The developer finalized the model and presented the second version of the drone - Airdog ADII.
About the company
In 2014, the Latvian company SIA Helico Aerospace Industries, represented by the author of the idea, Edgars Rozentals, implemented a drone "Sharpened" exclusively for people whose life is closely connected with extreme sports, as well as for those who lead an active lifestyle. As conceived by the developers, the drone should conduct highly intelligent photo, video shooting in a fully automatic mode according to a pre-selected algorithm.
And already next year at the CES 2015 exhibition of innovations and technologies in Las Vegas, the AirDog drone tries on the Best Robot laurels and takes the 2nd place as a result of the Best of CES Awards 2015 voting.
For your information, the total number of participants in "CES 2015" was 4000 people from all over the world.
Quadcopter review
look down and at the rear, classically up. The AirDog quadrocopter does not have a classic control panel, instead, the AirLeash tracker bracelet, which works both for receiving and transmitting signals, is protected from dust and water by the IP67 protocol (number 6 means full protection against dust, 7 - protection against immersion in water up to 1 meter).
All elements of the drone, not counting the electronics, are 3D-printed, based on a unique material - the ULTEM filament from Stratasys. The AirLeash bracelet was made using a modern 3D printer from Polyjet and is known for being able to make components by combining several materials into one.
As a result of the application of new technologies, the quad has become lightweight (1.8kg without battery) and at the same time quite durable.
The drone is equipped with a 2-axis gimbal, which is currently only friendly with GoPRO cameras (camera not included). Setting up the drone, its subsequent programming and control (setting modes and flight indicators, displaying information about the battery charge, current telemetry) are possible through the AirDog application (pre-downloaded fromApp Store/ PlayMarket on any gadget running iOS / Android).
Flight properties
The flight time of the drone was ≈ 15-20 minutes, good wind resistance up to 14 m / s, excellent flight speed ≈ 60 km / h (electronically limited), the distance from the bracelet is up to 300 meters, at an altitude of up to 3 km. Accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer and barometer all work in tandem to provide unrivaled precision to the drone. AirDog supports two emergency landing options in automatic mode, in the first case it will make a soft landing a few meters from the bracelet, in the second it will return to a predetermined place and there will be a soft landing.
Landing options are selected in advance, depending on the terrain where the drone will be operated, or forcibly through the application.
Modes
Six pre-programmed flight modes are available:
- Auto-follow - classic drone following the bracelet at a predetermined distance, observing a predetermined height.
- Relative position follow - the drone will follow the bracelet, taking a position in the air with an offset, according to the previously set angle of view.
- Follow track - flight along a predetermined trajectory, the camera works on the bracelet.
- Hover and Aim - the mode allows you to fix the drone at a predetermined height, the camera will always be directed towards the bracelet.
- Circle - this mode involves flying the drone in a circle at a predetermined altitude at a predetermined speed, where the center of the drone will be the bracelet. (great for panoramic shots at low speeds)
- Look down - the mode will help to capture the most beautiful shot, for this you just need to take the place where you are going to take close-up shots of yourself (for example, in a place jumping from a springboard) without leaving the place, press the "stop" button in the "AirDog" application, the drone will fix the coordinates, and flying in this place the quad will hover and record your flight in detail in close-up, and then it will follow you.
The developer promises to constantly update the flight modes of the drone.
Package contents
- AirDog quadcopter
- AirLeash tracker bracelet (built-in battery)
- 4 × rotor
- 2-axis suspension
- Li-polymer battery 14.8V 5600mAh 8C
- Battery charger
- Center support
- Instruction (in English)
Appearance
Specification
Battery
AirDog comes with a 14.8V 5600mAh 8C lithium polymer battery. Provides continuous flight in the interval from 15-20 minutes, depending on the flight speed, as well as the wind present. It has a charge indication, but in practice it was revealed that the battery does not always correctly display the current charge, it so happens that just 30 seconds before shutdown, information appears on the bracelet that the battery is discharged, which is not very good. But most likely the manufacturer will fix all the bugs of this drone.
Motors
The AirDog quadcopter is equipped with brushless motors with good efficiency, a proprietary development of SIA Helico Aerospace Industries.
AirLeash tracker bracelet
The bracelet provides full control over the drone, protected from dust and moisture according to the IP67 protocol.
IP67 protocol (number 6 means full protection against dust, 7 - protection against immersion in water up to 1 meter).
Conclusion
- Design
- Modularity
- Compactness
- Drone / Electronics Quality
- Flight performance
- Pre-programmed flight modes for different sports
- Water resistant
- Ready to fly out of the box
Cons
- Only friendly with GoPRO cameras
- No camera included
- Cannot fly around obstacles
- Battery charge indication not working correctly
- Center support is not as strong as the drone itself
This is one of the best drones for those who used to derive maximum pleasure from sports. With AirDog, all your best moments will be captured from the best possible angle. The absence of a remote control gives the owner complete freedom of action. Based on its capabilities, it is suitable primarily for athletes and all those who lead an active lifestyle.
The developer has finalized the model and presented the second version of the drone - Airdog ADII.
Photos
Photos with AirDog quadcopter.
Video
AirDog drone video.
.
