The SOLO7 HD Nano TX from RF specialist company Cobham Broadcast was used to transmit live video from the highest recorded release of a bird from a man-made structure, descending from Dubai’s 829.8 metre Burj Khalifa tower. The event was to raise awareness of eagle conservation by the Freedom Conservation organisation.
Darshan, a male Eastern Imperial Eagle with a 2 metre wingspan, was equipped with a 300g Sony ActionCam and a Cobham SOLO7 HD Nano TX, which was used to capture and transmit live footage of Darshan’s circuitous descent from the summit of Burj Khalifa to his trainer from Freedom Conservation.
Two falconers, accompanied by two support staff hanging from the spire at the very top of Burj Khalifa, set Darshan on his way; the results of which have now been seen on multi-platform news and feature programmes around the world.
According to Cobham head of broadcast sales, JP Delport, “We were in the region over the New Year, supporting our work with the Volvo Ocean Race, when we were approached about devising a way to use our technology to transmit live from an eagle. While sailing and soaring are separate circumstances, each with their respective challenges, it was a unique opportunity not to be missed.
During January and February 2015, SNG Broadcast Services managing director, Ken Suckling helped to design the transmission system arrangement that would complement the bespoke antenna and harness devised by the Crown Prince Offices and Optimal Connectivity. Cobham’s ultra-miniature SOLO7 HD Nano TX is the world’s smallest wireless HD transmitter.
“Our first and foremost reaction to being approached about Darshan’s flight was to ensure the safety and well-being of such a magnificent and endangered bird of prey, the conservation of which we wholeheartedly support. Secondly, guaranteeing live video transmission in an application that had never been tried before was, at first, a daunting prospect,” Delport concluded.
