My New Flying Camera by RodS
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Description
Just thought I'd post something to let everyone know I'm still alive.... It's been a while since I posted anything, but there's been a lot going on here... Some good, some (maybe) not so good, but we'll see....
Anyway, the Brown Truck Guy just dropped off a quadcopter - now, where have we heard that before?? Num, num, num, num....
This is my DJI Phantom 2 Vision quadcopter. It's an amazing bit of technology, really. You can fly this thing up to 1000+ feet away (the semi-official altitude limit for radio-controlled aircraft is 400 feet), and just release the controls. It will use GPS to "park" and hold position, while you use an Ipod/Iphone app to control the camera's tilt, and other settings. You can pan by using the copter's yaw controls. And of course you can fly it forward, back, left, right, just like a full size chopper.
The camera on this thing will shoot 1080P video, and/or 14MP stills. It's a very wide-angle lens, but Adobe has already released a lens profile for it so you can correct any distortion in Photoshop.
This is going to be a lot of fun - once it warms up enough to fly (and hopefully not crash) without freezing my butt off!
I'm NOT planning on flying this thing over Deer Trail, Colorado.... Or Area 51!
I'll be posting some photos once I get this machine in the air!
I also wanted to let you know that I am working on Page 19 of the T.N.A. story, and will be picking the Black Hills story up again soon.
I mentioned in my last post that I may or may not have a job at the end of January. Not a lot has changed, but I did have a good conversation with my manager Monday. I came away from that conversation with the feeling that my chances of staying on in a new position are fairly good. I asked if I should l start training on some of the newer color production print machines. He said it would be better to do so on the black & white PP equipment. That's a little more encouraging than an answer like : "No, don't worry about taking any training..."
The new position would be back in field service, and would be 8 to 5 Monday - Friday - NO zombie shift!! :-D That's part of the reason I've been off the grid - I'm still trying to get my body clock back in sync with the sun and moon. I haven't been sleeping very well at all the last couple of weeks. As an example, I think I got about 1 - 1/2 hours' sleep last night. Not fun at all...
Well, enough.... I hope everyone is staying warm, and enjoying the holiday season however you celebrate it.
Thanks for dropping by, and double-thanks if you've read this whole tome...
Stay safe, and I'll see you soon!
Comments (36)
MagikUnicorn
COOL
auntietk
Stay away from trees and wires. Be careful if you take pictures of glass "ornaments" up on old utility poles. Try to avoid the White House, as well as Area 51, etc. My first thought was ... "Boy, I wish I'd had this at the Great Sand Dunes in Colorado!" That would be some pretty nifty photography. Smile for the birdie! :) Best of luck with the job thing, dearest. I hope you get to go back to a normal schedule! Looking forward to more artwork from you once you get back on track! :)
RodS Online Now!
LOL - you know me well, Tara! Insulator hunting with a quadcopter....... The thought had occurred to me a time or two :-D
Foink
Very cool camera...good luck with the job situation!!!
mickeyrony
Hope the best for you in your work And a so nice and intriguant copter Very nice looking ((5++))
giulband
the flying big brother!!!
RodS Online Now!
That's a legitimate concern a lot of people have, especially after the NSA flap earlier this year. As with any technology it can be abused, and undoubtedly will be by some. We use our computers for creating art, for photography, and enjoying our interactions with friends and family, not for hacking into someone's bank account. A quadcopter or radio controlled model airplane is much the same. Like every other aspect of modern technology, it is dependent on the ethics of whoever is at the controls. In my T.N.A. story, the Girls use a quad to track, and yes, "spy" on one of the bad guys. This, of course is part of the story I have written and in no way is within the capabilities of this particular aircraft - or its operator. LOL So relax, and enjoy the photos I'll be posting after a bit of 'flight training!' :-D
whaleman
I did read it all and I like what you are doing. Hope the job and sleep work out for you, sounds like a lot of stress, and getting outside with the copter will help with that!
prutzworks
Aria 51 sounds interesting :>) succes with your job
MineFujiko
Cool peeper?:) beautiful plane, RodS-san!
adrie
That is one cool looking flying camera Rod, Succes with your job my friend.
eekdog
glad that your still with us my friend. zoom is way awesome on this, Rod. Happy holidays.. cool spy cam. i want one now..
Savage_dragon
GAAK! I'm keeping my windows covered! Lol. ")
RodS Online Now!
LOL! You're a little out of range, Angel! I don't think it'll make it all the way from Missouri to California - at least not without a bunch of mid-air battery changes! :-D
magnus073
This is truly amazing, Rod. I've never seen anything like this before.
Razor42
Awesome, this is really cool mate! Looking forward to seeimg some pics! Hopefully it does video to. Gratz with the new day shift role to.
RodS Online Now!
It does do video as well - 1080P HD. I'll post some videos once I get a couple (successful) flights under my belt! :-D
GrandmaT
We may never see you again when you start playing with that thing. It looks awesome. I thought it was just one of your 3D idea creations. I hope your job holds up for you. January is not a good time to be pounding the streets.
RodS Online Now!
No worries there, Terri :-D I'll still be doing lots of CG stuff, and of course continuing the T.N.A. saga!
Diemamker
This copter is cool! looks like it pretty big too, bet it flies well out side... You know we not only what to see shots from it's camera, but also of it fling... to see how it handles. I also think you should know that Ranpha's heading over there! with Trish and Rico and myself with are hands filled with parts to be added to the copter.. well actually I'll be carrying ever thing... She said something about upgrading its capacities.. Hmmm lets see, more powerful motors, an upgraded AI flight system... super upgraded telephoto zoom spy lens camera... and some secret stuff... Hope your ready for this... Hmmm... I think I may have my next story!!
RodS Online Now!
LOL - can't wait to see what you come up with, Dan! Just remember..... Don't push the big red button.... Trish and Melanie are still nursing the bruises.... :-D
drifterlee
Now this is really cool, Rod. Are you going to spy on your neighbors? LOL!
Rhanagaz
Great to hear more from your, Rod! Nice perspective if it means a normal daytime job! Congrats with you new playing tool!! I also thought of NSA - if a lot of people bought this qaudcopter it could be fun to let them all hovering around the NSA HQ! Most people in Europe as well as many in US as far I know are deeply concerned with a such massive surveilance state in a state (Like Orwell's 1984 - ). Protecting the democracy? Who protects the citizens against NSA - NGO's? Or volunteer whistleblowers?..
Froggy
Looks like a great machine HotRod - I bet it will be a real hoot to use! I wonder what capers you (it) will get involved in?
Richardphotos
I understand about odd hours. at one time a former company was asking me to every other 8 hours. I finally told them something has to give. I was falling asleep standing up and did not know when sleep or be awake. luckily they gave me a break and I had a day time shift I have looked at several of the copters but did not purchase as being afraid that someone would shoot it down
tigertim
Very cool Rod, I'm green with envy... well it is virtual green and you'll have to imagine that!!... but the envy bit is 100%!!.. What a fun looking toy, and look forward to seeing some 'evidence' from the camera!! 1080-P too, nice! So what's Deer Creek?, a local nudist camp?? LOL....... Area 51 I comprehend!!, and any military bases.. ... have fun you lucky beggar!
vitachick
That is one awesome flying camera...Imagine all the shots you will be getting.. Things sound good at work for you. Infact to have normal hours??? WOW!!!
doarte
Grand Toy Rod, fantastic image, thanks for the share...Applause (*I do hope you can get some good sleep & rest) +5 from doarte's MADHOUSE
mrestey
HEY! That's really cool Rod! Now you take take a photo right up Roosevelt's nostril next trip to the Black Hills, LOL! I'm eager to hear what it's like to fly - easy or difficult. I know my single rotor copter is tricky. Glad to hear you got some positive vibes from your manager. Sure would be nice to know for sure though eh? Looking for to page 19 buddy. Take some night time Tylenol and get some sleep buddy.
RodS Online Now!
Editor's note: I mentioned Deer Creek in the description - it's actually Deer Trail, Colorado... My bad! :-P I've corrected it in the description, and added a link so you'll see why I won't fly there! :-D You can also paste the address below into your browser: http://www.cnn.com/2013/12/10/us/colorado-town-drone-ordinance/index.html All systems checked out, now I'm just waiting for a good day for the maiden flight...
Faemike55
I followed the link and read the story! I don't blame them at all. What we need are our own drones so we can follow the NSA's Drones OMG! it would be the Drone Wars!!!!
sharky_
Interesting flying quad...Aloha
misty7j3
"Wow"!! This is really cool.....I've never seen one of those before! I've always wanted to get a remote controlled helicopter, that I could play with, and make it fly way up high in the sky...."lol" I never heard of these phantom quadcopters before.....they look so cool....I "googled" it.....and "wow"....they are expensive!!! You're lucky that you could get one of these amazing flying cameras Rod....I WANT ONE TOO!!!!!!!!!!!! "LOL"!!!!
debbielove
OK... LOL Well I'll let you off here mate! As....it does not carry parcels and have 'Amazon' stamped on the side LOL I wish you luck with it, but for me the temptation to peek at something I shouldn't, would be toooo much! lol Nice looking....erm... thingy! Rob
e-brink
A fantastic too. Could do with one of those myself. I make films now as well.
Cyve
You have a lot of luck my friend!