Ok, I see all different configurations of gimbals, more and more, which is good.
I hear 3d robotics is fitting one for the Iris.
DYS looks like they have a fine 3 axis gimbal, that Jason with 3d robotics has on a copter on facebook.
I have yet to see any gimbals configured for the camera to be looking directly below the copter, as is the case which all mounts in a fixed wing. I know the gimbal and camera have to be balanced...I watched it on YouTube.
I am purchasing a 3d robotics quad as soon as they get the pixhawk on board and intend on using for aerial mapping for digital terrain modeling, ortho, etc. as I am a professional surveyor and see much potential for this application.
Having a camera mounted under the copter on a gimbal would reduce most if not all of the movement caused by wind etc on the aircraft and as a result the overlap on pictures could be much better.
Anybody seen a set up like I am thinking.
Replies
Hi Tom,
Actually, what you are describing is very common however a 3 axis gimbal is not necessary for the creation of Ortho-photos as the distinct advantage of a VTOL is the ability for it to fly independent of it's forward orientation. We have been using VTOLs for 5 years now for aerial mapping and use dual axis stabilized camera (pitch and roll) mounts such as the AV130 from Photohigher to achieve vertical photography. The platform just needs to be configured to point the camera vertically before flying the mapping mission.
Kind regards,
Oliver Volkmann
Micro Aerial Projects L.L.C.