[Technology] Drones

[Mr Bridger]

Looking into getting a drone for work purposes, but haven’t a clue on what’s good out there for a complete novice so looking for any advice on what to look out for and what to avoid.

My business is water leak detection so looking for a decent drone, easy to fly but must have a thermal imaging camera as this will be the part to help trace any external water leaks.

Budget is up to £1000 for the right bit of kit, would I be able to get something decent for that?

 

[schmunk]

Perhaps a little bit over budget, but worth the extra:

 

[A1X]

Perhaps a little bit over budget, but worth the extra:

Nice they went for the Flintstone pack to make it go faster by running along the tarmac with the legs at the front

 

[Swansman]

Looking into getting a drone for work purposes, but haven’t a clue on what’s good out there for a complete novice so looking for any advice on what to look out for and what to avoid.

My business is water leak detection so looking for a decent drone, easy to fly but must have a thermal imaging camera as this will be the part to help trace any external water leaks.

Budget is up to £1000 for the right bit of kit, would I be able to get something decent for that?

No place to ask for a high-tec drone like the internet forum where the majority are using steam-powered antikytheras to get online.

 

[wuntbedruv]

Looking into getting a drone for work purposes, but haven’t a clue on what’s good out there for a complete novice so looking for any advice on what to look out for and what to avoid.

My business is water leak detection so looking for a decent drone, easy to fly but must have a thermal imaging camera as this will be the part to help trace any external water leaks.

Budget is up to £1000 for the right bit of kit, would I be able to get something decent for that?

Before selecting a Drone, check out licensing regulations, anything beyond a toy may need one. I would guess infra red would require a decent camera therefore more likely to be regulated


You may need an Owners and a operator license and CAA approved training. Also you need to consider insurance.

Regs are getting much tighter and breaches of those a criminal offences.

The days when you could just buy a Drone and shutdown Gatwick Airport are long gone.

 

[Wozza]

Before selecting a Drone, check out licensing regulations, anything beyond a toy may need one. I would guess infra red would require a decent camera therefore more likely to be regulated

You may need an Owners and a operator license and CAA approved training. Also you need to consider insurance.

Regs are getting much tighter and breaches of those a criminal offences.

Aye. Regardless of the drone spec, using one for any commerical purpose adds a whole level of regulation.

 

[Bold Seagull]

Looking into getting a drone for work purposes, but haven’t a clue on what’s good out there for a complete novice so looking for any advice on what to look out for and what to avoid.

My business is water leak detection so looking for a decent drone, easy to fly but must have a thermal imaging camera as this will be the part to help trace any external water leaks.

Budget is up to £1000 for the right bit of kit, would I be able to get something decent for that?

This link by the CAA has info. not only on the licences you'll need, but also give you thoughts on the classification of the drone you decide to get.

 

[wuntbedruv]

This link by the CAA has info. not only on the licences you'll need, but also give you thoughts on the classification of the drone you decide to get.

Basically anything with a camera ( from what I have read on that) has regulations but equally those regs prevent using Drones in built up areas so may be of limited use to you.

 

[LamieRobertson]

DJI Mini 2 ….or the newly released Mini 3 ….both under 250g which helps you avoid a lot of the regs..paperwork.. hassle ….loads of stuff on YouTube

 

[wigman]

DJI Mini 2 ….or the newly released Mini 3 ….both under 250g which helps you avoid a lot of the regs..paperwork.. hassle ….loads of stuff on YouTube

I have the mini 2, it cost around £420.
No need for a licence as it weighs under 250g, only operator I.d required which is an online multi choice questionnaire.
It's nice and small, easy to operate and takes good snaps.

 

[wuntbedruv]

I have the mini 2, it cost around £420.
No need for a licence as it weighs under 250g, only operator I.d required which is an online multi choice questionnaire.
It's nice and small, easy to operate and takes good snaps.

It is good when people make recommendations
I have no knowledge of these things .

Just a question, the OP needs thermal imaging ( IR) Does your platform support it?

 

[LamieRobertson]

It is good when people make recommendations
I have no knowledge of these things .

Just a question, the OP needs thermal imaging ( IR) Does your platform support it?

Good point and one I missed the Mini 2 doesn’t and I’m pretty sure the 3 hasn’t either

 

[LamieRobertson]

I have the mini 2, it cost around £420.
No need for a licence as it weighs under 250g, only operator I.d required which is an online multi choice questionnaire.
It's nice and small, easy to operate and takes good snaps.

I’m still on the mini 1 ..sigh

 

[Timbo]

I convinced work I needed one a couple of years ago, I got a Hubsan Zino (I think). They’re an absolute work up and not worth the effort, I really can’t be bothered with it and it’s been in its bag for a good year now.

 

[wuntbedruv]

Good point and one I missed the Mini 2 doesn’t and I’m pretty sure the 3 hasn’t either

I don't know much about Drones but I know a bit about IR, best results are from a cooled IR camera, so that adds weight and power consumption, a cheap uncooled IR camera may not have the definition the OP is looking for. Presumably he is seeking a temp differential in an area of land compared to surrounding ground.

He really needs specialist advice that he is unlikely to find on NSC.

 

[zefarelly]

It is good when people make recommendations
I have no knowledge of these things .

Just a question, the OP needs thermal imaging ( IR) Does your platform support it?

THermal you say? Up skirt as well?

FWIW Zef Jr has a DJI . . . An impressive little chunk.


Christmas day a few years ago . . First go.

 

[wuntbedruv]

THermal you say? Up skirt as well?

FWIW Zef Jr has a DJI . . . An impressive little chunk. View attachment 148256
View attachment 148257

Christmas day a few years ago . . First go.

As for upskirting, a decent IR can be MUCH better than those glasses you could buy in mags back in the day

 

[ANdy1]

I saw that people advise DJI Mini 2 - this is really a very good drone. In addition to the advantages already listed, it really has a lot of users, so you can quickly get an answer to any question about this drone on a special forum. However, will it be good for your business? Try to find out from whoever is doing this.