Can you really waterproof an FPV drone? If so, can it operate under the water? Let’s find out! Build info and links below…
Note:
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If you’re looking for a drone like my “ShutterBug85”, then you can build one or buy the RTF drone from BetaFPV. They call it the Beta85 Pro 2 (yes I gave them permission to use my formula, but not my name).
– From BetaFPV: http://bit.ly/2YukEPS
– From GetFPV: https://bit.ly/3mKmPXA
Drone Parts:
– Beta85X Frame: https://bit.ly/3bEvQgj
– BetaFPV 1103 11000KV Motors (or similar): https://bit.ly/2IgFETq
– BetaFPV 2-4S 12A AIO FC (but any 2s. capable AIO will work. I usually use the lighter 2s-only FCs): https://bit.ly/2JFqyay
– Emax AVAN 2″ props: http://bit.ly/30SYraU
– Camera, VTX, & canopy like these (or substitute your favorite whoop FPV solution): https://bit.ly/39JTQiU
– Velcro battery straps: https://amzn.to/2QxyMAL
– U.FL extension cables cut down to make custom antennas: https://amzn.to/2UoTOFg
Chemicals Used:
– Silicone Modified Conformal Coating (WARNING: TOXIC): https://amzn.to/35HZ3nd
– Clear Silicone Sealant: https://amzn.to/2VHO3lG
– Dry Drone (used on USB): https://bit.ly/3lMSs1j
– Bondic UV Activated Glue (used on camera lens barrel): https://amzn.to/3qwoWkj
My Related Videos:
– My original “AquaWhoop”: https://youtu.be/4IsjStkv6vM
– My original ShutterBug85 video: https://youtu.be/4uhbz7J9rH0
– My review of the Beta85 Pro 2: https://youtu.be/sq9TCmiP4Dw
– Securing props with Floss: https://youtu.be/DJdi-Lvu6xE
Mucis:
– “Rock Upbeat” by RomanSenykMusic
– “Cruise (Sting)” by John Deley
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I had a great save one day on a long range 7″ build I have, I first built, tested, adjusted then dismantled the entire drone and washed all the flux off all boards, then used spray conformal silicone coating 4 layers of it with all plugs in place, I put it all back together and flew long distance on a very dark cloudy day and while I was around 2 – 2.5 kilometres away I got hit by torrential rain, so hard that I could not make out any shapes through the video so I flicked the switch for Return To Home and Land (INAV), I got into my car and waited, all I could see was the occasional shape of the coastline and the OSD showing the distance reducing to home, much to my surprise it made it home and landed perfectly, it was the longest 5 mins I have ever experienced with a drone, after that I adjusted the speed in INAV to 60kmpH and 45 degrees for angle, needless to say every single drone I have now (except for indoor whoops) I clean and cover in conformal coating.
chlorine can short out the RF as bad as salt water.
The distance for the frequency for the transmitter video and radio in water is around 2-3 inches at best. You would need a lower frequency like 40 kHz to allow for data transfer any significant distance. The other idea would be to have a floating tail with a tip float as a buoy to keep the terminal end above water. I wonder if a piezo antenna type akin to GPS modules would produce any better reception? dunno, but the shear increase in surface area makes me go Hummmmmm. Water can perhapsact as a viable medium for piezoelectric energy transfer? huuummmm. Awesome video. I am a kindred spirit and have been trying to make a viable micro water drone too! I sent some photos to R3D shifters for a modification to one of their models. Bravo Again. Thanks!
I should start coating drones…. Any link for EU based Shutterbug fans?
Aside of this I love my Shutterbug85. It’s one of my favourite despite the years 😜 Thank you!
Nice one Nate. Always thinkering…
very interesting, it could be useful on the low profile whoop where the flight controller is very exposed
mg chemical 422b is similar to yours or is one of the two less aggressive on the components? 👋
omg you are such a daredevil! 🤩😱
This is cool
looks really fun! did you go to hawaii or palm springs or something?
Also – waiting on you (or someone) to build a 40 or 31mm toothpick out of the 1mm carbon plate that comes with the NBD 40mm cockroach frame
Water is bad for 2.4/5.8 Ghz penetration.. I don’t think its possible to make it work as the water will just absorb it..
you can make usb plugs with hot glue, just slowly introduce hot glue, almost cooled down completely into usb port, ideally it should be just warm enough to conform but not warm enough to be sticky.
You deserve a million views for this! Now if Betaflight could add an underwater mode to slow the props down this would be a whole new thing! Edit: Well I guess 2.4Ghz really doesn’t like water. I wonder if 1.3ghz video and 900mhz Crossfire would work underwater and give any amount of range?
I think I may have found a way to scout for my drone at the bottom of a storm runoff pond: underwater fpv!
The exact same thing happens to my toothpick on arming sometimes with a twitching motor. I’ve also conformal coated mine and it’s been well buried into snow, then flown pretty well as a flying snowball. I do think it might be water damage in my case though as it only happens after a few crashes into the snow and goes away after I’ve let it dry out.
Defo useful for our UK weather!
Main problem is wet grass so this could easily fix that.
Thsnks.
It is a good guide.
Good video, but your music is way too loud
Cooool!
I had the exact same idea as you did with your first whoop, the brushed one. I bought the Betafpv 65s lite, with the Bayang protocol. I go to the pool alot, living in Arizona. I was going to coat the bayang toy grade transmitter too. That way I basically sit in the hot tub and jet around the pool area, with total confidenc. Luckily, I caught your video. I didn’t even think about the brushed motors getting rusty.
Pretty neat!
Not that you’re likely to find it outside, but you know pure water (zero contaminants) does not conduct electrons at all. And I’d be will to bet those circuit board baths are done in distilled (pure) water.
Absolutely superb! Bravo 👏 that was pretty awesome to see keep your content coming Looking forward to the next one !
Dis you see the new 85pro version ? It has gemfan. Thats props seems vert good, but i have to do more tests. Happy christmas
Is this serene place you’re vacationing in a resort or cabin type place that can be rented? Looking for a place to take my whoops (and family too) for vacation.
Very cool video! Keep em commin! Im subscribed 🙂
I think it could work, if you would put one end of the transmitters antennas in the water