Thread: Roof Inspections with Pole and Camera - Solutions & Ideas

I currently perform 20-30 roof inspections per month using a telescoping fiberglass pole, WI-Fi enabled camera and controlling the camera with an ANDROID phone app and/or iPad app. These are quick type inspections that do NOT require a detailed "on the roof" inspection. Some of my inspections involve over 100 miles travel and the equipment MUST work.

QUESTION: What ideas do you have for a BACK-UP system or apps? Such as: iPad app that will control the Android phone on the telescoping pole. Thanks for responses...

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Back ups are simple: duplicate what you already have and already know.

A second extension pole (maybe upgrade your current one and repurpose the old as a backup).

Android tablets are plentiful and fairly cheap, as is your old smartphone, etc.

I assume every inspector already has a backup camera, but if not, see step 1.

Dom.

Thanks for the info. Any thoughts regarding apps that will provide REMOTE camera control from Android tablet to Android phone? I have been experimenting with "REMOTE SHOT" using my iPad to Android phone but without success, too many bugs and software is old and no longer supported. Plenty of iPad to iPhone apps - resisting buying more hardware. Currently, I am sending a $500 SLR camera with wide angle and zoom functions controlled by Android or iPad app and it can zoom in so close that it looks like a magnifying view - perfect results.

I use an EyeStick with a Nikon AW130 and my iPhone. Works great abut 90% of the time but I do have it disconnect every now and then when I have the pole at it highest point. Other than that I have no issues and no backup…

Why not just use the app that your camera manufacturer has make.

Originally Posted by David J. Smith

Why not just use the app that your camera manufacturer has make.

I do use the camera mfg app. I want to have a Inexpensive BACKUP system when I am 300 miles in the center of Nevada. Sure, I could spend another $600, however, you can never tell what solutions your fellow inspectors may provide. Thanks

Get a Drone...

- - - Updated - - -

Get a Drone...

Originally Posted by Richard Duncan

I currently perform 20-30 roof inspections per month using a telescoping fiberglass pole, WI-Fi enabled camera and controlling the camera with an ANDROID phone app and/or iPad app. These are quick type inspections that do NOT require a detailed "on the roof" inspection. Some of my inspections involve over 100 miles travel and the equipment MUST work.

QUESTION: What ideas do you have for a BACK-UP system or apps? Such as: iPad app that will control the Android phone on the telescoping pole. Thanks for responses...

Whats the deal ? Been using a regular camera on a 25 foot window washer pole for years without wifi or any connection.Just set the camera on video and take still shots from the video later .

- - - Updated - - -

Originally Posted by Richard Duncan

I currently perform 20-30 roof inspections per month using a telescoping fiberglass pole, WI-Fi enabled camera and controlling the camera with an ANDROID phone app and/or iPad app. These are quick type inspections that do NOT require a detailed "on the roof" inspection. Some of my inspections involve over 100 miles travel and the equipment MUST work.

QUESTION: What ideas do you have for a BACK-UP system or apps? Such as: iPad app that will control the Android phone on the telescoping pole. Thanks for responses...

Whats the deal ? Been using a regular camera on a 25 foot window washer pole for years without wifi or any connection.Just set the camera on video and take still shots from the video later .

Originally Posted by Marc M

Get a Drone...

I had a drone but it wondered off looking for greener pastures.

I do not walk on tiles, slate and other roof coverings that can be damaged.

Poles I see as useful but there is nothing like being there.
Lifting and handling asphalt or fiberglass mat gives one a look into how the covering was applied.

Here is a BUR system.
Look at the flashing miter.
roof 2.JPG

Would a pole camera catch that?

Robert,
I am on my third drone. Currently have a Phantom 4 and a pole cam which I made out of a painters pole.

Originally Posted by Raymond Wand

Robert,
I am on my third drone. Currently have a Phantom 4 and a pole cam which I made out of a painters pole.

I am looking at the Phantom 4.
Looks like good technology.

Still hard to think about watching $1,000 can fly away.
Geez I was mad.

Originally Posted by ROBERT YOUNG

I am looking at the Phantom 4.
Looks like good technology.

Still hard to think about watching $1,000 can fly away.
Geez I was mad.

I would think that they would have the same built-in technology used in model airplanes for decades ... when they lose signal they automatically start going in circles so they can fly back into the signal area.

Originally Posted by Jerry Peck

I would think that they would have the same built-in technology used in for decades ... when they lose signal they automatically start going in circles so they can fly back into the signal area.

Only flew wire guided alcohol glycerin fueled model airplanes
I would not know.

As advertised a GPS was installed as well global positioning. If the signal was lost the drone would/should return back to the original coordinates or within 50 feet, "as advertised."

A $1,000 would go alone way in restoring a Jaguar XJS 1986 dash if you used the money.
Nice job by the way.
.

Robert
Phantom 4 has a return home feature should it stray from its signal or something blocks the signal. It will return as per the coordinates from its take off point (home point).

Does the Phantom 4 have Return-to-Home?
Yes. It also has Smart Return Home which engages the Obstacle Sensing System during return to home flight. If the aircraft sees an obstacle on its way back, it will intelligently avoid it as it comes home.



Flight Controller
The Phantom 4’s flight controller features several important upgrades, including a new flight mode. Safety modes include Failsafe and Return-to-Home. These features ensure the safe return of your aircraft if the control signal is lost. The flight controller can also save critical flight data from each flight to the on-board storage device. The new flight controller also provides increased stability and a new air braking feature.

The last Phantom 3 Advanced crashed when I was hovering under a tree and walking with the drone hovering beside me. The low battery warning came on and when that occurs the unit returns to home. The unit ascended right into the maple tree. Ouch. Camera gimbal smashed, battery toasted. Lesson?, do not fly under trees when battery voltage is beginning to run out. Pilot error. Duh.

Take a look at the new DJI Drone.. Looks like it beats the Phantom hands down.https://store.dji.com/product/mavic-...lhnhoCmNnw_wcB

Originally Posted by Scott Patterson

Take a look at the new DJI Drone.. Looks like it beats the Phantom hands down.https://store.dji.com/product/mavic-...lhnhoCmNnw_wcB

Scot, I was just looking at the Mavic Pro.
Fold up drone. New features as well. But that is to be expected as this technology advances.
Remember add ><30% for Canadians. It our measurement system. "Metric money" exchange rate. We make it up with liquid volume I am told.

Quality over convenience

Mavick = convenience
Phantom 4 = quality.

convenience = soft photo = mavick

compare - mavick vs. Phantom 4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sw4jDjYnR0U

Mavick review
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iPG1Xa5Uqwo

Originally Posted by Raymond Wand

Quality over convenience

Mavick = convenience
Phantom 4 = quality.

convenience = soft photo = mavick

compare - mavick vs. Phantom 4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sw4jDjYnR0U

Mavick review
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iPG1Xa5Uqwo

Much thanks.
I will likely get the Phantom 4 kit with extra batteries, hard shell case, car charger, etc...

How come you don't walk on at least concrete tile? Its faster to walk a roof than set up the pole or drone. i actually have both, the pole and drone but will walk clay, slate, concrete or cal shake for that matter...
Just gotta know where to step

Originally Posted by ROBERT YOUNG

I had a drone but it wondered off looking for greener pastures.

I do not walk on tiles, slate and other roof coverings that can be damaged.

Poles I see as useful but there is nothing like being there.
Lifting and handling asphalt or fiberglass mat gives one a look into how the covering was applied.

Here is a BUR system.
Look at the flashing miter.
roof 2.JPG

Would a pole camera catch that?

Originally Posted by Marc M

How come you don't walk on at least concrete tile? Its faster to walk a roof than set up the pole or drone. i actually have both, the pole and drone but will walk clay, slate, concrete or cal shake for that matter...
Just gotta know where to step

Marc, I do not want to take the chance.
Be safe out there. I heard it is not the fall that hurts but the sudden stop.

I don't walk slate, tile, metal roofs. Not to mention that winter weather may at times not even permit assessment of the roof.

Although I'm a little late joining this conversation, I though my own equipment research might be worth sharing.

As I was due for a phone update, I looked into all the options. One I liked was the newer Samsung products. Although their equipment is well-designed, a little feature kept drawing my attention. They all interconnect with each other using a proprietary app they named "SideSync."

It allows remote control of a Samsung phone or tablet with a Samsung tablet or phone or a non-Samsung PC. I've seen file sharing apps which claim to be comparable, but SideSync actually allows direct control of the connected device, including an image of the device's screen.

This would get into the new purchase issue you wanted to avoid (if you don't have any Samsung products), but its more food for thought in any case.

Unfortunately, their app does not work on other phones or tablets. I wish it did, or that there was a truly comparable app available.

PERFECT! Just what may work for me since I currently use Samsung smart phone. I could probably acquire a used Samsung tablet for a reasonable price and use as my "backup" system. Thanks and have a great week - time for me to make a 300 mile trip and complete 4 roof close-up reviews today.

Glad I could be of help on your back-up idea.

Can't help you with the 300 mile issue, though. Drive safely.