VR Spark 350 born after a year full of experiments, where we worked on improving electronic technologies, mechanical design, usability for end user and the possibility to be used for commercial purposes respecting regulation rules that govern the use of drones in the civil aviation world.
We implemented control systems and flight termination to ensure compliance with the Italian and French rules , now start to work on U.S to achieve high levels of safety and reliability. Current configuration with Brushless Gimbal , GoPro 4 and Parachute is 1.3 kg . It has a maximum take off weigh of 1.8 Kg. (3.4 pounds) to take advantage of the imminent FAA and European regulations that will enable smaller drones to fly in restricted areas.
We are currently undergoing experimentation to achieve Italian and French approval for commercial use, and plan to start selling in April.
We are searching partner that want support us for VR Spark Section 333 FAA certification.
for info contact me by skype my account is : virtualrobotix or at my email r.navoni@virtualrobotix.com I'll be present during ELC Technical Showcase in San Jose.
VR Spark 350 main applications are:
- low budget filmography.
- safety and rescue.
- Video inspection .
- Marketing (drones branded for promotion - delivery -)
- Automatic features as follow me through VR platform Leash. (Action Sports)
- Photogrammetry.
- Training schools for professional pilots.
- Suitable for drones startups company and research projects (eg H2020).
Example of filmografy :
Example of our Flir based Thermal image sensor :
This multi role machine aims to enter as a protagonist in the business services using drones.
It has all the features to aspire to be the Italian answer to the Chinese DJI Phantom. The semplicity and portability of a DJI Phantom, but with so many more payload options and flexibility!
This is last Technical Specification: (Updated)
- Innovative Italian Design and special painting technology.
Frame configuration : Multicopter Quad .
Propeller: 9x4.5 Option 10x4.5
Motors: 980 KV
Time of flight 18 min.
Weight : 1.3 kg in full configuration Gimbal , GoPro 4 Camera and Parachute .
Flight Control : VR Brain 5.2 PRO ( VR SPARK CUSTOMIZATION)
GPS : VR GPS 8 GNSS dual mode navigation system GPS / GLONASS. until 18 sat and HDOP < 1.5
Flight Termination System : VR Flight Stop PRO Power Cutoff + Parachute.
Luca ... The Flight Stop work fine ? ... Opsss :)
Radio Link:
Primary: SBUS FRSKY X4R
Secondary: Flyght Stop : PPMSUM FRSKY D4R
Telemetry:
FRSKY S.PORT (Telemetry information available on Taranis display LUA Script customizable ) .
VR Link 868 / 915 (Mavlink telemetry module)
VR OSD - option - ( Video overlay main telemetry information : attitude , GPS , Battery)
- FPV Functionality :
- CCD camera integrated in the drone .
- 5.8 Ghz Video TX .
- Video Switch between the FPV Camera and GoPro 4 .
- Voltage and Hall effect Current sensor integrated on distribution board.
Standard Payload 2 Axis Brushless Gimbal + GoPro 4 Hero Black.
PAYLOAD Option Max Weight ( 500 gr)
Battery 3S 4000 Mah.
Special Drone Code 1st Meeting version support on board RaspberryPi .
It is thanks to the work of a large community made up of people with great competence, passion and technological skill that this project has seen the light.
Thanks to Virtualrobotix and the APM:Copter DEV team which has done an excellent job bringing this platform to high levels that was, in its infancy, within the reach of only a few experts.
Now after extensive work on the simplification and usability, so many more professionals can enjoy the flexibility and power of this platform.
for info contact : info@virtualrobotix.com
original blog post with update : http://www.virtualrobotix.com/profiles/blogs/vr-spark-350-will-be-presented-at-embedded-linux-conference-at-te
Comments
In this snapshot the gimbal is leveled to 0°
the gimbal is positioned quite forward, arms are angled enough to keep the propeller away from camera FOV with angle Greater than 5°. This is an example in wide mode. In medium or narrow mode you can level the camera at 0 degrees
@Glenn,
understand your point of view , I ask to Daniele about new footage where the camera pitch is 0 . We are continue to iterate for best result possible with this kind of platform ;)
I watched that, it's the same video as linked at the top, but every aerial shot has the camera pointed down quite a few degrees. I'll take your word for it though.
@Glenn MM
ablsolutely not in the video check this ...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i8QocF5F7fw
Is there any footage of forward flight with the camera pointed level? Do the props get in the picture?
Very nice work Roberto! Bravo!
@Kevin,
Thanks :) In these day i'm prepare some template for use with Dronecode edition of VR Spark , i'm testing last revision of raspberry PI 2 vs Rpi standard It's a very good upgrade a lot of power 6x ... for video analitics application it's very nice improvment.
@Chris,
I'm very happy to meet you at ELC . I think that will be a great kickoff meeting :)
I bring with me VR Spark so you can see our new drone design ;)
@Gary ,
thanks . I'm very happy that you and the other people like our new RTF Drone .
We are working on different payload option . For different kind of market service .
Congrats Roberto!