Remote Audio/Video Transmission

Help & Support Robots & Kits
1

Hello,

I have a wildlife project I am working on. There is a dense rainforest. I am surveying wildlife. Quite dangerous, so I don’t want to go in on foot. Sort of a defined area.

I need BOTH audio and video. The audio will help in identifying that which can’t or isn’t picked up on video. Ideally 720p, but beggars can’t be choosers.

Would like at least 1km range.

Terrain could include sand, mud, fallen branches, inclines, etc.

A) In a perfect world I’d prefer to use a flying drone. I’m afraid trying to get through the tree cover may be next to impossible. All I can envision is a very expensive crash.

B) It would be possible to strategically drop two or three cameras and collect data. I’d need the cameras to do audio and video transmission as long as possible. Ideally 24 hours. Since I can’t/won’t retrieve them no on-board storage is necessary, just need it broadcast for me to record. Again, at least 1km range. I’d love to use something simple/cheap like GoPro, but battery life isn’t what I need and I have no clue how I’d transmit video/audio at least 1km.

C) I’ve also been looking at heavy duty all-terrain vehicles. Again, same parameters apply. Need to be able to collect audio/video remotely. Just assume that worst case scenario I don’t get them back because they run out of battery, get stuck, etc.

Have a ~ $10k budget. Obviously love to do it for a fraction of that.

The key elements are being able to remotely send audio/video for recording, and somehow being able to position the cameras, either through flight, driving, dropping from drones, etc.

I’d appreciate any pointers!

Thanks,
Joseph Irvine

2

Hi,

We invite you you to take a look at our Surveillance & Inspection Robots category.
Here is some suggestions that might interest you sorted by price (low to high) :

]Pan / Tilt Minibot Inspection Robot/:m]
]4WD Enclosed Robot with Scissor Lift and PTZ Camera/:m]
]Wi-Fi Enclosed MLT-42 Inspection Robot w/ Tablet Controller/:m]
]SuperDroid HD2 Robot - WiFi Control and 27x Tilt Camera/:m]
]Summit XL 4WD Autonomous Robot/:m]
As you said, a drone might not be the best option for this application as you may loose in trees. Also, when surveying, an all-terrain robot will be able to hold its position and only take/transmit the video in real time whether, a drone will need to be piloted continuously.

3

Hello,

Thanks for the suggestions.

I’m concerned as the life seems fairly limited. Even on the most expensive one it only lists 180 minutes. I’m surprised they can’t put larger capacity batteries on since it isn’t like a drone where aerodynamics would be impacted.

Also, none of them seem to have audio capabilities. Is that something that can be easily added?

Thanks,
Joseph

4

Hi,

Professional wheeled robots for surveillance use high power/torque motors to be able to support the load of the robot and the payload keeping, at the same time, a reasonable speed to move and surpass obstacles. These motors will consume too much current and quickly drain the battery even if it has a high capacity. This is aside the current consumption of the embedded electronics : Controller/Computer, Lidar, Sensors, etc. Plus, adding a larger capacity battery, means adding more weight :slight_smile:
That’s why these types of robots usually have relatively low autonomy.

The Pan / Tilt Minibot Inspection Robot comes with a Go-Pro Hero Camera which will transmit video/sound in real-time using the Go Pro App. Here is a video that shows you the robot in action.