The Complete Guide to Drones: Whatever Your Budget
by Adam Juniper
$19.95 US/$23.95 Canada
Publisher: Quattro Publishing Group, USA Inc.
Produced in London, England
Publisher: Quattro Publishing Group, USA Inc.
Produced in London, England
Softcover
144 pages
ISBN-13: 978-1-57715-132-6
2016 Produced in London, England
ISBN-13: 978-1-57715-132-6
2016 Produced in London, England
Book Reviewed by
Carolyn Rhodes
Carolyn Rhodes
CES Reporter
Adam Juniper’s The Complete Guide to Drones: Whatever Your Budget answered many
questions I would never have thought to ask. Whether you are a beginner, a professional
photographer, a seasoned aficionado,
even a curious consumer, you won’t be disappointed.
Juniper, a skilled
pilot from the United Kingdom demonstrates the “how-to” on drones with expert
instructions and diagrams throughout the chapters. His talents don’t fall short
of “worldly” as author and an expert on anything drone related. Adam is a photographer and videographer as
well as a descriptive writer on the subject of flight. In an ever changing 21st century technology
of things – this Guide will help you reach a wise decision before purchasing.
I gave it a chapter-by-chapter,
page-by-page perusal. I don’t own a drone
but I found this Guide easy to understand and educationally entertaining with fun
trivia in the mix.
For example, the Introduction of Marilyn Monroe, a movie
star beauty from the 1940s, helped assemble drones during World War II. She was first spotted at a munitions factory
in California and she models in the photo. That caught my attention – drones
from the 1940s. Who knew?
.
.
In the chock full of history chapter, Adam makes reference
to the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) and attendees’ favorite exhibition in
the 2010 show in Vegas. Parrot, then a little known company from
Paris, attracted crowds to their “dancing drones.” I attended as a reporter and
it is one of the favorite crowd pleasers. Year
after year, Parrot brings drones to life with even more precise and complex
moves. However, while Parrot remains on top of the world, others
have joined the competition. You will be able to read about the many choices –
some drone companies are ones you may have already heard of.
From the exhibition floors to marketing into
the homes of millions, drones are flying all around us. According to CES 2016 Daily Magazine -- sales
reached over $105 Million in 2015. One
year later, Vegas CES 2016 Unmanned Systems Marketplace featured 29 exhibitors
with sales up 208% from CES 2015 stats.
Drones are now in the homes of hobbyists and in the hands of
professionals.
Juniper has hit the
market with impeccable timing. Buy or build a drone or just figure out what
they are all about. There’s one for
every budget and lots to consider. Juniper opens up the wide eye view lens so a
consumer can see the whole picture from charts to community drone groups for
all levels of drone enthusiasts.
From Chapter 1: Drone Basics, you’ll get a detailed
history lesson from military to prosumer drones to toy drones and more. The history section details information with
visuals to connect to explanations .
This format is consistent in every section.
You can go back in time or into real time “what to expect”. It’s an eye catching layout too throughout
all chapters.
In Chapter 2:
Powertrain explains, again in detail, each and every component from motor
to the landing gear. Even a professional can learn something new. Chapter 3: Ace Pilot takes to the skies. Once
take-off is mastered, the reader can enjoy the scenery. Chapter 4: Videos and Photos, will take
you to spectacular views and by the time you reach Chapter 5 – Build Your
Own, you can take a look at precision diagrams and instructions on just how
one can build a model, even in addition to your store bought drone.
This Guide can be referenced as needed. You’ll want to get
familiar with choices in cameras, like Go-Pro and other accessories such as
Oculus Rift’s 360 virtual reality glasses. Options are endless. When it comes to a decision on budget, buying
and or even building your own, Adam Juniper has a well written and much needed
Guide which I intend to keep on my bookshelf.
Last but not least, the world may be your oyster, but, the
skies are governed by laws for the safety of all. This author gives you all the details and few
other international laws in a sideline.
You will learn regulations before flying in foreign countries and in the
USA. Know the laws before your flight
into the wild blue yonder. You might pay
a hefty fine if ignored.
Adam Juniper (and his team) have laid out all the tips and trips you’ll ever need
to become a well-informed pilot and drone owner. He has a channel on YouTube and maintains a
website, so you’re never too far from the latest additions. I recommend this book without reservation to
anyone and just about everyone. It’s a keeper.
www.TameSky.com (Drone website)
Purchase from Amazon. com