On the lookout 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, means that you can 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 telephone. After receiving buyer suggestions and inspiration — together with getting wind that drone pilots had been ‘hacking’ their product into an FPV device — 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.
And for people like me who’ve all the time been curious in regards to the world of FPV (first-person viewing) drones however weren’t able to decide to the worth tag that comes with buying an FPV drone, then the DroneMask 2 is a superb various and a less expensive choice. The product begins at $179.
I had the possibility to make use of the DroneMask 2 when flying with my DJI Mini 3. Right here’s a assessment of what occurred:
Buy the DroneMask 2 for $179:
What you have to use the DroneMask 2
The DroneMask 2 is appropriate with any sort of drone from any drone firm — so long as that drone features a controller that interfaces with a telephone that shows the drone footage.
In my case, I used the RC-N1 with a DJI Mini 3 drone. That stated, when you’ve got a controller that has the display screen already inbuilt, like DJI RC, then sadly the DroneMask 2 is not going to work.
And right here lies what’s probably the most important downfall of the DroneMask 2. I might not suggest buying a controller that connects to your telephone merely utilizing the DroneMask 2, because it usually makes extra monetary sense to contemplate different choices. For DJI customers, that features researching learn 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 little thing else you’ll want is included in your DroneMask 2 package. The DroneMask 2 comes with:
- 1 masks
- 1 linen bag
- 1 fabric (to wash the lens or your telephone 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 stay my life with 15% battery life on my iPhone and have a couple of occasions deliberate to go out with my drone for the day then remembered I had forgotten to cost the batteries. So, I used to be completely happy to be taught that DroneMask 2 will not be 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 sort 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 telephone to the controller as regular, nevertheless, as a substitute of mounting the telephone 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 comfy and spacious. I don’t put on glasses, however I attempted the goggles on whereas sporting sun shades and so they match simply high-quality. No must 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 comfy.
One other considerate function was the 2 holes on the backside of the masks. These will let you have entry to your telephone 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 occasions flying a drone, I might extremely suggest flying with the DroneMask 2 in an space with restricted to no obstacles and other people, particularly when you’ve got 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 somewhat getting used to.
When flying, you should use gimbal mode or FPV mode (in case your drone has these modes). I felt I used to be extra comfy in FPV mode. An adjustable focus size means that you can additional excellent the viewing expertise.
Visuals from the telephone by the masks had been extremely top quality. A particular lens on DroneMask 2 means that you can see the entire display screen. That’s a pointy distinction from stereotypical VR goggles the place the display screen on the smartphone has to separate down the center when exhibiting the drone footage – one display screen on every eye.
The DroneMask 2 makes use of a unique optical answer, which signifies that the display screen doesn’t have to be cut up, offered you might have a powerful display screen decision and can work with any cellular app. This implies that you would be able to additionally use the DroneMask 2 for an immersive movie-watching expertise by apps like YouTube and Netflix.
I flew my drone with the DroneMask 2 on a really sunny day in New Orleans and just about no mild got here by the masks as I flew the drone. This was an enormous enchancment from the glare on the telephone 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 grew to become extra comfy 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 in regards to the world of FPV flying, however an FPV drone or goggles aren’t in your price range, then think about the DroneMask 2.
Beginning at $179, it’s a less expensive various 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 alternate options on the earth of VR headsets. For instance, the Google Daydream View is $27. However the lenses on the DroneMask 2 supply a far superior viewing expertise. Plus most VR headsets, together with the Google ones, aren’t appropriate with flying drones.
The DroneMask 2 is essentially the most fairly priced choice for FPV drone flying in the marketplace, making it very best for somebody who likes to fly their drone for enjoyable and is in search of a brand new journey when flying with out having to purchase a completely new drone or costly piece of apparatus.
In case you solely fly drones on the go, the DroneMask 2 may not be the best 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 might wish to look into buying an FPV drone.
The DroneMask 2 means that you can have an immersive flying expertise, with out the hefty price ticket of different opponents.
Buy the DroneMask 2 for $179: