3DR Solo Quadcopter Review

3DR Solo Quadcopter Introduction Video

3DR Solo Quadcopter Overview

3DR introduced Solo as an all-in-one personal drone whose powerful new features and ease of use have kicked off a new age of aerial toys. This quadcopter sports computing power that is considered unmatched in the industry—2 integrated Linux computers on the craft and in its controller—thus delivering world-first technologies, including unfettered in-flight access to GoPro controls and effortless computer-assisted Smart Shot flight features.

Technology of 2 Full-Blown Computer

As it is run by a 1GHz ARM Cortex-A9-powered Linux computer, Solo’s intelligence is considered to be nearly limitless and highly expandable in the future. When flying this quadcopter, you will use the onboard computer’s processing power to do the heavy lifting, which means the autopilot will become the “brainstem” that is exclusively focused on the execution of the rudiments of reliable and stable flight, while the computer will serve as Solo’s “frontal cortex”, handling the higher-level processing. Such a task distribution entails a dramatic reduction of the likelihood for the autopilot system to fail during.

Effortless Flight

Most quadcopter reviews for the Solo regard its effortless (and more creative) flight control, which allows for effortless filming. As you can see, this drone makes flying easier than ever with authoritative and smooth GPS satellite-guided flight that features auto “take-off and landing” and “return-home”, as well as able to instantly hit an e-brake to pause flights midair. You can immediately access these features through the Solo mobile app or through the dedicated buttons on its remote controller.

Safe Flying

Making sure that even new users can fly Solo with confidence, 3DR created an app-based flight simulator that will allow you to fly the quadcopter virtually before getting off the ground. And when this baby is in the air, you can use the “pause” button for emergency airbrake, stopping it in its tracks until you are ready to take control again. In addition, you can create a virtual “safety net” within the app to limit how high this copter is allowed to fly.

Computer-Assisted Cinematography

With a powerful and one-of-a-kind computer-assisted technology, Solo’s intelligence can allow for the Smart Shots (patent pending), as called by the manufacturer. With it, you just set up the exact shot you want in real time and then tap “play” on the app, then this drone from 3DR will execute it with a level of precision. The Smart Shots come in various types, so you can always take the perfect shot for a certain situation. For example, the Cable cam and Orbit will allow you to create a safe and known flight path along a virtual track in space, giving you the freedom to shift your focus to get the shot you want.

Future Expandability

As the 3DR Solo was built from the ground up to be future-proof and to accommodate technologies and expansion options in the future, the manufacturer included an accessory bay, a gimbal bay and easy-to-swap motor pods that are integrated speed controllers. For the gimbal bay, it gives the freedom for other companies to make specific plug-and-play gimbals or imaging devices, which would be provided with the HD feed to Solo’s mobile app, full camera control and even access to the quadcopter’s computing power. For the accessory bay, it has similar functionality, but it is primarily designed for accessories other than imaging and gimbal devices, such as a ballistic parachute system, optical flow indoor flight stabilizer and LED lighting system. Moreover, the swappable motor pods will allow you to easily switch out motors in the field when needed and will leave open the possibility for the integration of upgraded propulsion systems in the future for Solo.

Here is a detailed 3DR Solo Quadcopter review.

Availability

The 3DR Solo is available in over 2,000 retail locations around the world. Last June and July, the quadcopter was made available in 3DR-authorized premium retailers, including Boulanger in France, Currys and Wex Camera in the UK, Best Buy and London Drugs in Canada, Virgin Megastore and Dubai Duty Free in the UAE and Harvey Norman in Australia.

For more 3DR reviews, keep in touch with us here at epfilms.tv.

Specs:

Cameras: Compatible with GoPro® HERO3, 3+ and 4; optimized for HERO3+ and 4

Streaming video quality: 720p

Flight time: 25 minutes; 20 minutes with payload*

Range: .5 miles** (.8 km)

Max speed: 55 mph (89 km/h)

Max ascent speed: 10 m/s in stabilize mode; 5 m/s in “fly” mode

Max descent speed: ditto

Max payload: 420 g

Max altitude: 400 ft per FAA regulation, user adjustable (122 m)

Motors: 880 kV

Propellers: 10″ diameter 4.5″ pitch self-tightening (24 cm diameter 144 cm pitch); glass-reinforced nylon

Autopilot: Pixhawk 2

Software: APM:Copter

Communication: 3DR Link secure WiFi network

Frequency: 2.4 GHz

Weight: 3.3 lbs. (1.5 kg) / 3.9 lbs. (1.8 kg) with GoPro® and Solo Gimbal

Dimensions: 10 in. tall (25 cm), 18 in. (46 cm) motor-to-motor

Flight battery: Lithium polymer 5200 mAh 14.8 Vdc

Battery charge time: ~1.5 hours

Controller battery: 2600 mAh 7.2 Vdc rechargeable lithium ion

App requirements: iOS 8.0 or later / Android 4.3 or later

*Flight time varies with payload, wind conditions, elevation, temperature, humidity, flying style and pilot skill. Listed flight time applies to elevations less than 2,000 ft above sea level.

**Depending on environmental conditions; controller is expandable, allowing us or third parties to amp up the range in the future.

Solo Smart Battery:

Rechargeable lithium polymer (Li-Po)

5200 mAh

14.8 Vdc

Weight: 1 lb. (.5 kg)

Solo Gimbal:

Three-axis stabilization

Fully compatible with 3DR Solo and GoPro HERO3+ and HERO4; camera charging and stabilization only with HERO3

HDMI video output

Wireless software upgrade through Solo

Controllable range: 0° to -90° pitch

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