cosmetal
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since September 2018
Posts: 115
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Post by cosmetal on May 2, 2019 11:23:22 GMT -5
Just watched a great vid from NevadaBill and his drone A nice day for flyingIt made me wonder how many of you drone owners use them for rock hounding/prospecting? I know that "real" rock hounding and prospecting is done up close and personal. But, the drone seems to be a wonderful tool for scoping out possible deposits both alluvial and cliff side. Inquiring minds would like to know . . .  James |
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Post by MsAli on May 2, 2019 11:31:28 GMT -5
I think it would an incredible tool to use.
A guy I follow on IG just got one for underwater and he did a quick scan LS. The rocks under her surface are unbelievable.
I want one to search mine pits
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Post by melhill1659 on May 2, 2019 11:43:39 GMT -5
Hey James,
I’m THAT Rockhounder 😂 I purchased a Mavic Air about a year ago an I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT!!! The reasons for buying it was my sister an I rockhound the canyons out west and we’ve gotten into some predicaments!!! 1. We’ve ended up on dead end roads with no way to turn the truck and pop up camper around (had to drop camper). 2. Your travels take you in the middle of no where, the way you should go is up a very steep hill, you make it up then “F***K” So many things have happened. Another reason is when I go alone it’s my scout and the video helps with identifying things later!
Oh and THEY ARE JUST FREAKEN COOL
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cosmetal
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since September 2018
Posts: 115
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Post by cosmetal on May 2, 2019 12:54:35 GMT -5
Hey James, I’m THAT Rockhounder 😂 I purchased a Mavic Air about a year ago an I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT!!! The reasons for buying it was my sister an I rockhound the canyons out west and we’ve gotten into some predicaments!!! 1. We’ve ended up on dead end roads with no way to turn the truck and pop up camper around (had to drop camper). 2. Your travels take you in the middle of no where, the way you should go is up a very steep hill, you make it up then “F***K” So many things have happened. Another reason is when I go alone it’s my scout and the video helps with identifying things later! Oh and THEY ARE JUST FREAKEN COOL Thanks for the reply. Scouting for pre-trip safety is definitely something to add to the drone's plus list. I know basically nothing about drones and would like to hear from other drone owners and the make of drone they use for rock hounding and prospecting. It would be greatly appreciated if someone could post a link to what they think is the best website for drone education discussing things like line-of-sight restrictions, flying times, federal restrictions (especially on BLM and Forest Service lands), etc. Thanks! James |
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Post by melhill1659 on May 2, 2019 13:50:34 GMT -5
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Post by melhill1659 on May 2, 2019 13:53:20 GMT -5
I bought mine on Amazon. As far as regulations you have to research that for the area you’ll be in. The drone I have basically flies and lands itself with so many features it’s CRAZY! It’s pricey though.
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pizzano
Cave Dweller 
Member since February 2018
Posts: 1,390
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Post by pizzano on May 2, 2019 14:34:59 GMT -5
Hey James, I’m THAT Rockhounder 😂 I purchased a Mavic Air about a year ago an I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT!!! The reasons for buying it was my sister an I rockhound the canyons out west and we’ve gotten into some predicaments!!! 1. We’ve ended up on dead end roads with no way to turn the truck and pop up camper around (had to drop camper). 2. Your travels take you in the middle of no where, the way you should go is up a very steep hill, you make it up then “F***K” So many things have happened. Another reason is when I go alone it’s my scout and the video helps with identifying things later! Oh and THEY ARE JUST FREAKEN COOL Thanks for the reply. Scouting for pre-trip safety is definitely something to add to the drone's plus list. I know basically nothing about drones and would like to hear from other drone owners and the make of drone they use for rock hounding and prospecting. It would be greatly appreciated if someone could post a link to what they think is the best website for drone education discussing things like line-of-sight restrictions, flying times, federal restrictions (especially on BLM and Forest Service lands), etc. Thanks! James The subject matter can get pretty complicated due to recent regulations governed by Federal, State, County and City oversight......particularly with regards to UAV practices over "public" land and "free" airspace.....!
I'll first preference my observations and opinions by clarifying my experience and use (both as a hobby and commercial endeavors)........:
Without going into a long, drawn out dissertation, I have been in the "hobby" since 1998. Building, repairing, programing and flying UAV (unmanned aerial vehicles) for fun and profit. It started with radio controlled helicopters, then airplanes and eventually multi-rotor craft, (drones) as many refer to them today. Helicopters got my attention first, although it would have been wiser (hindsight) to start with planes........but today, the technology has come so far and fast, multi-rotor craft are now the "go-to" for most who want "instant" satisfaction and enjoyment, without the painstaking experience of fully appreciating the more serious aspects of the sport/craft technology.
I eventually hooked up with a few clubs and be-friended like minded individuals who were taking the hobby to another level.........commercial UAV photography and aerial topography analysis.
To be continued.....!
Sorry, something came up that needed my attention.......
Anyway, in 2015, a fellow Civil Engineer (who is also a licensed commercial pilot), his son (another Engineer), and myself (land surveying), worked for a large firm who was seriously interested in getting into the aerial photography discipline.........we helped them establish a foundation and provided our expertise........on or about June of 2016, Mike and his son left the firm and branched out on their own.........I was on contract with the firm for another 8 months, still helping Mike on the side (program set-ups and repairs).........February 2017, Mike and son (who have family in Utah) took their business to Provo and now sub-contract with a national firm that has grown dramatically (Dronegenuity).
Since I could not make the move with them and could no longer be hands-on for ground base and flight applications, I continued to service their vehicles up until November of 2018.........they now have access to local mech's and tech's........I still keep in touch and help with programing, but I have not touched a UAV since then.....even though I own 3 smaller quads and several planes......the air space and logistic boundaries around urban and rural environments in my area have become so sensitive, it's no longer enjoyable or practical to just throw a craft up and have at it........Clubs have become overly restrictive with "drones" and, although we have lot's of open space up here, getting private property permission is next to impossible unless you can provide proof of insurance.........folks just don't want to deal with the hassle anymore. Needles to say, here in So. California, much of the practical "air space" is either managed or owned by the Govt..............
Then again, If one lives in locations (Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Wyoming, Kansas, ect.), where vast amounts of land (desert, plains) where the Govt. does not own or manage and where private owners are much more friendly..........UAV could still be enjoyable.
Back to the topic questions...:
If it were me, today, just starting out, I'd Join the AMA......Academy of Model Aeronautics........that way one can join a local club and use their training facilities and learn the "legal and proper" in's & out's, as well as having access to expert piloting, repair, maintenance, building, ect..........It does come at some expense, and as one will soon learn, the "hobby" is no longer for the DIY without expense and knowledge up-front. The cost for a decent, historically reliable craft (ready to fly) will be pricey and repairs will be required more often than one could anticipate.........parts and knowledge will come at more expense.
Here's the link to the AMA......:
www.modelaircraft.org/
Start here first........it has a ton of resources that will answer 99% of the questions you referenced......
If you'd like to discuss deeper.....feel free to PM me.......Trying to break down all of the various issues related to so many aspects of this "hobby" in a forum web post could take days.......!
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cosmetal
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since September 2018
Posts: 115
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Post by cosmetal on May 2, 2019 16:07:37 GMT -5
I bought mine on Amazon. As far as regulations you have to research that for the area you’ll be in. The drone I have basically flies and lands itself with so many features it’s CRAZY! It’s pricey though. Too cool . . .  Thanks for the link. James |
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cosmetal
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since September 2018
Posts: 115
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Post by cosmetal on May 2, 2019 16:09:48 GMT -5
Thanks for the reply. Scouting for pre-trip safety is definitely something to add to the drone's plus list. I know basically nothing about drones and would like to hear from other drone owners and the make of drone they use for rock hounding and prospecting. It would be greatly appreciated if someone could post a link to what they think is the best website for drone education discussing things like line-of-sight restrictions, flying times, federal restrictions (especially on BLM and Forest Service lands), etc. Thanks! James The subject matter can get pretty complicated due to recent regulations governed by Federal, State, County and City oversight......particularly with regards to UAV practices over "public" land and "free" airspace.....!
I'll first preference my observations and opinions by clarifying my experience and use (both as a hobby and commercial endeavors)........:
Without going into a long, drawn out dissertation, I have been in the "hobby" since 1998. Building, repairing, programing and flying UAV (unmanned aerial vehicles) for fun and profit. It started with radio controlled helicopters, then airplanes and eventually multi-rotor craft, (drones) as many refer to them today. Helicopters got my attention first, although it would have been wiser (hindsight) to start with planes........but today, the technology has come so far and fast, multi-rotor craft are now the "go-to" for most who want "instant" satisfaction and enjoyment, without the painstaking experience of fully appreciating the more serious aspects of the sport/craft technology.
I eventually hooked up with a few clubs and be-friended like minded individuals who were taking the hobby to another level.........commercial UAV photography and aerial topography analysis.
To be continued.....!
Awesome . . .
So much to learn - I love it!
James |
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Post by parfive on May 2, 2019 16:09:49 GMT -5
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Post by rockpickerforever on May 2, 2019 18:04:19 GMT -5
The subject matter can get pretty complicated due to recent regulations governed by Federal, State, County and City oversight......particularly with regards to UAV practices over "public" land and "free" airspace.....!
I'll first preference my observations and opinions by clarifying my experience and use (both as a hobby and commercial endeavors)........:
Without going into a long, drawn out dissertation, I have been in the "hobby" since 1998. Building, repairing, programing and flying UAV (unmanned aerial vehicles) for fun and profit. It started with radio controlled helicopters, then airplanes and eventually multi-rotor craft, (drones) as many refer to them today. Helicopters got my attention first, although it would have been wiser (hindsight) to start with planes........but today, the technology has come so far and fast, multi-rotor craft are now the "go-to" for most who want "instant" satisfaction and enjoyment, without the painstaking experience of fully appreciating the more serious aspects of the sport/craft technology.
I eventually hooked up with a few clubs and be-friended like minded individuals who were taking the hobby to another level.........commercial UAV photography and aerial topography analysis.
To be continued.....!
Awesome . . .
So much to learn - I love it!
James Not into drones, but can definitely see their usefulness. I like to scope out an area before going hounding, either using Google Earth, or Acme Mapper. Can do this before leaving home, print out some promising areas. Look for areas that have a similar look to places you have found good stuff before. I switch back and forth between topo and satellite images. It won't give real time images like a drone would (important if there has been rain/flooding and you want to see important changes) but is quite useful giving the lay of the land and trail locations. If you opt to CCt your "maps" this way, bring a tablet or laptop with you. Phones are just not big enough to get images without ads piling on top of them. ETA - Of course, live internet moot if there is no cell coverage in the area. Sometimes best to take a look before going. |
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Post by greig on May 2, 2019 20:09:29 GMT -5
I think it would an incredible tool to use. A guy I follow on IG just got one for underwater and he did a quick scan LS. The rocks under her surface are unbelievable. I want one to search mine pits I would get one of those underwater drones as soon as they make one with a claw, so I can pick up neet stuff. Mine pits are a great idea. Also, any mine beside a waterway. That is where they would have dumped their tailings and also loaded barges with the good stuff. I intend to scuba dive beside a couple of mines this summer. One for apatite and the other for silver. Shhh. Don't tell anybody until I clean it out. ;-) |
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Post by greig on May 2, 2019 20:21:16 GMT -5
A quick note about flying drones. There are restrictions in many places, but for typical prospecting or rockhounding areas, the rules are pretty difficult for "the powers that be" to enforce. I have a Mavic Air. Only complaint is battery life, especially when it is cold. You can really inspect forested places in early spring or late fall (not as good in the summer). It is a great way to find old mines, tailings, trails and other features. Many places that I go don't have clear satellite images that I can drill down on. The camera on the drone gives great video. Drones are also really fun to fly over mine trenches and look inside. I wish I had a drone back when I looked for placer gold areas in BC. I would sometimes look over what I thought were cobbles from an earlier placer operation through binoculars, only to find after hiking for a few hours that it was natural slide rock. A drone would have been a great saver of time and energy. I am taking my drone to BC this summer.
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Post by MsAli on May 2, 2019 21:41:12 GMT -5
I think it would an incredible tool to use. A guy I follow on IG just got one for underwater and he did a quick scan LS. The rocks under her surface are unbelievable. I want one to search mine pits I would get one of those underwater drones as soon as they make one with a claw, so I can pick up neet stuff. Mine pits are a great idea. Also, any mine beside a waterway. That is where they would have dumped their tailings and also loaded barges with the good stuff. I intend to scuba dive beside a couple of mines this summer. One for apatite and the other for silver. Shhh. Don't tell anybody until I clean it out. ;-) I love snorkeling them. I've found some sweet Lakers that way and if I could zoom around 1st it might save some energy. Plus I just think seeing the fish (especially the pits that dont get fished alot) and maybe capturing a loon and then there is giant snappers. Yep, I need one! |
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pizzano
Cave Dweller
Member since February 2018
Posts: 1,390
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Post by pizzano on May 3, 2019 1:19:16 GMT -5
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cosmetal
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since September 2018
Posts: 115
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Post by cosmetal on May 3, 2019 10:10:20 GMT -5
pizzanoIt helps alot! Thank you for your time, effort and knowledge. James
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Post by greig on May 4, 2019 10:56:33 GMT -5
Good list Pizzano. You are correct that many online reviews these days seem to be sponsored, so you have to take any assessment with "a grain of salt". Sometimes, is not really a review and more like a subtile sales pitch. Kinda like we used to find in the metal detecting magazines of old where every item was great, new, improved and a must have. ;-)
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Fossilman
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2009
Posts: 20,718 
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Post by Fossilman on May 5, 2019 9:27:42 GMT -5
Would be great for Ammonite (Fossil) hounding in Montana.... Would let you see the cropping without walking...
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Post by greig on May 5, 2019 11:17:26 GMT -5
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pizzano
Cave Dweller
Member since February 2018
Posts: 1,390
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Post by pizzano on May 5, 2019 14:03:28 GMT -5
The "commercial" technology related to aerial UAV and ground (surface) controlled UAV started to take shape with regards to professional geological, mining, archaeological, topographic surveying, in the early 2000's.......the military (and believe it or not), hobby industries played a major part in it's rapid advancement and economical global applications.
The hobby industry is mentioned, due in part, to it's "proving ground" environment that became the "beta" testing for many of the vehicles and operating systems used today commercially.
National and international companies like BHP Billiton, ALTI, MicroDrones, Kespry, Airobotics and "Sensefly" (the group I'm most familiar with)....to name a few, all had their UAV beginnings in either military or sophisticated hobby related UAV.....be it vehicle or software/hardware systems management deployment, shortly after the retail hobby boom exploded.
Prior to serious commercial use, and still to this day, companies like DJI and Go-Pro (mentioned only because) they were, have/had been, the recognized and proven retail consumer leaders in the industry.......made it possible for "damn near" anyone to explore aerial photogrammetry beyond "toy" applications, to include all fixed wing, multi-rotor aircraft (over the weight of 0.55lbs and under 55lbs - U.S.A. FAA guidelines).........resulting in Govt. intervention and mandated licensing requirements here in the US, Germany, Great Britain, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Australia, to name a few countries where (publically and privately) UAV has become a serious "security and privacy" issue..........taking all of the "fun" out of what was once a harmless recreational experience.........The "sin's of a few cause the punishment of many".......Just like most things in life........!
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