Reviews

REVIEW: Ruko R1 Mini Robot Dog – A surprisingly fun little robot dog with lots of tricks up its sleeve!

RUKO R1 Mini Robot Dog

Get yours at this Amazon link:  Ruko R1 Mini Robot Dog

After receiving the R1 robot dog to try out, I have to admit that I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. I’ve seen some of the larger, more expensive robot dogs before, but the R1 is
a much smaller and more compact version. After spending some time playing around with it, though, I can see why this would be a fun toy for kids. It packs a surprising
number of features and movements into a pretty small package.

One of the first things I noticed is how agile it is. The R1 can move around easily without needing a huge amount of open space, which makes it much more practical as an
indoor toy. You could use it in a living room, bedroom, playroom, or even around a desk without needing to clear half the room first. It also has a self-righting feature, which is
one of the things I found most entertaining. If it tumbles over or falls while doing one of its tricks, it can automatically get itself back up instead of just lying there waiting for
someone to turn it over.

And this little dog can definitely do some tricks! It can perform 360-degree stunt flips, including front flips, back flips, left flips and right flips. It can also do side rolls, push-ups,
pouncing, kung fu-style movements, swimming motions, greetings and handshakes. There’s even a funny “peeing” action, which I suspect kids will find hilarious (I did – the
dog even whistles while he’s doing it). It’s actually pretty entertaining just to cycle through the different actions and see what it does next.

The R1 comes with a traditional remote control, which is straightforward and easy to figure out. But there is also a gesture-sensing watch, and I think that is probably one of
the coolest features. Instead of simply pressing buttons on a remote, you can use hand movements to control the robot dog. It makes the interaction feel more like you’re
actually controlling the dog yourself rather than just operating a remote-control toy. The remote and watch can’t be connected at the same time, but switching between them is
simple.

Controller and USB port

There’s also a programmable action function that lets you combine different movements into a sequence. This is a nice feature because it gives kids the opportunity to
experiment and create their own little routines rather than just repeatedly pressing the same buttons. I can see this being especially entertaining for kids who like figuring out
how things work and coming up with their own combinations.

Of course, I had to introduce the R1 to my own dogs to see what they thought of it. I have three small dogs, and they were definitely intrigued by this strange new creature
moving around the house. I would say they “played” with it, although that might be a generous interpretation of what actually happened. Their primary response was to bark
at it and follow it around suspiciously, as though they were trying to figure out what exactly this bizarre little animal was. So, while the R1 did not immediately become their
new best friend, it definitely got their attention!

Another feature I appreciate is the adjustable volume. Robot toys can get pretty noisy, particularly when they’re being used indoors, so having the ability to turn the volume
down is a nice touch. The R1 also has a built-in rechargeable battery. It takes approximately two hours to charge and provides about 50 minutes of playtime, which
seems reasonable for a toy like this. Not having to constantly replace batteries is definitely convenient.

There is also a storytelling/companion function with dancing and entertainment content, so it isn’t limited to simply walking around and doing tricks. That gives it a bit more of a
“companion” feel, particularly for younger children. The recommended age is 3+, and I think the combination of simple controls, funny movements, sounds and interactive
features would make it particularly appealing to that age group and up. I would have loved this as a kid and I also love it as an adult.

Overall, I was pleasantly surprised by how much the R1 can do. It’s small enough to be practical indoors, but it has enough different movements and features to keep it
interesting. The self-righting ability, stunt flips, programmable actions and gesture-controlled watch are probably my favourite features because they make it feel more
interactive than a basic remote-controlled toy.

If you’re looking for a fun and unusual gift for a child who likes robots, animals, gadgets or interactive toys, I think the R1 would be a good choice. Just be prepared for any real
dogs in the household to have some very strong opinions about their new robotic roommate!

 

Dr. K

REVIEW: April Wine – Animal Grace (1984)

APRIL WINE – Animal Grace (1984 Capitol/EMI)

11 albums in, and April Wine were riding high!  Myles Goodwyn, Brian Greenway, Steve Lang, Gary Moffet, and Jerry Mercer bunkered down in Morin Heights with Mike Stone co-producing, and emerged with some true grace…Animal Grace.  Let’s take a dive into the nine new songs they emerged with in 1984, all but one written by Myles.

 

 

 

 

THIS COULD BE THE RIGHT ONE.

Lead track and lead single.  Great riff, accompanied by melodic keyboards.  Myles’ impassioned vocals make for a great chorus, but the lush backing vocals really sell it.  There are some cringe lyrics though –  “I just wanna please you.  To give you pleasure is a pleasure for me.”  There is a superb double-tracked guitar solo, and nice thuddy 80s drums with that processed sound that went in and out of style.

SONS OF THE PIONEERS

Second single.  It has an interesting, jagged kind of riff.  It’s an an unusual song, a little proggy in vibe.  A little spacey in atmosphere.  More cringey lyrics – “Men not afraid of fear”.  “Sons of the Pioneers” is definitely one of the most interesting songs because it’s a bit different.  There is an absolutely smashing guitar solo.  Melodic and memorable, with a lot of fun hooks and some whammy work.

WITHOUT YOUR LOVE

This killer not-ballad sounds very much like a Journey outtake from 1983’s Frontiers.  Nice keys open the track, but it does sound like a Jon Cain backing a Neal Schon riff.  Not that this is a bad thing.  Even the drum patterns remind of Steve Smith in Journey.  One of the top tracks.  Almost haunting chorus with those keyboards.  Three in a row great guitar solos with memorable hooks, this one being particularly catchy.

ROCK TONITE

Just a good time, party song with a simple sentiment:  “Let’s rock tonight!”  It is the hardest rocking song so far, with basic lyrics about letting go and rocking tonight.  Don’t want no revolution, let’s rock tonight.  It’s feels so good.  Simple message.  First song on the album without a dominant keyboard, though you can still hear them.  This song is simply based on the riff.  The guitar solo this time is less full of “grace”, and more rock and roll energy.

HARD ROCK KID (Tom Lang cover)

Shades of “I Got Your Rock” by Frehley’s Comet.  Nice low-key chugging going on in the verses, with some wah-wah guitar accents.  Sounds very typical of the era with that chorus echo – “Hard rock kid…kid…kid!”

MONEY TALKS

Very sweet saccharine chorus, again with the great backing vocals.  The song itself is a bit janky, but the chorus really knocks it out.  Again, it’s something that Frehley could have done with the Comet, but the backing vocals are more from the oldies era of the early 60s.  Not among the top tracks on an album stacked with them, but the chorus is one of the best on the album.

GIMME THAT THING CALLED LOVE

This atmospheric song features keyboards of two types:  eerie opening keys, and different eerie ones on the chorus!  It’s a really interesting and unique slow-paced song.  Maybe Alice Cooper could have recorded it on one of his 80s blackout albums?  If he has, it would be a classic today.

TOO HOT TO HANDLE

A bit Rainbow, circa “Danger Zone” from Down to Earth.  The keyboards and guitars combine into one nice, smooth opening riff combo.  The chorus features great harmonies once again, but this song isn’t a standout.

LAST TIME I’LL EVER SING THE BLUES

Here we go with the classic blues groove.  Myles’ approach to the blues here is like Kim Mitchell’s, or Van Hagar’s.  The blues is the basis, but it’s a far more fun version of the blues.  The kind of blues to dance to.  The April Wine lush harmonies don’t quite meld with the blues, but maybe that’s what makes it unique.

With Animal Grace, April Wine concocted a strong collection of songs with 80s production values perfectly in synch with what was happening at the time.  A strong album, and still enjoyable for those who miss that sound.

3.5/5 stars

50 Years of IRON MAIDEN bonus episode: Where Is Eddie? Book Review

50 Years of IRON MAIDEN bonus episode: Where Is Eddie? Book Review

GRAB A STACK OF ROCK bonus episode

Did you ever have a Where’s Waldo book when you were growing up?  Or, perhaps you knew a niece or nephew who enjoyed finding the bespectacled Waldo on a joyfully printed page full of activity?  Here at Grab A Stack of Rock, we are no strangers to these illustrated search books.   Now you can get an Iron Maiden version:  Where Is Eddie? by Fantoons.

Featuring artwork interpreted from several key Iron Maiden albums and singles, your task is to find Eddie in each.  There are also numerous “easter eggs” to find on each page, with Maiden references deep and obscure.  Can you even find the band members?  It’s not that hard, but it sure is fun.

As Harrison continues his hiatus, this episode comes courtesy of Mike with Harrison’s understudy.  We hope you enjoy this little bonus episode!  When Harrison returns, the next episode will be #35  Legacy of the Beast.  Until then, have a look (not too spoiler-y) at this art book that goes from the 1980 debut up to The Book of Souls.  Up the Irons and see you again soon on 50 Years of Iron Maiden!

 

Episode available now, click image above!

 

Past episodes:

Handy YouTube Playlist:

 

REVIEW: AMOS TastySounds AudioLollipop – “Hip Hop Music” (Strawberry Flavor)

AMOS TastySounds AudioLollipop – “Hip Hop Music” (Strawberry Flavor)

Acquired at Treats & Tales in Kincardine Ontario.

For the first time since 2022, I have added a new physical music format to my life.  This isn’t a format that you can play on a disc player, or a turntable, or even on a digital device (unless you download the tracks conventionally, which you can do, but we’re not here to talk about that).  This isn’t a even format that you need any equipment to play.  All you need is…your mouth.

Youtuber Techmoan recently did a video review of the new device.  And it is partially edible!  It’s an audio lollipop you can play through your mouth.

I chose strawberry flavor, which corresponded to “Hip Hop Music”.  You can also choose orange, blueberry, and grape.  There are other versions available as well with a USB port and bluetooth connections, but we’re here to talk about the basic lolli.

With a heart-shaped candy on one end, and a fob shaped like headphones on the other, it was…delicious!

You activate the music by pushing and holding the lone button on the fob on one end.  Then the lolli starts vibrating, but unless it’s in your mouth, you can’t hear anything.  Stick the candy in your mouth and the magic happens!

The lolli works via bone conduction.  There are such things as bone conducting headphones, which I’ve never tried.  Insert candy, press play, and you can hear the music!  It kind of sounds like it’s coming from your mouth, and all around you.  There are multiple short songs on the lolli which I can’t identify.  Techmoan thought it sounded like something Nelly would do.    I’m not familiar enough with hip hop music to know, but it sounded good to my ears.  Err, my mouth.

The benefit here:  You can listen to music without subjecting anyone else to it.  You can listen without earbuds, in case you’re out walking and need to hear your surroundings.  You can push the button again to pause the tunes, and once more to un-pause.

The drawbacks:  The first time I tried it, I got a bit of a headache.  From the vibrations, presumably.  The second time, it tickled my mouth a bit.  While you can hear the music and the lyrics, it does sound muffled.  As if the music was coming from a club next door.

Another warning:  The box and instructions tell you to put earbuds in your ears.  There are no earbuds, and don’t attempt to put the candy in your ears!

It would be cool if future versions of the candy allowed you to upload your own mp3 files into the lolli.  It would be fun to play Kiss’s “Lick It Up” while sucking on the strawberry.

A novelty item, but a fun one.  For the die-hard music fan in your life who collects odd items and curios.  Now I can say I own another physical music format!

 

 

 

 

 

REVIEW: Ruko F11PRO 2 Plus drone

PRODUCT LINK:  Get yours on Amazon today.

RUKO F11PRO 2 Plus drone

Are you ready to level up your drone videos?  If you have been wanting to fly higher, further, faster and capture amazing videos while doing it, then the Ruko F11PRO 2 Plus might be the perfect fit for you.  All you need to get started is a micro SD card (to record video) and a phone.  This drone is 360 grams, so you will also need to register it, which can be done in minutes.  Check your local regulations.

The drone comes with two batteries which give you a flight time of 35 minutes each, depending on conditions.  This is longer than the average drone, usually good for 20 to 30 minutes.  You will also receive all the cables for any phone connection, spare propellers, and replacement tools.  Not to be underrated, the drone also comes with a paper manual instead of a PDF file.  The included controller is sleek, with a small digital screen feeding you information about battery life, GPS connection strength, distance and altitude.  It is easy to learn how to fly, and once calibrated, the drone is extremely stable.  If you take it straight up, you can bring it straight down with minimal drift.  The running lights make it easier to spot in the sky.  In hand, it feels strong, sturdy and robust.

If you’re already familiar with drones and their features, you probably want to know all about the camera.  The videos in this review (at bottom) are their own testimony.

Video and photo quality are unparalleled.  With photos at 8k UHD, and video footage at 4k and 30 fps, you will capture smoother, sleeker, clearer images than ever before.  The camera offers a 5X digital zoom as well.  When you take these videos and play them on a high definition display, it will feel as if you are flying.  The three-axis brushless gimbal is key to the smooth feel of these videos.  Whether you are maneuvering your drone, adjusting the camera angle, or doing both at once, the videos are completely smooth and always level.  Even in windy conditions, you won’t notice any shake on video.   The drone will remain steady as you capture the images with all your creativity unleashed.  The special sauce might actually be the Sony lens, for top colour reproduction and light capturing.  The videos demonstrate this incredible life-like colour reproduction.

The drone has many features you can access through the phone app.  Taking off and landing in one touch?  Got it.  The controls include a high powered “sport mode” with extra responsive controls, to handle higher wind situations.  If it loses signal or a battery runs too long, it will automatically “return to home” (a point you can set) and land.  Range?  10,000 feet!

Features aside, one thing you can’t appreciate about this drone by reading specs and manuals is just how fun it is to fly.  There is so much satisfaction in pulling the sticks back and starting the motors.  Then pushing the stick forward and watching the drone rise.  Feeling the controls and seeing the response from the drone, as it responds precisely to every movement.  Then letting it loose, and watching it speed confidently away, but always under complete control.  Release the stick, and the drone hovers still, awaiting your next command.

Equally as fun is working with the flawless videos you will capture.  No more editing around shaky moments.  Every detail becomes clear.  In particular, I enjoy discovering details that I didn’t notice while flying.  Whether it’s an accompanying seagull or the vivid deep blue of water, every flight seems to reveal new details about the world around us.

We could talk about the night mode, where you can capture better images in the dark.  We could discuss the Optical Flow Positioning feature, which allows the drone to navigate by its own built-in cameras when the GPS goes out.  There’s even an infrared sensor to measure distances for low-altitude flight.  There’s a GPS follow feature, programmable routes, and more.  Still, there is no topping the sheer satisfaction you get from performing a perfect, flawless manual landing.

After a thorough series of flights, there is only one feature that I wish this drone had.  I love the 5x zoom feature, but I wish there was an external control for it.  You have to tap a button, select “zoom”, and adjust it via the phone screen.  A zoom dial on the side would have been perfect!

If you are ready to take your drone flights to another level (literally) and come back with brilliant 4K footage, then the Ruko F11PRO 2 Plus is what you need.  When you fly it yourself and see the results, you’ll understand.

5/5 stars

REVIEW: Ruko U11MINI 4K(RC3) drone

PRODUCT LINK:  Get yours on Amazon today.

RUKO U11MINI 4K(RC3) drone

Interested in flying a drone, but don’t know where to start?  What you need is something easy and intuitive, that doesn’t require registration, and comes with everything you need to get going, in one package.  I present to you the new Ruko U11MINI 4K(RC3) drone.  In one handy case, you can get flying in minutes without having to use your phone.  Because this drone is under 250 grams, you don’t need to register it.

Let’s unpack the convenient carrying case.  Inside you’ll find a paper user manual (always superior to PDF files), your drone, some spare propellers, charging cables, batteries, and the secret weapon:  the RC3 controller with built in 5.5″ screen.  With no need to connect and pair with a phone, the controller connects to the drone automatically on startup.  The antennae fold away neatly, and the controller offers programmable buttons along with the standard controls.  No more worrying about your phone battery, or the phone overheating.

Once you have everything charged to full, you’re ready to get flying.  The drone has a range of up to 6 km, and is able to capture 8K photo resolution and 4K video recording.  Speaking of video, you get a crisp 3-axis brushless gimbal for stable, smooth, and high-quality footage.  You can see a sample video below.

The U11MINI 4K features a cruise control function for easy flying.  It works just like your car – just hit it, and the drone will continue along that flight path and speed.  There is an advanced positioning system, with GPS, a barometric altitude hold, optical flow positioning and TOF positioning for times when the GPS signal is weak.  You’ll achieve more stable low-altitude flight, and smoother landings, as I did on my first flight.  The drone has three speeds:  low, medium and high (“sport mode”).  The sport mode can be used in windier conditions, to give the drone more responsive power.  There is an automatic return to home feature, if the drone loses signal or the battery runs low.

There are several intelligent flight modes.  GPS follow is a common one, allowing the drone to automatically follow your position on the ground.  There are also programmable routes, and an image follow feature.  You can have the drone follow an object that you select on the touch screen.  You can also have it circle around a point of interest.

You can choose to store your video footage on a micro SD card (not included), but you don’t have to.  Videos can be stored on the controller, which can be connected to a Wi-fi network.  From there you can upload your footage to a Google drive account, without having to worry about cards.  This makes the drone extremely attractive for beginners who don’t have extra micro CD cards sitting around.

One of the most underrated features of this drone is the camera zoom feature.  With a simple dial on the side, you can quickly zoom in and out, as demonstrated in the video below.  The simplicity of this control makes you wonder why every drone doesn’t have one.

For beginners, this drone is the ideal, logical launching point.  Grab one on Amazon today, and you’ll be in the air in no time.

5/5 stars

REVIEW: Blotto – Metalhead – Video 45 (VHS)

BLOTTO – Metalhead – Video 45 (1983 Sony)

This review is a slight cheat.  Because I pledged never to open my VHS copy of Blotto’s Metalhead Video 45 (Nigel Tufnel told me “It can’t be played, ever”), I’ve chosen to just review the videos from the Blotto YouTube channel.  I’m entrusting the band that the VHS experience would just be a little more VHS-y.

This videocassette was a gift from guitarist Bowtie Blotto, a truly good guy completely unlike his evil “Dr. Bow” character.  All the guys are great, so be forewarned, this review is also coming from the perspective of someone completely sold on the Blotto concept, music, humour, and band.  This is not an objective review.  For this site, that’s simply impossible.  We’ll try our best OK?  That’s all we can promise.

Let’s get you up to speed first, just so we’re all on the same page.

Blotto is a rock band from Albany NY who garnered early MTV video hits with “Metalhead” and “I Wanna Be A Lifeguard”.  They inject a dose of comedy into their songs and performances.  Not too much, not too little:  the Goldilocks zone, just right.  It’s a fine line, right?  A fine line between clever and stupid, as Nigel Tufnel also told me once.  It is a tightrope, and Blotto managed to balance it without tilting too hard to either side.  They rock, and they laugh.  Or perhaps they laugh, and they rock.  Either way, the music video format was ideally suited to the band.  It enabled them to really get the comedic side across.

We open with the legendary “Metalhead” (5:32), as featured on the Metal For Breakfast compilation LP, and Blotto’s Combo Akimbo album.  The scene is set:  Blotto, the band are in rehearsal, but missing a member!  Where is lead singer, Sarge?  Absent.  “Suddenly there’s an endless void where I used to keep my brain,” sings the headband and studs-wearing Sarge as he wanders the back alleys of Albany.  The band rock on, awaiting the arrival of their singer, each one sporting a unique look.  Guitarist Broadway has the rock star hair and stature.  Cheese on bass rocks the bald head, looking like he was recruited from a London punk band.  Bowtie, of course, rocks the bowtie and glasses.  In the 1980s, I can remember being offended that a “bald punk guy” and a “nerd guy” were playing a heavy metal song, but I was also 12.  Meanwhile, drummer Lee Harvey’s flowing locks give him that casual but seasoned pro drummer look.

Suddenly the garage door opens, and the tardy Sarge finally shows up to the shocked looks on Blotto’s faces, as Sarge bangs his head against a beam.

“Ah, ah, ah, I’m turning into a heavy metalhead!”

Sarge has a serious case of it, hanging with bikers and getting skull tattoos.  “Some home-grown for the ride back home, Van Halen on the 8-track!” declares Sarge.

Blotto break into an instrumental solo section, while Buck Dharma from Blue Oyster Cult wails on the solo (while watching the video from his home, it seems)!

Will Sarge survive his transition into a heavy metalhead?  This legendary video still works today, because that “metal head” persona is now like a cultural icon of the 80s.  With a well produced and perfectly edited video, Blotto encapsulated so much of that “metal head” stereotype in one hilarious video.  Stay tuned for the extended ending, and a one-in-a-million shot with a motorcycle helmet.

Also from Combo Akimbo is the more upbeat “I Quit” (2:13).  Lead vocals this time are handled by Broadway.  Blotto are now stuck working in an office, still rocking, but also drowning in paperwork.

“You can’t fire me!  I QUIT!” shouts Broadway at his boss, while the rest of the band echo his sentiments.  It does seem like a pretty seedy office and not a fun place to work.  It also appears that Lee Harvey has taken a second job on a paper route, but he’s not enjoying that either.  Eventually everyone quits leaving just Bowtie alone in the office!  Meanwhile, drummer for hire Lee Harvey finds another job, holding a ladder.  Is he playing drums with four sticks?

The third and final video is from the 1979 EP, Hello, My Name Is Blotto, What’s Yours?  “I Wanna Be A Lifeguard” (3:55) was one of the first videos aired on Day One of MTV, so it’s important for that reason.  This fun surf rock song was begging for a music video.  Featuring Chevrolet Blotto on keyboards, and a pre-bald Cheese, Blotto are now working in a shopping mall.  It doesn’t appear to be a fun job.  “I just want an ocean and some sunscreen lotion,” sings Sarge.

Blotto get their wish, and appear on a beach in swimming gear.  What the viewer doesn’t know is that the video was filmed in late winter (look at the bare trees) and the band were absolutely freezing on the beach!

This song is loaded with clever surf rock hooks and a killer drum part by Lee Harvey.  Not just that “wipeout” beat that opens it, but the drums through the whole song are relentless and well composed.

That’s the thing about Blotto that, perhaps, some people missed.  These guys could play, every one of them.  Listen to Cheese’s bassline on “Lifeguard”.  It literally swims along with the song.  And his tone!  Bassists would kill for his sound:  clear and loud with depth and attack, but not dominating.  Lyrically and musically, “Lifeguard” is quite canny beneath the wavy surface.  You have to understand music to pull off songs like this, because jokes alone can’t carry a song.  Blotto had a rare combination of instrumental savvy, and witty nudge-nudge lyrics.  How many songs can you name that specifically reference listening to Van Halen on an 8-track deck in the car?  Perhaps some can relate.  And who can’t relate to wanting to be a lifeguard?  “Hardly any clothes, sand between my toes!”  Sounds alright to me.

At roughly 12 minutes’ length, the Video 45 format never really caught on.  When you think back to the 1980s, with extended play features, you could record up to 8 hours onto a videotape, though not in the best quality.  I think people expected more content when buying a VHS tape in the 80s, and the “video EP” concept went under.  That’s just speculation, but videos this short were very rare at retail.

To be objective and look from a more critical angle, I think “Metalhead” and “Lifeguard” work best as videos.  “I Quit” is less fun because it’s set in an office.  “Metalhead” and “Lifeguard” have more band performance shots as well.  “Metalhead” is clearly the most polished of the videos, and probably the most gag-loaded.  All three are fine examples of the kinds of things a creative band could do with a modest budget in the early days of video.  “Lifeguard” existed before MTV did, so you really have to give Blotto credit for being on the cutting edge of music video.

4/5 stars

REVIEW: Potensic ATOM 3-Axis Gimbal 4K GPS Drone

Potensic ATOM 3-Axis Gimbal 4K GPS Drone

Welcome drone enthusiasts and newcomers alike!  Thanks for clicking this review.  I hope you find this helpful and informative, as I have had many adventures and misadventures with four of these “under 249 gram” drones now!   This little craft do not require a license to fly.  Let me run you through my backstory with three previous drones, which you can click for more information.

The Ruko’s superior camera was a marked improvement in my drone video quality, no matter how hard they were to fly.  I thought about upgrading my Potensic.  Why not?  You only live once.

One thing about the old ATOM SE’s camera was that it didn’t have a fancy 3-axis gimbal.  What’s that mean?  It means that it couldn’t keep a level picture, with the horizon always…horizontal.  When the drone was flying in wind, it needed to tilt to compensate and stay stationary.  Most of my old ATOM videos have a visibly crooked horizon.  But that’s just the obvious difference.  The 3-axis gimbal gives it an unprecedented smoothness.  All my old videos had jerky movements.  Not anymore.  This camera is like an aerial steady-cam.

It wasn’t all smooth flying.  I had some issues out of the box.  I think one was caused by an uncalibrated controller.  It was veering off to the right upon takeoff, much like the Ruko used to do.  A calibration of the joysticks seemed to fix this.  It also defaulted to a “beginner mode” that I failed to notice and caused some confusion at first.

My second issue happened after a windy flight in Tiverton, Ontario.  I decided to bring the drone down after a few seconds, as the wind was unusually strong.  After a drive home, I was not able to re-connect the drone to the controller.  The drone was acting up, and wouldn’t power down without removing its battery.  I spent days trying to get the two devices to pair.  After a desperate email to Potensic, the problem revealed itself.  They advised me to try a number of things including re-pairing the devices without a memory card inserted.

The drone came with a 64 gig micro CD card (a surprise in itself!) but I decided to use a Gigastone 128 gig card instead.  It was actually my second Gigastone.  The first one failed right out of the box and wouldn’t format.  It turns out, the second Gigastone also failed sometime in the car between Tiverton and Lorne Beach.  Upon removal, the drone and controller paired immediately without issue.  Who knew that the memory card, which is used to store images and videos, was critical to the proper operation?  I mean, you can fly without one.  But throw a bad one in there by mistake, and you will stay grounded.  So there’s a tip for you:  if you’re having issues with your drone, take out the memory card as a first step.  Two Gigastones failed one after another!  Another tip is not to buy a Gigastone 128 gig card.

Once we got all these little details ironed out, the Potensic flew steady and true, just as my original did.  I’ve started to discover new features.  The camera has a zoom!  Pinch and zoom; it’s that simple.  This is going to improve my video making abilities over Lake Huron.

I ordered the option with three batteries.  No matter which version you choose, you will get the equipment you need (minus the micro SD card which only came with the three battery option).  In addition to the controller and all the cables, this version comes with the three batteries (32 minutes life each), and a charging block to simultaneously charge all three batteries and your controller at once!  It all comes in a handy carrying case, with handle.

There are lots of features for me to play with that I haven’t touched yet:  6km transmission distance, visual tracking, pull-away shots, boomerang shots…lots to try out, though I always prefer manual controls.

Check out the videos below and be sure to check back as more are added.  The new Potensic drone is going to drastically improve my video making abilities in 2026.

5/5 stars

 


Calibrating: “SMC” by Def Leppard


Sunrise Test Flight: “Mighty Morris Ten” by Episode Six


High Wind Test Flight: “Next Summer” by Arkells


Final Test Flight & All Bugs Worked Out: “Michigan Left” by Arkells

Mental Health For Metalheads: A Self-Help Book By Metalheads For Metalheads Is Now Live For Sale On Amazon
Mental Health For Metalheads: A Self-Help Book By Metalheads For Metalheads Is Now Live For Sale On Amazon. 50% Of The Profits Go To The Sophie Lancaster Foundation Charity.