And also can I say, I admit. I am a complete noob to this forum, which is why I didn't know where to post this topic. Sorry.
Anyway, on with my project:
I plan to build a relatively cheap UAV which can fly around 2 miles away, with a wireless camera mounted, and a reciever which connects to my laptop via USB and has the ability to record. I don't want anything too fancy, no auto-pilot or anything. just the basics
Here's what I propose to use
A scale predator UAV RC Electric airplane with a 74.8in wingspan
A 2.4GHz Wireless Camera (note I will not be using the Reciever that comes with it)
A 2.4GHz Wireless USB camera reciever & recording Software
TP Link 2.4GHz 15dbi Outdoor Omni-Directional Antenna
Now, here are my problems and questions.
I understand that the USB reciever needs a power source, but because I plan to set up the station outside, I was thinking either somehow getting solar power or using power from the laptop via USB. So what should I use to power it? Also I am British, so it would need to configure with british outputs etc.
Would this camera and reciever work together? What range would they have?
I understand that I need a radio, any reccomendations?
Would all this equipment work smoothly together?
How long would the batteries last in the UAV?
What modifications would i need to make in order to make the camera fit the UAV?
Is there anything else I have missed? any reccomendations?
And finally, is this worth it?
Thanks for all your time, and your help would be greatly appreciated
Ash
Replies
Being short-coupled, they are difficult to control and have some nasty flight characteristics, especially for beginners.
Unfortunately they are popular with persons new to the community because of the recognizable profile and romantic attraction.
Don't use USB stuff in the air. Autopilots don't support USB and there are much better camera/wireless solutions designed for aircraft that you can find linked here.
Don't start with a Predator. It's a huge pain to build and you'll probably crash your first UAV (everybody does). Start with a smaller foam plane like an EasyStar
You can't fly 2 miles away in the UK. It's illegal. You have to stay within sight.