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Post by sRagnar on Mar 26, 2009 21:35:17 GMT -5
have you had a chance to see about the video broadcast to the external source while taking a video on the LX3? Im still having the video glasses or my laptop go black when i start taking video on the LX3.
I'm still having an issue with the live video feed from the HD camera. im thinking that it is the sending unit. im going to replace it and see if that will help.
what stabilization software do you use on the HD video.
What is the range that you get on the LX3 for live feed? mine seems short, about 200 feet and then I loose image fast.
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Post by Ben Freedman on Mar 26, 2009 21:52:46 GMT -5
Howdy...
Yes, I tried it out, and I AM able to monitor the LX3 video while recording. I'd look into that if I were you.
My HD camera has no trouble getting 2-300 feet of range on the live feed. Same with the still.
For stabilization, I use SmoothCam which comes with Final Cut Studio on the Mac.
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Post by sRagnar on Mar 29, 2009 0:26:43 GMT -5
I changed out the sender on the HD camera and it works like a charm!! that one problem down. The LX3 camera video output cut off problem that I was having is a camera issue. When the camera is in the 16:9 video format it cuts out the screen and does not send the feed to the hand controller or actually it is sending a black image. When I set it on 4:3 format it worked great! So that problem solved. Guess that has to do with the format incomparability so that is no big deal at all! when you put your camera mount on how do you do the rear mount. i found that the bolts on there are to much hassle to remove and use. on the back one i have taken to use of small wire ties that I use around the landing gear and over the mount bracket and it works great! dont have to mess with that little nut deal that was driving me nuts. just remove the little bolts on the front bracket and ties on the back and off it goes. I have still not found a good solution for the video stabilization software. I use PC so apple is not an option although I have given a thought to getting an apple  |
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Post by Danyel on May 14, 2009 3:43:55 GMT -5
Be careful comparing only Microdrones and Draganfly. There are a lot of more manufacturers of professional systems. In Germany there are three: MicrodronesAirRobotAsctecMicrodones is most popular in cause of best PR work (not the best systems). AirRobot is developing better systems but the payloads are poor... Asctec offers a drone with a max. payload of 1,5 kg...this is a lot!!! But I like the possibilities of the X6 most and it is very difficult to decide which system I should buy. It is lot of money. Anyway...I just like to inform you all that there is more than Microdrones and Draganfly. Best regards to all! |
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Post by skyshark on May 16, 2009 10:32:41 GMT -5
Danyel, I've checked the sites that you've listed. I'm familiar with AirRobot. I think it's set up is better than Microdrones for police/surveillance work because it's rotors are protected. Of the sites listed I still think that Microdrone's MD4-200 and Draganfly's X6 are choices. Now I did see a video on a forum where someone invented a four rotor helicopter with a HD camera system that uses gyros to keep the video stabilized. I looked like a cross between Microdrones and Draganflyer X6. I was impressed! But I'm sure it's not on the market.
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Post by skyshark on May 16, 2009 10:35:26 GMT -5
For the owners of the X6: Are you generally satisfied with battery performance/flight times of the aircraft? Would you recommend this aircraft for aerial photography of real estate? I guess what I'm asking is: knowing what you know now about it's performance would you purchase this aircraft again?
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rdent
New Member
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Post by rdent on May 17, 2009 0:29:20 GMT -5
Skyshark,
That looks to be a very cool quad....very robust.
Tho of course can't speak for the guts...
I suppose if you had allot of knowledge about the many electronic intricacies that makes these machines work...that looked like a good platform...tho without the GPS hold...it would sure be a handful to photograph from....Flying and shooting.
I know when I am shooting...it is everything to be able to take my concetration off of flying (not actually off of...but more in a frequent monitor) to focus on the photography.
In this R/C aerial photography world, the ability to focus away from the flying and onto to the photography, and back is really what we are paying for. The ability to place a camera anywhere in space (within reason) quickly, alone and effectively.....The technology to give us that ability is what is so costly....but without it ( the technology).....the ability to do AP would be impossible....for me anyway.
As with all photography, lots of conditions must come together for a great picture....subject , lighting, weather, opportuinity...
And now ...you have to fly!!!
The technology had better be bullitproof to expect a single photographer/pilot to complete all of these tasks succefully.
But it has its price.
The X6 is a truelly unique camera platform capable of making
images the world has never seen.
The flight parameters are tight.
Conditions must be optimal to your comfort level.
It is very affected by wind.
Everyone will agree with that.
It is such a light machine. that the smallest of gusts
affect it.
In a properly dialed in GPS, the copter remarkably will hold a good, (hands free to photograph) position even in steady breeze....with the breeze coming from any direction...Amazing!
The pilot must still get the copter up to that position and back.
In a wind, it can be tricky...
On a calm day...It is a joy to fly...right up....click click...right down.
Piece of Cake.
With each flight (105 so far) you learn more about flying the copter and the flight parameters do widen.
I can fly in more wind now than my first 50 flights.
I know better the flight characteristics and performance limitations of the copter....
But flying the X6 does have a prepetual 'pucker factor' that must be accepted. Every flight is a risk.
It is such an expensive machine, that I don't have 'fun' with it.
Not in the sense of my traditional RC flying.
To me, the X6 is a tool.
To put that camera anywhere in space.....
To have fun, I go throw my handlaunch sailplane...
Now THAT's fun....
Just my insight...for what its worth.
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rdent
New Member
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Post by rdent on May 17, 2009 16:51:41 GMT -5
All of that said....
The X6 IS adversely affected by the wind...but I doubt any more than any of the other quad copters available out there.
All of these copters are ultra light.
Their flight characteristics are probably equal with respect to their stability in any wind.
If you want a helicopter that is capable in windy conditions, you must go to a larger, more conventional RC helicopter....
and even they have their limits.
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Post by skyshark on May 17, 2009 20:10:11 GMT -5
rdent, Thanks. I agree that these new aircraft are very light. And I understand that it is to increase flight times. Did you purchase the video camera with your X6? Did you notice a change in flight behavior? Was it more stable in the wind with the extra weight? The quad rotor on aerial perspective's site also uses GPS hold. There was some pretty interesting video shot in NY city with the drone. Check out www.perspectiveaerials.com and click on the "Running Amok" video. I'm still saving for one of these machines. Meanwhile I keep researching which is the best platform for the money spent. Thanks again for providing your experience with your Drone. 105 plus flights is excellent! |
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rdent
New Member
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Post by rdent on May 17, 2009 21:28:15 GMT -5
Skyshark
Might try that link again.
Didn't open for me.
I did buy the vid cam...but haven't used it yet.
I have only shot the still camera.
As the camera adds about a third of the weight....
In wind, I think the copter flys better with the weight.
Again, no noticable flight differences...as I take straight off....go immediatly into a GPS lock and then toggle up to the altitude I am photographing from.
The copter in GPS hold hovers much better than I am able to do in manual configuration...So I generally let it do its thing. Once at the desired altitude,
you can move it around to different positions for other shots.
Then toggle the power down almost to the ground.
I live a mile from the coast in Florida, so the vast majority of my flights have been with some wind and/or very early in the morning before the thermals kick up. Great for lighting....but limits opportunity.
When the wind is calm to none....the X6 is very easy to fly, and land.
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Post by skyshark on May 17, 2009 22:47:44 GMT -5
rdent, Sorry about that. I fixed the link. www.perspectiveaerials.com Reading the discussions on this forum about the wind issues of the X6 would make me think that the extra weight of a camera would add to it's stability in the wind. Although it would also reduce flight times. I really love the look of the X6. The controller is pretty amazing too. |
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