Category Archives: On the news

Hexo+ signs EpicTV Partnership & launch Competition to Win Drone

I am glad to publish the following release from EpicTV

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EpicTV JOINS FORCES WITH HEXO+

The online action and adventure sports channel, EpicTV has today announced a partnership with HEXO+, the autonomous drone, founded by legendary snowboarder Xavier de Le Rue. It will see the two collaborate on key film projects, shot using HEXO+ drones, on which EpicTV staff will be trained.

The Hexo+ Drone
The Hexo+ Drone

The agreement will also include the launch of a HEXO+ video channel on the EpicTV platform. Content from here will be shared across EpicTV’s global platform, distribution network and social media channels to millions of captive action and adventure fans. Continue reading Hexo+ signs EpicTV Partnership & launch Competition to Win Drone

Calling all Drone enthusiasts: help design ‘safe-to-fly’ app

We are glad to publish the following press release by Newcastle University

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Drone enthusiasts are being urged to help design a new ‘safe-to-fly’ app idea, created for flyers to share their favourite sites all over the world. The creators are looking to crowdsource input and opinions to help them progress the idea, with the design stage set to start next month.

A self made quadcopter in search for the right and safe spot to fly
A self made quadcopter in search for the right and safe spot to fly

An increasing number of consumer multirotor aircraft, UAVs or drones are being bought and flown around the world. However, there is some confusion over how and where you can legally fly drones, with both manufacturers and airspace regulators keen to educate people on this issue. Users need to be aware of any prohibitions or local laws; in the UK, for example, you can’t fly over or within 150 metres of congested areas or within 50 metres of people, vehicles or structures of buildings not under your control with a camera drone.

Once it is built, the app will allow flyers to share appropriate and legal sites they have found for flying, wherever they are in the world. This will enable drone users to find easily accessible public right of ways for taking off from, beautiful scenery in open airspace and large, unobstructed areas perfect for flying.

The idea is being hosted on AppMovement.com, a new service released by Newcastle University, which enables anyone to propose, design and develop a mobile application. No previous experience is required in app design, with the site aiming to make the process fun and simple. People can get their friends and fellow enthusiasts involved in supporting the concept and promoting the idea, which is then automatically generated by the AppMovement service and released on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

Simon Newton, the creator behind the idea, commented: “The drone app will help hobbyists around the world find safe and legal places to fly, by bringing together the different experiences of drone users. It is important to show the world that we don’t all buzz airports, peep into windows or fly like reckless kids!

“We’ve had great support for the idea so far and the development will be starting soon. However in order to make this free app a success, we need a good user base with plenty of people interacting with the app. This is a great opportunity for drone lovers to be part of the development of an exciting new app, set to enhance the flying experience.”

To take part in the done app’s design phase, you must register your support at https://app-movement.com/8xvy

UgCS ground station software goes commercial

I am glad to publish the following release by SPH Engineering. Click on the image below to visit their web site:

UGCS web site
UGCS web site

Also check out this video, in which the software is used together with 3D Robotics multirotors:

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SPH Engineering is pleased to announce that UgCS is now out of Beta stage and is available for purchase.

Our work for nearly two years have resulted in UgCS version 2.1 Which now we have tested to be exceeding or having abilities at least on par with native mission planning software of supported vehicles.

UGCS ground station software
UGCS ground station software version 2.1

Currently we support vehicles equipped with following autopilots: MikroKopter, Ardupilot APM/Pixhawk, DJI Naza-M(Phantom 2)/Wookong-M/A2, ARDrone, Microdrones. Our skilled engineers can add support to additional autopilot by request in less than 3 months including field tests. Continue reading UgCS ground station software goes commercial

Skysense Launching Charging Pad for Drones and partnering with DroneDeploy to enable remote operations & automation

I am glad to share here some great information from Skysense about their unique “Charging Pad” for drones and partnership with other players in the drone industry.

Skysense drone charging pad
Skysense drone charging pad

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We are officially launching the Skysense Charging Pad, a remote-controlled charger for drones that fixes the last mile of drones automation by allowing you to manage flights remotely and deploy fully autonomous missions: Continue reading Skysense Launching Charging Pad for Drones and partnering with DroneDeploy to enable remote operations & automation

Serbia-Albania football match stopped because of DJI Phantom hovering over the stadium with Albania flag

A Serbia-Albania football match was stopped when a DJI Phantom appeared carrying an Albania flag. A player manages to catch the flag and apparently (not fully clear from the video) take down the phantom.

DJI Phantom hovers in stadium during Serbia Albania football game
DJI Phantom hovers in stadium during Serbia Albania football game

Here’s the video:

Stay tuned on the Personal Drones blog for the latest multirotor and quadcopter news!

Chris Anderson launches the DoneCode Foundation

Here’s the welcome post by Chris Anderson that announces the birth of the Dronecode Foundation, in partnership with the Linux Foundation.

Chris Anderson, CEO of 3D Robotics
Chris Anderson, CEO of 3D Robotics

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Welcome to the Dronecode Project

I’m thrilled to announce our partnership with the Linux Foundation to create the new Dronecode Foundation, a non-profit organization that brings together the leading open source UAV software projects under the professional management and leadership of one of the world’s foremost open innovation organizations. Continue reading Chris Anderson launches the DoneCode Foundation

Drone makes unique underground footage in Amsterdam

I am glad to publish the following post by Duco Vaillant
Webmaster and Community manager, Dienst Metro

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For the first time a drone has flown through (part of) the 9.7 km long Noord/Zuidlijn, a new underground North/South subway line that is now under construction in Amsterdam.

The drone, fitted with an HD-camera, flies from the north of Amsterdam under the river IJ, the Central Station and the historic center of Amsterdam.

Underground Drone mission in Amsterdam Metro
Foto Dienst Metro – City of Amsterdam: a drone in the North/South metro tunnel

Continue reading Drone makes unique underground footage in Amsterdam