www.ModelAviation.com May 2012 Model Aviation 101
rc hfefl siccoapleters
isolators and silicone oil dampers
arranged in a specific geometry.
There are two different styles of
camera mounts: the front mount and
the underslung mount. Underslung
systems can create negative issues such
as the pendulum effect, and are difficult
to autorotate. It should be noted that
the Photoship One 2XPT is a front
mount-style system, as opposed to an
underslung one. H i, everyone. Thanks for visiting the “RC Helicopter” column this month.
I have an interesting interview with an active Unmanned Aerial Vehicle
(UAV) pilot located in the Midwest.
UAVs have recently been a hot topic and it is fun to hear from a photo-based UAV
operator. Here is what I learned from this passionate RC helicopter pilot.
MF: Thanks for talking with me. Could you tell us a little bit about yourself?
SB: My name is Stephen Born and I live in Springfield, Illinois. I am 35 years old
and have been flying RC helicopters for six years. I have been the secretary of our
flying club for two years.
MF: What kind of UAV photography/video equipment do you use?
SB: The helicopter I chose for my camera [aircraft] is an electric Align T-Rex 800.
I decided to go with the flybarless system. A lot of [aerial photographers] out
there use a flybar because it works with the entire rotor system. This makes the
helicopter more stable than the flybarless system, which uses three gyros for cyclic
correction.
The response time for stabilizing unwanted movements is more efficient with
a flybar system. The gyros in a flybarless system will respond and correct the
movements when the heli has already shifted. The downside of using a flybar is
the drag from the paddles and the occasional boom strikes.
My front-mount tube system is the PhotoShip One 2XPT—a two-axes camera
mount system for RC helicopters. I chose the 2XPT because it was designed
for use on 600- to 800-class helicopters. Due to inherent vibrations with RC
helicopters, it is important that vibration reduction is at the forefront of a
camera’s gimbal design. Vibration isolation is handled by use of LORD vibration
Using a helicopter for
photography
by Mark Fadely
[email protected]
With the right camera and a solid mounting
system, there will be no vibration and your
pictures will be crystal clear.
Below: Adjustable silicone oil spring
dampers are used to support the camera
mount and isolate airframe vibrations.
The electric-powered
T-Rex 800 makes a
great platform for
aerial photography.
102 Model Aviation May 2012 www.ModelAviation.com
frf cs chaelleicopters
Stephen Born displays his T-Rex 800 aerial photography
aircraft.
Left: The PhotoShip One 2XPT camera mount is
fabricated from black G10 composite and aluminum.
Extended-length landing gear lifts the airframe higher
for camera mount clearance.
Right: Stephen Born incorporated the
HeliCommand HC3-SX on the T-Rex 800. It is
the only stabilization system offering horizon
and rescue modes and improvements for aerial
photography applications. Born photo.
MF: What do you know about the
history of the UAV development?
SB: Any aircraft system without a
flight crew has been termed as a UAV.
There are two forms of UAVs: ones
that are remote-controlled and ones
that are preprogrammed, encompassing
an automation system. Most early UAV
aircraft were not autonomous at all.
More advanced setups, such as builtin
guidance systems and sophisticated
navigation, have been developed.
The National Model Aircraft
Safety Code and AMA guidelines
and regulations have a complete and
comprehensive list to follow when
flying our models as UAVs. These
include, but are not limited to, weight
of the aircraft, altitude, and keeping a
direct line of sight on your aircraft.
MF: What safety concerns need to be
addressed when flying UAVs?
SB: The significance of safety plays
a large role when flying a UAV. With
700- to 800-class helicopters, each
main rotor blade can be 800mm long,
moving at 1350 rpm. Make sure the
camera and camera mount are secure.
You would not want your camera to
become detached from the mount
while hovering. Another risk is flying
over highly populated areas.
MF: How did you get started taking
pictures with your helicopters?
SB: I started flying the 450-class
helicopters [roughly] six years ago. I
went into our local hobby shop for
heli parts and noticed a GoPro camera
on display. I bought the camera and
mounted it to my 450 heli.
I went to our local flying field and
took pictures of the pilots flying their
airplanes and helicopters. I have always
had a passion for photography and
can appreciate the techniques that
are involved for that perfect shot. So I
decided to combine both passions into
one. Taking pictures with my helicopter
has become a great hobby for me.
MF: Do you have concerns with people
flying first-person view (FPV) vehicles?
SB: As a member of AMA, I am
familiar with the National Model
Aircraft Safety Code. An FPV-equipped
model must be flown by two AMA
members utilizing a buddy-box system.
The pilot in command must be on the
primary transmitter, maintain visual
contact, and be prepared to assume
control in the event of a problem.
Accordingly, I do not fly FPV
because I would not be in direct
visual contact with my heli. I fly the
helicopter with no visual obstructions
while my cameraman manipulates the
camera gimbal. I would like to make it
clear [that] I have never flown FPV.
MF: Did you have video/photography
the UAV project?
SB: I had no prior experience with
video or photography. I have learned
through my experience that a great
picture will paint a story and good
composition is the key to taking great
photos.
The most desirable time to take
pictures is in the first or last hour of
the day. Structures in a photo taken
during these hours will heighten shapes
due to the shadows produced by the
sun’s angle.
MF: Have you had any accidents or
incidents?
SB: I have never had an accident or
incident. I am all about safety. If I plan
to fly tomorrow, I will do a preflight
check the day before. I have found
by doing this, I am not rushing my
mandatory maintenance routine.
With so many moving parts,
bearings, and electronics, there are
many things that can go wrong.
Having an issue with your heli can get
complicated when you are 75 feet in
the air. Preparing for the worst, I have
a location chosen for an emergency
autorotation before the main rotors
turn.
MF: Do helicopters make better platforms
for UAVs than airplanes?
SB: With all the options available these
days, it can get quite confusing. Larger
helicopters are easier to see when far
away, give you more stability while
flying, and handle wind conditions a lot
better than a smaller heli.
In my experience, the 90-size or 600-
to 800-class helicopters are perfect
for aerial photography. You should
build your helicopter, electronics, and
equipment around your camera. The
main reason is you have to lift the
camera and equipment off the ground.
MF: What do you think about all of
the multi-propeller/rotor helicopters
appearing on the market now? What type
of aircraft would make the perfect UAV?
SB: Multirotor systems are more
stable than a single-rotor system. In
the multirotor system, you are using
three to six rotor discs. When there are
that many rotors, there are that many
problems. If a motor were to cut out
on a multirotor, the unit would become
unstable, and could potentially tip over.
With a single-rotor system, you are
using one disc. On a helicopter, if the
motor cuts out, you would be able to
complete an autorotation.
MF: Tell us about the advancements
in GPS, autopilot, and other various
electronic systems.
SB: Companies are making the GPS
and autopilot installation simple for
a wide number of UAV platforms.
Digital servos and computer modules
are much smaller and lighter than
they were in the past. In addition,
vertical sensors allow for automatic
and continuous in flight weather
calibration.
Another added benefit is telemetry,
which allows data from your RC
aircraft [to link] back to your
radio. The information received on
your transmitter can include the
temperatures from your ESC, motor,
battery, and your receiver voltage.
MF: Do you have any advice for pilots
who would like to give UAVs a try?
SB: There are many things to consider
here. The most important one is the
camera and the type of mount you
want to use. You need to figure the
weight of the camera and gimbal
mount. This will give you an idea of
what electronics, head speed, ratio of
gears, and pinion you will need. After
that, build around the camera.
To get started taking pictures, a
450- to 500-class heli rudimentary
setup will be fine. If you have the
passion, enthusiasm, and devotion to
really make fine videos and photos,
you will need to invest in a larger class
helicopter. The cost of a 450-size heli
crash will typically run $30 to $40 for
repairs. Your main blades on a 700-class
helicopter cost $200 or more. In this
hobby, I have found you get what you
pay for.
Thanks, Stephen. Hearing about your
experiences in the hobby gives us a
better insight into what is happening
within the UAV aerial photography
world. We all appreciate you sharing
with us and being so open about the
way you do things.
Good luck, and I hope to see you at
an event soon.
Sources :
AerialSkyCam
[email protected]
www.aerialskycam.com
International Radio Controlled Helicopter
Association
www.ircha.org
Edition: Model Aviation - 2012/05
Page Numbers: 101,102,103
Edition: Model Aviation - 2012/05
Page Numbers: 101,102,103
www.ModelAviation.com May 2012 Model Aviation 101
rc hfefl siccoapleters
isolators and silicone oil dampers
arranged in a specific geometry.
There are two different styles of
camera mounts: the front mount and
the underslung mount. Underslung
systems can create negative issues such
as the pendulum effect, and are difficult
to autorotate. It should be noted that
the Photoship One 2XPT is a front
mount-style system, as opposed to an
underslung one. H i, everyone. Thanks for visiting the “RC Helicopter” column this month.
I have an interesting interview with an active Unmanned Aerial Vehicle
(UAV) pilot located in the Midwest.
UAVs have recently been a hot topic and it is fun to hear from a photo-based UAV
operator. Here is what I learned from this passionate RC helicopter pilot.
MF: Thanks for talking with me. Could you tell us a little bit about yourself?
SB: My name is Stephen Born and I live in Springfield, Illinois. I am 35 years old
and have been flying RC helicopters for six years. I have been the secretary of our
flying club for two years.
MF: What kind of UAV photography/video equipment do you use?
SB: The helicopter I chose for my camera [aircraft] is an electric Align T-Rex 800.
I decided to go with the flybarless system. A lot of [aerial photographers] out
there use a flybar because it works with the entire rotor system. This makes the
helicopter more stable than the flybarless system, which uses three gyros for cyclic
correction.
The response time for stabilizing unwanted movements is more efficient with
a flybar system. The gyros in a flybarless system will respond and correct the
movements when the heli has already shifted. The downside of using a flybar is
the drag from the paddles and the occasional boom strikes.
My front-mount tube system is the PhotoShip One 2XPT—a two-axes camera
mount system for RC helicopters. I chose the 2XPT because it was designed
for use on 600- to 800-class helicopters. Due to inherent vibrations with RC
helicopters, it is important that vibration reduction is at the forefront of a
camera’s gimbal design. Vibration isolation is handled by use of LORD vibration
Using a helicopter for
photography
by Mark Fadely
[email protected]
With the right camera and a solid mounting
system, there will be no vibration and your
pictures will be crystal clear.
Below: Adjustable silicone oil spring
dampers are used to support the camera
mount and isolate airframe vibrations.
The electric-powered
T-Rex 800 makes a
great platform for
aerial photography.
102 Model Aviation May 2012 www.ModelAviation.com
frf cs chaelleicopters
Stephen Born displays his T-Rex 800 aerial photography
aircraft.
Left: The PhotoShip One 2XPT camera mount is
fabricated from black G10 composite and aluminum.
Extended-length landing gear lifts the airframe higher
for camera mount clearance.
Right: Stephen Born incorporated the
HeliCommand HC3-SX on the T-Rex 800. It is
the only stabilization system offering horizon
and rescue modes and improvements for aerial
photography applications. Born photo.
MF: What do you know about the
history of the UAV development?
SB: Any aircraft system without a
flight crew has been termed as a UAV.
There are two forms of UAVs: ones
that are remote-controlled and ones
that are preprogrammed, encompassing
an automation system. Most early UAV
aircraft were not autonomous at all.
More advanced setups, such as builtin
guidance systems and sophisticated
navigation, have been developed.
The National Model Aircraft
Safety Code and AMA guidelines
and regulations have a complete and
comprehensive list to follow when
flying our models as UAVs. These
include, but are not limited to, weight
of the aircraft, altitude, and keeping a
direct line of sight on your aircraft.
MF: What safety concerns need to be
addressed when flying UAVs?
SB: The significance of safety plays
a large role when flying a UAV. With
700- to 800-class helicopters, each
main rotor blade can be 800mm long,
moving at 1350 rpm. Make sure the
camera and camera mount are secure.
You would not want your camera to
become detached from the mount
while hovering. Another risk is flying
over highly populated areas.
MF: How did you get started taking
pictures with your helicopters?
SB: I started flying the 450-class
helicopters [roughly] six years ago. I
went into our local hobby shop for
heli parts and noticed a GoPro camera
on display. I bought the camera and
mounted it to my 450 heli.
I went to our local flying field and
took pictures of the pilots flying their
airplanes and helicopters. I have always
had a passion for photography and
can appreciate the techniques that
are involved for that perfect shot. So I
decided to combine both passions into
one. Taking pictures with my helicopter
has become a great hobby for me.
MF: Do you have concerns with people
flying first-person view (FPV) vehicles?
SB: As a member of AMA, I am
familiar with the National Model
Aircraft Safety Code. An FPV-equipped
model must be flown by two AMA
members utilizing a buddy-box system.
The pilot in command must be on the
primary transmitter, maintain visual
contact, and be prepared to assume
control in the event of a problem.
Accordingly, I do not fly FPV
because I would not be in direct
visual contact with my heli. I fly the
helicopter with no visual obstructions
while my cameraman manipulates the
camera gimbal. I would like to make it
clear [that] I have never flown FPV.
MF: Did you have video/photography
the UAV project?
SB: I had no prior experience with
video or photography. I have learned
through my experience that a great
picture will paint a story and good
composition is the key to taking great
photos.
The most desirable time to take
pictures is in the first or last hour of
the day. Structures in a photo taken
during these hours will heighten shapes
due to the shadows produced by the
sun’s angle.
MF: Have you had any accidents or
incidents?
SB: I have never had an accident or
incident. I am all about safety. If I plan
to fly tomorrow, I will do a preflight
check the day before. I have found
by doing this, I am not rushing my
mandatory maintenance routine.
With so many moving parts,
bearings, and electronics, there are
many things that can go wrong.
Having an issue with your heli can get
complicated when you are 75 feet in
the air. Preparing for the worst, I have
a location chosen for an emergency
autorotation before the main rotors
turn.
MF: Do helicopters make better platforms
for UAVs than airplanes?
SB: With all the options available these
days, it can get quite confusing. Larger
helicopters are easier to see when far
away, give you more stability while
flying, and handle wind conditions a lot
better than a smaller heli.
In my experience, the 90-size or 600-
to 800-class helicopters are perfect
for aerial photography. You should
build your helicopter, electronics, and
equipment around your camera. The
main reason is you have to lift the
camera and equipment off the ground.
MF: What do you think about all of
the multi-propeller/rotor helicopters
appearing on the market now? What type
of aircraft would make the perfect UAV?
SB: Multirotor systems are more
stable than a single-rotor system. In
the multirotor system, you are using
three to six rotor discs. When there are
that many rotors, there are that many
problems. If a motor were to cut out
on a multirotor, the unit would become
unstable, and could potentially tip over.
With a single-rotor system, you are
using one disc. On a helicopter, if the
motor cuts out, you would be able to
complete an autorotation.
MF: Tell us about the advancements
in GPS, autopilot, and other various
electronic systems.
SB: Companies are making the GPS
and autopilot installation simple for
a wide number of UAV platforms.
Digital servos and computer modules
are much smaller and lighter than
they were in the past. In addition,
vertical sensors allow for automatic
and continuous in flight weather
calibration.
Another added benefit is telemetry,
which allows data from your RC
aircraft [to link] back to your
radio. The information received on
your transmitter can include the
temperatures from your ESC, motor,
battery, and your receiver voltage.
MF: Do you have any advice for pilots
who would like to give UAVs a try?
SB: There are many things to consider
here. The most important one is the
camera and the type of mount you
want to use. You need to figure the
weight of the camera and gimbal
mount. This will give you an idea of
what electronics, head speed, ratio of
gears, and pinion you will need. After
that, build around the camera.
To get started taking pictures, a
450- to 500-class heli rudimentary
setup will be fine. If you have the
passion, enthusiasm, and devotion to
really make fine videos and photos,
you will need to invest in a larger class
helicopter. The cost of a 450-size heli
crash will typically run $30 to $40 for
repairs. Your main blades on a 700-class
helicopter cost $200 or more. In this
hobby, I have found you get what you
pay for.
Thanks, Stephen. Hearing about your
experiences in the hobby gives us a
better insight into what is happening
within the UAV aerial photography
world. We all appreciate you sharing
with us and being so open about the
way you do things.
Good luck, and I hope to see you at
an event soon.
Sources :
AerialSkyCam
[email protected]
www.aerialskycam.com
International Radio Controlled Helicopter
Association
www.ircha.org
Edition: Model Aviation - 2012/05
Page Numbers: 101,102,103
www.ModelAviation.com May 2012 Model Aviation 101
rc hfefl siccoapleters
isolators and silicone oil dampers
arranged in a specific geometry.
There are two different styles of
camera mounts: the front mount and
the underslung mount. Underslung
systems can create negative issues such
as the pendulum effect, and are difficult
to autorotate. It should be noted that
the Photoship One 2XPT is a front
mount-style system, as opposed to an
underslung one. H i, everyone. Thanks for visiting the “RC Helicopter” column this month.
I have an interesting interview with an active Unmanned Aerial Vehicle
(UAV) pilot located in the Midwest.
UAVs have recently been a hot topic and it is fun to hear from a photo-based UAV
operator. Here is what I learned from this passionate RC helicopter pilot.
MF: Thanks for talking with me. Could you tell us a little bit about yourself?
SB: My name is Stephen Born and I live in Springfield, Illinois. I am 35 years old
and have been flying RC helicopters for six years. I have been the secretary of our
flying club for two years.
MF: What kind of UAV photography/video equipment do you use?
SB: The helicopter I chose for my camera [aircraft] is an electric Align T-Rex 800.
I decided to go with the flybarless system. A lot of [aerial photographers] out
there use a flybar because it works with the entire rotor system. This makes the
helicopter more stable than the flybarless system, which uses three gyros for cyclic
correction.
The response time for stabilizing unwanted movements is more efficient with
a flybar system. The gyros in a flybarless system will respond and correct the
movements when the heli has already shifted. The downside of using a flybar is
the drag from the paddles and the occasional boom strikes.
My front-mount tube system is the PhotoShip One 2XPT—a two-axes camera
mount system for RC helicopters. I chose the 2XPT because it was designed
for use on 600- to 800-class helicopters. Due to inherent vibrations with RC
helicopters, it is important that vibration reduction is at the forefront of a
camera’s gimbal design. Vibration isolation is handled by use of LORD vibration
Using a helicopter for
photography
by Mark Fadely
[email protected]
With the right camera and a solid mounting
system, there will be no vibration and your
pictures will be crystal clear.
Below: Adjustable silicone oil spring
dampers are used to support the camera
mount and isolate airframe vibrations.
The electric-powered
T-Rex 800 makes a
great platform for
aerial photography.
102 Model Aviation May 2012 www.ModelAviation.com
frf cs chaelleicopters
Stephen Born displays his T-Rex 800 aerial photography
aircraft.
Left: The PhotoShip One 2XPT camera mount is
fabricated from black G10 composite and aluminum.
Extended-length landing gear lifts the airframe higher
for camera mount clearance.
Right: Stephen Born incorporated the
HeliCommand HC3-SX on the T-Rex 800. It is
the only stabilization system offering horizon
and rescue modes and improvements for aerial
photography applications. Born photo.
MF: What do you know about the
history of the UAV development?
SB: Any aircraft system without a
flight crew has been termed as a UAV.
There are two forms of UAVs: ones
that are remote-controlled and ones
that are preprogrammed, encompassing
an automation system. Most early UAV
aircraft were not autonomous at all.
More advanced setups, such as builtin
guidance systems and sophisticated
navigation, have been developed.
The National Model Aircraft
Safety Code and AMA guidelines
and regulations have a complete and
comprehensive list to follow when
flying our models as UAVs. These
include, but are not limited to, weight
of the aircraft, altitude, and keeping a
direct line of sight on your aircraft.
MF: What safety concerns need to be
addressed when flying UAVs?
SB: The significance of safety plays
a large role when flying a UAV. With
700- to 800-class helicopters, each
main rotor blade can be 800mm long,
moving at 1350 rpm. Make sure the
camera and camera mount are secure.
You would not want your camera to
become detached from the mount
while hovering. Another risk is flying
over highly populated areas.
MF: How did you get started taking
pictures with your helicopters?
SB: I started flying the 450-class
helicopters [roughly] six years ago. I
went into our local hobby shop for
heli parts and noticed a GoPro camera
on display. I bought the camera and
mounted it to my 450 heli.
I went to our local flying field and
took pictures of the pilots flying their
airplanes and helicopters. I have always
had a passion for photography and
can appreciate the techniques that
are involved for that perfect shot. So I
decided to combine both passions into
one. Taking pictures with my helicopter
has become a great hobby for me.
MF: Do you have concerns with people
flying first-person view (FPV) vehicles?
SB: As a member of AMA, I am
familiar with the National Model
Aircraft Safety Code. An FPV-equipped
model must be flown by two AMA
members utilizing a buddy-box system.
The pilot in command must be on the
primary transmitter, maintain visual
contact, and be prepared to assume
control in the event of a problem.
Accordingly, I do not fly FPV
because I would not be in direct
visual contact with my heli. I fly the
helicopter with no visual obstructions
while my cameraman manipulates the
camera gimbal. I would like to make it
clear [that] I have never flown FPV.
MF: Did you have video/photography
the UAV project?
SB: I had no prior experience with
video or photography. I have learned
through my experience that a great
picture will paint a story and good
composition is the key to taking great
photos.
The most desirable time to take
pictures is in the first or last hour of
the day. Structures in a photo taken
during these hours will heighten shapes
due to the shadows produced by the
sun’s angle.
MF: Have you had any accidents or
incidents?
SB: I have never had an accident or
incident. I am all about safety. If I plan
to fly tomorrow, I will do a preflight
check the day before. I have found
by doing this, I am not rushing my
mandatory maintenance routine.
With so many moving parts,
bearings, and electronics, there are
many things that can go wrong.
Having an issue with your heli can get
complicated when you are 75 feet in
the air. Preparing for the worst, I have
a location chosen for an emergency
autorotation before the main rotors
turn.
MF: Do helicopters make better platforms
for UAVs than airplanes?
SB: With all the options available these
days, it can get quite confusing. Larger
helicopters are easier to see when far
away, give you more stability while
flying, and handle wind conditions a lot
better than a smaller heli.
In my experience, the 90-size or 600-
to 800-class helicopters are perfect
for aerial photography. You should
build your helicopter, electronics, and
equipment around your camera. The
main reason is you have to lift the
camera and equipment off the ground.
MF: What do you think about all of
the multi-propeller/rotor helicopters
appearing on the market now? What type
of aircraft would make the perfect UAV?
SB: Multirotor systems are more
stable than a single-rotor system. In
the multirotor system, you are using
three to six rotor discs. When there are
that many rotors, there are that many
problems. If a motor were to cut out
on a multirotor, the unit would become
unstable, and could potentially tip over.
With a single-rotor system, you are
using one disc. On a helicopter, if the
motor cuts out, you would be able to
complete an autorotation.
MF: Tell us about the advancements
in GPS, autopilot, and other various
electronic systems.
SB: Companies are making the GPS
and autopilot installation simple for
a wide number of UAV platforms.
Digital servos and computer modules
are much smaller and lighter than
they were in the past. In addition,
vertical sensors allow for automatic
and continuous in flight weather
calibration.
Another added benefit is telemetry,
which allows data from your RC
aircraft [to link] back to your
radio. The information received on
your transmitter can include the
temperatures from your ESC, motor,
battery, and your receiver voltage.
MF: Do you have any advice for pilots
who would like to give UAVs a try?
SB: There are many things to consider
here. The most important one is the
camera and the type of mount you
want to use. You need to figure the
weight of the camera and gimbal
mount. This will give you an idea of
what electronics, head speed, ratio of
gears, and pinion you will need. After
that, build around the camera.
To get started taking pictures, a
450- to 500-class heli rudimentary
setup will be fine. If you have the
passion, enthusiasm, and devotion to
really make fine videos and photos,
you will need to invest in a larger class
helicopter. The cost of a 450-size heli
crash will typically run $30 to $40 for
repairs. Your main blades on a 700-class
helicopter cost $200 or more. In this
hobby, I have found you get what you
pay for.
Thanks, Stephen. Hearing about your
experiences in the hobby gives us a
better insight into what is happening
within the UAV aerial photography
world. We all appreciate you sharing
with us and being so open about the
way you do things.
Good luck, and I hope to see you at
an event soon.
Sources :
AerialSkyCam
[email protected]
www.aerialskycam.com
International Radio Controlled Helicopter
Association
www.ircha.org
