What's up with Bees and Drones?
Apr 17, 2023 01:10:52 #
I was flying my drone today, higher than in the past, and upon decent I noticed insects, bees, swarming around it. They were descending with it. What? When it landed and shut-down they scattered. There were bee parts all over it. In flight, I could hear them hitting the props. It would make a sudden change in the sound. I thought it was just the wind.
I don’t want to harm bees, but what to do about it? It seems like the sound is the culprit. I wonder if they were attacking it or if they were simply attracted to the sound? Has anyone here had this happen?
I don’t want to harm bees, but what to do about it? It seems like the sound is the culprit. I wonder if they were attacking it or if they were simply attracted to the sound? Has anyone here had this happen?
Apr 17, 2023 02:34:53 #
Interesting, Bees are rapidly becoming endangered species. Perhaps you should keep your drone on the ground 
Apr 17, 2023 04:31:58 #
I know not to mow the grass next to a hive. It is swarm season and they may have been protecting their Queen.
Apr 17, 2023 05:51:26 #
Curmudgeon wrote:
Interesting, Bees are rapidly becoming endangered species. Perhaps you should keep your drone on the ground
Apr 17, 2023 06:58:31 #
Apr 17, 2023 07:45:05 #
Apr 17, 2023 07:53:23 #
larryepage
Loc: North Texas area
I realize that you are asking a serious question about a real problem. But I will still confess that the thought that popped into my mind was that you should consider a wireless drone with a silent propeller system.
In all seriousness, I wonder if craft with ducted or otherwise protected fan type propeller systems would generate enough less noise to reduce the problem. They might also physically protect against collisions.
In all seriousness, I wonder if craft with ducted or otherwise protected fan type propeller systems would generate enough less noise to reduce the problem. They might also physically protect against collisions.
Apr 17, 2023 08:38:49 #
Have a look at toroidal propellers.
They are a very new development, and they change the sound frequency considerably, to a lower pitched much less annoying sound. The audio perception is that it makes the drone much quieter, although in fact the dB rating is the same.
At this point, they are not yet commercially available although there are a number of people 3D printing them.
Unfortunately, they don't fold, and - for your drone - would increase it's overall size, meaning to keep it pocketable, you'd have to take the props off & put them back on each time.
I will be trying some on an Avatar, but for the reason above, won't experiment with the Mini 3 Pro.
They are a very new development, and they change the sound frequency considerably, to a lower pitched much less annoying sound. The audio perception is that it makes the drone much quieter, although in fact the dB rating is the same.
At this point, they are not yet commercially available although there are a number of people 3D printing them.
Unfortunately, they don't fold, and - for your drone - would increase it's overall size, meaning to keep it pocketable, you'd have to take the props off & put them back on each time.
I will be trying some on an Avatar, but for the reason above, won't experiment with the Mini 3 Pro.
Apr 17, 2023 09:51:31 #
This video has some insight - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F7FN29m8zfA (9:58 length)
and the comments hold some insight also...
and the comments hold some insight also...
Apr 17, 2023 10:19:36 #
Apr 17, 2023 10:41:59 #
Apr 17, 2023 11:34:38 #
larryepage wrote:
if only that existedI realize that you are asking a serious question about a real problem. But I will still confess that the thought that popped into my mind was that you should consider a wireless drone with a silent propeller system.
larryepage wrote:
The ducted fan is a good suggestion! That will help protect the bees and might reduce the noise. I think they are available for this model! I will look into it! Thanks Larry!In all seriousness, I wonder if craft with ducted or otherwise protected fan type propeller systems would generate enough less noise to reduce the problem. They might also physically protect against collisions.
Apr 17, 2023 11:37:14 #
alexol wrote:
Interesting! Have a look at toroidal propellers. br br They ar... (show quote)
For me size is not a crucial issue so that might be a good mitigation to the noise issue!
Apr 17, 2023 11:59:53 #
Have a look at https://www.ll.mit.edu/doc/toroidal-propeller & https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qsfnlUuKH8Q
This one is interesting too: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z_d9Nt_8FWg
This one is interesting too: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z_d9Nt_8FWg
Apr 17, 2023 12:05:33 #
Curmudgeon wrote:
Interesting, Bees are rapidly becoming endangered species. Perhaps you should keep your drone on the ground
What a unique idea! I didn’t think of that. But since it’s an aerial camera, that’s it’s purpose, how could it take aerial pictures from the ground?
I’m actually sensitive to the bee 🐝 problem. I don’t wish to harm them. Fortunately several here have provided excellent suggestions that might eliminate that problem.
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.