Question about anti-collision lights such as Firehouse Technology’s

[dmcgrew]

Do these lights impact photos or videos at all? They are extremely bright so I’m afraid there would be some kind of color cast in my photos or videos. Second question.. do they impact the collision sensors in any way?

 

[Thomas B]

I have the ARC2 (4 LED) on each arm of my MPP and my M2P. I don’t fly at night, of course, but at first light and after sundown glow I can’t see them or any color change in my images. I have had no instances where they interfered with drone function.
The collision sensors do not show any effect.

Best part is increased visibility, translation flight distance, is improved because I am able to maintain line of site for 2.5 miles plus in the AZ midday sun. Use red and green on front arms pointed forward plus a white on each rear arm pointed to the rear. They are also a great aid to determining aircraft orientation. Generally get 3-4 hrs operation from a charge. I use Aerial Pixel mounts.., he makes several. BTW, I do not use a gimble hood.

Bottom line... I have seen neither of your concerns occur for me and love the lights. One more thing, if I should crash or hang in a tree the lights will help me find the bird.

 

[madkaw]

+1

 

[dmcgrew]

Thanks Thomas!

 

[Greg Webb]

Dido! I use them and highly recommend them!

 

[BigAl07]

Depending on the camera location, tilt of gimbal, and timing of the flash YES they can impact pictures and yes video. They can cause glares from the props or body parts if the light is ON at the time the shutter is opened.

Also a couple of times we've noticed them lighting up objects around the perimeter that otherwise would have been dark.... especially in video and flying close to objects etc.

Does it happen every time? NO! Can it happen? YES! Are they worth it? YES! Should you have them? YES!!

 

[Montana John]

Depending on the camera location, tilt of gimbal, and timing of the flash YES they can impact pictures and yes video. They can cause glares from the props or body parts if the light is ON at the time the shutter is opened.

Also a couple of times we've noticed them lighting up objects around the perimeter that otherwise would have been dark.... especially in video and flying close to objects etc.

Does it happen every time? NO! Can it happen? YES! Are they worth it? YES! Should you have them? YES!!

Now that you're here... I have put Cree Strobon single bulb strobes on my MPP mainly for the sake of picking it out of the sky visually when I lose at a distance. I am not satisfied at all with the results. You are clearly satisfied. What lights are you using? I want to get some!
John

 

[BigAl07]

Now that you're here... I have put Cree Strobon single bulb strobes on my MPP mainly for the sake of picking it out of the sky visually when I lose at a distance. I am not satisfied at all with the results. You are clearly satisfied. What lights are you using? I want to get some!
John

Are you talking about during DAYTIME? It's hard for ANY light-source to compete with that big yellow nuclear ball in the sky. There are some AVIATION spotlights that can do this but none that I'm aware of that are compact and light enough for such a small sUAS.

Here are the ones I'm currently running and like them a LOT!!
Firehouse Technology "ARC" High Intensity Cree LED Strobe Light for Drones

Drone UAS UAV Quadcopter LED Strobe Light

 

[offtheback]

Are you talking about during DAYTIME? It's hard for ANY light-source to compete with that big yellow nuclear ball in the sky. There are some AVIATION spotlights that can do this but none that I'm aware of that are compact and light enough for such a small sUAS.

Here are the ones I'm currently running and like them a LOT!!
Firehouse Technology "ARC" High Intensity Cree LED Strobe Light for Drones

Drone UAS UAV Quadcopter LED Strobe Light

I use the 4 strobe white unit in daytime.Helps somewhat in daytime but has definitely affected videos and stills at night if use on front arms.I only use them on rear arms in dim light or night.In daylight I try to turn on both left and right arm lights at the same time to flash together.Sometimes works for a while.Haven't tried on bottom yet.

 

[TheWolfen]

Now that you're here... I have put Cree Strobon single bulb strobes on my MPP mainly for the sake of picking it out of the sky visually when I lose at a distance. I am not satisfied at all with the results. You are clearly satisfied. What lights are you using? I want to get some!
John

I did the same thing and had similar results. I now have a single Firehouse Arc with 4 white LEDs and it is much, much brighter. It helps a lot more but I haven't done any distance tests yet. Overall, they are as good as you can get short of heavier aviation lights as mentioned above.

 

[crlmjohnson]

I have the ARC2 (4 LED) on each arm of my MPP and my M2P. I don’t fly at night, of course, but at first light and after sundown glow I can’t see them or any color change in my images. I have had no instances where they interfered with drone function.
The collision sensors do not show any effect.

Best part is increased visibility, translation flight distance, is improved because I am able to maintain line of site for 2.5 miles plus in the AZ midday sun. Use red and green on front arms pointed forward plus a white on each rear arm pointed to the rear. They are also a great aid to determining aircraft orientation. Generally get 3-4 hrs operation from a charge. I use Aerial Pixel mounts.., he makes several. BTW, I do not use a gimble hood.

Bottom line... I have seen neither of your concerns occur for me and love the lights. One more thing, if I should crash or hang in a tree the lights will help me find the bird.

thanks. you answer my question.