Hello everyone!
My question is quite simple yet complex. Does anyone have suggestions or ideas for a low cost reconnaissance drone build?
I have a budget of $800, a good amount of ingenuity and a C130 load of willpower.
Your tips, ideas or help are greatly appreciated and I will be updating this thread with my current progress, up to its maiden flight.
My project constraints
- Around $800
- Fixed wing
- Must use APM
- Must be able to carry a DSLR camera and/or FPV camera
- Must have at least a 1 mile range for all radios
- Project time limit of 2 months (08/05/2013)
My wish list
- Gas powered (I have lots of chainsaw and weed-eater engines)
- High stability (South Texas tends to have nasty winds)
- High survivability (nothing makes a grown man cry more than broken balsa)
- More flight time! (don't we all wish for it?)
I will be doing as much R&D as I can and I will be keeping you all updated.
Replies
One way save some $$ on the budget is to built a kit yourself. This plane flies excellent and is very light for it's size which lends itself nicely to a large fuel tank and equipment. I have the smaller version the Seniorita with a Saito 56 running off a 12 oz fuel tank. At cruise speed of aprox 45 mph / half throttle it runs for 50 minutes. To be safe I'd plan 35 minutes. That's still a boat load of video. This Sig kit is very well designed and builds easy.
http://sigmfg.com/cgi-bin/dpsmart.exe/IndexAircraftF.html?E+Sig
I also need help for upgrading parts or if i'm doing it wrong or right for aerial video productions/photo, here is my set up:
http://diydrones.com/forum/topics/multicopter-not-lifting-too-heavy...
I have similar wants.
Ah, ok. Understand.
Another tip of airframe:
- Hugin (www.fpvmodel.com)
- Telemaster 6' (http://www.hobby-lobby.com/12_ft._telemaster_laser_cut_kit_1039257_...)
Good luck!
No doubt: www.event38.com, is your answer.
Jeff Taylor, company founder, is far the best solution. Maybe with a little higher budget.
Just talk with Jeff!