Holiday Gift Guide 2012: Aerial Drones

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By Andrew Terranova
Posted 2012/11/27 @ 9:00 am
Category Fun & Games, Robotics

Parrot’s AR.Drone 2.0.

The holiday season is upon us and there is a certain something in the air. I’m talking about something a bit more tangible than the ineffable holiday spirit. It is the whir of aerial drones buzzing through the skies!

Today’s hobby drones are pretty amazing. They are packed with features and have a level of automation and sensors never before available to the amateur. Prices have dropped to the point that this technology is accessible, even if you aren’t a government, university, or serious hobbyist willing to spend more than they should. It’s about time to consider the perfect gift for that geeky someone special in your life with a need for speed or a secret desire for air reconnaissance.

Start the Slideshow

BY Andrew Terranova

Andrew Terranova is an electrical engineer and an electronics and robotics hobbyist. He is an active member of the Let's Make Robots community, and handles public relations for the site. He contributes to the MAKE blog, his own blog, and other social media sites. Andrew has worked to teach young people about robotics. He has created and curated robotics exhibits for the Children's Museum of Somerset County, NJ and taught robotics classes for the Kaleidoscope Learning Center in Blairstown, NJ and for a public primary school. Andrew seeks to expand his knowledge and experience of robotics and engage more deeply with the maker movement.

In the Maker Shed

7 Responses to Holiday Gift Guide 2012: Aerial Drones

nic gilbert on November 27th, 2012 at 10:23 am said:

the slideshow mechanic, especially how its implemented here, blows.

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- Jake Spurlock on November 27th, 2012 at 12:31 pm said:
  
  There is a view all slides link at the bottom, makes it easy to see all the content.
  
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  rocketguy1701 on November 27th, 2012 at 2:06 pm said:
  
  Even with that, I’m afraid I have to agree with Nic.
  
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Alex on November 27th, 2012 at 3:58 pm said:

I am very interested in this topic, but I wish the review were more than “I know a guy who says this is very good.”

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- Andrew Terranova on November 27th, 2012 at 9:56 pm said:
  
  I know, right? Who’s this guy think he… Oh, wait. It’s me.
  Honestly, I learned a ton while researching this article, and I hope others can benefit from it. I plan to learn keep learning more. I’ve ordered one of the budget quadcopters listed in this guide to get some practice flying, and I really want to make that DIY tricopter. So hopefully, you will be seeing more from me on this topic, and I will share what I learn as I go.
  
  Reply ↓
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