UAV search project, houston texas

[smh20502]

Hi all.

I have a project for the UAV guys with onboard video here in and around the Houston, Texas area. I recently lost my RC helicopter in an area of abut 600 acres in the Katy area. What I'm wanting to do is do a pattern flyover in the area to see if it can be located. I've got a bad feeling that the heli has been picked up already but would like to try.

[Gary Mortimer]

Well my chum and I managed to find an aircraft just using a standard old FPV setup, perhaps try that thread.

Sorry if that sounds rude.

I know how hard it is to find downed aircraft, good luck.

[AndrewMcCalip]

I'm sorry to hear about your accident!

Unfortunately our UAV isn't built yet, however we are in the Houston area. Good to hear there are other locals that fly.

[smh20502]

if you get it built in the next month let me know...it would be a good test project.

[Gary Mortimer]

Did you find it??, a mirror on a stick is a start.

This is how we did it http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showpost.php?p=10118269&postcount=48

Why don't you tape a camera to an airframe, then review the images afterwards??

[smh20502]

still haven't found it. I have a good idea that it was picked up and taken by someone or it crashed into a retention pond...



Yep, a wireless camera wold have helped. Doesn't help now...

I'll be working on some anti crash technology soon and I may be adding cameras to the mix.

[Myron]

You dont have to have a fully autonomous system to find your heli. A decent high res digital camera with some geospacial software and a garmin GPS will do the trick. You do have to be able to fly your camera platform pretty well though..
We use full auto and manual systems to find missing persons. If your in Houston, you have probably heard of Texas Equusearch before.. We go out with them when they have areas that need to be covered from the air.. Too date, we have located 6 missing persons.. Unfortunately they were all deceased, BUT using the above mentioned equipment you can get it done. We also have a boat that has an underwater camera that cal look around to see whats in the water.. Once we get some more donations or grant money it will have a Side Scan Sonar so it can "see" in deep or muddy water.

Myron
RP Flight Systems
RP Search Services