The tethered drone systems have a backstory of their own. Initially, they were used by military personnel back in early 2000. Now, however, they have been given the green light for commercial use. A drone is often referred to as a “UAV or UAS”(an Unmanned aerial vehicle or unmanned aerial system).
The most common image people have of a drone is something flying above any kind of location. What most people do not realize is that drones do have more than one use. It is not simply a tool to spy on your neighbor(something I do not recommend you do).
What is the tethered drone?
Those are drones that are connected to some kind of power station on the ground. These drones can be connected using everything from a fishing line to a hardware apparatus. The overall uses of tethered drones vary from business to business. Every company uses one for different reasons.
Now, the tethered drone can often look creepy from afar. It can also feel as though they are trying to attack you. Most drones are not there to attack or get in your face unless the user has some ulterior motive with that use.
Most drones and tethered drone systems are there to keep an eye on things and maybe(if need be) collect information on something or someone. Once again, those are some of the more extreme uses of a tethered drone.
What are the benefits of using a tethered drone system?
There are many benefits to using them.
1) A drone of any kind can collect better pictures. They can fly to those hard-to-reach spots to get the necessary footage. Some of the latest drone technology can be used by real estate agents and firms to help their customers. Customers want to see in-depth images of the house or location they want to invest in.
Some cameras cannot capture the images you need to satisfy the client. That is where a drone comes in handy. Real estate agents can then use advanced images to help their clients make those tough choices.
2) The main difference between the free-flying drone and the tethered one is the skills required to use it. Using a free-flying drone requires a lot of skill and many hours of practice to successfully navigate and co-pilot the drone. A tethered one is different in the sense that it is more limited in function. That means you can stay focused on your task and let the drone do the rest.
3) A drone is very helpful to photographers. The tethered drone has more of a stabilized motion. That means it can take pictures and record videos with more finesse. A tethered drone(as mentioned above) can capture those images photographers have a hard time getting.
A tethered drone will also present a clearer and cleaner image for the photographer than more traditional camera options.
4) Another difference between the free-flying drone and the tethered one is the time. Free-flying drones only have about 20 minutes of flight time before most of them start crashing.
A tethered drone system can stay in flight for an unlimited period. The only times that it might fall short is when there is an issue with the power station, or the motor, and/or propeller begins to go. Otherwise, you can keep it in the air for as long as you need it.
5) Most free-flying drones will crash and burn due to technical issues, or human error. A tethered drone saves you from that mess.
6) Another benefit and updated technology tidbit involves first responders. Some of the more up-to-date tethered drones come with thermal and radar sensors. This new technology can give those first responders that much-needed information concerning the scope of the problem and locating a person, even before they get there.
The small size lets the drone get up close and personal with the situation. It sends feedback to the first responder that helicopters cannot get. The thermal and radar sensors allow the first responders to send in emergency help and supplies(especially to those who are trapped and might have a harder time trying to reach otherwise).
Some of the latest advancements of the tethered drone
1) A drone can monitor the air quality and measure the atmosphere. Since we are undergoing climate change, this advancement is particularly useful. a drone will keep track of where the air quality is the poorest, and the drone provides information on how to resolve the situation.
The drone will also provide information on weather situations, including hurricane activity and possible tornadoes. Meteorologists use a lot of the advancements in drone technology to further their commitment to providing the best weather forecast possible.
2) Drone advancements can now track human behaviors and tendencies, from afar. A drone can target when and how humans behave(especially during a high-energy risk factor situation).
The information can be used to provide insight on how to reduce some of the human casualties we see.
3) Advancements in drones can now help agriculturists and farmers. A drone can provide information on crops. The crop monitoring sensors come with infrared beams. Those beams collect data on how to get the most from the crop. Which crops are good? Bad? Which ones need to go? You know, that sort of thing.
Delivery?
Yes, some of the latest advancements allow the drones to make deliveries to commercial and residential neighborhoods. You may have seen on the news about how some people have gotten drones to deliver packages to their house. That is a benefit and a major tech advancement that will come in handy later.
Some FAQ’s About A Drone
Some of you might be wondering how you can get in on this action. Below are some responses to FAQs that we feel might be useful to you.
- There are two ways to get a tethered drone system. You can buy a fully-integrated system. You get everything including the drone, the power station, and all the latest tech advancements and sensors at your fingertips. You can buy a DIY model. It is less expensive but does require some skill to put together, and use.
- The cost of the drone system varies. The DIY models range from $2,000-50,000. The integrated systems run between $20,000-250,000. It depends on how many bells and whistles you want on it. The more tech advancements and sensors, the more it will cost. You should also invest in the UAS kit at some point. That will help you in using your drone system.