Ask Drone U

Today’s episode is about pricing drone services.  Scott from Denver calls in with an interesting proposal for pricing his work as a drone pilot.  He has come up with a unique way to price his drone services and wants ADU’s feedback on his pricing structure. 

We debate about the pros and cons of charging by the minute.  We talk about the ways that such a pricing structure could fail or succeed and discuss situations in which charging by the minute would make sense.  Thanks for sparking an interesting debate, Scott!  Let us know how it goes!  Fly safe! 

If you need stock footage for your drone videos, make sure to check out Videoblocks.

Don’t forget that Drone U Landing Pads are now available!

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

Check out the Real Estate Videography Course - https://www.thedroneu.com/courses/

Timestamps

Today's question discusses an interesting way to price your drone services

Rob and Paul discuss pros and cons of pricing your drone services by the minute

Does your pricing model depend on the sector that you are targeting?

What are some of the possible advantages of pricing your drone services by the minute?

Are you at a disadvantage if you are too specific with your requirements while quoting a price?

Is it a good idea to build in contingency into your pricing model if you are charging by the minute?

Would a per minute pricing model create a win-win situation for the client and you? Or, would it create a barrier?

Check out Drone U's "Real Estate Videography" course to strategize your pricing

Why should you always have a planning meeting before commencing with a job?

Discussing some of common pricing strategies for Mapping projects

If you're running a drone business, you'll need a way to give your client their deliverables.  On today's episode, Sebastian from North Carolina asks about the best way to do this.

We talk about the various options you have for delivering drone footage to your clients.  We discuss the pros and cons of Dropbox, Google Drive, WeTransfer and Hightail. Additionally, we discuss the reason that digital transfers may be a more viable option than external hard drives and other physical methods of delivery.  Thanks for the question Sebastian!  Fly safe!

If you need stock footage for your drone videos, make sure to check out Videoblocks.

Don’t forget that Drone U Landing Pads are now available!

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

Paul and Rob discuss FAA's move to come out with airworthiness standards for UAV

Paul questions if FAA is interfering with the Sherman Act

Today's question discusses the best ways to deliver content to clients

Some of the challenges with delivering point cloud files

Learn why Google Drive is a far better option for delivering content than Dropbox

Understanding the advantages of using Hightail and WeTransfer

Learn why using a physical drive is not a good idea for delivering content to your clients

Is it a good idea to use a Drobo or Synology to deliver content to your clients?

Today's episode is all about security companies, law enforcement and how they can utilize drones.  We take a call from Jeremy in Westchester County, NY, who wants to know how he can convince his employer to incorporate drones into the work they do.  Jeremy works for a security company that deals with residential burglary and fire alarm systems as well as radio transmissions between police stations and schools.

In an attempt to answer Jeremy's questions, we talk about how security firms and law enforcement are already utilizing drones.  We also talk about how these professions may use drones in the future.  Paul, for one, is convinced that drone mapping can be used to solve all crime.  Thanks for sparking such an interesting conversation Jeremy.  Good luck and fly safe!

If you need stock footage for your drone videos, make sure to check out Videoblocks.

Don’t forget that Drone U Landing Pads are now available!

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's question is about how drones can be effectively used for surveillance purposes

Can security companies provide increased value by using drones?

What are some of the creative ways in which security companies can use drones?

Is there a likelihood that drones will be used for continuous surveillance sometime in the future?

Are there any organizations that have already implemented continuous surveillance, or an "eye in the sky"?

Is it possible to set up continuous surveillance via drone without compromising on anyone's privacy?

How can drones be useful to prevent insurance fraud?

Today’s episode is all about improving the color in your aerial photographs and videos.  After all, if you’re operating a drone business, you’ll want to make sure that your clients are getting a product that they love.  One way to do this is by optimizing the colors in your drone videos.

In order to help you create the best drone videos, we explain how colors are captured on video.  We explain how camera sensors work and how to utilize the best camera settings to optimize your colors.  We also discuss using filters to get a lush color profile in your drone videos.  Thanks to Cory in San Antonio for the question!  Fly safe! 

Don't forget that Drone U Landing Pads are now available!

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's question is about improving the colors of your aerial photographs and videos

How does the size of the sensor affect the quality of your photographs?

What is the difference between a APS-C sensor and a 1 inch sensor?

Does a bigger sensor always yield better results in mapping?

Is the Inspire 2 X5S Combo a good option for mapping applications?

Reviewing the new Solo with the Sony R10-C and APS-C sensor for mapping applications

Discussing the capabilities of the Exmor 2 sensor in the Yuneec H 520 with regards to mapping applications

Learn why Paul prefers to always fly with the ND-16 filter during daytime

Are there tools to determine which filter you need to use depending on the amount of light?

Tips and tricks to shoot in heavily shadowed areas

Are there other filters apart from the ND-16 that you can use?

Are there instances where you are better off shooting without a filter?

On today's episode, we talk about capturing audio when shooting drone footage.  In most cases, you probably won't need to record audio.  Under certain circumstances, however, it may be important for you to have an audio track to sync up with your drone footage.  We talk about why you might want to capture an audio track and how to properly obtain it.  Thanks for the question, Leroy!  Fly safe!

Don't forget that Drone U Landing Pads are now available!

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's question is about recording audio while shooting drone footage

Do you need to turn off audio recording while shooting footage with any of the newer drones?

Is it a good idea to turn off the audio recording on the Phantom 2 while capturing video?

Should I turn off the audio while recording with the GoPro? How will this help me as I edit my drone video?

What is a scenario where you should ideally turn on your audio as you capture drone footage?

On today's episode, Paul talks about his experience at Interdrone 2017.  Paul talks about some of the newest drone products and innovative technologies that were showcased at Interdrone.  Additionally, he interviews Yuneec and Colorado Drone Chargers about their newest products.  We hope you enjoy!  Fly safe!

Don't forget that Drone U Landing Pads are now available!

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

In today's episode Paul talks about his experience at Interdrone 2017

What was the main focus at Interdrone 2017?

Which were some of the latest products and innovative technologies launched at Interdrone 2017?

Paul discusses some of the awesome capabilities of the newly launched hydrogen celled drone

Understanding the specifications and applications of the newly launched Fleur Duo Pro R

Why is the Fleur Duo Pro R such a great camera for those worried about data security?

Does the Fleur Duo Pro R give you good bang for the buck?

Find out why the Exmor 2 sensor that comes with the E290 camera in Yuneec H520 renders it more suitable for mapping as compared to the Phantom 4 Pro and Exmor 1 combination

Paul interviews Yuneec and quizzes them on the H520

What is so great about the hardware and software in Yuneec H520?

Understanding the awesome capabilities of the E290 camera and the rationale behind using the Exmor 2 sensor

With the introduction of high voltage batteries, what kind of flight time can pilots expect with the Yuneec H520?

Learn how the Yuneec H520 manages to keep your data secure

Is the H520 connected with the internet while flying?

Paul interviews Ryan who has come out with an app for controlling the Yuneec H520 for mapping

Ryan shares with listeners some of the advantages of using the "Datapilot" app

Can you plan your mapping mission on the Yuneec H520 on a data connection aside from the drone itself?

Can you set a numerical angle value while doing angular elevation orbits, a critical capability while mapping?

Paul interviews the Colorado Drone Chargers

Which drone batteries can the Colorado quad charger be used for?

Is there any specific reason for the drone charger coming in a bag?

Paul recommends Energen batteries, another vendor that participated in the Interdrone 2017

Paul questions if the fixed wing drones are able to communicate well with other mapping applications

Paul wonders if bigger manufacturers will mimic the coaxial, dual blade design of Ascent Aerosystems

Today's question is about drone cameras, the Osmo and compatibility.  Ryan calls in from Pennsylvania to ask for our recommendation on cameras for the Osmo.  Should he get a Z3 or an X5?  We discuss the compatibility of these cameras with the Osmo.  Additionally, we talk about camera specs and why the X5 is a better model than the X3.  Congratulations on the Part 107, Ryan!  Fly safe!

More info on the GPC case Paul mentions can be found here

Drone U Landing Pads are now available!

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

Check out the Drone U video, "5 Unique ways to use the Osmo" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ppR6n8kqbbY

Timestamps

Today's question is about suitable cameras that can be paired with the Osmo

Is it worth upgrading to the DJI Osmo X5 Pro?

Will the regular Osmo adapter work with the X5 Pro?

Is the Z3 compatible with the Osmo?

Is the Osmo 2 coming out any time soon? What are some of the rumored capabilities of the Osmo 2?

Could the performance of the DJI Osmo X5 Pro be further improved by adding other lenses?

Understanding why the DJI Osmo X5 Pro is a better alternative to the Z3

Today, we talk about using drones for cellphone tower inspections.  Billy the Kid called to tell us that he may have the opportunity to inspect some cellphone towers.  He wants to know which drone and camera are the best for this job.  We talk about drones, cameras and other tools that are good for tower inspection.  We also talk about why companies hire drone pilots to inspect their towers and how you can bring value to their business.  Additionally, we talk about the importance of doing these jobs in the most efficient manner.  Good luck with the inspection work, Billy!  Fly safe!

Drone U Landing Pads are now available!

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's question revolves the necessary equipment to do cellphone tower inspections

Find out what makes the Inspire 1 and Zenmuse Z3 combination an ideal, "value for money" proposition for doing cellphone tower inspections

What are some of the cons of using the Inspire 1 and Zenmuse Z3 combination for cellphone tower inspections?

Is the purpose of a cellphone tower inspection simply to zero in on a problem?

Under what circumstances will you need a thermal camera for cellphone tower inspections?

Paul provides some information on the upcoming Drone U class on cellphone tower inspection mapping

Is the Inspire 1 and Zenmuse Z3 combination a better option as compared to the M210, M200 or Inspire 2 and Zenmuse Z30 combination?

Drone U recommended resources for buying buying the Inspire 1 and Zenmuse Z3

Is it important to use the Zenmuse Z30 over the Zenmuse Z3 to do cellphone tower inspections?

How can you deal with interference issues while doing cellphone tower inspections?

Today's episode is all about drones for real estate mapping.  Hernandez in the Philippines called in to ask how he should price his real estate mapping services and what equipment he should use.  We also discuss the deliverables you’ll want to provide for your clients and where the real estate mapping field is headed.  Additionally, we talk about the best drones and software for real estate mapping. 

If you're not a Drone U member, you may want to sign up soon.  We currently have a mapping course in the works!

Thanks for the question Hernandez!  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

Paul and Rob provide some details about the new Drone U membership

Today's question discusses the equipment that you should ideally use while on a mapping mission

Can using a systematic acquisition plan help me further improve existing mapping data?

What drone should I be using for mapping?

Find out why, in spite of the X5s lens, the Inspire 1 and Inspire 2 are not suitable for mapping

Why is the Phantom 4 Pro the best drone for mapping?

Paul discusses the various challenges that you can possibly encounter while on a mapping mission

Do you need a surveyor's license to prepare and interpret a map?

Do you need a surveyor's license to do a volumetric measurement of stockpiles?

Is the Phantom 4 Pro suited for subject tracking

Are there any data acquisition applications that can be used on mapping missions?

Are there any programs available that will help me fly autonomously while on a mapping mission?

What are some of the advantages of using the "Maps Made Easy" web application?

Comparing the pros and cons of "Maps Made Easy" and "Pix4D mapper"

Is there any good application for mapping orbits apart from DJI Go 4?

What equipment do you need to carry on a mapping mission? Find out why the Drone U landing pads a great value proposition

Today's episode is all about buying used drones.  We got a call from Rob in Florida, who wants to know if we'd buy a used drone for ourselves. Obviously, buying pre-used drones can be a great way to save money but also comes with a certain amount of risk.  Is the risk worth it?  We discuss the things that can go wrong when buying used equipment and talk about ways to find reliable sources of used drones.  Thanks for the question, Rob!  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

Paul provides some information regarding Drone U's upcoming subject tracking class

Today we discuss the various risks that come with buying a used drone, and attempt to answer whether it is worthwhile buying one

What are some of the things that can go wrong with a used drone?

Is there any agency which can thoroughly check a used drone?

Paul provides contact information for Kyle, a Drone U member who repairs used drone

Can you expect good service from the DJI Care Refresh program?