Drone Questions

arakboss · Aug 24, 2022

Are there any reasonably priced drones that could be auto programmed to fly to a specific location a half mile away and then return back to where it took off?

Could it fly in single digit temps?

What kind of cost are we looking at for one with camera?

titsonritz · Aug 24, 2022

The sky is the limit.

Yarome · Sep 2, 2022

Yes. Kind of. Not all MFG provided software and drone models support that capability but there is 3rd party software that will do exactly that, too. You can program in multiple waypoints and flight characteristics at will to fly pre-programmed flight paths. DJI is the most widely 3rd party supported product.

Just about any DJI drone in a variety of different price levels would be suitable, either through native capability or one or other 3rd party software options.

I think the main consideration would be which drone is most suitable for the application. Ie., small compact drones are fine for fair weather flight, short range and great for a "selfie" cam, they are not suitable for flight under much of a wind, longer range, reliable stabilization or auto flight.

Temp wise, the only real consideration there is battery capacity. Smaller batteries not having the reserve capacity for any length of flight while larger capacity will. Ie., A larger battery might not get you your typical 20min of flight time, but even 5min would be sufficient for a quick 1/2mi hop and back.

Personally, I would probably be looking at something like a DJI phantom 3 standard (vs. Pro). Maybe... $400ish. You don't necessarily require over a 2.7k camera resolution just for a lookee-see, it's powerful for fast speeds to altitude/distance... which makes it also more stable in moderate winds.... and has an advanced enough multi gps system and downward altitude censor for reliable flight and auto landing/return home capability.