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Airborne Video With an R/C helicopter

Posted by Hemos on from the you-can-see-the-world dept.

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."

5 of 162 comments (clear)

  1. Old news or not, it'll get slashdotted. by tugrul · · Score: 5, Informative

    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*

    1. Re:Old news or not, it'll get slashdotted. by JiffyJeff · · Score: 5, Informative

      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.

  2. Re:Should be great for filming sporting events by Wiktor+Kochanowski · · Score: 5, Informative

    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.

  3. OR just get it all in one by ItsIllak · · Score: 3, Informative

    Buy one of these:

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

  4. my own rig by AcesAreWld · · Score: 5, Informative

    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