Maybe this drone will make MTB bearable to watch live?

[carbon29er]

This would be amazing for bike racing where there is no live action currently broadcast.  Imagine 4 or 5 of these, one each, following the favourites and staying with them for the race.

 

http://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/660/media/images/82185000/jpg/_82185303_7d38aa2d-8a03-48b3-b1a1-d8c109827fd7.jpg

 

DJI has refreshed its family of drones with new models that are easier to take off and land.

The Phantom 3 quadcopters also gain the ability to hold their position without using a GPS location signal, making them more suitable for indoor use.

And the app that controls the camera-equipped machines has been updated to allow live video streams to YouTube.

 

Full story: http://www.bbc.com/news/technology-32221363

[tombeej]

It will never take off.

 

Camera drones are banned in SA.

 

http://www.screenafrica.com/page/news/business/1642603-SA-Civil-Aviation-Authority-bans-camera-drones#.VSVgmjjRbHw

[ACM]

Much cheaper (compared to a hellicopter) following the race leaders!

[CAAD4]

I thought I saw one being used at the recent XC racing in PE on SS on Tuesday night?

[PeterF]

I thought I saw one being used at the recent XC racing in PE on SS on Tuesday night?

Yes one of the organizers did quite a bit of filming at the PE XCO with his drone.  Some amazing footage.

[gummibear]

Last year was the year of the the selfies at the Tour.My guess it that drones will make an appearance this year.Already seeing them at the races.

[GoLefty!!]

Camera drones are not yet sanctioned for commercial use anywhere in the world. The FAA is still working on its legislation and hence the SACAA is waiting to see what the US decides to do.

 

The problem is really the plonkers who can walk into a toy shop and buy one of these and go and fly it thanks to the GPS fly home and gyro stabilisers on board. These idiots are the people who cause the GK

[RocknRolla]

Does not mean, you cant own a drone and take some awesome bike footage. It certainly has made panning aerial shots possible for the relatively serious amateur videographer.

 

Me, I would absolutely love one, but the costs in SA is prohibitive ( for me anyway)

 

I am interested to know how the producers of Gold Rush on Discovery got by the FAA as they use a drone extensively for their footage.

 

I also want a steadicam adapter for my gopro....

[Frosty]

Both Ride for Sight and Carnival City Macsteel races used drones to capture footage along the route. The Hamnet radio guys working the comms at both races are the ones playing with their toys at the races.

[GoLefty!!]

In the US the matter is under appeal so current commercial operators can continue. Hasn't stopped new people getting into the gam despite the fact that drones are not permitted.

I think it was Amazon that had plans to deliver parcels to your door step via drone. The FAA took a dim view on this and enforced a clause in the Civil Aviation law that forbids beyond line of sight automomous drones.

Some get around the law by flying within line of sight.

In SA the CAA doesn't care. Its not a toy if it has a camera and therefore its illegal to take to the air.

The use of telemetry devices on RC aircraft is also strictly illegal to use in public spaces but it hasn't stopped ICASA allowing the sale of those radio's. But hve an accident that causes property or personal harm and you're in for a hefty fine and prison time.

[Pure Savage]

Ha ha, "banned in SA" who is going to enforce that? Lol.

 

The police can't even enforce laws that are straight forward and essay to police.

 

More chance of stopping cyclists going over chappies than enforcing a bash on drones.

[capediver]

3DR and Airdog both one step ahead...follow-me technology...http://3drobotics.com/iris/....https://www.airdog.com/, drones becoming cheaper and easier to use....obstacle avoidance will be next....

[BSG]

Last year was the year of the the selfies at the Tour.My guess it that drones will make an appearance this year.Already seeing them at the races.

There was one last year at the Eight Bells Mtb race near Mosselbay as well.

[scuzzy]

I think the battery life is the problem, with only around 20 minutes, it does become a bit of a logistical nightmare on something like the Epic, world cup races might be different though, but then you have mostly trees, unless it is used for low flying.

[Brian Fantana]

Since when is MTB not bearable to watch live? We've been watching XCO and DHI world cups and champs as well as Redbull Rampage live for years, and it is very bearable to me.

 

For XCM a 30min highlight package is enough.

[MTBOnly]

 

In the US the matter is under appeal so current commercial operators can continue. Hasn't stopped new people getting into the gam despite the fact that drones are not permitted.

I think it was Amazon that had plans to deliver parcels to your door step via drone. The FAA took a dim view on this and enforced a clause in the Civil Aviation law that forbids beyond line of sight automomous drones.

Some get around the law by flying within line of sight.

In SA the CAA doesn't care. Its not a toy if it has a camera and therefore its illegal to take to the air.

The use of telemetry devices on RC aircraft is also strictly illegal to use in public spaces but it hasn't stopped ICASA allowing the sale of those radio's. But hve an accident that causes property or personal harm and you're in for a hefty fine and prison time.

 

Not true, most high end Futaba a radios as well as the Hitec Aurora 9 and 9X comes standard with telemetry and the Hitec by default feeds back on-board battery power to the radio. I spoke to SAMAA personally and they confirmed that these radios are approved and therefor SAMAA will pay out if there are any personal injury due to a accident.