People are naturally curious, that usually translates into nosiness. Which is most likely why, the spy camera is so fascinating. RC helicopter cameras, “Spy Helicopters,” or rc helicopter video is the ultimate 21st century expression of this fascination. Spend an evening on the Internet searching for these terms (but be careful to wait until your son is out of the house) and you will find that there are ready to fly, wireless camera equipped, spy helicopters available for under $200. These are mid-priced units and are of good quality, with well-developed tech features.
Other units can be found for under $100 that are fun and serviceable, but may not include wireless video transmission, but on-board recording to a USB stick. RC helicopters are generally less expensive than any other RC hobby aircraft, whether they include cameras or not. RC helicopters can be had for under $50 in kit form. Spy cameras (as they are collectively known) are available for under $50 as well, many much less. With a little work, the hobbyist can build the two together and have an inexpensive, fun, 21st century hobby to play with.
It’s Not Just Nosy
The first thought that any one has is that you can spy on people with such a device. In fact, in a recent series of television commercials, RC spy helicopters where advertised for very cheap and the commercial showed fun images of little brother spying on his sister. The real fun begins the first time that the novice hobbyist watches a video of their home from the sky, watching as their neighborhood passes by, or seeing the tops of trees. Imagine that on “Show and Tell” day in school. While there are issues to be considered, the potential fun and educational experience far outweighs the potential risk. Just do not use it as a “Spy Helicopter,” but rather as an RC helicopter, camera equipped and the real fun can begin.
Even some work too; imagine being able to view a construction site from the air, hovering to study a section without having to buy a real helicopter or a bucket crane. There are real possibilities here and your son or daughter might just be the one to discover one of them. Bird watching or other competitions might just be the thing to keep them interested in science and have fun doing it. (Note: There are FAA regulations, under dispute, the control the use of RC Helicopter cameras. Consult before flying)
