honestly the whole pinch vs. thumb thing I feel like is down to how you learned to fly. I've played video games my whole life and only ever handled analog sticks with my thumbs to me its more precise and i've flown a whooole lot of rc.
I am the exact same way... The thing that isn't shown in the thumb marker experiment is that you are pressing down on top of the stick to give stability... Your thumbs aren't just dangling over with a marker hanging out the end... for sure trying to thumb a stick with a 5" marker would be hard.... Trying to hold my remote with my smaller fingers to pinch a stick is uncomfortable and cramps my hands.... I can fly all day with my thumbs... i wouldn't last 30 minutes pinching...
Not to mention a drone like the DJI Mini 2 has a wheel to control the gimble pitch and zoom of the camera which is accessed by your left index at the back of the controller. Kinda hard to access that while using the Pinch method.
This controll method (pinch) is great BUT you're clearly using the wrong controller for that. This method is usually meant to be used with tray type transmitters. The console generation is more used to thumbsticks and that's why drones usually come with hand transmitters which are CLEARLY meant to be used with your thumbs and not pinched becuase it's awkward to hold them that way. I'm flying model aircrafts for quite a while now and I did start with hand transmitter and went to tray transmitter several years ago, so I know what I'm talking about. If you have trouble with the thumb method, don't worry, just get a propper tray mount for your transmitter and fly that way!
This honestly is a really good video. All the info is straight forward and easy to understand, along with a bit of comedy from a pretty likeable guy. I flew rc helicopters for 10 years using the thumbing method and I could do all kinds of 3d maneuvers so for me, using thumbs is just fine. For someone new, pinching is probably better. I got use to small stick movements with my 550-600-700 size heli's.
Over 45 years of RC and I've yet to use the pinch method. Love it when Noobs start preachin' the "how to's to those having decades more experience in all aspects of RC.
I also agree, years of los/fpv planes/multi rotors/heli/racing drones and although pinching is easier to get precision when starting out once you get your thumbs precise it gives you more freedom for toggles because in the end when you get good enough there is no difference in precision.
I have to agree. But I have only about 20 years of rc plane flying. Few times I have tried the pinch method, but it didn't suit me at all. It felt too restricting to have two fingers on one stick and two fingers less to operate the other channels.
Me too! Even the 25 years part! I can do hard 3D with planes no problem with just my thumbs. I started flying rc helis about 15 years back, raptor 30 baby!, and started using the pinch then noticed I got a lot better with 3D, it was the tic tocs that would get me, but with drones like the phantom there really is no pilot skills required. I wish my trex 550 had a return to home in it LOL.
Pick up an Xbox controller and play some FPS games. If you play better with just your thumbs then you might also fly better that way. I can’t agree with the number one because so many people are better at different ways. I’ve seen people use controllers in ways I’d never be able to and it works better for them. So to each their own. However, the rest of your video nailed it as always Ken.
I know many people are comfortable with their thumbs, but I'm glad I found this video. I'm a new pilot and since watching this I have been using the pincher method and I have much better control. Thank you.
The way you hold the sticks is right on the way of what feels comfortable to you,not what you think is right,I would crash really fast if I pinched the sticks,I fly my helis and drones for 20 years with my thumbs,there are many ways to make controls less or more sensitive,by the length of the sticks,variable servo speed movements,expo,just to name a few.And I got my aircraft saved by flying with my thumbs when I almost hit something and thumb control gave me a quick,full travel response to avoid disaster.
Everything but the thumb info 100% spot on. Being a gamer and having gamed for the last 25+ years the muscle memory I have in my thumbs is allot more then the "pinch" method.. my hand to eye coordination as well is higher due to gaming. So as I have yet to crash any drone I have had i will stick to using my thumbs.
Forgot the #1 Noobie mistake .. test flying in the living room ... and then spending 2 hours digging shrapnel pieces of propeller out of the furniture and walls (well, it took me 2 hours, your experience may vary). Seriously ..... Ken, great video, loved the humor and content, nice job!
Me too, and I have flown R/C planes the same way without problem. It also means you can have other digits near other function switches. The only people I have seen using the 'Thumb and Index' mehod, have a controller harness/ tray. I also think you can manipulate the stick more accurately. Because you have an anchor point. That's where you have a digit resting on the controller, creating a better special sense of your controller. Sounds weird, but guitarists do something similar with their picking hand, and it works.
@@ozcaks8888 completely down to preference.. some of us, many of us lets say are vastly more efficient and precise with thumbs. i can completely thread the needle using my thumbs. i cannot fly pinching, i actually crashed 2 of my $1500+ aircraft pinching and both total losses i had to purchase again. where as thumbing i actually never completely crashed.. i had a few brush ups before but not actually hit the ground from crashing or killed aircraft or even broken part of aircraft...actually take that back broke a broke...chipped a big chunk out of it and i didnt even know it until it flew it back to me and saw big chunk of my mavic air prop missing in center of the prop....few it 1.5 miles back over open water with 30% of the prop missing..
@@ozcaks8888 The point he's trying to make is that the younger generation have spent most of their lives using their thumbs to make precision movements (for some people, even on virtual aerial vehicles with similar controls to a drone) on a controller. For many, to change would be like trying to write with your left hand when you are right handed - sure, you could do it, but it would be one hell of a learning curve, and you would make a lot of mistakes - which in the case of drone flying, could result in the loss of up to thousands of dollars worth of equipment. A lot of people my age or younger are going to see it as "if it ain't broke, don't fix it".
I must say I disagree with number one. Both thumbing and pinching are acceptable ways of controlling. Its down to personal preference. The more comfortable you are with the controller the safer the flight.
Personally I like the thumb method because that is how I grew up playing games, and I can get smooth precise shots that way as well. Also to note, the guys that fly FPV racers do not use the pinch method that I have seen.. EVERYTHING else though in this video was awesome as always Ken!
I believe that some folks can control better with thumbs, and perhaps others will do better trying to coordinate two digits. I have been using thumbs for years without problems.
I very much enjoyed the video but also have to disagree, as others have, about the control method.. certainly about it being the number one mistake. As we were preparing for commercial drone operations we examined just about every crash video on youtube as we felt they represented a pretty good cross section of actual failures. The number one is spacial awareness. I'll expand this to "Situational Awareness". I would say that well over 90% of the crashes you will see are due to this. Things like flying when the wind is too great or ignoring various OBVIOUS electrical interference sources ranked right up there with banging into trees while in lateral movement. Breaking this down I suppose it would be good to break out some of these elements.. especially lateral movement. Flying to get the shot without a spotter. I would rank my top 5 rookie mistakes as follows: 5) Flying in a congested area 4) Pressing your luck with battery power or transmitter range. 3) Not recognizing and testing potential signal strength obstacles. (Cell towers, radio towers, steel bridges) 2) Improperly setting your return to home parameters 1) Not flying with a spotter or if flying solo, not being situationally aware Though things like camera settings and composition are really important, they aren't the kind of rookie mistakes that will result in the loss of the drone. I'm more concerned with the kind of rookie mistakes that make us look really really bad and could potentially make it nearly impossible to operate drones at all.
I use the pinch method but since my hands shake a little, I find I have a little more control (especially with slower movements) by keeping my thumb and forefinger towards the bottom of the joystick rather than the top. That works best for me but everyone is going to be different.
You were totally right until you reached #1... In my opinion the way you feel more comfortable controlling your aircraft it is the right way... Pintching or thumbing the sticks are both acceptable techniques...I've been using the tumbling technique for years and so far no incidents cause by the technique... Other than that, Awesome video tutorial 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
I can see the argument for pinching over thumbing, but if you do pinch instead then you're left with potentially awkward use of the ventral buttons with your other fingers. My guess is someone who has 'controller muscle memory' from years of video games will do just fine using the thumb method. It will be the most comfortable method for them. Also, Polar Pro offers extension sticks to help with even more control of your drone.
Totally disagree about height. It’s so awesome that we can take pictures from up there, I think your footage at the beginning looks awesome, so beautiful to see all the trees and the lakes from up there, to each his own my friend. Cool shots. Thank you for the other tips
I've just received a Mavic Pro in lieu of payment for a job I undertook for an ex army general (who now goes by the name of Lord Farquar). He insisted on giving me this and a signed photo of Frank Bruno (British heavyweight champion circa 1990). Initially, I was somewhat apprehensive about the exchange, but after watching a few of your hilarious videos, I shall now approach my new found hobby with renewed vigour and vitality. Thanks for the video. Keep up the good work and all the best. Dr Garry Hawes.
I used to be a pinch flyer until I had a table saw accident that severed my index finger. I'm now trying to master thumb flying. You're right, it's very difficult to be cinematic with just your thumbs. I have to keep practicing and hoping that physio improves the dexterity of the finger.
I'm an RC pilot and have flown with my thumbs for years, lol. I tried the pinch method years ago and it felt too weird for me. So I use my thumbs, that's why I choose sticks with the spikes in the head for good grip. But that's just me! Guess i'm wrong, Wrong WRONG! 😋
Ken, I have my Phantom advanced coming in a half week. Managed to catch your vids, and have enjoyed them. I bought a cheap 80 dollar drone to practice on before the "expensive" drone comes in. Switched my thumbs based on your advice and I am stunned at the accuracy I have achieved in less than a day. Great Vids.
+Asmodeus Lokison Hey that's great! I know most thumbers will grumble a bit about switching, but it really does make s difference. So glad you're enjoying my videos!
I been in rc since I was 7 (28 years)flying rc planes. Some people did pinch method but I did not. JR, Spectrum and Futaba have adjustable height sticks and knurling on top and sides so you can choose the way you like. Even my DJI mavic has knurling on top. They were designed to do both so this makes using pinch method your opinion and if that's the way you prefer it then that's great. Some people including myself use the knurling on top as designed for the thumb method. The mavic also has buttons and knobs for camera control setup for use with index fingers. It's not wrong, it's just somebody else's preferred method.
I’ve been a gamer for around 15 years, I can hold a controller just fine. On any game I run and jump circles around my brother all over the area he’s in, I’ve never had to have my fingers like that to make a precise jump before
I agree with everything you said other than the way you fly with your thumb or pinching. I've been flying helicopters and drones for a long time I fly with my thumb and never had an issue. I've also tried pinching but since I'm not used to it it's uncomfortable. Writing your name with a Sharpie that is taped to your finger is totally different than your thumbs sitting on top of the controllers moving it from side to side.
Hello Ray! You have a physiological adbantage when pinching. Better fine motor skills and improved precision. A must-have in your photography drone skillset. (Not so important with acrobatic flying.)
The top rookie mistake is not knowing the rules! Know before you fly! Good to cover the rules. Know your airspace don't care if your commercial or recreation.
So true! It's the yahoos that ruin it for the rest of us that are following the rules. Then we have more regulations because people are ignorant. Come to think of it, that's how we get a lot of our laws :/
My rookie bridge mistake was lingering under it for too long. Lost GPS without realizing it, AND I was physically facing the sun- so I could not actually see the drone. I lost my perspective as my mini started to drift both laterally and vertically, and it actually bounced off the underside of the superstructure twice! When I regained my perspective, I was able to bring it out and down to a safe landing. The only damages was chips on a few of the rotor tips- but I learned my lesson.
Nearly 50 years ago I started out flying by the thumb method with great results, winning many many Pylon Races. But several years ago I had to change to the pinch method after having a tendon transfer on my left thumb. The resulting loss of fine dexterity made it very difficult to control the throttle stick.
holding a pen with two fingers proves nothing. Try with you left hand. the only reason you can sign your name better is that you have been practicing it for a few decades. People these days have been controlling movement with just their thumbs for nearly as long.
@@dr07828 Surprisingly very similar result to the only thumb on right hand. ;-) I don't want to nitpick, but in the video the pen is actually held by 3 fingers.:-x
And the writing with two (or three) fingers didn’t look any better than that with one. He may have written it faster but muscle memory is trainable. Just a poor illustration.
Just because you can't pinch doesn't mean thumbing is better. Personally I find it difficult to thumb because the lack of dexterity. I can, but I get way more precision with pinch.
Im looking to get into drone flying but what would b a good entry level drone with good flying time without spending a fortune i think its better to learn with a cheap drone What do u think would b a good drone to learn with
Pinching vs thumbing. I agree pinching is better. And for the very reasons you expressed. However, some of the best pilots use their thumbs... I think it make more sense to do what's comfortable. Although I think if the pilots who use thumb's and are really good, used pick, they would be even better...
Not really. It's a matter of muscle memory and how you learn to use your thumbs. "Thumbs" isn't just thumbs, but pinching really is just finger muscles. You are trying to overcome a centering force of the sticks and pinching is an easy way to make the centering force inconsequential as the counter-pressure from your opposing finger is much higher than the centering force. However, using thumbs can allow using your hand muscles which are massive by comparison to the finger muscles and make the centering force insignificant as well, while not requiring excess force to be exerted on the stick, but it requires muscle memory for a rather complicated set of coordinated actions. I can tell you that I can do very smooth control with thumbs, but I'm much less controlled with pinching. (I also have the fact that I'm double jointed going against me so pinching requires extremely excessive force.)
Your positivity and support is greatly appreciated. Clearly you understand what a huge undertaking it is to create content like this. The fact that you recognize this and don't flippantly dismiss the entire video's message just because of something trite or meaningless, shines a spotlight on your ability to see the good in your fellow human beings. Anyone can throw out a negative comment. Taking a moment to share a few kind words with the creator of a video that took days to produce, proves that the majority of TH-cam viewers are good, thoughtful people, and not empty, vapid sheeple who's default responses are basic, idiotic and indicative of someone who's lack of education prevents any sort of meaningful discussion. Thank you my friend. sar·casm /ˈsärˌkazəm/ noun the use of irony to mock or convey contempt.
Been flying rc plane & helicopters for about 35 years, I learned using my thumbs on an old a.m. Futaba radio and I still fly that way today and I must say I’m pretty good if I do say so myself
Ken Heron i always do as I see fit, everyone thinks their way is the right way, I’m always open to suggestion but only if it’s better for me, but pinching the gimbals does not work very we’ll for me, I agree with all your other suggestions just not the pitching of the gimbals
Hey Ken, just wanted to say thank you for all of your drone videos posted. I have watched several other TH-camrs also, 1st try and I passed my part 107, 2 days before Christmas. Just recieved my tempory this afternoon. Thanks again, Donnie Farnell
As a quadcopter pilot flying freetsyle proximity at speed in rate, thumbing is every bit as good (better for me) as pinching the sticks...truly just a matter of preference. The rest of it is good info for the new DJI pilot who is going to go out and hover around stuff making short films.
I think a lot of people don't understand the two finger rule. If ever I came to a hard move I'd rather have back up (two fingers) on the stick rather than winging it with a thumb. Ps4 controller $50 bucks Mavic pro $800. Thank you for the best advice.
Checking the clearance height: it's not just being able to see the other side. You need to be able to see the *horizon* above your statue or below your bridge. You also need to allow a little bit more, for the amount of drone body sticking out above and below the centreline of the camera.
Good info, not sure about the thumb control though. I have a Mini 2 and if I pinch the controllers, I cannot use the camera up and down wheel and holding the controller is more awkward.. Besides, some professionsal use the thumb only method, so I guess, its what's best for you.
None of your jokes are funny but I can tell you're having so much fun so it's fine Also thanks! Getting a drone was very intimidating for me and this has helped me get comfortable.
In my opinion, theres a reason dji remodeled the controller and why so many other drone manufacturers have adopted the 'game pad' style controller... I've been a gamer for since the 80s and flown the phantom's and now the mavic.... For myself as well as many others (including police and qualified pilots), I feel in more control using thumbs, especially using mavic controls.. Love your videos btw 👍
Your videos crack me up. I admit I get over excited I have to tell myself to focus on a scene or it would be jerky looking at everything. Also I’m a thumb user must be from all the game playing back in the days.
hi Ken I'd like to mention I'm a thumber cause my early controllers had ratchets and you could sense going up or down and side to side by each notch its not as precise as your method but was comfortable I also tried it perhaps one could change to a shorter or longer stick think of it as a custom golf club to your liking
6:39 That’s interesting to me, as a Canadian. Here you can fly over vehicles and highways etc. I’d probably have flown over that if that was here in Canada, but have avoided the pedestrian bridge if anyone was on it. The people in vehicles (or buildings for that matter) don’t count towards the required buffer space here.
hey ken i have the use of only my left arm, hand I use a transmitter tray and harness and manipulate the sticks and other controls with my left hand , I have been disabled for 19 yrs. now . I do have to add that I did get my private pilot certification after losing the use of my right arm and yess I was a righty
I don’t agree with number 1 improper controls. The Yuneec q500 remote is big and it’s very uncomfortable to control with two fingers like you suggest.hmm the sparks on the other hand is ok to hold it like that. Gonna try today holding it with two fingers while flying :)
1:05 I recommend using 'birds eye view' under Bing.com/maps (which only has moderately urban areas done) ...Besides, I think that 'birds eye view' is pictures taken by cessna planes flying at low altitudes, kind of where the FAA has already allocated that air to flying (which often is 500 feet and above).
Afternoon Ken from 'never sunny, always windy, always raining United Kingdom'. I so enjoy your videos, far better than doing surveys all day to earn 5p for an hours work. You should defonately have your own tv channel, (unless you already have), and add it to the awful channels that we have here in the Uk,, full of competitions that no one ever wins, and adverts that no one wants to buy. Anyway, loved the 5 bits of advice about drone handling, you certainly opened my eyes there, and of course the sound effects when someone tries to fly into outer space (where everything looks the same ha ha). I have learnt a lot from this video, jerky movements, subject matter, spacial awareness (yes that bridge will win the fight with the drone everytime!), plus of course obstacles that the drone will never see (eg fishing lines), and the most serious of course, driving near or over moving vehicles with possible fatal results if the drone failed (especially when an eagle sees the drone as the arch enemy!). And thank you to Nick too with his demonstration of controller holding and pinch methods and having his finger taped up with a pen! wonderful. Keep them coming. Andy in the United Kingdom
Hi Ken! Right now I am waiting for my first buget drone,ordered from aliexpress. JJRC X17. To earn first flight experience. Thank you very much for advices. Wish you all well.
the control sticks have a racthett type mechanism so that you feel its action over time it wears giving less feel and two finger is more sensitive its harder to explain than hands on
Ken, this is the first video I saw from your channel a year ago. I find it so amusing and entertaining and my 5 year old daughter loves it too. With my Mavic Mini now I can review all your tips. For me not to miss new video so I subscribe :-)
![Warhammer 40k: Space Marine 2 | เพื่อจักรพรรดิ ! [ตอนเดียวจบ]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/4M0ckYMA4-U/mqdefault.jpg)
honestly the whole pinch vs. thumb thing I feel like is down to how you learned to fly. I've played video games my whole life and only ever handled analog sticks with my thumbs to me its more precise and i've flown a whooole lot of rc.
You do the way that you feel most comfortable with. 👍
I am the exact same way... The thing that isn't shown in the thumb marker experiment is that you are pressing down on top of the stick to give stability...
Your thumbs aren't just dangling over with a marker hanging out the end... for sure trying to thumb a stick with a 5" marker would be hard....
Trying to hold my remote with my smaller fingers to pinch a stick is uncomfortable and cramps my hands.... I can fly all day with my thumbs... i wouldn't last 30 minutes pinching...
I have been flying with thumbs but ever since I learned the way of the pinchers I have been pinching 🤏
Same I never flew RC but game a lot with a controller. So thumbs is natural. I’ll try pinchers and see how it goes
Not to mention a drone like the DJI Mini 2 has a wheel to control the gimble pitch and zoom of the camera which is accessed by your left index at the back of the controller. Kinda hard to access that while using the Pinch method.
This controll method (pinch) is great BUT you're clearly using the wrong controller for that. This method is usually meant to be used with tray type transmitters. The console generation is more used to thumbsticks and that's why drones usually come with hand transmitters which are CLEARLY meant to be used with your thumbs and not pinched becuase it's awkward to hold them that way.
I'm flying model aircrafts for quite a while now and I did start with hand transmitter and went to tray transmitter several years ago, so I know what I'm talking about. If you have trouble with the thumb method, don't worry, just get a propper tray mount for your transmitter and fly that way!
I came for the knowledge, I stayed for the puns.
Wonderful!
This honestly is a really good video. All the info is straight forward and easy to understand, along with a bit of comedy from a pretty likeable guy. I flew rc helicopters for 10 years using the thumbing method and I could do all kinds of 3d maneuvers so for me, using thumbs is just fine. For someone new, pinching is probably better. I got use to small stick movements with my 550-600-700 size heli's.
🤓👍
This guy's Dad Jokes are hardcore LMAO.
They’re are dead
I agree with them except the stick pinching. 25 years of model flying and im thumbs till i die!
Well, if you do better that way, then more power to ya!
Over 45 years of RC and I've yet to use the pinch method. Love it when Noobs start preachin' the "how to's to those having decades more experience in all aspects of RC.
I also agree, years of los/fpv planes/multi rotors/heli/racing drones and although pinching is easier to get precision when starting out once you get your thumbs precise it gives you more freedom for toggles because in the end when you get good enough there is no difference in precision.
I have to agree. But I have only about 20 years of rc plane flying. Few times I have tried the pinch method, but it didn't suit me at all. It felt too restricting to have two fingers on one stick and two fingers less to operate the other channels.
Me too! Even the 25 years part! I can do hard 3D with planes no problem with just my thumbs. I started flying rc helis about 15 years back, raptor 30 baby!, and started using the pinch then noticed I got a lot better with 3D, it was the tic tocs that would get me, but with drones like the phantom there really is no pilot skills required. I wish my trex 550 had a return to home in it LOL.
Pick up an Xbox controller and play some FPS games. If you play better with just your thumbs then you might also fly better that way.
I can’t agree with the number one because so many people are better at different ways. I’ve seen people use controllers in ways I’d never be able to and it works better for them. So to each their own.
However, the rest of your video nailed it as always Ken.
Sean Ozz has
Sean Ozz i
I agree, that seems like a personal preference, not a #1 noob mistake.... the difference between opinion, and fact...
video games are nit the same. lots of real life variables
Jerry Bullington agree
I know many people are comfortable with their thumbs, but I'm glad I found this video. I'm a new pilot and since watching this I have been using the pincher method and I have much better control. Thank you.
That's wonderful!
The way you hold the sticks is right on the way of what feels comfortable to you,not what you think is right,I would crash really fast if I pinched the sticks,I fly my helis and drones for 20 years with my thumbs,there are many ways to make controls less or more sensitive,by the length of the sticks,variable servo speed movements,expo,just to name a few.And I got my aircraft saved by flying with my thumbs when I almost hit something and thumb control gave me a quick,full travel response to avoid disaster.
Everything but the thumb info 100% spot on. Being a gamer and having gamed for the last 25+ years the muscle memory I have in my thumbs is allot more then the "pinch" method.. my hand to eye coordination as well is higher due to gaming. So as I have yet to crash any drone I have had i will stick to using my thumbs.
👍👍
Forgot the #1 Noobie mistake .. test flying in the living room ... and then spending 2 hours digging shrapnel pieces of propeller out of the furniture and walls (well, it took me 2 hours, your experience may vary).
Seriously ..... Ken, great video, loved the humor and content, nice job!
I'll admit even as an experienced pilot I do test flights in my living room, but doing this as a noob is probably far riskier.
BigCooter.com 😂😂😂
Very entertaining and valid advice. I don't think us rookies appreciate just how much time and effort goes in to making a movie like this!
Number 1....you don't know the Xbox generation, they can precision snipe with their thumbs 😁
Reaverman ... and for that reason, I prefer to fly with thumbs only.
Me too, and I have flown R/C planes the same way without problem. It also means you can have other digits near other function switches. The only people I have seen using the 'Thumb and Index' mehod, have a controller harness/ tray. I also think you can manipulate the stick more accurately. Because you have an anchor point. That's where you have a digit resting on the controller, creating a better special sense of your controller. Sounds weird, but guitarists do something similar with their picking hand, and it works.
@@ozcaks8888 completely down to preference.. some of us, many of us lets say are vastly more efficient and precise with thumbs. i can completely thread the needle using my thumbs. i cannot fly pinching, i actually crashed 2 of my $1500+ aircraft pinching and both total losses i had to purchase again. where as thumbing i actually never completely crashed.. i had a few brush ups before but not actually hit the ground from crashing or killed aircraft or even broken part of aircraft...actually take that back broke a broke...chipped a big chunk out of it and i didnt even know it until it flew it back to me and saw big chunk of my mavic air prop missing in center of the prop....few it 1.5 miles back over open water with 30% of the prop missing..
@@ozcaks8888 The point he's trying to make is that the younger generation have spent most of their lives using their thumbs to make precision movements (for some people, even on virtual aerial vehicles with similar controls to a drone) on a controller. For many, to change would be like trying to write with your left hand when you are right handed - sure, you could do it, but it would be one hell of a learning curve, and you would make a lot of mistakes - which in the case of drone flying, could result in the loss of up to thousands of dollars worth of equipment.
A lot of people my age or younger are going to see it as "if it ain't broke, don't fix it".
@@ozcaks8888 so it's like the arcade, you have to insert another quarter... ;)
5:53 "Oh, where'd those crickets come from?"
F*cking hell, you made me laugh at that XD
1. “Improper” controller use
2. Spatial awareness
3. Good subject matter
4. Jerky movements
5. Flying too high
I'm weird....I actually find you to be amusing!
Haaaa!
Well thanks bud.
I must say I disagree with number one. Both thumbing and pinching are acceptable ways of controlling. Its down to personal preference. The more comfortable you are with the controller the safer the flight.
I agree! Ive flown helicopters doing 3d for years with my thumbs and also fly the drone the same ;-)
Personally I like the thumb method because that is how I grew up playing games, and I can get smooth precise shots that way as well. Also to note, the guys that fly FPV racers do not use the pinch method that I have seen.. EVERYTHING else though in this video was awesome as always Ken!
Of course it's what you feel more comfortable doing, but the fact remains that pinching involves a group of muscles that offer more precision.
Wrong
I believe that some folks can control better with thumbs, and perhaps others will do better trying to coordinate two digits. I have been using thumbs for years without problems.
I very much enjoyed the video but also have to disagree, as others have, about the control method.. certainly about it being the number one mistake.
As we were preparing for commercial drone operations we examined just about every crash video on youtube as we felt they represented a pretty good cross section of actual failures.
The number one is spacial awareness. I'll expand this to "Situational Awareness". I would say that well over 90% of the crashes you will see are due to this. Things like flying when the wind is too great or ignoring various OBVIOUS electrical interference sources ranked right up there with banging into trees while in lateral movement.
Breaking this down I suppose it would be good to break out some of these elements.. especially lateral movement. Flying to get the shot without a spotter.
I would rank my top 5 rookie mistakes as follows:
5) Flying in a congested area
4) Pressing your luck with battery power or transmitter range.
3) Not recognizing and testing potential signal strength obstacles. (Cell towers, radio towers, steel bridges)
2) Improperly setting your return to home parameters
1) Not flying with a spotter or if flying solo, not being situationally aware
Though things like camera settings and composition are really important, they aren't the kind of rookie mistakes that will result in the loss of the drone. I'm more concerned with the kind of rookie mistakes that make us look really really bad and could potentially make it nearly impossible to operate drones at all.
The cringe is strong with this one.
(But I do appreciate the noob tips)
I use the pinch method but since my hands shake a little, I find I have a little more control (especially with slower movements) by keeping my thumb and forefinger towards the bottom of the joystick rather than the top. That works best for me but everyone is going to be different.
Ken entered his top ten puns into a pun contest to see which one would win.
No pun in ten did...
Oh LORDY!!!
That is truly inspired.
Rob Simpson I found his puns to be pretty punny (Filipinos gets this joke lol)
Wa wa waaaa!
Rob Simpson not gonna lie that was good 👍
Ba
Dum
Tish
pinch or thumbs both is right
I use both I use a thumb on top and index finger in front how you hold your stick is personal.
Of course.
You can hold your "stick" any way you like.
(I'm holding mine right now!)
Personal preference. Tell the pro 3D heli pilots that fly with their thumbs they are doing it wrong haha
You were totally right until you reached #1... In my opinion the way you feel more comfortable controlling your aircraft it is the right way... Pintching or thumbing the sticks are both acceptable techniques...I've been using the tumbling technique for years and so far no incidents cause by the technique... Other than that, Awesome video tutorial 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
This might be my favorite drone video of all time.
I can see the argument for pinching over thumbing, but if you do pinch instead then you're left with potentially awkward use of the ventral buttons with your other fingers. My guess is someone who has 'controller muscle memory' from years of video games will do just fine using the thumb method. It will be the most comfortable method for them. Also, Polar Pro offers extension sticks to help with even more control of your drone.
Totally disagree about height. It’s so awesome that we can take pictures from up there, I think your footage at the beginning looks awesome, so beautiful to see all the trees and the lakes from up there, to each his own my friend.
Cool shots. Thank you for the other tips
Your Rookie mistake, flying fpv with out a spotter lol great funny video keep em coming.
George Cooper another one - the aerials were not parrallel
Thanks for the tips learned stuff thats really useful and didn't know
Moira O'Brien Well spotted
Glad I wasn't the only one to see that too! LOL Mistake 4 was a 2-4-1
Moira O'Brien But content was good don't think he was trying to film a movie
I've just received a Mavic Pro in lieu of payment for a job I undertook for an ex army general (who now goes by the name of Lord Farquar). He insisted on giving me this and a signed photo of Frank Bruno (British heavyweight champion circa 1990). Initially, I was somewhat apprehensive about the exchange, but after watching a few of your hilarious videos, I shall now approach my new found hobby with renewed vigour and vitality. Thanks for the video. Keep up the good work and all the best.
Dr Garry Hawes.
That's great Garry!
Happy flying doctor!
I used to be a pinch flyer until I had a table saw accident that severed my index finger. I'm now trying to master thumb flying. You're right, it's very difficult to be cinematic with just your thumbs. I have to keep practicing and hoping that physio improves the dexterity of the finger.
Best of luck to you Gary!
I'm an RC pilot and have flown with my thumbs for years, lol. I tried the pinch method years ago and it felt too weird for me. So I use my thumbs, that's why I choose sticks with the spikes in the head for good grip. But that's just me! Guess i'm wrong, Wrong WRONG! 😋
Haaa!!
Whatever you're most comfortable with my friend. 👍
rookie mistake: losing line of sight with goggles
Rth
Savage
happens on second one (i guess) :P
Is that "allowed" or isn't a VO required with goggles?
SBY EYE is “required”
Great video Ken! I totally agree on these. Thanks.
Thank you Kelly!
Hi Kelly! I’m a subscriber to your channel to
Right on! I appreciate it!
Ready Set Drone I
Don't you mean "tanks"?
Ken, I have my Phantom advanced coming in a half week. Managed to catch your vids, and have enjoyed them. I bought a cheap 80 dollar drone to practice on before the "expensive" drone comes in. Switched my thumbs based on your advice and I am stunned at the accuracy I have achieved in less than a day. Great Vids.
+Asmodeus Lokison Hey that's great! I know most thumbers will grumble a bit about switching, but it really does make s difference. So glad you're enjoying my videos!
only for people over 40
Why not compare remote handling with weight lifting? Similarly irrelevant as taping pen to thumb
I been in rc since I was 7 (28 years)flying rc planes. Some people did pinch method but I did not. JR, Spectrum and Futaba have adjustable height sticks and knurling on top and sides so you can choose the way you like. Even my DJI mavic has knurling on top. They were designed to do both so this makes using pinch method your opinion and if that's the way you prefer it then that's great. Some people including myself use the knurling on top as designed for the thumb method. The mavic also has buttons and knobs for camera control setup for use with index fingers. It's not wrong, it's just somebody else's preferred method.
You're right. Whatever works for you.
The puns.
They're great.
Y e s .
Then you'll enjoy this:
th-cam.com/video/dByCxwW-MG4/w-d-xo.html
I just got one hands down it’s the fastest brushed whoop I own blows my ldarc r7 out the sky speed wise and that’s got 8x20 motors lol
Educational and funny! Anyone know what the soundtrack is at 3:56?
title?
I’ve been a gamer for around 15 years, I can hold a controller just fine. On any game I run and jump circles around my brother all over the area he’s in, I’ve never had to have my fingers like that to make a precise jump before
I agree with everything you said other than the way you fly with your thumb or pinching. I've been flying helicopters and drones for a long time I fly with my thumb and never had an issue. I've also tried pinching but since I'm not used to it it's uncomfortable. Writing your name with a Sharpie that is taped to your finger is totally different than your thumbs sitting on top of the controllers moving it from side to side.
Hello Ray!
You have a physiological adbantage when pinching. Better fine motor skills and improved precision. A must-have in your photography drone skillset.
(Not so important with acrobatic flying.)
First rookie drone mistake is watching this video...
Hahaha that is exactly what i thought =p
this drone n00b totally laughed... nice.
Second this -army trained UAS Operator
Lol your probably right
Exactly, with his soy sleeve tats and yellow teeth!
The top rookie mistake is not knowing the rules! Know before you fly! Good to cover the rules. Know your airspace don't care if your commercial or recreation.
So true! It's the yahoos that ruin it for the rest of us that are following the rules. Then we have more regulations because people are ignorant. Come to think of it, that's how we get a lot of our laws :/
Having taken helicopter flight lessons I can tell you that one digit is just as precise as two. It’s a matter of preference and experience.
My rookie bridge mistake was lingering under it for too long. Lost GPS without realizing it, AND I was physically facing the sun- so I could not actually see the drone. I lost my perspective as my mini started to drift both laterally and vertically, and it actually bounced off the underside of the superstructure twice! When I regained my perspective, I was able to bring it out and down to a safe landing. The only damages was chips on a few of the rotor tips- but I learned my lesson.
Nearly 50 years ago I started out flying by the thumb method with great results, winning many many Pylon Races. But several years ago I had to change to the pinch method after having a tendon transfer on my left thumb. The resulting loss of fine dexterity made it very difficult to control the throttle stick.
Rookie Mistake: Sending it in sport mode your first time flying
Ya. I crashed mine doing that. lol
This guy is hilarious 😂😂😂😂
holding a pen with two fingers proves nothing. Try with you left hand. the only reason you can sign your name better is that you have been practicing it for a few decades. People these days have been controlling movement with just their thumbs for nearly as long.
Then try your left hand with your thumb......
@@dr07828 Surprisingly very similar result to the only thumb on right hand. ;-) I don't want to nitpick, but in the video the pen is actually held by 3 fingers.:-x
And the writing with two (or three) fingers didn’t look any better than that with one. He may have written it faster but muscle memory is trainable. Just a poor illustration.
Man....you should have a TV show....I couldn't stop watching this video for a second!!!
Thanks Marcio!
Great Demonstration, with a good sense of humour making the instruction interesting!!! tank you!!!
You're very welcome!
Wrong, Wrong , Wrong, Pinchers are wimpy. Thumbers are #1
pinchers are the wimps; only men use there thumbs
by the way; I;m 85 been using my thumbs for ever
Just because you can't pinch doesn't mean thumbing is better. Personally I find it difficult to thumb because the lack of dexterity. I can, but I get way more precision with pinch.
@@dr07828 and just because people can pinch doesn't make it better.
It's what ever works for the individual. Can't operate all the features on some remotes if you got all your fingers on the sticks.
You are awesome man !, I loved the content as well
Rookie mistake was watching Ken Heron
You seem fun.
Can we be friends?
So happy with my first drone, a HS175! I am going to keep it for a few years longer, and then upgrade :)
Im looking to get into drone flying but what would b a good entry level drone with good flying time
without spending a fortune
i think its better to learn with a cheap drone
What do u think would b a good drone to learn with
The Dji Spark
Holy Stone has a few good offerings. I have the HS700 myself. The HS100 is a good starter too.
@@TheNiteNinja19 cheers i dont want to start on a top dji or evo
That would b like learning to drive and getting in a porche
ok corny ..but in good spirit ...nice advice .. THUMBS UP
You can tell he is a normal dad
He reminds me of that weird and rich uncle you have.
Should've called you Ken Heroin lol
Pinching vs thumbing. I agree pinching is better. And for the very reasons you expressed. However, some of the best pilots use their thumbs... I think it make more sense to do what's comfortable. Although I think if the pilots who use thumb's and are really good, used pick, they would be even better...
Not really. It's a matter of muscle memory and how you learn to use your thumbs. "Thumbs" isn't just thumbs, but pinching really is just finger muscles. You are trying to overcome a centering force of the sticks and pinching is an easy way to make the centering force inconsequential as the counter-pressure from your opposing finger is much higher than the centering force. However, using thumbs can allow using your hand muscles which are massive by comparison to the finger muscles and make the centering force insignificant as well, while not requiring excess force to be exerted on the stick, but it requires muscle memory for a rather complicated set of coordinated actions. I can tell you that I can do very smooth control with thumbs, but I'm much less controlled with pinching. (I also have the fact that I'm double jointed going against me so pinching requires extremely excessive force.)
Good tip about taking practice surveying runs before cinematic runs. Keeps the shots safer and smoother.
🤓👍
You make some interesting points but your exaggerated attempts at being funny, you failed, just make this painful to watch.
3:45 I laughed
Mistake 6.. having the sound on hearing the awful commentary
Your positivity and support is greatly appreciated. Clearly you understand what a huge undertaking it is to create content like this. The fact that you recognize this and don't flippantly dismiss the entire video's message just because of something trite or meaningless, shines a spotlight on your ability to see the good in your fellow human beings.
Anyone can throw out a negative comment. Taking a moment to share a few kind words with the creator of a video that took days to produce, proves that the majority of TH-cam viewers are good, thoughtful people, and not empty, vapid sheeple who's default responses are basic, idiotic and indicative of someone who's lack of education prevents any sort of meaningful discussion.
Thank you my friend.
sar·casm
/ˈsärˌkazəm/
noun
the use of irony to mock or convey contempt.
Been flying rc plane & helicopters for about 35 years, I learned using my thumbs on an old a.m. Futaba radio and I still fly that way today and I must say I’m pretty good if I do say so myself
You fly how YOU want to fly my friend.
Ken Heron i always do as I see fit, everyone thinks their way is the right way, I’m always open to suggestion but only if it’s better for me, but pinching the gimbals does not work very we’ll for me, I agree with all your other suggestions just not the pitching of the gimbals
the portion describing maneuvering around, above, and below objects is huge. very nice
Glad to help!
Your great! Could put the “flat earth” people out of business! Lol great video!
quad chopper, “drone” lol
I like this guy. He is extreme, he is crazy, he is obsessed - he is 10x.
yeah ken your right on the money also get the larger spikey sticks over time youll get used to the pain and move them cautiously tender
or let go off the sticks in emergency its all about reflexes
Thanks for all your videos. i work with students and they want to fly drones. Your videos have given us a lot of discussion points.
That's great!
If you and your students have any other questions, just let me know. 🤓
Hey Ken, just wanted to say thank you for all of your drone videos posted. I have watched several other TH-camrs also, 1st try and I passed my part 107, 2 days before Christmas. Just recieved my tempory this afternoon.
Thanks again, Donnie Farnell
As a quadcopter pilot flying freetsyle proximity at speed in rate, thumbing is every bit as good (better for me) as pinching the sticks...truly just a matter of preference.
The rest of it is good info for the new DJI pilot who is going to go out and hover around stuff making short films.
Thanks for commenting Kaity!
Yes, to each their own on the sticks I s'pose.
Thanks for the tips, Ken. You are helping me learn a lot about drone flying. Fly safe.
I think a lot of people don't understand the two finger rule. If ever I came to a hard move I'd rather have back up (two fingers) on the stick rather than winging it with a thumb. Ps4 controller $50 bucks Mavic pro $800. Thank you for the best advice.
Very good point!
Checking the clearance height: it's not just being able to see the other side. You need to be able to see the *horizon* above your statue or below your bridge. You also need to allow a little bit more, for the amount of drone body sticking out above and below the centreline of the camera.
Good info, not sure about the thumb control though. I have a Mini 2 and if I pinch the controllers, I cannot use the camera up and down wheel and holding the controller is more awkward.. Besides, some professionsal use the thumb only method, so I guess, its what's best for you.
None of your jokes are funny but I can tell you're having so much fun so it's fine
Also thanks! Getting a drone was very intimidating for me and this has helped me get comfortable.
Nick have a Nike T-Shirt. Yes I agree the tips. Today I have learned the bridge tip
In my opinion, theres a reason dji remodeled the controller and why so many other drone manufacturers have adopted the 'game pad' style controller... I've been a gamer for since the 80s and flown the phantom's and now the mavic....
For myself as well as many others (including police and qualified pilots), I feel in more control using thumbs, especially using mavic controls..
Love your videos btw 👍
You do what's comfortable for you. 👍
BTW, the size and shape of a controller is dictated by the size of the battery. 🤓
Your videos crack me up. I admit I get over excited I have to tell myself to focus on a scene or it would be jerky looking at everything. Also I’m a thumb user must be from all the game playing back in the days.
Glad you're enjoying them!
hi Ken I'd like to mention I'm a thumber cause my early controllers had ratchets and you could sense going up or down and side to side by each notch its not as precise as your method but was comfortable I also tried it perhaps one could change to a shorter or longer stick think of it as a custom golf club to your liking
Thanks Joey!
6:39 That’s interesting to me, as a Canadian. Here you can fly over vehicles and highways etc. I’d probably have flown over that if that was here in Canada, but have avoided the pedestrian bridge if anyone was on it. The people in vehicles (or buildings for that matter) don’t count towards the required buffer space here.
One of my favourite drone TH-camrs because of the playful mood.
Good Sharing😇🙏Thank you... I already learn to use drone now....
hey ken i have the use of only my left arm, hand I use a transmitter tray and harness and manipulate the sticks and other controls with my left hand , I have been disabled for 19 yrs. now . I do have to add that I did get my private pilot certification after losing the use of my right arm and yess I was a righty
Very impressive!
I'm not sure if I could do the same. Hats off to you my friend.
I don’t agree with number 1 improper controls. The Yuneec q500 remote is big and it’s very uncomfortable to control with two fingers like you suggest.hmm the sparks on the other hand is ok to hold it like that. Gonna try today holding it with two fingers while flying :)
Thanks Ken for the lessons!g I am learning and got a lot....my wife is happy now because she always complains that I try to fly too high.
I've just bought my first drone - I'm looking forward to seeing the footage :)
thank you for the advice
Congrats on the new drone!
Wow nice vid, after loosing my first dji spark after 2 days...... i got another one and not being wreckless this time around
Happy flying!!
1:05 I recommend using 'birds eye view' under Bing.com/maps (which only has moderately urban areas done) ...Besides, I think that 'birds eye view' is pictures taken by cessna planes flying at low altitudes, kind of where the FAA has already allocated that air to flying (which often is 500 feet and above).
Afternoon Ken from 'never sunny, always windy, always raining United Kingdom'. I so enjoy your videos, far better than doing surveys all day to earn 5p for an hours work. You should defonately have your own tv channel, (unless you already have), and add it to the awful channels that we have here in the Uk,, full of competitions that no one ever wins, and adverts that no one wants to buy. Anyway, loved the 5 bits of advice about drone handling, you certainly opened my eyes there, and of course the sound effects when someone tries to fly into outer space (where everything looks the same ha ha). I have learnt a lot from this video, jerky movements, subject matter, spacial awareness (yes that bridge will win the fight with the drone everytime!), plus of course obstacles that the drone will never see (eg fishing lines), and the most serious of course, driving near or over moving vehicles with possible fatal results if the drone failed (especially when an eagle sees the drone as the arch enemy!). And thank you to Nick too with his demonstration of controller holding and pinch methods and having his finger taped up with a pen! wonderful. Keep them coming. Andy in the United Kingdom
Thank you very much Andy! I'm so glad you found this video helpful.
🇬🇧👍
Over / under such a simple concept but it makes total sense. Some day I may have a drone that has better distance
I learned something today. I like the “clearing obstacles” part.
Qukslvr its only relative if flying with goggles though
Thanks buddy good tips. I’m a rx8 driver too and on the Facebook clubs and now trying to learn to fly and film people cars
Have fun!!
Hi Ken! Right now I am waiting for my first buget drone,ordered from aliexpress. JJRC X17. To earn first flight experience. Thank you very much for advices. Wish you all well.
That's great!
Welcome to our community.
Happy flying!
holding the thumb sticks pinched is the best tip I've gotten so far thanks!
Informative, humorous and needed for this drone noob! Thank YOU for posting this.
So happy to help Gerald.
Happy flying my friend!
the control sticks have a racthett type mechanism so that you feel its action over time it wears giving less feel and two finger is more sensitive its harder to explain than hands on
Pinching is what I used to do with my phantom but with my spark it felt less natural. Will try it again though.
Good luck!
Ken, this is the first video I saw from your channel a year ago. I find it so amusing and entertaining and my 5 year old daughter loves it too. With my Mavic Mini now I can review all your tips. For me not to miss new video so I subscribe :-)
Thank you Jether and daughter!