Disclaimers: This is still called a DEV kit... things may change in real production version.
Full disclaimer, I am the Canadian reseller of 3DR stuff, but people knowing me know that I keep it true and if there is something I don't like I will point it out!
So my IRIS RTF arrived Guess what I did... yeah pictures time!
First of all... the box is HUGE!! (30 X 21.5 X 7.5 inches...!)
It has no issues with Fedex, I think because of it's size carrier will maybe handle it a bit better... hard to toss this one around... but could it has being smaller a bit... let's open it up...
Oh... shipping with props on... !!! that is a first for me... was it really necessary guys? I mean installing props is something we do (or should do) everytime we go flying and for safety I am always saying to remove them when done flying/crashing :)
I think it's one critical step that I like to leave for the customer to do...
There is space optimization too where 3DR could have fit this all in a smaller box (but not much, Radio is cleanly secured, IRIS arms are solidly held in place in the cardboard cutout and tape.
Let's see the parts we get!
Wow a LiPo Bag! yeah! now we are just missing a small LiPo Alarm/bench tester to complete the kit (as the included charger has no voltage display... plugging in the LiPo to the IRIS and starting up Mission planner to check voltage is not intuitive...)
So here we go with the inventory (remember, DEV kit, subject to change, bla bla bla)
1 X IRIS craft (yeah... will get back at this later but the first time you touch it to take it out of the box you feel how strong and rigid the arms and shell are... wow)
1 X Radio FlySky FS-TH9x (basic, proven, comes with the FrSky 2.4GHz DJT module so reliable signal) - no battery included, need 8 X AA regular batteries or a power pack...
1 X IMAX B3 charger... basic, simple, does the job, 1 LiPo at a time
1 X bag of cables (international plugs for charger
1 X very nice user manual!
4 X spare props (10x4.5 APC composite)
3 X LiPo (not sure this is standard, I think you only get 1 LiPo unless you order more... I feel special!)
What is missing... Tool bag... USB cables... I think It is included, manual refers to an included Alen key and a supplied custom wrench for the prop nuts... Also there should be a Tablet/USB cable and a PC/USB cable (referenced in manual)
So I think that was all in one bag that is missing from my DEV early shipped box... not a big deal for me but not fun for someone new to the hobby. (guys put a checklist in the box for the content, it helps a lot and customers like to review it too)
Love the included pre-flight check list and the sticker for Radio switches flight modes (wish it was pre cut but again maybe an early version)
Belly side up
(more pictures in next post, reached the max for now)
Comments
Carl, do you think this thing could fly in the cold since it's shielded by the shell, that was one of the things I was anxious to test, snow flying. ;)
Also, flying in the cold usually rules, I notice my batteries last a noticeable amount longer when it is.
Thanks Dany for the info. I'm really looking forward to fly this baby soon, hopefully before it's too cold here in Québec ;-). Keep it up Bro, your doing a good job!
Gervais, So you would like the dev/beta testing of the IRIS do be done behind closed doors instead? Are you sure you would not be complaining about how 3DR is "hiding the truth and not following the spirit of open source etc." instead then?
The Iris is currently very clearly being sold as a prerelease for developers only.
There are still some hardware issues and a bunch of firmware issues, which is exactly what you would expect from such a release.
That said, the Iris has a lot of really great stuff going for it, Pixhawk, Zytel Arms, and clearly heading towards a real ready to fly rugged and useful quadcopter that incorporates all our latest and best stuff.
Dany's presentation is perfect for what it is, giving us all a taste of this product at this stage of it's development.
Criticism of either Dany or the Iris based on this Blog is just silly.
Thank you Dany very much for letting us share your experience with this developer edition so that when the consumer edition actually comes out we will know what to expect.
I didn't think your comment was a personal offense against Dany. I just though it was you saying that we shouldn't post things that make IRIS look bad, or give it bad publicity. Being an open source community I disagreed with that view point. Maybe you meant something else?
Gervais I understand your point, as a total newbie (like me) searching for a more advanced quadcopter you are concerned that less than perfect performance being shown would scare potential users to another platform... and it may do that for some people.
Dany - This post is perfect for me, I have money sitting on the sidelines to purchase a nice quad (after flying with an mqx and a nano for a month or so) the question will be Phantom V2- (maybe Vision) or Iris...
I have been in the technology field for 30yrs so I like the idea of an open community extensible platform, but I would like it to be feature stable if it is advertised as consumer ready and have a company testing/support behind it.
Personally I like the path 3DR is taking with Iris...
Lou
Since my post has been primarily understood as an personal offense against Dany, and Im even got an explantion that flying things crash, its useless anyways and just can be deleted. Since I m not a native english speaker, I probably havent been able to point out what I m heading at.
@gervais, i understand your concerns, but this is an open-source community. We welcome criticisms as much as we do compliments. 3DR has had their share of complaints from the community over the years and they are doing just fine, continuing to grow. Dany had some great things to say about the IRIS and I'm excited, but being the developer version there are issues and I personally would like to hear about them.
I think we need to remember that this is a Blog.
Its safe to say that Dany is providing his opinion and findings to the public who wish to read them.
This site is hosted by Product ("IRIS") Developers and is linked to the 3DR Site... I am sure that if anyone didn't want this information to be up here that it wouldn't be.
@Dany, I am not bashing you for being honest, I even wrote that.
I just dont understand, why testers like you are hurting the reputation of a product which is not ready yet, on public. .
You are not the only one (see RCG) , but since you are a distributor, you are responsible for your post and should know better.
And that is, what is disappointing me. The IRIS sure earns some better introduction. Does not to be a marketing stunt, but if you are not ready to fly the IRIS or do better pics, you just should keep them for yourself.
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