Review of the Parrot Mambo quadcopter.

The version of the drone presented in the review has finally received FPV camera and full FPV kit, details about Parrot Mambo FPV here

Introduction

2016 model. A mini quadcopter designed primarily for those in whom the spirit of competition always lives. The developers have endowed the quad with features that no competitor in its niche has. Using Parrot Mambo as an example, the company clearly shows that the world of UAVs has a great future, regardless of their size.

Features

  • Optimized weight-to-speed ratio
  • Software configured for stabilized and controlled flight
  • close relationship with the drone software)
  • Altitude hold by ultrasonic sensor and barometer
  • Auto takeoff and landing
  • Palm take-off function
  • The base of the drone is impact-resistant polyamide and polypropylene
  • CANNON (controlled power mechanism that allows the drone to confidently shoot 6mm balls at a distance of up to 2 meters)
  • GRABBER (controlled lift mechanism that allows the drone to capture objects weighing up to 4 grams)
  • Smartphone Piloting (control of the drone and attachments is carried out by means of smartphone via the FreeFlight Mini application)
  • Dynamic performance of flips

Package contents

The developer offers your choice of 3 kit options:

  1. Parrot Mambo Fly
  2. Parrot Mambo Mission
  3. Parrot Mambo FPV

Specification

Drone

Brand :
Parrot
Model :
Mambo
Color :
Black with white insert / Black with gray insert
Communication drone- smartphone - Parrot Flypad :
Bluetooth V4.0 BLE connection
Stabilization :
3-axis gyroscope
Vertical Camera :
0.3MP @ 60 FPS
Memory :
built-in 8GB
Capacity Battery :
1S 550mAh LiPo
Backlight :
LED
Maximum vertical flight speed:
up to 30 km / h
Duration flight :
up to 8 minutes per combination with Cannon / Grabber and up to 9 minutes without attachments
Range flight :
up to 20 meters (when operating a smartphone) up to 100 meters (when operating a Parrot Flypad)
Wednesday for flights :
Indoor / Outdoor
Time Charging :
≈ 30 minutes
Execution materials :
Polyamide and Polypropylene
​​
Weight (without attachments mechanisms ) :
63gr
Dimensions (including propeller guards):
18 × 18cm
Compatibility with OS:
iOS 7 and above / Android 4.3 and above
SDK *:
OS Linux
Restriction by age :
14

SDK * (software development kit) - set of developed software. Available on the manufacturer's official website.

Cannon

Number of balls in the store:
6pcs
Rate of fire :
One shot every 1.5 seconds
Diameter balls :
6mm
Range flight ball :
≈ 2m

Grabber

Positions mechanism:
Open / Closed
Control :
Electronic Open / Close Timer
Loading capacity :
up to 4gr

Appearance

Programmed functions

  • Auto Takeoff
  • Auto Land
  • Altitude Hold
  • Palm Take Off
  • Flips

Sensors

  • Built-in inertial gauge unit for assessing speed, incline and obstacle contact (which includes3 -axial accelerometer and 3-axis gyroscope)
  • Vertical stabilization: Ultrasonic sensor (active at a height of up to 4 meters) barometer.
  • Horizontal stabilization and speed measurement: vertical 0.3MP camera 60 fps (next to ultrasonic sensor)

Parrot Mambo's sensors and auxiliaries work closely with the aircraft's software to provide a stable and controlled flight output. This approach made it possible to significantly simplify the process of piloting a drone, even for those users who first picked up the remote control.

Positioning

At the bottom of the Parrot Mambo there are ultrasonic and optical sensors responsible for precise positioning and stabilized flight of the quad. Moreover, the ultrasonic sensor works in conjunction with a barometer, which is a rarity for quadcopters in this niche. In practice, this tandem has provided a remarkably stable altitude hold.

The built-in vertical camera can be used in still image mode. All photos are saved in the memory of the smartphone paired with the quadcopter. The quality of the photo is not high, but this is enough to record your achievements from a vertical angle.

Flight performance

Exceptional handling, both from the phone and from the Parrot Flypad. Dynamic and wind resistant. The potential of the collector motors is enough with the "head". Thanks to the optimal weight of the drone, unique motors with increased efficiency, as well as the software that was created specifically for this model, the developers managed to achieve the best flight characteristics in the UAV niche occupied.

Control

As mentioned above, the Parrot Mambo can be controlled in 3 ways:

  1. Smartphone
  2. Parrot Flypad control equipment
  3. Parrot Flypad Smartphone (via the FreeFlight Mini app)

The difference in convenience and distance is up to 20 meters with a smartphone and up to 100 meters in tandem with the Parrot Flypad. When operating only the Parrot Flypad, some of the quad's functions will be unavailable.

In the arsenal of Mambo functions: "Auto take off" and "Auto landing". Also, everyone will be able to appreciate the takeoff of the drone from the hand. To do this, activate the function (by pressing the palm iconat the top of the screen on ). Then toss the drone into the air and it will take off and hover in front of the pilot, waiting for new commands. The palm takeoff function becomes relevant when you need to quickly join a battle or competition.

Price

The developer offers the Parrot Mambo quadcopter in various configurations:

  1. Parrot Mambo Fly- 109.99 $
  2. Parrot Mambo Mission- 179.99 $
  3. Parrot Mambo FPV- 179.99 $ (details about the FPV version can be found here

* (prices indicated by the manufacturer on the office site as of 09.08.2018).

Output

Parrot Mambofrom $110
6.3666666666667
Price
5 / 10
Functionality
6/10
Flight time
5/10
Flight performance
7/10
Compactness
10/10
Package Contents
5/10
Reliability
10/10
Price / Performance
10/10

Pros

  • Quality / Design
  • Dynamics / Controllability
  • Control (smartphone / smartphone transmitter)
  • Auto Takeoff / Auto Landing
  • Palm Takeoff / Flips
  • Software / Sensors (Operation)
  • Quick Battery Charge
  • Cannon / Grabber / FPV Camera
  • Distance of removal
  • Does not require registration

Cons

  • Few balls for shooting (included)
  • No spare rotors included

Futuristic design, quality workmanship deserves respect. It looks impressive in its natural form. Quadric is no less effective in flight. Note the manufacturability of the product for the niche it occupies, which generally justifies the price tag. The optimal size, the presence of an additional payload in the kit: "Cannon", "Grabber" and FPV camerasprimary piloting skills and adapt to flying in the first person. Thus, reducing the time interval for the transition from simple and cheap UAVs to more technologically advanced and expensive ones without fear of losing your favorite drone. Age limit 14.

Photo

Photo of Parrot Mambo.

Videos

Video from Parrot Mambo.

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