Drones

[swamidog]

I imagine the drone following me around for my normal activities . . playing with my child, going to the grocery store, cleaning, cooking, spending time on the Internet. . . Oh crap, can't have that last one recorded! Guess no selfie drone for me!

David

you might also want to turn off your web camera.. just sayin'

[dkumpula]

you might also want to turn off your web camera.. just sayin'

Huh? I leave it on SPECIFICALLY for you!

[swamidog]

Huh? I leave it on SPECIFICALLY for you!

that does explain the sheep dip.

[planters]

I think I have made a final decision and thanks for the advice so far.

I am going to go with the DJI A3 "semi" pro with a Light bridge transmitter and a DJI Inspire 1 - Gimbal and Camera Unit. The semi pro version adds an additional GPS module as opposed to the pro version that adds 2 additional GPS modules. This modification only serves to add redundancy to the GPS system. The advantage of going for a complete control and camera system from a single supplier is really attractive.

This system is expensive, but not that much more when you consider the cost of trialing components that might not work well together. They might, but they might not.

All the communication is done at 2.4GHz and if the range is a problem, then adding a bi-directional amplifier to the transmitter as well as a yagi to further extend the range is easy as these WiFi components are widely available. If the range is a problem with the stock system the controller has a good return to home and hover function, so I don't have to loose the ship to discover that I need to add these components.

http://www.dji.com/a3

[swamidog]

cool. i have yet to be bitten by the drone bug, but seeing them fly at SELEM has really peaked my interest.

I think I have made a final decision and thanks for the advice so far.

I am going to go with the DJI A3 "semi" pro with a Light bridge transmitter and a DJI Inspire 1 - Gimbal and Camera Unit. The semi pro version adds an additional GPS module as opposed to the pro version that adds 2 additional GPS modules. This modification only serves to add redundancy to the GPS system. The advantage of going for a complete control and camera system from a single supplier is really attractive.

This system is expensive, but not that much more when you consider the cost of trialing components that might not work well together. They might, but they might not.

All the communication is done at 2.4GHz and if the range is a problem, then adding a bi-directional amplifier to the transmitter as well as a yagi to further extend the range is easy as these WiFi components are widely available. If the range is a problem with the stock system the controller has a good return to home and hover function, so I don't have to loose the ship to discover that I need to add these components.

http://www.dji.com/a3

[planters]

Just saw this.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LSHZ_b05W7o

This is NOT a non sequitur. That is why I don't want to call my ship a multi-rotor. It will be a drone.

[BlueFang]

Don't think that DJI ship will be able to capture anything close to this exciting:



but then again - the amount of practice needed to fly these crazy fast race quads can be either frustrating or motivating

[liteglow]

The DJI Mavic is a sweet litte devil to fly around with

[planters]

Nor this

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qlqe1DXnJKQ

But this

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P2Xdf0iEQ6A

And certainly this.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ngTHTbX4fls

I think the high speed twitchy flight might be done better or augmented with forgiving obstacle avoidance without full autonomy being given up.

[lasersbee]

Not exactly the same thing Eric is planning to build, but for less than $200 you can get an autonomous high-def camera drone to follow you around while you do whatever...

http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/s...era_Drone.html

Seriously thinking about getting one while they still offer the free shipping...

Adam

EDIT: Resurrected another thread where we were talking about the predecessor to this thing, but I just noticed both threads are in the Lounge... D'oh! Redundant posts are redundant.

I'd watch this and some other videos before plunking down the $$$$.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uWjC...ature=youtu.be

And there is really no controller that can be used other than the
watch which only does basic controls to Takeoff, Follow you, Land
and gimbal. No actual flying of the quad.


Jerry