Hobby Thread - May 17, 2025 [TRex]

Welcome hobbyists! Pull up a chair and sit a spell with the Horde in this little corner of the interweb. This is the mighty, mighty officially sanctioned Ace of Spades Hobby Thread. We gave the Ace of Spades Wheel of Hobbies(TM) a spin and it came up with drones!

[Top photo: Landwasserviadukt in Switzerland Photo Credit]

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Consumer drones have transformed what was previously the province of commercial services with helicopters and airplanes. Technology has progressed and costs have plummeted. Like digital cameras, it does not require a lot of money to buy a reasonably capable personal drone.

If this was a politics thread, we could talk about the regulatory framework in the US and the FAA's drone license restrictions and requirements. If this was a military thread, we could talk about drones usage in warfare and what has happened in Ukraine and what personal drones or drone swarms might mean for the future of military strategy. The Hobby Thread is neither. We're more interested in flying drones for giggles.

The Horde has many varied interests and has inclinations towards toys. Some amongst the Horde must be drone owners or operators. Some must have success stories of great shots in great locations or above great events. Some must also have horror stories of drones getting lost in trees or flying over the horizon with destinations unknown.

Share your stories. What do you fly? How did your learn? Has it been easy or difficult? Have you used it as you thought you would when you obtained your drone? Have surprised uses popped up where your drone came in handy? Has any among the Horde used a drone for their commercial purposes?

TRex has a small brain and short arms, so going to need Horde help for this one.

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Some landscapes seem like they were meant to be viewed from the sky:

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Buyer's guide:

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Legal knowledge:

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Market statistics:

A growing number of drones are being used for videography, aerial photography, and recreational purposes, making the US one of the biggest markets for consumer drones. As of 2023, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has estimated more than 1.47 million drones registered, through December 2022. One primary driver is the surge in demand from consumers of high-quality aerial photography for personal purposes and the manufacturing of social media content. The growth of the Drone Racing League (DRL) and other drone racing leagues fuels further demand from hobbyists.

The growing use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) with consumer drones is fueling the market. AI and ML algorithms give drones the ability to process data, make autonomous decisions, and adapt to any scenario, which makes them a more effective tool. The use of AI-enabled object recognition enables drones to identify and track objects, making them a valuable tool in surveillance, search and rescue operations, and wildlife monitoring. ML algorithms analyze sensor data to improve flight stability and obstacle avoidance, ensuring safer and more efficient operations. Furthermore, AI-driven data analysis provides actionable insights for agriculture, mapping, and infrastructure inspection. Drones equipped with AI can identify crop diseases, assess construction progress, and create detailed 3D models with unprecedented accuracy. Source

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What Are the Best Settings for Drone Photography?

10 Tips to Improve Your Drone Photography

How to take high quality low light photos with your drone

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A photo only possible with a drone (or a very low helicopter):

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Most drone photography is for big outdoor scenes or vistas. This video goes the other direction. A microscope gives a similar perspective but at a much, much smaller scale. The video also shows 3-D printing artwork on cardboard so that you can both see and feel works by the masters.

Horde hat tip.

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How to obtain a commercial drone license:

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Carrying over the golf theme from last week:

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Horde Hobbying update from the Hobby Thread's resident landscape painter. This work from polynikes honors the golf theme from last week. It is called "An Eagle on #9."

Good stuff as always. Thank you!

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What are you hobbying these days?

As per usual Hobby Thread etiquette, keep this thread limited to hobbying. Your participation does not need to limited to the theme. All hobbying is welcome. However, politics, current events and religious debates can live in threads elsewhere. Play nice. Do not be a troll and do not feed the trolls. Pants, as always, are optional.

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Did you miss the Hobby Thread last week? We talked golf. The comments may be closed, but you can re-live the content.

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Notable comments from last week:

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Words of wisdom:

"Because despite all our troubles, when things are grim out in that wide round world of ours, that's when it's really important to have a good hobby." Posted by: tankascribe at June 22, 2024 07:41 PM (HWxAD).

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If you have trouble finding something in the content or comments that resonates with you, hijack the thread for your hobbying as you see fit. We will feature a different theme next time. What are you hobbying? We love showing off Horde hobbying. Send thoughts, suggestions and photos of your hobbying to moronhobbies at protonmail dot com. Do mighty things.

Posted by: Open Blogger at 05:30 PM

Comments

(Jump to bottom of comments)

1 Welcome Hobbiests

Posted by: Skip at May 17, 2025 05:30 PM (ypFCm)

2 Would love to have a drone for photography, but would be afraid I wouldn't have it working for long.

Posted by: Skip at May 17, 2025 05:33 PM (ypFCm)

3 Several of the mega cattle ranches have taken to using drones to check on their herds.

Posted by: Ben Had at May 17, 2025 05:34 PM (NVNRw)

4 I bought a cheap drone, and it kind of didn't work very well, so I put it back in the box and treated that as a lesson learned.

Posted by: BeckoningChasm at May 17, 2025 05:34 PM (CHHv1)

5 I love that picture! Thanks, TRex!

Posted by: Piper at May 17, 2025 05:35 PM (p4NUW)

6 I have a question for Dah Horde. We have an elderly relative that has short term memory loss, is pretty much stuck at home, and doesn't read anymore ( I think she gave up because of the loss) . She needs some kind of hobby other than watching TV for 6 hrs a day.

I think she wouldn't want do needlepoint or knitting. Is there some kind of extra simple, craft-like thing that wouldn't be too childish to suggest to her?

Posted by: weft-cut loop at May 17, 2025 05:38 PM (mlg/3)

7 I know some people who love to drone on and on ...

Posted by: vmom deport deport deport at May 17, 2025 05:38 PM (rT96s)

8 BeckoningChasm that's what I would be afraid of
Or spend a sizable investment and crash it

Posted by: Skip at May 17, 2025 05:39 PM (ypFCm)

9 Beautiful picture from polynikes. Thanks for sending it in poly, and to TRex for posting it. Also the drone photography of the castle is great!

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at May 17, 2025 05:40 PM (r1KaX)

10 I've got a little $300 Mavic drone. It's easy to fly and has very good video. I flew it all around the house and neighborhood, as high and as far as it would go. It's an amazing little thing.

Posted by: fd at May 17, 2025 05:40 PM (vFG9F)

11 @Puzzles, maybe? Like jigsaw puzzles or something visual. Maybe crosswords, though that does require reading. Both would bring back some focus in thought.

Posted by: BeckoningChasm at May 17, 2025 05:40 PM (CHHv1)

12 weft-cut, an adult coloring book. My business partners sister is heading in the diminished capacity direction and the coloring book has created some stimulation.

Posted by: Ben Had at May 17, 2025 05:41 PM (NVNRw)

13 Weft-cut loop how about easy puzzles, suduko or word searches?

Posted by: Skip at May 17, 2025 05:41 PM (ypFCm)

14 Posted by: weft-cut loop at May 17, 2025 05:38 PM (mlg/3)

Even though she's not reading could she do simple large print word search puzzles? I have a Bible study at the local senior care center, and even some of the ones with some memory issues like to do those.

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at May 17, 2025 05:43 PM (r1KaX)

15 weft-cut loop, maybe jigsaw puzzles, origami, diamond art?
Can she do physically active things? Aerobics maybe?

Posted by: vmom deport deport deport at May 17, 2025 05:44 PM (rT96s)

16 I like buzzing the dog with my drone. One day I buzzed some buzzards.

Posted by: fd at May 17, 2025 05:45 PM (vFG9F)

17 11, 12, 13

Thank you. Yeah, we tried encouraging the crosswords a few years ago. No dice. Puzzles might work. Need to figure out the lighting situation. THanks.

Posted by: weft-cut loop at May 17, 2025 05:46 PM (mlg/3)

18 https://tinyurl.com/34uhp2pw
I finished my recreation of the 7 Years War with Napoleonic era armies.
I got to 8:30 pm game time but only got as far as the Prussians did at 5, not the Russian counterattack that put a severe defeat onto the Prussians.

Troops are all put away but missing a 14 figure battalion. Has to be in the boxes somewhere,. Think I will pull them out in formation because I don't have a picture of the Prussians army yet.

Posted by: Skip at May 17, 2025 05:47 PM (ypFCm)

19 Can she do physically active things? Aerobics maybe?
Posted by: vmom depor

Walker dependent and her care taker can't get her to walk around the living room. Oh, sorry, f'rgot to mention she's 91.

Posted by: weft-cut loop at May 17, 2025 05:48 PM (mlg/3)

20 Sorry to go OT so early, but I just completed a short (2:30) animation, unrelated to any of my ongoing projects.

https://tinyurl.com/4926rnj2

As a special bonus just for the Horde, there's a blink-and-you-miss-it cameo from a genuine AoSHQ fetish object!

Posted by: BeckoningChasm at May 17, 2025 05:48 PM (CHHv1)

21 fd, I'm surprised Bruno doesn't grab it.

Posted by: Ben Had at May 17, 2025 05:49 PM (NVNRw)

22 Posted by: Skip at May 17, 2025 05:47 PM (ypFCm

Wow; That's amazing, Skip. What a lot of time and energy you must put into this, and obviously you've learned a lot of military history in doing your hobby.

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at May 17, 2025 05:51 PM (r1KaX)

23 Here's a picture I took with my Mavic Mini drone.

tinyurl.com/4muxdubw

Posted by: fd at May 17, 2025 05:51 PM (vFG9F)

24 " fd, I'm surprised Bruno doesn't grab it.
Posted by: Ben Had"

I don't go that low. He would if he could. He has fun chasing it for a bit and then get bored.

Posted by: fd at May 17, 2025 05:52 PM (vFG9F)

25 20 As a special bonus just for the Horde, there's a blink-and-you-miss-it cameo from a genuine AoSHQ fetish object!

Posted by: BeckoningChasm at May 17, 2025 05:48 PM
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I think I saw it! (but won't ruin it for others).

Posted by: TRex at May 17, 2025 05:53 PM (Eaoic)

26 https://sudoku.com/easy/

Posted by: Skip at May 17, 2025 05:54 PM (ypFCm)

27 It would be neat to fly a drone around the neighborhood

Posted by: Skip at May 17, 2025 05:56 PM (ypFCm)

28 That was really cool, BC

Posted by: nurse ratched at May 17, 2025 05:58 PM (4Kdwd)

29 Posted by: BeckoningChasm at May 17, 2025 05:48 PM (CHHv1)

That was very clever. Thanks. I also enjoyed "seeing" Robert the cat.

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at May 17, 2025 05:59 PM (r1KaX)

30 My plan to set up a radio and do a POTA activation at last weekend's PNW MoMee was less than successful. I got the radio up and made a grand total of 3 contacts (1 before and 2 after the meet-up ended), but there was a ton of noise I couldn't filter out. Probably would've been a good idea to RTFM again and have it with me, but why would I do something smart like that? Oh well.

Posted by: PabloD at May 17, 2025 06:04 PM (R20f1)

31 I saw it.

Posted by: Mr Aspirin Factory, red heifer owner at May 17, 2025 06:05 PM (by0v9)

32 Posted by: fd at May 17, 2025 05:51 PM (vFG9F

Nice picture.

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at May 17, 2025 06:06 PM (r1KaX)

33 That you, folks, I appreciate it!

Posted by: BeckoningChasm at May 17, 2025 06:08 PM (CHHv1)

34 BeckoningChasm how long did that take to make , more or less ?

Posted by: Skip at May 17, 2025 06:10 PM (ypFCm)

35 For a number of years my friends and I would rent a house on Block Island for a week to fish and stuff. We always rented the same house, right on the harbor, so we could watch what the boats come and go.

Last year my buddy's son brought his drone and he would fly it around the harbor and take videos of the boats. We'd sit on the deck and watch them over cocktails. You get a whole different appreciation of things when you see them like that.

Posted by: JackStraw at May 17, 2025 06:11 PM (viF8m)

36 As a special bonus just for the Horde, there's a blink-and-you-miss-it cameo from a genuine AoSHQ fetish object!
Posted by: BeckoningChasm at May 17, 2025 05:48 PM (CHHv1)

I saw two possibilities. One cylinder, one box.

Posted by: Hour of the Wolf at May 17, 2025 06:11 PM (VNX3d)

37 Several of the mega cattle ranches have taken to using drones to check on their herds.
Posted by: Ben Had at May 17, 2025 05:34 PM (NVNRw)

I talked with a gentleman who did cell tower inspections with drones, and then branched out to do LIDAR scans of forest land for timber companies, mostly for the lay of the terrain and finding old abandoned roads for setting up for harvest.
He also could determine actual height of the trees, and I tried to encourage him to do a side-scan with the LIDAR to try to develop a quick method of doing a timber cruise. He was not as excited by the possibilities as I was.

I learned to use a clinometer and tape to do a cruise, so the new equipment they use is like magic

Posted by: Kindltot at May 17, 2025 06:12 PM (D7oie)

38 It would be neat to fly a drone around the neighborhood
Posted by: Skip at May 17, 2025

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Not my neighborhood. Unless you like seeing heaps of trash, people walking starved-looking pitbulls, and scads of cars that need paint but have gigantic $$$ chrome wheels.

I exaggerate. But only a little.

Evening, hobby people!

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at May 17, 2025 06:14 PM (omVj0)

39 I forgot to mention that Beckoning Chasm's video is well done, and worth the time.

I think that's where some of my ideas begin.

Posted by: Hour of the Wolf at May 17, 2025 06:17 PM (VNX3d)

40 37 Several of the mega cattle ranches have taken to using drones to check on their herds.
Posted by: Ben Had at May 17, 2025 05:34 PM (NVNRw)

I talked with a gentleman who did cell tower inspections with drones, and then branched out to do LIDAR scans of forest land for timber companies, mostly for the lay of the terrain and finding old abandoned roads for setting up for harvest.
He also could determine actual height of the trees, and I tried to encourage him to do a side-scan with the LIDAR to try to develop a quick method of doing a timber cruise. He was not as excited by the possibilities as I was.

I learned to use a clinometer and tape to do a cruise, so the new equipment they use is like magic
Posted by: Kindltot at May 17, 2025 06:12 PM (D7oie)
Less likely to get snakebit as those old-timey guys 150 years ago in the Pineywoods of ETEX.

Posted by: Eromero at May 17, 2025 06:18 PM (LHPAg)

41 Kindltot, the more I see about LIDAR the more intrigued I am. I know that the Israelis have been using ground penetrating radar to map the tunnels in gaza.

Posted by: Ben Had at May 17, 2025 06:18 PM (NVNRw)

42 I've been experimenting with pipe tobacco mixes. My basic plan is to take two blends I like and which should be compatible in aroma, one a bit stronger than the other, and mix them 70 milder/30 stronger to see how they smoke. Most recently I've tried some Match Field and Stream, a burley/Cavendish blend, mixed with some Crooner. Crooner has burley and a leaf called "deer tongue," (no idea why it's called that), which has a hint of mint -- the plant kind, not the Life Savers kind. I've found it too strong to smoke by itself, but in company with the F & S, it gives a little zing to the combo.

Perhaps I'll bring some to the pipe club meeting at my local pipe/cigar store this week.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at May 17, 2025 06:21 PM (omVj0)

43 That video using a drone approach with a microscope is fascinating, especially as it is used on paintings. Being able to see how pigments are combined to create the final effect is so cool and then to do a 3D print of the enlarged image to better appreciate the textures. Wow.

I loved using a microscope, or any kind of magnifier, as a kid. This takes it to new levels.

Posted by: JTB at May 17, 2025 06:24 PM (yTvNw)

44 Duke Energy used drones to check transmission lines after Hurricane Helena.

Posted by: Mr Aspirin Factory, red heifer owner at May 17, 2025 06:25 PM (by0v9)

45 BC

needs more cowbell

Posted by: Chris W. at May 17, 2025 06:29 PM (2QXcQ)

46 I will never be ready for Door Dash drones.

Posted by: Ben Had at May 17, 2025 06:29 PM (NVNRw)

47 Mr nec and I were in Switzerland one year ago this month. As beautiful as it is from that drone it's beautiful at ground level as well. The Swiss try very hard to promote small village life and there are a lot of small villages. Our tour guide was shocked to see an auto accident since they are so rare. Also, on a motor coach going up a steep hairpin roadway other drivers gave us room to maneuver. Had a lovely lunch in Gouda, guess what we ate? A beautiful country to tour.

Posted by: neverenoughcaffeine at May 17, 2025 06:30 PM (2NHgQ)

48 JTB. I now use a magnifier daily. I'm 29x2+ and need it to read labels. Medicine bottle labels are especially horrible.

Posted by: neverenoughcaffeine at May 17, 2025 06:31 PM (2NHgQ)

49 >>It would be neat to fly a drone around the neighborhood

My hood by drone.

https://tinyurl.com/2p4bbr4

Posted by: JackStraw at May 17, 2025 06:32 PM (viF8m)

50 Drones. I have a DJI Mini 4 K. I’ve been very impressed. Since I’m in a forest in the frozen north, it’s nice to be able to have a 3 D knowledge of the area..
I did put together a video of long distance shooting at my range. It’s a hoot watching impacts close up.
If anyone wants to take look go to katnapfever.com and go all the way back to the first posts. https://tinyurl.com/7pdp2pzk

Posted by: RI Red at May 17, 2025 06:32 PM (2tgWm)

51 My hood by drone.

https://tinyurl.com/2p4bbr4
Posted by: JackStraw at May 17, 2025 06:32 PM (viF8m)

Very nice, JS!
Too bad RI isn’t a real place.

Posted by: RI Red at May 17, 2025 06:36 PM (2tgWm)

52 >>Too bad RI isn’t a real place.

You need to come back for a visit. New place opening this summer on the water for cocktails.

I know a guy.

Posted by: JackStraw at May 17, 2025 06:38 PM (viF8m)

53 Jack Straw that is just neat to see.
How far away can drone get from command module or does it fly a prescribed path?

Posted by: Skip at May 17, 2025 06:39 PM (ypFCm)

54 48 ... " now use a magnifier daily. I'm 29x2+ and need it to read labels. Medicine bottle labels are especially horrible."

Yes, as to age. Fortunately, my reading glasses (I have pairs all over the house) suffice for labels. But I keep good hand held magnifier glasses by my chair to use when looking at art books and maps. Good quality ones aren't cheap but worth it for me.

Posted by: JTB at May 17, 2025 06:39 PM (yTvNw)

55 Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere

Do you have an escape plan?

The politics in my area is beyond stupid. But. I love where I live.

Please, Wolfus, find a place you LOVE.

Lots of folks fly drones over the beach. There was some awesome video a month or so ago of some Orcas close to the beach taunting and then munching a greeb. It was amazing footage.

Posted by: nurse ratched at May 17, 2025 06:39 PM (mT+6a)

56 The youngest grand (4) is totally into drones and r/c helicopters.
He's got some skills too. His favorite helicopter just crapped out today. The controller won't switch on. He's bummed. For kids the best drones are the miniature ones with protected rotors about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. They don't crash hard enough to do any damage to themselves and they're cheap.
Good thing birthday is soon. Gaga and I will get him another helicopter. I might go a bit higher end as he can keep them under control now. Helicopters are a one crash item. We've had several not make it through the first day.

Posted by: Reforger at May 17, 2025 06:41 PM (xcIvR)

57 JS, that’s in the realm of possibility!

Posted by: RI Red at May 17, 2025 06:41 PM (2tgWm)

58
If you live close to ANY airport, airstrip, or Helipad, those DJI drones won't let you fly.

Posted by: Soothsayer at May 17, 2025 06:42 PM (0ZJuy)

59
If you live close to ANY airport, airstrip, or Helipad, those DJI drones won't let you fly.
Posted by: Soothsayer

How close is close?

Posted by: Bertram Cabot, Jr. at May 17, 2025 06:44 PM (63Dwl)

60 >>How far away can drone get from command module or does it fly a prescribed path?

I don't know much about the technology, Skip. I guess it all depends on how much you want to pay like everything else.

As I mentioned my buddy's son flew his around the harbor in BI which is well over a mile from where we were and his was just a low end recreational drone. But he was guiding it the entire way until he hit the "return to home' command and it came right back and landed right in front of us.

Posted by: JackStraw at May 17, 2025 06:44 PM (viF8m)

61 Polynikes,
You keep improving, especially your sky and clouds against the landscape. I like the way the meadow with wildflowers leads the eye to the darker trees and the one dead tree with the eagle. It's subtle and effective. You really captured the textures of the different elements. Thanks for posting on the thread.

Posted by: JTB at May 17, 2025 06:46 PM (yTvNw)

62 A hibby of mine is clearing intersections after the lught turns green.

Posted by: Lies! Lies! at May 17, 2025 06:48 PM (QSrLX)

63 >>JS, that’s in the realm of possibility!

Great. I look forward to seeing you again.

Posted by: JackStraw at May 17, 2025 06:49 PM (viF8m)

64 @34 - about a month or so, as I recall. Three weeks (say) for the drawings, then another couple to animate and assemble them, and a week for the soundtrack and tweaking.

Posted by: BeckoningChasm at May 17, 2025 06:50 PM (CHHv1)

65 JackStraw,

Were you racing Block Island and Edgartown reach week in the 70s early 80s? If so, my ex husband was out there all the time. You may have even partied together!

I got to go out on the J 24 a few times. Super fun and a great place to drink.

Posted by: nurse ratched at May 17, 2025 06:53 PM (mzxai)

66 I have wanted to try a stop motion video using my militay figures but would need a good camera and a computer

Posted by: Skip at May 17, 2025 06:54 PM (ypFCm)

67 42 ... "I've been experimenting with pipe tobacco mixes. My basic plan is to take two blends I like and which should be compatible in aroma"

Wolfus, that reminded me of author Shelby Foote. He supposedly mixed a codger blend (think it was Carter Hall or Half and Half) with Edward G. Robinson brand.

When I've tried that in the past to tone down a strong blend or add some depth of flavor I've used Lane 1-Q as the mixer. I keep some on hand just for that purpose. 1-Q is pretty nice on its own.

Posted by: JTB at May 17, 2025 06:56 PM (yTvNw)

68
How close is close?
Posted by: Bertram Cabot, Jr.

A mile, I think.

Posted by: Soothsayer at May 17, 2025 06:57 PM (jTaOR)

69 My mini is very easy to fly. You can point it at something and it will hover in place until the battery dies. It really flies itself and you just tell it up down left right.

I flew it in high winds once. I didn't think it was going to make it home against the headwinds. Don't do that.

Posted by: fd at May 17, 2025 06:58 PM (vFG9F)

70 You need to come back for a visit. New place opening this summer on the water for cocktails.

I know a guy.
Posted by: JackStraw

I've been to Rhode Island. It is, indeed, a real place.

A real small place. I think the last time I drove across Rhode Island on my way to Connecticut, there was a decommissioned Navy aircraft carrier parked in a bay or something. I think it was the USS America (the Forrestal class one).

Posted by: A face in the crowd.... at May 17, 2025 06:59 PM (tjZg/)

71 Polynikes I almost thought your painting was a photo for a moment. As they say on the art threads "Would hang.".

Posted by: Tuna at May 17, 2025 07:00 PM (lJ0H4)

72
Jackstraw is here. I wanted to ask him if he ever thought of doing The Great Loop?

Posted by: Soothsayer at May 17, 2025 07:01 PM (bBdzG)

73 My hobby is Bonsai, but my neighbors assume I'm shitty at growing trees.

Posted by: Field Marshal Zhukov at May 17, 2025 07:01 PM (wBaIH)

74
The Great Loop, which I just recently discovered was a thing, is a trip, in a little boat from the Great Lakes to, get this, Florida, and then up to New York back to the Great Lakes,

Posted by: Soothsayer at May 17, 2025 07:03 PM (qOIXi)

75 "If you live close to ANY airport, airstrip, or Helipad, those DJI drones won't let you fly.
Posted by: Soothsayer"

At home I'm in the flight path of a commercial airport and an AF base. To fly over 50 feet I have to get a 3 day Flysafe "permit". It's an online thing and takes a few minutes and then the permit downloads to the drone. It's about 5 miles to the AP and 10 to the base.

Posted by: fd at May 17, 2025 07:04 PM (vFG9F)

76 >>Were you racing Block Island and Edgartown reach week in the 70s early 80s? If so, my ex husband was out there all the time. You may have even partied together!

I've done a number of Block Island Race weeks but never did anything around the Vineyard. No doubt your ex and I crossed paths at some point, small community.

Posted by: JackStraw at May 17, 2025 07:04 PM (viF8m)

77 Wow, I saw Polynikes picture but on my phone don't read the word parts unless I blow it up. I thought it was a photograph too.

Posted by: Skip at May 17, 2025 07:05 PM (ypFCm)

78 I wasted five hours trying to make a yard tool bin out of old fencing. Too much bad wood. I just ending up keeping the base and tossing the rest of the wood.

Not much of a hobby.

Posted by: OrangeEnt at May 17, 2025 07:06 PM (0eaVi)

79 Really difficult to see well on the blog, but polynike's paintings have a lot of detail. I have to reduce resolution a bit for posting.

For example, look at the bird sitting on the tree branch to the top left of the painting. That is an eagle. In the original, you can zoom in and clearly see coloring and detail.

Impressive.

Posted by: TRex at May 17, 2025 07:08 PM (Eaoic)

80
At home I'm in the flight path of a commercial airport and an AF base. To fly over 50 feet I have to get a 3 day Flysafe "permit". It's an online thing and takes a few minutes and then the permit downloads to the drone. It's about 5 miles to the AP and 10 to the base.

It's been a while, so I just learned DJI dumped their shitty Geofencing restrictions and the App now follows FAA restrictions. Supposedly that's an improvement.

Posted by: Soothsayer at May 17, 2025 07:09 PM (qOIXi)

81 >>Jackstraw is here. I wanted to ask him if he ever thought of doing The Great Loop?

I did. Would be a hell of an adventure but never got the chance.

Posted by: JackStraw at May 17, 2025 07:10 PM (viF8m)

82 I wasted five hours trying to make a yard tool bin out of old fencing. Too much bad wood. I just ending up keeping the base and tossing the rest of the wood.

Not much of a hobby.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at May 17, 2025 07:06 PM (0eaVi)

Is it really bad wood? You'd be surprised how well any wood can be with good sanding.

Posted by: 85 Bears at May 17, 2025 07:11 PM (r2ymA)

83 Which this might bring up
What is the best anti-drone weapon?
Or maybe for a thread tomorrow

Posted by: Skip at May 17, 2025 07:12 PM (ypFCm)

84
What is the best anti-drone weapon?

Posted by: Skip

Trees and power lines.

Posted by: Soothsayer at May 17, 2025 07:13 PM (qOIXi)

85 weft-cut loop -

My mother is 94 and losing her memory (former PhD English professor). She likes jigsaw puzzles (as did her father before her at a similar age). They can even be fairly complicated. The trick is, the puzzle remembers: once you’ve put a piece in, it stays there, no memory involved. All you have to do is find another piece: it is very in the moment. Problems arise with storage between sessions. My mother lives in a large house and just designates a card table for the current puzzle which stays up. My grandfather had a system where he could “roll up” the puzzle in mats if the table space were needed. I don’t quite remember how that worked as he is long gone. Good luck and God bless you!

Posted by: NemoMeImpuneLacessit at May 17, 2025 07:13 PM (ZVgZ4)

86 Journalism just won the Preakness.

Posted by: Bulg at May 17, 2025 07:13 PM (77rzZ)

87
But, really, nothing better than a tree canopy to shield observation from above.

Posted by: Soothsayer at May 17, 2025 07:14 PM (qOIXi)

88 Hey, TRex.

Posted by: Bulg at May 17, 2025 07:14 PM (77rzZ)

89 At the Daily Mail right now:

"Incredible footage captures moment drowning young girl is saved by fisherman's DRONE after being caught in a rip current"

They dropped a life jacket to her. Pretty cool application.

Posted by: fd at May 17, 2025 07:14 PM (vFG9F)

90 Nice choice of hobby topic. I started with a DJI Mini 4 Pro drone almost exactly a year ago. A little technical marvel, that thing. Perfect for stabilized aerial videography and photograpy. It's so automated and perfect, I got bored with it pretty quick. The FPV drones caught my eye and I haven't looked back. With FPV, you're literally in the cockpit and YOU are the pilot. And, with the FPV video systems now available, the quality of the videos you can get is amazing. It's very technical hobby, but if you love flying stuff, it's the closest you gonna get to actual flying yourself. The video below is by one of the top pilots in the world, but this give an idea of what it's all about and what you can do with it:

https://tinyurl.com/3b2ba59c

Posted by: congaree at May 17, 2025 07:15 PM (yjjV/)

91

Cool. And most likely FAKE since it's from the Daily Mail.

Posted by: Soothsayer at May 17, 2025 07:15 PM (qOIXi)

92 88 Hey, TRex.

Posted by: Bulg at May 17, 2025 07:14 PM
***
Bulg! Good day.

Posted by: TRex at May 17, 2025 07:15 PM (Eaoic)

93 Our family hoppy today was spending all morning at the DMV.

Damn, there are a lot of fat people in the world.

Posted by: Bulg at May 17, 2025 07:17 PM (77rzZ)

94 Aw, I didn't know the Preakness was going on

Posted by: Skip at May 17, 2025 07:18 PM (ypFCm)

95 But, really, nothing better than a tree canopy to shield observation from above.
Posted by: Soothsayer at May 17, 2025 07:14 PM (qOIXi)

Until their positions are given away by their cellphones.

Posted by: 85 Bears at May 17, 2025 07:18 PM (r2ymA)

96 Barrage balloons

Posted by: Skip at May 17, 2025 07:19 PM (ypFCm)

97 "What is the best anti-drone weapon?"

An anti-drone drone.

Posted by: fd at May 17, 2025 07:19 PM (vFG9F)

98 90 The video below is by one of the top pilots in the world, but this give an idea of what it's all about and what you can do with it: https://tinyurl.com/3b2ba59c

Posted by: congaree at May 17, 2025 07:15 PM
***
Amazing.

Posted by: TRex at May 17, 2025 07:20 PM (Eaoic)

99
DMV? Saturday?

I do all that online, anyway, to avoid the wretched hive of scum & villainy known as the DMV.

Posted by: Soothsayer at May 17, 2025 07:20 PM (qOIXi)

100 Time to say thank you and good night before the next act takes the Ace of Spades stage. Thanks for being here. New theme next week. See y'all in Club ONT later tonight.

Posted by: TRex at May 17, 2025 07:21 PM (Eaoic)

101 99 We were transferring the title of his car to our son. Can’t do that online.

Posted by: Bulg at May 17, 2025 07:22 PM (77rzZ)

102 Is it really bad wood? You'd be surprised how well any wood can be with good sanding.
Posted by: 85 Bears at May 17, 2025 07:11 PM (r2ymA)

Yeah, I was using old pickets and they started splitting. Broke two drill bits too.

Posted by: OrangeEnt at May 17, 2025 07:23 PM (0eaVi)

103 >>>@6 ... Using a tablet, your relative might enjoy visiting JIGSAWPLANET-DOT-COM ... In the search field, type in things that were of interest earlier in life (such as flowers, race cars, animals, traveling, etc.) ... Also good for wait times in airports or medical offices.

Posted by: Kathy at May 17, 2025 07:23 PM (qpw89)

104 G’night, TRex.

Posted by: Bulg at May 17, 2025 07:23 PM (77rzZ)

105 A drone like a flying jellyfish with tentacles made out of yarn might make a good anti-drone drone.

Posted by: fd at May 17, 2025 07:23 PM (vFG9F)

106
btw, I got into camera quadcopters (what You People call "drones") back in 2015. My first quadcopter was a Yuneec Q500, with a 1080p camera. It's quite large compared to current specimens.

What's nice about my Q500 is no App necessary. What's not nice is all the batteries are dead and out of production. Not a big deal to remedy, tho.

Posted by: Soothsayer at May 17, 2025 07:24 PM (qOIXi)

107 fd drone with lines dragging behind it, little weights attached to ends

Posted by: Skip at May 17, 2025 07:25 PM (ypFCm)

108 My people call “quadcopters” “corn.”

Posted by: Bulg at May 17, 2025 07:25 PM (77rzZ)

109
Remember when little Iraqi children were flying kites with tiny pieces of glass coating the strings and these "children" would fly their kites around people and cut them to ribbons?

Posted by: Soothsayer at May 17, 2025 07:27 PM (qOIXi)

110
It would be so James Bondish for a spy/assassin to fly a drone with a glass-shard-costed string attached and fly in circles around his target's neck.

Posted by: Soothsayer at May 17, 2025 07:29 PM (qOIXi)

111 Kathy is one of those long lost names. Carol is another. And wait for it... Karen.

Posted by: 85 Bears at May 17, 2025 07:31 PM (r2ymA)

112 A drone would be great for spotting the weathered remains of model rockets launched onto roofs by my nephews years ago.

Posted by: DaveA at May 17, 2025 07:39 PM (FhXTo)

113
Speaking of weather...

Anyone experiencing "severe" weather?

Supposed to get some serious T-Storms today.

Posted by: Soothsayer at May 17, 2025 07:40 PM (qOIXi)

114 DaveA what's up?

Posted by: 85 Bears at May 17, 2025 07:41 PM (r2ymA)

115 Thanks muchly for the thread, Sir TRex!

Posted by: Notorious BFD at May 17, 2025 07:41 PM (mH6SG)

116 115 Thanks muchly for the thread, Sir TRex!
Posted by: Notorious BFD at May 17, 2025 07:41 PM
***
Thank you Sir Deal!

Posted by: TRex at May 17, 2025 07:44 PM (IIEsk)

117 Supposed to get some serious T-Storms today.
Posted by: Soothsayer at May 17, 2025 07:40 PM (qOIXi)

Any rain is considered severe t-shirts by the media here. Weather panic.

Posted by: 85 Bears at May 17, 2025 07:45 PM (r2ymA)

118 I think very nice today, 70s but nice a few more days.
Rained every day during the week

Posted by: Skip at May 17, 2025 07:47 PM (ypFCm)

119 I hope all Horde members are OK from the tornadoes yesterday.

Posted by: Bulg at May 17, 2025 07:48 PM (77rzZ)

120 Noodzilla!

Posted by: fd at May 17, 2025 07:50 PM (vFG9F)

121 I bought one of the good drones from DJI and flew it around for a while and found out that my odd and oddly selective fear of heights reaction started to overwhelm me at certain times in certain view angles and altitudes.

It's not a pleasant experience.

So it sits on a shelf.

I live too near an airport now to fly it legally.

Posted by: pawn at May 17, 2025 07:54 PM (QB+5g)

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