IR Cameras

[seanhagerty]

Anyone have any thoughts on the difference between the Zenmuse XT vs MCWH Inspire 1 FLIR Kit (336)

The cost savings is significant, is it really worth the extra dollars to get the zenmuse?

Sean

 

[Keule]

That was the same question i asked myself a year ago...

So i decided to buy an FLIR Vue Pro 640 Radiometric.
Built my own mounting system, added an Feiyutech gimbal on the rear end of my Inspire 1.
That gimbal can be controlled (2 axis) by a seperate operator with an separate RC.
Visual downlink is handled by an Immersion RC transmitter.
The monitor for the operator is attached to either a tripod or on the RC.

It was way cheaper than the Zenmuse XT.

It is not as comfortable as the XT, but for my tasks adequate.

 

[seanhagerty]

By "not as comfortable" what do you mean? Are you speaking of the second monitor you also need to observe?

 

[Keule]

what do you mean?

- a little bit more setup time is required:
- mount FLIR on AC (one screw only)
- attach extra Lipo for VUE operation.
- Install tripod/monitor/RC
- Another operator is welcome, but not always necessary. (Depending on customer needs)
- Reduced airtime (Airtime with TB47 approx. 11-12 min., TB48 14-15 min.)
- With DJI XT Pro you have a dedicated App (maybe some tasks can be done quicker. i.e. change color palette)

 

[seanhagerty]

- a little bit more setup time is required:
- mount FLIR on AC (one screw only)
- attach extra Lipo for VUE operation.
- Install tripod/monitor/RC
- Another operator is welcome, but not always necessary. (Depending on customer needs)
- Reduced airtime (Airtime with TB47 approx. 11-12 min., TB48 14-15 min.)
- With DJI XT Pro you have a dedicated App (maybe some tasks can be done quicker. i.e. change color palette)

Thank you. I appreciate your insight.

 

[zothar]

@Keule - How many volts (battery type?) does the gimbal, FLIR, and receiver run off of? I made an inflight tripod mount I've been using. I'd like to adapt it to also support some standard gimbals with a battery holder, ESC, and Rx holder.

 

[Keule]

How many volts (battery type?) does the gimbal, FLIR, and receiver run off of?

When you use the Vue Pro as a standalone unit, the camera is only able to be fed with 4.8V to 6V!
To use any 2S, 3S LiPo's you must use the 'Power & HDMI Video Module' for the Vue.
With this module attached to the Vue, it can be fed with an input voltage between 5 - 28 Volts.
I am using a 2S LiPo, 1000mAh to save weight.

The Gimbal can be fed between 7 and 17 Volts. (So you can use 4S LiPo's) Again, due to weight limits i stay with the 2S.
My analog ImmersionRC video transmitter and receiver (X8R) takes all of the above named LiPo's.

 

[zothar]

When you use the Vue Pro as a standalone unit, the camera is only able to be fed with 4.8V to 6V!
To use any 2S, 3S LiPo's you must use the 'Power & HDMI Video Module' for the Vue.
With this module attached to the Vue, it can be fed with an input voltage between 5 - 28 Volts.
I am using a 2S LiPo, 1000mAh to save weight.

The Gimbal can be fed between 7 and 17 Volts. (So you can use 4S LiPo's) Again, due to weight limits i stay with the 2S.
My analog ImmersionRC video transmitter and receiver (X8R) takes all of the above named LiPo's.

I'll have to see if I can get dimensions on those items and make a mounting plate, then the gimbal could mount directly below it. Could you post pictures of your setup? Might be able to make a drop in alternative to save some people money. I know I can't afford a XT setup.

I would alter this design...

DJI Inspire 2 Quick Release Tripod Mount

• zothar
• Oct 21, 2017
• dji inspire 2 quick release tripod mount

DJI Inspire 2 Quick Release Tripod Mount

 

[seanhagerty]

Does the package I linked in the first post not work for what you are looking at?

 

[zothar]

It would, I'm just thinking to reduce cost.

Does the package I linked in the first post not work for what you are looking at?

 

[seanhagerty]

I have spent a lot of time searching, going from 6-8k (XT) down to 2k (VUE) is as low as i can find it. The VUE Camera itself goes for about $1999

 

[zothar]

Yeah not sure you can do much better for an Inspire 1

 

[Keule]

Could you post pictures of your setup?

Here are a few pictures of my single operator version:
(No gimbal and receiver)
I just mounted the VuePro statically at the rear of the Inspire, pointing down at an fixed angle:

 

[zothar]

Nice!

 

[White Airwolf]

Looks very cumbersome.
Not sure if the FAA or other governing body would okay this.
Not worth it especially if you are making money on it.

 

[tvanness]

I purchased the 640 XT at the first of the year. Easy up and easy down. FAA approval went well. It was a lot to stomach at first, but had performed well. I charge about 500 minimum to do thermal imaging, so no performance issues is worth money.

 

[Keule]

Looks very cumbersome

Yep, you're right.
That's the reason why i am currently moving the FLIR Vue to my S1000 with a Gremsy gimbal. ;-)

 

[zothar]

S1000, just sold mine. Loved that drone. What is it.. 25lb payload capacity?

 

[Keule]

What is it.. 25lb payload capacity?

No, 25lb = TOW.
I use payloads up to max. 11lb.

 

[Refleks]

The benefit of the XT is that you get to ride the normal DJI video transmission system, so ostensibly the quality of the video feed should be better especially at longer ranges, and of course the ability to manipulate settings right there from the app. Does that justify the cost? Eh... if I had that much money I'd probably get one, but that's never going to happen.

Instead I'm going to go with a separate video feed based on the 12 µm Boson because it's small and inexpensive. Only really available at 320 right now though. Once the 640 comes out I expect some used Flir Vue will be available for a decent price too.