Drones Cancel The title field is required!

1. Tommy Witt

   

   5 posts
   
   1/28/2015 1:01 PM

   Can any of you offer your ideas on how you might currently be using drones in your operations and how much they might cost? Thanks in advance for your comments

   
   
   
   
2. Curtis Nickerson

   

   0 posts
   
   1/29/2015 6:01 AM

   Hey Tommy,
   I'm an avid "rc flyer" and build and fly drones, helis and fixed wings. For work I use a DJI phantom 2 with the zinmuse 3D gimbal with a go pro hero3. I have installed a 9" screen on the tx (the remote control) so I can have a FPV (first person view) of what the drone/camera sees. It also give me altitude, direction and travel speed and is linked through a GPS. I have 3 extra batteries and it is all carried in a pelican protective case and I have about $1200 invested. This was about a year ago, I would imagine the prices have come down. I gathered together the parts I wanted instead of a turn key (RTF, ready to fly) kit. I build bigger larger ones for personal use with larger payload capacity (to carry a DSLR camera) but they are too big for work, you can build them for much less than buying one. There is a great thread on Drones over on turfnet.

   
   
   
   
3. Sandy Clark

   

   0 posts
   
   1/30/2015 9:01 AM

   Tommy, get in touch with Dr. Larry Stowell. He has used them for some interesting pictures in his research such as showing the impact of shade on turf from the drones position. You can see things that are not as noticeable from the ground perspective. Irrigation pattern observation was another thing he looked at. I am sure he can provide you a ton of ideas on how they could benefit us on the course.

   
   
   
   
4. Tommy Witt

   

   5 posts
   
   2/4/2015 10:02 AM

   Thanks guys for your input. Much appreciated.

   
   
   
   
5. Larry Stowell

   

   0 posts
   
   2/4/2015 10:02 AM

   Tommy,
   
   Here is a video that covers some of the applications, including a pathetic example of piloting. The video is one of the TurfChat series John Kaminski used to organize.
   
   https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ZhuUs6AqcxY
   
   The newer DJI Phantoms have cameras that look straight down - you had to modify older versions to mount the camera for otho-photography.

   
   
   
   
6. Evans Aaron R

   
   10/29/2015 1:10 PM

   We are gearing up for some new construction on one of our nines and adding a driving range. We wanted to be able to get aerial images for documentation and to show our members a different view of the construction. Does anyone have experience, suggestions, and/or certain models the you would suggest with the drones? We have been looking at the DJI Phantom 3. Thanks ahead for any thoughts!

   
   
   
   
7. Brian Lentz

   

   0 posts
   
   10/29/2015 6:10 PM

   We purchased a Phantom 3 Professional about 2 months ago and love it. it's been easy to fly and takes great video and stills. We're still playing with several different brands of video editing software but haven't picked a favorite yet. One suggestion that worked out great for us was purchasing a small hobby style drone for $100.00 and we flew that around the shop for a month until we got comfortable. There are some great flying features on the Phantom 3 that make handling it a breeze. There are other drones out there but you can't go wrong with the Phantom 3.
   
   Brian Lentz
   Lakewood Ranch, Fl.

   
   
   
   
8. Larry Allan

   

   0 posts
   
   10/30/2015 6:10 AM

   GoPro Studio is a fairly decent editing software and it is free. It tends to freeze frequently until you get your setting correct though

   
   
   
   
9. Rick Tegtmeier

   

   0 posts
   
   10/30/2015 7:10 AM

   Aaron,
   
   I jumped on the drone bandwagon early when they came out. I purchased a GoPro camera and a DJI Phantom 1. I still use them today and fly it around and take video. The new DJI Phantom 3 is a awesome drone and you can't go wrong with it. We are in the middle of a 4 year renovation project and I post photos and videos each week on my blog page to keep them abreast as to what is going on with the construction. It has been a great tool to have and use. Good luck with it. They are fun to use and fly around.
   
   Rick

   
   
   
   
10. Clay Putnam

    

    33 posts
    
    10/30/2015 11:10 AM

    Be careful to keep the drone over your own property or else wrap that baby in kevlar. Shotguns bring down a drone fairly quickly.

    
    
    
    
11. Larry Allan

    

    0 posts
    
    11/2/2015 12:11 PM

    With every problem comes a solution
    [youtube">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=43OrRP5oxJs[/youtube">

    
    
    
    
12. Steven Huffstutler

    

    11 posts
    
    11/3/2015 5:11 PM

    I think you should all be put in prison

    
    
    
    
13. Casey Ballou

    

    0 posts
    
    1/14/2016 2:01 PM

    What kind of drones would you suggest for a golf course? We are kicking the idea around and needed a place to start our search.

    
    
    
    
14. Steven Scott

    

    0 posts
    
    1/15/2016 3:01 PM

    I am flying a DJI Phantom 3 Advanced. It is probably the most complete unit you are going to find as far as already having a great camera, gimbal, controller, etc. It shoots 1080 HD video and if you play it back with an HD compatible tv/computer you can literally see the individual leaves on the trees from 200+ feet high. It's not the cheapest at almost $1000, but the cheaper models do not include as much either. It's pretty well idiot proof, you see live video as you are flying and it will automatically return to home when the battery reaches a certain level. Typically I get 23 minutes of flight time per battery. We have used ours for not only fly-over videos for marketing but for scouting dry spots, weak areas, drainage issues, and potential winter damage. There was a recent webinar on here about them on January 7th. Good luck!

    
    
    
    
15. Michael Posey

    

    0 posts
    
    1/25/2016 12:01 PM

    Phantom 3 advanced here also.

    
    
    
    
16. David Brandenburg

    

    3 posts
    
    1/25/2016 8:01 PM

    Phantom 3 4K here. The prices are much less than last September with a complete unit around $1,000 or less.

    
    
    
    
17. Matt Dutkiewicz

    

    0 posts
    
    1/26/2016 9:01 AM

    I would just caution new pilots; thoroughly read reviews before purchasing any of the stepped down dji drones. For example; the dji Phanton 3 4k, is a steal at $799 right now ($1200 for top-end phantom 3). It flys the same as the top end phantom 3, however, the "lightbridge" system of transmitting data is not used in this version, and instead it uses wi-fi. While that might not sound bad, the lightbridge is capable of about a 1 mile distance with crystal clear 4k video. Unfortunately with a wi-fi transmission, the video cuts drastically when it encounters other wi-fi interference. If you were out in the country, with no other wi-fi around you might get to about 1200 feet away and still have very good quality, but if you are in a populated area, that distance cuts to about 400 feet. So while you will have saved about $400, you will not get the full range of use that you might have hoped for. The lower end phantom 3's are great drones and are a perfect fit for some applications, just make sure to read up on the specifics so you will remain happy about your purchase.

    
    
    
    
18. Justin Murray

    

    0 posts
    
    1/29/2016 2:01 PM

    Matthew Dutkiewicz said: I would just caution new pilots; thoroughly read reviews before purchasing any of the stepped down dji drones. For example; the dji Phanton 3 4k, is a steal at $799 right now ($1200 for top-end phantom 3). It flys the same as the top end phantom 3, however, the "lightbridge" system of transmitting data is not used in this version, and instead it uses wi-fi. While that might not sound bad, the lightbridge is capable of about a 1 mile distance with crystal clear 4k video. Unfortunately with a wi-fi transmission, the video cuts drastically when it encounters other wi-fi interference. If you were out in the country, with no other wi-fi around you might get to about 1200 feet away and still have very good quality, but if you are in a populated area, that distance cuts to about 400 feet. So while you will have saved about $400, you will not get the full range of use that you might have hoped for. The lower end phantom 3's are great drones and are a perfect fit for some applications, just make sure to read up on the specifics so you will remain happy about your purchase.

    
    
    I just ordered the 3 advanced model, so what you are saying is the video quality is lower in this model vs the 4k professional model?

    
    
    
    
19. Matt Dutkiewicz

    

    0 posts
    
    1/31/2016 1:01 PM

    To my understanding, yes the video via wi-fi will not be to the same quality as video via the light bridge. Also remember there is more interference via competing wi-fi, which can lower video quality. Now with that being said, many people won't see a difference, between 4k and 1080, due to the way they view video. If you are viewing it on a smaller screen it'll be a negligible difference for sure. If you want to view it on a large tv, you will see a difference, however if you do not have a tv capable of 4k viewing, then it certainly won't matter. I personally think the lower priced Phantom 3 is a steal of a deal. I doubt many of us are purchasing one for wedding photography or large release movie making. So video quality is not the utmost importance. The real take-away is to watch your distance closely. The cheaper Phantom 3 4k will not be able to transmit video as far away as the higher end versions, this is the real meat of the subject. My advice is to always have your drone in view, this is the best way to keep it in your hands and not lose it, and with the lower end version, also the best way to make sure you are collecting all the video as well.

    
    
    
    
20. Thomas Vogel

    

    0 posts
    
    2/1/2016 12:02 PM

    Just upgraded from the DJI Vision 2+ to the DJI 3 Advanced. Amazing difference. Easier to fly and video is much better. I researched the DJI 3 Professional but only difference was 4K and faster charging. Who has 4K to take advantage of the better video quality.....Good luck.

    
    
    
    
21. Andy Jorgensen

    

    1 posts
    
    2/1/2016 3:02 PM

    One of our photographers just bought one of these and used it during an event Saturday. Almost idiot proof. It's his first drone and he was ecstatic.
    
    http://www.horizonhobby.com/product/multirotor/staff-picks/ready-to-fly-15086--1/chroma-w-st-10-and-c-go3-blh8675

    
    
    
    
22. Justin Murray

    

    0 posts
    
    2/2/2016 8:02 AM

    Matthew Dutkiewicz said: To my understanding, yes the video via wi-fi will not be to the same quality as video via the light bridge. Also remember there is more interference via competing wi-fi, which can lower video quality. Now with that being said, many people won't see a difference, between 4k and 1080, due to the way they view video. If you are viewing it on a smaller screen it'll be a negligible difference for sure. If you want to view it on a large tv, you will see a difference, however if you do not have a tv capable of 4k viewing, then it certainly won't matter. I personally think the lower priced Phantom 3 is a steal of a deal. I doubt many of us are purchasing one for wedding photography or large release movie making. So video quality is not the utmost importance. The real take-away is to watch your distance closely. The cheaper Phantom 3 4k will not be able to transmit video as far away as the higher end versions, this is the real meat of the subject. My advice is to always have your drone in view, this is the best way to keep it in your hands and not lose it, and with the lower end version, also the best way to make sure you are collecting all the video as well.

    
    
    Thanks Matt, As I begin using this technology I am sure their will be a learning curve. Another question is what happens when you do not have a wi-fi connection? I assume that the connection is from the controller to the drone. Is that correct?

    
    
    
    
23. Andy Jorgensen

    

    1 posts
    
    2/2/2016 8:02 AM

    Matthew Dutkiewicz said: To my understanding, yes the video via wi-fi will not be to the same quality as video via the light bridge. Also remember there is more interference via competing wi-fi, which can lower video quality. Now with that being said, many people won't see a difference, between 4k and 1080, due to the way they view video. If you are viewing it on a smaller screen it'll be a negligible difference for sure. If you want to view it on a large tv, you will see a difference, however if you do not have a tv capable of 4k viewing, then it certainly won't matter. I personally think the lower priced Phantom 3 is a steal of a deal. I doubt many of us are purchasing one for wedding photography or large release movie making. So video quality is not the utmost importance. The real take-away is to watch your distance closely. The cheaper Phantom 3 4k will not be able to transmit video as far away as the higher end versions, this is the real meat of the subject. My advice is to always have your drone in view, this is the best way to keep it in your hands and not lose it, and with the lower end version, also the best way to make sure you are collecting all the video as well.

    
    
    Correct me if I'm wrong, but the video is stored on a card at the drone, right? So the transmission capabilities are basically so you can see what you are filming? I don't have a drone, just contract it out with a professional and his $10k unit uses an iPhone for viewing. Am I missing something?

    
    
    
    
24. Matt Dutkiewicz

    

    0 posts
    
    2/2/2016 11:02 AM

    Andy,
    You are correct, the SD card stores the images/video. I definitely got on a tangent about loss of quality, but the interference and the loss of video i was referencing is to the device you are using to "see" the drone. (iphone/ipad/monitor/hdtv, etc.) There is a loss of quality to that device, and there is the potential to lose visual on that viewing device relatively quickly. Quicker than it probably should be for the money involved.

    
    
    
    
25. Steven Scott

    

    0 posts
    
    2/2/2016 3:02 PM

    Justin,
    The Wi-Fi that he mentions is just between the controller and the drone, it does not involve Wi-Fi in terms of internet connectivity. So when you lose that Wi-Fi connection between the controller and drone because of too much competition from other sources it just means that you lose your First-Person-View which is not critical for flying these things but it is critical if you want to know what you are taking photos/video of. The control of the drone itself is handled by a different transmitter and you can maintain that signal much further away than you should.

    
    
    
    
26. Justin Murray

    

    0 posts
    
    2/3/2016 7:02 AM

    Thanks, I have a better understanding of it now. What kind of cases are you using for these DJI 3's? Also are their must get accessories(Batteries)?

    
    
    
    
27. Steven Scott

    

    0 posts
    
    2/3/2016 8:02 AM

    You are going to want a tablet to use with the controller if you don't already have one. (I use my personal iPad, its just an App to install). You can use your phone but I have a feeling that trying to see even on a iPhone 6+ screen would be frustrating.
    Otherwise an extra battery or two would be my suggestion. I get about 23 minutes of flight time before the unit starts to beep and return to base, I can fly the entire course in less than 23 minutes but once the battery is done its 45 minutes - 1 hour of charging time before you are flying again.
    My only other suggestion would a couple extra sets of propellers, I have only bumped into anything once but when I did it sheered the propellers (Lots of RPMs).
    
    I have been looking at cases but thus far my unit only leaves the office to head to the roof so a $100+ case hasn't been real high on the priority list.

    
    
    
    
28. Lisa Wick

    

    1 posts
    
    2/17/2016 4:02 PM

    Good afternoon - it was mentioned that GCSAA had a webcast about this in January. We sure did - taught by Jim Moore at the USGA. The recording is available to all members here:
    
    http://www.gcsaa.tv/webinars/education/view.php?id=277 so you can watch and earn education points if you fill out a survey afterwards.
    
    One of the things Jim said that made a lot of sense to me is to buy one of the $50 ones to learn how to fly them before you drop the cash for the more expensive kind you are going to want if you really use one for work.
    
    Jim has some excellent videos which the webcasting software doesn't let us show in the virtual classroom. He provided these links:
    
    Highlight reel of golf course videos and bonus goat feeding time:
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ulqq8CrsYe8
    
    Short video of how the quadcopter can be used on baseball fields – illustrates irrigation system problems, and functionality of quadcopter in different situations:
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBWPcAVYEJ0
    
    Short video of the Cedar Ridge Golf Club in Broken Arrow Oklahoma, shot for my buddy Mike Wooten, the superintendent, to use in his newsletter about the practice range overhaul:
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AP-W7y5DGeM
    
    I hope you find this helpful. Lisa

    
    Lisa Wick, sr. manager, e-Learning Programs
    
    
29. Keith Kruger

    

    0 posts
    
    2/24/2016 12:02 PM

    Casey,
    
    What are your primary goals and long term goals for this platform? Just having a camera on it is great and yes either a Phantom 3 Pro 4K with lightbridge or a Yuneec 4K or the G model which allows to carry a GoPro. Both platforms have great features and preform as you could want for everyday archiving.
    
    Check your local hobby shops , can even run to Best Buys too I hear. Don't forget to register with FAA and also check out the AMA site, RCForums, and as always Youtube has really good info as well.
    
    I have been thinking along the lines of adding and IR camera for soil moisture monitoring.
    
    Any thoughts??
    
    Best of luck fly safe,
    
    Keith

    
    
    
    
30. Stottern Riley L

    
    5/17/2017 3:05 PM

    If you look up the past webinars, there is a good one on drones and quadcopters.