Here's a shot of the Iris production line, with some of the first batch of Developer Editions getting ready to go out last week. The first shipments started on Friday. They come in a cool box -- here's mine, which just arrived!
The Iris Developer Edition is for users who want the first hands-on experience with our next-gen autopilot, Pixhawk, and the suite of upgraded technologies, from software to radios, that are at the core of Iris. As part of this Developer program, these brave early users have access to a special support and feedback list, where they will be working directly with the engineers and software developers to ensure that the ultimate consumer experience is as good as possible. They'll also get a discount on the Iris Consumer Edition, which should be out before Thanksgiving (mid-Nov).
As these first Iris Developer units reach customers, we'll start revealing more of what's inside them and the full suite of technologies, from cross-platform ground stations and mobile apps to autopilot controlled camera gimbals, that are coming as part of the new Iris/Pixhawk platform. This reflects more than a year of development and is designed to combine fly-out-of-the-box ease of use with the power of real UAV autonomy, allowing a totally new experience in aircraft control.
Thanks in advance to the Developer Edition users, whose input will be invaluable in polishing off any rough edges and otherwise ensuring that the Iris Consumer Edition will arrive ready for everyone, expert or not.
Comments
Andy: Yes, replacement parts will be available. Iris comes with its own telemetry radios, which are much more capable than those that come in RC gear, and can work with everything from laptops to phones/tablets. I don't think you'll see any advantage in using RC telemetry, given what Iris offers out of the box.
Oh I also forgot to ask about the changes for the official release. Will things like the battery door and GoPro mounts be available to purchase for these developer versions so we can bring them up to the same status?
Thanks!
Chris,
Since I use a Graupner transmitter, I like the fact that the MK hardware allows a special connection to allow telemetry info to be fed down through the receiver. In the past I thought I saw someone do it with custom code, so I wondered if this would ever be supported with the Pixhawk down the road (Graupner/Jeti/Futaba formatted telemetry)?
Putting my order in for the IRIS now...
Veikko: It comes with it.
Please do and see if it can fit into your Consumer realse deadline. Keep us posted here.
I was thinking of the same the pther day. :-)
I will let this company know. Are you planning to have larger size with the same capabilities as Iris? They need FPV to inspect wires and need longer flight time.
Ben,
We are looking at a 4s-3200 and a 3s-4200 that will fit in Iris. Of course higher capacity batteries will weigh more, so it's the usual balancing act of capacity vs weight. The stock 3s 3500 is a great choice. A lot of imaging can be done in ten minutes, and a quick battery swap is all that's required to get back in the air.
This is a lot like cameras, think of Iris as an equivalent to a top of the line consumer camera that borders on the pro-sumer level. It's not going to do everything a pro-level device will do, but it's incredibly capable along with being affordable and very easy to use.
If you need pro-level stuff we can provide it.
Craig: we have both Mac and Android ground station/setup software. The Mac one will be released in beta this week.
Veikko: the body will change a bit, with a slightly different battery hatch and GoPro mounting. Right now the ventilation slots are CNC'd and they'll be molded in the consumer version. Stuff like that...
This is great! Congratulation and good luck. This represents, IMHO, the best possibility of 2013-2014 in it's class!
Now I just have to look into the Mac (or android) end of things because I refuse to buy a DJI or any other platform that requires me to run windows...
Andy, we're not making batches per se. Production has now started and your order would probably ship within a week.
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