You can operate the IRIS+ Quadcopter with GoPro Mount from 3D Robotics to old way, using the included transmitter (radio controller), or you can take advantage of GPS navigation and autonomy to plot an autopilot course using waypoints and an Android mobile device. The IRIS+ comes with a static GoPro mount as a simple way to mount the camera, plus it's compatible with the separately available Tarot Gimbal for aerial video applications where motorized stabilization and the ability to move the camera is required. A 5100mAh LiPo flight battery comes in the box and is estimated to provide between 16 to 22 minutes of flying time. This version features a 915 MHz radio for U.S. (Region 2) regulatory compliance.
Thanks to GPS and an ARM Cortex-powered flight computer not only is autonomous flying possible, the IRIS+ can also land itself automatically at the press of a button, or fly back to a pre-specified home point should contact with the transmitter be lost or if the battery drops below a certain threshold. It also enables GPS tracking, whereby the IRIS+ will follow a subject on the ground who is carrying a GPS-enabled Android device.
Since this is a "ready-to-fly" (RTF) bundle, all of the basics to get started are included. In the box you will find a transmitter, the 3DR telemetry radio, a 5100mAh flight battery, a battery charger, a USB cable, and an Android OTG cable.
This bundle includes a transmitter (radio controller) that is pre-bound to the aircraft, and comes with all major assembly completed at the factory. It is important, however, to consult the user guide and follow all pre-flight calibrations steps before taking to the air. Improper calibration can result in unstable flight conditions or cause the quadcopter to fly off course
The IRIS+ can land itself automatically, or return to a home point if it travels out of range or runs low on battery (popper calibration and GPS contact required)
3DR's 3PV (Third Person View)Follow Me technology turns the IRIS+ into a hands-free aerial camera crew that puts the pilot in the middle of your adventure. With GPS tracking, the IRIS+ can follow a subject who is carrying a GPS-enabled Android device. This technology simultaneously controls the gimbal to keep the camera centered on the subject
With the free DroidPlanner 2 software, IRIS+ users can plan flights by simply drawing a flight path on an Android tablet or phone, which allows for hands-free flight control. Now your drone will go where you tell it to go, and it can even keep your GoPro pointed at the same location via a Region of Interest "waypoint" throughout the entire flight
The IRIS+ comes with an integrated GoPro camera mount, with a vibration dampener for aerial photography and video. For maximum video stability as well as the ability to move the GoPro independently of the quadcopter, consider installing the Tarot Gimbal (available separately)
The included 3DR telemetry radio features two transceiver units - one for the air end and one for the ground end - that allow the flight computer to communicate with an Android tablet that supports OTG (on the go) USB device hosting. Using the app you can view flight data in real time, update settings, and access the Auto Mission Planning feature
In addition to the two radios, the system includes an Android OTG USB cable, a standard USB cable for connecting to a computer, and communication cables required to connect the air end transceiver to the flight controller