Need advice, for starting

[jappie911]

Hello,

I want your opinion on my ideas about starting up an AP-business.

I have a Forwarding company, and my hobby is the RC-heli's for a long time. When a few customers saw my heli's, a few of them asked if I can use them for inspection on their Factory's.

Because this are mostly chemical factory's I don't dare to use a nitro machine, or even an electric heli like a T-rex.
Because of safety and responsibility.

But I am already thinking a few years to start a "side-job" with camera's in combi with my hobby.

I have no proffesional experience with photography, but my wife is doing it a lot for hobby, and also wants to do the marketing.

So after debate a lot, I saw the following very expensive stuff;

www.microdrones.com

This is GPS based stabilized, and is specialy made for rc-photography.

It's made for people without rc-experience and is extremely stable.

I was reading some test, and it realy goes like; up=up, left=left, do nothing=dronething is hanging where it's supposed to be!!
You can really lay down the transmitter !

They also provide everything for the photography.

So this should be a very good way, and probally the best, and safest.

BUT! the price.. :lol:
'
The drone ready to fly, including all rc, even reciever,accu's,transmitter,and gps stuff,camera stabilizing, 9500,- euro's

Then you need the proffesional set including; video-eyglass,2,4 ghz system,power supply,downlink decoder, case's etc.. etc..

another; 8000 euro's

So complete system without camera 18000,- euro's.. = 23000 usd.. :shock: :shock: :shock: :shock: :shock:

So this are no hobby prices.. and we should do a lott off jobs..,

But still;
If I want to do it really well; I think this is THE system or not ?

So I can sell a few (pure hobby) nitro 90's, and invest a bitt new money..

I think, and investigating now, that their are a lott of pottential customers, and specially a lott of factory's, who want's it for inspection, they now hire every time some really big industrial crane's for a few thousands.
And we also got a lott of positive reactions from Brokers, etc..

So; we are used to high pricing in the RC hobby but this is.. insane.

I will take a long time untill I make a dollar out of it, but still I am positive about it.

RC-heli flying is also costing a few thousands, just for hobby,..

SO now; what do you think??

What is the cost of a complete normal AP-ship ? Including the recievers, balancer for camera, video glasses, etc,etc ??

What are your experiences on the AP-business ?

My wife can do marketing for a few days a week, and I have to schedule the time, but think can do it say 2 days a week.

I am living in Holland, and we have not always the best weather conditions.., but I still think enough to fly 1/2 to 3/4 time a year.

With this ship we are talking about, they recommend only 200 grams of payload.. but they still have some good 10mp still camera's for it.
For video I would have to wait for an even more expensive (twice?) 2nd machine with 1 or 5kg payload.

So this are my ideas, I just want you to shoot on it, positive or negative..

:dontknow

[Tonystott]

That is a HUGE call! Sorry, but I simply don't believe that you can replace flying skill by spending money. That price is outrageous for only 200 grammes of payload.

You mention that electric helis are not safe in that environment, but that aircraft must be using electric power.

You would be far better to buy a small electric heli with AP rig (such as a Logo 10 stretched with Canon A640. You would save TWENTY THOUSAND DOLLARS!!

Sorry, but, to coin a phrase from the Australian film "The Castle"-

"Tell him he's dreaming!"

[jappie911]

Offcourse I know your probaly right.... :roll:

So, to got some other ideas..

What would you guys recommend?

I am reading a lot, but not still trough all of it..

I read a lot about Logo's..
Maybe in combo with a Helicommand ??

Can you tell me what a top set would be ? Including recommendations for video revieving,stabalizing etc.. etc..

Oh and maybe I can use even my own camera's then ?

I already own a JVC, evirio, GZ-MC500, which is 400 grams..
and for still an Sony Cybershot DCS T1

[kgfly]

$23,000 for 200g payload and 20min endurance does sound like a lot :shock: It does seem to include a comprehensive autopilot and flight stabilisation system together with all the photo/downlink/magic goggles goodies. From only a brief look, it seems comparable in claims to the Carvec system, but more expensive! Take a look here: http://www.carvecsystem.co.uk and maybe call Carvec and have a chat about their system. I think it is cheaper than the Microdrone but perhaps not once it is configured equivalently.

Tony's comments are quite valid. You can assemble an AP eHeli with infrared hover stabilisation (but no position hold), digital still camera and video downlink (for framing the shots) for well under $5000.

Here are some other questions to consider:
* One-person or two-person operation ?
A lot of profressional AP providers use a two person team. The pilot is soley responsible for flying and the photographer manages the camera and downlink, providing positioning requests to the pilot. One-person operation places a higher workload on the operator.

* Parts availability, setup advice and general support ?
How much help is around for setup and operational advice, support with problems and ultimately parts or repairs for damaged or worn-out elements of the system ?

* Is a heli the right solution to the problem ?
You mentioned fire risk. Would a mast, kite, tethered balloon, tethered or free-flying blimp or R/C fixed wing be a more appropriate solution ? All of these alternatives are probably cheaper than an R/C heli.

* How much time do you want to spend building/integrating/tuning the system solution as compared to getting an near-RTF solution and getting started sooner ?
An off-the-shelf solution will probably get you in the air and taking photos much sooner than one you assemble yourself. Ultimately that will mean you start generating revenue sooner. Only you can say which is more valuable to you.

[jappie911]

Thanks for help already people..!

Those names and links got my already to some possible alternatives..

About, the questions;

* One-person or two-person operation ?
2 because I want to operate together with my wife... (yes, I know..)
She has the photo,video,marketing skills I need.
I can fly heli rather well..

* Is a heli the right solution to the problem ?
Maybe not, but want to use my skills, and combine the hobby

* How much time do you want to spend building/integrating/tuning the system solution as compared to getting an near-RTF solution and getting started sooner ?
Well, that's already a part of the hobby..