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I'm considering to get a drone for help to capture photos/videos of birds. Searching for this subject returns posts telling that birds get stressed from drones, may see it as a danger, may attack the drone... They all seem to talk about flying the drone near the birds. That was not my idea. My idea for using a drone in bird watching was to place a remote controlled camera at some location that is hard to access in other ways - like a cliff. The idea is to land the drone. Turn off it's propellers, and remotely operate the camera, and fly back when done. I've never used a drone before, so maybe my idea is a total waste of time. I'm trying to set up a list of requirements for such a drone. I'm not expecting to find a drone that fills these requirements, but I'm looking for a drone that can be modified to fit most of them. 1) Battery capacity: Most drones seems to be able to fly for 20-40 minutes. I'm guessing the battery will last way longer than that if drone is sitting on the ground just operating the camera. But even if this doubles the battery time, I need more battery. I imagine that I will fly the drone in before sun rise, let it sit in a power save mode, waiting for birds to wake up, then start the camera, record when something happens, then fly out after sunset. So say I'll need 10 times more battery than standard. I'll most probably need to build some drone body extension to allow for more batteries. 2) Lifting capacity: The extra batteries adds weight. From what I've read in specs a typical small drone battery weights 50-60g. Then adding 10x battery capacity would add about 600g. 3) Landing gear: I'll probably need to attach legs to the drone - something like a wide tripod so that it will sit still when landed. 4) Camera placement: In order to land on places that may no be visible from the operators location, the camera must be able to tilt all the way down. Basically - film the landing zone during landing 5) Camera gimbal - manual control: As the landing most likely is not on a flat surface, there is a need to camera to be on a gimbal. This must be remotely operated in 2 axis (tilt and horizontal rotate), while the third axis should be automatic (make sure the tilt is vertical and horizontal rotate is horizontal). 6) Camera zoom: Zoom is required. Optical zoom is preferred, but I think if the camera chip has very high resolution, digital zoom can do the job. If a 20x digital zoom maintains a native HD resolution, I think that is good enough 7) Range: I'm hoping for up to 4000m with trees blocking line of sight, or 500m with rocks/mountain blocking line of sight 8 ) Video link: As I'm planing to land the drone on places that may be out of sight, I need the video to not lag far behind. I guess camera resolution can be reduced during flight, and raised during recording 9) Video storage: a large memory card in the drone would be preferred. 10) Aux-connection: One or two remote controlled binary outputs on the drone would be preferred. This may be used for landing lights, or maybe add a clamp under the drone (if there is a clamp under that can be remotely operated to open, the drone may be able to land on top of a tiny bush or grass, and grab onto it so the drone doesn't get thrown away if there is a bird attacking.) Any suggestions for changes to the list? Any suggestions for drones that could be suitable as a base for modifications to come close to this list?

I'm getting ready to start my 7th or 8th project, but this will be the first real one. My plan is to use a couple of stepper motors to lift some sort of spring pusher and have it hit the project chassis to make a knocking sound. The stepper motor will rotate 180 degrees and have an extension arm that lifts the push rod up for the first part of the motion, then at the end of the motion the push rod will release from the arm and fall back down to the chassis. I will be adjusting the tap tension while in prototype mode. Can anyone recommend a good 5V bipolar stepper motor? I found a site ([url=https://www.oyostepper.es/]servomotor[/url]) that has good bipolar stepper motors, but I don't know how to choose the right motor. Please give me some advice! Thank you!

I'm getting ready to start my 7th or 8th project, but this will be the first real one. My plan is to use a couple of stepper motors to lift some sort of spring pusher and have it hit the project chassis to make a knocking sound. The stepper motor will rotate 180 degrees and have an extension arm that lifts the push rod up for the first part of the motion, then at the end of the motion the push rod will release from the arm and fall back down to the chassis. I will be adjusting the tap tension while in prototype mode. Can anyone recommend a good 5V bipolar stepper motor? I found a site (https://www.oyostepper.es/) that has good bipolar stepper motors, but I don't know how to choose the right motor. Please give me some advice! Thank you!

Commercial Drone Alliance Calls for Regulatory Clarity and Expanded Counter-UAS Authorities Lisa Ellman, Executive Director of the Commercial Drone Alliance (CDA), testified before the U.S. House of Representatives Subcommittee on Aviation today, February 6, 2025. Her remarks addressed the evolving landscape of counter-unmanned aircraft systems (counter-UAS) policies and the need for balanced regulations that ensure […] The post Strengthening Drone Security and Counter-UAS Policies: Testimony from Lisa Ellman appeared first on DRONELIFE. View the full article

India’s Expanding Drone Industry Strengthened by Government Support Garuda Aerospace is set to showcase eight advanced drones at Aero India 2025, emphasizing their role in defense, safety, and military operations. The company will also announce several strategic partnerships aimed at advancing India’s drone technology sector. This comes as India’s government increases its support for domestic […] The post Garuda Aerospace Unveils New Drones and Strategic Partnerships at Aero India 2025 appeared first on DRONELIFE. View the full article

New Composite Design Enhances Durability and Reduces Maintenance Costs UAVOS has introduced a new Main Landing Gear Spring designed to improve the durability, performance, and safety of unmanned aircraft. The newly developed component is made from high-strength composite materials, offering better shock absorption, reduced weight, and an extended lifespan compared to traditional steel landing gear. […] The post UAVOS Develops Reinforced Landing Gear for Improved UAV Performance appeared first on DRONELIFE. View the full article

New FAA Waiver Enhances Drone as First Responder Capabilities The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has granted the Elk Grove Police Department (EGPD) a waiver to operate its Drone as First Responder (DFR) program up to 400 feet across the city without requiring human observers. This waiver, secured with the support of Flock Safety, allows the […] The post Elk Grove Police Receive First FAA Waiver for Citywide 400-Foot Drone as First Responder Operations appeared first on DRONELIFE. View the full article

Testing Portable Airspace Management Systems for Safer, More Effective Aerial Firefighting NASA is working with the wildfire response community to develop new technologies that will enhance aerial firefighting operations, particularly at night. These advancements could enable drones, both remotely piloted and autonomous, to assist in wildfire suppression around the clock, even in low-visibility conditions. Enhancing […] The post NASA Advances Drone Technology for 24/7 Wildfire Response appeared first on DRONELIFE. View the full article

As drone incursions at sporting events surge, stadium operators and law enforcement push for Congressional action on counter-UAS measures. By DRONELIFE Features Editor Jim Magill This is the fourth in a series of articles, examining the problems posed to critical infrastructure sites and other significant potential targets of drone incursions by hostile actors. Previous installments […] The post Super Bowl Security: The Growing Challenge of Unauthorized Drones Over Stadiums appeared first on DRONELIFE. View the full article

Collaboration Expands Capabilities for Public Safety, Infrastructure, and Utilitie Advexure, a U.S.-based provider of drone systems and technology solutions, has announced a partnership with MatrixSpace, a company specializing in AI-enhanced radar sensing. This collaboration aims to improve drone operations and perimeter security for public safety, infrastructure, and utility applications. Strengthening Detection and Security Advexure’s expertise […] The post Advexure and MatrixSpace Partner to Enhance Drone Operations and Security appeared first on DRONELIFE. View the full article

With a unique omnidirectional propulsion system and AI-driven flight capabilities, the HAGAMOSphere™ sets new standards for maneuverability and precision in drone technology. by DRONELIFE Staff Writer Ian J. McNabb This article published in collaboration with JUIDA, the Japan UAS Industrial Development Association. Japanese technology firm DIC Corporation recently announced that their omnidirectional “multicopter”, the HAGAMOSphere™, […] The post DIC Corporation’s HAGAMOSphere™ Wins CES Innovation Award for Cutting-Edge Multicopter Design appeared first on DRONELIFE. View the full article

New 1km Weather Model Provides Hyper-Local Forecasting for Businesses Companies in energy, insurance, aviation, and agriculture can now track weather events at a street-level resolution with Meteomatics’ new U.S. weather model. The model, which covers the contiguous U.S. at a resolution of 1 kilometer, offers nine times the detail of current leading weather solutions that […] The post Meteomatics Introduces High-Resolution Weather Model for U.S. Market appeared first on DRONELIFE. View the full article

Company to use tethered drones to generate power By DRONELIFE Features Editor Jim Magill When thinking about wind-generated electrical power, most people envision an array of massive wind turbines, each as tall as a 20-story building, with blades averaging about 210 feet in length. However, a Durham, North Carolina start-up company is developing a system […] The post Windlift’s Tethered Drones: Generating Power from the Skies with DoD Support appeared first on DRONELIFE. View the full article

New Collaboration Enhances Aerial Surveying Capabilities with Integrated LiDAR and Software Solutions GeoCue has announced a new partnership with UK-based drone manufacturer Clogworks Technologies Limited. This collaboration integrates GeoCue’s TrueView LiDAR and LP360 software with Clogworks’ Dark Matter series of UAVs. The partnership aims to provide surveyors and mapping professionals with an efficient, all-in-one data […] The post GeoCue and Clogworks Technologies Announce Partnership to Expand LiDAR Drone Mapping Solutions appeared first on DRONELIFE. View the full article

New Drone Offers Stability, Affordability, and Advanced Data Management Tokyo-based Terra Drone Corporation has announced the launch of its indoor inspection drone, Terra Xross 1, in both Japan and the United States. The drone is designed to operate in challenging environments, offering stable flight performance in confined, dark, and dusty conditions. The company states that […] The post Terra Drone Introduces Terra Xross 1 Indoor Inspection Drone in Japan and the U.S appeared first on DRONELIFE. View the full article

FAA issues No Drone Zone, TFRs for Super Bowl By DRONELIFE Features Editor Jim Magill The FAA has designated a “No Drone Zone” for Caesars Superdome in New Orleans for Super Bowl LIX on game day, Sunday, Feb. 9 and in the skies around the city’s downtown area during the days leading up to the […] The post FAA Establishes No Drone Zone, TFRs for Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans appeared first on DRONELIFE. View the full article

Are nuclear power plants, other electric facilities at risk from drones? By DRONELIFE Features Editor Jim Magill This is the third in a series of articles, examining the problems posed to critical infrastructure sites and other significant potential targets of drone incursions by hostile actors. Part one described current federal laws pertaining to the use […] The post Are Drones a Threat to Nuclear Power Plants? Examining Risks to the U.S. Electric Grid appeared first on DRONELIFE. View the full article

Join us on Tuesday, February 4, at 3:00 PM EST for the next episode of the Public Safety Drone Review. This month’s discussion will dive into the evolving landscape of Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (Counter-UAS) technology and its role in public safety. The event will feature Tom Adams, Director of Public Safety for DroneShield, who brings […] The post Upcoming Public Safety Drone Review Explores Counter-UAS and Public Safety, Featuring Tom Adams of DroneShield appeared first on DRONELIFE. View the full article

AI-Based Software Improves Mission Safety and Performance Teledyne FLIR OEM, a part of Teledyne Technologies Incorporated, has introduced Prism™ Supervisor, the latest addition to its Prism embedded software ecosystem. This new software integrates drone autopilot systems with AI-powered real-time observations to improve mission safety, efficiency, and performance. Enhancing Autonomous Capabilities Prism Supervisor minimizes operator workload […] The post Teledyne FLIR Releases Prism™ Supervisor Software to Enhance Drone Autonomy appeared first on DRONELIFE. View the full article

Collaboration Aims to Improve Unmanned Aircraft Detection and Airspace Efficiency Skyway and MatrixSpace have announced a strategic partnership to integrate advanced air traffic management and unmanned aircraft detection systems. The collaboration aims to improve safety, efficiency, and scalability in the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) and unmanned aerial systems (UAS) sectors. Enhancing Situational Awareness in Vertiport […] The post Skyway and MatrixSpace Partner to Enhance Vertiport Safety and Air Traffic Management appeared first on DRONELIFE. View the full article

Project Enhances UAS Capabilities for Safer Airspace Integration The University of North Dakota (UND) is partnering with GrandSKY on a NASA-funded project to enhance Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) forecasting. By integrating data collected from “Meteodrone,” the project aims to develop a high-accuracy weather forecasting system. The initiative will improve flight planning and airspace management, particularly […] The post University of North Dakota and GrandSKY Collaborate on NASA-Funded UAS Weather Forecasting Project appeared first on DRONELIFE. View the full article

Successful Fixed-Wing VTOL Flight Covers 320 Miles for Shell Pipeline Corporation Event 38 Unmanned Systems and Phoenix Air Unmanned (PAU) have completed a beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) pipeline inspection demo using the E455 fixed-wing vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) drone. The demonstration covered 320 miles in just under 7.6 flight hours, validating the […] The post Event 38 and Phoenix Air Unmanned Complete BVLOS Pipeline Inspection Demo appeared first on DRONELIFE. View the full article

Hi I am new member from Gothenburg in Sweden. I dont have much experience of RC-drones and I have joined this forum to learn me more about it.

Hi I am new member from Gothenburg in Sweden and I have recently bought 4 frame kits of this S250 FPV racing drone from HobbyKing US warehouse, https://hobbyking.com/en_us/hobbykingtm-s250-fpv-racer-kit.html#qa[bW9kZT03JnBhZ2U9MSZxdWVzdGlvbl9zZWFyY2hfY29udGVudD0mcT00MTI1].

The Aero2 Self-Charges Batteries Mid-Flight, Setting a New Standard for Sustainable Cargo and Remote Sensing Solutions by DRONELIFE Staff Writer Ian J. McNab Swiss drone manufacturer Dufour Aerospace recently announced the completion of its first flight test campaign with their in-house hybrid electric powertrain for its Aero2 drone. The Aero2 flew several test flights in […] The post Dufour Aerospace’s Aero2 Completes Historic Hybrid-Electric Test Flights appeared first on DRONELIFE. View the full article