Drone-Pod
How to use a throwline for tree access
Well the answer could be, unless you are really good why bother!
You could use the new Drone-Pod from Saw-Pod. We had the opportunity to use this tiny (yet powerful) drone can swiftly and easily insert your throwline into the tree canopy. We were really impressed with the compact size when compared to other drones. The patented, venting system ensures the blades never get fouled on twigs or branches during flight, ideal for the arb industry. Its size and weight also brings it in under section 107 of the F.A.A (Federal Aviation Administration) licence requirements so anyone can fly it.
Here are the main points we picked up in our review:
- Robust Build
- Rechargeable Battery
- Long Flight Time
- On Board Camera
- Easy to Use
The control unit is from the same manufacturer as Xbox so it should be easily recognisable and easy to use by gamers. From the unit you can control lift speed and route through the canopy. Of course, this is easier when the tree isn't in leaf; however, the onboard camera Bluetooth links you to most smartphones, allowing you to guide the Drone-Pod in to the canopy. The bonus is that the camera also allows you to check for nesting birds, decay and cavities that may not be visible from the ground.
The tough casing allows the Drone-Pod to pass through most larger tree canopies although it's not recommended for dense foliage trees like Conifers and may struggle with pines and Yew. Once you have surveyed the tree your throwline can be easily attached via the loop at the base of the unit it allows you to attach a wide range of throwlines the manufacturers recommend a knot rather than a small karabiner which could become entangled and strand the unit in the canopy.
Rechargeable Unit
The inboard battery allows a survey flight time of around 25 minutes and a loaded (with throwline) flight time of around 15 minutes with a swift recharge of around 30 minutes. We found we were able to install our throwline with under two minutes of flight time. You this could allow for multiple uses before recharging is required.
Nick Pott from Arbjobs said " I used to judge the ISA TCC UK & I throwline primaries and have seen how hard it can be even for the top UK climbers. I was really impressed how easy it was to use this tiny unit"
Full UK manufacturing started in secret in late 2024 and the first units should be available from April 2025.
A full list of UK suppliers is available at DRONE-POD
