Discussions

29 April 2012

Hello All,

I have a use for a drone but the question is, "which is best for purpose?" You'll gather that I am new to all of this very exciting technology.

Intended purpose: Outdoor aerial survey with a DSLR camera for photogrammetry, i.e. to produce rectified and measurable images after processing.

There's lots of technical talk in the forum but most of it goes right over my head as I am not a specialist in the technicalities of multi-copters and associated software and hardware. 

Is there a plug and play multicopter that satisfies the following requirements?

1. Heavy lift capability to accommodate DSLR up to about 1,000 grammes plus item 2) below and an allowance for future add-ons e.g. GPS. NB: I don't need aerobatic capability, just a good, stable lifting platform/workhorse to reach a max of about 50 meters altitude AGL.
2. Two/three axis RC camera mount controlled by ground station transmitter which can also control camera shutter button
3. POV equipment to receive and view realtime pilot's view plus main camera images on a ground-based receiver and screen
4. As low vibration as possible to facilitate taking of sharp photos. I favour electric drive because it potentially has less vibration to affect photography but am happy to take advice on that subject, especially because of the weather effects of rain on electronics.
5. As stable as possible in high as high wind speeds as possible, especially stable hover - with automated position and altitude hold. If GPRS is required for that what is recommended?
6. As long fight time as possible
7. Robust and as weatherproof as possible with long life components (no substandard materials such as the 'soft' fixings etc that we see on many imports).
8. Relatively 'easy' and low maintenance plus availability of spare parts
9. Transmitter as flexible as possible to accommodate future additions / upgrades. I don't know what such upgrades might be but I'm sure I'll want them some time!!!
10. As this is not a profit making undertaking I would like to keep prices "reasonable"
11. As said, I am not up to speed on these technologies but I can learn
12. Essential ground equipment, battery charger, tester etc.

Can anyone advise on a turnkey package that's easy to assemble for a non-tech person such as me?

One of the other queries I have is whether there is any substantial benefit in using a multi-copter rather than a 'standard' helicopter. So, given my intended use, what are the comparative pros and cons?

I am in Glasgow and will be delighted to meet up with anyone locally who has the depth of knowledge that I lack.

Best regards to all.