We need to do some ductwork and boiler inspections at work, these are large areas with low light levels. The largest contraints we have are around time, and it takes quite a lot of that to build and remove scaffolds to the higher reaches of where we need to look.
So, cost is not a major issue, (less than £1000 would be convenient) but we could do with a 'copter that's easy to use, with a decent, non wide angle camera which includes a good LED light.
What are the options STW Borg? Ta.
Is it too far for poles to work?
The problem won't be so much the camera - that bit's easy - it's how you fly the thing in a confined space with low light.
Don't forget the commercial use restrictions.
Joe off here is playing around with copters in his work
[url= http://singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/what-light-weight-powerful-head-torch-to-mount-on-a-quadcopter-gimbal ]Eviljoe`s copter[/url]
He is into cameras too so might be able to advise
Not a problem if it's not in a public space, AFAIK.
I've built a bunch of Mikrokopters for industrial use, but they've always been outside, for sampling plumes off chimneys and the like.
Yes, too high for poles to be practical.
We could whizz up some work area lighting enough to see the thing to fly it, but not sufficient to precisely light what the camera is filming.
Probably best add 'robust' to my list of specs 😀
If your budget's a grand, maybe consider something like the 3DRobotics APM system with FPV, or the TBS Discovery.
Both are pretty solid systems and should be available for under that sort of money. You can spend the rest on a strong, light torch.
Yes, too high for poles to be practical.
I've got a Pole coming round tonight to look at my boiler, very reasonable rates
Will the radio comms work through a metal vessel if your copter's going inside?
you'll need stickers;
[img] 
[/img]
Thanks gents a few to research.
We'll be inside the boiler with the 'copter moses.
I've got a Pole coming round tonight to look at my boiler, very reasonable rates
Very good. 😆
i realise that the drone idea is a bit exciting (I know, I bought a parrot and am struggling to find practical uses for it till the weather improves and the neighbours start sunbathing) but we had some really good high level shots of roofs taken by a chap who had a digital camera mounted on a telescopic, hydraulic pole on ground mount.
I cant remember the name of the guy - it was a few years ago but that might be a more stable method?
if you do go down the drone route the phantom would be a good start - the parrot is definitely a toy.
I've used a company at work called Helipics (I think) to do roof inspections of tall buildings with good results. Never asked them to use it internally though.
Our site was in Dorset but I think they would work nationally.
Tethered balloon?