Searching for a solution to flip just about any drone you already personal into an FPV drone? One of many best and most inexpensive methods to try this is perhaps with the DroneMask 2. Made by a Norwegian firm referred to as Immerse Optics, the second version of its flagship product, the DroneMask 2, lets you take your digicam drone and switch it into an immersive flying expertise.
Immerse Optics began having nothing to do with drones in any respect, however as a substitute 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 device — the corporate pivoted to the drone sector. In 2021, they launched the DroneMask and have not too long ago advanced by including the DroneMask 2 into their lineup of merchandise.
And for folk like me who’ve all the time been curious concerning the world of FPV (first-person viewing) 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 choice. The product begins at $179.
I had the prospect to make use of the DroneMask 2 when flying with my DJI Mini 3. Right here’s a overview of what occurred:
Buy the DroneMask 2 for $179:
What it’s essential 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 seemingly the most important downfall of the DroneMask 2. I’d not advocate buying a controller that connects to your cellphone merely utilizing the DroneMask 2, because it usually 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. The whole lot else you’ll want is included in your DroneMask 2 package. The DroneMask 2 comes with:
- 1 masks
- 1 linen bag
- 1 fabric (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 dwell my life with 15% battery life on my iPhone and have just a few occasions deliberate to move out with my drone for the day then remembered I had forgotten to cost the batteries. So, I used to be glad to be taught that DroneMask 2 is just not 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.
Establishing the masks was fairly easy. You join your cellphone to the controller as regular, nevertheless, as a substitute of mounting the cellphone on the highest of the controller, you place it contained in the DroneMask 2 (utilizing the longer wire offered). 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 sporting sun shades they usually match simply wonderful. No have to get prescription lenses or put on contacts.
The DroneMask 2 additionally has an adjustable aspect 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 permit you to have entry to your cellphone with out bringing in any mild. The holes are coated with a light-proof neoprene cowl. That is an improve from the DroneMask to DroneMask 2.
Flying your drone with the DroneMask 2
Much like your first few occasions flying a drone, I’d 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, deliver a pal or co-pilot to function your visible observer.
For me, flying with the DroneMask took a little bit getting used to.
When flying, you need to use 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 lets you additional excellent the viewing expertise.
Visuals from the cellphone by way of the masks have been extremely prime quality. A particular lens on DroneMask 2 lets you 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 exhibiting the drone footage – one display on every eye.
The DroneMask 2 makes use of a distinct optical answer, which implies that the display doesn’t have to be cut up, offered you could have a powerful display decision and can work with any cellular app. This implies you can additionally use the DroneMask 2 for an immersive movie-watching expertise by way of 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 by way of 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 fabric with me.
Finally, I turned extra snug flying with the DroneMask 2 and was amazed by the immersive expertise it supplied.
Who’s the DroneMask 2 for?
If you’re curious in any respect concerning the world of FPV flying, however an FPV drone or goggles will not be in your funds, then think about the DroneMask 2.
Beginning at $179, it’s a less expensive different to its opponents. For instance, the DJI FPV Goggles V2 begins at $342, making the DroneMask 47% cheaper. A real FPV drone is probably going much more costly (for instance, the DJI Avata begins at $629).
There are less expensive options on the earth 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, will not be suitable with flying drones.
The DroneMask 2 is probably the most fairly priced choice for FPV drone flying available on the market, making it preferrred for somebody who likes to fly their drone for enjoyable and is on the lookout 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 may not be the most suitable choice for you as it’s fairly cumbersome (however nonetheless pretty lightweight). Or in case you are extra severe about FPV drones or racing you might wish to look into buying an FPV drone.
The DroneMask 2 lets you have an immersive flying expertise, with out the hefty price ticket of different opponents.
Buy the DroneMask 2 for $179: