Jumpin on the Drone wagon :)

[AH-1G]

Landing Pad???? nawww, looks kind of foolish, in my opinion. ?
If it's very dusty, I hand catch it, but this is not for the fainthearted. ?
I don't think a landing pad is going to help improve my flying abilities. ?‍
Dust is dust, you should clean the lenses at the end off each flight if needed, or end of the day.?
In My Professional Opinion.?

 

[Phaedrus]

I got the H520 w/CGOet - might have to get another camera if this one doesn't do good with the real estate selfies

I gotta ask. Why did you get a thermal camera for real estate work? Seems the E90 would be a better choice for photography/videography

 

[Good time Charlie]

Any suggestions?

My suggestion is to wait. Buy extra batteries, maybe an aftermarket charger, then wait until you've been flying awhile to decide what YOU think you need. It ain't a race of how much extra crap you can buy, take your time.

 

[RPR]

Con: There are less accessories to think about when flying a Typhoon H, Plus, H520

Extra batteries is a must. Create a workflow and this will determine of how many batteries to get.
SD cards: I tend to stick with 16gb or 32gb because you will never now when it gets corrupted, and there goes all of your footages for a day’s work for nothing.
**** If I can do it again, I’ll get an RC model charger instead of DY5 in my opinion.

 

[Dougcjohn]

Thanks for the suggestions Doug, just what i was looking for !

Including a bit of professionalism is a good thing too


There was a big 4 battery charger that looked nice, but not sure how many batteries I'll need to do simple real estate shots. If/when I get into bigger projects then I'll address power management more seriously. I did read that these are not smart batteries and need a little extra management


What kind of audio measurements? I did read some hype that the H520 has gotten quieter with latest generation.


What do you think about a landing pad?
Do the camera's pick up a lot of dust from launches and landings?
Would it auto-return to that reliably?


I have been looking into Pix4D for what it brings to the table for mapping and surveys. What are "Ag tools"?
I live in rural area with a lot of farms around here, I'm hoping there might be some opportunities there. But, I need to do a lot more research on Agricultural Systems and talk to some farmers around here.


I got the H520 w/CGOet - might have to get another camera if this one doesn't do good with the real estate selfies

Camera, you might want to explore a E90 after you assess your needs. The CGOET has a RGB lens that's pretty good and a better in low light. The ET's themo side is a bit lacking compared to other options.

Landing Pad, has there practical uses... ONLY if large enough, thick enough to even surface and heavy to remain down in high winds. In my opinion, that pretty much narrows it down to a large Hoodman Pad... a bit pricey but well constructed.

I agree with above comments in my general attitude... plus my laziness to place.
Although I have found my self more receptive to a large pad to prevent morning/evening dew either touching lens or blowing onto lens on takeoff hover... then add in a little dirt gravel. Under certain conditions, there is benifit to maintaining equipment and lens surface.

Another nice use is Winter snow, keeps blowing snow off lens and smooths out a pasture or grass field.

As a little extra plus, a large orange Hoodman laying on ground helps identify the LZ to spectators to remain off or clear.

I use them on my M600Pro, a platform I wouldn't even consider hand catching with 6 x 21" blades and full camera hanging.

I'm south of you... Iowa.
Currently not real successful with Farmers, many intersted are getting into it themselves or using Coop. I intend to do some free offerings to sell the work in competition to Coop providing... or get noticed by Coop's. As always, Farmers are more receptive after friendly chats over time... and that's an investment not able to do as easily with primary supporting job not in the sUAV yet.

 

[Dougcjohn]

Con: There are less accessories to think about when flying a Typhoon H, Plus, H520

Extra batteries is a must. Create a workflow and this will determine of how many batteries to get.
SD cards: I tend to stick with 16gb or 32gb because you will never now when it gets corrupted, and there goes all of your footages for a day’s work for nothing.
**** If I can do it again, I’ll get an RC model charger instead of DY5 in my opinion.

As any DJI flyer will copy... many add-ons... good, bad or just entertaining gadgets.

 

[AH-1G]

I intend to do some free offerings to sell the work in competition to Coop providing... or get noticed by Coop"s.
"(or others)"
[/QUOTE]

I did and from time to time still offer free services, depending on who and what.
This has paid off! I just recently was given names of multitude contractors who only build multi-million homes for out of town clients. Their clients expect updates and photography on a weekly basis.
I can give these contractors more than just aerials, (I won't go into detail on this).

Also he has given me permission to advertise my services at his business.
He's a wholesale supplier for lumber, doors, trim, and hardware for very high end homes, he's been in business for over 40 years, and has a staunch reputation.
So what I'm saying get to know the right people that have credentials that everyone can trust.
Always look and be professional in your endeavor!

 

[Dougcjohn]

I intend to do some free offerings to sell the work in competition to Coop providing... or get noticed by Coop"s.
"(or others)"

I did and from time to time still offer free services, depending on who and what.
This has paid off! I just recently was given names of multitude contractors who only build multi-million homes for out of town clients. Their clients expect updates and photography on a weekly basis.
I can give these contractors more than just aerials, (I won't go into detail on this).

Also he has given me permission to advertise my services at his business.
He's a wholesale supplier for lumber, doors, trim, and hardware for very high end homes, he's been in business for over 40 years, and has a staunch reputation.
So what I'm saying get to know the right people that have credentials that everyone can trust.
Always look and be professional in your endeavor!
[/QUOTE]
Sounds like a great window of opportunity for ya!! Good connection, very nice!!

I"ll take that direction when time to spend on uav... I do think it'd grow quickly to a point of saturation... but not able to give the time with other work... and uneasy to let it go while meeting the needs and building pension.

 

[Dougcjohn]

I intend to do some free offerings to sell the work in competition to Coop providing... or get noticed by Coop"s.
"(or others)"

I did and from time to time still offer free services, depending on who and what.
This has paid off! I just recently was given names of multitude contractors who only build multi-million homes for out of town clients. Their clients expect updates and photography on a weekly basis.
I can give these contractors more than just aerials, (I won't go into detail on this).

Also he has given me permission to advertise my services at his business.
He's a wholesale supplier for lumber, doors, trim, and hardware for very high end homes, he's been in business for over 40 years, and has a staunch reputation.
So what I'm saying get to know the right people that have credentials that everyone can trust.
Always look and be professional in your endeavor!
[/QUOTE]
On the Ag side, the Coop's most Farmers already participate with grain storage, chemicals, fuel, and Ag specialists... if they bump their group fees a few bucks, they can include field analysis, crop analysis or multispectral analysis... ... basically removing the competition unless you can find more depth, which may be difficult with Coop workforce.

 

[RPR]

We just had a discussion on not giving free stuff away. LOL.. I flunked business class, but here's a street business 101.

Business = Solving problems in exchange for money.
If you are solving a problem and you are not making a profit, then you are a hobbyist.

There will come a time that the drone business will it be overly saturated, I've been there with photography, videography, as well as a digital retoucher. When I started in the photo/video, the business was great. We could book a wedding in Hawaii for no less than $10K, event and media gig was at $15k this was silicone valley had tons of money. And then it all went down hill. What is great about the drone services at Present, because it is still relativity new, and the prospects who inquires about our services has deep pockets. Do not give your work away, if you do this just means that you have a poor marketing skills, weak business plan, and mediocre sales pitch.

 

[AH-1G]

I"ll take that direction when time to spend on uav... I do think it'd grow quickly to a point of saturation... but not able to give the time with other work... and uneasy to let it go while meeting the needs and building pension.

If you're working full time, I don't think you'll have to worry about saturation???
I would think as your reputation builds you could conquer other counties/businesses outside your comfort zone?

 

[NemesisChiken]

I gotta ask. Why did you get a thermal camera for real estate work? Seems the E90 would be a better choice for photography/videography

Yeah, ur right ... I'm hoping to use it for other types of jobs too ... i just hope this camera will be good enough for the real estate jobs and I didn't shoot myself in the foot trying to get too much out of one camera

 

[Dougcjohn]

If you're working full time, I don't think you'll have to worry about saturation???
I would think as your reputation builds you could conquer other counties/businesses outside your comfort zone?

Agree... I think I'd remain busy, and look forward to it. My "work" currently is not UAV related and consumes 60-80 minimum per week... no complaints, but leaves minimal time for UAV related activities. I won't be retiring for now, too many years to get to this level. Plus it's covering the expense to build sUAV business easier than profits. As pointed out, this is a young market, plenty of time before saturated... especially in the smaller markets or unique markets. Not worried about keeping up with the Jones on newest hardware... may be benifits for older hardware as time moves forward; Little bit of the farmer attitude & Ag Business 101.

This started out as a fun business to develope while working toward retirement. If I was 15-20 yrs younger I would take a different attitude and push hard on UAV business now. For now, just dabbling and gaining experiences and hours.

 

[Dougcjohn]

We just had a discussion on not giving free stuff away. LOL.. I flunked business class, but here's a street business 101.

Business = Solving problems in exchange for money.
If you are solving a problem and you are not making a profit, then you are a hobbyist.

There will come a time that the drone business will it be overly saturated, I've been there with photography, videography, as well as a digital retoucher. When I started in the photo/video, the business was great. We could book a wedding in Hawaii for no less than $10K, event and media gig was at $15k this was silicone valley had tons of money. And then it all went down hill. What is great about the drone services at Present, because it is still relativity new, and the prospects who inquires about our services has deep pockets. Do not give your work away, if you do this just means that you have a poor marketing skills, weak business plan, and mediocre sales pitch.

Many tangents on the business avenue... may appear free to client, but can be promotional work you place value, similarly place logo or advertisement on Wife's car... another benifit collectable as she runs around. Some free promotional jobs are nice, you can place a price equal to fee schedule.

Giving work doesn't mean loss or hobbyist to me, it's investment into business and clients. I'll guarentee if you approached various clients in mid-west with any hint of sales, or just wanted to pass your card or give a demo, without a few repeated visits, chatter, and leisure discussions, you're done and they'll pass the word through community... but waste a few evening, help with minor chores: fence building, sorting cattle, barn building, etc... you've passed the test for the whole community, and probably several communities around the area... and now able to ease into your line of work.

May sound odd, and it's not back woods... that's even harder to approach. Lol!!

The City avenue is easier... more business like, but most business owners started in a small community so even it will travel with positive results up to City.

 

[RPR]

Many tangents on the business avenue... may appear free to client, but can be promotional work you place value, similarly place logo or advertisement on Wife's car... another benifit collectable as she runs around. Some free promotional jobs are nice, you can place a price equal to fee schedule.

Giving work doesn't mean loss or hobbyist to me, it's investment into business and clients. I'll guarentee if you approached various clients in mid-west with any hint of sales, or just wanted to pass your card or give a demo, without a few repeated visits, chatter, and leisure discussions, you're done and they'll pass the word through community... but waste a few evening, help with minor chores: fence building, sorting cattle, barn building, etc... you've passed the test for the whole community, and probably several communities around the area... and now able to ease into your line of work.

May sound odd, and it's not back woods... that's even harder to approach. Lol!!

The City avenue is easier... more business like, but most business owners started in a small community so even it will travel with positive results up to City.

Today is a sad day in terms of business

My wife and I has another business in medical delivery, we provide hospice medical devices and delivery, as well as skilled boarding homes, here and in Hawaii. I forgot to read the memo on how giving something free or for free exposure can result to good business ethics.

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[AH-1G]

"If you are solving a problem and you are not making a profit, then you are a hobbyist."
Totally, Totally disagree!

 

[RPR]

"If you are solving a problem and you are not making a profit, then you are a hobbyist."
Totally, Totally disagree!

If you are making money and not solving a problem, let me know I would love to ride that wagon.

 

[Dougcjohn]

Today is a sad day in terms of business

My wife and I has another business in medical delivery, we provide hospice medical devices and delivery, as well as skilled boarding homes, here and in Hawaii. I forgot to read the memo on how giving something free or for free exposure can result to good business ethics.

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Accept third party cookies

Cute video... and interesting line of 2nd work!

Lol... position same, client "free preceived" can be profitable in many tangents or write-offs.

My Dad, highly respected in his specialty... if elder couldn't afford to pay full bill, he'd write it off. That amounted to more patient referrals than most in his specialty, and many of those elders even when released of debt respected his act of generosity and would continue making payments and refer others. He gave away probably 20k each year and made profit from action in multiple ways.

 

[RPR]

Cute video... and interesting line of 2nd work!

Lol... position same, client "free preceived" can be profitable in many tangents or write-offs.

My Dad, highly respected in his specialty... if elder couldn't afford to pay full bill, he'd write it off. That amounted to more patient referrals than most in his specialty, and many of those elders even when released of debt respected his act of generosity and would continue making payments and refer others. He gave away probably 20k each year and made profit from action in multiple ways.

My wife is an RN, she still works are an RN, as an ED Director. I work for my wife, because I run the business 2 times a week, and we have someone do the rest.. But, when and if my wife says JUMP! (pay the bills) I ask how high? (How long, do I have to slave for you!!??) LOL...

 

[Phaedrus]

Yeah, ur right ... I'm hoping to use it for other types of jobs too ... i just hope this camera will be good enough for the real estate jobs and I didn't shoot myself in the foot trying to get too much out of one camera

Well, the good thing is you can swap cameras based on the mission. As long as you are willing to bear the cost!!