I have two questions, one, having viewed the SenseFly Swinglet (What appears to be a minimalist wing with a single motor), I have to ask if a similar project could be accomplished for less than the retail value of 9,000 dollars, which seemed ludicrous.
The other question, is what parts/expertise would I need, and what cost time/money would I need to build a project with the following functions:
Self Stabilizing,
Fixed Wing(Or Quadrocopter, whichever undertaking is cheapest)
Multi-Waypoint Auto Pilot
-and-
POV live video feed Flying as an option (What would the range and or latency be on a live video feed?)
Radio Controlled capability as a backup. Also, if possible, and preferably, controlled via laptop.
I am completely new to the hobby, and would like to know what modern technologies exist, and or do not exist, to accommodate the above features, and a Ballpark estimate as to how much I should expect to sink in to this hobby over the short and long term.
Many Thanks to the DIY Members, I enjoy reading the articles and such!
Replies
Building a "hobby drone" for under 1000 is way different from building a flight dependable, money making system to be sold, supported and entrusted to commercial undertakings.
And no , I am not associated with any commercial builders. I am just now getting materials together to put together my first Easy Star UAV.
Feel free to search the forums and blogs for more information, see here for a really great place to start http://diydrones.com/profiles/blogs/a-newbies-guide-to-uavs .
Under $9K. No problem. More like $1K with all of your requirements met, if you are thrifty. Radio control via laptop is a bit of work and additional expense. POV video can be done and the latency is maybe close to zero. Range of a couple miles will still fit in the $1K budget.
How much to sink into the hobby in the long run? How much do you have - LOL!