Octocopter Video Platform....

[ANZAC]

Originally Posted by BroncoHauler

Some how is FPV achieved? Is the GoPro video transmitted to some sort of screen on the controller, and or some other display?


Herb
I don't need a new hobby...I don't need a new hobby...I don't need a new hobby...

So you need a camera, a transmitter, a receiver and a display. You can either have a 2nd camera, or you can also feed off the GoPro. There are various frequencies for the transmitter and receiver but 5.8GHz is popular because it doesn't interfere with the RC and telemetry.

For the display, you can either use a small LCD screen, or a headset display. Some headset displays have head tracker output which can be connected back via the RC gear to pan/tilt the camera as you move your head.

Here are some popular headset displays.
http://fatshark.com

More FPV stuff:
http://www.readymaderc.com/store/

[ANZAC]

Originally Posted by 4x4kayaker

Tell us what UAV setup you are using? I've been following the UAV industry for a year now and about ready to start up a Seattle based business primarily for state and university contracts until the 2015 FAA regs are finalized. I'd love to pick your brain! Perhaps you want to expand?

To the point about the reg changes in 2015, even for research they have to have some FAA approval. Right now you are either hobbyist (non-commercial, not public agency), public agency (COA), or experimental commercial (SAC-EC). If the university takes government money, it is a public agency. If it is a private university, then it is commercial.

I don't think local law enforcement would know enough to hassle you, but if it gets to the FBI or FAA they are prosecuting people doing this commercially. It sucks (victimless crime...) but it is the law.

I'm very careful that when I use mine, my use is hobbyist only.

If you are looking to burn money, 3drobotics has great electronics (APM, xbee radios etc). I get my frames and motors and ESCs from Rusty at AGLHobbiesLLC.com

[BroncoHauler]

Didn't you hear me, I don't need a new hobby!


But, if I did, it seems like we're looking at something like $1200-ish to get started ($650 for quad copter, $250-$400 for FPV system, and $250 for a GoPro).

Then there's extra batteries, chargers, memory cards, replacement parts.....


Herb

[ANZAC]

Originally Posted by BroncoHauler

Didn't you hear me, I don't need a new hobby!


But, if I did, it seems like we're looking at something like $1200-ish to get started ($650 for quad copter, $250-$400 for FPV system, and $250 for a GoPro).

Then there's extra batteries, chargers, memory cards, replacement parts.....


Herb

I don't think you need FPV to get started, and in a way it is added complexity. I already had the GoPro lying around so easy to justify that. (use it for SMB trail videos!)

[NRL]

Originally Posted by BroncoHauler

Didn't you hear me, I don't need a new hobby!


But, if I did, it seems like we're looking at something like $1200-ish to get started ($650 for quad copter, $250-$400 for FPV system, and $250 for a GoPro).

Then there's extra batteries, chargers, memory cards, replacement parts.....


Herb

I started with the ARdrone which is a toy compared to full tilt models
299
it did the job getting camp pictures..
Waiting for all the new parts to come in.. FPV googles, hero 3, transmitters and the waterproof hull and motors..
I skipping the Naza GPS and going for the ZeroUav brain.
Need it for my high tech camping hobby

[05 Sprinter]

Have you heard about the newest SMB option?
It's called a SAM.

[BroncoHauler]

Who needs a Octocopter or Quadcopter?

http://www.instructables.com/id/DIY-Dro ... f-Kit-v10/


Herb

[SteveInLA]

It's all fun and games until.....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ocqB6_y71xE

Steve in L.A.

[daveb]

[jage]

Don't bring your drone to my backyard!

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/201 ... on-drones/

http://video.foxnews.com/v/259129027900 ... -colorado/