[TowerTalk] FW: Wire Antenna In A Tree

Sat Aug 8 00:51:38 EDT 2015

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 at contesting.com
> Subject: [TowerTalk] FW: Wire Antenna In A Tree
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Chester Alderman [mailto:aldermant at windstream.net]
> Sent: Friday, August 7, 2015 7:40 PM
> To: 'Mickey Baker'; 'Richard Solomon'
> Cc: 'towertalk at 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 at contesting.com] On Behalf Of
> Mickey Baker
> Sent: Friday, August 7, 2015 3:47 PM
> To: Richard Solomon
> Cc: towertalk at 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 at 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 at 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!
>> > _______________________________________________
>> >
>> >
>> >
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