ORIGINAL: BB_DF
Hmm, I don't know. Flying is 95% subconscious, and it might just be the new gear is giving you a bit more assurance.
I agree that this could be happening so I'm trying to come up with some sort of test to prove it. I've tried close trimming and then letting go of the joy sticks but there is too much variablity in the time before I have to return to flying it. (But I swear it seems to be a longer period with the protectors on.) One approach I am considering is to buy a Berg receiver module and record the servo outputs with a 4 channel a/d converter from that receiver while hovering the DF inside. It should then be possible to compare the peak to peak and average corrections of hovering with and without the protectors. (I guess 30+ years of engineering design is coming back to haunt me.) If this works, I will be able to make accurate measurements of any modifications made to DF relative to stability.
ORIGINAL: BB_DF
I think your best bet is to learn to use the Ti and practice outside in calm conditions. Land and rest every couple of minutes, even if everything is going fine. I think you'll find it's much easier hovering at waist level over grass because you won't be fighting your own vortices, and if you panic, just chop the throttle and land. Do what builds your confidence, even if it's just hovering nose-out for hours, but try to get a little more control each time you fly. When you use Ti, take a small thin board, like masonite, and when you set the thermal levels (throttle down & right), do it on a level spot out in your yard, away from the driveway and house. This will reduce the amount of trimming needed. You already know how to fly, what you need now is just a little more confidence.
You've just described exactly what I have been doing as often as low winds permit. I find myself now flying in active mode rather than training but still have occasions when my fingers seem to be in an ackward position or strained while doing some of the movements.
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Also, thanks to Sky High for the comments on my indoor flying. I've spent a lot of time reading your excellent posts.
Mike