@TIMOO
Thanks for the warning. I’m getting two V2s with XT2s soon, so I’ll watch out for this problem.
I use a Matrice 600 Pro with a FLIR Duo Pro R for similar work. Our setup cost about $16,000 just a couple of years back. Technology’s moving fast!
Not gonna lie, I’m a bit envious of your setup.
What’s the ideal time of day for this setup, and what focal length do you use on the XT2? I’ve tried the Mavic 2 Enterprise Dual on a solar site, but the image quality doesn’t come close to the XT2.
Patton said:
What’s the ideal time of day for this setup, and what focal length do you use on the XT2? I’ve tried the Mavic 2 Enterprise Dual on a solar site, but the image quality doesn’t come close to the XT2.
It depends on the panel configuration and location. For 72-cell polycrystalline panels mounted in a fixed tilt at 20° south, I find 130 feet works well.
Ever thought about using alternatives?
Ren said:
Ever thought about using alternatives?
Do you mean fixed-wing drones? We don’t use them because they can’t fly low and slow enough to capture detailed cell images. Fixed-wing is fine for general surveys but doesn’t provide the detail we need. Plus, with multirotors, we can inspect pad-mounted equipment closely, which fixed-wing can’t do.
@Zoe_Dixon
True, fixed-wing can be a pain for detailed work.
Ren said:
@Zoe_Dixon
True, fixed-wing can be a pain for detailed work.
Size is a big factor. The Matrice 600 case is massive – like hauling a washing machine!
Ren said:
@Zoe_Dixon
True, fixed-wing can be a pain for detailed work.
I haven’t seen an advantage with the M600 over the M200. The M600 needs 18 batteries for continuous flight, each costing over $140. The M200 needs only 8 batteries. Plus, the M600 is quite large, which makes transportation and flying in confined areas challenging.
@Zoe_Dixon
We’re actually looking to switch to the M200 series. The M600 is just too cumbersome, and keeping up with 18 batteries is a nightmare.
Ren said:
@Zoe_Dixon
True, fixed-wing can be a pain for detailed work.
Curious why you went with a quadcopter instead of a heavier lift hexacopter or octocopter.
Ren said:
@Zoe_Dixon
True, fixed-wing can be a pain for detailed work.
Curious why you went with a quadcopter instead of a heavier lift hexacopter or octocopter.
That’s an interesting point.
@Ren
The M200 uses two batteries, and in the hands of an experienced pilot, any unexpected fall would likely be due to a serious equipment issue covered by warranty or something like a bird strike, which is also insured.
@Zoe_Dixon
Makes sense, sounds like you’ve got it covered.
Ren said:
@Zoe_Dixon
Makes sense, sounds like you’ve got it covered.
We did have a failure once due to a bad altimeter, but it was fully covered by the manufacturer’s warranty.
Have you tried using the top-mounted gimbal for your inspections?
That’s a great setup! Do you use mapping software or just record videos for inspections?