1. Availability: By having a T40 yourself, you can spray/spread anytime. No more waiting for helicopter pilots to show up, or for the ground to dry out. And less stressing about missing a spraying window in relation to timing with irrigation or incoming rain.   

2. Efficacy: The drones' propellers sit just 3m off the ground, forcing the droplets down and circulate them to get more liquid on-target (on the weed/plantation). Drones very often achieve the same kill rate with less water and less chemical.

3. No ground compaction Meaning no yield loss & no machine wear from ground impacts. Particularly so for small plot broad acre drone spraying 

4. Accuracy and control: Spray drones can get into steep areas you've never felt safe taking your tractor into, or near fence lines, close to trees, gullies etc  

Not being able to spray because the ground is too wet or the area is inaccessible can create large losses for any farmer - sometimes hundreds of thousands of dollars. An event like this can make the cost of adding a spray drone to your list of machines laughable. Even having a spray drone purely as a backup can create an ROI in just a year or two when used at those critical times when your boom sprayer is out of action, helicopter pilot is too busy, or your contractor is unavailable. It's also quite likely your neighbors will take an interest and ask you to spray sections of their property as well, meaning there's potential for a new side-income stream. 

Important to note, there's more to it than just buying one - spraying by any method, needs to be done at the right application rate, performed carefully to manage drift, and done on-time. Like most farming activities,  it is a workflow which can also be done efficiently or inefficiently. The drone spraying workflow usually involves designing aircraft missions with the controller (see 2-min video), moving chemical/granular into it, battery charging, trailer design and whether pre-mapping (see 7-min video ) is needed or not. 

It helps to be supported by people who use the equipment themselves and know what they're doing and to be connected to a community of other drone sprayers. People who can assist you with understanding your spraying goals and the capabilities of drone, setting you up properly and with legitimate equipment, planning suitable spray missions for each section of your property, supplying useful value-adding accessories and supplying parts and support quickly when needed to reduce machine downtime. The initial cost of the equipment is important, but it's only the first step and only one part of the consideration set when you plan for long term success and cost minimisation.  

5 reasons to consider DFH as your spray drone supplier & partner

1. DJI Agriculture Authorised Service Center (ASC) & Authorised Dealer 

Drones For Hire (DFH) is a DJI Agriculture Authorised Service Center (ASC) and authorised dealer. DFH has multiple staff certified as official DJI Academy Certified Agras Instructors & DJI Certified Agras Repair Technicians. 

Our stock (T40’s, M3M’s etc) is legitimate and correct for the AU region and backed with an official DJI warranty. Being an Ag focused DJI dealer means our capability is uniquely focussed around spray drones and mapping drones. Here are some example images from setup days and demo days. And some example instructional videos . DFH has supplied over a hundred Agras units to growers and contract sprayers nationwide. Clients also include the QLD dept. of Agriculture and Fisheries, WA Dept. of Primary Industries, CSIRO, AECOM, Department of Defence, Charles Sturt University, Southern Cross University, and Anglo Coal. Other non-ag focused DJI dealers are likely to be focussed on the more common consumer drones which significantly affects their capacity to guide and support agricultural customers. 

2. Onsite training on your property 

DFH has technicians in most states who own and use this equipment themselves and are competent in drone-spraying and mapping operations. Our technicians are qualified with CASA type ratings/endorsements, and are often farmers themselves. Doing the setup day at your property is important as it means your technician will be able to understand the terrain in conjunction with your specific spraying/spreading  goals and be able to advise the best spraying methods for each section of your property. They may also be able to map and start spraying/spreading the paddocks that are the highest priority for you to get started. Before the day, your technician will send you a list of pre-setup day procedures (activations, charging, firmware updates etc) that you can do at home so you can hit the ground running when he arrives.

The DFH team also includes degree qualified engineers, photogrammetry experts, PhD’s, OAM, robotics experts, members of agribusiness advisory committees, and an ex-RAAF pilot. The team has a diverse mix of capabilities who can assist with the various goals and challenges our customers face and bring to us for professional advice.  This could be about facets of their unique workflow design to maximize hectares covered per day, capture and interpretation of multispectral data, software setup, trailer design and engineering (to carry drones, IBC carrier tank, batching tank, chemical tank, generator, pump etc), custom modification of your spray drone, and payload lifting kits.

3. Included spares kits and spares availability 

DFH includes a spares kit with your spray drone order - spares that typically wear out sooner than other items (e.g. washers, sealing rings), and items that are good to have onsite ready to go if you have a mishap (e.g. propellers). Being able to continue spraying on the same day can make a huge difference especially when under time pressure with e.g. weather coming in. 

In addition to supplying spares kits, DFH also maintains an extensive parts supply in NSW, ready for express shipping when customers need to get flying again fast. 

4. DFH-exclusive value adding products

The DFH team of engineers and technicians has developed our own DFH-unique products designed to help our customers optimise their workflow when spraying/mapping. These include for example our T40 Fast Mover wheel sets, fast-fill tank caps, custom spares kits, HDS: Heavy Droplet Spinner discs, Granular Sherpa System, dual 15-amp socket extension cables, cooling station modifications, custom made CNC hard cases, and modified laptops for faster image processing on the go. 

5. Backed by the largest drone site Australia since 2013 

DFH has deep roots in the Australian drone industry. We started in 2013 , building DJI Flame Wheel F550 ARF Kits (pre the first Phantom and pre the MG-1P - DJIs first spray drone). With 10 years of relevant experience DFH has now grown to become Australia's largest drone site, supplying $M of hardware sales each year and attracting more than 40,000 drone marketplace requests.

To speak to a DFH representative about your spraying, mapping or drone related goals in general, reach us on 1300 029 829 or info@dronesforhire.com.au . 

More information to consider:

Spray drone case studies & articles  
Image gallery: spray drone demo days
Spray drones for sale
Mapping drones for sale (regular images & NDVI) 
Thermal drones for sale (animal spotting etc) 
Finance providers - get quotes
CASA requirements for spraying 
Chemicals license requirements (ChemCert tickets etc)
Parts store (spray drone parts) 
View upcoming ag. demo days

Amazon will soon make prescription drugs fall from the sky when the e-commerce giant becomes the latest company to test drone deliveries for medications.

The company said Wednesday that customers in College Station, Texas can now get prescriptions delivered by a drone within an hour of placing their order.

The drone, programmed to fly from a delivery center with a secure pharmacy, will travel to the customer's address, descend to a height of about 4 meters (or 13 feet), and drop a padded package.

Amazon says customers will be able to choose from more than 500 medications, a list that includes common treatments for conditions like the flu or pneumonia, but not controlled substances.

The company's Prime Air division began testing drone deliveries of common household items last December in College Station and Lockeford, California. Amazon spokesperson Jessica Bardoulas says the company has made thousands of deliveries since launching the service and is expanding it to include prescriptions based in part on customer requests.

Amazon Prime already deliveries some medications from the company's pharmacy inside of two days. But pharmacy Vice President John Love says that doesn't help someone with an acute illness like the flu.

"What we're trying to do is figure out how can we bend the curve on speed," he says.

Dr. Vin Gupta, Amazon Pharmacy chief medical officer, says the U.S healthcare system generally struggles with diagnosing and treating patients quickly for acute illnesses, something that was apparent throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.

Narrowing the window between diagnosis and treating makes many treatments more effective, he says.

Amazon is not the first company to explore prescription deliveries by drone. The drugstore chain CVS Health worked with UPS to test deliveries in 2019 in North Carolina but that program has ended, according to a CVS spokesman.

Intermountain Health started providing drone deliveries of prescriptions in 2021 in the Salt Lake City Area and has been expanding the program, according to Daniel Duersch, supply chain director for the health care system. Intermountain is partnering with the logistics company Zipline to use drones that drop packages by parachute.

Companies seeking to use drones for commercial purposes have faced hurdles from regulators who want to make sure things are operating safely. Jeff Bezos, Amazon founder, had predicted a decade ago that drones would be making deliveries by 2018, even now, the e-commerce giant is only using the technology in two markets.

Lisa Ellman, the executive director of the Commercial Drone Alliance -an industry group that counts Amazon as one of its members - says that to date, regulatory approvals have been limited to specific geographic areas and "in terms of their scope and usefulness to companies." 

That said, she notes regulators have also been issuing more approvals. Last month, the FAA gave the okay for Zipline and UPS to fly longer-range drones.

Walmart has also been working to expand its own drone deliveries.

Amazon says its drones will fly as high as 120 meters, or nearly 400 feet, beforely slowly descending when they reach the customer's home. The drone will check to make sure the delivery zone is clear of pets, children, or any other obstructions before dropping the package on a delivery marker.

The company says it hopes to expand the program to other markets, but it has no time frame for that.

Amazon has been growing its presence in health care for a few years now.

Aside from adding a pharmacy, it also spent nearly $4 billion to buy primary care provider One Medical. In August, the company added video telemedicine visits in all 50 states.

Written by Tom Murphy and Haleluya Hadero, Associated Press

New York City's iconic Central Park is set to host its first-ever drone show. One thousand drones will light up the Manhattan sky with swirling vortices and amorphous shapes during three scheduled performances. Here are the complete details...

The drone show, called Franchise Freedom, is being organized by Drone Stories (the company behind Burning Man 2022) in collaboration with Dutch artist duo Ralph Nauta and Lonneke Gordijn (better known by their moniker DRIFT). The show premiered at Art Basel Miami 2017 and received plenty of international attention as an invigorating artwork located at the intersection of technology, science, and art. Those who have witnessed it in person call the show magical and strangely meditative.

The artists themselves describe Franchise Freedom as a poetic illustration of how we, as humans, strive to live autonomously within societies defined by rules and conventions. The show has hundreds of drones visualizing an autonomously flying swarm while exposing the tension between individual freedom and safety in numbers.

Although the patterns seem random, the impression of such a flock makes the viewer think of freedom, and how the behavior of these birds (drones) is completely orchestrated and subject to many rules and survival instincts. The ultimate goal of the drone show is to provoke the mind and give the viewer food for thought.

The artists explain that the New York City show has been in the making for over five years because of restrictions around drone flights. But these rules were relaxed recently with the NYPD, in partnership with the Department of Transportation, agreeing to review permit applications by drone operators.

Written by Ishveena Singh

Since the pandemic, the demand for food delivery has exploded. In light of this surge apps like Uber Eats, Postmates, Grubhub, and a slew of others have come under scrutiny for their extremely exploitative labor practices. Many of these companies, as well as fast food corporations, have announced plans to use drone technology to carry out delivery. Drones would allow them to cut down labor costs, highlighting the precarious nature of many jobs in the 'gig economy' that can be eliminated once the technology exists to do so.

For now, the technological advancements needed to apply drone technology for delivery are not yet available at scale. Companies who hope to take advantage of drones are interested in a fully integrative system where orders would come in, and a drone would be assigned to pick up and deliver the goods in a timely manner. In 2021, Grubhub rolled out an automated delivery service using robots at the Ohio State University, but this is far from the long-term objective of an aerial delivery force.

Fox News reported in March that Starbucks, Mcdonald's and Walmart had conducted tests in partnership with Flytrex, a drone-delivery start-up.

In November, Chick-fil-A became the latest company to test the use of drones in delivery.

Food Delivery companies remain unprofitable

Without a formal employment contract, delivery works do not receive benefits and at times the deliveries they are assigned through the application do not amount to minimum wage, even when accounting for tips provided by the customers. As contractors, these workers, and others in the 'gig economy' like rideshare drivers, are not entitled to any time off, healthcare, or retirement benefits.

This model, which is under fire from labor leaders, allows companies to keep labor costs low, but even then, many delivery platforms remain unprofitable. Tricia McKinnon, writing for Indigo 9 Digital, reported earlier this year that Uber Eats has never made a profit. Additionally, the only competitor to report a positive balance sheet, DoorDash, did so in the second quarter of 2020, when millions were stuck at home during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Automated delivery is seen as a lifeline for food delivery companies

The ability to lower labor costs could be what is needed to make this food delivery model profitable. However, the elimination of these jobs would have serious repercussions for workers who depend on them. And 'gig workers' are not alone; automation threatens many other professions, such as bank tellers, food service workers, cashiers, factory workers, truck drivers, and taxi drivers. Throughout history, capital owners have used technology to replace human workers. Therefore, labor leaders advocate for worker control over the use and implementation of automotive technology.

Technological advancement does not have to be a threat to workers

The advancement of technology has revolutionised various fields, but rarely have workers benefited. Instead, labor productivity over the last forty years has increased and wages have not kept pace. The Economic Policy Institute refers to this phenomenon as the 'Productivity-Pay Gap', and automation is only one of the factors that have contributed to this widening gap.

But if we take the example of drones in food delivery service, we can begin to see how automation plays a role. If delivery workers were to control the use of drones, they could integrate them into their operations in such a way that complimented, rather than compete, with their own labor. For instance, drones could carry out deliveries within a certain distance. It's possible to imagine a system where drones delivery some orders while workers deliver those that are more difficult or impossible for a flying machine. This way, higher compensation could be provided to delivery workers who carry out more complex routers.

Unfortunately, workers are often left out of this process, and instead of technology reducing their workload, it is used to eliminate their jobs. If unemployment increases, workers that remain in the labor market often have reduced bargaining power as there are people willing to take their place should they make demands of their company.

Written by Maite Knorr Evans

From being used in search and rescue missions to delivering medical suppliers in hard to reach places, drones have opened up a whole new world of possibilities. But just as exciting as these advancements are, the practical solutions that drones can provide for everyday homeowners, Now professional roofing companies across the country are making use of drone roof videography to conduct safer and more efficient inspections-it's transforming how they work!

In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at how the advances in drones technology make it an ideal tool for checking roofs from a distance and getting to hard to reach places with minimal disruption or hazard risk. Understanding how useful drone roof videography has become over time and learning about some of its advantages will enable you to see why it's quickly becoming one of today's hottest topics among those involved in residential construction projects.

What is drone roof videography and why is it a valuable asset for roof inspections

Drones have revolutionised various industries with their ability to provide dynamic views and high resolution images. Drone roof videography is no exception. It is the latest technique used by roof inspectors to capture high-quality footage of rooftops and identify issues such as cracks, leaks and structural damage. Besides providing an efficient and cost-effective alternative to traditional roof inspection techniques, drone roof videography is crucial in ensuring the safety of inspectors who no longer need to climb onto the roof.

With drones, inspectors can easily access the hard-to-reach areas of a rooftop, providing comprehensive reports to clients ,which assists in making informed decisions on roof repairs or replacements. Moreover, at the Horizon imaging website, and other similar ones, you can read more about the types of services the professionals offer for roofing inspections. That way, you will have a better understanding of why drone roof videography is an essential tool for roof inspections.

How drone roof videography works and its benefits

Imagine being able to capture stunning aerial views of your building or property without ever leaving the ground. That's exactly what drone roof videography can unique angles and perspectives that would be impossible to achieve otherwise.

Not only does this result in visually striking footage, but it can also provide valuable insights for property management and maintenance. By getting a bird's eye view of a roof, potential issues like leaks or damage can be identified before they become major problems. With drone roof videography, the possibilities are endless, making it a valuable tool for those in a variety of industries.

Safety precautions to consider when using a drone for roof inspections

When it comes to inspecting roofs, using a drone can be incredibly helpful and efficient. However, it's important to keep safety in mind when operating one. Before taking a flight, double-check that the weather conditions are suitable for flying. High winds or wet conditions can make it difficult to control the drone and increase the risk of an accident. 

Additionally, be mindful of any potential hazards around the property, such as tree or power lines. It's crucial to maintain a safe distance to prevent damage or injury. Lastly, make sure to have a thorough understanding of the CASA guidelines for flying adrone.

Key components of an effective drone roof inspection

As drone technology continues to advance, more and more industries are utilising them for various tasks. One area where drones have proven to be particularly useful is in roof inspections. With their aerial capabilities, drones provide a unique perspective and allow inspectors to identify potential issues that may not be visible from the ground. However, simply flying a drone over a roof is not enough.

To conduct an effective drone roof inspections, there are a few key components that must be considered. These include the quality of the drone, the expertise of the operator, the quality of the video feed, and the ability to analyse and interpret the data collected.

Common causes of damage that can be identified through drone video footage.

Drones have revolutionised the way we view and analyse information. One area they have been particularly useful is in identifying damage. The use of drone video footage has made it easier than ever to identify common causes of damage such as wear and tear, natural disasters, and accidents. With this technology experts can now assess and mitigate risks in a more efficient and cost-effective way.

Whether it's for construction projects or infrastructure maintenance, drone video footage enabled us to see things from a whole new perspective. It's no wonder that more and more industries are turning to drones for their damage assessment and prevention needs.

Tips on how to get the best results from a drone roof inspection

Drone roof inspections have become increasingly popular due to their efficiency and accuracy in detecting potential issues. However, in order to get the best results from a drone roof inspection, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, ensure that the drone is equipped with a high-quality camera and is being operated by an experienced pilot. This will guarantee that the images and footage captured are clear and detailed, allowing for a thorough inspection. it is also important to take weather conditions into consideration.

Avoid conducting inspections during windy or rainy conditions as this can affect the stability of the drone and the quality of the footage obtained. Lastly, it is crucial to analyse and interpret the data collected by the drone efficiently. This can be drone by using specialised software or by consulting an expert to interpret the findings.

Drone roof videography offers many advantages for any residential or commercial property owner. Not only is it a much safer option than traditional roof inspections, but it also provides an accurate and detailed view of what's going on with your roof from the comfort of your own home. utilizing drones for this type of inspection can help you quickly identify potential problems while safely avoiding hazards like moss, snow, and ice that may be present in hard-to-reach locations.

Written by Pheno Wise 30 September 2023

Welcome to Drones for Hire's Repair Service! We are thrilled to introduce our drone repair services, led by our in-house engineer and mechanic, Mark. With a deep passion for the world of drone technology and years of extensive experience, Mark is dedicated to ensuring the prompt and safe return of your drones to the skies. He is a certified DJI Enterprise Product Delivery Engineer.

Expert Repairs

Our technical manager, Mark, is prepared to revitalize your drones. He specializes in the repair of damaged components, guaranteeing that your drone takes flight again with precision and reliability.

Update your Firmware

Keeping your drone's firmware up to date is essential for optimal performance. Trust Mark to handle firmware updates, ensuring your drone functions flawlessly with the latest software enhancements.

Crash Data Analysis

Accidents can happen, but we've got you covered. Mark will perform in-depth crash data analysis to pinpoint issues and get your drone back in the sky safely without a repeat of prior accidents.

Complex hardware Repairs

Drones are intricate devices, and internal problems can be challenging. Our team is equipped to handle complex repairs, addressing even hidden, internal issues to restore your drone's functionality.

Free Helpline for Quick Fixes

Our technical manager, Mark, is prepared to revitalize your drones. He specializes in the repair of damaged components, guaranteeing that your drone takes flight again with precision and reliability.

Diagnosing Unknown Issues

Sometimes, drone problems can be mysterious. Count on Mark to diagnose and resolve unknown issues, ensuring your drone performs at its best.

FAQ

• What types of drones do you repair? We repair a wide range of drones, including consumer drones, professional drones, FPV racing drones, and more. Whether it's a DJI Phantom or a custom-built racing drone, we've got you covered.
• What types of drones do you repair? We have the expertise to repair a wide range of drones, spanning from compact DJI Mini 3 models to larger agricultural drones like the Agras T40 and everything in-between.
• What kind of drone issues can you fix? We can address various drone issues, from minor cosmetic damage to complex electronic and mechanical problems. Whether it's a broken propeller, a malfunctioning flight control, or a controller issue, we can help.
• How long does a typical repair take? Repair times can vary depending on the complexity of the issue, but we aim for a quick turnaround. We will assess your drone and provide an estimated repair time during the evaluation.
• Do you offer a warranty on repairs? Yes, we provide a warranty on our repair services to ensure your satisfaction and peace of mind. The warranty duration may vary depending on the specific repair.
• What are the repair costs? Repair costs depend on the extent of the damage and the parts required. We offer transparent pricing and will provide you with a detailed quote before proceeding with the repair.
• Do I need to ship my drone for repairs, or can I drop it off locally? You have the option to drop off your drone at our workshop close to Chatswood NSW, and there won't be any shipping fees. Alternatively, if you prefer to send it to us, you'll be responsible for covering the shipping costs. We can also organise the pickup from you if you want it that way.
• Do you use genuine replacement parts? We use genuine and brand new replacement parts to ensure the highest quality repairs. If genuine parts are unavailable, we will inform you of the alternatives.
• How can I inquire about getting my drone repaired? You can easily inquire about our repair services by filling out our online form on the "Get a Quote" section of this page. We'll get back to you promptly with the necessary information.
• Don’t know what happened to your drone? We can extract and asses the flight data to determine what exactly happened right before the crash and explain any errors that showed.

If you have any more questions or need further assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out to us on info@dronesforhire.com.au or 1300 029 829 for more information. We're here to help you with all your drone repair needs.

Case Studies

Matrice 600 Pro

Incident: During a data collection mission, a Matrice 600 Pro drone experienced a crash while utilizing a ground-penetrating radar antenna. This incident occurred as the drone was operating near its maximum capacity, carrying nearly its full payload at a speed of 30 km/hr, with only 35% battery remaining. As the drone initiated its return journey, the propellers failed, leading to a rapid descent and causing the arms to snap upon impact with the ground.

Fix: After the unfortunate crash of the drone, it was handed over to our repair expert, Mark, for restoration. He promptly replaced the damaged propellers, arm and motor with brand new ones, ensured the firmware was intact, and conducted a comprehensive system diagnostics. Thanks to Mark's expertise and our thorough repair process, we successfully brought the Matrice 600 Pro back to its optimal condition, ensuring it is ready to soar through the skies once more.

Parrot Anafi

Incident: During flight, a Parrot Anafi drone collided with a tree, causing extensive damage to all of its propellers. Additionally, the impact also damaged a stabilizing antenna located on one of the drone's legs. Consequently, the drone experienced erratic behavior and lost stability due to these combined damages.

Fix: In our repair center, our technical manager, Mark, replaced the damaged propellers and repaired the compromised stabilizing antenna and ensured the firmware was intact. This led to a full restoration of the Parrot Anafi drone to peak condition, ensuring stable and smooth flights once again.

SwellPro Splash Drone 4

Incident: The SplashDrone 4 encountered connectivity issues, failing to pair with both the controller and the phone. Additionally, the firmware had not been upgraded as required.

Fix: Mark performed a firmware upgrade, ensuring that both the drone and the controller had the latest software. This resolved the connectivity problems, allowing seamless communication between the SplashDrone 4, controller, and phone, restoring the drone's functionality.