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Parrot iPod-Controlled Quadricopter Launches This Week
MojoKid writes "Remote-controlled helicopters are not new, but Parrot's AR.Drone Quadricopter is set to make a splash when it goes on sale on Sept. 9th. It will use an iPhone, iPod touch, or iPad as a controller, and give a live video feed from two different cameras to the pilot. Each model comes with two hulls, one of them for indoor use, with protective loops around the rotors. The device creates its own Wi-Fi network, which the iOS device connects to in order to control the Quadricopter."
These are apparently better for use indoors as they can't tolerate much wind. Chris Anderson from DIYdrones (and WIRED), has reviewed them
http://diydrones.com/profiles/blogs/review-of-the-production
We should also mention that the control software for the AR.Drone is Open Source; while it only currently runs on the iPhone and iPod Touch, versions for Android and other devices should be forthcoming.
Jesus had a UNIX beard.
I thought from the name the thing was controlled by a parrot.
Originally it was, but during the long beta the parrot ceased to be.
No, no, he's uh,... he's resting!
I have discovered a truly marvelous proof of killer sig, which this margin is too narrow to contain.
I was so disappointed when I learned this story wasn't about a parrot that had learned to control a helicopter using an iPod. Then he could get his own damn crackers.
To whom it may concern:
Shame this stuff is never covered when it's done by true homebrewing geeks.
Sincerely,
Dongcopters.
Neither did you understand that the iPod touch, iPad or iPhone displays video taken from the drone, streams it over WiFi, and displays it on the screen. Technology that you cannot put together for $5. Imbecile.
If you make it out of childhood without one deep cut, broken bone, or serious concussion, you're not really ready to be considered an adult yet.
Some parts of life are dangerous. We have to learn to deal with and accept this when growing up. This particular example doesn't even seem life threateningly dangerous. Just get-some-stitches or maybe worst case lose-a-finger dangerous.
This is my sig. There are many like it but this one is mine.
Android's version is ready. There is a problem however with Android not officially allowing ad hoc connections (which are used to connect to the drone), hence a stock android phone cannot be used. A rooted version does, however. More here: https://projects.ardrone.org/boards/1/topics/show/452
You'll put your eye out!
I mean, yeah, getting hit with one looks like it wouldn't be fun, but it's not as if he almost died. He also was running the motor and the prop without having it anchored to anything.
If you or your children are going to work/play with power tools, electronics, chemistry, or other form of engineering, you need to know what precautions to take to safely use your equipment and what the risks are when something fails.
In this case about the worst case scenario is loss of control resulting in somebody to get some surface lacerations. If your kid is intentionally flying $300 model airplanes into people, then perhaps you shouldn't let him fly one to begin with. Parents should be able to determine their children's ability to deal with a certain level of danger. If your kid's not prepared to handle high rpm propellers/BB gun/reciprocating saw then don't let them, but it's not a reason to hold back the kids that are.
This is my sig. There are many like it but this one is mine.