Ask Drone U

Today, we talk about bracketing photographs.  In case you don't know, bracketing is when you shoot the same photo with multiple exposures and combine them to create a higher quality picture.  These photos tend to be more dynamic than those shot in a single exposure.

Bracketing photos isn't difficult.  However, you will need to learn Adobe Lightroom.  Luckily, Vic Moss (everyone's favorite Drone U pilot), teaches a course on Lightroom.  With a bit of training, you'll be able to provide your clients with amazing HDR photographs.  They're going to love them!  Fly safe!

Also, the folks over at Energen are offering a special discount on their amazing portable chargers for all Drone U members.  Use one the following promo codes at checkout, depending on which battery you buy, to get a great deal on a killer battery:

Energen A40 Model:  DRONEUA40

Energen M10 Model:  DRONEU M10

Energen P40 Mode:  DRONEU P40

Get your questions answered: http://askdroneu.com/.

If you enjoy the show, the #1 thing you can do to help us out is subscribe to it on iTunes. Can we ask you to do that for us really quick? While you're there, leave us a 5-star review, if you're inclined to do so. Thanks! https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-drone-u/id967352832.

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Get your copy of "Livin’ the Drone Life" - http://amzn.to/2nalUDH

Get your copy of our Part 107 Study Guide - http://amzn.to/2omQatT

Timestamps

Today, we talk about bracketing photographs

Is there a significant difference between bracketed photographs and non bracketed photographs?

Defining bracketing

Find out why it is always better to underexpose rather than overexpose your photographs

We explain how you can stack multiple sets of images together

Explaining how HDR images are created

Why should you be working on Raw images rather than JPEG images?

Paul discusses some efficient and productive ways of editing images in Adobe Lightroom

What do you mean by auto toning an image? What are its benefits?

Should you consider bracketing for every client? Or, should you provide this service only to high end clients?

Today, we talk about deep-cycling your batteries.  It is important, especially during winter, that you do what you can to maintain their lifespan.

One of the problems, however, is that it can be hard to deep-cycle batteries when it's cold outside.  You may notice that the voltage drops, for example.  This can cause problems in their endurance and limit the lifespan of your batteries when it's cold outside.

In order to help you keep your batteries alive, we offer some advice on how to deep-cycle them properly.  We also discuss some of the problems you may encounter during winter and how you can work through them.  Thanks to Eric for the question!  Fly safe!

Also, the folks over at Energen are offering a special discount on their amazing portable chargers for all Drone U members.  Use one the following promo codes at checkout, depending on which battery you buy, to get a great deal on a killer battery:

Energen A40 Model:  DRONEUA40

Energen M10 Model:  DRONEU M10

Energen P40 Mode:  DRONEU P40

Get your questions answered: http://askdroneu.com/.

If you enjoy the show, the #1 thing you can do to help us out is subscribe to it on iTunes. Can we ask you to do that for us really quick? While you're there, leave us a 5-star review, if you're inclined to do so. Thanks! https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-drone-u/id967352832.

Follow us:

Site - http://thedroneu.com/

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Instagram - https://instagram.com/thedroneu/

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YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/droneu

Get your copy of "Livin’ the Drone Life" - http://amzn.to/2nalUDH

Get your copy of our Part 107 Study Guide - http://amzn.to/2omQatT

Timestamps

Today, we talk about deep-cycling your batteries

Paul answers the question

Can deep cycling batteries result in reduced battery life?

What is the correct way to deep cycle your batteries?

At what voltage should you bring your drone back?

Is it advisable to fly when the outside temperature is below 10 degrees?

What is dew point temperature differentiation? How can it affect flight?

Paul provides some cold battery tips for the Inspire 2, Yuneec and Phantom 4 Pro

What should be your battery temperature for optimum output?

Paul suggests using hand warmers with stick patches while handling your drone remote

Today, we offer some advice on making high-quality maps and models.  If you’re starting to make 3D models with your drone, you’ll find this episode helpful.

Obviously, we want our models to be high-quality. We want them to have high resolution.  However, topographic changes in the landscape often shift the resolution of the image.  As your elevation changes, the quality of your image will change as well.

Luckily, there are tools designed to help with this.  Apps like Maps Made Easy are designed to deal with changing elevations.  Drone settings such as Terrain Awareness, as well.  If you need help making better 3D models, this episode is for you!

Thanks to Mark in upstate NY for the question!  Fly safe!

Get your questions answered: http://askdroneu.com/.

If you enjoy the show, the #1 thing you can do to help us out is subscribe to it on iTunes. Can we ask you to do that for us really quick? While you're there, leave us a 5-star review, if you're inclined to do so. Thanks! https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-drone-u/id967352832.

Follow us:

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Instagram - https://instagram.com/thedroneu/

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Get your copy of "Livin’ the Drone Life" - http://amzn.to/2nalUDH

Get your copy of our Part 107 Study Guide - http://amzn.to/2omQatT

Timestamps

Today's question is regarding changing resolution of maps and models

Is it advisable to use Maps Made Easy to take into account the difference in topography?

Would accuracy go down if you are flying one particular elevation that is representative of the takeoff location?

Will you get better accuracy if you fly a terrain response flight path?

Should you start at the highest point possible?

Does Pix4D have terrain response awareness?

Living the drone life isn't always easy.  In order to successfully run your drone business, you need to be setting goals and meeting them.

Today, we talk about how to achieve your goals in 2018.  How do you stay productive?  What types of things can you do to stay on track?

We offer some advice and discuss a number of books that might help you this year.  Fly safe!

Check out these books:

Law 101

Unshakeable

Contagious

Grit

Undoctored

Everybody Lies

Start With Why

Silent Sales Machine

Super Forecasters

5 Love Languages

Photogrammetry 

Plant Paradox 

Never Split the Difference

How to Win Friends and Influence People

Get your questions answered: http://askdroneu.com/.

If you enjoy the show, the #1 thing you can do to help us out is subscribe to it on iTunes. Can we ask you to do that for us really quick? While you're there, leave us a 5-star review, if you're inclined to do so. Thanks! https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-drone-u/id967352832.

Follow us:

Site - http://thedroneu.com/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/droneu

Instagram - https://instagram.com/thedroneu/

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Get your copy of "Livin’ the Drone Life" - http://amzn.to/2nalUDH

Get your copy of our Part 107 Study Guide - http://amzn.to/2omQatT

Access UVA's paper on "Writing S.M.A.R.T. Goals" - http://www.hr.virginia.edu/uploads/documents/media/Writing_SMART_Goals.pdf

Timestamps

Paul shares some information about forthcoming Drone U classes

We set the agenda for today's podcast: Setting goals and meeting them

Discussing the importance of setting "Smart" goals

Developing commitment is critical to attaining goals

We talk about the wisdom of setting achievable goals

Learn to make attaining goals a fun filled process; working outdoors will help you make this a fun process

We talk about how being passionate towards your work increases your chance of attaining success

Pushing through and riding out the difficult times in order to progress

We talk about the importance of holding yourself accountable in order to achieve success

Discovering your "Why" is critical to achieve success

Rob and Paul share an anecdote from Rockefeller's life which highlights the importance of writing down your goals

Paul shares how he successfully set and achieved his weight loss goals: we talk about getting started,showing commitment, and sticking to your habits

Discovering your "what", "why" and "how" will help you achieve success

Rob shares Drone U's goals for 2018

Making database decisions instead of emotional ones for enhanced success

Continuous learning is the key to success

Paul shares some resources that will help you set and achieve goals

As long as you have your Part 107 and you're operating within legal bounds, you shouldn't have any trouble flying your drone, right?  Unfortunately, this isn't always true.  As our caller, Scott in Hermosa Beach, points out, local fire departments aren't always educated about FAA regulations and may try to prevent you from flying.  In order to help those of you who are being hassled by your fire departments, we discuss how to handle a situation in which your being hassled.  We talk about educating your local fire department while remaining respectful of the fact that they're just trying to do their job.

Thanks for the question Peter!  Fly safe!

Get your questions answered: http://askdroneu.com/.

If you enjoy the show, the #1 thing you can do to help us out is subscribe to it on iTunes. Can we ask you to do that for us really quick? While you're there, leave us a 5-star review, if you're inclined to do so. Thanks! https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-drone-u/id967352832.

Follow us:

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Get your copy of "Livin’ the Drone Life" - http://amzn.to/2nalUDH

Get your copy of our Part 107 Study Guide - http://amzn.to/2omQatT

Timestamps

Today, we talk about convincing the fire department that you are on the right side of the law while flying

Rob suggests some approaches for dealing with the fire department

Do you actually need to register your drone if you wish to fly on Hermosa beach? We discuss drone rules in California

Can you legally fly on Hermosa beach if you Part 107 certified? Do you need a permit if you are filming a production? What about real estate?

Paul shares information about forthcoming Drone U classes

Today, we talk about computers for processing maps.  After all, you're going to need a good computer setup if you want to make money as a drone mapper.  What type of computer can handle maps and models on Pix4D?  How much is it going to cost?  Are Pix4D's recommendations antiquated?

We recently purchased a computer ourselves.  We talk a bit about our setup and the amount of money we spent on it.  We also discuss the modifications you might consider and what you can expect to pay.

Thanks to Scott for the question.  Fly safe!

Also, the folks over at Energen are offering a special discount on their amazing portable chargers for all Drone U members.  Use one the following promo codes at checkout, depending on which battery you buy, to get a great deal on a killer battery:

Energen A40 Model:  DRONEUA40

Energen M10 Model:  DRONEU M10

Get your questions answered: http://askdroneu.com/.

If you enjoy the show, the #1 thing you can do to help us out is subscribe to it on iTunes. Can we ask you to do that for us really quick? While you're there, leave us a 5-star review, if you're inclined to do so. Thanks! https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-drone-u/id967352832.

Follow us:

Site - http://thedroneu.com/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/droneu

Instagram - https://instagram.com/thedroneu/

Twitter - https://twitter.com/thedroneu

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/droneu

Get your copy of "Livin’ the Drone Life" - http://amzn.to/2nalUDH

Get your copy of our Part 107 Study Guide - http://amzn.to/2omQatT

Timestamps

Today, we talk about computers for processing maps

Paul and Rob discuss the issues that they ran into while purchasing a custom built computer

How much did the new custom built Drone U computer cost?

What are the computer requirements stated on Pix4D website? Are they sufficient?

Discussing the specifications of the custom built computer that Drone U recently purchased

Comparing a contrasting the capabilities of PCLE to a regular SSD

Is it a good idea to opt for old servers with Xenon processors?

Paul suggests a great resource for getting a custom built machine

Is it wise to opt for an AMD processor over an i9 or Xeon processor?

Should you opt for the 1080 Ti Nvidia over the Nvidia Titan?

We share how long point cloud processing takes at Drone U

Being cognizant of the heat generated in custom built systems; should you rather opt for a water cooled system?

Can you run maps and processes on a Mac while using Pix4D?

Today, we talk about marketing your drone modeling services.  Kevin from New Jersey called in with a unique marketing idea and wanted to know if we'd ever seen anyone else do it.

Essentially, Kevin has the idea to use After Effects to edit and animate his models.  It's a great idea that could be really useful in a demo reel.  While we've never seen anyone else do it, we have seen some interesting things done to market drone modeling services.

Luckily, Pix4D makes it easy to showcase your models in video form.  In order to help you all create the best possible videos, we talk about using Pix4D to make videos from still images.  Fly safe!

Don’t forget to pick up a charger from Colorado Drone Chargers.  Those guys make high-quality quadchargers to help you maximize your flight time!

Get your questions answered: http://askdroneu.com/.

If you enjoy the show, the #1 thing you can do to help us out is subscribe to it on iTunes. Can we ask you to do that for us really quick? While you're there, leave us a 5-star review, if you're inclined to do so. Thanks! https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-drone-u/id967352832.

Follow us:

Site - http://thedroneu.com/

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Get your copy of "Livin’ the Drone Life" - http://amzn.to/2nalUDH

Get your copy of our Part 107 Study Guide - http://amzn.to/2omQatT

Timestamps

Today, we talk about marketing your drone modeling services

Is it is commercially viable to do time lapses of models?

Can models be showcased in video form using Pix4D?

Learn how you can get the highest possible resolution of your screen grabs

Is it possible to virtually fly through your model in real time? Are there any resources out there that let you do that?

Today, we talk about pricing your drone services.  Specifically, we discuss how to price a job when you've been hired to shoot a horse race.  James called in to ask how to determine the cost of his services and if he should charge per race.

Although we talk about horse races specifically, this is a great episode for anyone who wants information about pricing.  We explain how you can determine the cost of deliverables and make the most amount of money for your time.  Good luck James!  Fly safe!

Get your questions answered: http://askdroneu.com/.

If you enjoy the show, the #1 thing you can do to help us out is subscribe to it on iTunes. Can we ask you to do that for us really quick? While you're there, leave us a 5-star review, if you're inclined to do so. Thanks! https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-drone-u/id967352832.

Follow us:

Site - http://thedroneu.com/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/droneu

Instagram - https://instagram.com/thedroneu/

Twitter - https://twitter.com/thedroneu

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/droneu

Get your copy of "Livin’ the Drone Life" - http://amzn.to/2nalUDH

Get your copy of our Part 107 Study Guide - http://amzn.to/2omQatT

Timestamps

Today, we talk about pricing your drone services for a horse race

What are some of the factors that you should consider as far as deliverables are concerned?

Are you likely to encounter flying limitations while filming a horse race?

Discussing pricing for drone services; we factor in costs as a result of hiring VO's, live streaming, editing, adding sound clips and more

Those of you who've taken our mapping class will know that we used a Phantom 4 Pro to shoot the course content.  Today, we explain why.

Both the P4 Pro and the Yuneec H520 have their own benefits.  Depending on who you are, the type of work you do and how serious you are about mapping, you may find each drone to hold a different value.  Tune in to find out why we used the Phantom 4 Pro and how you can determine which drone is the best for your mapping needs.

You can check out the Imus Ranch video and Paul's famous fence shot here.  Fly safe!

Don't forget, we're giving away a Mavic Pro Platinum!

Get your questions answered: http://askdroneu.com/.

If you enjoy the show, the #1 thing you can do to help us out is subscribe to it on iTunes. Can we ask you to do that for us really quick? While you're there, leave us a 5-star review, if you're inclined to do so. Thanks! https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-drone-u/id967352832.

Follow us:

Site - http://thedroneu.com/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/droneu

Instagram - https://instagram.com/thedroneu/

Twitter - https://twitter.com/thedroneu

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/droneu

Get your copy of "Livin’ the Drone Life" - http://amzn.to/2nalUDH

Get your copy of our Part 107 Study Guide - http://amzn.to/2omQatT

Timestamps

Today we discuss why we use the Phantom 4Pro against the Yuneec H520 for the mapping course

What are some of the advantages of using the Yuneec H520 for mapping purposes?

Explaining how we input annotations in order to get a 360 degree view

What are some of the disadvantages of using Matterport over a drone for mapping missions?

How does Yuneec H520 imagery compare to that of a Phantom 4Pro?

Discussing how editing raw images in Adobe LightRoom will result in far better details

Can you do point of interest using a Yuneec H520?

Is it advantageous to use the Yuneec H520 while mapping super large areas?

We talk about the superior wind handling capacity of the Yuneec H520

Can the Yuneec Typhoon H520 be paired with an E90 camera?

How does the Yuneec H520 compare to the Phantom 4Pro in terms of build and motors?

Paul talks about his experience with using the Yuneec H520 for mapping a stadium

Discussing why absence of free flight mode in the Yuneec H520 is a huge disadvantage

Paul provides information about Drone U's forthcoming Don't Crash course with the Yuneec H520

Can you use an Inspire 1 with the X5 camera?

Today, we talk about drone rentals.  Renting equipment can be a cost-effective alternative to buying one, particularly in cases where you'll only be using it for a few jobs.

Kevin from NJ calls in with a question about this very situation.  Does it makes sense to purchase a thermal camera if he only has one or two jobs lined up?  Considering the cost of a thermal camera, probably not!

Luckily, there are a number of drone rental services.  Certain companies will allow you to rent drone equipment so you can get work done without spending a ton of money.  Looking for a drone rental service?  Tune in to find out where you can find one!

Don't forget to enter the Drone U Giveaway.  One lucky person is going to receive a Mavic Pro!

Also, the folks over at Energen are offering a special discount on their amazing portable chargers for all Drone U members.  Use one the following promo codes at checkout, depending on which battery you buy, to get a great deal on a killer battery:

Energen A40 Model:  DRONEUA40

Energen M10 Model:  DRONEU M10

Energen P40 Mode:  DRONEU P40

Get your questions answered: http://askdroneu.com/.

If you enjoy the show, the #1 thing you can do to help us out is subscribe to it on iTunes. Can we ask you to do that for us really quick? While you're there, leave us a 5-star review, if you're inclined to do so. Thanks! https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-drone-u/id967352832.

Follow us:

Site - http://thedroneu.com/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/droneu

Instagram - https://instagram.com/thedroneu/

Twitter - https://twitter.com/thedroneu

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/droneu

Get your copy of "Livin’ the Drone Life" - http://amzn.to/2nalUDH

Get your copy of our Part 107 Study Guide - http://amzn.to/2omQatT

Timestamps

Today we talk about drone rentals

Is it a good idea to rent a thermal camera?

Paul suggests a great resource for renting a thermal camera

Why is renting a thermal camera a popular option for public safety officers?

Discussing and contrasting the capabilities of the Zenmuse XT and the Zenmuse XT AR

Do you need certification for taking up thermal imaging jobs? How can Drone U help you?

What are some alternative resources for renting cameras? We share details of a new drone sharing site