I've recently read this article about using the infrared camera board for the Raspberry Pi to survey an area for photosynthesis activity and evaluate plant health, which seems fascinating. I was always interested in getting into remote vehicles (actually tethered UUVs, mostly, but also UAVs), but I never had a practical application to get me to actually invest the time and money - now I have one.
Most of the beginner guides that I've found recommend starting with a small inexpensive multirotor to get a feel for piloting before moving up to larger, more capable, more expensive craft. I don't mind going this route, but I have no interest in manual piloting or aerobatics. I really just want to be able to set a series of waypoints and have the autonomous craft just execute the flight plan and pause to allow the Pi to shoot stills at the designated points, then return to the origin and land.
Is this a realistic expectation? What's a good entry-level (but not 'toy'-grade) copter that can be automated and has the carrying capacity for a Pi and battery - say 200g? RTF or ARF is not necessary, I would prefer a kit or even a rough parts list and a nudge in the right direction. I just don't know what parts I need and which are optional. Apologies if there's a novice guide for this application that I've missed, but I could only find guides on getting into piloting your own copter and discussions comparing the capabilities of higher-end parts that I don't yet know anything about.
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We are in similar spots. I can tell you what I have done so far and where I plan to go, and the pros / cons.
I picked up a DJI Phantom, to essentially get the feel for flying, and the concepts behind course lock / home lock. My Main goals are extended flight time >25 mins, and the capacity to carry dual gopros in a 3D housing for this duration.
I am happy with zipping the phantom around with a go pro slung below it. As I have gotten bolder, I've snagged a tree or two, and had to be more conservative. Learning first hand the limits / capabilities of gps stabilized flight / hovering.
I am looking at Ground control softwares now, and from what I have gathered, nothing you're trying to do is unreachable. My .02 especially until repeated successfully, I will have controller in my hands ready to override any autonomous operation. To do this you have to be comfortable with flight. In the middle of a situation bad enough for YOUR personal limit switch to go "uh-oh".
People with more experience can tell you how to get stills at the waypoints.
I personally am looking at the turbo ace matrix as my next step. I like the looks of it, BUT it seems to be geared towards DJIs flight controllers and software. I need more time to "play" to weigh in... I think the module comes with PC software BUT there is a free iPad app that you can check out that allows you to set waypoints / routes...
Hope this helped a bit.
If this is in the USA I suggest reading AMA Document 560 http://www.modelaircraft.org/files/560.pdf
and http://www.modelaircraft.org/files/570.pdf
These guidelines are what keep the FAA out of our hobby.