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Complete mapping solution with Sony QX1 by Easy Aerial - update

Posted by Ivan Stamatovski on August 6, 2016 at 1:00pm

Hello all, 

I just wanted to share with you this short video of our complete mapping setup that includes an XL Pro, Sony QX1 on a gimbal and a video screen. It can fly for 30+ minutes and is very straightforward to set up. FPV video is provided by an additional camera on the side of QX1.

Available now on our website - http://www.easyaerial.com/easy-drone-xl-pro-sony-qx1-mapping-kit

Tags: easy, drone, mapping, pro, qx1, sony, xl
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Comments

  • Sushanth J October 30, 2017 at 1:59am

    Hey Ivan,

    Have you guys developed a microcomputer which communicates with the Sony QX1?

  • nemos December 21, 2016 at 8:38am

    Hi to all,

    Ivan , 

    Is there a way to get video output from QX-1 in a cable (not through WI-FI , too much RF on board) for FPV , instead of using a second camera?

    I think this is the main disadvantage of the QX-1 for FPV purposes.

  • Ivan Stamatovski August 11, 2016 at 12:04pm

    Hi Oscar, 

    thanks, glad you like the XL Pro. 

    We are using the Seagull trigger (http://www.seagulluav.com/product/seagull-map2), not sure how many frames we can get but it's more than one every 2 sec for sure.

    We are going to release a new product soon that is a micro computer that talks to both camera and the autopilot and transmits both video and commands over GSM networks. It will be a lot smaller and lighter than current companion computers and very much integrated.

    I'll keep you posted. 

  • Oscar Avellaneda-Cruz August 10, 2016 at 11:02pm
    Ivan! So glad to see your flybot system going this route. I just got a QX1 working on my Iris and am far from satisfied with it bc it's really not an ideal set up.

    It looks like you are you triggering the QX1 via remote cable. What kind of Fps are you getting with a cabled trigger? I can't seem to get anything faster than a photo every 2.5 sec. Which is slow considering the camera can go 3.5fps continuous shooting. I'm using a CAM2a remote.

    One thing that has me watching your platform is the potential for integrating an embedded Linux computer for handling communication to smart cameras like QX1. Can you speak to any testing or research you've done on this with the current version of Flybot?

    Btw, I almost funded your Kickstarter back when you were doing these things on APM 2.6!
  • Ivan Stamatovski August 10, 2016 at 7:45pm
    The weight of the drone without the battery is only 3lb 2Oz. 
    Frame itself without the FlyBot is 2lbs 6Oz
    We were able to fly a GoPro for 45 minutes with a 10,000Mah 10C battery (2.2lb).
    Cheers,
  • Channel Islands August 10, 2016 at 6:51pm

    Hi Ivan,

    Very nice and impressive, l'm interested about the frame. 

    how about the weight of the frame (without electronics)

    Thank you

  • Ivan Stamatovski August 7, 2016 at 6:19am

    Hi Pascal, good ideas. The only difference between your XL Pro and this one is the GPS, otherwise it can do the same thing with a QX1 on a gimbal. We are looking into the Reach solution, it seems to be very well integrated with Pixhawk. Also, once we come out with a servo gimbal for QX1 it will reduce weight by 1 whole pound and extend the flight time significantly. 

    Thank you!

  • Pascal P. August 7, 2016 at 2:05am

    Hi Ivan,

    You should propose an upgrade kit for XL pro owners.

    In my opinion, to really make the difference  as a mapping solution you should target a "GCP free solution" with advanced GNSS onboard (Reach and PPK) and precise camera trig time stamp. Technical solution exists, ready to use setup are very rare.

    Your vehicle have big advantage of long flight time. QX1 is a good choice for mapping. You are not far from an optimum mapping platform.

  • Ivan Stamatovski August 6, 2016 at 8:40pm

    @Alex Thanks! We are testing a servo gimbal that weighs a LOT less than this one. Current gimbal is 1lb and significantly reduces potential flight time. Although, I agree that software is getting better you still need a gimbal for other angles and adjustments. For instance when you want to capture obliques at 45 degrees to get a better 3D model.

    @Waladi - the tests we have done have been at 1cm/pixel so far, we need to do that calculation eventually. I will keep you posted! 

  • Waladi August 6, 2016 at 6:21pm

    Great product Ivan..

    How many hectares that you can map with QX1 for 10cm/pixel resolution on single flight?

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