Well, I’m happy to report:
1) I’m STILL alive!
2) The drone is also!
If you have any drone dreams, please post away!
For everybody else, I have a few recommendations.
First, read the manual. Then, burn the manual. The manual won’t tell you boot squat about how to fly a drone.
A drone must be flown (as near as I can figure) by feel and touch and response.
Second, GET THE ROTOR PROTECTORS!!
Did I say that loud enuff? GET THE ROTOR PROTECTORS!
That’s because when you are practicing, or learning, you will CONSTANTLY be stopped by the drone bumping into something and then it sits there and just whirs.
I finally after about twenty attempts got it to fly about three feet off the ground and pretty much stay stationary!
Progress!
I will check back often!
Make sure you have the unit set to beginner mode and calibrated on a level surface. I bought the x4 with camera for my son for Christmas. He has been flying r/c planes, helicopters and drones for years and cannot fly this drone in expert mode, yet.
Here is a good article on the x4 with some good tips.
http://spincrisis.net/hubsan-x4-quadcopter-review/
Good luck.