I am surprised there has not been more discussion on here about this issue. We all start with the exact same critter, which, without a camera, will fly 11-13 minutes on a stock battery charge. After adding gimbal, camera, FPV, and maybe recovery beacon, people are getting maybe 4 minutes. The effect of each and every gram of weight is very significant and dramatic.
In discussion about various gimbals, I was floored to find out, when I checked, that some gimbals weighed 400 gms without camera! My Hero2 weighs 100 gms, the protective case 70. The Hero3 is lighter...dunno the weight. The Zenmuse lists itself as 180 gms WITH camera!! I don't know whether this includes all of the extras necessary to drive the unit, but that is impressively LIGHT.
In all of the discussions about various FPV units, setups and options regarding power, etc......I have never seen mention about the WEIGHT of the different units.
As I think about and plan what I want to do with my craft, what to add...or not....then WHICH unit or system....weight will probably have as much or more effect on my flying experience, day after day, than cost.....which is a one time OUCH!
I would like to generate, for m own interest and purposes, a Reduction in Flight Time (RFT) vesus Weight (gms) graph. The process should be simple, sine I have nothing permanently attached yet.....time a couple of naked, hovering only flights to forced landing.....then add some known weight.....measure flight time......add more weight, etc., etc.
If that works well, then when they arrive I might generate one with 3 bladed props, etc.
Has anyone ever done this? Does one already exist?
In discussion about various gimbals, I was floored to find out, when I checked, that some gimbals weighed 400 gms without camera! My Hero2 weighs 100 gms, the protective case 70. The Hero3 is lighter...dunno the weight. The Zenmuse lists itself as 180 gms WITH camera!! I don't know whether this includes all of the extras necessary to drive the unit, but that is impressively LIGHT.
In all of the discussions about various FPV units, setups and options regarding power, etc......I have never seen mention about the WEIGHT of the different units.
As I think about and plan what I want to do with my craft, what to add...or not....then WHICH unit or system....weight will probably have as much or more effect on my flying experience, day after day, than cost.....which is a one time OUCH!
I would like to generate, for m own interest and purposes, a Reduction in Flight Time (RFT) vesus Weight (gms) graph. The process should be simple, sine I have nothing permanently attached yet.....time a couple of naked, hovering only flights to forced landing.....then add some known weight.....measure flight time......add more weight, etc., etc.
If that works well, then when they arrive I might generate one with 3 bladed props, etc.
Has anyone ever done this? Does one already exist?