Aerial Mapping with a GoPro, APM 2.5 & FX-61
The Problem:
Google Map resolution isn't good enough.
The Solution:
Fit a downward facing GoPro camera to Phantom Fx-61 Flying wing, fly circuits with the GoPro taking still images photos every two seconds or so, post process in AgiSoft PhotoScan.
The advantage of creating a map stitched together from still photos as a 3D model means it can be rotated and viewed from any angle. The example below was created from a very quick flight and not even with a pre-programmed flight path. I mostly just flew manual circuits so credit due to the powerful software processing.
This image shows a zoomed in section of this map using Google Earth viewer. The low resolution makes it difficult to make out the details.
The same section but from the custom made map shows a lot more detail.
The Equipment:
ReadyMadeRC Polarising Filter on a GoPro3 Black
A real quick look at the effect of using the readymaderc polarising lens protector on a GoPro 3 Black. The filter seems to help balance out the bright light coming from the window with the shadows of the surrounding office. The sky colour also looks a more natural blue.
http://www.readymaderc.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=165_300&products_id=2225
rctimer brushless gimbal settings for GoPro 3
These are the settings I'm using with "BruGi_049B_r77.zip". They seem to work well for me. Sample video from the gimbal on the hex to follow soon.
https://code.google.com/p/brushless-gimbal/downloads/list
A GoPro, a gimbal and a hex
The gimbal has been mounted on the F550 hex. Just need to tidy up some wiring, mount a 3S to power the gimbal, find a new spot to mount the new 4S main battery and run a cable to switch the gimbal tilt 90 degrees manually.
GoPro 3 Waterproof Case Broken Latch.
I broke the latch on my GoPro 3 waterproof case while closing it. A genuine replacement is $50 and a Chinese eBay special is about $35. Seems such a waste when it's just the latch that's broken.
I got in touch with Gopro via their support web page and after emailing them some details and a photo of the broken latch, they've shipped a replacement latch to me under warranty (no charge).
I guarantee we'll see latches available to buy separately in the shops or on eBay soon.
GoPro Hero 2 firmware downgrade to v124
After applying the latest firmware update to enable Protune mode I encountered a number of problems;
- Occasionally on startup the camera would hang showing the video icon and nothing else.
- In Protune video mode, the camera would not create a second video file after reaching a maximum file size of 1.85GB on the first file.
- Startup would take noticeably longer.
I've since downgraded the firmware back to the original version available to download here http://software.gopro.com/Firmware/v124/HD2-firmware.bin
After the firmware downgrade I had my reliable old camera back.
New GoPro Mount for the DJI F450 Quad
I used the DJI F450 Quad and GoPro v1 to take some photos of a house under construction but found with the GoPro mounted flat on the front tab of the frame, most of the photos were angled too high and showed plenty of the roof of the house but not much more. Also the props were quite prominent in the photos and video. i needed something to angle the GoPro towards the ground but I didn't want to mount the GoPro hanging beneath the frame.
Easy solution, buy one of these http://arkrc.com.au/cpgpmount-crudd-parts-gopro-mount/ . But I prefer to make things where I can so I bought some 3mm perspex from bunnings, cut a 7 x 4 cm square, heated it with a mini blowtorch for the bend and Bob's your uncle, a new GoPro mount.
Stabilise Filter Example – Telstra Tower
On the left is the original footage from the DJI Naza F450 GoPro. On the right is the "stabilised" version. By uploading the original to YouTube, applying the stabilise, then downloading the MP4 and running it back through YouTube you're able to see a side by side comparison.
The stabilised filter has some funny side effects where it appears as though the video is suddenly zoomed in and out. The blurriness of the RHS probably isn't a fair representation because that side has been uploaded, compressed, and downloaded.
The process does crop the video slightly and uses the edges as a buffer to remove the sudden movements from side to side or up and down.
The videos are in pretty good time sync but you may notice the RHS looks like it's behind the LHS. This lag is due to the smoothing effect of the filter and sudden movements take a little bit more time to catch-up with the RHS.
I've since changed the mount that the GoPro uses and without any post-processing the video is quite smooth. It will be interesting to see how smooth a video would look from the new mount after applying the stabilise filter.
Overall for this type of video, the stabilise filter does a pretty good job.
How to mount a GoPro to a DJI Naza F450
I'm not saying it's the best way, it's just how I do it and it seems to work well. Velcro on the bottom of the GoPro, velcro on the part of the F450 frame that sticks out the front then wrap a length of velcro around the entire camera. The "shutter" button can still be easily operated through the velcro.
Simple, light and works. I used to use the protective case but what's the worst that could happen. If I write it off, I'd have to replace it with a new version 2 GoPro. Damn. 🙂
GoPro Time Lapse Setup
The problem: I want to record still images for a few hours with my GoPro camera using the suction cup mount and waterproof case but the battery is flat and I have to start recording in the next five minutes.
The solution: Drill out the side of the waterproof case where the USB cable would normally plug in. Now with the camera mounted in the non-waterproof case, on the suction cup, I can plug in the external power source usin a nano-tech 2650mAh battery. I know you can the skeleton housing with the sides cut out but a) I need a solution now, b) the skeleton housing costs just as much as the waterproof housing and c) Most of the stuff I do doesn't need a waterproof housing anyway.
