Drone/ Helicopter Landing Pad (Tripod Mount)

I am a photographer and an R/C enthusiasts. I spend a lot of time in conditions that are less than ideal for takeoff and landings to get aerial pictures and video.

You know what I'm talking about!

Sand from beaches eats bearings, snow messes with electronics, rocks /boulders destroy props/blades and are to unstable to use as a clear take off/ landing site....

Well I made an alternative to all of these issues.

Enjoy the build!

Step 1: Make or Order Pad

Make a simple landing pad out of anything strong and light.

Remember this is portable so you have to carry it with you!

Light weight PVC sheets work great. So would lexan, insolation foam, or anything else's creative you can come up with.

I was lazy in this case... I just ordered one.... I know... I know.. Sue me! But I needed it quick and I have been working 60+ hours a week, doing inventory for our home business and trying to spend time with family on top of that.

Ordering was the best solution!

Step 2: Tripod Mount

I had an old crappy tripod I threw away years ago.

For some reason I kept the quick release plate.

Luckly it mount to both of my Manfrotto tripods!

If you need to buy a quick release they are anywhere from $3.00 TO $20.00.

If you need a tripod they range from $20.00 to skys the limit!

I personally have a Manfrotto 190x with a 802 rc2 pan and tilt head ($310) and my daughter has a Manfrotto 60" Compact ($70).

Almost any tripod will work for this though!

Step 3: The Build

I went to the local hardware store and bought a 1/4 x 20 tree nut.

It was a bit to long so hack saw to the rescue!

Placed a washer over the nut that acted like a spacer for the saw blade.

Step 4: Drill Baby Drill

Find your center point and drill to make a recess for the cut mount.

Do not drill all the way threw! You just want to counter sink the nut!

Take your time and check your fit regularly!

Clean hole when finished.

Step 5: Glue, Drop and Glue

Use e 600 glue around and in the hole.

Place your cut tree nut in the hole and press firmly into the glue on outside ring.

Clean excess glue from threads in center with a paper towel.

Apply second layer of glue around and over ring of the tree nut to lock it in place.

I wasn't going for pretty here I was going for strong and fast considering I need it tomorrow!

Let the glue dry.