4.
2 passes -
You can program the mission to perform the same flight path twice with a slight offset to
get the same overlap at the cost of extended mission time. This option is not available automatically
by Mission Planner and needs manually creating the mission waypoints.
5.2
Trigger Method
DROTAG
requires the
DO_DIGICAM_CONTROL
Trigger Method in order to trigger the camera shut-
ter. This command should be executed every time a camera trigger is required. When drawing your
grid in Mission Planner you should define this command as default and all the trigger messages will be
automatically created according to your Survey Grid configuration.
As the actual trigger does not have any mechanical or analog component, there is no need to configure
any Servos or Relay pins. It is just simple as that.
If you want to know more about the Trigger Methods you should read this page.
6
Flight Checklist
Included in the
DROTAG
package is a checklist to perform before the flight. This checklist is not manda-
tory but is a good practice to guarantee that your field work will be flawlessly done.
1. Verify camera and
cables
are secure and
away form the propeller’s path
.
2. Verify the
DROTAG
has its microSD card inserted.
3.
Power On the camera
and check battery.
4. (Optional) Make shure that the camera settings are correct.
5. Power On the UAV general power.
6. Wait for GPS Lock.
7. Listen for 2 consecutive camera triggers.
8. The
DROTAG
system is
ready-to-go
! Have a nice flight!
6.1
Flight checklist - Detailed Explanation
1.
Verify camera and cables are secure -
This item is responsible for no damage or loss of equip-
ment. Not getting pictures is bad, destroying your hardware is worse.
2.
Verify the DROTAG has its microSD card inserted -
Without the microSD card inserted the
problem is 2-fold. The DROTAG software cannot run and it has no place to store your pictures. End
result is: your camera will do nothing.
3.
Power on the camera and check battery -
The camera should be powered before the DROTAG
board because the software running will not see any camera available. If the DROTAG board is
powered before camera it can be reset and it will try to check the camera again. Powering on
the camera is useful to check if there is any error in the camera. The battery check serves as a
situational awareness reminder. It is up to the operator to ensure the camera has enough battery
to perform the flight.
4