We'd like to program our ArduPilot-based Multirotor to chase a canoeist down the Duzi river in the upcoming river marathon. It's job would be to follow him 2 meters behind, 1.5 meters up and keep the GoPro focused on him. At some point, it would need to realize that it's batteries are running low, and follow it's exact path back and land where it took off.
I know it's crazy, but is it doable?
I'm wondering if a GSM shield and be added to the APM mega and if I can customise the software to make HTTP polls to a web server to get the new GPS co-ordinates of the canoeist (camera target) and desired drone position. We'd write code on the canoeists iPhone to send GPS data up to a web server.
Then I'd like to command the Multirotor to return to base when it has enough fuel + 5 minutes reserve to get back to base and land autonomously. I'm sure the software supports this...
Thoughts?
Replies
I live just up the road and know the Duzi route, you would use a tablet and follow me on the canoeist but I think you are very likely to hit a tree or wire unless the paddler keeps it in mind.
There are many places where you would be more than 10 minutes flying time from the paddler and he would be even further away when you sent it back.
You need an R22 I can drive if you like, oh yes that's the other thing you would be getting in the way of the official race helicopters. Better to put the camera on a stick.