Bushwalk Australia

Pack safe GPS camera Drone for Hikers
...this post is not SPAM or intending to be!

Finally something small, tough and simple that just works! It can't be accidentally crashed and is fully self contained for simple inclusion in any pack size...



While the last video contains a plea for 'crowd funding' it was not my intention to promote this product in any way! But to allow you to see what could be available in the future for hikers in a very simple and rugged platform anyone can use!

If it ever gets into production it would be great have one of these in the GPS, PLB, SPOT and CAM pack pocket.

The ultimate selfie stick!

Nice toy. But I'm struggling to think of a practical use for a bushwalker.

Cool bushwalking home-movies

I used to hang cameras off stunt kites when I was younger for visually stunning aerial views!

In other words I got it right first time: nice toy.
No way would I trust my camera to something like that.

A Lily Camera perhaps?...



Yeah, I get how I could use one...

Been eying off the Lily for some time now. Shame it's not due for release for a while yet though

north-north-west wrote:In other words I got it right first time: nice toy.

I really like the promo video of the Lily! Amazing movie potential there...

WATERPROOF == WOW!

north-north-west wrote:Nice toy. But I'm struggling to think of a practical use for a bushwalker.

Think what Dan could have done with his recent OLT video series! There'll be lovely overhead aerial shots and I can also imagine the many crash-into-a-tree-branch scenes as the drone followed Dan along the track.

GPSGuided wrote:...I can also imagine the many crash-into-a-tree-branch scenes as the drone followed Dan along the track.

Like this?

Zone-5 wrote:
Like this?

That looks "plane" fake to me…

cheers
WildLight

Zone-5 wrote:There'll be lovely overhead aerial shots and I can also imagine the many crash-into-a-tree-branch scenes as the drone followed Dan along the track.

Shots of the drone or Dan crashing into trees?

Back on topic, I recently read about this:

A researcher from MIT’s Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Lab (CSAIL) has developed an obstacle-detection system that allows a drone to autonomously dip, dart and dive through a tree-filled field at upwards of 30 miles per hour.

https://www.csail.mit.edu/drone_flies_t ... _at_30_mph

This is quite neat, as it does not use LIDAR or a Kinect camera that would take up weight and use more battery, but uses a stereo set of camera phone cameras and an algorithm that detects the world a few metres ahead.

The Lily camera is quite cool, and would be perfect for video shots where there are no obstacles, but incorporating this sort of tech into it would be even more awesome as it adds collision avoidance without adding substantial weight.

A Lily would probably have captured some great footage if I had one to use on my recent cycle tour in New Zealand.

Image a landscape like this captured from the air. Doarama - New Zealand: Flock Hill Station to Arthur's Pass

How drone technology moves! DJI Spark (out for 9 mths already) is under 300g and has hand gesture control. Whilst they are easier to fly with better image quality, the restrictions on drones have increased too. Out in the community, it’s becoming a divisive issue with some haters. Oh well.

https://www.dji.com/spark


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GPSGuided wrote:How drone technology moves! DJI Spark (out for 9 mths already) is under 300g and has hand gesture control.

The DJI Spark is redundant since the Mavic Air was released this week.

Well, Mavic Air is heavier and pricier. When pulled apart, the Spark is still small and lighter and does a good enough job. Irrespective, without permission to fly in NPs, these drones have lost some value in our recreation pursuit. Still, the tech advancement is impressive. M Air is around 450g, right?

The main thing for me is that Mavic Air is foldable, making for safer and easier transportation. It also has a longer flight time, although with the weight difference, this could be matched by taking an extra battery for the Spark.

Realistic problem now is where can a drone be used in our pursuit?

If you take the propeller guards off the spark, it actually is v compact - I was fishing in Tassie 2 weeks ago, and just tucked it under my wader shoulder strap. Thinking of attaching some Velcro to it and my shirt so it can just be “stuck on”. Whilst the Spark has shorter flying time, the batteries are lighter @70-80g. I’m taking it to NZ in a few weeks - but drone, 3 batteries, charger, power pack etc all add up in weight!

Agree. With the propellers off (no real need for the guards), the Spark is very tough and easily packed away. Its rigid arms are strong enough to take abuses, probably significantly less so for those with folding arms. The full kit still adds volume and weight that I agree. Despite Mavic Air being out, I think the Spark is still a viable choice for many.

I have a Mavic Pro - it is extremely capable and folds into my small 12ltr daypack with ease.

I'm finding though that most parks prohibit the use of drones in parks or are allowing them on a case-by-case basis such as:

http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/topic ... s-in-parks

I think Tas has a similar policy. So best to check before you head out.

Yes. Regulations are an issue.

Fortunately most of my planned drone flying is for footage of remote stuff, so, even if it is in a NP, there is not going to be anyone around to complain! I think Mt Bogong in winter will be the most difficult one....

A

andrewa wrote:Y I think Mt Bogong in winter will be the most difficult one....

Do drones have the same issues as proper aircraft, ie icing of propeller blades and the like?

It appears they do if they fly into cloud at low temperatures. Question is, should they be flying in clouds?

https://forum.dji.com/thread-75264-1-1.html

tastrax wrote:It appears they do if they fly into cloud at low temperatures. Question is, should they be flying in clouds?

For operators operating under the recreational category, visual line-of-sight is required at all times. So no, in cloud flying where the drone disappears from sight is not permitted, only within visibility limit.

As for icing at altitude, this is not quite the same as aircraft icing relates to their wings (leading edge), thereby reducing wing lift and subsequent loss of control and crash. Drones are more like helicopters, have no wings but just propellers for lift. When things get cold enough, I suspect the drone battery will die out first before any ice may form on their spinning propellers. So not a practical concern.