flying fighter jets and rumbling across battlefields with tanks. I will take the Xbox 2 joystick controller over going back to the Atari one button joystick any day.
Ken Heron when my 2600 console came that Christmas I thought I finally was a made man. The Toy section in the Sears and JC Pennies catalog were golden🤓
It's clear that these guys need to do some refinement of the product. If they are lucky, the hardware is ok (what you called mechanics). Instead being a software update thing. This device looks a lot like one we have in our robotics lab, used for robotic surgery. The price tag of that unit is somewhat different...................
Ken, There is something thats not synching with the AC you are flying. I have flown it with the Inspire 2, the Mavic 2 Pro and the Mavic Pro. Absolutely no controllability issues. Light on the controll touch and this system will fly just as well as with the controller. Not sure what the issue is with the Phantom Series AC. Obviously Fluidity have some work to do. The FT Aviator app is not flawless; however, over time, updates will fill the current gaps. And no, I am not affiliated with the company at all. After a couple thousand hours flying helos, this is a more natural controller for me. So there you go, that is my only bias.
Hi Ken, Thanks for this test. I was going to purchase one but after seeing this there is no way. This will not work for me and as was mentioned I could not trust it. Like you sometimes when on a job I need to move very gently and my Phantom will do that. As an ex pilot I am used to flying with a stick so thought this would help but not after seeing your video. Thanks Cheers John
Why, just Why would anyone fly their DJI drone with anything other than a DJI controller? What possible good could ever come of it?! Aside from the unnecessary cost it just boggles my mind that people would ever consider something like this. Whether P.T. Barnum ever said it or not it is so true: There's a sucker born every minute, and two to take him.
Great review Ken. Hey, you tried it twice, and you can defiantly see how jerky it was. They need to embrace their company name and make the motion more Fluid. Thanks for the time you spent so others can save their money. It's nice having someone you can trust to review a product before you buy it.
I was asked to review that unit weeks ago along with everyone else. I turned it down since it made no practical sense for the average drone user (build a better mouse trap????).
Yeah, I agree... it looks futuristic and all, but why do we need it?
a expensive one and more than that ...a redundant controller.... what's the use for? Don't really think it helps
@Lon Denard for increasing the possibilites of gettin stuck and, of course, nobody is cover your "actions" on the air, controlled or not NUT yourself so I considering I am giving myself the best possiblity by using the ONLY approved methods of the facotry to which you´re paying thousands of dollars (maybe is just a contoversial way of taking care of their own products but.... it seems something like that is working for the Apple Company from a long time ago)
agreed Steve we don't need a controller for our cntrollers
They said the same thing about the iphone lol
I don't think it's a good idea because why would you want a controller that controls your controller when you already have a controller if you have them all together you can have a controller that controls your controller that controls your controller that controls your controller that controls your controller that's just silly
It's for peeps with one arm, man! You're so mean!
My ex wife loves it! She has control issues!
ha ha ha ha ha... Actually I am losing my control (that is my controller controlled by another controller that control my controller...)
@tom lewis 2 fingers weren't enough.
@@paulwood4056 it should control what you have without controlling the controller that's where the delay is lying
It this like the hall of mirrors effect?
Great video Ken, I was offered one of these for review by their PR company, I'll be saying a firm no. Anyone endorsing this dangerous and unsafe product is either incompetent, desperate to be liked or on their payroll. Thanks for being an honest reviewer!
@@OriginaldoBo do you even watch content?
@@paulwood4056 simply admiration for an honest content creator, certain others can't be trusted 🤪
Original-elbow. What a silly question lol
Lateral flight works smoothly with the Mavic Pro.
@@OriginaldoBo no need for that. What a nasty person you are
A company named fluidity made a product that makes your drone jerky?
How ironic.
I talked to an Iraq veteran amputee about this, and after seeing your first video he said "why bother? I can use my one hand with the two sticks of the standard controller and feel safe" (He flies a Mavic in a sitting position with the controller velcroed to the leg of his cargo pants.) I think that says it all really, and bangs another nail in the FT Navigator's coffin.
I do wonder where these odd people who pop up and say "I've been using the FT Navigator for some time and it works great/perfectly!"come from though... My question would be: "works perfectly" compared to what?
TOTALLY AGREE and of course more safe than attach another controller to control the controller than controls the controls on the controlled one.... 😂 ☝️
glad you tried turtle. that answered my question on possible smoothness
Agreed, I was so glad Kelly suggested that 👍
Exceptionally well done sir and really appreciate the work you and Kelly dedicated to this.
maybe DJI nerfed the FT aviator with a hidden/sneaky/deceptive firmware or software update. on the mavic 2, dji did not change the firmware version number, but did in fact update the firmware and pushed it through the dji go app. this effectively killed rollback. it is not beyond them.
They did the same thing with the Phantom 3 pro.
Thank you for your honesty Ken. If it doesn’t work well reviewers should say so. As it stands right now I wouldn’t even try this product if they offered to send me one for free. As for this helping people with disabilities, I am one....and have worked as a counselor with many many other disabled people. Anybody Who has difficulty with their hand dexterity or fine control will have a very difficult time using this at all. With all respect to Scott P. the astronaut I think this controller will cause many people to lose their drones. Just my opinion.
you're totally right Mike... not only losing it, causing some other damage while is OFF of your control and no warranty or assurance company will be covering that because of this "little" issue and other similars... and remember you're not a disabled one in the "typical" way of saying it Mike 🤗 you're doing SO MUCH more than "regular" ones to fly your drone (as I do on my part too, handicapped but not devasted for that reason and flying from time to time mine too when my "little issue" allows me to do that). GREAT guy in here...!!!! 👏
Totally agree.
Hopefully people will avoid this substandard product.
@Lon Denard More than 100% agree with you buddy... that´s because is not even a consideration thinking in a device like that for "disabled ones" and not because it could be not FANCY but fanciness doesn´t means NEDDED at all. ; ))
publi edos Yes. The more I think about it the idea of a controller to control another controller using Bluetooth just seems like a bad concept.
Lon Denard I think you are right. Another layer of complexity using Bluetooth. As Ken said, just learning to fly with the sticks.
I'm glad that you made these videos. I was interested in this back in December and after tons of delays I became concerned that there was some issues because they kept pushing back the ship dates. I feel sorry for the people that paid for these close to a years ago and still haven't received them.
You're lucky. It's a complete gimmick and will not be around in 5 years.
You guys crack me up, it looks like you had ton of fun making that intro. Personally I don't understand the need for the FT Aviator, a controller will give much better control of the drone. It almost looks like it operates like one of those cheap rc car controllers with only switches in them. Loved the review, thanks you.
Good analogy!
OMG, grand opening, Ken & Kelly, well done! Ken, excellent job of taking the time to review the FT Aviator for a second time. Wow, the way your Phantom was jerking back and forward is not right, even in turtle mode. I think the product needs a bit more refining and hopefully, they'll end up with an outstanding product on the market. Only time and further testing will tell, and I'm hoping Fluidity will come out on top.
Looking forward to seeing you again this year at #SPINUP, take care!
You have a great sense of humor and always take the reviews seriously, but not yourselves. Communicating an honest open minded review of a product sometimes results in discovering flaws in the product being reviewed. Some TH-camrs decide to sugar coat thier reviews in hopes of garnering more free product and being invited to review many devices. It takes ethics to not fall into that trap. Fun videos to watch and I bet they are more fun to make.
Truth is freedom.
So happy you enjoyed the video!🤓👍
Should you be holding the bottom of the joystick? What if the bottom is attached to a flat surface. The whole purpose of a stick is to free up your other hand right?
Gabe M he said at the start of the video that it was designed to be used like he was doing it with both hands.
What he said. 😁
you guys are the best. Thank you!
Great review! I don’t own a drone yet, but I’ve been watching lots of aircraft and product reviews in the meantime. When I first saw the FT Aviator, I was “academically” intrigued, my biggest question was whether or not it replaced the factory controller. Now that I see that it doesn’t and it just adds clutter, I don’t see the point of it at all. Not to mention it drops the ball on the initial promise of “single- handed operation”, as your “free” hands ends up cradling the Aviator
All true.
Perhaps the next version will be better.
Thanks for being honest Ken. I trust your opinion. You have never let us down when reviewing products and it is appreciated.
Honesty is the best policy!
Hi Ken. My P4P controller contracted a problem after firmware update in Jan 2018. Purple light on RC and impossible to link to Aircraft. Tried every suggestion, including yours (thank you) but to no avail. I preordered this FT Aviator in hopes I could fly again. I did NOT realize it only connected to controller. So I'm still grounded. I received FT Aviator and have not opened it. I'll see what I can to to return it. Thanks for all you do. You and Kelly, plenty funny fellas. appreciated!
I'm so sorry!
You may have "bricked" it.
I did the same thing to my first P3 controller. DJI will replace it for you though!
Hi Bruce, I had something similar when I purchased a used controller to act as a slave for my inspire1. When I turned it on the LED was purple. After much googling I realised I had to "hard reset" the controller before I could pair it to my Master RC & Inspire. The hard reset proceedure for the P4P controller is ... turn on the RC, hold C1, C2, and the record button, then turn off and turn on the RC again. This should clear the controller and allow it to be re-bound to the P4P. Hope that helps.
@@nickcooper7133 Thanks Nick. I found that same FIX. Didn't work for me. Contacted text chat with a rep today, He had me do that procedure (and a few others others) We got the purple light to turn blue, which turned out to be short lived. Power cycle RC returns light to purple. Sent the whole thing back today for repair. Thanks again for your suggestion and possible solution.
My take is that it's a design flaw. The movement of the joystick is with reference to the base unit. If the base too is hand held, then every movement of the joystick is inadvertently amplified by the counteracting movement of the other hand holding the base. The base needs to be fixed rigidly to overcome this. Short of bolting it to the table, this would be difficult to overcome.
Trust me...
It's not that. I've done it both ways with the same results.
I just don't get the concept, an alternative product to control a drone should be better or have some extra features that make flying easier or safer. This just seems like a device that makes control difficult and scary!😮😯🙁😊😁
I can see some benefit to a one armed drone pilot, if they could sort out that herky jerky control, it needs to be more gradual and progressive, so a small movement on the stick produces a gentle movement of the drone, much like the yaw control👍😁
But if it voids the warranty? That's a risk not many would take😯
Funny and informative. I like that ken keeps bringing up the importance of knowing that 3rd party apps and devices void the warranty and the care plan for that matter .a question was brought up about how they might know if litchi was used, I realized when drone x factor mentioned DJI asking for the flight data, there wouldn't be one as far as the go 4 app was concerned. So it's great that Ken brings that to people's attention that may not even think twice about it.
I saw another video with this device mounted on a tripod and it worked better, but it showed that my own comments were spot on. The device is nice, but to use a joystick type product you need it to be steady and be able to get good feed back from the control.
The aviator is absolute gimmicky garbage! There's zero reason to buy one unless you are maybe handicapped or missing a limb.
Agreed.
Well Ken, no one can say this time round that you didn't give this FT Aviator a fair chance being another unit and all. You have now confirmed that this device is absolute gimmicky junk, the jerkiness of the controls definitely can't be good for the p4. thanks for the honest review...again!
Always glad to help.
I was in the repurchase orders while it was being made. They finally got the the point of sending them out but only to USA peeps. I was so pissed that they kept our money for over a year & then didn’t bother getting the CE certified for other countries. I ended up with a full refund & no product 😩😩😩
But now after your review I feel I was the lucky one.
As of 2022
“Team Fluidity is heads down, working on cool cutting edge tech.
As a result, we are currently no longer selling or supporting the FT Aviator - stay tuned for future announcements!”
Wow!
Glad you got your money back.
Dude every time I see a notification from your channel I know it’s going to be a good video. Your great ! Always enjoy your videos. Funny video dude. Your to much brotha! I would never want to fly with that aviator. Not comfortable with those jerky movements
The FT Aviator was designed specifically for dodging drone nets shot from other drones. It's also great for those birds of prey they train to take out drones. Just a flick of the stick, and your drone snaps right out of the way and into the clear, thus effecting your escape. The FT is used endorsed by Sir Hugo Drax, Le Chiffre, and dr Julius No just to name a few. It's used exclusively by Bill and Hillary and the entire War Room staff!
Paul Wood hahhahhahahaha
Was this at the MSU Arboretum? Holy crap that's a block from my house! I would have freaked out if had seen you there! My fav u-tuber.
@@PremierRealtyGroupWestTN Awesome. Can I stop by and say hello if I see you guys out there?
First off, thanks Ken for the first HONEST review of this product!
As someone who started and now mentors a world champion competitive robotics team for 12 years. RELIABILITY IS KEY! These robots compete autonomously and by driver control.
The main abilities of a successful robot is reliability and control.
I was excited when I saw the FT aviator product video at first but quickly assumed that it was trash just because of the build quality & materials that I could see in the video. At least you and Kelly had some fun making this video, not a total loss.
You bet, Bryce!
Ken thanks for the honest review of the FT Aviator. I hope they work out the bugs soon because it a great concept. Looking forward to the next TNL.
Wow, did you know that when an astronaut's head explodes, you can hear it clear over in Tyler, Texas? I do feel pity for him, but this sort of review will force them into revision mode. I had a great deal of interest in it when it was being teased and really wanted to review it on my channel, but I'm over that. Thanks, Ken!
Haaa!
Thanks Bob. 😜
Thanks Ken. You were very fair here and very cordial to Fluidity. It is what it is. Working with a DJI drone always feels like a smooth ramp gold. Anything else is not acceptable after you have that and rely on it. And frankly, I can't believe they thought people would not notice this? I think you hit it on the noise. They're not using high enough quality potentiometers or using rheostats. Would be fun to see if the herky jerky was there in an M2. That would confirm it's a mechanical weakness. Now let's hope DJI finds a way around the patents and build it into a seamless ergonomic unit themselves. I was on the fence wanting one even if it would have been perfect simply due to the lack of ergonomics. Being somewhat inconspicuous is huge for me and this is making a mess of that.
Glad you liked it!
I suspect there might be some micro-switches in there. It might have been cost prohibitive for them to use a comparable potentiometer.
I do not understand the issues you had, I have one it is as smooth as it can be. I use it with my phantom 3 pro. Think it was your camera interfering or area? Mine has absolutely no issues.
I'm very glad yours works well.
Not sure why mine was garbage, but it most certainly was.
Ken this might be a stupid question.... what if you dial down the Exp... and the sensitivity settings from the DJI radio? I understand that it's not being controlled by the radio, but maybe that would have some influence on The Aviator?
I'm afraid there's just no saving the FT Aviator. I fly my DJI controller using its default settings.
Ken: Looks like you found the "One Arm Bandit" of the drone world.🎰
And the odds are in the house's favor!
I love your videos and reviews and love the honesty you put on them, I'm just wondering and surprised that you've had problems with the Aviator. I looked at probably almost every other review on this and other than 1 or 2 quirky things mainly about the app people seem to be having no problems with it. I just find it strange. Just wondering if maybe something else where you're testing it maybe interfering with the signal or a possible problem with the drone your using. You have way more experience with drones than I do and that is why I appreciate and love your videos, but I was just inquisitive about those things. Thanks
Hey Jack.
If adding another link to the control "chain" presents even a SMALL chance of control loss, that's all it will take to crash your drone. This product doesn't instill confidence, therefore... it's garbage.
@@KenHeron thank you
Well I was thinking, maybe, just maybe, it would work this time, Nope. Thanks Ken and Kelly, much appreciate the effort, put into this re-review. 2 Thumbs Up.
The girl's face at 1:40 is priceless!
This video is a great example of why Ken is the BEST person to get advise on drones from, he aways gives a honest answer, thanks Ken I truly appreciate your hard work and honesty. keep being YOU......lol
Thanks very much Joe!
Ken,
Thank you for your 2nd review on this. I have one for my drone gear and used it once this far. I agree with you on the jerkness of the activation of the movement.
The movements of Yaw, Pitch and Roll need to be smoothed out some. The climbing and decent of the controller IMO is good. The camera controls are at a good starting point but needs FW updated to include some basic function like ZOOM.
I received a reply from Scott on the camera issue stating just what I thought. A FW update to allow the controller to evolve with different drones.
I fly in a class C surface area 1.3 miles from s military airfield with many height restriction as. The area is located really close to the airfields critical area.
I have been flying for 3 years with the following:
Yellow
Spark
Mavic Air
Mavic Pro
Phantom 4
Mavic 2 Zoom
Inspire 2
And even as a Retired Naval Air Traffic Controller with s CTO in the airspace I fly in I would not date take the drone above 50 ft AGL.
It is much different, jerky and I do not feel safe using it ATM. That may change but we will see.
Nice X-Ray. If I give the FT a fair shake and it is not looking good I will send it to you do you may do a full break down so you can do the most comprehensive review on the FT.
(You would be allowed to break it apart in the interest of drone education,)
Ken on a personal note I love your videos. I might have a set of propellers for you to give me your honest opinion on if you have a Mavic 2 Zoom/Pro.
Hit me back if interested
Lateral control works smoothly with the Mavic Pro.
Ken I wouldn’t trust that thing, but are there any settings in the app to control the drone more precisely?
6:12 is that a soundewave tattoo? Have you ever thought of getting it activated though there sound wave tattoo website?
Bill almost lost his drone with that thing. A standard controller in Mode 2 works just fine. I have a Mavic 2 Pro and I take it hiking and that controller is just more crap I'd have to haul with me.
Thank You for the honest review of the product. You gave it a go twice and it did not work correctly either time. Maybe if they go back to the drawing board and figure it out it could possibly be a good product, but as it stands now I will be staying away from it.
You bet!
That sucks, I tried it on the M2P and it worked great!
So thankful for your review. saved me a ton of money by switching to Ken Heron!!
Thanks for the review Ken and Kelly I would have to agree with you I would like to fly my drone with that jerky sensation I just wouldn't feel safe flying with that controller anyway keep up the great videos love to watch
Next question. How much tannerite will it hold?
AND THE OSCAR GOES TOOOOOO...... Kelly Green for Best Actor, "The Fear of FT Aviator!"
Is there a calibration screen somewhere? It seems like the throws need to be calibrated.
If that’s not the case, then it’s WAY too jerky.
Unfortunately, calibrating can't fix the mechanical limitations.
Ken, thanks for a very honest review. You’re right, it’s garbage...would NEVER trust with my Mavic2Pro. We are flying a camera here, not an F-35!
I admire your honesty Ken and thanks for another entertaining video.
Thanks Steve.
Great introduction!!! Thanks for the info.
Even in theory I think it’s Garbo.
Do you remember a year or so ago reviewing a little drone that used a handheld bluetooth mouse as the controller. How nice would that be on a Phantom or Mavic. How hard could that be to add to an app?
Oh yeah!
Interesting idea.
Sometimes you just cannot improve upon the manufacturers devices. I don’t know what the use case could be for this controller except that people sometimes just want to be different.
From the very beginning, I thought it was a dumb idea simply because of having to daisy-chain two controllers. My crystal ball tells me that DJI will buy these guys out (which is probably what the FT Aviator guys set out to achieve) and then eventually release a new optional controller for those who want to move away from the traditional Dual Joystick type of RC.
I’m with the others. Why invent something that works something that has already been invented that works quite well and can’t be advanced any further. It’s like, let’s invent another wheel but let’s make it hexagon shape, it will stop cars rolling backwards so we can do away with the auto hold brake.
Please try it with a different drone. Possible their firmware syncs up differently with diff drones. Got a Mavic or Mavic 2 to test?
Bookly UnderCover agree 100%. Same issue with 2 different controllers. I’ve tested mine and did videos as well. Phantom 4 Pro. Never any issues from day one. And I wasn’t being timid or particularly careful with the stick. I was yankin and bankin that thing. Smooth as butter. No different than with the OG controller.
I'm afraid I'll have nothing more to do with this substandard product.
Ken Heron I ‘d still like to know what the issue was. But to each his own. The odd thing is that I haven’t heard this symptom from anyone else...
@@KenHeron I love your stuff Ken. But others have tested it with a different series DJI product and not had this problem. You're right that not working well with a Phantom 4 is bad news, but the end feeling is more that this is a comedy pile on than a review.
Even if it worked, why would you want this, it’s not better the the standard transmitter, it fixes a problem that doesn’t exsist.
Great review Ken!
The man with two brains
Thanks for the great laugh. I'm so glad you did this review. I almost bought one out of curiosity before I saw your first video and was honestly hoping for redemption thinking it might be a good tool to intro my godson to drones.
I was told by fluidity that the controller has settings to make your input not so aggressive. I am struggling for the right words but they said that you can control the sensitivity via the app
Incorrect. A setting cannot change a device's mechanical limitations.
Good and honest review Ken. The only possible need i could see for this product would be for a disabled person, as you mentioned.
What did you say about my wife?
Haaaaaa!!!!
I needed a good laugh, damn funny!
The advantage to that style of controller to me would be one hand operation so to me it needs to mount to your fore arm. Table was a good try Ken. Just guessing but maybe try adjusting the ESP and gain settings. Don't know but it does need some work.
The secret to a smooth flight is to remove it altogether.
@@KenHeron Ya sometimes you just have to pull the plug.
So, how "Buzzed" were you when you found camera "B(ee) ?"
I don't know, but Kelly freaking out at the end reminds me of my dog getting excited when she hears the leash and harness to go for a walk!!! Or, when the cold cut drawer opens.
Haaa!!
"Cold cuts" is what we call them in Philadelphia. When I say that in the south, people say: "You mean deli meat?"
Try a different drone. Flies great with the mavic series and the inspire. Even try a different phantom.
I really hope the people that developed this product weren't trying to target drone racers, because as a multigp drone racer, this just makes no sense, that coupled with the fact that it doesn't work at all makes this product a non-starter.
As usual you are honest. Thank you for your review. I don't know why people trying to reinvent something that works fine. The DJI RC is just perfect, why risk your drone using some other controller, especially because if it crashes, you are not cover by the guarantee.
Did you set parameters to be as slow as possible?
It is excessively sensitive! Is there any expo adjusting on the handle?
I'm in Australia and I can still hear Bill Crying. Can send Kelly over to change his diaper?
Who's Bill?
@@paulwood4056 Bill the Drone Reviewer of course, you gotta see his review of this, it's priceless.
I just saw the image of this contraption and told myself..."Nope, not for me."
Ken how's the FPV journey coming along ?
Check out my last Instagram post! Ken.heron 👍
Another great video and review, I feel you gave it a fair shot. I think it would be a poplar accessory once the products been refined. I don't think it will ever be suitable for precision flying , more for just taking it out in the open and having fun in FPV
I’m sorry you and Kelly are just too good together. Two peas in a pod. As you pointed out DJI which most of us worship found out this was used say goodbye to all that money that just flew away because a joystick like this is in no way ready for prime time. I have no desire to lose my new Mavic Air or Spark. Nice farmer bought my Phantom so even if I still had it I wouldn’t risk it. It’s a great concept but honestly that is all it is a great concept. It also shows that one side doesn’t fit all, especially in Drones and controller/software.
Totally agree. 👍
So I'm curious do you have Expo control and sensitivity control maybe you have to calibrate it it really sucks to see something that cool not work properly
Believe me, I wanted it to work.
We tried everything.
Side note: The company has never reached out and offered a solution, so that says quite a bit.
Thanks for the honest review of this tool. To bad the inventor did not make it to TNL.
Ken you shot all the feedback circuits when you shot it with X-Rays.
Haaaa!!
The x-ray was actually done after we filmed the video.
All these joysticks are just more junk to carry for the feeling that your flying an F14.
Think you should of used the difference between turtle and high setting. Probably makes the smog stick too sensitive.
Is there no way of tuning the deadband of the controller stick? And the rates?
Great review Ken and Kelly! I hope you dont feel bad because of your negative review.. it is what it is.. I am willing to bet that Fluidity values your opinion on the unit and will take it back to their developers to improve on it. Your opinion matters in the drone community.. you didnt just fail it, you also gave advice on what they need to look at. Great job guys!
Maybe your xray damaged the internal combobulator😂
Don't joysticks as a control I/O device require, for successful use and reliable signal, need to be used on a stable platform? Not a human hand.... How do the official instead you pó9
also they mention a list of other drones that the controller is compatible with, but he never even thinks to try to test that out.... The possibility the controller may fly another drone smoothly remains a mystery.
Well, at least it was a great idea, and too bad it doesn't work that great - at least for now. And this video was first class! Well done Ken & Kelly! 😎
Team Fluidity is heads down, working on cool cutting edge tech.
As a result, we are currently no longer selling or supporting the FT Aviator - stay tuned for future announcements!
Thanks Ken I trust all your reviews and your honesty the Aviator is a good idea but it needs a lot more modifying in the TEC & the design. All the best Eden valley drones UK.
So far, 8 fluidity employees have watched this video... 😂🤣
...and anyone with their head up Bill's ass...
Well done, fun and fair. A whole generation of kids including me left the Atari Joystick to go to the 2 joystick d-pad controller. We became the masters of time and space, wasting zombie robots, aliens, flying fighter jets and rumbling across battlefields with tanks. I will take the Xbox 2 joystick controller over going back to the Atari one button joystick any day.
I remember seeing the Atari 2600 in the Sears Wish Book...
Good times.
Ken Heron when my 2600 console came that Christmas I thought I finally was a made man. The Toy section in the Sears and JC Pennies catalog were golden🤓
So just to be clear, you would not recommend this to a friend or relative?
Haaaa!!
Maybe an enemy. 😜
What is the arm/mount the Session was attached to the joystick with?
You can find lots of gopro accessories on Amazon. 👍
It's clear that these guys need to do some refinement of the product. If they are lucky, the hardware is ok (what you called mechanics). Instead being a software update thing. This device looks a lot like one we have in our robotics lab, used for robotic surgery. The price tag of that unit is somewhat different...................
Ken,
There is something thats not synching with the AC you are flying. I have flown it with the Inspire 2, the Mavic 2 Pro and the Mavic Pro. Absolutely no controllability issues. Light on the controll touch and this system will fly just as well as with the controller. Not sure what the issue is with the Phantom Series AC. Obviously Fluidity have some work to do. The FT Aviator app is not flawless; however, over time, updates will fill the current gaps. And no, I am not affiliated with the company at all. After a couple thousand hours flying helos, this is a more natural controller for me. So there you go, that is my only bias.
I'm glad that it works for you and that you're happy with it Bruce. I can only share my own experience.
Awesome review. Thanks to your review I won’t be getting this.
Good decision.
absolute MAD LAD actually went to a DENTIST to get a joystick an xray. you are a riot!
Haaaa!!!
Indeed. 😁
Hi Ken, Thanks for this test. I was going to purchase one but after seeing this there is no way. This will not work for me and as was mentioned I could not trust it. Like you sometimes when on a job I need to move very gently and my Phantom will do that. As an ex pilot I am used to flying with a stick so thought this would help but not after seeing your video. Thanks Cheers John
Glad to help, John. 👍
Why, just Why would anyone fly their DJI drone with anything other than a DJI controller? What possible good could ever come of it?! Aside from the unnecessary cost it just boggles my mind that people would ever consider something like this. Whether P.T. Barnum ever said it or not it is so true: There's a sucker born every minute, and two to take him.
Totally agree.
They cost about $400.
If it's worth it to you to not have to learn a regular controller, just hire someone to pilot it for you!🤣🤣