About this blog
Hey there! I'm Ilya, the drone enthusiast behind Zum Wilden Mann. What started as a weekend hobby back in 2019 has grown into this passion project where I share everything I've learned about building, flying, and optimizing drones.
My Drone Journey
After crashing my first ready-to-fly drone into a tree (we've all been there), I became obsessed with understanding how these machines actually work. I dove headfirst into the world of custom builds, spent countless hours soldering, and gradually turned into the drone nerd my friends now consult before making any purchases.
What You'll Find Here
Zum Wilden Mann is my way of organizing and sharing the knowledge I've gathered over years of:
- Building custom drones for different purposes
- Testing various components and configurations
- Learning from expensive mistakes (so you don't have to)
- Keeping up with rapidly evolving technology
I cover everything from battery chemistry and charging practices to flight controllers, ESCs, radio protocols, and specialized applications. Whether you're just starting out or looking to optimize your long-range setup, you'll find practical guides written from real experience.
My Approach
I'm not interested in flashy marketing or pushing the latest products. What you'll get here is:
- Straightforward advice based on actual testing
- Detailed explanations that don't assume prior knowledge
- Practical tips that save you time and money
- Honest assessments of what works and what doesn't
When I'm not writing for Zum Wilden Mann, I run a small drone services company called WILDAIR, offering photography, agricultural services, and custom drone solutions throughout Switzerland. This hands-on professional experience informs much of the content I create here.
Let's Connect
Have a question about a build? Struggling with a technical issue? Just want to share your latest flight? Drop me a message — I'm always happy to help fellow drone enthusiasts navigate this fascinating technology.
Happy flying!