Multi Rotor video/photography sources?

edit: I have no experience with any of these...

Consider this super cheap quad-copter:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5XinbTcQAAc

and if you want more range, perhaps a STOL/powered-glider design https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oaLFmjus3Hg

Some of the larger RC multi-rotor aircraft have the option of swapping-in a pack made from 18650 cells. The Samsung 25R cell "might" provide enough amps, and if so, the benefit seems to be a roughly 50% longer fly time over soft-sided LiPo packs.

Recently posted this:

"US military/Police love affair with drones"
http://endless-sphere.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=26&t=47799&start=50#p1050575
 
Loving the info in the thread. Thanks all.

I have wanted to get a multi for ages and been holding out but I think it is time to jump in.

Got a question, what mode do you guys prefer? Would love some input on this. As I am starting out I have no preference so I can go 1 or 2. Would love to hear some experienced uses input on preferences? Don't want to learn one mode, only to discover I should have gone the other...

Thanks in advance,

D
 
For a decent starter MultiRotor (learning to avoid the “D” word) - I’m pretty stoked about this one:

FY326 Q7 2.4G 6-Axis Gyro

Find ‘em on eBay around $30-$35 USD shipped. Check FY326 on youtube, several good demos of this bird.

For more serious GPS lock I found a used $300 DJI Phantom 1 which flies great and prices are only dropping.

With the Phantom 3 pro release I’ve seen new Phantom 2’s now in the $600-$700 range with factory camera/gimbal.

I’m seriously eyeballing a build. The S500 kit is currently out of stock but that looks like a great platform to start. There’s also a “Scarab” long platform which kinda got my attention but I really dunno where all of this will lead? A lot of money, I’m sure…

btw, please fly carefully and responsibly. Motors fail, connectors come loose, firmware acts up, things “happen” and a couple lbs crashing from high altitude into structures, cars, pets, people, power lines, etc. can and will cause damages which the owner/pilot is financially and perhaps criminally responsible.

Doesn't look like pro-rated calendar year membership is available but I'll eventually join AMA - http://www.modelaircraft.org/ Membership includes additional significant liability insurance coverage as long as you observe and practice AMA safety codes.
 
Ykick said:
(learning to avoid the “D” word)
Click to expand...

Yep, that really annoys me. 'Drone' is such a politically charged word. They were known as quad copters or multi rotors for years. As soon as their use by the military became commonplace, the news agencies jump on them and is driving paranoia globally to the point of tons of unnecessary legislation and further loss of our freedoms.

/rant
 
@danielrlee - I was able to edit the thread title and scrub most, if not all earlier gaffs. I get how there's no alternative yet which flows off the tongue quite like that one but there's enough people and media using it. Those of us who may better understand the bigger picture really don't need to pile on.

Nothing but serious enjoyment of the science & technology from these mechanical birds.
 
Ykick said:
@danielrlee - I was able to edit the thread title and scrub most, if not all earlier gaffs. I get how there's no alternative yet which flows off the tongue quite like that one but there's enough people and media using it. Those of us who may better understand the bigger picture really don't need to pile on.

Nothing but serious enjoyment of the science & technology from these mechanical birds.
Click to expand...
Sorry, I wasn't aware of this threads back story. It's just force of habit that I correct people when I hear that word.

Fight the power!
 
Ok, here’s a baby step effort complete with GoPro advertisement, old tech, cute dog and plenty of Jello…

I can assure you it’s probably much more fun to do than to watch but here's 2 minutes:
[youtube]W-L3A63UDzs[/youtube]
 
+1 on the stuff LFP was saying. 3DR is the only way to go. The pixhawk is incredible. You really won't believe how sophisticated it is once you really get into it.

Now that the IRIS+ has come down in price with the introduction of the Solo it is a downright bargain! I have flown with the mobius and a 3d printed mount for it to be housed by the tarot gimbal. Done 40+ flights now. Had a few issues, but after a couple revisions of the mount that holds it to the motor shaft we are looking good.

I would recommend an IRIS+ to learn on and go from there. For $600 including an extra battery and props on Amazon you can't lose. It will be RTF, then once you have a few successful flights under your belt, buy a Tarot 2d gimbal online, program it yourself, and get yourself the right mounting bracket for the tarot and IRIS+ frame from 3dr. Your choice to go mobius or gopro, but after only spending ~$750 you will have all the best stuff to get started and have something that works well with minimal hassle and great support.

Then fun starts coming when you upgrade antennas, add FPV, etc. :)
 
Thanks e, when I exhaust the DJI/NazaM I’m definitely going to try 3DR. IRIS+ seems like an amazing bird for the money and the entire 3DR line is SWEET!

For now used Phantom + Hero2 still blowing me away with the most basic of operations and flights. New props, balanced up and learning to fly slow and slower, gentle yaw. Gotta cheap Gimbal coming though, hahaha… It's almost eery how similar much of the tech relates to eBikes. Batteries, motors, ESC, etc.

Here’s another rather boring video
[youtube]_cWhcUkIwy8[/youtube]
No music, just motor and prop wash, haha. And speaking of wash, around 1:30 I now better understand vertical decent. Got judders for a moment and realize it's so much smoother and more stable to burn off altitude at an angle for significant ROD (rate of decent).
 
It's addictive, right?! Just wait until you can start planning autopilot missions and send it a mile or two away and watch through a monitor or laptop on your ground station!!! :)

Yes, vortex ring state is a real thing for for whirlybirds small and large alike!
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vortex_ring_state
 
For those looking to “try” UAV fun but aren’t ready to drop several $100’s to find out if they like it I’ve gotta couple starter suggestions.

$20 Cheerson CX-10 is a cool little indoor bird but tricky for me to learn stable flight and the props and frame take quite a beating.
cheerson.JPG
Here’s a bargain (If you get a good one) - FY326 about $30 shipped. Flies great and very stable plus the acrobatic mode is extremely cool.
fy326.JPG
However, trouble with these “cheap” UAV’s = brushed motors. If you’re hip to RC Lipo and begin adding battery packs to swap for continuous flying, these brushed motors simply can’t handle 100% duty cycle. They need time to cool between flights.

Ok, lesson learned and all is not lost since I can find replacement motors and other parts but moving on…

Once I realized the brushed motor weakness 'went looking for a starter bird with BLDC tech which brings me to the RC EYE One Xtreme - several versions with/without camera and don’t be confused by the “brush motor - non-Xtreme) EYE One model.
88008rc_680x402.png
Some reports of weak’ish frame but it seems to be a good quality starter platform with enough features and performance to be what I consider an excellent $120 package.
 
The best of the toy (brushed) quads is currently the Tarantula X6. The way the chinese are producing these things though- next week might offer something even better. The quad has a 2s 1200mah battery with 10 minute flight times. It is a super sporty quad if you are flying on 100%. Almost as fast as a brushless. The great thing about this quad is that it can handle a big payload. It will lift a Xiaomi camera. It will add to the wear and tear of the motors and gears, but amazing that it can lift that much weight. I bought one and use it for a cheap FPV setup. I worry about crashing a heavy brushless quad or losing something much more expensive while attempting to learn FPV. The toy quads seem to handle the crashes much better due to their lighter weight. I've gone through a few pinion gears and motor, but had 40 or more flights. Best thing is you can get them for like $60.
The tarantula x6 is not the greatest beginner quad, either is the Cheerson cX10 . You can learn on those, but they both have higher gain rates and that makes them sportier, but harder to control. The Hubsan x4 or even the JJRC H8C are good beginner models, as they will just sit still for you. The H8c does have motor issues. I believe that it is the same quad as the FY326.
Here is the Tarantula, its a big 360 size quad:
201501100945393953.jpg


GoPro attached:
t7772454-204-thumb-X6%2001.jpg
 
Tarantula X6 got some lift!

Due to Camera, Video TX radio and new $44 eBay brushless gimbal, I'm now close to max weight of my Phantom with stock props.

Testing eBay brushless gimbal -
[youtube]6orrCg29jHQ[/youtube]

Seaworld fireworks off in the distance -
[youtube]MwE53ifmj14[/youtube]

Kinda got me interested in videoing inside a fireworks display? That would be cool….
 
That was done last year in Nashville and the guy who did it took some major heat. Haha it is on youtube!
 
ecycler said:
That was done last year in Nashville and the guy who did it took some major heat. Haha it is on youtube!
Click to expand...

Stumbled across this one -
[youtube]a9KZ3jgbbmI[/youtube]
So damn cool...
 
It's been a while since last update on the MR journey. Burying mom and stuff like that...

Possibly the most boring AP video on Youtube but an early test upon connecting and enabling pitch F2 control for my P1 and cheap gimbal.

[youtube]lwetFsEswZU[/youtube]

This has been a “budget” project starting with Craigslist P1 about $300, factory refurb GoPro $120, $60 Amazon TX/RX/monitor FPV setup plus $40 eBay Gimbal. Roughly $400 not including Hero2 which I also use for other stuff.

I haven’t figured out programming the Gimbal yet but eventually it would be nice if I could pitch up more than the current F2 control programming seems to allow? Not a big deal since I can unhook F2, restart the Gimbal and it’s more level to horizon as seen here in some fireworks around Mission Bay in San Diego.

[youtube]KHf0nMEimTU[/youtube]

I've since joined AMA (Academy of Model Aeronautics) and a local electric flying club. Both appear to be great organizations and 24/7 access to an airfield and many knowledgeable folks is super cool and helpful....
 
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