Hi all i also posted this on RCgroups in hope of a fast answer , i hope i am posting in the right forum, i am looking into buying the mariner "splash drone" after i sunk my phantom 1+ gopro+ gimbal and video transmitter. It runs in 3DR pixhawk so it should be possible. I want to get the tablet/smartphone interface instead of using a fpv monitor and an app, and i would like to controll the gopro( so i can take pictures, edit settings bla bla mid flight). Any ideas? Fredrik
I think it depends on the range you are looking for. I assume you want at least splashproof - and, if so, you could try something like the AEEE models which run on 5.8GHZ and has it's own wireless app (and a decent range). http://www.aee-cameras.com/product/magicam/ Or something like that.....you could use a C-GO model - they come with an app, but are not waterproof in any way. Main thing is to use a different frequency than the r/c controller.
Thank you for responding. that looks perfect! But i would like to use the GOPRO, but is there not a "rule" saying that you should not use the camera wifi since it interferes with the controlls? I need about 1/2-1 mile range, the AEE has about 300 feet. now, if i can somehow extend the range, any idea? that way i can have FPV with everything i need, since the splash drone transmitter has a little display showing distance, altitude, voltage and so on integrated
This might be a really stupid theory/ thought, since the drone has a 5,8ghz fpv transmitter inside, would it be possible to connect the Aee cam(5,8ghz) with the transmitter and use it to extend the range somehow?
This is very difficult and expensive - to get that kind of range in FPV and have everything work properly. It can be done....but you are not going to get a fast answer and likely you will spend quite a bit of money and time by the time you are finished. Rigging up video feeds is a hobby in itself. All this is fine if you are not on a budget. If you do have a budget I'd suggest the Phantom 3 Advanced - for about 1K. It will give you that kind of range and a camera as good or better than a GoPro and lots of other features. Of course you are likely to lose it - and any drone - flying out of Line of Sight (LOS) and over water, etc. The Mariner may be able to withstand a dip in the pool but out in the ocean with a gimbal, camera, FPV, etc. it's probably useless.
Droneflyers Can you explain a bit your comment about the splash landing in the ocean being probably useless? I have seen a video with it landing and taking off in saltwater intentionally to show its ok. I am planning on going with a Splash since its the only reasonable option for a waterproof drone but your comment has me perplexed?
Salt water is the enemy of electronics. A real "splashproof" drone sells for about 7K as I remember. http://www.quadh2o.com/ Regular saltwater use is just not yet in the realm of consumer drones - or any drones for that matter.
Ok guess I will have to look further into this.....this guy is doing all his drone stuff around saltwater.
