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News and Notifications
Alert - Safety check - 8/2/2012
Deans Plugs Amp limit - when choosing LiPo connectors for heavy lift or SkyJib craft make sure you use High Amp
connectors such as EC5 or similar 100+ Amp connectors. One report of a deans plug failure in flight on a heavy lift
AD8 - note Deans type connectors are rated to 50 Amps only.
Photohigher 360 head main bolt - please check and make sure that the main Nut holding the Photo higher 360 head
to the craft is well secured - one report in of a near mishap where the Nut had come loose potentially allowing the
entire gimbal and camera to fall off the craft. Use the supplied anti shake washer and check the Nut regularly.
Droidworx battery straps - please check the join in your droidworx battery strap(s), we have had a batch in
which the quality of the join is questionable - best way to check is grab both ends and pull hard to test the join. The
problem has been sorted in-house but please let us know if you need a replacement.
The CX 2012 special edition - 23/1/2012
The CX gets a special paint job to commemorate 2012 - the year of the dragon will probably go down in history for many amazing things, Images in the "image gallery on the menu bar" -
Enjoy.
Droidworx ECM Update - 23/1/2012
The ECM has reached the final prototype stage and now queued up for tooling and on target for a First Quarter release.
More news to follow as we have it for you on this project.
Droidworx Mini Quad - 23/1/2012
This sweet little Full CF kit quad for 8 inch props is purely for fun and training. A quality lightweight kit with anodised
alloy fastener sets takes about 20 mins to build, comes with Universal adaptor for MK, HF, DJI NAZA, Arducopter etc..
New CX Landing gear - 11/1/2012
The CX gets a new Landing gear assembly, finally a construction we are satisfied with. Sturdy on its feet, well balanced,
able to carry an external battery up to 5000mAp 4s and also now swappable with the AD Series standard LG assebly
if you have a need to carry a larger camera mount and camera. All CX kits ship with coax engine mounts and electronics
fittings for the MK Octo distro board to easily convert the craft into a CX-8 coax.
Note: as this is a critical component upgrade, all previous CX buyers will recieve the new CX LG assy free, along with the
longer under body spacers for a more snug fit between the body and the landing gear assembly.
Hi Visibility Engine Mounts - 11/1/2012
New High visibility engine mounts sets, engine boots and boom bracket parts now available. Made from the same
durable industrial material as the Black Parts these are available in three colours, yellow (shown) , orange and red.
They can also be used to "pimp" your machine, only on the rear boom(s) for orientation or simply to help as a visual
aid for the pilot.
CX - ESC Power PCB - 21/12/2011
The CX gets an optional ESC / LiPo / Flight Control power board which fits hidden beneath the centre section of the CX
tucked away neatly to help manage the wiring harness - suitable for Hoverfly and DJI (not required for Mikrokopter FC
and BL's). There will be two version of these, the self solder model (shown) and a soldered version with Silicon wire and
XT60 connectors attached...available soon.
Closed for Christmas - 20/12/2011
Droidworx will be closed for the Christmas holiday period from December 23rd to Jan 10th. Emergency contact for
urgent spares, orders etc
can be made via the mobile Number on the contact page.
We wish you a merry Christmas, and a safe, peaceful and prosperous new year full of new and exciting discoveries. We
would like to thank all the wonderful dealers in our distribution network for your support, kindness and friendship and a
big thank you to our loyal following and customers in the world of Multi-Rotor. We have some new stuff lined up for early
2012, more great stuff on the way...
and on behalf of all the crew at Droidworx...Kind and warm regards to you all.
New CX Video - go to video button - 16/12/2011
A stunning new video from "the video guys" shot in India with one of our first prototype machines - enjoy.
New Axi - Droidworx Multi-Rotor Engines - 14/12/2011
The new Axi-Droidworx engines are now available from Axi Directly at: www.modelmotors.cz - your contact there is Jan or
also now available from http://www.electricwingman.com/product.aspx?product=2319 - The 2217/20
for CX and standard lift AD series craft and the 2814/22 for the AD Heavy Lifters.
Recycle Zip Lock bags back - 11/12/2011
After a brief trial with a more "Earth Friendly" packaging alternative - the Bio-degradable cellophane bags - we are going
back to the Zip Lock bags which can be recycled. The Cellophane bags were tearing and opening during shipping
and the Zip Locks are just much more practical for our requirements. Please do re-use and recycle them, thank you.
CX Retail Box - 29/11/2011
The Droidworx CX4 gets a new retail and display box - a white lightweight carton with full colour sticker and insert - earth
friendly packaging. Quantity orders of the CX craft can be shipped in our bulk shipping boxes for distributors.
Perimeter Signs, High Visibility - 15/11/2011
These bright, lightweight, flat foldout perimeter markers are for placing around your take off and landing site to
help keep people clear of your craft while operating - available in packs of 5, two colors - fluro yellow or fluro red
with the words "aerial robot in operation stand clear" or "aerial robot in operation caution". 400x400x400mm
Available soon.
New SkyJib 6 crash cage - 14/11/2011
The SkyJib 6 is getting a new crash cage, the current crash cage is not optimum and since this is a "critical component
upgrade"... Droidworx policy on this is...its free.
Toy Mini Quad assembly Kit - 12/11/2011
We have available a sweet little toy "Droidworx" mini quad kit available for your Kids - for under the Christmas tree. A
precision laser cut kit for ages 4-10 (or for bigger kids like ourselves)..
ECM Folding airframe - AD class - 11/11/2011
The much asked for folding airframe is almost here - its an AD class airframe which is fully backwards compatible with
all current and past AD HL models, so upgrading your AD to an ECM is possible...please go to the ECM button on the
front page for more information.
Droidworx Mini Quad and Mini Hexa - 10/11/2011
We are releasing a new range of mini craft, the M4 and M6 which are a high quality solid, simple construction craft which
will be perfect for training and aerobatics - prototypes are in and final version craft will be available soon. 6-8" props only.
Make it count - make a difference - 05/11/2011
Droidworx was founded on this premise – we could see back in 2008 when this all started that these little flying
craft could help change our world…and that they are. In art and beauty, in bringing new perspectives to our
lives and soon in search and rescue operations with many other potential very useful, efficient, planet and human friendly
applications. More than 10,000 visitors come to this site every month – so firstly, a big Thank You to all our
supporters, you are loved and appreciated by all the crew at Droidworx...
..the world is yours to make of it whatever you want it to be – everything is possible - make it count, make a difference.
Watch> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MVuZ5NTcn6Q&feature=share
Join> http://www.weday.com/
Axi - Droidworx Engines - 2/11/2011
Axi Motors, world remown for its high quality build and smooth running bearings are making a "Droidworx" branded
range of 2217/20 and 2814/22 with extended wires (600mm), longer heat shrink out from the engine base (25mm)
short shaft Mulri-Rotor ready - with a black annodised barrell and black on silver sticker set. These will be available from
Axi directly in the first instance from Dec 2011.
Cosmetic engine mount boots - 27/10/2011
The new cosmetic engine mount boots are now shipping with all CX and AD series kits; a lightweight composite
engineering polymer to protect the wires from the engine at the boom ends and also to dress the engine mounts
appearance.
AD8-HL new 430mm booms (910mm dia) - 18/10/2011
The widely used and hugely successful AD-8 HL's get a new boom length to 430mm to allow the fitting of
13 x 6.5 props providing just a bit more usable thrust and payload. There are also some Carbon fibre 13" props on
the market which are a good match with the high quality AXi motors. Remember to check prop balancing.
FE Copter Special Orbit 15 engines - 18/10/2011
Made especially for FE Copter by Plettenberg (one of Germany's leading industrial grade engine manufacturers) this
dynamically balanced motor is an ultra smooth running 3KG thrust heavy lift engine for the Skyjib craft...for more
information please contact Dirk Kadler @ www.aerialrobot.de
SkyJib and CX shipping this week 18/10/2011
After long delays with these models we are finally shipping to our distributors this week...; apologies and gratitude to
all
for your patience. The upshot of the delays are... a more complete and comprehensive offering for both these craft.
Droidworx moves to bigger premesis - 5/10/2011
We are moving over the week 5-13 Oct to bigger and brighter premesis in New Zealands beautiful South Island..
expect some minor delays in email responses and operations.. thank you for your patience. This move helps us to
establish the new test lab, gives us more space for a faster and more steamlined dispatch centre, and some much
needed additional admin space. Overall...a sharper, more efficient Droidworx...and yes... "More New Products" :)
AeroDrive 8 High Current Power Distribution Release - 4/10/2011
Aerodron have released their new high current power disto and ESC board for the skyjib craft. This high quality electronics
component powers the Axi 4120 series engines on the droidworx skyjib craft. Test results show a payload of more than
9-10Kg's with ease ... For more information on this please contact Sandro or Bruno at www.aerodron.ch
Global Distributor - Flir Thermal Imaging Camera's 25/09/2011
Droidworx has a new deal with FLIR to distribute their fabulious range of TAU Thermal imaging camera's into the
Droidworx global dealer neatwork; in time for the launch of the CX industrial models late September - early October.
CX4, Skyjib 6 and Skyjib 8 release - 9/9/2011
The first production models of these craft will be into store and ready for shipping in the last week of this month.
The delays have been due to final tweaks of the prototypes for our production models of these 3 craft - final
product images will be released also end of this month. Pre-orders are now being accepted for these models.
Retracts for AD HLE's coming soon - 9/9/2011
New lightweight retractable landing gear coming soon for the Droidworx AD HLE, designed to be fitted with the Photohigher
AV200 pro mount.
Droidworx - Patented Boom Nacelle's soon for AD series - 20/8/2011
The SkyJib 8 and 6 production models come standard with the new Patented Boom Nacelles which are an aerodynamic
leading and/or trailing edge; ultra light-weight moulded carbon fibre attachments for the booms & when placed under
the Prop wash reduce drag and buffeting, increase efficiency and flight time, and help to achieve perfect results.
These will soon be available for all AD series V1-V3 craft also.
CX delayed - 5/8/2011
There will be a slight delay in the release of the CX series kits - we are essentially not satisfied with an integral
component and are working quickly to solve the issue - apologies for the inconvenience.
Hoverfly GPS module - 27/7/2011
Hoverfly have released the long anticipated GPS and Navigation module for thier Pro flight control board offering
GPS hold, return to home and care free flight features.
Heavy Lift engine mounts - 7/7/2011
Just a quick notice to all about the "Heavy Lift" engine mounts - we replaced the alloy disks in March 2011 on all
models, with a graphite composite industrial grade polymer which are lighter, stronger, absorb more vibration and
bind better with the machine screws which attach the engine to the disk. These are an inprovement for many reasons
and are included in all kits and have been included in all kits since March 2011.
Flight control crash cage - 29/6/2011
These Fiberglass protective cages available for the AD series craft, they can be used to replace the dome, adding more
cooling and offering solid protection for your flight control and electronics. These are a high quality component
adding functionality to your craft as well as some good looks - now available in the kits as a replacement to the dome,
please specify your preference when placing orders...thank you.
New Flight Control adaptor plate - 21/5/2011
We'll be includng a new universal adaptor in all the new AD, CS and CX kits; Mikrokopter as standard, the adaptor plate
fits both Hoverfly Pro and hoverfly sport boards, UAVP-NG, Openpilot and Arducopter boards.
(Cinema Series) - 10/5/2011 - special note:
To all those enquiring about the CS craft; we are currently producing a sample run for our distributors to
gather feedback and data on setups. These craft are not officially released... we will take orders from those willing to experiment with larger engines and propellers and suitable electronics - this is a heavy duty airframe with special
hand made booms and anti-vibration inserts designed to withstand the high loads and stresses of higher thrust
and torque. It is considered an experimental airframe until matched and optimum setups have been found.
Boom Brackets - inner parts - Caution - please check - 18/4/2011
Just a quick note to ask you all to check the boom bracket inner parts - we have had a couple of reports that some
of
these parts have broken, possibly by overtightening and fatigue. Anyone who has broken parts, please contact us
and we will replace the full set with the new ones which are now made from a composite material used in mining
industry industrial conveyor belt rollers and bearings. The bridge section of these parts have also been thickened
slightly...and just a reminder that this part should not be over tightened.
(Cinema Series) - 5/4/2011
We are shipping several of the two new CS6 and CS8 craft out to our beta testers today for the first check flights of the
setup - the retracts and mount are about 10 days away from ready at this stage. We expect the CS craft to be ready for
production soon after. We will not be taking orders for these until the entire unit is approved for release.
AV100 now available - 4/4/2011
The new tilt only AV100 is now available for all Droidworx AD series craft. This is a precision build tilt only mount
with belt driven 2.7:1 reduction powered by a high torque coreless Savox servo; weight 230 grams, suitable for
camera's up to 500grams - recommended for point and shoots and compact sub 500 gram DSLR's.
New retractable landing gear AD-HL's - 3/4/2011
Droidworx AD heavy lift series will soon have an optional retractable landing gear assembly. This LG-R assembly will
fit directly to all existing and future AD series heavy lift craft (it can also be fitted to standard series AD craft if camera
payloads are minimal). This assembly will only be available for droidworx pro series airframes and through our
distribution network. Expected release date - June/July 2011.
Please note this is not a replacement for the standard and/or extended fixed landing gear sets; fitting the LG-R will
reduce camera payloads as the unit will obviously add more weight to the craft. The LG-R assembly will be designed as
a swap-able unit so the fixed landing gear system can be kept and used as required.
Landing gear upgrade - 28/3/2011
The new 2mm plates will not be available until the end of April due to delays caused by recent global natural disasters.
Since only a fraction of our customers experienced issues with the existing 1.5mm plates we will continue to ship
all models with the existing landing gear version until current stocks run out.
We offer anyone who breaks a carbon fiber main landing gear plate (1.5mm) free replacement 1.5mm plates while stock
is available.
When the upgraded versions arrive in our warehouse we will offer these new 2mm plates as a "cost price replacement".
Cinema Series + Delay - 20/3/2011
Unfortunately the Cinema Series is delayed due to an apparent shipping misshap; we have lost two shipments of parts
for these craft which appear to have been caught up in the Christchurch earthquake. These parts were due in three weeks
ago; New components are being rushed through manufacturing and we may still have these available for early April.
These craft will now be relessed with a new "retractable landing gear" and a PH AV333R mount: see here..
http://www.droidworx.com.au/newreleases.html
Wholesale only 17/3/2011
From March 21st Droidworx will be wholesale only - airframe sales, spares and accessories will be available from
our global dealer network. This will:
encourage local sales of our products and support your local economy
reduce the shipping cost of items as we mainly ship in bulk to our outlets
reduce waste packaging material and green house emissions
free more time for droidworx central to focus on product development
We do however ask you to contact us if you are having trouble ordering kits and spares through your local source...
...we will continue to encourage direct communication with the end users regarding feedback, issues, suggestions and problems to be solved...and we will supply airframes and parts directly to anyone who cannot find a local source.
Spare parts for Australian and New Zealand customers will still be available direct from Droidworx
Landing Gear Upgrade - 3/3/2011
The droidworx landing gear will be upgraded to a heavier duty construction - whilst the current setup is sufficient for experienced pilots, some damage is being reported from bad landings. This carbon construction is strong but
not indestructible, and damage may occur if the craft is driven into the ground.
We have completed trials with some heavy duty gear rail tubes; and our next production run of landing gear plates will
be made from heavier 2mm CF plate with smaller lightening holes; the gear rail tubes will now be made from a solid engineering composite rod wrapped in 1mm carbon fiber in place of the current hollow CF tubes with composite threaded
inserts. 2 extra gear rail tubes will also be added to the kit for beginners to install between the CF landing gear plates
to further strengthen the landing gear assembly - experienced pilots can keep these out of the assembly for spares.
Anyone who has the old landing gear and has damaged components due to a hard landing will be able to purchase the
new upgraded complete landing gear assembly or separate components for half retail price.
Please note; Droidworx does not use "plastic" in any part of this craft - we use a high grade engineering composite
chosen for its strength and natural vibration absorption properties.
Cinema Series CS6 and CS8 - 25/2/2011
The first of these new craft will be shipped to the US for beta testing the first week in March, although there have been
some slight delays with getting these two new craft ready we are pleased to see the first CS6 and CS8 go out; expected
date for public release is April 5th. We'll keep you posted here on results and developments. As mentioned previously,
these craft do not supercede the AD heavy lift series, they are designed for the larger 2820 series engines and 14"
props and 3Kg payloads - there will be no sales for these two craft until the test results are positive and we have
settled on design and components.
New video's posted - 25/2/2011
AD-6 with Axi 2217/20 mid range engine and Graupner 11x5 electro props (3rd from left in the top row on the video
page) - this is a very sweet engine/prop combination on the AD series airframe's, no heavy lift setup required but
offering more lift and very smooth flight characteristics. Also, AD-8HLE with Photohigher AV200 (4th from left in the
top row on the video page) from one of our first German customers who has the craft flying beautifully.
Hi Flow hi impact dome soon available - 17/2/2011
A hi flow hi impact dome will soon be available for the droidworx heavy lift range. For those in hot climates who are
experinecing some issues with overheating BL's this will provide some additional cooling ventilation.
Procerus UAV - Kestrel - to fit droidworx - 17/2/2011
Advanced flight control and navigation system available soon for all droidworx airframes including the soon to be
released Concept-X and Cinema Series craft: go to www.procerusuav.com for more info or see the data sheet here Photohigher AV100 tilt only mount - 17/2/2011
A simplified mount offering 2.5:1 belt driven reduction drive tilt powered by a quality high spec. Savox servo, this 200g
mount is perfect for point and shoot application for compact DSLR to POV camera's - due for release in mid March.
MD2 - DW lightweight CF mount for droidworx - 17/2/2011
This lightweight carbon mount is available to fit the droidworx standard landing gear set and is made available
through quadrocopter.us. For more information on this mount please contact either quadrocopter
or the manufacturer directly at: mdana11@comcast.net
Mikrokopter HL Octo distribution board released - 15/2/2011
Mikrokopter has released a high current distribution board for the 8's in line with the general trend toward heavy
lift craft and higher payload capacities.
360 mounts delayed release - 14/2/2011
There will be a further delay on the release of the 360 camera gimbals from Photohigher - now expected approx. the end
of february.
Photohigher mounts - 8/2/2011
Notification - due to the current backlog of orders being processed by Photohigher we will no longer be taking orders for these mounts until that backlog is cleared - Kimberly is struggling with the explosive demand for his products and is, as far as we can see, making progress. We'll keep you informed here on the situation.
Hamilton RC meet Feb 12 & 13 - 2/02/2011
Droidworx and Photohigher will be at the Hamilton RC Heli event in New Zealand on February 12 and 13 with a display
stand showcasing a range of airframes, camera mounts, UAV helicopters, other accessories and some new products for 2011 - this is set to be New Zealands biggest ever Heli event so far featuring some of the world top pilots on show.
Full details of the event can be found here..
http://www.rcheliresource.com/upcoming-event-down-under-heli-smack-down-2011/
CAUTION 6.5v recom installation - 8/1/2011
Make sure you read the data sheet on the installation of this regulator to the MK FC before installing and powering the
board. Incorrect installation may result in damge to the MK FC.
AD-6HLE boom length change -7/1/2011
The AD-6 heavy lift extended (HLE) craft will get a slight mod to the boom length and will now be shipped with 355mm
booms as standard. The slightly larger diameter helps with flight stability when loaded with heavy DSLR's slung low
beneath the craft on the extended landing gear and Pro-Mount (av200).
Customers who have purchased a AD-6HLE are entitled to a free upgrade - please contact us.
6.5 volt Regulator for MK FC camera control - source in Europe - 29/10/2010
The higher current regulator for the MK FC to power the Photohigher mounts are available in Europe from:
http://nl.farnell.com/jsp/search/productdetail.jsp?sku=1696321
APC 11x4.7 - 23/12/2010
Apc have now released a new 11" counter rotating set - this prop matched with a 2217 series axi motor would make a
solid medium lift alternative on a standard AD-4, ADX-3 & X4 or AD-6 airframe. We have upgraded the booms on the
standard series V2 craft in anticipation of this possibility. Note: the AD-8 standard 355mm boom length provides
clearance for 10" propellers only.
Camera mount setup - 16/12/2010
Attention: the crew at quadrocopter.us has discovered that using a higher current recom regulator on
the MK FC to supply 6.5 volts (instead of the preinstalled 5.0 volt) to power the servos on the pro-mount (AV200)
improves the responsiveness and smoothness of operation of the photohigher mounts - which are fitted with 6v servos.
These regulators can be obtained from..
http://search.digikey.com/scripts/DkSearch/dksus.dll?lang=en&site=US&WT.z_homepage_link=hp_go_button&Key
Words=945-1055-ND&x=0&y=0
New 360 version gimbals - 10/12/2010
New 360 av130 (pro-mini) and av200 (pro-mount) are being tested and final adjustments are being made for the
production models due for release soon. Droidworx mounted, these new 360 gimbals can be fitted to any current droidworx airframe model. Expected release date: Early Jan 2011 - pricing to be confirmed.
Axi 2814/22 Custom Motors - 6/12/2010
Custom short shaft High Quality AXi 2814/22 - 765 Kv motors with 600mm extended wire now available from one of our
european distributors: www.digitech.nl - please contact Sandor Kruise at digitech for pricing.
SpecificationAXI 2814/22
Voltage range 3 - 6s Li-poly
RPM per Volt 765 RPM/V
Max. Efficiency 85%
Max. Efficiency Current 8-19 A
Max. Loading 25 A/30 s
Internal resistance 168mW
Dimensions 35x37 mm
Shaft Diameter 4 mm
Weight 106 g
Recommended model weight 1000 - 1800 g
Properller range. Direct drive. Special quadrocopter use 12"-14" prop
Photohogher servo upgrade - 1/12/2010
Photohigher is offering servo upgrades for anyone having trouble with the roll or tilt servo on the AV130 (pro mini)..
faster response higher torque full size servo's are available - please contact kimberly Attwell at Photohigher. Note:
the av130 is not recommended for heavy weight DSLR's and big lenses. This is a micro compact DSLR mount only.
Although the internal dimensions will fit a Canon 550D sized camera anyone wishing to use 550D sized camera's
would be advised to use the larger AV200 (pro mount) and extended landing gear assembly.
All new av130 (pro-mini's) will be shipped with the larger servos - available from December 20. Upgrades for the
earlier model will include the new servos plus new chassis to accommodate the larger servos.
V2 upgrades shipped - 25/11/2010
All V2 upgrades have been shipped - all outstanding orders waiting for the V2 series craft are now being packed and
shipped - We'd like to thank everyone for their patience during this new series change over.
Multi-Tool - 25/11/2010
The multi-tool has been delayed. Our Australian manufacturer and engineer for all our Laser cut components has had
a major breakdown on their main laser, the entire unit is being replaced...we are currently sourcing other alternatives.
Cinema Series - 25/11/2010
The “cinema series” will be released as a small test run at first. It is a much larger craft capable of maximum lifting capacity using 2820 series engines and 14" propellers. It will be made with larger diameter gloss CF tubing and anodized alloy engine mounts with a heavy duty gear rail and landing gear assembly and some other innovative features.
The units will be considerably more expensive than the current AD heavy lift range and will be sold as a set with a custom
ultra precision wide bay mount from photohigher. The cinema series does not supercede the current V2 heavy lifters,
this new craft and mount combination will be a specialist craft designed for high end film production and video
work.
No release date as yet. We'll keep you posted.
l
New video's posted - 27/10/2010
AD-8 heavy lift test flight video posted using MK3538 engines, 12 x 3.8 APC props carrying a Canon 550D on the new
pro mount mini - all up weight 3.7kgs. This test flight was with the AD-8 on current light wall CF tubes and whilst the
test flight proves the crafts capability, we are not 100% happy and are now releasing a new range of purpose built "heavy
lift" craft due for release November 12. The higher specification machines will come with heavy wall CF tubes, stiffer
center sections and some other new anti-vibration and practical features.
Also new videos from Quadrocopter.us and RC-Video.org featuring droidworx craft and equipment.
Airframe alterations - heavy lift craft - update - 31/10/2010
The new "heavy lift" series frames are on their way - the first batch of thick wall carbon tubes are in production and will
be arriving in store around November 10-12. The new stiffer center plate sections are also in production and
will be available about the same time. The on-line store is being updated to reflect the 2 distinct airframes now
available; the "standard series" and the "heavy lift" series. Our coaxial airframes are also getting an upgrade in
this process. We are grateful to all those waiting on these new components for their patience...many thanks...Rob.
New camera gimbals coming soon - 29/10/2010
Photohigher are working on 3 new gimbals for the droidworx airfames - 2 x 360 degree pan models with attached landing
gear for the pro-mount and pro mini - primarily for two person operations where the camera operator now can have
full control of the gimbal under the craft. Also a tilt only mount with 2.7:1 reduction for simple aerial image capture.
Pro mount mini - 23/10/2010
The pro mount mini is currently being shipped with Hyperion digital servo's for both roll and tilt. Photohigher will be
offering a faster roll servo upgrade (2X) for those who find that the roll response rate is too slow for their particular
application. The tilt servo can also be upgraded to a larger heavier torque servo for those who wish to use this mount
primarily for larger (canon 550D) size camera's. The mount was initially designed for more compact mirror-less DSLR's
such as the Sony Nex5 and similar. Please contact Kimberly Attwell at www.photohigher.co.nz for details of upgrades.
Hoverfly - 29/10/2010
Hoverfly electronics adaptor plates are now available to fit all droidworx airframes.
ADX-4 - Coaxial 8 - 18/10/2010
ADX-4 is now available; this was the first machine we prototyped back in 2008; it returns now as a full commercial version
in 2010. Standard configuration 630mm span for 10" props plus 355mm booms available for fitting mid heavy engines
and 12-13" props.
Quick Release Domes - 18/10/2010
Quick release domes are on the way to replace the current M3 x 6mm bolt and nut fixing arrangement. These will be
available and included as standard in all droidworx kit orders placed from now. Existing droidworx airframe owners/users
will be able to purchase an upgrade QR dome and fixings at cost price.
Engine Mount Fixing - 18/10/2010
There is a change coming in the next machining run of standard engine mounts and CF booms for all droidworx
airframes - providing vertical position locking for securing the engine mounts on the booms for aligning engines.
3D Precision Camera Mount
There have been some requests for a "wide bay" camera mount for mounting two camera's side by side for 3D image
capture and rendering for special aerial survey work. This mount is in process and may be released this year.
Concept - X
Concept-X is on the drawing board (it will be a small lightweight 4 engine craft in X configuration designed
specifically for long flight duration carrying small imaging devices. It's key features will be it's futuristic Sci-Fi
appearance, inboard equipment and batteries, fast pack down and some other new features which we'll release with
the craft. This machine is in the list of projects and is definitely coming - late 2010/early 2011.
CFD - Propeller Development
Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) propeller development is on the horizon too...potential radical advancement in
vertical hover efficiencies with ultra smooth and responsive flight; this is the target, an upgrade and improvement to
the current plastic airplane propellers. This won't be a small undertaking and is likely to take some months. We have
some technical people in the industry looking at potentials.
We'll be keeping you posted here on other new developments and new additions as they emerge and please if there is
something that you feel we should add or offer, let us know and we'll see what we can do.
A sincere thanks to all of you for your support in these first few weeks since our opening in August.
Best regards to all: Rob and Linda |