Recycle Your Micro Drone

Shaun Garrity suggests a fun use for old micro drones whilst waiting for an indoor flying slot

- Shaun Garrity

I have no idea how many micro drones have been sold over the years, but it must be many hundreds of thousands. Hubsan were one of the first manufacturers on the market, with inexpensive examples appearing in model shops, toy shops and even motorway service station bargain bins to feed the demand.

Horizon Hobbies, seeing this new craze, quickly introduced the Blade Inductrix. Becoming an instant success with R/C modellers, it wasn't long before fans of this miniature revolution started bunging tiny 5.8 GHz video cameras and video transmitters on them and indoor micro drone racing was born.

Again, quick to see a commercial opportunity, Horizon started selling the Inductrix FPV, a camera equipped, FPV (first person view) drone. A raft of companies sprung up to satisfy the demand for upgraded parts and custom frames etc. and the Tiny Whoop phenomenon, as it became known, had most definitely arrived.

As with many modelling purchases, improved versions quickly come along and eventually your original purchase is invariably consigned to the junk drawer, never to see the light of day again.

But it doesn't have to be the end of days for these poor little things because now, for under £8.00, you can repurpose them and have a new toy to entertain you.

DRONE JUNKIE