On the lookout for a approach to flip just about any drone you already personal into an FPV drone? One of many best and most inexpensive methods to try this could be with the DroneMask 2. Made by a Norwegian firm known as Immerse Optics, the second version of its flagship product, the DroneMask 2, lets you 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 had 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 people 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 worth 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 evaluate of what occurred:
Buy the DroneMask 2 for $179:
What it’s good to 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, when you have 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 doubtless the largest downfall of the DroneMask 2. I might not advocate buying a controller that connects to your telephone merely utilizing the DroneMask 2, because it typically makes extra monetary sense to contemplate different choices. For DJI customers, that features researching the right 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 pieces 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 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 reside 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 joyful to be taught 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 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 matches 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 superb. 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 assist you to have entry to your telephone 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
Just like your first few occasions 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 just a little 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 lets you additional good the viewing expertise.
Visuals from the telephone by way of the masks had been extremely top quality. A particular lens on DroneMask 2 lets you 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 resolution, which implies that the display screen doesn’t should be cut up, offered you might have a powerful display screen 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 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 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?
In case you are curious in any respect concerning the world of FPV flying, however an FPV drone or goggles usually are not in your finances, 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 alternate options on this 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, usually are not appropriate with flying drones.
The DroneMask 2 is essentially the most moderately priced choice for FPV drone flying in the marketplace, making it preferrred 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.
If you happen to 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 severe about FPV drones or racing it’s possible you’ll 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:
