Airborne Video With an R/C helicopter

PerryResearch writes "MacGyver would be jealous - here are the plans for a complete 2.4 ghz wireless video transmission system, mounted on a Mikado Logo 20 R/C helicopter, with realtime video overlay showing wireless signal strength, GPS coordinates, and support for videoglasses. Make sure you check out some of their in-flight videos."

Comments

Old news or not, it'll get slashdotted.

[tugrul]

Mirror in progress of those videos...

This might give me the final push in ordering a R/C heli. Any advice on starter models and how steep the learning curve is?

*goes back to playing the R/C heli mission in GTA Vice City*

Re:Old news or not, it'll get slashdotted.

[JiffyJeff]

Any advice on starter models and how steep the learning curve is?

Two Part Question: 1) Starter Models don't exist -- You can buy a small model built for a .30 engine for the least amount of money, but it in no way equates to an "easier to fly" machine. In fact, the larger engined machines are easier to fly, but when you crash them it costs more to repair.

2) The Learning Curve is very steep. If you buy an R/C Heli, count on spending another $200 or $300 simulator. The simulator will allow you to connect your radio transmitter to your computer with a cable that allows you to use your own radio to control the on-screen heli.

More Info: For every minute I've ever flown on an RC Heli, I've spent at least 5 fixing/repairing it on the ground. And for every hour flown, I've spent probably 10 on the simulator... Before I got into the hobby, I was told that flying one of these beasts was like "balancing a steel ball bearing on a convex glass lense" which is pretty damn hard.

Re:Should be great for filming sporting events

[Wiktor Kochanowski]

Yeah, the problem with standard-sized, manned helicopters in XC racing is that

* they are too big to fit between terrain features, to come close to the riders, and to film something else than their backs from above

* they are too expensive - even in road racing only the biggest races can afford them.

But given a cheap RC that can fit between trees and come really close to the racers to make a side shot, follow the racers on hard technical uphills and downhills, and XC racing could look, in TV, way more interesting than it is now.

OR just get it all in one

[ItsIllak]

Buy one of these:

http://www.rctoys.com/draganflyer3.php

my own rig

[AcesAreWld]

Hey guys, I have been flying R/C for a long time. About 3 years ago I built a little, cheap, but highly functional mount for my .30 sized helicopter. Since then I started a company and purchased a 6.5 foot 23 lb helicopter that carries a Canon GL1 high quality video camera, 2.4 Ghz Video Downlink, Canon Powershop S400 Elph for stills, and more. My website is VERY OLD and outdated, but check out some of the stuff I have done here:

http://www.rchelicam.com

Most pics on the site are from the old demo .30 rig, the new rig is featured (for now) here:
http://www.rchelicam.com/gasser/
What do ya think?

--Geoff
"Aces Are Wild"
http://www.rchelicam.com

Re:Should be great for filming sporting events

[dallask]

I can host...

Re:Should be great for filming sporting events

[Anonymous Coward]

Dude, modern day RC helicopters are very stable. Just check out any RC helicopter competition. Even more so if you incorporate something like FMA Direct's Co-Pilot stabilization device. That thing can hold a helicopter motionless, minus any breezes, which would be correct by a human operator. This is definitely a doable thing.

How about this then, you won't need to pilot this

[mijok]

http://autopilot.sourceforge.net/ It seems very interesting and probably much nicer to use (once it's finsihed) since you get an autopilot :)

x10 2.4G very directional

[jeepliberty]

I bought an X10 camera kit. Advertized as a home surveillance system, it consisted of 3 2.4G wireless cameras and a base receiver connected to a PC. What a waste!

It was impossible to align the PC antenna to receive a clean signal from more than a single camera. The signal degrades quickly with distance.

The video picture reminded me of UHF TV before cable (rabbit ears). Maybe I should have tried a coat hanger or aluminum foil on the antennae?

RC helis are not toys!!!

[helipilot]

Guys, it's just not as easy as you think. I have been flying rc helis for 2 years now. With many hours of simulator time and actual flying time I have finally gotten to the point of doing some mild aerobatics like loops and rolls. No one will just pick up a transmitter and fly one of these on the first try - no one. I have progressed from a .30 size to a .60 size and have great respect for them. It will cost you many dollars to get truely involved in this hobby. From the heli, radio, gyro, engine, and not to mention ground support equipment you are going to have easily over $1000 invested in just a .30 size machine. Are helis unstable - yes, to a certain point, but no where near what they were a few decades ago. Can you build and fly one without some expert help - possibly, but you will still have a huge learning curve this way and you better have a deep checking account for replacement parts. Also, if you are going to try it by yourself, which I don't recommend, please do it in a VERY wide open area with no one around. Small electrics like the Piccolo are not the way to start - they are far more difficult to control than a nitro powered machine. One of the best beginner helis is the Raptor 30 from Thunder Tiger (please note - there really isn't a "trainer" heli, they are all diffcult to fly. What make a good "trainer" is one with the control sensitivities turned down, cheap replacement parts, and a good training gear). If you want to see what some of these cost visit: www.heliproz.com They have all the kits, radios, etc. need to get started and to advance in this hobby.