The Zen of Drones

The affair begins with the arrival of a small parcel in the mail; one that was oddly out of sync with the steady stream of brown corrugated boxes that define the shopping experience in the ecommerce era. Inside the multiple layers of bubble wrap, apparently hand wrapped by another human, are several smallish pieces of carbon fiber that are at the same time delicate and indestructible.

This, in turn, sets in motion a series of events: Google searched, websites consulted, videos watched, plans hatched, choices made; and a steady stream of additional small packages begin to arrive. 

Finally, the question of "what if?" must collapse into reality and become what is - replete with all the compromises that creation requires.  

The initial skills required in the creative effort are relatively straightforward: manipulating precision 3mm screws to construct a futuristic looking carbon fiber frame. So far, so good.

From there, things get a bit more challenging: a basic understanding of electricity, wiring diagrams - and soldering.

Soldering is as much a practice as it is a skill. Using the proper technique, a strand of silver metal becomes liquid in an instant, flowing effortlessly around the various components destined to be wedded together. Just as quickly, the metal hardens and converts the construct into something new, greater than the sum of the parts. The quest for the perfect solder joint has a spiritual quality; done well, it is a thing of beauty. Many opportunities to aspire to this perfection present themselves in the course of the creation.

Completing this journey results in a tangled mess of rainbow colored wires connecting a series of small, delicate circuit boards, several deceivingly small electric motors, a video camera and a couple of antennas - all squeezed into the carbon fiber skeleton. This object is not what would typically pass for beauty; it screams function over form. It sits inert waiting for the next stage in its metamorphosis.

My anticipation is palpable as the abstract code of computer software contained to this point in vitro are about to combine with very tangible carbon fiber, small metal screws and electric motors that reek of substantial potential about to be unleashed in vivo. Connecting the creation to the computer ignites a light show as the LEDs come to life and begin to speak and communicate in a language that is understandable to those who care about such things. Connecting the battery creates a cacophony of sounds as the electronics calibrate themselves. The cat is on high alert; the Corgi runs for cover. Settings are tweaked, motors are tested, controls are enabled.

Almost ready, the machine hovers in the middle of the room emitting a high pitched scream that seems to convey its yearning to be free of this cage. 

At the field, I connect the battery. And, once again I am greeted with the sounds and lights that signify the awakening of the synthetic creature that sits before me. I put on my googles, step back and push the throttle forward. 

For the next 7 minutes I merge with my creation, seeing the world through its eyes, flying as if a bird.