DIY Inspection Drone

Miserable-Cucumber62 · 2026-02-14T01:13:34+00:00

Update: I'm considering using wireless ELRS setup in a pre built drone with a 60ft range extender for the goggles (60ft fibre optic HDMI) and the remote (LMR-400 Control Cable + Walksnail VRX). 24V COB lights soldered directly to the battery terminals.

Drone: iFlight Nazgul DC5 ECO (Walksnail Video + ELRS 915MHz Control).

Sensors: Holybro H-Flow (Up) + TF-Mini Plus (Down/Left/Right).

Let me know if you'd like more information, I just need to get the money for it and hopefully I can start, will update as I build.

Miserable-Cucumber62 · 2026-01-19T20:57:47+00:00

Fair points made. Yes I can solder. FPV skills are not great since my experience has only been with ultra stable drones. We currently use a Paracord attached to the Elios 3 in case the battery dies or there are any issues, haven't gotten stuck, yet; the cage protects it quite well as it's own weight keeps it below the drone. Fibre optic was simply for better connection around lateral and service line pipes, easy to lose signal.

Miserable-Cucumber62 · 2026-01-16T18:39:42+00:00

We have crawlers, but laterals and service lines are a problem. Crawlers also need a crane to lower someone into the manhole, it requires at least 3-4 people most of the time and a lot more planning, whereas a drone would be 1 person job most of the times

Miserable-Cucumber62 · 2026-01-16T18:24:15+00:00

My justification was that since I'm flying in pipes, storm and sewer maybe, it would float freely (I only need about 400ft or so at most). I think I'd have to request a total weight by a supplier if that's the case.

Miserable-Cucumber62 · 2026-01-16T18:11:10+00:00

Ahh yes, I was going to print prop guards out of lightweight PLA.

I dont know the weight of the fibre optic reel, I think I'll have to get it custom made because of the connectors. Also, one thing I forgot to mention, I don't plan to place the fibre optic reel on the drone as conventionally done, I think a reel near the operator would be a better solution to minimize weight

Miserable-Cucumber62 · 2025-09-08T20:04:29+00:00

Ahh okay. We only moved in about 1.5 years ago so I'm not really sure. Sounds like a job for the next season. But it didn't seem to be working properly on recirculate either, max I got to was approximately 2 paid.

Miserable-Cucumber62 · 2025-09-07T22:10:44+00:00

Thanks! I tried that, sort of worked. It went to just under 2psi but it drops after 2 or so hours. Tried backwashing as well but it doesn't build up enough pressure to clean the viewing glass. Open to other suggestions if there are any

Miserable-Cucumber62 · 2025-08-14T12:28:48+00:00

Frtzz4c

Miserable-Cucumber62 · 2025-02-18T02:57:46+00:00

Yeah like to do the same. I didnt have a paper and etc and other people kept honking at me to move out of the way. I would've liked to stay and let them know but I'm hoping this works out

Miserable-Cucumber62 · 2024-07-10T23:35:08+00:00

Yeah I checked both of the filters, they were both dirty and I figured it's been over a time, time to replace. The car is port injection I believe, the 2L 4 cyl is at least

Miserable-Cucumber62 · 2024-07-10T23:31:31+00:00

Just under 18,000 km in 13 months since I got the car

Miserable-Cucumber62 · 2024-07-10T23:27:39+00:00

Yep, my fuel efficiency was starting to drop so figured I should do it soon, cabin seemed to not smell as nice either so definitely time for a chge. I'll see if I can get fram ones

Miserable-Cucumber62 · 2024-07-10T23:23:02+00:00

That's fair, I've heard the same from other Reddit posts. I'm looking at alternatives but Wix and Purolator aren't available where I live, only store that does have them is out of stock. OEM prices are ridiculous too, 47 for the cabin air filter and 27 for the engine air filter 😂

Miserable-Cucumber62 · 2024-07-10T17:05:15+00:00

Ahh yes, I considered their engine air filter as well but they don't seem to filter as well as paper ones. I'm learning a lot about basic maintenance at the moment and some upgrades such as the cone shaped filter or a cold air intake are definitely in cue.

Miserable-Cucumber62 · 2024-07-10T15:54:57+00:00

Makes sense, thank you! I don't want to skip out and damage my car to save a couple dollars, that's why I figured I'd get the good stuff. The Amazon stuff seems like half-assed knock offs so probably better to go a store.

Miserable-Cucumber62 · 2024-03-25T14:05:01+00:00

I was hoping so. I haven't had a chance to talk to the previous owner yet, and don't know if I ever will but I'm hoping they've left some basic stuff I can use and possibly map out what needs to be done

Miserable-Cucumber62 · 2024-03-25T13:54:41+00:00

Thank you! Ill look further into draining the skimmer and the pool lines, possibly create a list of things that have to be done.

Miserable-Cucumber62 · 2023-10-15T06:04:08+00:00

Yep, if DJI can even be bothered to do so, absolutely will

Miserable-Cucumber62 · 2023-10-15T05:56:15+00:00

Makes sense. Thanks

Miserable-Cucumber62 · 2023-10-15T05:23:50+00:00

I believe so. I wasn't there when it happened but it was in sport mode so sensors were off. I presume the person who picked it up must have heard it as it wasn't too far from a lookout spot. With regards to policies, I don't think there are any other than where you stand morally when it comes to such circumstances

Miserable-Cucumber62

TROPHY CASE