Need arial info!

[jwk72]

Hopefully I can manage to get some info here. I've discovered Helifreak about a week ago and it is by far the best heli site for info.

I am getting into arial photography after several of my clients have asked if I do it. I am a pro photographer that until mid summer last year was flying RC planes and made the jump to helis. I'm not sure I'll fly a plank again! Anyhow, unlike many arial photographers I've run across who were pilots who became phographers, I am the other way around. I still consider myself a novice to intermediate pilot, I have had several offers from other pilots to fly the bird while I'm working the camera(s).

My big question is this... what type of bird can be used, I know what is best but do not plan on getting into a gasser for a few months at least. I have flown a Raptor 50 and have the opportunity to buy a Raptor 60 very cheap. Would this work or do I need to go gas or electric? Any reccommendatins would be much appreciated! I need to get the ball rolling very soon and if I want the Raptor, I need to give this guys an answer in the next couple of days.

BTW- any thoughts on the Raptor 60 even if it is not for photography??? Thanks again.

-Jay K.

[DebianDog]

I have a Raptor 60 that I have hooked an AP rig to. The problem (with all Nitro birds) is the dang smoke and oil.

My friend Tom used an old boom to pipe the smoke down to the tail rotor but you will still have smoke in your shots depending on the wind, angle, etc.

[Wbird]

Can't beat electric for cleanliness and with camera gear it is awesome. Nitro always seems to get messed all over. T-rex 600 is cheap to repair and decent heli. Logo 600 3D is a superior heli with a matching price tag. Don't forget to check into parts availiablity and pricing in your area before getting into any heli. These are going to be a concern and possibly a major determining factor as to which model you go with. Also check what others have so you can get one that others know and can help diagnose or suggest upgrades.

Sim time is invaluable.

Good luck

[streetwize]

Last year I used a 90 size nitro, Sold that cause of oil residue on my camera gear. I had a couple old tailbooms diverting the exhaust about 5" past the tail blades. It didnt work when I was flying backward taking pics of a passing train. Covered everything. ;)

I will have a gasser this spring, until then I have converted a 30 size nitro to a front mount to fill in.

I also have a 40' wonderpole and am building a lightweight electric plane.

Depending on your needs of flight time.

Nitro is about 8-10 minutes
Electric (depending on the brand heli) 6-15 minutes.
Gasser 30+ minutes.

Sent you a PM,

Troy

[trackhead]

Go electric

[jared_of_atlanta]

Get the raptor for fun and an electric for work :-).

[Randallhurd]

I plan on using both Electric and Nitro.
Electric for the Still Shots and the Nitro for Video.
It make sense to me, since Video will in most cases be FF and Still will be Idle...
On Video I can hit pause on the landing, Fuel up, and take off again and fill a 30 Gig HD easily. On the Electric, my co-Pilot or Photo guy,, Bascally my Kid, we'll do some precision stills with the AP SPartan... TREX600E
I hope that's a good plan,, Maximum Density is what I'm after,,, :thumbup:

Side Note,,, I talked to the LHS in Rockwall Texas, Mack,(Owner),Hobby Town USA, He now has all the TREX600E parts you could possibly want..
to include all the CNC parts, I went by there this afternoon,, Nice Stock..
I just mentioned that I was into 600's and he built a wall of parts for it..
Cool Guy.

[Wbird]

Side Note,,, I talked to the LHS in Rockwall Texas, Mack,(Owner),Hobby Town USA, He now has all the TREX600E parts you could possibly want..
to include all the CNC parts, I went by there this afternoon,, Nice Stock..
I just mentioned that I was into 600's and he built a wall of parts for it..
Cool Guy.

Hopefully he hasn't built a parts wall based on your flying ability alone. LOL

Cheers.

[Aerial RC Photog]

Hopefully he hasn't built a parts wall based on your flying ability alone. LOL

Cheers.

Yes, I would hope that I don't have that many problems..:YeaBaby:
I've been playing with Logo, I've been getting some criticism on the matter... :thumbup:\

Not to get off topic,, But what Image would Pop Out. and High Altitude Real-estate photography, be the Subject matter, ????:nanabobo //Wanker..

[Tonystott]

Randall, have you noticed a continuing theme on all the forums that nitro is not a good vehicle for AP or video? Your idea of 15+ minute flights are unrealistic as the vast majority of video "scenes" last under 10 secnds. So why be concerned about long flight duration? Also, everyone talks about the film which get all over the equipment from nitro helis. Surely going electic makes more sense?

[BungeeMike]

JK
I may have what you need. It is a maxi joker V1 RTF less lipos. Top of the line eveything on the bird. Actro 32-4, jazz 55-10-32, gy401,(dont know these terms start searching here) Includes Futaba CHP TX on 72 mhz all set up programmed and ready to go. But wait there's more I have a brand new HCS pro mount never used to go with it. It doesnt have the roll control function on it you may not need it. Need more items, ok, I can put a rx and battery pack on the mount for you and if you ask nice set you up with a down link on it. You will need the following, Lipos for the maxi 2 ea 5s4p they arent cheap, a monitor, a camera, a second TX to control the mount, no wait I have one of those also a used 2x futaba 7cap like new in box.
This set up will slug your 2.2 lb camera around for 12 minutes taking about 4500 mah out of an 8000mah pack. I dont push the packs as we fly off cliffs over water in winds up to 30 mph pretty regularly.

Why you ask, well after a decent 07 and good start to 08 I am upgrading some of my gear and getting my dream machine maxi joker.
All the equipment is in excellent shape and in current use in my business. I have 2 of the exact same helicopters and mounts only difference is one has a Ap2000i on it which I may be open to sell as well. I only have one bird for sale right now but the other may be available soon.
If you are gonna go pro get the right gear this or similar, trex or gasser, forget the nitro burners. (no offense to you nitro huffers out there) all the info is here to make an informed decision. Pm me for pics, details, price and what you are interested it will be VERY reasonable. Take a trip out here and I will train you and your pilot on the bird and equipment. (hows that for aloha spirit )
My thoughts
Bungee

[Aerial RC Photog]

I've noticed that most people don't use Nitro for Photography.
I'm working on a pipe that runs down the boom and uses TR Blades as a Suction to push the smoke away. I've almost got it working, It's pretty wild design.
I've been using litmus paper to track Hydro carbons from the Engine in the General area of where the Camera would be mounted and the Carbon deposits from the Exhaust are severely reduced,, I had a minor set back on the Test flight last night with the Tube,,, :arggg::arggg::arggg: It Melted down, I'm using some Magnesium tube next time, The one that I had built was chambered to drop heavy oil particles that are associated with the exhaust and dropps the particle in solid towards the rear of the heli. The TR Blades act as a good Discharge vent on the Exhaust when the heavy particles are seperated from the exhaust gases.
:lol:

[streetwize]

This was my setup, I had a simple silicone exhaust diverter on the muffler that angled into the pipe. Any heavy stuff would just drip out at that connection in flight... It would stay pretty clean unless the wind was blowing the wrong direction, then the camera gear was covered. You can't fly backward at all. The tail rotors did blow it off to the side occasionally, if your tail is belt driven I dont believe it would be a good thing.

The sphere enclosure helped but it added another 1lb.

I flew for two days before I quit using it for AP. Not only did it get residue on everything, smoke is in most of the pictures.

Troy

[Aerial RC Photog]

Yes I don't think there is a way around it unless you go 4 Stroke Fuel injection, :YeaBaby:

I'm still working on that other Cam Mount, I spent about 5 Hours with it.:smokin:

Here's a couple shots.

[Aerial RC Photog]

I forgot to Mention that the whole thing with the Sony 1080 Cyber Shot 8.1 HD
Weighs in at 2.4 Ilbs,
That Waffer Aluminum is pretty light.