First, I live to fly another day. YES! I had 2 flying excursions today. Tomorrow, I’ll fly with the outside hull, outside. I’m no pro, but the drone seems responsive and ready for me to go to the next level. The faster I feel comfortable or at least willing to take the risk, the sooner I can capture pictures and video from my “Video Truck.”
My cycling followers know I setup up my cycles to facilitate different riding needs, lite, touring, speed, etc. That being that case, why not do the same with this AR.Drone. Well, As I count them, I now have 6 modes:
1) Indoor Mode; 2) Outdoor Mode; 3) Stilt Mode; 4) Pillar Mode; 5) VT Bottom Mode; & 6) VT Top Mode. If you are into acronyms, that’s 1) IM; 2) OM; 3) SM; 4) PM; 5) VTBM; & 6) VTTM.
I’ll get pictures tomorrow of the OM [no camera on top]. Today, here are pictures of my GoPro Hero mounted on top of my AR.Drone. This was my fallback option. I’ve implemented it because it gives me additional flexibility, although we will see some drone in the frame, there may be times I want that effect. Plus, I think this position will work better for side shots. So, here is the Video Truck, Top Mode [VTTM]: {click on any image to enlarge}
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I inverted the capture–nice GoPro feature and changed the resolution to r2. I’ll experiment with resolution to get the optimum for my camera location. I think I have a good COB. I use he battery to adjust. It is forward about 1.5 inch.
Thanks!
Jim
P.S. Remember, click and image to enlarge.
Jim,
Several questions: are you using the Parrot supplied battery and (2) what fly time are you getting from that battery? Does it fully charge in 1.5 hr?
Thanks, Marsh
Hi Marsh,
I have a single Parrot battery. I will purchase at least 3 of the 1300 mAH batteries from MaxAmps.com and their charger. My budget is constrained at the moment. My charge time is 1.5 hrs _- about 3 minutes. I’ve not time my flying time. My guess ids 10-12 minutes. It is long enough for me to accomplish the task for that flight session. Once I have the other batteries, I plan to keep the parrot battery in rotation.
Jim
Jim,
Question:
Where did you get the camera cradle for the GoPro (shown in the VTTM and VTBM)? Is it a stand GoPro mount of did you fabricate the cradle and retaining strap?
thanks,
Steve
Hi Steve.
My AR.Drone mounting for the GoPro is all fabricated. I used a tripod mount. I did not find a stable flying location that allowed me to record video without the drone in the frame. It is important to me to have vids & pics sans drone.
Need more details, please let me know.
Jim
Hi I dont mean to bring back an old post but im really interested in the details of you DIY mount for the gopro.I see you have used the tripod mount but what else did you do?Can you explain the fabrication
I concluded the AR.Drone is not a platform for the GoPro Hero and abandoned the project. The new GoPro III is lighter and may work for you. I do not plan to try it. The best! –jim
I’m thinking of making a frame mounted camera holder so I can film footage while I’m riding without holding it manually. I’d like your input on camera selection and mounting considerations. I’m aiming for something compact that I can attach to the underside of my front boom when not in use.
I like the GoPro Cameras and its mounting. Even better now, the GPIII and the interface with an IPhone. You can mount the GoPro practically anyplace. Please keep me informed. –jim