06 December 2024

Flying a drone demands not just technical proficiency but also strategic preparation, especially when using specialized equipment like the RCPlus controller. Weighing three pounds—significantly more than standard controllers—it introduces unique challenges. Proper planning ensures safety, efficiency, and comfort during flight, particularly for extended sessions.

Key Considerations

To effectively operate the RCPlus controller, consider these critical factors:

Endurance: How long can you operate the controller without experiencing hand or arm fatigue?

Support Options: Should you use a tripod-mounted flight station or rely on straps for mobility?

Comfort: What is the best method to distribute the controller’s weight—neck strap or sling strap?

Visibility: How will you maintain clear visibility of the LCD screen in bright sunlight?

Controller Safety: When setting the controller down, how can you safeguard it from damage or theft?

Addressing these considerations minimizes physical strain and maximizes operational efficiency, making the RCPlus controller a manageable and effective tool.

Fatigue and Support: Finding the Right Balance

One of the first challenges pilots face with the RCPlus controller is its weight. Standard controllers weigh about half as much, and without proper support, the RCPlus can quickly exhaust your hands and arms.

For stationary operations, a tripod-mounted flight station is an invaluable solution. It securely holds the controller, allowing you to focus on other tasks, such as adjusting drone settings or swapping batteries. This approach is especially useful for flight schools or scenarios involving multiple users.

For mobile operations, straps are the preferred solution. However, the debate often centers on whether to use a neck strap or a sling strap.

Sling Straps: The Superior Option

Neck straps may seem like a convenient choice, but they often lead to discomfort during prolonged use. Concentrating the controller’s weight on your neck can cause muscle strain and fatigue. Moreover, neck straps limit mobility, making it harder to maintain a clear line of sight with your drone—a critical safety requirement.

Sling straps, by contrast, offer a more ergonomic design. They distribute weight evenly across your body, reducing strain and allowing for greater freedom of movement. With a sling strap, you can maneuver comfortably while keeping the controller secure and accessible.

Another common issue with neck straps is the tendency for the controller to swing awkwardly. This can lead to collisions with other equipment when you bend down—a problem frequently reported by professionals. Sling straps solve this by keeping the controller snugly at your side, away from potential hazards.

Hoodman’s FlyRight Sling Strap Kit

To address these challenges, Hoodman has developed the FlyRight Sling Strap Kit, a comprehensive solution designed specifically for the RCPlus controller. The kit includes:

A padded sling strap with a comfortable shoulder pad for secure and ergonomic wear.

A steel mounting frame that attaches to the controller’s screw insets. This frame also includes additional insets for mounting accessories.

A magnetic glare-reducing hood that enhances LCD visibility in bright sunlight.

This kit ensures the controller stays securely tethered to your body while remaining accessible for maintenance tasks, such as swapping batteries or adjusting settings. Its thoughtful design eliminates the awkward swinging associated with neck straps, making it an excellent investment for improving your comfort and efficiency during flight.

The FlyRight Sling Strap Kit is priced at $119.99 and is available for immediate shipping.

Improving Visibility: Tackling Bright Conditions

Operating drones outdoors often means dealing with glare and reflections on the controller’s LCD screen, which can hinder visibility. The FlyRight kit’s magnetic mount glare-reducing hood addresses this issue.

This hood attaches easily to the RCPlus controller, minimizing glare and ensuring you have a clear view of essential flight data and visuals from the drone’s camera feed. Whether you are conducting aerial photography, mapping, or inspection tasks, the hood significantly enhances accuracy and control under bright conditions.

Tripod Mounting for Stability

For those prioritizing stability, Hoodman offers a steel tripod mount bracket designed for the RCPlus controller. Compatible with all ¼-20 tripod mounts, this bracket provides a sturdy base for stationary operations.

Tripod mounting is particularly valuable in flight school settings, where instructors often need to pass the controller between students. By keeping the controller securely mounted, the risk of accidental drops is minimized. This setup is also ideal for tasks requiring a steady hand or extended focus.

The Hoodman tripod mount retails for $59.99, making it an affordable addition to your toolkit.

Special Holiday Offer

Hoodman is offering a 15% discount on all their products this holiday season, including the FlyRight Sling Strap Kit and tripod mount. Use code droning101 at checkout to take advantage of this limited-time offer, valid through Christmas.

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Preparing for Any Scenario

Successfully flying a drone with the RCPlus controller demands more than technical skill—it requires strategic preparation and the right tools. Investing in solutions like the FlyRight Sling Strap Kit or a tripod mount can significantly enhance your comfort, improve visibility, and ensure equipment safety.

As drone technology evolves, so must the accessories that support its operation. With proper preparation, the RCPlus controller becomes a seamless and effective component of your drone piloting experience.

Why Choose Hoodman?

Since 1986, Hoodman has been a leader in innovative solutions for photographers and drone pilots. Their products, ranging from glare-reducing hoods to rugged memory cards and ergonomic straps, are designed to address real-world challenges.

By listening to professionals in the field, Hoodman continues to develop tools that meet the evolving needs of its users. Their commitment to quality and customer satisfaction makes them a trusted choice for both beginners and experienced pilots.

For more information or to explore Hoodman’s full product range, visit their website or call 310.222.8608 to speak with a representative.

Final Thoughts

The RCPlus controller’s weight may initially seem like a challenge, but with the right tools and preparation, it becomes an asset rather than a hindrance. Addressing concerns like fatigue, visibility, and equipment safety enables you to focus on your mission with confidence and precision.

Whether you choose the FlyRight Sling Strap Kit, the tripod mount, or both, Hoodman’s innovative solutions ensure you are fully equipped for any scenario. Take advantage of their holiday discount today to make your drone piloting experience safer, more efficient, and more enjoyable.

Happy flying!

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About Hoodman

Founded in 1986, Hoodman Corporation has been at the forefront of creating innovative tools designed to support professional image makers in the field. With a commitment to product development fueled by direct customer engagement at over 14 trade shows annually worldwide for more than 33 years, Hoodman has continually delivered innovative solutions.

Hoodman’s Hood set the industry standard for eliminating glare on broadcast monitors, enhancing visibility in challenging outdoor environments. Recognizing the need for similar solutions for camcorder LCD screens, Hoodman quickly responded. In 1996, the NFL approached Hoodman to create a viewing solution for officials to see instant replays on the field. This collaboration expanded as college football began reviewing calls, and Hoodman once again rose to the challenge, providing updated solutions for the 2021 season.

The digital camera revolution of the early 2000s brought new challenges for photographers, particularly the need to review images in bright outdoor conditions. Hoodman’s patented Hoodloupe was developed to enable glare-free image review on LCD screens. Soon after, the company introduced teardrop-shaped eyecups, helping photographers block out ambient light and maintain a clear view through the camera’s viewfinder.

As digital cameras demanded faster memory cards, Hoodman entered the market in 2006, competing with major brands by producing high-performance, memory cards built with the fastest components available. Hoodman’s commitment to quality and reliability meant higher standards and better performance—because the company believed professional photographers deserve nothing less. Hoodman also pioneered ruggedized metal memory card readers, setting a new standard for durability and reliability.

In 2011, Hoodman introduced its Lens Cleanse kits, providing a green alternative to traditional lens cleaning methods. These convenient, single-use packets—containing a wet and dry towel—eliminated the need for chemical cleaners and leaky bottles, selling over a million units worldwide.

In 2015, Hoodman expanded its product line to support drone pilots, designing the Aviator Hood to eliminate glare from iPads used for drone control. This patented solution included a unique pierceable bottom panel that allowed pilots to access touch screens while protecting against glare. Soon after, Hoodman developed the self-weighted Landing Pad, providing a safe and clean area for drone takeoffs and landings. The bright orange pads became the industry standard, marking the takeoff and landing zones while also alerting nearby manned aircraft of drone activity in the airspace.

By 2017, Hoodman began addressing the needs of aerial drone surveyors, creating Ground Control Point Kits to enhance the accuracy of their mapping and surveying efforts. This development established Hoodman as a leading supplier of tools for aerial mapping.

For over 33 years, Hoodman Corporation has been a pioneer in creating new markets and innovative tools that support professionals in the field. The company’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its green product development, as well as being the first memory card manufacturer to offer a memory card recycling program. Hoodman remains dedicated to making tools that solve real-world problems and improve the lives of its customers, all while supporting environmental responsibility