In my old and tired memory, a drone was basically a target. It was
uncontrolled beyond the internal mechanisms required to allow it to fly
stably. Beyond a simple control to allow remote, emergency destruction
of the drone, they were autonomous. No computer, no programming.
What today is called a "drone" is a radio-controlled aircraft where
flight control as well as mission control relies on control inputs from
a ground operator. A Quadcopter is a radio-controlled aircraft, perhaps
a bit more sophisticated one than the average R/C aircraft.
The unfortunate consequence is that those of us that enjoy R/C are going
to ultimately suffer. I recall that the AMA offered group insurance to
members. There were specific exclusions related to malfeasance on the
part of the insured. Standards were developed that subjected control
line models to pull tests, etc and other specific tests were prescribed
so that out of control R/C aircraft 'failed safe'. Model aircraft,
generally, are already regulated, mostly by counties, cities to specific
areas where they may be flown. These model airparks are governed,
usually by a club for the benefit of those who fly. Safety is paramount,
and the rules are enforced. As I recall, the first restrictions were
because of noise. Being struck by a model flying at 50 or more mph can
be fatal, at most and very painful at least.
The advent of the 'quadcopter' and its ilk have resulted in anyone being
able to purchase them without any address of the hazards involved. This
proliferation and its misuse is akin to the 'CB' radio misuse we
experienced in the 70s.
Someone flying a 'drone' at most hamfests, swapmeets, etc is now common.
Safety is not a consideration. The skill of the operators are often in
doubt and I have witnessed several near miss incidents at these events.
I can only assume that actual unplanned contact with others have happened.
I don't own one, but I'd like to own one. They are fascinating, but
personal responsibility still matters.
Chuck, W6AJW
08/07/2015 08:53 PM, Don W7WLL wrote:
Certainly agree with the 'mad' media, but it would appear that many
articles on this subject would disagree with the distinction you have
raised, particularly that a drone needs a jet or engine (quadcopters
have engines, just not petroleum driven). Here are a couple of
articles which are more up to date on the thinking:
http://www.quora.com/Whats-the-difference-between-a-drone-UAV-and-a-quadcopter
http://bestbeginnerquadcopters.com/quadcopter-vs-drone/
Also check Wikepedia.
That aside, I have to think about how we in the amateur radio
community could use one or more of these to advance the ability of
raising an antenna up up up. Just need more fly time!!!
Don W7WLL
-----Original Message----- From: Chester Alderman
Sent: Friday, August 07, 2015 4:42 PM
To: towertalk@contesting.com
Subject: [TowerTalk] FW: Wire Antenna In A Tree
-----Original Message-----
From: Chester Alderman [mailto:aldermant@windstream.net]
Sent: Friday, August 7, 2015 7:40 PM
To: 'Mickey Baker'; 'Richard Solomon'
Cc: 'towertalk@contesting.com'
Subject: RE: [TowerTalk] Wire Antenna In A Tree
What is needed is getting the 'mad' media folks to understand what a
'drone'
really is. These four rotor, very small quadcopters do not even
resemble a
'drone'! Media dummies picked up the word 'drone' because it caused
excitement and readership. A quadcopter is two foot wide, four prop
helicopter, battery operated and good ones can stay in the air for
only 20
to 25 minutes before the battery is depleted. It typically has a
flight and
video range of less than 3/4 mile. It is a TOY -- not a Drone. A military
drone is driven by an engine or a jet; it can take videos and launch
rockets, etc., it typically can stay in the air for many hours.
So yes, a QUADCOPTER is a toy four rotor device that can be used to drop
lines over or into a tree top and should do that very well. I use one of
mine for inspecting my tower, rotor, and yagi's. I worked for an
electronics firm in Virginia that were developing the first drones,
propelled with lawn mower engines, quadcopters do not even come close to
resembling a military drone.
73,
Tom - W4BQF
-----Original Message-----
From: TowerTalk [mailto:towertalk-bounces@contesting.com] On Behalf Of
Mickey Baker
Sent: Friday, August 7, 2015 3:47 PM
To: Richard Solomon
Cc: towertalk@contesting.com
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Wire Antenna In A Tree
W1KSZ wrote:
That's why you fly over the tree and hope your neighbor
doesn't bring out the 12ga loaded with "deuces" !!
You should be aware that shooting down a drone, even over your own
property
is a crime:
http://www.forbes.com/sites/gregorymcneal/2013/12/10/thankfully-shooting-dow
n-a-drone-will-land-you-in-federal-prison/
http://venturebeat.com/2015/02/18/no-you-cant-shoot-down-drones-over-your-ho
use/
The FAA doesn't want you shooting at aircraft that fly above your house.
(Sorry for the off-topic post.)
73,
Mickey N4MB
On Fri, Aug 7, 2015 at 12:43 PM, Richard Solomon <dickw1ksz@gmail.com>
wrote:
That's why you fly over the tree and hope your neighbor doesn't bring
out the 12ga loaded with "deuces" !!
HI HI
73, Dick, W1KSZ
On Fri, Aug 7, 2015 at 9:13 AM, Russ Dearmore via TowerTalk <
towertalk@contesting.com> wrote:
> The drone idea if one is fortunate sounds like a really good idea,
> but.... It's one thing to have a lead sinker or arrow hanging
> unaccessable from a tree but can you imagine the embarrassment of a
> drone way up there mocking you for years to come? I don't think I
> would go there..... Russ K5ZZR
> My Heroes Wear Combat Boots!
> _______________________________________________
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> TowerTalk mailing list
> TowerTalk@contesting.com
> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/towertalk
>
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