Simple presentation on the basics of quad copter photography.

1. 
Quad Copter Basics
Matt Barton | University of Kentucky Agricultural Communications Specialist

2. DJI Phantom Quad Copter
• First mass produced quad copter
• Holds a Go-Pro Hero3 camera
• Half mile range
• Flight time averages 7-8 minutes
• GPS fail-safe flies it home
• Ready to Fly (RTF)
• It’s a toy
• Shaky video
• Difficult to modify

3. Types of Quad copters
• H-Frame Quads (450mm)
• Anti-vibration built into frame
• Foldable prop arms
• Longer flight times
• Can handle a gimbal
• Mini-H Quads (250mm)
• Fly in small spaces
• Super portable
• Fast

4. Octo Copters for heavy-duty use
• Greater range
• Can handle full size DSLR cameras
• Safer flying with extra motors
• Great for research instruments
• Expensive
• Some require two people to fly
Eight blade Mikrocopter with a full-size still camera

5. How are people using quad copters?
• Environmental Study
• Search and Rescue
• Film & TV industry
• Real Estate Agents
• Agricultural Uses

6. First PersonView (FPV)
• Transmits a live video feed to the ground station
• Transmitter (TX) on the copter, Receiver (RX) on the ground
• Most use 1.3GHz or 5.8GHz frequencies
• 10” LCD screens or video goggles
• GoPro camera as FPV camera is risky
• Older cameras lock up
• Slight video delay
• Battery dies and you’re blind!

7. How does it fly?
• Flight controller does all the work
• Keeps it level
• Adjusts the prop speed to steer
• Helps lands the craft safely
• GPS models
• Auto-fly home in case of trouble
• Can accept waypoints on a map
• Compensate for the wind to maintain position
The orange box is the (FC) flight controller

8. What’s it really cost?
• Quad copter $500
• Camera $300
• Gimbal $200
• First Person View Kit $350
• Case & Extra batteries $300
• Miscellaneous $250
• SD cards, antennas, extra cables, props, etc.

9. Legal Considerations
• Do not fly above 400 feet
• Do not fly within 3 miles of an airport
• Do not fly over large crowds of people
• Commercial use requires FAA approval
• Keep aircraft in visual range
Current FAA Rules that apply to hobby aircraft
Do not write graffiti with your quad

10. My Advice
• Buy micro quad copter for training
• Learn to fly line of site (LOS) before using FPV
• Always have a second person tracking the craft
• Watch out for power lines, medical helicopters, trees
• High voltage lines & antennas can jam your controls
• Write your phone number on the copter