Pre-release FAQ
all the answers from the newsletter FAQs
FAQ #1
Question: Can I get a list with links to all materials needed for the drone (BOM) before the release of the course so that I have more time for shipping?
Answer: Right now we have decided that you’ll get the Bill Of Materials only in the course itself (only on the launch date), since we’ll still be testing a couple of alternatives for the components, which are currently installed in our drone. We will make sure that all the components are actually available – this also will take us some additional time.
Update: We’ve decided that all of the people who have redeemed the discount are getting access to the BOM even before launch!
Question: Can I only get the models?
Answer: They will be available only in the course. We were debating on whether to make (only) the models open-source. Maybe it could change given that we want you to edit and share your custom modifications & attachments (like the GoPro one) etc. with the community. If you would really like to use only the models, you can always write to us and we will consider your feedback. Remember that the course is pretty essential for understanding how the drone works in the first place.
FAQ #2
Question: What minimal printer size do I need to print everything?
Answer: The minimal size is 180mmx180mmx200mm (width, length, height). We use Prusas MK3 size, it’s perfect even for the biggest parts. If you don’t have a printed that big, you can use your local 3D printing service. We have prepared all of the gcodes for Prusa and have a video explaining how to slice the models in detail.
FAQ #3
Question: Can I use the drone in saltwater?
Answer: Yes! After each swim in saltwater, you will need to rinse the motors in freshwater so that they don’t corrode too much. Also, you will need to make the drone a little bit heavier when swimming in saltwater – we have designed a special module for that.
FAQ #4
Question: What’s the maximum tether length?
Answer: We’ve used 30m (100ft) and 100m (328ft) lengths a lot, it can probably work with 200m+ but we haven’t tested that yet, however: The problem with a very long tether would also be its mass and drag in the water. Especially if you have some current, with that long of a cable, the drone can be significantly slowed down & even pulled around.
FAQ #5
Question: Why not choosing a crowdfunding platform like Kickstarter to launch the course and also DIY kits?
Answer: We find crowdfunding platforms to be great, however Kickstarter requires us to charge the full price for the course, which we didn’t want to do, until it’s ready. It would also require much more marketing time and effort.
A soft launch is much quicker, safer and will hopefully satisfy more people overall since we want to improve the course over time. We’re not ruling out a crowdfunding in the future, we might do it with new components/DIY kits or something like that.
DIY kits are also way harder to do for us right now, because it’s a lot of labor, and we would need to develop the production a lot more for it to be feasible.
FAQ #6
Question: Is there a way to source ceramic bearings and stainless steel shafts for underwater motors?
Answer: As you could have read in our previous update, we have done it before, but we are not including this in the course. If anyone will be interested in buying ceramic bearings and stainless steel shafts themselves, we can send some instructions and tips via e-mail, just write to us.
FAQ #7
Question: How long will it take to print everything for the entire drone?
Answer: It should take about 4 days max to print everything with 0.4mm nozzle, faster with 0.6mm which we recommend.