NRI has video of their electric heli flying!

[kcflier]

http://www.neural-robotics.com/

click on "multimedia", then "express"

I saw this on the "other" web site, looks very promising! Plus less than 20,000. The video looked very smooth, impressive holding power.

[askman]

looks like maxijoker2. it is nice heli, but you can setup a carvec for less.

[kcflier]

It is a maxi joker2, but NO a carvac while being a great system, cannot do what it can.
A carvac is for stableization while in flight, or for getting a steady hover, the NRI system can take off, and fly itself around and land itself. The carvac requires a well trained pilot who can also handle the programming of the carvac system, Also very important point between the two systems, there is only about 3000 to maybe 5000 differance between using the nri system or going out buying the exact same setup with a carvac system.
The NRI system includes professionally building the heli, {nice since time is sooo valuable} setting it up with top of the line electronics, gyro and radio, gimbal, lipo batteries AND charger. It is not designed for the average guy who wants to snap som pics on the weekend once a month, this is for the serious A/P company or law enforcment org. that wants and needs automonous flight.

[CARVECJohn]

It is a maxi joker2, but NO a carvac cannot do what it can, not even close.

kcflier,

I hope you have done your homework before making statements like that : where have you got your information from ?. It sounds like you are comparing it to the core inertial stability version of CARVEC.

CARVEC currently supports takeoff/landing in inertial stability control mode, then it allows complete GPS control. Automatic takeoff/landing is coming - but to be honest, I personally don't see much point when the pilot has the Tx in his hand. The inertial control mode makes it pretty easy and I always seem to have a very small landing spot on rough ground.

In GPS control mode, the cyclic stick becomes truly proportional velocity command (fowards, backwards sideways) so you can fly around at whatever speed you like then when you release the stick it enters position hold and it will sit there as long as you like.

The collective stick becomes height control : keep it around the middle and it holds height. Top or bottom stick now command going higher or lower. You can also preprogram the height if you like and it will automatically go there when you flick the switch.

All the parameters are configurable by the user - so you can decide how fast it goes full-stick.

You can also fly it around in 'inertial attitude control' mode which makes for MUCH smoother flight when taking video than you get using GPS control.

A Joker-2 fitted with this full system including the camera mount and a Sony V3 weighs 6.7Kg ready to fly, and it will do so for over 20 mins.

This level of CARVEC is $9,500 USD so allowing $4000 for a full maxi Joker setup, you are looking at a difference of $6,000 USD.

If this doesn't even come close to the basic model you describe - please feel free to tell us where it is lacking.

Just keeping the record straight ..... :wink:

John C

[AZ ChopperCam]

The carvac requires a well trained pilot who can also handle the programming of the carvac system

well.... I wouldn't be too quick to say that a rank amatuer could buy the NRI this weekend and have it working the next. flying is only a portion. The rest is knowing how these machines work and setting them up.

Both require skilled and knowledgable pilots IMO

[kcflier]

CARVEC currently supports takeoff/landing in inertial stability control mode, then it allows complete GPS control. Automatic takeoff/landing is coming
Congrats on getting to that soon!
I hope you have done your homework before making statements like that : where have you got your information from ?.

I have heard this about your system from your two of your customers, they have said it takes skill to program it for use, not just a simple "turn on switch"
They also say it flies very well, however,
but to be honest, I personally don't see much point when the pilot has the Tx in his hand.
Correct me if I am wrong, but the NRI system doesn't need a tx in hand, it can be flown by laptop, but when the tx is used, it is simple to "tell" the system what to do, no flying skills required.
It does not require a pilot to take off or land, a child or adult can fly it with some simple instructions.
well.... I wouldn't be too quick to say that a rank amatuer could buy the NRI this weekend and have it working the next. flying is only a portion. The rest is knowing how these machines work and setting them up.
Thats true with Anything, however, the NRI system is extremely simple to fly or use,
And your right about care and mantainace.



[quote]This level of CARVEC is $9,500 USD so allowing $4000 for a full maxi Joker setup, you are looking at a difference of $6,000 USD.


Your right, a E-Joker maxi2 ready to fly with transmitter around 4,000. But
When I inquired about getting one, the price included batteries, a charger capible of charging large lipos and a gimbal. Hence the 3000-5000 diff.

I think your carvac system is very nice, but for Myself, for what I want to do, A/P work and if possiable, I would like to use it in law enforcment, which means possiable night flying, or at least needing very high and stable flying, I am considering theirs just because of what it has to offer.

And John,
Please dont take offense at my posts, none was meant. :cool:

[MLaBoyteaux]

When we were in Birmingham, we heard the $20,000 price didn't include the autonomous features. If you wanted that, you were going to have to purchase the ground station seperately?

[kcflier]

Ya, the laptop would cost more, I dont think I will need it so I wasn't interested in the ground station and didn't get a price.
I would prefer the tx myself in case something unexpected happened so I could take over and fly it manually.

[dreslism]

kcflier,

Are you the guy that was putting on a demo for the KC police using your Eraptor and you borrowed or got TP to pony up a lipo and got a cam mount from someone else?

If so, how did the demo go? I don't recall seeing any more postings on that. If there is, just point me to the postings.

Thanks,

[kcflier]

No, thats a freind of mine, I am helping him with it, it is to give them a taste and hopefully just to try and get the dept. to buy a system, {and hire us heli guys to support it} There are already 3 heli guys on the police force. if not, then I want to buy one and lease it to surrounding communities while also trying to do A/P work. I have a freind who is a professional potographer
who said he would be willing to work with me on doing shoots.
I just really think it would be something cool to get into. and if worked right, with lots of hard work, it could be very profitable.

[fitenfyr]

So you have "heard" about all of this and have ZERO experience with either system?

Honestly you need to get some hands on experience with the CARVEC system before you go talking it down again.
I do have hands on with it and it is everything that John says it is and more.

The AutoCopter Express system in my opinion is years behind what the CARVEC system will do and it is ready and proven right now.
There are CARVEC systems flying all over the world everyday in all sorts of enviroments and missions.

Now on another point.

I think NRI even stated this helicopter was not designed for somebody without any helicopter flying expereince.

To suggest that somebody with no training should be doing anything with equipment such as this is just irresponsible.

Even the AutoCopter takes a trained crew to operate.

I just really think it would be something cool to get into. and if worked right, with lots of hard work, it could be very profitable.

You have no idea how much work it is and how difficult it can be to do safely.

If you just think it is "cool" I would suggest you stop now before you invest a lot of money into something that you will sell for 1/2 what you put into it.

If you have an ernest want to help the community and provide a service that is needed then go for it.
I would suggest however you get some first hand experience with these systems before you drop down the money.

Oh and last time I checked a set of LiPo's and chargers were not 5000.00. :D

[kcflier]

Jason,
Are you that dumb???
Quote: from John=
This level of CARVEC is $9,500 USD so allowing $4000 for a full maxi Joker setup, you are looking at a difference of $6,000 USD. that total=13,500 from Carvac.

From me:
Your right, a E-Joker maxi2 ready to fly with transmitter around 4,000. But
When I inquired about getting one, the price from NRI included batteries, a charger capible of charging large lipos and a gimbal. Hence the 3000-5000 differance.
Add the gimbal and batts. and charger that the NRI system includes, that a differance of only around 3,000 to 5,000. between the two systems.


So where exactly Jason did I say that batteries and charger were 5000?
John and I were two thousand apart, his figures didn't include a gimbal or high powered charger,
And frankly, you dont know jack crap about NRI's system, I have done my homework, I realize that in all your posts here and on RR you try and sound supieror than eveyone else and I noticed you have bashed NRI on several ocaions, I realize customer loyalty to John, but you posting facts that are not accurate.
To suggest that somebody with no training should be doing anything with equipment such as this is just irresponsible.

Even the AutoCopter takes a trained crew to operate.

The AutoCopter Express system in my opinion is years behind what the CARVEC system will do and it is ready and proven right now.

NRI has sold this system to people with no rc piloting experiance, That doesn't mean those people have no mechanical aptitude, just no flying skills.
And frankly, you have no clue saying the NRI system is "years" behind the carvac system, The NRI system can do things the carvac cant, it flies just as well, they are BOTH GREAT systems. I just stated that my personal choice is the NRI system for certain options,
And another thing Jason, I have NEVER seen the owner of NRI say anything unkind or demeaning about the carvac system EVER, if fact I have seen him praise it several times, so where do you get off bashing it so often online?
I didn't "bash" the carvac system, I mearly stated that it takes a skilled pilot and requires programing it to get it to work with the customer's heli, programing that isn't easy for just anybody to do, these were things told to me by carvac owners, so am I wrong about that?
You have no idea how much work it is and how difficult it can be to do safely.
Do you know me?? You don't,
so don't imply I don't know what I am doing alright? I have been flying for over ten years, belive me you have no clue just what my skill level is with electronics, flying, fixed wing or helis, UAV's or programming.

last but not least, your comment
"Now on another point.

I think NRI even stated this helicopter was not designed for somebody without any helicopter flying expereince."
Where on their web site is that? I couldn't find it, can you?
Not even in the posts on RR could I find it from the owner or any employees, so where did that comment come from? You??

[askman]

frankly, lets not getinto an argument.
I can setup a nice joker 2 setup with packs and charger for about 5k, but that is not the point. I also agree that both are nice systems.

also, if you are going to be flying true UAV, you will need to file with FAA. most police dept will be able to get FAA clearance, but my guess is that, they will require that the operator is trained and able to fly unassisted. this will become a thorny issue as FAA is struggling with new UAV rule. (I don't know much about it, except what I've read, but recent crashs have gotten their attention, that is for sure) hope they come out with rules that we can live with. we sure don't need bad publicity though.

[kcflier]

Nice point askman,
sorry to get heated, its just a hobby right?? :D
not even my business I'm defending LOL :lol:
I just sent John a pm, I would like to know more about his system, who knows??
If I still go with the NRI system I will be at least more informed about what else is out there.

[CARVECJohn]

No offense taken at all kcflier. You're quite right : this should be an interesting discussion about a fascinating area of the use of helicopters - not an arena to sling mud.

At the end of the day, both systems will fly the helicopter under GPS control. NRI have done a fine job getting their system this far and I have respect for the work Mike has done over the years.

Of course they will be different in the detail : Mike has his ideas of where he wants to go and I have mine. I personally don't think giving these machines to untrained operators is a good idea and CARVEC has only been sold to people who are experienced helicopter pilots.

Half the problem in this industry is trying to cut through the BS and compare the facts. I now work on the principle "If they don't tell you, they don't want you to know". My post here was just to make the facts about CARVEC accurate.

John C.

[kcflier]

John,
thanks for the videos, {and the reply to my pm.} They were GREAT! Very impressive. pm sent back. :D

[DebianDog]

That is impressive!

My constructive comments: Current wind conditions and what exactly you are trying to accomplish in the video would be helpful. I mean you are trying to get me to spend 20 grand right ;)

[Dakine]

CARVEC has only been sold to people who are experienced helicopter pilots.

John,

That's an outright lie!!

You sold quite a few systems to me and I don't even know how to fly a RC helicopter! :D :D

Hurry back to the UK will ya?

[CARVECJohn]

LOL, I know you can fly - you're just lazy :lol:

[CARVECJohn]

LOL, I know you can fly - you're just lazy :lol:

[Dakine]

Why fly when I ain't got to? Just flip a switch then I could shift my focus working the video camera?

:lol:

[swatpilot]

kcflier,

Are you the guy that was putting on a demo for the KC police using your Eraptor and you borrowed or got TP to pony up a lipo and got a cam mount from someone else?

If so, how did the demo go? I don't recall seeing any more postings on that. If there is, just point me to the postings.

Thanks,


Im the guy doing the stuff for the Dept. I met kcflier about a month ago. As for the demo, im waiting for the mounting system from N74dv who has been a great person for information in regard to doing this. As soon as I get the mount I will post pictures and give an update. As for the dept. in regard to purchasing a system, 90 percent of our budget goes for payroll. The department gets most equipment through Grant money. They are very interested in seeing the demo, but I think that I am going to have to offer them a $2000 to $4000 option to get them to approve it. Which with N74DVs unit will be a very easy option. We will see but I really want to thank N74DV for all his help. Look I can post his name without getting in deleted, cool:)