rotor drone - summer 2014

6 fl ightjournal.com

CONTENTSROTORDRONE | SUMMER 2014

12 | Drones to the Rescue!Firefighters test new technologyBy Patrick Sherman

18 | Out to SeaA new perspective of the animal worldBy Gerry Yarrish

24 | Into the Wild Remote adventures with a rotordroneBy Debra Cleghorn

32 | Above the LawDraganfl y’s quadcopters assist policeBy Gail Kesslar

36 | 6 Pack We pick a half-dozen perfect personal dronesBy Team RotorDrone

50 | Top Tools & Gear21 must-have multirotor accessoriesBy Team RotorDrone

62 | Fast ForwardAn entrepreneur’s view ofthe future of rotordronesBy Gerry Yarrish

68 | Dirt ‘n’ DronesCapturing action sports with a multirotorBy Debra Cleghorn

76 | Keeping it LegalExpert views on navigating the skies lawfullyBy Team RotorDrone

80 | Flying by DesignFlight experience leads to concepts that workBy John Reid

90 | VolantisLady Gaga’s Flying DressBy Debra Cleghorn

92 | Quad SquadJoin the mini rotordrone revolutionBy Team RotorDrone

FEATURES

AUGUST 2010 7

ON THE COVER: � e Blade 350QX is designed to carry a GoPro sports video camera. It provides an ideal shooting platform for breathtaking pictures and videos. (Photo by Peter Hall/therealpeterhall.com)

THIS PAGE: Multirotor drones are changing the way we view the world and help free us to go exploring with a new point of view. (Photo by Tony Donaldson)

RotorDrone is one of the Radio Control Action Series (ISSN 1054-2256) published by Air Age Media, 88 Danbury Road, Wilton, CT 06897 USA. Copyright 2014; all rights reserved. Canadian Post Publications Mail Agreement No. 40008153. SUBSCRIPTIONS: To subscribe to any Air Age publication, call (800) 877-5169 or go to AirAgeStore.com. Canada and elsewhere call (386) 246-3323. CONTRIBUTIONS: All materials published in RotorDrone become the exclusive property of Air Age Inc., unless prior arrangement is made in writing with the Publisher. Descriptions of products were obtained from manufacturers or their press agencies and do not constitute an endorsement by the Publisher or guarantee their safety. ADVERTISING: Advertising rates are available on request. Please send advertising materials to Advertising Dept., Air Age Inc., 88 Danbury Road, Wilton, CT 06897 USA; (203) 431-9000; fax (203) 592-3010.

EXPERT TECH58 | Flight BasicsFlight modes and intelligent orientation control explainedBy John Reid

72 | 7 Troubleshooting TipsEasy solutions to common problemsBy Gus Calderon

84 | Super Shooter10 tips for great aerial photos & videoBy Gus Calderon

DEPARTMENTS8 | Top View

10 | Online Coordinates

98 | On the Horizon

8 RotorDroneMag.com

a new perspective

top view

Welcome to our first issue of RotorDrone! We here at Air Age Media are very excited about this because the explosive growth of UAVs, quadcopters, drones, or what ever you want to call them, represents a huge new radio control frontier and we’re looking forward to being the first to address it in

a dedicated magazine. Actually, we’re several notches past being just “excited” because, being radio control folks for so many decades, the whole subject of multirotor drones falls right into our backyard. Radio control is what we do and have been doing for years, so producing a magazine on what is the latest entry into that field is only natural.

Of course, the subject of photography runs hand in hand with radio control flight and is nothing new. We’ve seen lots of radio control ships equipped with eyes, but the multirotor birds are ready-made to let us put our cameras anywhere we want to put them, something that hasn’t been lost on the rest of the population. So, we’re not alone in the pursuit of multirotor perfection. What were once considered curiosities with nothing more than toy value have been catapulted into the headlines. There multirotors have been part of everything — from SWAT team takedowns, to shooting network footage at sporting events to Lady Gaga’s famous quadcopter dress. Suddenly, our hobby niche has turned into a booming industry and is everywhere we look. So, we are going to poke into every corner of the rotordrone world and cover them all.

And, speaking of aerial photography: be prepared to be blown away by some of the photos we have in this issue. The quadcopter concept may be relatively new, but photographers around the world have already taken advantage of the unique points of view it gives them. From amazing shots of a whale and her calf to gorgeous views of Patagonia’s back country, small, clean, and quiet, multirotor drones have given photographers unobtrusive access to their subjects.

Some of the best news is that RotorDrone going to make it easy for anyone to get into multirotor flying machines. If you’ve never flown a multirotor drone, check out our Quad Squad guide to micro and mini ready-to-fly machines. Looking for a larger drone? Our 16-page guide highlights our favorites. You’ll also learn about different flight modes and how they help you fly, how to take great video and photos, and even troubleshooting tips for more complex aircraft. Worried about legalities of flying in urban areas? We offer guidance from the experts on how to fly safely and within legal parameters.

This special issue has everything you need to get into one of the fastest growing aspects of remote control aircraft, and we have even more information on multirotors on our

website, RotorDroneMag.com. And be sure to look for our second issue of RotorDrone magazine coming soon to newsstands, hobby shops and AirAgeStore.com!

Louis DeFrancesco Jr. Publisher

RCX.com Magazine Publishers of America

Printed in the USA

how to reach useditorialMail 88 Danbury Road, Wilton, CT 06897 USAphone (203) 431-9000; eMail [email protected]

subscriptionCUSToMeR SeRViCe (800) 827-0323, +(386) 246-3323 (outside the U.S.) or ModelAirplaneNews.com/cs

ask for rotordrone at your local hobby shop!hobby Shop diSTRibUTion by: Kalmbach Publishing Co. (800) 558-1544 ext. 818 naTional and inTeRnaTional diSTRibUTion by: Kable Distribution Services, (212) 705-4600

editorialexecutive editor Debra Cleghorn ›› [email protected] Technical editor Gerry Yarrish ›› [email protected] Coast Senior editor John Reid ›› [email protected] Managing editor Katherine PierpontCopyeditor Suzanne Saunders

contributorsDavid Anderson, Jeffrey Antonelli, Chris Barrett, Mike Barrett,Gus Calderon, Marc D’Antonio, Rich Hanson,Gail Kesslar, Kyle Matthew, Jim Ryan, Brendan Schulman, Patrick Sherman, Michael York

artCreative director Betty K. Neroart director Kevin Monahan

digital mediaWeb producer Holly Hansen

Video/photographyphotographers/Videographers Peter Hall, Adam Lebenstein

adVertisingadvertising director Mitch Brian ›› 203.529.4609 Senior account executive Ben Halladay ›› 203.529.4628Sales assistant Tracey Terenzi ›› 203.529.4637

consumer marketing/productionThe Media Source, a division of Source Interlink Companies, Inc.

marketing & eVentsassociate Creative director Leslie Costaproduction assistant Paul Streetoevent Manager Emil DeFrancesco

publishingGroup publishers Louis V. DeFrancesco Jr., Yvonne M. DeFrancesco

ROTORDRONE

10 RotorDroneMag.com

ONLINE COORDINATESACTION | ADVENTURE | INTEL

ROTORDRONEMAG.COM

Go to RotorDroneMag.com and take our survey for a chance to win a Heli-Max 1Si ready-to-fl y quadcopter. It comes complete with its own radio, battery pack and charger, and instructions. What are you waiting for?

Up-close ReviewsGet detailed and up-close reports on featured products and gears. Each of our quad and multirotor reviews are complete with pilot evaluations on how each product performs. You’ll enjoy our in-the-offi ce review of the Blade 180QX, a ready-to-fl y quadcopter with built-in video capability.Get the Shot

When it comes to fl ying camera-equipped drones, getting the perfect shot takes a little more than just luck. Video cameras need to be set up correctly, and they require secure attachment to mounting brackets on our multirotor drones. Whether you’re shooting high-def digital photos or live-action video footage, our online article “Your Guide to Aerial Photography and Video,” gives you the tips and techniques to be successful.

VideosLooking for cool bird’s-eye views? Don’t miss all our in-fl ight videos highlighting the aerial adventures that multirotor drones have to off er.

YOU COULD WIN!


RESCUE!

Multirotor drones and first-person view (FPV) technology are re-shaping the world by allowing hobbyists to make direct, real-world contributions to the safety and well-being of their communities. One of our top priorities as the Roswell Flight Test Crew is

demonstrating the capabilities of this new technology to firefighters and other first responders. These brave men and women put their lives at risk to protect the

rest of us from all sorts of deadly threats — and we believe that these multirotor systems can help keep them safe and even allow them to do their jobs more efficiently.

During one recent exercise, we confronted a frightening scenario: a terrorist intent to launch a mass casualty attack in an attempt to steal a large cylinder of chlorine gas from a remote water treatment facility. Their plans go awry, and they

DR NESDR NESDR NESDR NES

FIREFIGHTERS TEST NEW TECHNOLOGYTEXT AND PHOTOS BY PATRICK SHERMAN

TO THE

13

inadvertently cause a chlorine leak at the facility itself, requiring a combined response by firefighters and a law enforcement SWAT team. The site of this training was actually on an a real, working water treatment plant, and the scenario represents such a serious real-life threat that we were sworn to secrecy as to its location. All I can tell you is that there were trees — lots of trees.

� e Roswell Flight Test Crew’s fl agship hexacopter, RQCX-3

Raven, hovers over a fi re engine during a training exercise for recruit

fi refi ghters in Clackamas, OR.


� e MissionIn this instance, our mission was to determine whether or not a multirotor drone aircraft — a role ably performed by our own RQCX-3 “Raven” hexacopter — could locate the source of the leak, as well as keep an eye out for any armed terrorists believed to be hiding in the vicinity.

Fortunately, we had our own secret weapon: a military-grade thermal imaging camera provided by FLIR (forward looking infrared). It sees radiated heat, instead of refl ected light. It works equally well during the day and night, and is especially useful for identifying objects in the environment that are cooler, or warmer, than their surroundings — like chlorine gas escaping from a pressure vessel, or the body heat of an otherwise camoufl aged terrorist.

Obviously, the scenario planners weren’t going to knock a hole in an actual chlorine cylinder for the sake of this training exercise, so to simulate a leak, they used an oil pan with a couple of inches of water and a

block of dry ice.At base camp, the fi refi ghters and police offi cers

who would be responding to the scene dressed in full hazardous material exposure suits, complete with a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). As they rolled out to deal with the threat, Raven leaped into the air and scouted ahead. Wearing video goggles, we could take in the scene from the drone’s vantage point, high overhead.

� e chlorine cylinder — about the size of a domestic water heater — was plain to see through the visible light camera, resting on its side where it toppled over while the terrorists were attempting to steal it. However, determining whether or not it was leaking would be the ultimate proof of the drone’s capability.

We switched over from the visible light camera to the thermal camera and could see a dark smudge at one end of the cylinder. � e FLIR generates a black-and-white

RQCX-3 RAVENThe RQCX-3 Raven, the flagship of the Roswell Flight Test Crew’s aerial fleet, is a custom-built hexacopter capable of all-weather flying. She has operated in 35 to 40mph winds while inspecting a wind turbine, flown in snow and heavy rain, flown over a flooded river during a search and rescue mission, and captured aerial video in immediate proximity of a manned aircraft. For more info go to, roswellflighttestcrew.typepad.com/

SPECIFICATIONSFlight control system: DJI NazaElectric motors: 6x Cobra 2217/16 1180KVElectronic speed controls: 6x Hobbywing Platinum 40A ProAirframe: Custom 550mm HoverThings hexacopterUndercarriage: “Floating” XProHeli camera mountWeatherproof housing: Rubbermaid 13-cup TakeAlong bowlPrimary camera: Enclosed GoPro Hero2Backup camera: HRC-20EX low-light cameraThermal camera: FLIR Tau 2 640Avionics: Eagle Tree eLogger V4, OSD Pro, 10Hz GPS antennaVideo transmitter: 500mW 5.8GHz w/ circular polarized antennaFlight battery: Turnigy Nano 8400mAh LiPo

Clackamas Fire District #1 Firefi ghter Mark Kester holds RQCX-3 “Raven.” � e home-built drone weighs about six

pounds at takeoff , including an 8,400mAh LiPo battery.

A pair of crouching recruit fi refi ghters practice using a 1 3/4-inch fi re hose while RQCX-3 Raven keeps watch from behind them.

a manned aircraft. For more info go to, roswellflighttestcrew.typepad.com/

15

THE CHLORINE CYLINDER — ABOUT THE SIZE OF A DOMESTIC WATER HEATER — WAS PLAIN TO SEE THROUGH THE VISIBLE LIGHT CAMERA, RESTING ON ITS SIDE WHERE IT TOPPLED OVER WHILE THE TERRORISTS WERE ATTEMPTING TO STEAL IT.

Above: Firefi ghter Brandon Paxton enjoys his fi rst FPV fl ying experience, viewing the live video feed transmitted by RQCX-3 Raven while she soars above the Clackamas Fire District #1 Training Center through a pair of Fat Shark Dominator video goggles. Below: Using a FLIR Tau 2 640 thermal imaging camera, RQCX-3 Raven monitors a structure fi re during a training exercise conducted by the Eugene Fire Department in Eugene, OR. � e black-and-white image generated by the FLIR refl ects diff erent temperatures within the camera’s fi eld of view. � e hottest areas within the frame are white, while the coldest are black — with diff erent shades of gray represent temperatures between those two extremes.

Seen here alongside Clackamas Fire District #1 Engine 13, RQCX-3 Raven is a custom-built FPV hexacopter capable of all-weather operations, thanks to the Rubbermaid bowl that serves as an enclosure for her sensitive electronic components.

image, where black and darker shades of gray represent a cold object and white and lighter shades of gray represent a warm object — so that amorphous dark blur was, in fact, the dry ice that had been laid out to simulate the leak.

Of course, there weren’t really any terrorists lurking in the bushes, but there were observers gathered around to observe and assess the response team’s eff ectiveness, and their bodies, radiating 98.6 degrees of heat out into the cool morning air, were clearly visible through the FLIR.

Raven triumphantly returned to us after demonstrating how a drone can gather crucial information in an emergency faster than conventional means, and without putting lives at risk.

We’ve had the opportunity to demonstrate other potential public safety applications, such as searching for a lost swimmer in a river, monitoring the roof of a burning building, and looking for hot-spots during a wild land fi refi ghting exercise. Based on these experiences, and the positive reactions from the fi refi ghters who have seen this technology in action, we have no doubt that these systems will one day be as much a part of fi refi ghting as water hoses, ladders, and SCBA are today.

We also believe that hobbyists have a crucial role to play in showing the real potential of these systems. � is is the start of a Golden Age for model aviation, where amateur ground-based pilots — like you — will help shape the future of this new technology and help transform the world in ways that we can’t even begin to imagine. K

image, where black and darker shades of gray represent a

OUTSEA

to

19

by gerry yarrish photos courtesy of captain dave anderson

A new perspective of the animal world

When Captain Dave

Anderson of Capt.

Dave’s Dolphin &

Whale Watching

Safari in Dana

Point, CA, took notice of new

quadcopter technology being

used on TV, he went all in! He

used a quadcopter to capture

some absolutely amazing video

footage that literally transforms

the way we’re able to see the

natural world. His newest aerial

video includes a huge mega-

pod formed by thousands of

common dolphins “stampeding”

off the coast of Dana Point,

three gray whales migrating

down the coast off San

Clemente, CA, and even close-

ups of a newborn humpback

whale calf playing and snuggling

with its mom, which he recently

filmed in Maui, HI.

Taken from the actual video footage Captain Dave shot with his quadcopter off the coast of Maui, HI, this image of a mother humpback whale and her calf is simply breathtaking.

20 RotorDroneMag.com 20 RotorDroneMag.com

Launched from the whale watch boat the Manute’a, Capt. Dave uses an infl atable two-man Zodiac to launch his DJI Phantom 2, which is equipped with a GoPro Black sports camera to capture his magical bird’s-eye view images. Capt. Dave explains, “� is is the most beautiful and compelling fi ve-minute video I have ever put together. I learned so much about these whales and dolphins from the drone footage that it feels like I have entered a new dimension! I have not been this excited about a new technology since we fi rst built our underwater viewing pods on our whale-watching boat. Drones are going to change how we view the animal world. Wow!”

Risk and RewardCapt. Dave fi lms while on board a small infl atable boat, launching and recovering his quadcopter drone by hand. � is is a diffi cult task and he actually lost a quadcopter during a takeoff when it nicked a small VHF radio antenna on the 14-foot rigid infl atable he was fi lming from. While he was alone, his quadcopter went into the water six miles off shore. Without thinking, he dove into the cold,

Rarely ever seen from above, this beautiful image of a dolphin stampede containing thousands of dolphins was photographed off Dana Point, CA.

Capt. Dave returns to the whale watch boat with his hardworking drone in hand.

THIS NEW TECHNOLOGY OFFERS SUCH STEADY AERIAL FOOTAGE FOR SUCH A LOW PRICE, AND IT IS SO EASY TO FLY. I CAN’T WAIT TO SEE WHAT NEW FOOTAGE THIS YEAR WILL BRING.

Beneath the SurfaceAccording to estimates, thousands of dolphins and whales die every day after getting tangled in fi shing gear — nearly 308,000 a year worldwide. Capt. Dave formed the fi rst whale rescue group to help these animals off the coast of Orange County, CA. � e group has been involved in several disentanglements and Capt. Dave has appeared on � e Ellen Show and CBS � is Morning discussing this important issue. Capt Dave also wrote an award-winning book to raise awareness of the problem titled Lily, a Gray Whale’s Odyssey. More recently, Capt. Dave has been planning to use a waterproof drone called “the Mariner quadcopter” from FPVfactory (fpvfactory.com) to fl y over entangled whales and help evaluate their condition. Capt. Dave says, “We’ll even be able to lower the drone into the water and fi lm beneath the surface to see the extent of the entanglement, and how best to remove it.” All of this will be possible without needing to get too close to the whale. � is will avoid the possibility of frightening the whale or getting the boat tangled up in the net.

22 RotorDroneMag.com 22 RotorDroneMag.com

$1,700 rig, but it’s not waterproof. e fl oats don’t keep the rig upright on the water. “I get so nervous every fl ight over the water now. After the mishap, my hands start shaking,” he said. “My wife says no more drones if I lose this one, but she said that before I lost the fi rst one. Now that she’s seen what it can do, I think she’s just as hooked as I am.” “ is new technology off ers such steady aerial footage for such a low price, and it is so easy to fl y. I can’t wait to see what new footage this year will bring. Our drone keeps getting diff erent perspectives from the amazing sightings we already have off Dana Point. ere is debate in several states right now about making use of these drones illegal. People are justifi ably concerned about invasion of privacy. But it would be a shame to have this new window into a whale’s world taken away,” said Capt. Dave. To any would-be whale videographers, Capt. Dave cautions, “ Please only attempt this if you are extremely familiar with whale behavior as it is illegal to do anything that causes whales to change their normal behavior. ere are big fi nes, and the authorities do watch YouTube. I am a whale-watch captain with nearly 20 years of experience, and all laws were obeyed during my fi lming. In Maui, we sat watching whales from a distance for hours before they moved closer to us. You can never approach them closer than 100 yards. e mom and calf as you can see in the fi lm were completely undisturbed by the small drone. NOAA is currently reviewing drone use and may create laws or guidelines for using them around whales.” For more information on Capt. Dave and his amazing quadcopter shot videos, go to dolphinsafari.com. K

Several gray whales were also fi lmed with the quadcopter as the pod made its annual migra-tion to Baja, CA.

Before fl ying drones, Capt. Dave also produced an award-winning fi lm, Wild Dolphins and Whales of Southern California.

WE SAT WATCHING WHALES FROM A DISTANCE FOR HOURS BEFORE THEY MOVED CLOSER TO US. YOU CAN NEVER APPROACH THEM CLOSER THAN 100 YARDS. THE MOM AND CALF AS YOU CAN SEE IN THE FILM WERE COMPLETELY UNDISTURBED BY THE SMALL DRONE

late-January waters off Dana Point to retrieve the valuable footage taken during the previous fl ight. “I had my hat and glasses on, I was fully clothed with long johns on to keep warm and my cell phone and wallet were in my pockets,” Capt. Dave explained. “It was a stupid move, but the drone started sinking so fast it was my only hope to get the amazing footage I had just shot.” Since then, he has attached fl otation to the skids of his quadcopter, but every fl ight over the water is still risky. e DJI Phantom 2 quadcopter and GoPro camera together is a

But it would be a shame to have this new window into a whale’s world taken away,” said Capt. Dave. To any would-be whale videographers, Capt. Dave cautions, “ Please only attempt this if you are extremely familiar with whale behavior as it is illegal to do anything that causes whales to change their normal behavior. ere are big fi nes, and the authorities do watch YouTube. I am a whale-watch captain with nearly 20 years of experience, and all laws were obeyed during my fi lming. In Maui, we sat watching whales from a distance for hours before they moved closer to us. You can never approach them closer than 100 yards. e mom and calf as you can see in the fi lm were completely undisturbed by the small drone. NOAA is currently reviewing drone use and may create laws or guidelines for using them around whales.” For more information on Capt. Dave and his amazing quadcopter shot videos, go to dolphinsafari.com. Kquadcopter shot videos, go to dolphinsafari.com. Kquadcopter shot videos, go to dolphinsafari.com.

On a sunny afternoon, Capt. Dave hovers his drone in front of his Dolphin & Whale Safari shop in Dana Point, Orange County, CA.

WHETHER TODD MOEN IS IN THE BACKCOUNTRY of his native Oregon or in the wilds of Argentina, capturing the thrills and spills of fly-fishermen and their catch, he relies on a rotordrone equipped with a video camera to get up close to the action. Todd’s online publication, Catch Magazine, showcases the art and entertainment of the fishing industry. He notes, “I’ve heard a lot of folks call the magazine their virtual vacation!” Todd’s main sponsor, the outdoor clothing brand Patagonia, enables him to travel to exotic wilderness spots across the globe, and he says that the multirotor takes his camera work to the next level. We caught up with Todd to find out what’s involved with traveling around the world with a rotordrone.

Remote adventures with a rotordroneRemote adventures with a rotordroneRemote adventures with a rotordrone

WildWildWildinto TheBY DEBRA CLEGHORN

PHOTOS COURTESY OF TODD MOEN

27

How did you get involved with multirotors?My work as a fl y-fi shing videographer takes me to rivers and wide-open spaces all around the world. To capture a bird’s-eye-view of the rivers and the anglers I fi lm, I was always trying to fi nd the highest landmark from which to shoot. With loads of gear, a tripod and my video camera, that wasn’t easy. � en about three years ago, my friend Jim James from Averticalview in Redmond, OR, introduced me to custom carbon-fi ber multirotor frames he cut from scratch with his company’s CNC machine. I was hooked, and a few years later I designed my own frame for him to cut. I found a few other frames I could use abroad, and the rest is history!

Where have you traveled with them?I’ve fi lmed all over the U.S. with my custom machine. Now I have a reliable waterproof frame that allows me to travel all over the world. I use a custom Pelican case that fi ts my gear perfectly. Last summer, I had a very successful trip to the far north of British Columbia, where I captured video I have never seen on fi lm or experienced before: Anglers were hooking huge trout on the fl y while I fi lmed the fi sh from an aerial perspective as they rose to the surface water to eat dry fl ies. My most impressive trip with a multirotor was to Argentina’s Patagonia region. I knew I was taking a big gamble with my gear: this is one of the windiest places on earth! I kept the Pelican case at my side while traveling on a 4-wheeler for days, getting bumped around looking for remote rivers and streams. When the wind died down, I was able to capture bird’s-eye aerials of a remote and wind-stricken place that has probably never been seen by anything but real birds. It was very nerve-racking, but it all turned out.

What are your favorite aircraft and camera setups?I have two favorites for a few diff erent reasons. First, I designed a frame myself a few years ago and still use it for heavier lifting. It’s a quad frame that carries a two-axis brushless gimbal and a fully loaded FPV setup. It’s powered by two side-by-side Venom 6S 5000mAh 25C LiPo packs, which give me over 20 minutes of runtime. � e gimbal carries a Sony RX100, which does a fantastic job for its size and weight. � is is probably as big as I’ll go. � is setup is what I’m most proud of since I designed it, built it from scratch and know it from inside out. I work around water 90% of the time and I always wished I could land in the water if things went haywire. � en I found the QuadH2o fi berglass quadcopter frames that were just the ticket. Today, this is my go-to machine for traveling around the globe. It’s just the right size for the no. 1600 Pelican case, which can also carry my Spektrum DX8 and Venom Pro 2 LiPo charger safe and sound. With this machine, I have a few diff erent options as it’s only capable of fl ying with a GoPro-size camera. For bad weather conditions and if I do want to land in the water, I can attach the GoPro in its waterproof housing. For most of my work I use a small two-axis gimbal under the frame with special GoPro fi lter attachments that reduce glare and slow down the shutter speed to reduce image vibration. Since this is my go-to ship, I carry three Venom 4S 5000mAh fl ight packs that fi t inside the frame. � ey are always charged and ready.

Any tips for traveling abroad with a multirotor? Traveling with these machines is more of a mind game than anything. You just have to make sure you’re ready at any moment for security to start asking questions about Lithium Polymer [LiPo] batteries. For example, in Canada I was asked how many watt-hours each LiPo pack had. Lucky this was my fi rst trip through customs, and I had the paperwork printed out from the airline’s website stating its battery rules. Each single battery has to be below 100 watt-hours to be allowed on airlines. All of the LiPo packs I use for my travel setup are below this, but the security people don’t know this. A major key to making a trip a much better experience is to bring batteries that display all of their information on the label. K

Todd’s Top Travel Tips Never check your LiPo batteries. � ey always have to be carried in your personal carry-on.

Make sure your batteries are individually stored in clear plastic zip-top bags with the plugs covered in electrical tape to ensure they don’t short out.

Never take a fully charged pack on board. Keep your battery at a safer level of 3.7 volts per cell just in case it has a problem and shorts or puff s.

Keep batteries easily accessible and always pull them out to show the screening workers.

Check the airlines every time you travel, as the rules are constantly changing and your batteries can easily be taken away in seconds if you haven’t done your homework.

Always have some sort of lightweight landing pad handy. I use a photo disc or refl ector for landing and taking off , as many times I’m in sand or surrounded my small pebbles of gravel that can be thrown up in the propwash and nick a blade.

Make sure your travel case can take serious abuse! Be sure the aircraft is completely surrounded by foam because the baggage handlers can be rough on your gear.

Todd Moen travels with his QuadH2o rotodrone to remote rivers, lakes and waters all over the world, so a complete waterproof setup is essential. To see his videos, go to catchmagazine.net and toddmoencreative.com

ISTO

CK B

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IMAG

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The Mesa County SWAT team has used a Draganflyer X6 in response to immediate felonies. In one instance, after two subjects got into a car chase and collided, one subject assaulted the other with a knife and ran into the bushes. The SWAT team flew the X6 with infrared equip-ment to provide an overview of the area as team members searched it.

by gail kesslar photos by skyreel aerial

imaging

Draganfly’s quadcopters assist police

Zenon Dragan has always liked to do

things that have never been done

before, and back in 1998, he did just

that. Back then, those interested

in remote-controlled aircraft were

limited to flying fixed-wing airplanes

or single-rotor helicopters, which

were used more for enjoyment than for any real

practical purpose. That’s when Dragan, an avid

hobbyist himself, decided to switch things up

by designing a four-rotor helicopter known as a

quadcopter — one of the first of its kind.

the

lawAbove

Draganfly’s quadcopters assist police


With only the Japanese company Keyese, who had manufactured a toy version of the quadcopter, as competition in this emerging fi eld, Dragan says he instinctively knew they were on to something with huge potential and set to work on developing a quadcopter that would be able to do far more than be just a mere toy. “We started to manufacture them in 1999,” says Dragan. “We built our own carbon-fi ber frames and had another company provide the circuit board for them.” But it wasn’t until they installed a wireless video camera on the unit in 2001 that the real possibilities of what a quadcopter could off er began to unfold. “People were making rock videos with it; it was on Ripley’s Believe It or Not; there was a New York Times article written in 2002; and we even fl ew one live on CNN,” says Dragan. “Back then, when you were fl ying one of these things, people would crowd around you because they’d never seen anything like it.” In 2004, when the company introduced lithium batteries to their design, the fl ight time went from fi ve minutes to 15

minutes virtually overnight. Now the quadcopter was no longer just a fun toy. Instead, it was a practical piece of equipment, ready to be put to work, with endless possibilities.

Joining the ForceCranking out a new version each year, the company sold over 8,000 quadcopters between 1999 and 2006, when they received a request to build a quadcopter with a stabilized aerial video system for a very specifi c use: police work. � en it became serious business indeed.

To ready their newest unit for such a monumental task, the team at Draganfl y Innovations added a host of new features, including accelerometers, gyros, magnetometers, and GPS to create the Draganfl yer X6, a functional tool that has now been used by police departments across North America. Using the aircraft, departments have saved money, solved crimes, investigated accidents, and most recently, saved a civilian life — a fi rst in the short history of rotor drones. In May 2013, Corporal Doug Green of the Saskatoon Royal Canadian Mounted Police used a Draganfl yer X6 to locate a disoriented and hypothermic man who had wandered away from a highway crash in winter. “� at was big news and the fi rst time a quadcopter had ever been used to do something like that,” says Dragan. “Corporal Green even made an appearance on the Katie Couric Show to talk about it. It sparked a lot of interest and thought into how else these quadcopters can be used.”Today, Draganfl yer’s quadcopters are being used for safety inspections in a variety of industry applications for jobs that are typically dirty, dangerous, and diffi cult to reach (pipeline inspections, fl are stack inspections, open-pit mining, geo-surveys, and power line and building inspections), and for various search and rescue needs in police work. � is is especially true in Saskatchewan, Canada, where there are more multirotors in use by law enforcement agencies than in any other place in the world. Even the agricultural industry is starting to see the value in quadcopters in what is considered the next new breakout fi eld, where data and changes in soil and crop health can now be monitored from the air with specialized camera and surveying systems. � is helps save time and money, while also removing human operators from dangerous situations. As for the future of quadcopters, Dragan says, true to their name, his company is always looking for the next innovation. In addition to readying a new line of agriculture-related products, they’re also looking to multirotor systems to further increase stability and function. Times are changing and Dragan says that innovation is key. Having already seen a quadcopter save one life, who knows how many more can be saved or how many deaths can be prevented with this incredible little machine, once thought to be no more than a toy. K

In Colorado, the Mesa County Sheriff ’s Offi ce was one of the fi rst law enforcement agencies to attain fl ight authoriza-tion from the FAA. � ey have trained their deputies to fl y a Draganfl yer X6 and keep one in the back of their patrol cars for on-the-go use.

USING THE AIRCRAFT, DEPARTMENTS HAVE SAVED MONEY, SOLVED CRIMES, INVESTIGATED ACCIDENTS, AND MOST RECENTLY, SAVED A CIVILIAN LIFE.

by team rotordrone photos by tony donaldson

Quadcopters and multirotors continue to be extremely popular,

and new ones are hitting store shelves regularly. Whether you’re

looking for a personal rotordrone for everyday flying fun to

challenge your piloting skills, or you want to carry an airborne

camera to capture bird’s-eye views of the places around you,

there are many products from which to choose.

Not all rotordrones are created equal, however. Some come

ready to fly out of the box with nothing else to purchase, while others require some

assembly and will take a little effort to put together. In this guide, we highlight

some of the more popular drones flying and hovering around, and offer some basic

information to help you decide which one is right for you.

6packQ

We pick a half-dozen perfect personal drones


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Available in both ready-to-fly (RTF) and bind-and-fly (BNF) versions, the Blade 350 QX comes equipped with four substantial brushless motors and is powered by a LiPo flight battery that provides it with more than enough power to carry any GoPro camera aloft. Also included is an anti-vibration camera mount to minimize camera shake, which is compatible with most GoPro video cameras. The BNF 350 QX comes with a battery charger and four spare rotor blades but does require a compatible radio system. The RTF version comes with its own transmitter. Featuring SAFE (Sensor Assisted Flight Envelope) technology, the 350 QX has extremely smooth flight characteristics that easily stabilize it — even in windy conditions. There are three flight modes that adjust response and performance to best suit the pilot’s experience level. Even if you’ve never flown a quadcopter before, you can easily fly this drone in SMART mode.

Flight report: The 350 QX is really a lot of fun to fly. You do have to get used to the various radio switches to select one of the flight modes but the instructions are very clear on how to assign the various functions for easy flip of the switch activation. The return-to-home function is especially useful for less experienced pilots, and should you get into trouble or lose orientation with the drone far away, you can flip the switch and it will come back to its original starting point and make an auto landing without any input from the pilot.

Blade 350 QXDistributor: Horizon Hobby (horizonhobby.com)

Type: Quadcopter

Main rotor span: 580mm (22.8 in.) (motor centerline distance)

Diagonal distance: 365mm (14.18 in.)

Weight: 24 oz.

Price: $419.99 (BNF); $469.99 (RTF)

The reTurn-To-home funcTion is especially useful for less experienced piloTs.

41

This is an excellent hexacopter requiring a 6-channel radio system, but there is some assembly required. Start by soldering the speed-control power wires to the control board. It’s clearly marked on the board, so it’s easy to solder all six speed controls to their proper location. The battery plug and controller module are soldered next and then you’re done soldering. Next, attach the prop shafts to the top of the motors and then attach the six motors to the arms. After you decide which way is the front of the Flame Wheel, attach the two red arms facing forward. Then bolt all six arms into place and run the speed-control wires through the arms. Next, download the Assistant Software from dji-innovations.com. This allows you to plug in the main controller to your computer and download the programing features for the NAZA controller. Next, you increase the motor mixing for hexarotor with the motors in a V setup. Once all of these parameters are entered and uploaded to the NAZA main controller, you can start up the motors (without props on them) to make sure they all rotate in the correct direction. Attach the props, and the Flame Wheel is ready for takeoff!

Flight report: The DJI Flame Wheel 550 Pro has outstanding stability while hovering, and it can track solidly during forward flight. This hexacopter is one sweet-flying multirotor aircraft that is even easy for a beginner RC pilot to fly. It can lift a relatively large video camera with solid stability, and the SR Pro Micro XL Camera Gimbal System keeps it level, regardless of what the aircraft is doing. If you are looking for a solid video platform, this is it.

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DJI Flame Wheel 550 ProManufacturer: DJI Innovations

(dji-innovations.com)

Distributor: Atlanta Hobby (atlantahobby.com)

Type: Hexacopter

Rotor span: 280mm (20 in.)

Diagonal rotor span: 550mm (21.6 in.) (motor centerline to centerline)

Weight: 57 oz. (with camera gimbal system)

Price: $799 ($700 SR Pro Micro XL Gimbal)

It can lIft a relatIvely large

vIdeo camera wIth solId

stabIlIty.


This advanced drone comes out of the box completely ready to fly. It is so easy to operate that even if you’ve never had your hands on the sticks of a transmitter before, you won’t have any problem flying it. The aircraft’s main body, including the motors, speed controls, and flight boards, is completely assembled. Just the props and landing gear need to be set up. The Phantom also comes with its own transmitter and only requires you to add four AA batteries for power. LED lights under each outrigger arm help maintain the pilot’s orientation during flight. All of the hardware comes installed, and the flight control software has already been tuned and adjusted at the factory, so the Phantom is truly ready for flight after you charge the battery pack.

Flight report: Equipped with a NAZA flight control system, the Phantom has solid stability. During forward flight, it was easy to keep the Phantom tracking across the sky in repeatable patterns. For the less experienced drone pilot, it is recommended to fly in GPS mode. Should you get in any type of trouble, all you need to do is let go of the sticks and the Phantom will right itself and hover in place until you can sort things out.

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Distributor: DJI

Type: Quadcopter

Rotor span: 250mm (11.25 in.) (motor centerline distance)

Diagonal distance: 350mm (14 in.)

Weight: 35.26 oz.

Price: $680

Should you get in any type of trouble, all you need to do iS let go of the StickS and the phantom will right itSelf and hover in place.

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� e Turnigy SK450 comes with everything you need, including a transmitter and receiver. No assembly is required, and the quadcopter comes out of the box needing only the supplied propellers to be installed. Starting with the popular and durable SK450 frame set with added detail changes and Multistar green front arms, and a crash dome to protect the KK2.0 fl ight control board, Turnigy produced this attractive ready-to-fl y quad. For the power system, the SK450 uses the proven Multistar 2213 motors and 20-amp speed controllers. All the programming for the control board is already done for you, but it does require some adjustment to the basic fl ight parameters. � e only thing you need to supply is the fl ight battery pack. Made from molded plastic, the SK450 is very rugged and will hold up nicely to all the knocks and dings of normal use.

FLIGHT REPORT: You don’t have to spend hours trying to work out the best components to use or how best to adjust this Quadcopter. Turnigy has done all the hard work for you. When it comes time to have fun, you can be successful as soon as you get out there and start fl ying. � e low rate setting produces response that is nice and smooth with solid tracking during forward fl ight. But adjusting high rates, the SK450 becomes very agile and the response with satisfy the the more advanced pilot.

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Turnigy SK450Distributor: HobbyKing (hobbyking.com)

Type: Quadcopter

Main rotor span: 310mm (12.20 in.) (motor centerline distances)


Weight: 1 lb. 10 oz.

Price: $190

ALL THE PROGRAMMING FOR THE CONTROL BOARD IS ALREADY DONE FOR YOU ... THE ONLY THING YOU NEED TO SUPPLY IS THE FLIGHT BATTERY PACK.


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The Apollo A1 is a ready-to-fly quadrotor design for drone enthusiasts and amateur photography/video hobbyists. With an integrated flight-control system including GPS, the Apollo A1 has precise Position-Hold, Fail-Safe, Semi-Autopilot, and Return-to-Home functions. Equipped with high-performance brushless motors, speed control, and carbon-fiber propellers, the Apollo A1 is a top-line, full-feature, advanced quadcopter that anyone can fly. The Apollo A1 comes with its own transmitter, battery pack and charger, and foam landing gear extensions. It also includes a 2-axis, auto-stabilization camera mount that’s ready for any GoPro or similar-size sport action video camera (not included). While flying in Auto-Hover mode, you’ll not only have stabilization of the camera, but also full camera tilt control directly from the transmitter. Optional gear includes titanium landing gear, protection ring, and extra battery packs — all available separately.

Flight report: The Apollo A1 is extremely stable while in a hover and during forward flight. With various flight modes available, it is very easy to fly and keep on straight tracking and heading. It is durable and easy to set up. This is a great choice for a second quadcopter after you’ve learned to fly with a smaller more basic quad. The Apollo A1 is also a great platform for shooting exciting and dynamic aerial videos.

Hobby People Idea Fly Apollo A1

Distributor: Hobby People (hobbypeople.net)

Type: Quadcopter

Main rotor span: 250mm (9.83 in.) (motor centerline distance)


Weight: 2.6 lb.

Price: $499.99

With various flight modes available, it is very easy

to fly and keep on straight tracking and heading.

49

The perfect platform to shoot great aerial photos and videos, this quadcopter is extremely easy to fly. The combo kit is designed for pilots that simply want to sport fly their quadrotor craft and possibly hang an optional GoPro camera or a lightweight FPV system on it. The kit comes with all of the parts needed to assemble the 650mm quadrotor frame, except for the battery pack, transmitter and receiver, and flight controller board. (Various boards are available separately.) Easy to assemble, all of the parts come in their own bags and are labeled to match the instructions. Made with rugged aluminum arms and tough, black fiberglass reinforced G-10 material, this unit can stand up to daily use and the occasional bad landing.

Flight report: The Next Level 650 can take off from just about any type of surface as long as it is level for the gyros to set up properly. With the NAZA flight control system, the unit has excellent flight stability and will stay put. Overall, it is a solid flying platform that you can set up to suit your own particular needs. K

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Next Level 650Distributor: Innov8tive Designs (innov8tivedesigns.com)

Type: Quadcopter

Rotor span: 460mm (18.25 in.) (motor centerline distance)

Motor spacing, diagonal: 650mm (25.6 in.)

Weight: 3 lb. 6oz.

Price: $423.86 (standard combo kit); $854 (as tested)

Made with rugged aluMinuM arMs ... this unit can stand up to daily use

and the occasional bad landing.

check out the behind-the-scenes video of our rotor

drone desert shoot at RotoRDRoneMag.coM

BY TEAM ROTORDRONE

It’s said that the right tool makes the

job easy, and that’s especially true with

multirotors. Protect your investments with

these products, which have all been tested

by our editors and have the RotorDrone

stamp of approval. Check ‘em out!

MUST-HAVE MULTIROTOR ACCESSORIES

TIME TO RECHARGEWhen you’re on location, you need an easy-to-carry charger that can get you airborne again fast. � e 55-watt Hitec X1 Touch uses an 11 to 18V DC power source or an internal AC power supply and has a high-resolution touchscreen with internal cell balancer and multiple safety functions. $99.99 hitecrcd.com

EYE IN THE SKY� is kit makes it easy to attach your GoPro Hero and GoPro 2 to your drone, and includes everything you’ll need. � e faceplate is laser-cut to keep the LED indicator and screen clear, and when installed with two bolts, the aluminum servo mount clears the side of the camera and avoids any chance of vibration. Weight is minimal at just a half ounce, and the mount can easily control a camera that’s hanging, upright, or sideways. $9.99 servocity.com

TOP TOOLS & GEAR21

51

SAFETY FIRSTIt may not look like it could save your house, but this Hobby People Battery Safety Bag is a worthwhile investment. It’s a rare event, but lithium-polymer batteries have been known to catch on fi re while they’re being charged, and by putting them in this bag, you avoid the chance of anything nearby going up in fl ames. (And even with the bag, never leave charging batteries alone!) $16.99 hobbypeople.net MONITOR THIS

Any good fi rst-person-view ground station needs to have a way of displaying high-quality video that’s streaming from your onboard camera. You don’t want your monitor to switch to a blue or black screen if the video signal starts to degrade, and you do want a screen that’s bright enough to see on sunny days. Ready Made RC’s LCD screens have all of these attributes and are available in sizes starting at fi ve inches. Starting at $82.99 readymaderc.com

MORE AIR TIMEWe think having extra charged LiPo packs is the key ingredient to a great day of fl ying and fi lming. You can get a variety of packs to suit your multirotor from MaxAmps, and they can also custom-make packs to your exact specifi cations. Whether you fl y a mini quad or a maxi octorotor, extra batteries will keep you airborne. Prices vary. maxamps.com

high-quality video that’s streaming from your onboard camera. You don’t want your monitor to switch to a blue or black screen if the video signal starts to degrade, and you do want a screen that’s bright enough to see on sunny days. Ready Made RC’s LCD screens have all of these attributes and are available in sizes starting at fi ve LCD screens have all of these attributes and are available in sizes starting at fi ve inches. Starting at

MORE AIR TIME

TOP TOOLS & GEARCONTROL FREAKSpeed controls are the brain of your multirotor power system, so you want them to be reliable and easy to program. Castle Creations has you covered with their Quad Packs and Expansion Packs. Available in 25- and 35-amp versions, they come with and without BECs so you can customize your setup. Prices vary. castlecreations.com

BAD VIBESVibration is the bane of rotor drone pilots: it adds wear and tear to your aircraft, blurs your images, and increases the chance of connections coming loose — defi nitely not good. One of the best ways to reduce the shakes is to make sure your propellers are balanced, using the precision Tru-Spin balancer from Du-Bro. It’s easy to set up and incredibly accurate. $27.99 dubro.com

FPV FaVoriteWith an intuitive display and simple plug-and-play setup, the Eagle Tree Vector FPV controller has everything a first-person-view pilot needs, and then some! Features like color graphics, a built-in flight data recorder, current sensors, altimeter, magnetic compass, and more make the Vector a must-have device. $279.99 eagletreesystems.com

Secure connectionSWhen you get into larger, more complex multirotors, you’ll find that you need to make electrical connections between motors, batteries, and speed controls. The right way to do that is with a solder station like this high-quality unit from TrakPower. The 60-watt tool heats up quickly and makes soldering connections a breeze. $79.98 trakpower.com

Knowledge is PowerYou’ll always be in the know (at least as far as your battery status) with the Futaba BR-3000 battery checker. It lets you know the state of 2- to 7-cell LiFe, LiPo, and Li-Ion packs, and displays the pack’s total voltage and remaining capacity. $49.99 futaba-rc.com

A New ViewWant to get into first-person view but not sure where to start? The FatShark Teleporter V3 from HobbyKing is just the ticket. It has a large screen and comes with all the equipment you need to take a virtual ride on your rotordrone, all while recording your HD footage with its PilotHD onboard camera. $199.99 hobbyking.com


NO MORE JELLO SHOTSTired of the “Jello” footage you’re getting? Mount your GoPro Hero 3 in the ACK Brushless Gimbal from HobbyKing and you’ll get ultra smooth and stable video. Each unit is assembled, adjusted, and tuned before it ships, so setup is a snap. $137.80 hobbyking.com

KING OF CHARGERSWhen only the best will do, you need the Graupner Polaron EX. It can charge two batteries at once, store information for 40 packs, show you the internal resistance of each cell in a pack, and much, much more. � e Polaron EX has an easy-to-use, touch LED screen that makes programming a cinch. $319 openhobby.com

REPLAY YOUR ADVENTURESLooking for a small, simple camera that can record high-defi nition footage as well as audio? � e Replay XD1080 is just what you need. Its hard-anodized aluminum case is rugged and water-resistant, and it can even stream live video straight to an external HD recorder or transmitter. $249.99 replayxd.com

Looking for a small, simple camera that can record high-defi nition footage as well as audio? � e Replay XD1080 is just what you need. Its hard-anodized aluminum case is rugged and water-resistant, and it can even stream live video straight to an external HD recorder or transmitter.

HERE COMES THE SUNYou’ll never lose sight of your rotordrone in fl ight if you’re wearing Extreme Glare Sunglasses, which are even available with prescription lenses. Zurich’s lenses block the sun and provide a crystal-clear view of digital instruments — so your monitor is always in focus. Prices start at $99. z-xg.com


KEEP IT TIGHTIf you don’t use thread-lock on the bolts and screws that hold your multi-rotor together, you may fi nd that they become loose over time. ZAP Glues has you covered with two types of thread-lock: Z-42 Blue for standard use (parts can be disassembled with hand tools) and Z-71 Red for areas that you really want to lock down (parts can be disassembled with heat). A .20-ounce bottles start at $5.95 zapglues.com POWER UP

If you have a DC charger you’d like to use at home (without bringing your heavy car battery inside), a power supply is the perfect solution. All of ProTek’s power supplies have internal cooling fans and feature the latest technology; they are available in a variety of sizes and are easy to use. Prices vary. amainhobbies.com

PERFECT PITCH� e right propellers can make a huge diff erence in multirotor performance, so it’s important to use a set that has been optimized for your setup. Windsor Propeller has worked with “heavy lifting” entrants in aeronautical engineering competitions andhave expanded their line of 3-blade and electric props for optimum lift capability. Pricesvary. masterairscrew.com

FIELD & BENCH TOOLIt’s easy to keep all the tools you need in one spot with the Gaui Hexagon multi-tool. It houses six double-ended tool shafts, covering most commonly used metric and English hex-wrenches as well as Phillips and standard screwdrivers. A spring-loaded button allows instant release of the shaft when changing tools, and it also allows you to adjust the length as needed.$19.95 allerc.com

GET IN THE KNOWNever worry about fl ying for too long with the HobbyKing Quanum, a telemetry system that audibly warns you when your battery pack gets near 3.2 volts per cell. It also displays current, temperature, and milliamps, and won’t interfere with other nearby devices. $49.99 hobbyking.com K


SMOOTHER FLIGHTSAdd a full stabilization system to your drone, then turn it on and off with the fl ip of a switch! Features such as 2-position gain settings, head-locking, spin recovery, and cross-wind takeoff assistance are just a few of many items you can program into this compact, easy-to-install system. � e Bluelight Technologies Ice-Man will work with all radio brands. $69.95 xfl ighttech.com

A .20-ounce bottles start at $5.95 zapglues.com

PERFECT PITCH� e right propellers can make a huge diff erence in multirotor performance, so it’s important to use a set that has been

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Manual Mode

In this mode, the drone will go where you control it and will require you to control it every step of the way. This is the mode to use if you want to do aerobatics with your multirotor because there will be no attitude/angle limitations and no vertical velocity locking, which

means you can flip the drone around into any angle. You can’t take your hands off of the sticks in this mode and it will also require all of the corrections during flight to come from the pilot. There will be no assistance from the controller board. Again, this is the perfect mode for performance flying, aerobatics, and any type of flying that demands precise control for the pilot, such as flying obstacle courses in competition or performing loops and rolls.

The downside is that the aircraft will not self-correct when the pilot lets go of the sticks. Any angle or attitude you put the drone into will require you to apply the appropriate stick movement in order to pull the aircraft out of the angle or attitude.

In manual mode, the drone will travel in

the direction that the stick is pushed (in

this case to the right) and it is possible to flip the drone

completely over.

When in manual mode, the drone will travel in the direction the stick was pushed even after the stick is released. The pilot will need to apply opposite stick to level out the drone.

Flight ModesMany newer rotordrones will have at least three different flight modes: a GPS attitude flying hold mode, an attitude flying hold mode, and a manual flying mode. Each of these modes will exert more or less stability on the drone while flying. When to use them will depend on your flying skills and circumstance. The mode that has the least amount of stability is manual mode.

RighttRansmitteR stickcontRol


PushRelease


Multirotor aircraft are an excellent platform for aerial photography and video. They are very easy to fly and have very

few moving parts. They also don’t produce much vibration and can hover in one exact point for as long as needed. While these aircraft are easy to fly, there are different flight modes that make it a little easier on the pilot. Understanding how and when to use these modes will make flying and getting a good shot almost a sure thing. Let’s take a closer look at flight modes and when and how to use them.

Flight BasicsFlight Modes and intelligent orientation control explained By John Reid ILLUsTRaTIons By tabletinfogRaphics.com

Attitude Holding Mode

This mode allows the flight controller to use gyro stabilization to keep the attitude of the multirotor level. This means that when you release the sticks and return to center stick, the multirotor will try to

level out. However, as it levels out, it will continue to move in the direction that it was flying before the release of the control sticks. In order to stop that momentum, the pilot will have to add corrective stick movements to bring the multirotor to a stop and hover. When flying the multirotor in a hover, the pilot will have to add corrective stick movements to keep the aircraft still and in one position. Many systems will not allow the multirotor to turn more than a 45-degree angle in this mode. In the wind,

GPS Attitude Flying Hold Mode

In this mode, the multirotor drone is in constant communication with GPS satellites. This allows the controller to stabilize the drone in three-dimensional space, maintaining altitude and position. In this

mode, if you should run into any problems, just release the transmitter sticks and the multirotor will stay in a stationary position until you get your bearings and input a new direction. This mode will also help the drone stay in one position during a windy day. Unlike the previous mode, the GPS mode will stop the forward movement of the multirotor when the sticks are released. There is no need for corrective stick movement in this mode.

This mode is perfect for the photographer who wants to position a

drone in a certain spot and take a number of photographs. Of course, because this is a GPS system; it only works outdoors with a clear view of the sky above the drone. This mode can also be used for video, however, because the GPS will try to correct any wind or movement, it could result in some shakiness transferred to the video. This will also depend on how the video camera is attached to the drone.

This mode is perfect for the first-time multirotor pilot who does not have much experience in flying these aircraft. If the pilot becomes disoriented, they can, by simply releasing the sticks, have the aircraft hold this position until the pilot regains their composure.

When in attitude mode, pushing the

stick to the right will start the drone

moving to the right. In some systems it

will not be possible to bank the drone more

than 45°.

The aircraft will respond to the stick

movements the same way as it does in the

other modes when it’s in GPS mode. In

this case, it will travel to the right.

When the stick is released, the aircraft will level out but continue drifting in that direction for a some distance. Slight corrective stick movement will be needed to stop the aircraft.

When the sticks are released, the drone will level out and stop in 3D space and hold that GPS position. Little if any corrective stick movement will be necessary.

the quadcopter will still tend to move in the direction the wind is blowing. The pilot will have to add corrected measures to keep the quadcopter standing still at a certain point in the sky.

The nice thing about this mode is that if you get a bit disoriented, you can release the sticks and the multirotor would return to flying flat and level. This is the perfect mode for shooting video because the drone can follow a subject, and if you release the stick, it will level out but continue to drift in that direction. In most filming/shooting attitudes, holding mode will be smooth and there won’t be an abrupt movement in the video. This mode is perfect for the videographer or the person who has a little bit of experience flying multirotor drones.





Push

Push

Release

Release

59

IN MANUAL FLYING YOU MUST BE ABLE TO ADAPT YOUR RADIO STICK MOVEMENTS TO THE ORIENTATION OF THE AIRCRAFT. THIS FLYING MODE WILL REQUIRE THE MOST SKILL FROM THE PILOT.

Manual Flying

When fl ying without intelligent orientation control (switch in the off position), the pilot controls the aircraft by where the

nose is facing. By pressing the stick forward, the nose of the aircraft moves away from the pilot (assuming the pilot is standing behind the drone and the nose is facing away from the pilot).By pressing the stick to the right, the aircraft moves to the right, and by pressing the stick left, the aircraft moves to the left. � is is all good until the multirotor’s nose is facing the pilot, then everything is backwards and can be very disorienting. Flying in this mode requires a pilot with some experience. If the aircraft is some distance away, it is hard to really see where the nose is. Even an experienced pilot can be confused at times while fl ying with this type of orientation control. It is best to take advantage of the other two intelligent orientation control modes and fl y with one of them.

FLIGHT BASICS


INTELLIGENT ORIENTATION CONTROL � ese last three fl ight modes mainly deal with the stability of the aircraft. But one of the beauties of these advanced multirotor aircraft is that they have the latest advances in modern technology. � is also allows us to control the orientation of the fl ight in relationship to the pilot. � is is another advantage of having GPS technology linked in with our aircraft. Let’s look at these three diff erent modes of intelligent orientation control.

Front

Stick is pulled back, drone fl ies directly in reverse

Front Front Front

With manual fl ying the direction of the stick movement corresponds directly to the fl ight direction of the rotordrone, as if you are sitting inside of it.

When the stick is moved backward in this mode, the drone moves directly backwards relative to itself, not the pilot.

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COURSE LOCK FLYING IS PERFECT FOR THE PILOT WHO NEEDS TO MOVE AROUND WHILE FLYING THE MULTIROTOR AIRCRAFT. THE CONTROL STICK INPUT WILL ALWAYS MOVE THE AIRCRAFT IN THAT DIRECTION REGARDLESS OF WHICH WAY THE FRONT OF THE AIRCRAFT IS FACING.

HOME LOCK FLYING IS PERFECT FOR THE PILOT WHO NEEDS THE MULTIROTOR TO COME BACK TO THE EXACT LOCATION IT STARTED FROM. THE DRONE CAN BE FACING ANY DIRECTION, BUT WHEN THE PILOT PULLS BACK ON THE RIGHT STICK, THE AIRCRAFT WILL RETURN BACK TO THE STARTING POINT.

Course Lock Flying

The fi rst intelligent orientation control is called course lock fl ying. When the multirotor is fi rst started, the GPS locks in on the starting point of the fl ight. From that point on, any stick

control moved forward, backward, or to the right or left will be based off of that point regardless of the orientation of the nose of the aircraft. � is allows the pilot to fl y the multirotor with the nose pointed in any direction the same way they would if the nose was always pointed forward. When the control stick is move to the right, the aircraft will always move right regardless of whether the aircraft’s nose is heading toward that point or away from that point. � e thing to remember here is that the aircraft will travel in a straight line. For example, if you fl y straight and forward 50 yards from the starting location, then 50 yards to the right, then 50 yards backward, the aircraft will still be 50 yards to the right of the starting point. You will have to fl y it 50 yards to the left to make it back to the starting point. It would not make a diff erence how many times you rotated the multirotor around during that fl ight.

� is mode is good if the pilot needs to move during the fl ight; for example, if you happen to be fi lming something that is moving and you need to move to follow it. � is is the intelligent orientation control to be in because all of the directions will remain the same throughout the fl ight.

CONCLUSION Hopefully these explanations and examples will give you a better understanding of the diff erent fl ight modes and intelligent orientation controls available on many multirotor drones. In most cases, the fl ight modes will be on one three-position switch and the intelligent orientation controls will be set up on a diff erent three-position switch. Take advantage of the latest in technology and make your fl ight experience easier to control and much more enjoyable. K

Home Lock Flying

The second intelligent orientation control is called home (or home point) lock fl ying. � e starting point is again selected by GPS when the multirotor is fi rst started. However, every time the stick is pushed forward, the drone

will fl y away from that point, and when the stick is pulled back, the drone will fl y back toward that point. Again, this is regardless of the orientation of the multirotor’s nose. In this mode, if you fl ew the aircraft out 50 yards and gave it right stick, it would fl y a 50-yard circle around the home (starting) point. In our example above, if you fl y 50 yards straight from the starting location, then fl y 50 yards to the right, then fl y 50 yards backward, the aircraft would be back at the home point.

� is is a great control mode to be in if you are always going to stand in the same spot during fl ight. For example, if you were standing on the dock and fi lming surfers out on the ocean, this is the orientation control that you would use because all you need to do is pull back on the stick and your multirotor will return to that take-off point on the dock.

Stick is pulled back, drone returns to pilot

Front

Front

Front

Front

Front

Front

In course lock fl ying, the direction of the nose does not matter and the multirotor aircraft will respond to stick movement in that direction from the point of origin.

In home lock, the takeoff point is establishes the radius point where the multirotor will travel out and away from. Pulling back on the right stick will bring the aircraft back to that point.


fastforward

Tell us a little about your company.FX Models came into being in 1994 as the result of building a radio-control model of the Alvin deep submersible submarine. We sold hull kits for the Alvin and it was very popular with RC modelers and museums. I received a call from a production company for the BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation) asking us to do RC submarine work in London for a mini-series on Alvin and other submersibles. This really propelled us into the commercial model manufacturing business.After some newspaper articles were printed about our work, it wasn’t long before we started doing work for the Department of Defense. This side of the business has continued to grow, and we are involved with ongoing developments with the U.S. Navy. FX Models has since diversified into the creation of computer-generated imagery, 3D modeling, also known as rapid prototyping, and producing animations for magazines and films. In our visual effects roles, we have worked with Academy Award winner Douglas Trumbull on projects such as feature films, commercials, and various drones that we are now beginning to develop. I always wanted to move in the aerial drone direction because the possibilities are just about endless. We put together a team of scientists from around the country

and are researching various drone technologies that will be useful for any drone in the market. To date, we have several proprietary devices and several provisional patents in the works.

What are the challenges you see going forward?There is no doubt about it, flying drones is a lot of fun. Flying up to 400 feet and then looking back at yourself is, to say the least, a real hoot. But there are pitfalls to this technology. For one thing, your neighbors may not be happy with you launching a flying multirotor up and over their houses, especially if it gets away from you. Although rare, such “flyaways” are issues that need to be dealt with since they usually end with the loss of the drone. Today’s autopilots are pretty sophisticated and do help with potential failures. To illustrate the problems a drone might experience, we need look no further than our own early prototype quadcopter. We created a prototype to test various autopilot systems and started out using the Ardupilot control system. This open source program is available online along with some hardware for less than $100. Later iterations of our drone, and one particularly bad “tumbleweed” session that totaled it, showed us that we had to overcome many potentially catastrophic failure conditions.

To be a true, successful

entrepreneur, the formula

is simple: identify a need

and then fill it. With

the tidal wave in popularity of

quadcopters and rotordrone

technology, now is the perfect

time to get your feet wet in a

promising industry. Civilian use

of drones is not just a clever

concept, it is here now, and those

who work out all the kinks and

help make rotordrones mainstream will be at

the top of the food chain.

Such a forward thinker is Marc D’Antonio of Terryville, CT, who already has

an impressive résumé of starting successful

businesses in niche markets. A professional

commercial model maker, CGI designer,

videographer, and photographer, Marc sees

a future with skies filled with autonomous

worker drones doing everything from

delivering fast food to searching for lost hikers

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by gerry yArrish photos by peter hAll

An entrepreneur’s view of the future of rotordrones

63

We are Working on a system that Will

prevent you from flying the drone

into yourself, your car, your pet, a tree

branch, house, or anything else for

that matter


Newerbreedsofautopilotsnowcanmanageallsortsofconditions.LowbatteryvoltagewillbringadronebacktoitsGPS-coordinatedhome/startingposition.Losingradiocontactwillswitchtheautopilotintoavarietyofsafeflightmodesortriggerareturn-to-homecondition.Goneistheneedtoreallyplaywithandadjustthebasicsettingsthatcontrolhowautopilotswillcorrecterrantbehaviors.Hands-offflightisquitenormalnow.Infact,ifapilotgetsintotroublewhileflying,simplylettinggoofthecontrolstickscanquicklystabilizemanydrones.

Collision AvoidanceOneotherveryimportantfacetofdronetechnologyiscollisionavoidance.Youcanstillflyyourdronerightintothesideofyourhouseorcar.Iwantthispossibilitytogoaway.Weareworkingonasystemthatwillpreventyoufromflyingthedroneintoyourself,yourcar,yourpet,atreebranch,house,oranythingelseforthatmatter.Whileourtwomainavoidancemethodsareproprietaryatthemoment,Icansaythatthesystemisalreadyworkingonthebench.Ourprototypewillusethesysteminflightteststodetermineitsrangeand,moreimportantly,itslimits. Problemsaboundwithavoidingcollisions.Manyobjectsarehardto“see”dependingontheobject

detectionmethodyouuse.Someavoidancesystemshaveusedavisualmethodwheresmallcameraslookatthedrone’spathaheadanddetermine,usingaparallaxeffect,howfarawaysomethingis,andifitpresentsathreat.Othersystemsusebarometricpressuresensorstodeterminerelativealtitudeduringautolandingstoestimatewherethegroundshouldbe.Althougheasilytrickedbywind,thesensorsareprettywellestablishedinthedronemarketplace.Truecollisionavoidanceisaverypromisingupcomingfield,andoursystemwithhopefullyrevolutionizedronework.

Weight vs. Performance Flyingdronespresentsthepilotwithatradeoff,beingthatofweightversusflightduration.Let’ssayyouwanttoflyina5-mileloopwithyourdrone,butyouwanttoflyat50mph.Ifyouwanttoseewhatthedroneseesviaafirst-personviewvideodownlink,thenyouhavetoattachmorehardware,whichaddsweight.IfyouwanttorecordthevideoonboardwithaGoProorothercamera,thenyouhaveevenmoreaddedweight.Weightisbad,soloweringitwithoutcompromisingtheairframeintegrityisthegoal,butthisisn’tsoeasytodoinpractice.Weshortenedwireleadstoknockoffsomeweightandthisproducedameasurableincreaseinflighttime.Addingaerodynamiccoversallowedustoflyfaster,butattheexpenseof—youguessedit!—moreweight.So,forthedronefieldtoreallymature,youcanexpecttoseeevenmoreextremelylightweightcarbonfiberbeingusedindronestructures.Butthisisfairlyexpensive,especiallywhenyougetinto6-motorhexacoptersand8-motoroctocopters.Weightwillalwaysbeafactor. Oneofourcompany’sneedsistoflyveryexpensivefilmcamerasforfeaturefilmwork.Thesecamerasarelegacysystemscreatedmanyyearsagoandwerenotoriginallymadetoflyonsmallaerialdrones.Reducingtheweightofthesecamerasbyremovingpartsisnotusuallyanoption.Besides,thecamerasareusuallyrentalsthatyoucan’ttakeapart. Flightdurationisthemostimportantaspectofdroneoperations.Goodpilotscanflywithoutautopilotsandmanagetheircraftjustfine.Butwhenthebatteryrunsoutofjuice,you’recomingdown.Theentireflightenvelopeandeverythingthepilotdoesrevolvesaroundthebatterylife.Anyconservativepilotwillmakesuretokeepaneyeonthebatterylife,makingsurethere’senoughpowertogetback.Thetroubleisthateventhebestflightplanscanfail,especiallyifthereisanunaccountedheadwind. Somesmartcircuitsalreadyexistandothersareconstantlybeingdevelopedtopreventmostbatteryfailureissues.OnewaytomonitorsystemsiswithreadilyavailableOn-ScreenDisplayproducts,whichwilltransmitvitalparameterslikealtitude,airspeed,heading,andbatteryliferemaining.Seeingthevoltageremainingcanletthepilotknowwhentoturnaroundandcomehome.Theseunitsaresmallanduselittlepower,buttheydoaddweight.Italladdsup.Inaddition,pilotscanalsoallowthedronetomanagethebatterytransparentlyandsimplymakedecisionsforthemwhenalow-batterythresholdisreached.

flying drones presents the pilot with a tradeoff, being that of weight versus flight duration ... for the drone field to really mature, you can

expect to see even more extremely lightweight carbon fiber being used

Marc makes some fine-tuning adjustments to the prototype quadcopter in the FX Models workshop.


Wehavealwaysbelievedthattheperformanceofstable-flyingplatformswillcontinuetoimproveastechnologydevelops.It’sinevitable,whetherwedevelopitornot.IknowFXModelswillbeinvolvedindrivingneededtechnologyforwardwithouradd-oncontrolandsystemmodules.

What does the future of rotordrones look like to you?Asthedroneindustrymatures,wewillseetheadventofmanynewandimprovedautonomousplatformsthatwillbeabletoliftlargerpayloadsandcarrythemfarther.Almosteveryaspectofdailylifecouldbeaffected.Wecameupwithamicrodroneconceptthatcanbestoredinabackpackonthebattlefield.Theycouldliterallybescoopedoutofthebackpack,adozenatatime,andthrownbyhandintotheair.Theactionofthrowingwouldactivatethemsotheycouldthenzipdownacitystreetinawarzoneaheadofourtroopstoexposeenemy

positions.Designedtobedisposable,ifsuchtechnologyhadbeenavailableinIraq,snipersanddug-inenemiescouldhavebeenmoreeasilyexposed. Domesticusesabound,andtherewillbenoshortagesofdronestofilltheneed.Lifeguardsatthebeachmayrelyondronesflyingoverswimmerstodropfloatationdevices.Autonomouslifeguarddronescouldlookforsharksandotherhazardstoswimmers,detectingthemautomaticallybasedonshapeprofilesseenmovingovertime.Theseexamplesarealreadybeingdevelopedasuniversitylabprojects! Batterylifeforthecraftwillalsocontinuetoimprove,andeventuallydroneswillflybackandplugthemselvesinwhenvoltagedropstoacertainlevel.Usesforfuturedroneswillincludesearchandrescue,cinematicwork,watchingoverneighborhoodswithhighcrimerates,andmuchmore.Dronescanbeimplementedforafractionofthecostofpolicehelicoptersforsurveillanceoperationsinlocalcommunitiesandwithinborderenforcementprotocols. Makinguseofthemlegally,however,willbethetrick.Therearemanyhurdlestoovercomeandeventuallylawswillbeputinplacetoprotectprivacywhilehelping,andnothindering,emergingindustriesthatwillrelyonthesafeoperationofcommercialdrones.Mysuspicionisthatthefirstroundofdronelawswillproveimpracticaltoenforce.Aswitheverythingthegovernmentdoes,thereisnosimplesolutionandregulationswillbecomplex.Butonethingisverycertain,dronesinthehandsoftheenthusiastareheretostay.K

GPS satellites allow drones to “know” where they are within a few feet relative to the ground and various way points.

FX Models is developing add-on onboard modules that will give drones the abil-ity to “see” and avoid obstacles and then make corrections to their flight plans without the help of the pilot.

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Domestic uses abounD ... making use of them legally, however, will be the trick

On a cool New England morning, Marc D’Antonio puts in a test flight of one of FX Model’s quadcopters. Note the downlink telemetry On Screen Display attached to the transmitter. (Photo by Hunter D’Antonio.)

fast forward

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NOT TOO LONG AGO, if you wanted to film a motocross bike, you had to use a tripod and a VHS

camera. Fast forward a few years and our multirotor drones can get video that truly captures the

action and excitement of a 60mph dirt bike jumping 100 feet into the air! We headed over to the

Competitive Edge Motocross Park in Hesperia, CA, to catch up with Mike and Chris Barrett, a father

and son team who used a DJI F450 to film up-and-coming rider Kai Mukai during a practice run.

Mike and Chris are contributors to Dirt Rider magazine and recently started perfecting their aerial

photography techniques in what they call an “expensive hobby.”

Dirt ‘n’ dronesBY DEBRA CLEGHORN PHOTOS BY TONY DONALDSON

Capturing action sports with a multirotor

Dirt ‘n’


RotorDrone: How did you get started with filming motocross with a multirotor?Mike & Chris: We always had photographers around, so we never thought about filming until we saw what the quadcopters were capable of. Dirt Rider wanted some different stuff. They knew we flew radio control planes and asked if aerial footage was possible. That’s when we bought the DJI Phantom, learned with that, and then picked up the F450. We only shoot during practices, usually at a private track when there aren’t many people around. We avoid shooting in locations that have a lot of spectators. Races for example, are packed with people, and although we are confident in our flying abilities, sometimes things go wrong and it’s best not to put yourself in those situations.

What flight and film equipment do you use?Right now we’re using a DJI F450 and Phantom controlled by a Spektrum DX9. Both multirotors are running Zenmuse H3-2D gimbals with a GoPro Hero 3+. We also use first-person view, mostly for shot confirmation. We use a monitor, either mounted to the transmitter or a tripod, and constantly look back and forth between the two. What we focus on more depends on how close we are flying to riders or objects.

Any insider tricks for getting the best shot?Having riders that can throw down definitely helps. We like to shoot sections instead of trying to chase guys around the track. Since we are still developing our techniques, getting plenty of raw footage and filming different angles helps to ensure we achieve the shot we envisioned. One of the main things we try to focus on is being smooth on the sticks. See our interview with Mike & Chris and action footage from the track at RotorDroneMag.com K

Mike and Chris always fly as a team. They take turns as pilot and spotter.

BY GUS CALDERON

WHEN THEY’VE BEEN BUILT AND MAINTAINED PROPERLY, multirotor aircraft can be very reliable because they are mechanically quite simple. Their complexities arise from the fact that their power systems are managed by a flight controller that’s connected to the power system with a network of wires, cables, and connectors. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the more common problems and review some logical troubleshooting procedures.

Easy solutions to common problems

TROUBLE

TIPS7SHOOTING

Multirotor drifts or yaws withoutcontrol input.� is could be caused by one or more problems. First, inspect the multirotor booms to confi rm that they are not twisted, bent, or damaged. If the motor mount is clamped to a round boom, verify that it has not rotated and remains perpendicular to the vertical- or Z-axis of the multirotor. If you don’t fi nd any mechanical problems, the next step is to calibrate the magnetometer. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your fl ight controller and see if calibrating the magnetometer is the root of the problem. If the problem persists, it is possible that ferromagnetic materials came within close proximity of your magnetometer. Either replace the unit or perform the procedure to correct the

issue and verify proper fl ight operations. Calibrate the compass before the fi rst fl ight and when you’re fl ying in a diff erent area. Make sure to keep away from ferromagnetic

substance and other electronic equipment when you’re calibrating and fl ying. If the multirotor continues to drift, an advanced calibration may be required. Connect the fl ight controller to the software assistant and perform a basic, as

well as an advanced, calibration.

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Multirotor flies erratically or uncontrollably.Even though multirotor aircraft have few moving parts, they are the most critical components as they provide the thrust. Lack of control is a serious issue, so the fi rst step is to confi rm that all motors are rotating in the proper direction. � is is best done with the propellers removed. Mark the direction of rotation on both the motor and the airframe, in case the motor needs to be replaced. After you’ve confi rmed that all motors are turning in the correct direction, verify that the appropriate left- and right-hand props are mounted on the correct motors. It’s also important to confi rm that the propellers are not inverted, so take your time and double- and triple-check the mounts. If this does not resolve the problem, connect the fl ight controller with the assistant software and confi rm that the correct mixer type has been selected. Also verify that all the speed controls are plugged into the correct ports on the fl ight controller. Finally, confi rm that all transmitter switches are in the correct position for the desired fl ight mode.

Multirotor “returned to home” unexpectedly.� e radio range of many multirotors is approximately 300 meters, so always perform a range check prior to each fl ight. If the multirotor exceeds the communication range of the transmitter, it will automatically land if the fail-safe mode is active. Signal loss between the transmitter and receiver may occur if the transmitter is powered off or loses power from discharged batteries. Another cause for the unexpected switch tofail-safe mode could be the loss of one or more connections between any of the receiver channels and the fl ight controller. It’s important to know that the multirotor will only return home if it’s in GPS mode and has acquired six or more satellites prior to takeoff for at least 8 seconds. Before takeoff , the current position will automatically be saved as the home point by the fl ight controller, so be sure to stay clear of that area when you operate the multirotor.

Multirotor oscillates or is too sensitive to controls.

Motors or speed controls are very warm after flight.It is important to check the temperatures of all the motors and speed controls after each fl ight. A motor that is warmer than the others may indicate a worn bearing or another issue that needs to be addressed. All speed controls have heat sinks to help dissipate heat. However, if you are operating your multirotor in a very hot climate, the speed controls may approach their maximum operating temperature. In this case, you may need to either add a larger heat sink to each unit or relocate all speed controls closer to the motors so the airfl ow from the propellers can keep them cool.

Most fl ight controller manufacturers recommend using their default gain parameters, but you may need to change these settings if you’re fl ying a multirotor with custom or upgraded components. If gain is too large, you’ll fi nd that the multirotor will oscillate. If it’s too small, the multirotor will be diffi cult to control. You can use the remote gain-tuning channels to tune the gains during fl ight to save time during setup. Follow the instructions in your controller’s operating manual to assign one of the transmitter channels in the “Remote Adjust” section of the assistant software for the gain you want to tune. Only one gain can be adjusted with one channel at any time. Make small changes in the gain, between 10% and 15%, until you have your desired control response. Set the gain sequentially for each parameter: pitch and roll, yaw, attitude, and altitude.

2

3

5

4

MULTIROTOR AIRCRAFT CAN BE VERY RELIABLE BECAUSE THEY ARE MECHANICALLY QUITE SIMPLE.

I hope these troubleshooting solutions to common problems will keep your multirotor in the air. When in doubt, it’s always better to stay on the ground and fi x any concern before you fl y. As pilots always say, “Takeoff s are optional; landings are mandatory.” K

Multirotor vibrates during flight.� e problem of in-fl ight vibrations tends to be mechanical in nature. Inspect and rebalance your props as they may have become nicked and/or damaged. If the vibration is moderate to severe, it is likely that either a prop adaptor or a motor shaft is bent. Disconnect each motor from the fl ight controller and test each independently to fi nd the problem. Replace the damaged component and test to verify the smooth operation of all motors individually.

Multirotor has reduced flight time.� e most common cause for reduced fl ight time is a problem with the LiPo battery pack. It’s critical to use a high-quality lithium-polymer charger to simultaneously balance and charge each cell. Modern chargers can also display the internal resistance of each cell in the pack and this fi gure should be logged to monitor battery health. Flights that discharge the battery to the nominal voltage of 3.7 volts per cell will increase the life and number of cycles you can get from the pack. Excessive depletion will cause swollen or “puff y” cells that will decrease fl ight time and performance. Never take any chances by fl ying with swollen or damaged cells as this will put your multirotor at risk. Investing in high-quality LiPo batteries will increase the reliability and safety of your multirotor. It is important to note that increasing the payload on the multirotor will proportionally reduce fl ight time. Exceeding the manufacturer’s recommended maximum payload will signifi cantly reduce fl ight time and make the multirotor diffi cult to control. Finally, remember that LiPo batteries don’t perform as well in cold weather. If you are operating in a cold environment, charge and store your batteries at room temperature if possible.

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Expert views on navigating

the skies lawfully

What about privacy issues? If I’m fl ying my multirotor in my neighborhood and fi lming, is anything off -limits? Clearly, if you are fl ying your multirotor in the neighborhood and fi lming, you would be well-advised not to obtain images of residents within areas inside or outside their home if not normally viewable from the ground. For example, it could be argued that a neighbor sunbathing next to the pool in their backyard with an opaque fence feels they reasonably expect to have privacy. So, hovering above the top of the fence and peering in with your camera may land you in court — even if you never publish the images. If you do publish the images, such as posting the footage on YouTube, you can expect to be sued. Whether a court will uphold these lawsuits if [they are] challenged is unclear, and may depend on state to state diff erences. In addition to the civil lawsuits possible from invasion of privacy, criminal laws may apply as well. � ink “peeping

Tom.” Nobody — child or adult — should risk an arrest. Again, common sense, safety, and manners go a long way.

Am I allowed to use my multirotor to help my business?In the FAA’s view, all uses of multirotor aircraft for commercial purposes are currently banned, including journalism, fi lmmaking, aerial photography, real estate marketing, etc. In addition, other state and local laws, far too numerous to include in this article, must also be observed. Once new FAA regulations are in place, we still will not have complete certainty. State and local laws are being created as you read this article, and battles will likely be fought over the doctrine of federal preemption, which basically states that state and local laws are overruled when the federal law, such as FAA regulation, is specifi c enough to the issue at hand.

AS MULTIROTOR DRONES EQUIPPED WITH DIGITAL CAMERAS give us a new perspective on our world, we all have questions about where we can fly, what we can photograph or videotape, and what we can do with that footage. What’s OK, what’s off-limits, and how do we know the difference? Our team

of experts is here to answer some common questions and tell you exactly what you need to know to keep it legal.

KEEPING IT LEGAL

Jeff rey Antonelli, Antonelli LawWith a legal background in corporate outside counsel, civil litigation, insurance defense, and intellectual property and drone/UAV law, Jeff rey began fl ying radio-controlled aircraft several years ago, which lead him to research new technologies, including fi rst-person viewing (FPV) and drones.

BY TEAM ROTORDRONE

ISTO

CK B

Y G

ETTY

IMAG

ES

77

a neighbor sunbathing next to the pool in their backyard ... feels they reasonably expect to have privacy.

so, hovering above the top of the fence and peering in with your camera may land you in court.


What is the current ruling for fl ying multirotors commercially? FAA’s current policy states that “operators who wish to fl y an unmanned aircraft for civil (commercial) use must obtain an FAA airworthiness certifi cate the same as any other type aircraft.” � e FAA is currently only issuing special airworthiness certifi cates in the experimental category, and only for the purposes of research and development, marketing surveys, or crew training. Commercial unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) operations are extremely limited; to date, only two types of UAS have been certifi ed for civil operations, and they can only fl y in the Arctic.

What kinds of protection do AMA members who fl y multirotors have?� e AMA views multirotor aircraft as one of the many facets of model aviation, and advocates at the federal and state level on behalf of the entire aeromodeling community. Pilots operating multirotor aircraft within the AMA’s Safety Program are aff orded the safeguards from onerous regulation established in the Special Rule for Model Aircraft provided by Congress as part of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012. Our members are also provided $2.5 million in insurance protection to cover their personal liability when fl ying for hobby purposes.

Does it matter where they’re fl ying?AMA’s government relations outreach and personal liability insurance covers its members wherever they fl y in all 50 states and in U.S. territories.

Rich Hanson, Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) Public Relations & Government and Aff airs RepresentativeAn aviation professional with a 50-year career in full-scale aviation and over 7,000 hours as a commercial pilot in airplanes and rotorcraft, Rich Hanson has also served as the AMA government aff airs representative since May 2008.

Brendan Schulman, Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel LLP� e head of the UAS practice at a New York law fi rm, Brendan has been a model airplane enthusiast for 20 years. He is defending the fi rst federal case ever involving operation of a commercial drone in the U.S.

What’s the signifi cance of the recent National Transportation Safety Board legal decision on commercial drone operations?In the Pirker case, we argued that the FAA’s ban on commercial drone use was merely a policy statement, not a binding regulation issued pursuant to the required procedures. � e administrative law judge at the NTSB agreed. � at decision is currently on appeal but it provides some hope that commercial use will fi nally move forward, after years of delay.

Is there restricted airspace under the 400-foot level? If so, where would these commonly be located?Restricted airspace exists in many areas of the country, especially around airports and military test sites. � ere is currently a prohibition on all model aircraft activity within a 30-mile radius of Washington, D.C. that dates back to the 9/11 attacks. Also, fl ying is prohibited in locations where the President is visiting. If you are unsure, you should contact the Academy of Model Aeronautics (modelaircraft.org) or your local FAA offi ce. K

What is the Federal Aviation Administration?� e FAA is the U.S. government agency that’s responsible for the safety of civil aviation. It has the authority to regulate and oversee all aspects of the National Airspace System and civil aeronautics.

What does the FAA control?� e FAA is responsible for the safety of U.S. airspace from the ground up. � is misperception that the FAA doesn’t control airspace below 400 feet may originate with the idea that manned aircraft generally must stay at least 500 feet above the ground.

Are commercial multirotor fl ights OK if I’m over private property and stay below 400 feet?You may not fl y a UAS for commercial purposes by claiming that you’re operating according to the Model Aircraft guidelines (below 400 feet, 3 miles from an airport, away from populated areas). Commercial operations are only authorized on a case-by-case basis. A commercial fl ight requires a certifi ed aircraft, a licensed pilot, and operating approval. To date, only one operation has met these criteria, using Insitu’s ScanEagle, and authorization was limited to the Arctic.

How does the FAA monitor commercial UAS operations?� e FAA has to prioritize its safety responsibilities, but the agency is monitoring UAS operations closely. Many times, the FAA learns about suspected commercial UAS operations via a complaint from the public or other businesses. � e agency occasionally discovers such operations through the news media or postings on Internet sites. When the FAA discovers apparent unauthorized UAS operations, the agency has a number of enforcement tools available to address these operations, including a verbal warning, a warning letter, and an order to stop the operation.

[THE PIRKER] DECISION IS CURRENTLY ON APPEAL BUT IT PROVIDES SOME HOPE THAT COMMERCIAL USE WILL FINALLY MOVE FORWARD.

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1/3S.indd 1 12/30/13 11:25 AM


FLYING BY DESIGN FLIGHT EXPERIENCE LEADS TO CONCEPTS THAT WORK

RotorDrone: When did you start your business?Kavi: Aerialpixels was started in 2012. At fi rst we wanted to cater to professional-grade camera stabilization requirements for the aerial platform. We designed a stabilization platform that worked well with multirotor copters and began shooting and fi lming over in Europe. Now most of our business involves building custom-made rotordrones and stabilization platforms for use in fi lming and photography. How did you get involved in multirotors?Kavi: I have been a passionate RC enthusiast for 27 years and got into

multirotors about four years ago, starting with smaller quads and falling in love with the abilities of gyro/GPS-stabilized aerial platforms and their capabilities in the photographic and video industries. What do you specialize in? Kavi: We specialize in building and fl ying custom aerial platforms for the international market. We travel the world with our builds and also provide consulting for custom builds with very specifi c needs; for example, high-altitude takeoff s and extreme weather conditions while fl ying.

At fi rst our designs required two people to operate them effi ciently.

We got a chance to sit down with Kavi Amarasinghe, the owner of Aerialpixels.com, a mulitrotor specialist company. What started as flying and photographing from a multirotor platform as a hobby has grown into supplying parts and custom multirotor aircraft to clients all over the world. Here’s what Kavi had to say about how his business came to be.

Here is Kavi in his workshop preparing another custom-made multirotor aircraft. � is one is

designed to carry a fairly large camera.

ROTORDRONE PROFILE

BY JOHN REID PHOTOS BY TONY DONALDSON

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Every custom-design goes through a rigorous performance

checklist including test fl ights.


Above left: A quality rotating stabilization for the camera will provide the smoothest possible video. Aerialpixels specializes in gyro systems that are designed to suit our client’s shooting needs. Above right: Small details such as shock-absorbing landing gear add to the quality of the aircraft. Lower left: Quality carbon-fiber blades that are balanced make a tremendous difference in the flight stabilization of the aircraft. Bottom left: Some camera mounts, such as this one, are designed to be detached from the multirotor aircraft. They can even be used handheld. Lower right: Battery pack location can be a key factor in design and performance. In most Aerialpixel aircraft, the battery is centered on the multirotor.

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One was the pilot and the other person operated the video/photo camera and the stabilization platform. But with tremendous jumps in stabilization technology, we are now able to fl y with one person and have the camera track the scene by itself. � is technology allows the aircraft to be controlled safely with one person as the pilot/cameraman.

Are your fl ights pre-planned or improvised while you’re in the air?Kavi: For safety reasons, and to get the most out of our time in the air, most of the fl ight paths are pre-planned and we try not to deviate from that plan. We will take into consideration the best time to photograph our subject, and at what angles the multirotor will travel. We try to plan our shots to keep the shadow of the multirotor out of the video or photograph during the shoot. By planning out our timing, we can achieve the video or photographs we need with just a few fl ights, cutting down cost and time.

What equipment do you use?Kavi: Most of our multirotor and fl ying builds are custom made for a specifi c application. From props to electronics, we carefully plan and test each and every build. Cameras range from GoPro to RED Dragon and everything in between. Our designs are at the upper end in the multirotor market, and are for the pilot who is looking for the best drone to fi ll his or her particular need.

What are the most exciting projects you’ve worked on?Kavi: I would have to say the projects in the Greek Islands and Europe were a lot of fun. We got to fl y and photograph some of the nicest country in the world. � e resulting images were outstanding, and they required us to be at the top of our piloting abilities.

What is your favorite project to date?Kavi: I would have to say that fl ying around the volcanic mountains of Santorini Island in Greece was one of my favorite jobs to date. � ere were a couple of hotels located at the base of this volcanic mountain that always wanted some aerial shots from the side of the volcanic mountain, but it was nearly impossible for helicopters to fl y on location. We were able to get them the shots they wanted from that side because multirotors are versatile and nimble.

Any close calls?Kavi: � ankfully, none so far, and I have to attribute that to always sticking with our fl ight plan. When dealing with multirotors in as large a scale as ours, having a fl ight plan is a good way to keep from having any close calls. K

OUR DESIGNS ARE AT THE UPPER END IN THE MULTIROTOR MARKET, AND ARE FOR THE PILOT WHO IS LOOKING FOR THE BEST DRONE TO FILL THEIR PARTICULAR NEED.

Designs that include a camera mounting system will also be checked out for picture quality and control.

SUPER SHOOTER10 TIPS FOR GREAT AERIAL PHOTOS & VIDEO

BY GUS CALDERON PHOTOS BY TONY DONALDSON

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SUPER SHOOTER

Getting that “perfect shot” depends on a variety of things, starting with a reliable, stable aircraft and then the aircraft’s setup, the right camera

equipment and settings, and your fl ight skills. Having fl own aerial photography missions from my full-size aircraft, I apply some of the same procedures that I’ve used in commercial aviation to my multirotor operations, keeping in mind that careful decision-making is essential to operational safety. Always follow the operational procedures provided by the manufacturer of your equipment, and always fl y safely (away from people, pets, and powerlines!). Here are some tips to help you get the best shots possible.


Unbalanced propellers can generate a lot of vibration, and they are perhaps the most critical component of any system. During the learning process, I recommend using inexpensive plastic props, especially in light of possible “unscheduled landings.” When you’ve established enough fl ight profi ciency to carry a camera and gimbal, switch to high-quality carbon-fi ber props that are optimized for multirotors. (Most of the props available on the market are designed for model aircraft and not optimized for generating static thrust.) A magnetic prop balancer can confi rm that the props are balanced.

2 BALANCE YOUR CAMERA ON THE GIMBAL

Brushless gimbals are now available for multirotors, but they present some limitations. It is critically important for the camera to be perfectly balanced on each axis for the gimbal to operate properly. Brushless motors produce very little torque and cannot stabilize a camera that has not been balanced. After the camera has been balanced, the power settings and other parameters can be adjusted according to the weight of the camera and the specifi cations of the gimbal’s brushless motor.

3 PROTECT YOUR

CAMERA LENSES WITH A FILTER

When fl ying and fi lming outdoors, a dirty or dusty area may be the only option for takeoff and landing, and the thrust from props can cause debris to damage a lens. A UV fi lter is a low-cost, must-have option to cover and protect the lens. A circular-polarizing fi lter will reduce glare and improve image quality if you’re fi lming near a lake or ocean. A variable “neutral density” fi lter is helpful in conditions with extremely high contrast (snow on a sunny day). It reduces the contrast between the shady and sunny areas, and improves the quality of images.

4 USE A PREFLIGHT CHECKLIST

Multirotor systems are complex machines and can be safely operated by following a checklist. One transmitter switch in the wrong position can jeopardize a fl ight and cause fi nancial disaster. All airframe fasteners should be secured before each fl ight. Vibration presents one of the biggest challenges in aerial cinematography. Since most of today’s cameras have a “rolling shutter,” they are very prone to adverse movement and vibration. An observer or “spotter” can be helpful in assisting the operator during the fl ight operation.

6 HANDLE YOUR BATTERIES WITH CARE

Lithium-polymer (LiPo) batteries are very susceptible to damage, and you should use extreme care when you transport them. Visually inspect batteries for swelling and use a cell-checker, which you can buy at a local hobby store or online for under $10. Use the cell-checker prior to each fl ight to confi rm the charge of each individual cell. It can remain connected during fl ight and will alert you when the voltage drops below the manufacturer’s recommended limit. Keeping a battery log is helpful when tracking the capacity drawn from each fl ight, fl ight time, etc. since the performance of LiPo batteries declines after numerous cycles. It is important to monitor this trend and remove batteries from service to ensure continued fl ight safety.

1 BUY HIGH-QUALITY

PROPELLERS AND BALANCE THEM

Inspect props for any nicks or damage.

Monitor the voltage of each cell with a “cell-checker.”

Refer to a pre-fl ight checklist for safe operations.

Balance your camera on each axis.

Frequently inspect battery connections and wires.

SUPER SHOOTER

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Using the 60-frames-per-second setting on a camera produces the best results when doing aerial fi lming. � e footage can always be slowed in post-production, and still images may be obtained from video. A fast shutter speed of at least 1/500 to 1/1000 reduces blur when you’re acquiring still images.

7 USE A DEPENDABLE AND RELIABLE FLIGHT CONTROLLER

� ere are a variety of fl ight controllers on the market. Choosing a simple and easy-to-program fl ight controller is recommended. A system with GPS hold will greatly assist holding the multirotor in position while fi lming. Flight controllers can be aff ected by vibration, so for aerial fi lming, it’s best to use a rigid airframe that can handle the additional weight of a camera.

A video downlink system can assist in framing the scene and in actually fl ying the aircraft. Compatibility of frequency between the video downlink system and the transmitter should be ensured. Upgrade the dipole antennae to cloverleaf antennae for a much better image on the receiver monitor and fewer “dropouts” or events of signal loss.

9 USE A TELEMETRY

SYSTEM

Awareness of a multirotor’s performance during fl ight is a great way to improve and ensure its safe operation. Current and voltage sensor telemetry systems are available for most radio manufacturers. � e Jeti Duplex radio is designed for telemetry and off ers a variety of sensors to choose from, such as temperature, rpm, current, and voltage. � e Jeti can also record data to a fl ight log for “trend monitoring” and make verbal announcements and alarms.

8 USE A VIDEO

DOWNLINK SYSTEM

5 USE A FAST

FRAME RATE

Use a video transmitter for a live aerial perspective.

Flight data can overlay your video with an on-screen display module.

� is Jeti sensor measures voltage and current during the fl ight.

Use video goggles for fi rst-person view, but make sure you have a spotter.

Increasing the frame rate to 60fps (frames per second) reduces the blur caused by vibration.

Use a monitor so you can “frame” the shot while you are fl ying.

SUPER SHOOTER

About the AuthorGus Calderon is a commercial pilot and the owner of IsisCopter, a consulting firm that designs and builds custom multirotors for applications ranging from science to the government and entertainment. He has been building and flying radio-control aircraft for over 35 years and has focused on multirotors for the past four years. Gus notes that his preferred setup is an IsisCopter Y-6 with a Sony HDR-CX430 camcorder, adding, “The Sony line of camcorders have Exmor R sensors and Carl Zeiss lenses, which produce HD image quality at a reasonable price.”

10 Do a post-flight

inspection

An experienced pilot always performs a post-flight inspection of his aircraft as a matter of safety and precaution. An infrared temperature probe can be used to inspect the motors, speed controls, and connections on a multirotor. Props and landing gear should be visually inspected for damage. Also inspect electrical connections and the status of the battery.

Closing ThoughtsIn addition to all of the above tips, it is advisable to practice flying as often as possible, always ensuring that chosen locations permit flight operations without creating a nuisance or disturbance to others. Ultimately, the “Go/No go” decision should be based on weather conditions, evaluation of safe proximity to persons and property, and the operator’s physical and mental well being. Great photos and a safe flight rely on sound decision making. K

Always inspect your multirotor after each flight.

get more tips from gus in three in-Depth viDeos at RotoRDRoneMag.coM

1/2H.indd 1 3/27/14 10:54 AM

by debra cleghorn photos by gus calderon

VolantisLady Gaga’s Flying Dress

Gus Calderon and the Volantis a few hours prior to flying Lady Gaga in New York on the day of her Art Pop album release event.

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The creative team worked at a secret location in north San Diego County and did extensive testing of the individual components and the assembled airframe as well. Gus adds, “I had to do a lot of flight testing with simulated payload in preparation for the event. It was a lot of fun to remotely pilot such an incredibly large multirotor.” The Volantis used a combination of custom-made parts and commercially available components that met the team’s specifications. Although Gus had to sign a non-disclosure agreement not to divulge information about the project, he notes, “I can say that the multirotor was electric and powered by lithium-polymer batteries.” After the successful on-stage flight, during which the dress and Lady Gaga flew around the stage, 3 feet off the ground, she later gave a press conference: “We want you to feel inspired. We need to open our minds to technology … and we want your ideas to take flight.” K

The pop sTar Lady GaGa is no stranger to unusual fashion choices and has a talent for creating over-the-top performances, but her flying dress, the Volantis, literally took her to new heights. Custom multirotor designer and builder and commercial pilot Gus Calderon consulted for London-based Studio XO that brought this flying creation to life. Gus says that the design is based on one of his smaller multirotors, and “literally scaled up the dimensions.” Gus said, “It was very challenging because we had to merge fashion with technology and accomplish this within a very short time frame.”

This diagram of how the Volantis works was provided

by Studio XO.

Lady Gaga addresses the media about how technology can improve the lives of young people around the world.

the dress and Lady GaGa fLew around the staGe, 3 feet off the

Ground ... “we want you to feeL inspired. we need to open our

minds to technoLoGy”


QUAD SQUAD

JOIN THE MINI ROTORDRONE REVOLUTION!

AirHogs Elite Helix X4 StuntSpin Master Intl. | spinmaster.com | $79.99

Highlights

� Very easy to fl y

� Charges from controller or using USB cable (included)

� Extremely rugged and crash resistant

Flight comments

“ Nice stability and response. Has a selectable 3-function “fl ip” button.

SQUADAlign M424 Align | alignrcusa.com | $39.99

Highlights

� 3-axis gyro stabilization system

� Supports iPhone/Android as controller (optional)

� Very easy to fl y

Flight comments

“ Great for both indoor and outdoor fl ying. Fully charged battery provides a decent amount of fl ight time.

BY TEAM ROTORDRONE PHOTOS BY PETER HALL

93

It’s amazing to see the fun and excitement that quadcopters

bring to everyday life. Hardly a day goes by that you don’t see something on

TV mentioning drones, robotic multirotors, and other commercial and military

remote-controlled flying vehicles. Though some of the larger quadcopters and

drones require assembly, the mini and micro sets, for the most part, are ready

to fly straight out of the box. Advancements in both the electronics and the

on-board stabilization systems have allowed these small drones to be easily

carried anywhere, and some even fit in your pocket. If you haven’t flown one

of these small four-corner hovering machines yet, and you want to join the

multirotor craze, this article is for you.

Blade Ultra Micro 180 QX HDHorizon Hobby | horizonhobby.com | $149.99 (BNF); $179.99 (RTF)

Highlights

� Includes transmitter-controlled in-fl ight video camera

� Excellent stability and agility fl ight modes

� Easy transmitter setup for BNF version

Flight comments

“Both versions have excellent performance indoors and outdoors. Very good video quality.

Ares Ethos DX 130 Firelands | firelandsgroup.com | $39.99

Highlights

� 3-axis gyro stabilization system

� Diff erent accessories, including camera, rocket-launcher, water-blaster, winch with basket, and bubble machine

� Automatic fl ip mode

Flight comments

“ Good performance with some nice lifting capabilities. A great indoor and outdoor quad to fl y around. Includes a fl ip mode for aerobatic fun.


QUAD SQUAD

Blade Nano QX BNFHorizon Hobby | horizonhobby.com | $69.99

Highlights

� SAFE technology with stability and agility modes

� Includes yellow and green canopies and extra rotor blades

� Excellent stability and response

Flight comments

“Requires compatible 4+ channel transmitter. It is very easy to control in stability mode and is constantly stable. In agility mode, fun tricks are easy to perform.

Estes Proto X NanoHobbico | hobbico.com | $39.99

Highlights

� Smallest quadcopter available today

� One-piece PC board acts as the main frame and motor outriggers

� Both the quadcopter and included transmitter easily fi t in your pocket

Flight comments

“ Given its micro size, it is very easy to control and has good duration. Should only be fl own in calm conditions, or indoors.

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Heli-Max 1SQ / 1SQ V-CamHobbico | hobbico.com | $99.98 (1SQ); $129.99 (1SQ V-Cam)

Highlights

� Excellent stability and response

� Easy to set up

� V-Cam version includes video camera

Flight comments

“ Available ready to fl y or transmitter-ready, both versions are rugged and have excellent fl ight stability and performance. Very good fl ight duration.

Heli-Max 1SiHobbico | hobbico.com | $99.98; $139.98 (w/camera)

Highlights

� Actual Direction Control feature

� Return to Pilot feature

� Available with and without camera

Flight

comments

“Very easy to fl y and hover. Actual Direction Control makes it easy to control the model regardless of where it is pointed. Braking feature brings 1Si back to hover and makes fl ying very easy. Return to Pilot feature is very cool.


QUAD SQUAD

LaTrax Alias LaTrax | latrax.com | $149.95

Highlights

� � ree fl ight modes: Easy, Fast, and Expert

� Auto-leveling 6-axis fl ight system

� Extremely durable

Flight comments

“ Excellent response and fl ight stability. Easy-to-use switches let you do “fl ip” aerobatics. Very tough and durable — it can really take a beating without breaking.

HobbyKing Q-BotHobbyKing | hobbyking.com | $39.99

Highlights

� 3-axis gyro stabilization

� Ultra stable fl ight characteristics

� Four selectable fl ight modes

Flight comments

“Good indoor and outdoor fl yer with good lifting capabilities. Includes four selectable fl ight modes to suit its pilot’s skills.

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HPHeli Quad RTFHobby People | hobbypeople.net | $99.99

Highlights

� On-board video camera included

� Rugged design

� 6-axis stabilization

Flight comments

“ � is ready-to-fl y quadcopter is easy to fl y for both beginners and experienced pilots. Two pre-programmed fl ight modes give the ability to set up the HPHeli Quad for beginners and indoor fl ying, or for advanced, responsive outdoor performance. Bright LEDs allow night fl ying and a built-in 640x480 camera comes with a 1GB Memory Card.


WORLD’S FIRST “GREEN”MAN-CARRYING MULTI-ROTOR

over the horizon

Designed and manufactured in Germany, the e-volo’s Volocopter VC200 is a revolution for general aviation. An environmentally friendly and emissions-free 2-place multirotor helicopter, its designers say it’s not only safer and simpler than normal helicopter designs, but also cleaner for the environment. Instead of being powered by an internal combustion engine or a turbine engine, the Volocopter has 18 electrically driven rotors to propel it.First flown in late 2013, the first test flights were conducted in an enclosed arena in Karlsruhe, Germany. With multiple flights lasting several minutes and nearly reaching the 70-plus-foot-high ceiling. Exceeding all expectations, the VC200 made a number of smooth takeoffs and landings. Due to elaborate flight performance simulations

at the Stuttgart University before the successful first test flight, the development team already knew the VC200 would be easy to fly. It exhibited incredibly quiet sound levels and absolutely no noticeable vibrations during its powered flights. Using extremely lightweight and sturdy, molded carbon-fiber structures, the multi-rotor craft has a new sprung strut landing gear, which also performed extremely well.

With a Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology grant of 2 million Euros, e-volo is now working together with an industry research syndicate to refine and produce a production version of the VC200. As it stands, the multi-rotor craft will be granted a provisional airworthiness certificate after having undergone extensive endurance testing. At the end of the trial program, a prototype certification will then be granted for the newly created ultra-light rotor aircraft category. This will all eventually lead to future serial production. The final design aim for the two-seater VC200 Volocopter is to ultimately have a cruise speed of at least 100 km/h, a flight altitude of up to 6,500 feet, a maximum takeoff weight of 450kg, and a flight time of more than one hour before requiring recharging. Thefutureofmultirotortransportationishere!

by GERRY YARRISH | PHOTOS COURTESy OF e-volo GmbH

The first flight was performed inside an enclosed arena.

The design and test flight team pose with VD200.

The VC200 is assembled using several quick-connect molded components.

rotor drone - summer 2014

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