Michael's Posts (6)

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Range Video's FPV flying wing, the RVJET

I'm always on the look out for a "perfect" plane.  What I've learned is that there is no such thing, every airframe is a compromise.  The idea now is to find the most versatile aircraft.  This might be it.

3689497048?profile=originalThere has been a lot of buzz around this plane at FPVLAB and RCG.  Range Video has been releasing tantalizing clips and updates for the past 6 months.  According to their site, it goes on sale in February.

I'm particularly excited about this plane because it is designed to be versatile.  It breaks down easily for storage and transportation, and will ship with two wing configurations.  Additional wing extensions can be added for endurance and potential soaring.  They have even proposed adding an additional fuselage.

The nose houses an integrated (no glare) pan tilt that is compatible with a GoPro.

3689497104?profile=original3689497171?profile=original3689497088?profile=originalA gentleman who goes by boopidoo on the forums is one of the designers and has posted a lot of good info.

The Range Video page has been updated with flight clips and shots from the manual.

Thus far, I've liked everything I've seen.  I'm hoping this turns out to be my "perfect" plane.  I can't wait to see some build logs and flight reviews.  Ideally, someone will build one with APM 2.5 and share their experiences.

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Panasonic’s A100 HD Action Cam

3689496490?profile=originalFrom Gizmodo:

Panasonic claims its new wearable HD camcorder will be perfect for adrenaline junkies and recreation-seekers alike—but can it compete in a market that's already dominated by GoPro, the clear winner in our recent action cam test?

The HX-A100's water-proof and dust-proof case houses hardware capable of filming 1920 x 1080 video at 60 fps, 1280 x 720 video at 120 fps, or 640 x 360 video at 240 fps. It comes packing Wi-Fi, so can be used to broadcast live streams on Ustream, while its battery—tucked away in the remote processing unit—will let it film for up to 140 minutes on a single charge. The small lens unit weights an ounce and is connected to the 4 ounce main unit by a 2-foot cable....

This might solve some of the issues with balancing.  Also much less wind resistance then the cubic GoPro.

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New X10 "The Viper"

3689483034?profile=original

I know almost nothing about this other than what's listed on the website.  It looks a lot like Chris's Manta and a direct competitor with the X8.

http://greenairdesigns.com/ejc/index.php/aircraft-kits/prop-aircraft/fpv-uav/viper-x-10-fpv-uav-flying-wing.html

From the website:

2.75m Flying Wing.

Breaks down to 3 pieces of 900mm (Max)

Payload 2-2.5kg

Requires:-

2 x 16g+ Metal geared servos

3542 800kv Motor or equivalent (able to turn a 12x6 to 14x8 prop, payload dependent)

80A+ ESC (gives a safe margin)

4s cells (motor dependent)

(all appropriate glues & adhesives required)

Its worth noteing that we are now working on a dedicated retractable camera gimbal for this and all our up and coming aircraft.

£225.00
 
Thoughts?
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The Giant Super Skysurfer 2.4m wingspan

3689472327?profile=originalFeature:
5 Channel Full Function Radio Controlled (Aileron,Elevator,Rudder,Throttle,Flaps)
New 2.4GHz spectrum technology, with the functions of automatic identification and precise code pairing, strong anti-jamming, and allow more than 20 aircrafts to fly at the same field at same time
Perfect for beginners flying RC model airplanes for the very first time!
Super huge wingspan for superoptimal flying experience and stability!
Fly steadily and operate easily, beginners can master the flying skills in short time
Configured with flaps to reduce speed and shorten landing distance when descent for landing
Simple and easy to assemble
Perfect for FPV(First Person View) usage
Constructed of EPO Flex Foam for Excellent Impact Resistance!
Detachable main wings excellent for transportation
All spare parts and accessories are available

Specification:
Wingspan: 2400mm (94.5 inch)
Length: 1350mm (53.1 inch)
Flying Weight: 2000g (70.5 oz)
Drive System: 1250KV brushless outrunner motor
Speed Controller: 40amp brushless ESC
Servo: 6X 17g

Package Include:
Airplane (95% assembled)
Pilot Figure
User Manual
Required 4 Channel or above Transmitter and Receiver (NOT INCLUDED)
Required 3S Li-Po Battery Balance Charger (NOT INCLUDED)
Required 11.1V 3S 3600mAh 25C Li-Po Battery (NOT INCLUDED)

http://www.bananahobby.com/2391.html

I've been trying to decide between the various Easystar-like planes for my next FPV and (hopefully) Arduplane platform.  Could this be the best of both worlds?  Between the Easystar clones of various sizes, the Skywalker types and all the other good options out there, how does one decide?

Thoughts on this plane?  Thoughts on this dilemma?

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The Samarai, Lockheed's maple-seed-like drone

Being from Lockheed it's not DIY by any means, but this could be an interesting concept to play with.3689419701?profile=original"The Samarai is about a foot long, and has just two moving parts plus a camera. It can be controlled by a remote control or by an app on a tablet computer."

The full article is in the Navy Times.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yvG-AmwVDmc

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UY38uho9ZdE

Clearly not a vehicle for FPV unless you could have it transmit 1 image per revolution.

 

 

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