DJI O3 Air Unit Waterproof case from DarwinFPV

The DJI O3 Air Unit might be the most costly part of any FPV drone, and you’ll in all probability wish to shield it from crashes and harsh climate situations (rain and snow). DarwinFPV’s CNC aluminum case supplies IP68-level waterproof, dustproof, and impression resistance. Moreover, this enclosure permits using one O3 AU equipment on a number of drones or VTOLs.

At the moment, essentially the most superior digital FPV system is the DJI O3 Air Unit. It supplies onboard 4K recording with RockSteady stabilization, glorious vary, and low latency transmission. The equipment consists of three foremost elements: VTX, digicam, and antenna. The primary two could be encapsulated right into a metallic case for further safety, however the antenna must be left outdoors for the perfect vary.

Most outside devices have both an IP67 or IP68 ranking. Though my Samsung S22 smartphone has an IP67 ranking, it began displaying moisture detection warnings after immersing it in water for a couple of seconds. The issue continued for greater than two weeks. I virtually misplaced my drone as a result of the cellphone was disconnected from the transmitter on account of a USB malfunction.

Regardless of that DarwinFPV enclosure guarantees a better IP68 ranking (resistant in contemporary water to a most depth of 1.5 meters for as much as half-hour), I’d not use it for underwater purposes similar to RC boats or submarines. One other potential downside with hermetic enclosures is that on account of temperature variations, water vapors can type and, later, flip into droplets that may trigger injury to electronics. A foggy lens will also be annoying.

DarwinFPV O3 Air Unit enclosure evaluation

Disclosure: I acquired this O3 watertight case in a product evaluation collaboration with DarwinFPV. Product specs and high quality could differ in accordance with the producer’s reliability, so I can’t assure that you’re going to get a product that performs the identical as in my article.

The case was developed for his or her HULK Ⅱ waterproof FPV drone that may fly in rain and land on water because of its floaters. The corporate additionally provides particular person waterproof elements similar to flight controllers, flight stacks, cameras, and radio receivers.

My evaluation unit is available in an antistatic zipped bag, however I noticed one other model packed in a cardboard field. Darwin contains the case with mounting screws, spare rubber elements (antenna ring and USB Sort-C flap), and a spare thermal conductive band.

The Darwin O3 Air Unit case is solely constituted of CNC aluminum and appears like a tiny walkie-talkie. The enclosure system measures 6.2×4.1×2.6cm and weighs about 60 grams. 4 screws maintain collectively the back and front cowl. To be watertight, between the 2 elements is a rubber sealing. Whereas the VTX’s Sort-C is protected by a rubber flap that stops getting into water contained in the case, the antenna out has a rubber ring with the identical objective.

Knowledge+Energy wires are preinstalled and cemented. The case has inside thermal conductive padding to make sure good warmth switch between the VTX and the Digicam – virtually, the entire case turns right into a heatsink.

The entrance has a window glass with a built-in lens hood for the O3 digicam. It has 2×4 mounting factors for the GoPro fingers on the again and a pair of×2 on the backside. Relying on the undertaking’s necessities, you’ll be able to set up it vertically or horizontally.

Pricing, availability, and choices

At DarwinFPV’s official retailer, this waterproof enclosure is accessible in two choices. The fundamental case equipment proven on this evaluation could be ordered for $59.99, or for those who don’t personal an O3 equipment, you’ll be able to go for the ready-to-use combo with a preinstalled O3 system for $279.99.

DarwinFPV O3 Air Unit case: Key options

• [Fits perfectly the O3 Air Unit kit] A personalized design that completely suits the form of the DJI O3 Air Unit. It’s simple to put in and won’t have an effect on using the drone and the steadiness of the picture transmission sign;
• [Lighteright and durable case] Adopting CNC aluminum alloy processing know-how, the looks is stable and exquisite, mild and sturdy, and the floor is anodized, which has glorious corrosion resistance;
• [Wateright] Designed and manufactured in strict accordance with waterproof requirements, it has glorious waterproof efficiency and may guarantee the protection of DJI O3 Air Unit when flying in wet days and waves;
• [Dual mounting option] It comes with a GoPro-compatible mount that permits it to be put in vertically or horizontally.

Technical specs