[LINK] } Quadracopter Privacy Heads-up

[Tom Koltai]

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Rachel Polanskis [mailto:grove at zeta.org.au] 
> Sent: Tuesday, 14 December 2010 7:26 PM
> To: Tom Koltai
> Cc: Tom Worthington; link at anu.edu.au
> Subject: Re: [LINK] } Quadracopter Privacy Heads-up
> 
> 
> On 14/12/2010, at 2:26 PM, "Tom Koltai" <tomk at unwired.com.au> wrote:
> 
> > 
> > 
> >> -----Original Message-----

<SNIP>

> Are you talking about a gadget like this, that you control 
> from the iphone or ipad?
> http://ardrone.parrot.com/parrot-ar-drone/usa/

>I imagine this off the shelf unit could do the same thing with a littke
hackery and
>a larger processor?   Only problem is that it has only a 12 minute
battery life, but that is perhaps long enough to case the joint or
(ahem) deliver a nasty payload?  


>rachel

All the "toy" retail models appear to have a 12 minute battery life.
However with alternative batteries, and other fuel options, I believe
that can be extended economically to as much as 45 minutes with minimal
payload loss.
Experimenters are already writing a 3G interface to enable out of sight
flight feedback for WiFi Cam onboard via mobile phone networks.
All in all, our privacy is about to become a moot point if someone 40 km
away can send a device for remote recon or payload delivery.

i.e.: Remote Recon to roof of my building. Unfurl portable solar trickle
charger, Wireshark network. Answer incoming called from phone with faked
IMEA - send back data via 3G.

Or more likely, a fly over of all the backyards with pools with live
internet cam output.

(I'm ignoring the more nefarious possible uses.)

Whilst Governments are jumping up and down about Wikileaks, they appear
to be ignoring these little beauties.
Possibly each one needs to have a remote disabler that law enforcement
can activate in an emergency.
Did I say that ?!?!? 

Otherwise, I see the joke USB missiles - available from Jaycar for
$1.00, [http://www.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=GE4073] becoming a
reality as householders take the law into their own hands.

The Berkeley unit was purpose built for a heavier payload so it could
take the kinect and associated electronics. 

http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/06/kinect-used-as-a-quadrocopter-radar-v
ideo/