simply make any drone an FPV drone

On the lookout for a technique to flip just about any drone you already personal into an FPV drone? One of many best and most reasonably priced methods to do this is perhaps with the DroneMask 2. Made by a Norwegian firm known as Immerse Optics, the second version of its flagship product, the DroneMask 2, permits you to take your digital camera drone and switch it into an immersive flying expertise. 

Better of all, the DroneMask 2 prices lower than $200.

Perhaps you will have a DJI drone and are focused on one thing just like the DJI Goggles 3 however can’t abdomen the $500 price. Perhaps you will have a DJI different drone just like the HOVERAir X1 PROMAX which at the moment has no official FPV possibility. Perhaps you will have a low cost Amazon toy drone. Irrespective of which of these you might be, the DroneMask 2 is perhaps the product for you.

I had the possibility to make use of the DroneMask 2 when flying with my DJI Mini 3. Right here’s a evaluation of what occurred:

A historical past of Immerse Optics

However first, some background on the corporate

Immerse Optics began having nothing to do with drones in any respect, however as an alternative by making masks to create an immersive movie-watching expertise out of your cellphone. After receiving buyer suggestions and inspiration — together with getting wind that drone pilots have been ‘hacking’ their product into an FPV instrument — the corporate pivoted to the drone sector.

In 2021, they launched the DroneMask and have just lately developed by including the DroneMask 2 into their lineup of merchandise. With that comes a patented singular-lens expertise, that’s carried out right into a headset to gives customers with 4x higher decision than standard VR headsets that use a stereoscopic lens. It additionally presents better consolation for the eyes and works with any cell content material with out the necessity for third-party apps.

And for people like me who’ve all the time been curious concerning the world of FPV (first-person view) drones however weren’t able to decide to the value tag that comes with buying an FPV drone, then the DroneMask 2 is a good different and a less expensive possibility. The product begins at $179. 

Buy the DroneMask 2 for $179:

What you want to use the DroneMask 2 

The DroneMask 2 is suitable with any kind of drone from any drone firm — so long as that drone features a controller that interfaces with a cellphone that shows the drone footage.

In my case, I used the RC-N1 with a DJI Mini 3 drone. That mentioned, when you have a controller that has the display already in-built, like DJI RC, then sadly the DroneMask 2 won’t work.  

And right here lies what’s possible the largest downfall of the DroneMask 2. I might not advocate buying a controller that connects to your cellphone merely utilizing the DroneMask 2, because it typically makes extra monetary sense to contemplate different choices. For DJI customers, that features researching tips on how to flip your DJI drone into an FPV drone utilizing DJI’s merchandise by buying DJI FPV goggles.

Lastly, you’ll want a smartphone — and that’s it. Every thing else you’ll want is included in your DroneMask 2 equipment. The DroneMask 2 comes with:

• 1 masks
• 1 linen bag
• 1 material (to scrub the lens or your cellphone with)
• 1 USB-C to USB-C cable
• 1 USB-C to lighting cable
• 1 micro USB to USB-C adapter

On the point of fly with the DroneMask 2

I reside my life with 15% battery life on my iPhone and have a couple of instances deliberate to move out with my drone for the day then remembered I had forgotten to cost the batteries. So, I used to be pleased to study that DroneMask 2 just isn’t digital, so no charging is required. 

I headed out with my DJI Mini 3, my RC-N1 controller, and my DroneMask 2. The DroneMask 2 itself is kind of cumbersome, so I needed to change out my regular ‘drone backpack’ for a bigger one. 

Organising the masks was fairly easy. You join your cellphone to the controller as regular, nevertheless, as an alternative of mounting the cellphone on the highest of the controller, you place it contained in the DroneMask 2 (utilizing the longer wire supplied). Then simply zip it proper up. 

The DroneMask 2 suits most telephones, together with, however not restricted to, all fashions of iPhone, Samsung S6-8 edge, and the Samsung Galaxy S21. 

The goggles are fairly snug and spacious. I don’t put on glasses, however I attempted the goggles on whereas carrying sun shades and so they match simply advantageous. No must get prescription lenses or put on contacts.

The DroneMask 2 additionally has an adjustable facet strap and one which goes over your head. These straps are fairly thick and once more, very snug. 

One other considerate function was the 2 holes on the backside of the masks. These assist you to have entry to your cellphone with out bringing in any mild. The holes are lined with a light-proof neoprene cowl. That is an improve from the DroneMask to DroneMask 2.

 

Flying your drone with the DroneMask 2 

Just like your first few instances flying a drone, I might extremely advocate flying with the DroneMask 2 in an space with restricted to no obstacles and other people, particularly when you have by no means flown an FPV drone. And because you’ll have the goggles in your face, carry a good friend or co-pilot to function your visible observer.

For me, flying with the DroneMask took a little bit getting used to. 

When flying, you should utilize gimbal mode or FPV mode (in case your drone has these modes). I felt I used to be extra snug in FPV mode. An adjustable focus size permits you to additional excellent the viewing expertise. 

Visuals from the cellphone via the masks have been extremely top quality. A particular lens on DroneMask 2 permits you to see the entire display. That’s a pointy distinction from stereotypical VR goggles the place the display on the smartphone has to separate down the center when displaying the drone footage – one display on every eye. 

The DroneMask 2 makes use of a distinct optical resolution, which implies that the display doesn’t must be cut up, supplied you will have a powerful display decision and can work with any cell app. This implies that you would be able to additionally use the DroneMask 2 for an immersive movie-watching expertise via apps like YouTube and Netflix. 

I flew my drone with the DroneMask 2 on a really sunny day in New Orleans and nearly no mild got here via the masks as I flew the drone. This was an enormous enchancment from the glare on the cellphone when utilizing an RC-N1 controller. Though, the lens did fog up within the warmth. Fortunately, I did have the linen material with me. 

Finally, I grew to become extra snug flying with the DroneMask 2 and was amazed by the immersive expertise it supplied.

Who’s the DroneMask 2 for?

DroneMask’s FPV resolution transforms any digital camera drone into an immersive first-person expertise utilizing a smartphone. If you’re curious in any respect concerning the world of FPV flying, however an FPV drone or goggles aren’t in your funds, then contemplate the DroneMask 2. 

Beginning at $179, it’s a less expensive different to its rivals. For instance, the DJI Goggles 3 begin at $499, making the DroneMask lower than half the value. A real FPV drone is probably going much more costly (for instance, the DJI Avata 2 with Goggles 2 and RC Movement 2 prices $1,299).

There are less expensive options on the planet of VR headsets. For instance, the Google Daydream View is $27. However the lenses on the DroneMask 2 provide a far superior viewing expertise. Plus most VR headsets, together with the Google ones, aren’t suitable with flying drones.

DroneMask 2: is it well worth the worth?

The DroneMask 2 is essentially the most moderately priced possibility for FPV drone flying available on the market, making it ideally suited for somebody who likes to fly their drone for enjoyable and is searching for a brand new journey when flying with out having to purchase a completely new drone or costly piece of kit. 

For those who solely fly drones on the go, the DroneMask 2 won’t be the most suitable choice for you as it’s fairly cumbersome (however nonetheless pretty lightweight). Or in case you are extra critical about FPV drones or racing you could need to look into buying an FPV drone.

The DroneMask 2 permits you to have an immersive flying expertise, with out the hefty price ticket of different rivals. 

Buy the DroneMask 2 for $179:

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