Your dream drone and handling existing limitations

Discussion in 'Drone Dreaming' started by Waffles91, Sep 17, 2014.

  1. Waffles91

    Waffles91 New Member

    Hi everyone! There are currently a lot of drones in the market being used for photography and video. I was wondering what are some of the features that you already love in existing drones and what new features you would include that might not already exist. Just want to know everyone’s creative ideas!

    Also, what are the key limitations that you see now and how do you handle the legalities associated with it?
     
  2. webman

    webman Administrator Staff Member

    Since we are hobbyists, the legalities end up being mostly common sense. I don't fly where there are people or in places crowded with buildings, wires, etc.

    It's not much different from other sports and hobbies. I wouldn't hit baseballs in a crowded area and I would not fly my machines either.

    As to features, a book could be written on that. Most all the ideas are being worked on (by various companies and individuals), but what is going to matter is who brings them to market in the best way.

    I suppose some of these things are important:
    Follow me - of various types. As an example, a "director" mode which might allow a multi to follow me while I am on the sailboat and take videos and pics from various angles.
    Waterproofing - these exist but are very rough.
    Obstacle avoidance - this is very important for inspection and safety
    More failsafes - can't have too many. In the future multirotors will probably be able to fly over people and vehicles to some extent - but only if and when they prove totally failsafe.
    Robotic arms and capabilities - the next step after inspection is actual manipulation...example would be poking at a shingle or piece of wood to see how degraded it is, or dropping a camera down a chimney to inspect it.

    The actual list is probably endless. But these things will require literally millions of hours of total work and engineering...and are underway as we speak.
     
  3. Waffles91

    Waffles91 New Member

    Hi, thanks so much for you reply and your input! I totally agree with all your points. You are right, there's probably a book that can be written about all of this but its cool to hear from other enthusiasts.

    Is there a specific drone you would recommend and what is that you like about it? I would definitely want one with a GPS follow me feature and something that is compact and easy to assemble.

    Btw, love your blog! I am beginner and love all the helpful tips you have on there.
     
  4. webman

    webman Administrator Staff Member

    Drones are just like everything else - each one is a compromise. Follow me is something just getting started - but in a year or two it will likely be standard in a lot of models.
    Example:
    https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/airdog/airdog-worlds-first-auto-follow-action-sports-dron

    The new Iris+ also has follow-me capabilities but definitely requires some tech ability to operate!

    A good starter (2nd or 3rd) GPS model - at a great price - is the 350QX which is on sale for $300. You have to buy a TX ($60) unless you have one.

    Lots of other models. It always comes down to exactly what you plan to do with your quadcopter - in addition to your budget, your technical capabilities, etc.
     
  5. Waffles91

    Waffles91 New Member

    Hi Craig! You mentioned the a couple of different models and I am looking into a lot of other ones as well. I came across these guys during my search https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/plexidrone-give-cameras-the-wings-they-want

    What do you think? Their drone can be controlled from a smartphone, has a follow me gps feature, and other features that seem really good for photography and video,
     
  6. webman

    webman Administrator Staff Member

    The chances of any commercial drone being flawless right out of the box is very small. It took years and many millions of dollars and squads of engineers to make the better drone models reliable.

    Look at 3D Robotics - years of R&D and access to open source, etc. and they are still not shipping a reliable consumer drone.

    So although I like innovation, I also look at the pioneers all over the net buying everything and anything and say "thank goodness that's not me"....I like to wait 6 months to a year after a unit comes out to see what's up!
     

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