Photographer, Service Provider, both?
As I consider my future career, I have been grappling with the question of what niche I should pursue. I have a passion for photography and enjoy creating maps, and while I lack experience working at events, I am open to exploring the possibility. I have been considering a variety of options, including conducting inspections on industrial structures such as windmills, water towers, and solar panels, and I believe that doing so could be both fulfilling and promising work.
One area that I am particularly interested in is chasing drift cars with my FPV drones. I am confident that I could obtain some excellent footage, which would be both exciting and rewarding. However, in order to do so, I need to connect with the local drifting community, learn about their activities, and try to obtain an invitation. I am eager to pursue this option and see where it leads.
Another possibility that I am exploring is working with farmers in my area. Agriculture is a significant industry in this region, and I believe that I could offer valuable services to farmers by conducting scans using thermal, multispectral, and LIDAR cameras. These scans could help farmers identify sick crops, pests, soil issues, and other potential problems, which would ultimately lead to improved crop yields and overall profitability.
Overall, I am excited to explore these different options and see where they may lead me. I am confident that with dedication and hard work, I can find a niche that is both fulfilling and financially rewarding.
Component Highlight: ESCs (Electronic Speed Controllers)
Electronic Speed Controllers (ESCs) are a vital component in drone design, responsible for regulating the power between the battery and the electric motors. They convert DC power from the battery to 3-phase AC, and there are typically two types of ESCs used in drones: singles and 4-in-1s.
Singles are mounted on each arm near the motor, while 4-in-1s have four ESCs on one centralized circuit board. Singles are more convenient because if one breaks during a crash, only one needs to be replaced. In contrast, if one of the four on a 4-in-1 breaks, the entire board must be replaced. Singles also have better temperature control since they are on the arms. However, they require more wiring and soldering, and a Power Distribution Board (PDB) must be used to distribute the voltage, which increases the drone's weight slightly.
When it comes to drone design, selecting the right ESC is crucial to ensure optimal performance. While singles provide better temperature control and are easier to replace, 4-in-1s offer a cleaner and more organized wiring setup, reducing the complexity of the build.
The choice between singles and 4-in-1s ultimately depends on the specific needs of the drone being built. Factors to consider include convenience, temperature control, wiring, and soldering requirements, as well as the added weight from using a PDB. By carefully weighing these factors, drone designers can ensure they are making the right choice for their particular application.
A week with Turtle
Last week was productive for me. I made good progress in raising capital for my business. I took on a lot of DoorDashing, but I also took some time to enrich and entertain myself with audiobooks and podcasts. I finished reading Rhythm of War, the fourth book in The Stormlight Archive, and The Richest Man in Babylon, a book that helped change my perspective on wealth. I’ve also started reading Zero to One, which is about startups and creating the future.
I'm excited to announce that I recently ordered the batteries and charger for my BetaFPV 95X V3. This means that I'll be producing FPV content very soon! This is a part of my business that I'm very excited about, but haven't been able to explore yet. I can't wait to see where this takes me and my business.
I made my return to Twitch last week. Honestly, I'm not sure why it took me so long to get back to streaming. I had a great time flying in Liftoff, but I could tell that I was a bit rusty. I also worked on photo processing and my website. Toward the end of the stream, I watched Steve Carty's photography lessons on YouTube while taking notes. I don't have a solid schedule yet for my Twitch streams, so keep an eye on your live notifications or my Discord for updates.
All in all, it was a fairly productive week. This coming week, my focus is on marketing. I will order business cards, research targeted Google Ads, compare print-on-demand options, and start my business plan. I'm excited to take on these tasks and hope to bring you great news next week!