Searching for a technique 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 known as Immerse Optics, the second version of its flagship product, the DroneMask 2, means that you can take your digital camera 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 have been ‘hacking’ their product into an FPV software — 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 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 value tag that comes with buying an FPV drone, then the DroneMask 2 is a superb 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 assessment of what occurred:
Buy the DroneMask 2 for $179:
What you should use the DroneMask 2
The DroneMask 2 is appropriate with any kind 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, in case you have a controller that has the display already in-built, like DJI RC, then sadly the DroneMask 2 is not going to 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 telephone merely utilizing the DroneMask 2, because it usually makes extra monetary sense to think about different choices. For DJI customers, that features researching the best way 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. All the things 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 telephone with)
- 1 USB-C to USB-C cable
- 1 USB-C to lighting cable
- 1 micro USB to USB-C adapter
On the brink of fly with the DroneMask 2
I stay my life with 15% battery life on my iPhone and have a number of instances 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 study that DroneMask 2 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 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 twine 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 carrying sun shades and so they match simply effective. 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 comfy.
One other considerate characteristic was the 2 holes on the backside of the masks. These can help 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 instances flying a drone, I’d extremely advocate flying with the DroneMask 2 in an space with restricted to no obstacles and other people, particularly in case you have by no means flown an FPV drone. And because you’ll have the goggles in your face, convey a buddy or co-pilot to function your visible observer.
For me, flying with the DroneMask took a 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 comfy in FPV mode. An adjustable focus size means that you can additional good the viewing expertise.
Visuals from the telephone via the masks have been extremely top quality. A particular lens on DroneMask 2 means that you can 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 unique optical answer, which signifies that the display doesn’t have to be cut up, offered you might have a powerful display decision and can work with any cell app. This implies which you can 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 just about no mild got here via 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 material with me.
Ultimately, 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?
In case you are curious in any respect in regards to the world of FPV flying, however an FPV drone or goggles usually are not in your price range, then think about the DroneMask 2.
Beginning at $179, it’s a less expensive different to its rivals. 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 planet 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, usually are not appropriate with flying drones.
The DroneMask 2 is essentially the most moderately priced choice for FPV drone flying available on the market, making it very best 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 best 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 means that you can have an immersive flying expertise, with out the hefty price ticket of different rivals.
Buy the DroneMask 2 for $179:
