And when you smile for the camera...

 

If you said, "A line from the song Peg by Steely Dan, 1977," you get 20 bonus points.

I was feeling photo-ish today.  Started by Murph playing the part of a jungle cat while out in the courtyard this morning...

 I do find the boy roguishly handsome.

Later, I wanted to try a full manual flight with the newly acquired HoverAir X1 Pro.  First time I put my phone in the beacon/joysticks controller - yep, works good that way.  I launched from my hand, ran the X1 out from under the patio umbrella where I was getting shade, the ran it up and out to get a photo of the house from that angle...

 A very short video...

 

The Corn Moon...

 

September's Full Moon will happen close to mid-day tomorrow, meaning it will appear full both tonight and tomorrow night.  A nice crisp evening tonight, so...

 From the Old Farmer's Almanac: "This time of year—late summer into early fall—corresponds with the time of harvesting corn in much of the northern United States. For this reason, a number of Native American peoples traditionally used some variation of the name “Corn Moon” to refer to the Moon of either August or September. Examples include Corn Maker Moon (Western Abenaki) and Corn Harvest Moon (Dakota)." 

Alternative September Full Moon names: 

• Autumn Moon (Cree)
• Falling Leaves Moon (Ojibwe)
• Leaves Turning Moon (Anishinaabe)
• Moon of Brown Leaves (Lakota)
• Yellow Leaf Moon (Assiniboine) 

 The behavior of animals is also a common theme, with Child Moon (Tlingit) referring to the time when young animals are weaned, and Mating Moon and Rutting Moon (both Cree) describing the time of year when certain animals, like moose, elk, and deer, are looking to mate.

OK, probably more than you wanted to know about the Full Moon names.  It's pretty out there tonight, so go out and take a look if you enjoy the night sky.

In some areas, you will be treated to a "Blood Moon," thanks to a lunar eclipse.  Not going to happen in Arizona, because the timing will put that in the middle of daylight hours tomorrow. 

 

This New X1 Pro Is A BIG Upgrade!

 

I ran out of time last night, but took the HoverAir X1 Pro out this morning and put it through some initial testing.  Preview opinion: this thing is far more capable than the original X1 it replaces, and fun!

When first getting a HoverAir camera drone, you are required to make a number (I think it is 10) automated flights (where the X1 determines the flight path) before you can fly manually.  Since it is the same app, it already knows I have made a bunch of flights, so no automated flights were required this time.  That said, I still did a few of the automated flights just to get a feel for this new model.

I shot video with my Insta360 Go 3s on a hat clip (hands free), as well as the video from the X1 Pro.  A bunch of video.  I will go through that today and consider making an intro video.  In the meantime, here's a photo of the X1 Pro landing in my hand...

 Taken with the Go 3s; and a shot from the X1 Pro while I was manually flying with the beacon and joysticks...

 My initial impressions: the flying and imaging are much better with this new model.  It will fly further and faster than the original.  The beacon and one joystick can be used like "a wand," where you generally point that and that is the direction it will fly.  I had read several reviews that said it either didn't work or didn't work well - I found it was easy and intuitive to fly it this way.  Add the other joystick and it works like a typical drone controller.  This is easy!

I didn't particularly enjoy flying the DJI drone I had because it always felt like I was 2 seconds away from being out of control... I didn't not feel that at all today with this set-up.

The 4k photos and video from this are a definite improvement over the 2.7k of the original.  The battery life is longer, and they are "smart" batteries.  It was due to the batteries swelling (expanding) that I looked into this new model instead of just getting batteries for the original X1.  After a couple hours of using it, I am convinced this was a good way to go.

Plus, in the most often used Follow Mode, this new model is faster (up to 26 mph) and has better obstacle avoidance and tracking than the original.  The cage around the propellers is made of a new material that feels more robust, while still be flexible enough that it is less prone to damage when the inevitable collision does happen.

And one of the nice surprises: the combo packages I ordered came with two small(ish) cases that actually hold everything.  One case that holds the drone, two extra batteries and charger, the 65w wall wart, and cables.  The other smaller case holds the beacon and two joysticks, and cables.

One of the things you run into when recording video with drones is the while of the propellers on the audio.  You can hear that on what I recorded with the Go 3s on the hat clip, but using the phone app or beacon with the X1 Pro allows you to record your voice on either of those devices, then uses AI sound reduction to eliminate the propeller whine, and combines that with the video when you download it to your phone through the HoverAir app.  This actually works pretty well.  Watch for the video soon.

This camera drone will track you in several different automated flight modes: following behind you, flying backwards ahead of you, or flying to your side.  The camera does a quick scan of you as you launch it from your extended hand, then tracks that image.  It will follow you when walking or riding a bike or motorcycle (up to that 26 mph) - it recognizes the bike shape, as well.  The following is even more accurate when you have the beacon on you.  It comes with two magnetic mounts that you can connect to a handlebar or clip on your clothing.  It will not follow you in a car though - it can see your image when you are inside a vehicle.

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Video shot with the HoverAir X1 Pro and my small Insta360 Go 3s (hands free on a hat clip)...

 

Here it comes...

 

The weather weasels have been predicting it all week, and here we are: the Phoenix area is in a "6" for monsoon weather today.  I have no idea what the scale goes to, but it has been a 1 or a 2 most of this week.  Until today.

It rained overnight.  Lots of lightning before we went to bed, but the rain came after we turned in.  Before taking Murphy out for some courtyard time this morning, I went out and emptied out the furniture covers where the water had pooled.

It was a lovely morning: 73º when I got up around 6:00am.  73º??!!  I haven't seen that temperature since we took that trip to the Tetons.  Thanks to the overnight storms for that refreshing temperature.  And, looking to the west...

 That is the Estrella Mountains, with the tops being lit by the rising sun.  We see the Estrellas to the west and South Mountain (much closer) to the south from our courtyard.

The latest prediction is for the next monsoon storm to roll through between 6:00 and 8:00 this evening.  We'll see how that plays out.

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I got everything worked out with the folks from Zero Zero Robotics (makers of the HoverAir X1) to my satisfaction:  They offered me a discount on batteries for the X1 I have, I decided to put that towards a newer, more capable, model.  Faster, more accurate tracking; the ability to fly higher and further away, and fly over water, snow (no thanks), cliffs, and in lower light; plus some interesting controller options.  I ordered it yesterday through their Amazon Store, and it is supposed to be delivered later today.  This was better for me, since it would have been a week or so if they were shipping it direct; next day delivery is mo-betta.  ;-)

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In preparation for the incoming HoverAir X1 Pro, Joan said, "Can we take a little time to go through the camera gear in the drawer?"  I felt my blood run cold.

"Yes, ma'am, we can."  This is one of those "your way/my way" things.  Nothing good can come of this.  Now, I will freely admit: I am good with organized chaos.  The drawer in question holds a lot of stuff and it looks completely disorganized.  I know where everything in that drawer is - I can reach in without looking and pull out the camera, mount, or accessory I want.  To an organized person, that appears to be impossible.  I have gear in there the way I use it: some for use on the bikes, some for when out and about with the van, and some to use for photos around the house as necessary.

To be fair, I also have gear that is "non-current"... and by that I mean: I have updated the camera, mount, or gear with something newer and more competent.  Most of that old gear has been stashed in my music room.  Where it is out of the way.  But still "there" if I need it.  None of it is out in public view.

So, in trying to be cooperative, I pulled all the gear out of that drawer and put it on the kitchen counter, with the plan of organizing and eliminating...

 Unlike the olden days, where you had a camera and it got used for any and all photographic (or video) needs - I have gear for specific use: motorcycle and scooter videos, YouTube videos where audio is important, gear when interchangeable lenses are needed.  It all makes sense in my mind.  Some mounts or accessories are used on more than one camera; I know where those things are.

Well, prior to today's organizing, I knew where those things were.  Now... when I need a specific mount, selfie stick, filter, battery, etc - I will be in hunting mode.  This is in the name of: organizing.  I assume we are not the only ones on different ends of the organization spectrum.  I appreciate that just knowing that stuff in that drawer isn't in neat rows can grate on an organizer's nerves.  I also appreciate that at some point 3 hours into the process today, I hit my frustration point.

The only solution is separation.  No, we aren't splitting up.  Well, that's not on my agenda.  Rather, there has to be visual separation, where the organizer can look around the room and feel that "everything is in its place", and the messy partner can keep the drawer closed.  For full disclosure, I don't leave that drawer (and it's a big drawer) open.

On the bright side, Murphy got to play with a bin that Joan brought into the living room to contain odds and ends...

 Yeah, that's a big cat in a relatively small "box."

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Look what showed up early this evening...

 Yep, the new HoverAir X1 Pro camera drone and accessories.  By the time I got everything charged and firmware updated, Steph came over to "give me a lesson" on handling Dicha - I will be puppy sitting tomorrow night while they go to a ball game and a Flo-Rida concert.

By the time I got home, it was dark... so, more playtime tomorrow, and I'll study up on it tonight.

 

Share the Road...

 

We've all seen those signs when out driving/riding.  I go on the assumption that those signs refer to cars being considerate of bicyclists on the road.  Of course, that means that bicyclists should also be considerate.

I got out on the CTX this morning.  Monsoon rains are predicted the next 5 or 6 days, with the heaviest supposed to be tomorrow and Friday.  It was decent out this morning, so I grabbed a 360 camera and headed out.

And on to the reason for the title of this post.  I came around a curve and there was a bicyclist.  In my lane.  Coming right at me!  I am all for "sharing the road," but that is taking that phrase way too far.  No, I don't have a photo.  Yes, I was able to swerve around him.  Yes, he was messing with a phone.  No, he wasn't paying any attention to where he was on the road.  Yes, he may have crapped himself a bit when I just missed him.  Because I was paying attention.

I do have some photos along the way...

 Other than the dumbass bicyclist, it was a great ride: very little traffic and the temp was still in the 80s this early (104º for the forecast high today).

I stopped at the top of the mountain to re-hydrate.  I took a few photos with my phone...

Pretty hazy; still a lot of dust in the air.  Air Quality Alerts today.  The image below is looking towards downtown; can't see any of the buildings.  A lot of brown in the air.

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We got the van out to take for a lunch out.  This is a happy boy...

 I truly enjoy being out in the van, even if we aren't going anywhere particular.

When we got home, there were a couple items waiting for us (both from Vine)...

 

 Hanging with my gnomies - notice he is on a motorcycle and holding a camera.  Joan finds interesting things on Vine.  The other item: an LED softbox...

You can tell by the warm color on this, that the light inside the softbox is adjustable for color temperature.  It came on set for incandescent light, but is a couple button presses to get to daylight.  I don't do a lot of "talking head" YouTube videos, but this will be handy when I do.  Nothing like the industrial strength lighting I used to use back in our studio days, but this will work.

 

This is a test...

 

No, not a test of posting on the blog - I kinda have that down.  Looking through some FAA drone info, I see that a "TRUST" test is still required to operate a drone in the US; even the light-weight, under 250 grams, drones.

The Government requires TRUST??  Shouldn't that really be the other way around?  Yes, I agree with you completely, and you get 20 bonus points for asking that question.  And for the record, TRUST is The Recreational UAS Safety Test.  And for the record, UAS is Unmanned Aircraft System.  Yes, the Government likes acronyms or initialisms. 

This TRUST requirement is for recreational drone use.  If you are getting paid for the use of the drone, you need to get a Part 107 commercial license.  If you use drone footage on YouTube and your channel is monetized - yep, you need that license.

Does everyone comply with these rules/certificates/licenses?  Probably not.  The fines and potential jail time should not be taken lightly.  I have no idea how vigorously the FAA polices drone usage.

There is no cost to take the test, but you have to score 100% in order to get that TRUST certificate (that you print out yourself, after taking the test online).  From what I understand, you can keep taking the test until you score 100%; I have no idea if there are different tests or if the same questions are asked with subsequent tests.

I took this test back when I bought a DJI drone some years ago.  I took it again today - no downside, since there is no cost; I wanted to see if anything had changed as far as regulations and requirements.

 

Since we have been "shopping," Joan pointed out that some manufacturers advertise that "no registration or licensing is required" when you buy one of these under 250 gram drones.  Not really accurate information.

"And how much is 250 grams, Jim?"  Thanks for asking - yes, we live in the good ol' USA, and we use pounds, miles, and furlongs.  "Furlongs??"  Well, yeah, for horse racing; but, I digress.  250 grams is .55 of a pound.  About what your iPhone weighs.  I find it quite impressive that these drone manufacturers can make something that flies, has a 4k (or better) video camera, rechargeable batteries, a bunch of flight modes, and can be controlled with your phone.  Or without, in the case of these "autonomous" drones (the ones that can follow you, without a controller).

Things have changed a lot since I bought that first Yuneec 4K Q500 drone (back in 2015)...

 That thing was a beast compared to these more capable current camera drones.  There was nothing subtle about that drone - it was large and loud.  Things have changed.

 

Happy Labor Day...

 

We are happy to not be traveling at the end of this holiday weekend.  Being retired means we can pick our times to get out and about.  That said, we did make a run to PetSmart this afternoon... and traffic on the surface roads between us and PetSmart was light.

I spent most of the day doing research - yes, for the new model HoverAir drone.  It has been out for a while, so there are plenty of videos on YouTube.  In typical internet fashion, there are some YouTubers who have put together good information on this drone... and even more who do an "unboxing" and "let's use it without looking at the operating instructions."

Jim, you mean someone on the internet is wrong?? 

 Oh, that hardly ever happens.  (insert HUGE sarcastic emoji here)

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More Monsoon Weather...

Not a haboob this time, but localized thunderstorms, with gust fronts ahead of them.  Gusts in the 50 to 60 mph range around us.  South Mountain disappeared for about 20 minutes in the blowing dirt in those gusts.  Thunder happening around us right now, but the radar looks like the worst of it will go north or south of us...

As you can see in that screenshot above, a pretty good cell moving over Phoenix, and a "ground stop" at Sky Harbor Airport.  A Severe Thunderstorm Warning for us for the next half hour or so.

Looking at the week ahead forecast, it looks like a chance of more of the same happening each day for the next 5; with the biggest chance of storms on Thursday.  'Tis the season.  Monsoon Season, that is.