Making drones is really, really, hard. One would think we would have learned this rather thoroughly by now, but we continue to find new and unexpected challenges and marvel at the unexpected complexities. We’ve responded by throwing ourselves even harder back at the challenges and we continue to ship, make improvements, and give more than we’ve ever imagined possible to get Snap in your hands and make sure you will love it. We’ll share the latest with ongoing improvements, new challenges, shipping updates, Android, international shipments, that spare battery, and the case in this post.
Snap Keeps Getting Better
We continue to improve Snap. Most of our improvements have been in software, but we are also make some exciting hardware improvement as well. We think the shot at the top of this post nicely demonstrates the tracking improvements we’ve been making. This was shot using freeform tracking mode in high wind at 4k 30. We believe we are the only flying camera in the world capable of a shot of this speed, distance, and complexity with this level of quality. We will continue to invest in improving tracking shots to make sure Snap is the best drone in the world for capturing your adventures.
We continue to make improvements to the communication architecture and believe we are at state of the art for direct phone control. We recently set a new internal record of a 350 meter Out and Back flight while maintaining a video feed and telemetry for the entire distance. We have also made the necessary changes to our communication architecture to support our range extender, which will enable considerably improved range. We are innovating on milking the absolute most out of WiFi at every level and expect to have a steady stream of exciting news on improvements over the next few months.
We’ve been steadily improving Snap’s high wind performance. The shot below was done in 4k 30 mode with no post stabilization. You will notice a little bit of yaw wiggle, but otherwise, Snap had no problem in the 20 mph + winds at this kitesurfing destination.
Lastly, we have made some, gulp, hardware changes. We’ve had problems with the header than connects our GPS module to the circuit board breaking during “hard landings”, despite multiple reinforcement iterations. We’ve also seen that Snap did not always maintain a GPS fix when flying through forest or close to large buildings. This led us to test a newly available combined GPS/GLONASS module that is smaller, lighter, has a more robust method for attaching to the PCB, and claimed better location fix robustness. While we were skeptical, as we’ve seen mixed performance from combined modules in the past, we tested it thoroughly and found all of this to be true. Despite the large investment in our previous GPS module, we decided to make the switch so we could be confident that Snap is the best solution on the market. While we were redesigning the tail board for the new GPS module, we also improved the connection technique for the sonar module, which appeared to be vulnerable to the same type of crash damage as our original GPS module. The internal modular architecture of Snap has enabled us to make this changes as inline manufacturing improvements and just required swapping 2 of 13 circuit boards in Snap. We will continue to take advantage of this capability to upgrade Snap as other available hardware improves.
Shipping
We are currently behind our shipping targets and have only shipped about 2% of total orders to date. This rate will accelerate considerably, but we will not be able to make up for time lost.
The biggest delay has been a Snap unexpectedly smoking during our manufacturing testing. This required us to stop our line until we figured out why, which took two weeks. We traced the issue to our PCBA manufacturer damaging a capacitor on our motherboard during the depanelization process (when a large sheet of boards gets broken up into individual boards). This capacitor connected battery voltage to ground, and the damage turned it into a resistor/heater, which anyone familiar with Ohm’s law, will know is bad. We have subsequently checked all other boards for damage, changed the depanelization process to prevent future damage, added an additional quality check to detect this damage, and added new battery software protection to detect this failure and shut down when it detects it.
We also had an issue with our image sensor PCB warping slightly during the manufacturing process, which lead to focus issues and low yield on our gimbal assembly. After several iterations on tooling to hold this part flat during the SMT process (when components get soldered onto the circuit board), we now have a solution that appears to be working consistently.
We recognize we haven’t been adequately accounting for unexpected delays like this in our estimates and while we are optimistic again that the hardest problems are behind us, it is clear we have mistakenly believed this too many times now and need to pad our estimates more for unexpected issues. Based on this, in addition to the specific delays above, our new expectation is that all pre-orders will be shipped by the end of September. If, we do not encounter any new meaty curve balls, then we expect to significantly beat this estimate.
Despite these challenges, we continue to ship units every day and we’ve been grateful for the positive feedback from customers so far. Many of you have asked about unboxing videos – you can see one from a customer below.
Android
The MVP (minimum viable product) for our Android app is done. We will be doing final testing and debugging over the next 10 days and then begin shipping to our Android pre-order customers. The initial version will only include manual control mode and then we will successively add Air Tripod tracking, Freeform tracking, Out and Back, Orbit, and Virtual Wire tracking modes over the next month. (The vast majority of the effort goes into setting up the back end of the app, so while only 1/6th of the modes are done, about 95% of the app code is complete.) As there are a large number of different Android devices, it will take some additional time for us to ensure compatibility for all of our customer’s different devices. We will ship only after we have taken steps to ensure compatibility for your specific device, so we while we will prioritize shipments based on order date, customers with less common phones may have to wait a bit longer. If you are an Android customer and interested in being part of our beta program to help test compatibility for your device, please email us at beta@vantagerobotics.com.
International Shipments
We will begin international shipments starting next week. For our international customers the reason for delaying shipments internationally wasn’t because we love you any less, just that we wanted to have the most fluid possible communications with any initial customer issues and prefered to avoid adding language and timezone to any debugging challenges. For all of you outside the US, thank you for your patience on this.
Spare Battery
We are not shipping batteries with initial orders, as we’re currently capacity constrained on battery pack production rates and don’t want to hold up getting full units to customers because of a battery shortage. We’re targeting beginning shipping spare batteries by mid-August. Sorry to limit you to 20 minutes per outing in the meantime! If you have a special adventure coming, please let us know and we’ll do our best to make exceptions on spare batteries where possible.
The Case
We are way behind on the case. We have put this project on hold until we are on top of all of the production challenges with Snap and will resume it as soon as we have the engineering capacity to do so. As of now, we expect to begin shipping the cases in September. In the meantime, we will be shipping everyone a fuselage “sock” to help protect the fuselage in your pack. We have been using this solution for about 1 year now, and frankly prefer it to the hard case, as it is lighter, faster to deploy, and a smaller total packed volume. Either way, our apologies for our delay on the hard case.
We’ll close with a recent video that one of our customers (and Beta tester) shared as a comment in a previous blog post. This video does not include any stabilization or color correction in his edit. We look forward to sharing more of your amazing work with Snap in posts to come.
Our best,
Tobin, Joe, and the VR team
© 2024 Vantage Robotics
Good to hear something from you guys, its been quite silent for a while. Its a bit annoying to have you silent for a month on all these issues, specially with lilly camera filling for bankruptcy, that almost had me file for a refund! Good to see you working though.
Regarding the android beta, i constantly travel in and out of the US so I guess im not the best alternative for this programe, besides ive figured i should be around 60% of shipping so no rush on my part. Only wanted to say, over tha last year ive changed my phone three times because of accidents involving swiming pools and have mooved once, anyway my point is: maybe a customer data update could be a good idea.
Hahaha looks like tobin owes.. dont know his name… the $5???
Hi Nick, thanks for the patience and support. When we send out the address verification email we ask about any updates to your shipping information and the type of phone you plan to fly with.
Good to hear something from you guys, its been quite silent for a while. Its a bit annoying to have you silent for a month on all these issues, specially with lilly camera filling for bankruptcy, that almost had me file for a refund! Good to see you working though.
Regarding the android beta, i constantly travel in and out of the US so I guess im not the best alternative for this programe, besides ive figured i should be around 60% of shipping so no rush on my part. Only wanted to say, over tha last year ive changed my phone three times because of accidents involving swiming pools and have mooved once, anyway my point is: maybe a customer data update could be a good idea.
Hahaha looks like tobin owes.. dont know his name… the $5???
Thanks for the update, even if it isn’t good news and what everyone here suspected. As many have stated before, we didn’t need a lengthy update to say there was a delay.
I emailed about joining the Android Beta. Hope I’ll get selected! I would happily share experiences with the community, if allowed.
Please try to keep us more up to date. We’re on the journey with you!
Thanks Jeff, we will work on giving updates more often.
Thanks for the update, even if it isn’t good news and what everyone here suspected. As many have stated before, we didn’t need a lengthy update to say there was a delay.
I emailed about joining the Android Beta. Hope I’ll get selected! I would happily share experiences with the community, if allowed.
Please try to keep us more up to date. We’re on the journey with you!
Thanks Jeff, we will work on giving updates more often.
Thanks for the honesty finally.
Thanks for the honesty finally.
Thanks for the update. Please let us know asap if you are going to be delayed any further. Just one question about flight time. Have you changed the specs since 2015?
Thanks for the update. Please let us know asap if you are going to be delayed any further. Just one question about flight time. Have you changed the specs since 2015?
Thanks Marcus, the flight time is 20 minutes. That is 20 minutes of real outdoor flying.
Hi guys. Well, it is disappointing, as we ordered in March, 2015. We’ve had some big family events come and go, but I believe in you guys and I have decided to hang tough and not go off and buy another brand. Being in the technology business myself, I know all about how hard it can be to give realistic completion date estimates. That doesn’t make the wait any better, but I do feel for what you’re going through. I also would like to see updates every couple of weeks at this point. Crossing my fingers that I will have my Snap before the end of September. My wife and I are going on a cruise in November to celebrate our 15th wedding anniversary, and I’m really hoping to have Snap to take with us. These blogs have also allowed many of us to get to know you guys within Vantage Robotics. We’ve got a feeling for your family life as well as your commitment to this project. I know you have a lot on the line and I know this cost to start up has been big. But I also feel in my heart that this is going to be worth the wait. Best of luck to you and I hope you have huge success with this product. Cannot wait to get mine.
Thanks Steve, your understanding and patience are appreciated by the team.
Hi guys. Well, it is disappointing, as we ordered in March, 2015. We’ve had some big family events come and go, but I believe in you guys and I have decided to hang tough and not go off and buy another brand. Being in the technology business myself, I know all about how hard it can be to give realistic completion date estimates. That doesn’t make the wait any better, but I do feel for what you’re going through. I also would like to see updates every couple of weeks at this point. Crossing my fingers that I will have my Snap before the end of September. My wife and I are going on a cruise in November to celebrate our 15th wedding anniversary, and I’m really hoping to have Snap to take with us. These blogs have also allowed many of us to get to know you guys within Vantage Robotics. We’ve got a feeling for your family life as well as your commitment to this project. I know you have a lot on the line and I know this cost to start up has been big. But I also feel in my heart that this is going to be worth the wait. Best of luck to you and I hope you have huge success with this product. Cannot wait to get mine.
Thanks Steve, your understanding and patience are appreciated by the team.
Nice 3rd Avenue Kite Surfing video… just a mile from my house. Now I want to see you track on of them out into the bay and back….? Looking forward to my pre-order to arrive so I can go out on adventures like this.
Kevin
That’s actually planned for this upcoming Sunday. The tide was super low last week and I just had my foilboard and was worried I wouldn’t make it back in time, given how far I needed to swim the board out. In preparation for next time, this week we created the option to have Snap either return to pilot or the takeoff location on low battery to specifically handle this situation. When set to return to takeoff, Snap continuously calculates how much battery it needs to get back home and heads back while it still has sufficient juice to make it. We also have our first real repeater prototype, so I can track other riders from shore for a lot further. Now I’m itching to get back out there and try it! If you’re a kiter, I’m happy to coordinate timing and try to get some footage of you when I’m out there.
Nice 3rd Avenue Kite Surfing video… just a mile from my house. Now I want to see you track on of them out into the bay and back….? Looking forward to my pre-order to arrive so I can go out on adventures like this.
Kevin
That’s actually planned for this upcoming Sunday. The tide was super low last week and I just had my foilboard and was worried I wouldn’t make it back in time, given how far I needed to swim the board out. In preparation for next time, this week we created the option to have Snap either return to pilot or the takeoff location on low battery to specifically handle this situation. When set to return to takeoff, Snap continuously calculates how much battery it needs to get back home and heads back while it still has sufficient juice to make it. We also have our first real repeater prototype, so I can track other riders from shore for a lot further. Now I’m itching to get back out there and try it! If you’re a kiter, I’m happy to coordinate timing and try to get some footage of you when I’m out there.
Many thanks for the full and frank update guys. One thing that concerns me is that you talk about Android customers and would appear to have listed customers by their intended operational system (iPhone, Android, DX6 etc) I was originally planning to be a DX operator but now have an iPhone so does this mean I can change my order to an iPhone system?
Hi Ian, Snap is the same for iPhone or Android users, the app that is used to fly Snap is built for different operating systems. For the end user the interactions should be identical.
Many thanks for the full and frank update guys. One thing that concerns me is that you talk about Android customers and would appear to have listed customers by their intended operational system (iPhone, Android, DX6 etc) I was originally planning to be a DX operator but now have an iPhone so does this mean I can change my order to an iPhone system?
Hi Ian, Snap is the same for iPhone or Android users, the app that is used to fly Snap is built for different operating systems. For the end user the interactions should be identical.
Bad news is always hard to swalllow but I’m glad you’ve stepped up to the plate & been honest with us about the issues you’ve found & the fixes for them.
It is also Great news that international shipping is starting next week because this makes me think that you are now happy enough with the Snap in it’s current form to trust it to work as expected & not have to be returned with a defect, obviously though an odd unit may exhibit issues which is to be expected from any such product.
I know many some may not be happy with this post & people will have to make their own decision to wait another 4-8 weeks or ask for a refund but I for one am in the the long haul & it’s good to hear that you are testing a prototype repeater!.
Cheers Gizmo, always good to hear from you. Thanks for sticking with us for the long haul.
Bad news is always hard to swalllow but I’m glad you’ve stepped up to the plate & been honest with us about the issues you’ve found & the fixes for them.
It is also Great news that international shipping is starting next week because this makes me think that you are now happy enough with the Snap in it’s current form to trust it to work as expected & not have to be returned with a defect, obviously though an odd unit may exhibit issues which is to be expected from any such product.
I know many some may not be happy with this post & people will have to make their own decision to wait another 4-8 weeks or ask for a refund but I for one am in the the long haul & it’s good to hear that you are testing a prototype repeater!.
Cheers Gizmo, always good to hear from you. Thanks for sticking with us for the long haul.
Sounds exciting Tobin, can’t wait to see that. On your point about returning to takeoff location, would it be possible in future to set a land location, separate from the takeoff location, or the user’s location. Considering some scenarios such as a kayaking or canoeing shot where you’d be traveling a fair distance from the takeoff, but also may not be able to reliably have snap return directly to you (if you’re still in the Kayak).
Good question Toby. The short answer is yes. This is a scenario we have considered and will be working on a solution, but don’t have one yet. There are no technical challenges with what you describe, just the effort needed to create the interface and fully debug (which as a general rule, is usually about 3x the effort one expects!).
Sounds exciting Tobin, can’t wait to see that. On your point about returning to takeoff location, would it be possible in future to set a land location, separate from the takeoff location, or the user’s location. Considering some scenarios such as a kayaking or canoeing shot where you’d be traveling a fair distance from the takeoff, but also may not be able to reliably have snap return directly to you (if you’re still in the Kayak).
Good question Toby. The short answer is yes. This is a scenario we have considered and will be working on a solution, but don’t have one yet. There are no technical challenges with what you describe, just the effort needed to create the interface and fully debug (which as a general rule, is usually about 3x the effort one expects!).
Big thank you Tobin, Ron and all VR folks for the update, truly appreciate your great effort,
i’m gonna love this snap machine, all the attention to detail and going for the Gold before shipment is
appreciated more than some of my posts would reflect…its gonna be awesome! again—Thank You
Thank you Chuck.
Big thank you Tobin, Ron and all VR folks for the update, truly appreciate your great effort,
i’m gonna love this snap machine, all the attention to detail and going for the Gold before shipment is
appreciated more than some of my posts would reflect…its gonna be awesome! again—Thank You
Thank you Chuck.
Thanks for the update – as expected it was not much to cheer about but the info is appreciated.
Even more that the address confirmation mail reached me now – or is that to pacify us…….
Keep it up and keep us posted !
Hi Philip, we will work on giving more updates.
Thanks for the update – as expected it was not much to cheer about but the info is appreciated.
Even more that the address confirmation mail reached me now – or is that to pacify us…….
Keep it up and keep us posted !
Hi Philip, we will work on giving more updates.
Oops! Should have said we pre ordered in March, 2016, not March, 2015! Don’t want to make this seem worse than it is!
No worries Steve, thank you for the support.
Oops! Should have said we pre ordered in March, 2016, not March, 2015! Don’t want to make this seem worse than it is!
No worries Steve, thank you for the support.
hi guys, received my “Your Snap is shipping soon – please verify your shipping information” mail yesterday!!!
order date 09/17/2015 international shipping!
can´t wait to see ME fly 😉
thanks VR. regards Lars
Thanks Lars. We can’t wait to see you fly either.
hi guys, received my “Your Snap is shipping soon – please verify your shipping information” mail yesterday!!!
order date 09/17/2015 international shipping!
can´t wait to see ME fly 😉
thanks VR. regards Lars
Thanks Lars. We can’t wait to see you fly either.
Well done fellas !!!! Loving all the videos, especially the new one…looks like yall fixed the issue with being able to keep every one in center frame !
Cheers Atlan!
Well done fellas !!!! Loving all the videos, especially the new one…looks like yall fixed the issue with being able to keep every one in center frame !
Folks are getting email address conformations on this snap machine now, eye see that as a good sign, keeping hope alive…yeesss!
Thanks Chuck.
Folks are getting email address conformations on this snap machine now, eye see that as a good sign, keeping hope alive…yeesss!
Thanks Chuck.
Hey there, I’ve had fun getting to know my Snap. What surprised me on my maiden flight was how easy it was to fly using the iPhone app. Here is a link to my first flight down in the parking lot of the Red Lion in Renton, Washington. https://youtu.be/tPNTv-yp4dA
Thanks for sharing Dan.
Hey there, I’ve had fun getting to know my Snap. What surprised me on my maiden flight was how easy it was to fly using the iPhone app. Here is a link to my first flight down in the parking lot of the Red Lion in Renton, Washington. https://youtu.be/tPNTv-yp4dA
Thanks for sharing Dan.
Wow, I went out on my second flight. I took the Snap to the park behind our townhouse in Surrey, BC. I flew it over my dog (he didn’t seem to care) and then checked out some of the scenery I can’t see from the ground. The other cool thing was the way it landed in my wife’s hand. I know I married a babe (30 year anniversary in two weeks). Maybe I should buy a matching Snap for our anniversary (if I want to end up sleeping in the garage). Or, perhaps, Vantage can make one with diamonds? Here is the footage – https://youtu.be/Ljv55zypceY
Cheers Dan, I believe you are the first customer, who was not a beta user, to share their footage. Thanks.
Wow, I went out on my second flight. I took the Snap to the park behind our townhouse in Surrey, BC. I flew it over my dog (he didn’t seem to care) and then checked out some of the scenery I can’t see from the ground. The other cool thing was the way it landed in my wife’s hand. I know I married a babe (30 year anniversary in two weeks). Maybe I should buy a matching Snap for our anniversary (if I want to end up sleeping in the garage). Or, perhaps, Vantage can make one with diamonds? Here is the footage – https://youtu.be/Ljv55zypceY
Cheers Dan, I believe you are the first customer, who was not a beta user, to share their footage. Thanks.
Thanks Dan looks great. What video setting was that? Was it 4k or 1080p with the image stabilization? Because it looked great thanks for sharing!
Thanks Dan looks great. What video setting was that? Was it 4k or 1080p with the image stabilization? Because it looked great thanks for sharing!
Got my Snap last week- super cool! Here’s a short clip from my back yard shot this weekend: https://vimeo.com/226841482
The interface is super-intuitive- my 6 and 8 year olds both picked it up pretty much instantly! Looking forward to some action shots soon. . . .
Thanks for sharing this with everyone Andrew.
Got my Snap last week- super cool! Here’s a short clip from my back yard shot this weekend: https://vimeo.com/226841482
The interface is super-intuitive- my 6 and 8 year olds both picked it up pretty much instantly! Looking forward to some action shots soon. . . .
Thanks for sharing this with everyone Andrew.
hi Dan, thanks for sharing, can ya share some info on snap elevation on the Whistler sunrise video, the vibration on the gimble seemed to start around 3:15 , what height did it get up too on the 9:00 minute vid, did u notice the three blinking lights on the mt. all blinking in unison? tks Dan, superb video!
hi Dan, thanks for sharing, can ya share some info on snap elevation on the Whistler sunrise video, the vibration on the gimble seemed to start around 3:15 , what height did it get up too on the 9:00 minute vid, did u notice the three blinking lights on the mt. all blinking in unison? tks Dan, superb video!
Private for Tobin – Hey Tobin – Guessing you didn’t get a chance to make it out to 3rd Ave as I came out Sun afternoon and took a bunch of iPhone 7Plus video in that same location. The wind was a notch better than when you were there so sitting on that bench with a tripod was a great location to watch the jumpers. Let me know if you plan to go out there in the future as I’d love to observe the Snap in action.
Hey Kevin – I was there at the upper launch! We’re going to post some video from then on our vimeo channel later today. We did an awesome foil boarding tracking shot as well way out into the channel, but tragically, I noticed afterwards that we had damaged the gimbal for that unit in a crash testing a next gen rotor set, and most of the video is junk (we’ll post a few good sections). But the cool news is that Snap handled the wind exceptionally well, with lots of additional bandwidth for more, according to the flight logs (it peaked at about 65% of total throttle). I’ll try and shoot you an email next time I go out and see if we can get some tracking shots of you if you’d like.
Private for Tobin – Hey Tobin – Guessing you didn’t get a chance to make it out to 3rd Ave as I came out Sun afternoon and took a bunch of iPhone 7Plus video in that same location. The wind was a notch better than when you were there so sitting on that bench with a tripod was a great location to watch the jumpers. Let me know if you plan to go out there in the future as I’d love to observe the Snap in action.
Hey Kevin – I was there at the upper launch! We’re going to post some video from then on our vimeo channel later today. We did an awesome foil boarding tracking shot as well way out into the channel, but tragically, I noticed afterwards that we had damaged the gimbal for that unit in a crash testing a next gen rotor set, and most of the video is junk (we’ll post a few good sections). But the cool news is that Snap handled the wind exceptionally well, with lots of additional bandwidth for more, according to the flight logs (it peaked at about 65% of total throttle). I’ll try and shoot you an email next time I go out and see if we can get some tracking shots of you if you’d like.
Got all your answers to questions from your youtube ste Dan…tks for filling us in so fast…glad you got your snap back safely 🙂
🙂
Got all your answers to questions from your youtube ste Dan…tks for filling us in so fast…glad you got your snap back safely 🙂
🙂
and . . .a big sigh of relief goes up from the crowd
Hi, I practiced a bit with the Snap in North Park of Portland, Oregon. I am trying to conquer the manual commands first. Tonight, I am going to use my dog as target practice. He doesn’t mind the noise, but maybe I can try following him. The camera quality is amazing. I need to get a better video editor. https://youtu.be/i7vw1dtr0DM
Hi, I practiced a bit with the Snap in North Park of Portland, Oregon. I am trying to conquer the manual commands first. Tonight, I am going to use my dog as target practice. He doesn’t mind the noise, but maybe I can try following him. The camera quality is amazing. I need to get a better video editor. https://youtu.be/i7vw1dtr0DM
I ordered on September 4th, 2015.
In Korea
I have not received the delivery mail yet.
I ordered on September 4th, 2015.
In Korea
I have not received the delivery mail yet.
I’m sorry. I checked your mail. Thank you.
I’m sorry. I checked your mail. Thank you.
We need guidance on Android users.
What kind of guidance?
We need guidance on Android users.
What kind of guidance?
I am an andriod user but I cannot find the app for snap drone.
Yesterday, I practiced manual maneuvers with the Snap. I thought the perfect audience or subjects would be dogs. So, I took Kal-El and we visited my friend Tana. She raises therapy and service dogs. We tested Snap out on them and had a lot of fun, but I still have to practice flying more to coordinate the camera and the different directions, plus altitude. Here is the video: https://youtu.be/0SjCH0ee8PE
Thanks Dan!
Yesterday, I practiced manual maneuvers with the Snap. I thought the perfect audience or subjects would be dogs. So, I took Kal-El and we visited my friend Tana. She raises therapy and service dogs. We tested Snap out on them and had a lot of fun, but I still have to practice flying more to coordinate the camera and the different directions, plus altitude. Here is the video: https://youtu.be/0SjCH0ee8PE
Thanks Dan!
hi VR team,
60 hours ago I requested – unfortunately – a refund – but I have not heard anything since.
Can you pls confirm that the process is getting started ?
best of luck to you – I hope I can order one in a few months with regrets that I cancelled
PJH
Sorry for the delays Philip. We will make sure to get back to you today.
hi VR team,
60 hours ago I requested – unfortunately – a refund – but I have not heard anything since.
Can you pls confirm that the process is getting started ?
best of luck to you – I hope I can order one in a few months with regrets that I cancelled
PJH
Sorry for the delays Philip. We will make sure to get back to you today.
I just checked Google play store – no app listed for Vantage robotics, snap drone, snap flying camera, ect.
It is up now! https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.vantagerobotics.snap&hl=en
I just checked Google play store – no app listed for Vantage robotics, snap drone, snap flying camera, ect.
It is up now! https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.vantagerobotics.snap&hl=en
While practicing in manual mode – (Free Form Follow was working great), I ran into a little kid that was a bit afraid of Kal-El (my Superdog). Snap captured the moment. She seems to be waving at Snap – https://youtu.be/PvB_1lyYDbk
While practicing in manual mode – (Free Form Follow was working great), I ran into a little kid that was a bit afraid of Kal-El (my Superdog). Snap captured the moment. She seems to be waving at Snap – https://youtu.be/PvB_1lyYDbk
Video looks good except for the mid-flight color balance shifts. I wouldn’t want to try to correct that in post!
We are aware of this and working on it.
Video looks good except for the mid-flight color balance shifts. I wouldn’t want to try to correct that in post!
We are aware of this and working on it.
Reading the blog…. and talking about shipping: ” Based on this, in addition to the specific delays above, our new expectation is that all pre-orders will be shipped by the end of September.”…… about spare batteries: “We’re targeting beginning shipping spare batteries by mid-August.”…. about the case: ” we expect to begin shipping the cases in September. In the meantime, we will be shipping everyone a fuselage “sock”
What it means?
First, I can handle the delay, but I can’t handle the lack of trust.
Second, The case was something that was included from the beginning “What’s in the box. Second, how are you going to send batteries in Snap, battery, charger, carrying case, full set of spare props, Quick Start Guide, 8 GB microSD card” so you are not telling the truth.
Third, how are you going to send spare batteries on mid-August and you expect send all preorders by the end of September?… I guess you can send the snap an the spare battery at the same time at least more than 50% of the preorders and save time and money on double shipping!!!. another lie about shipping time frame.
Fourth, I had to delayed mi trip to grand canyon because of YOU, and my trip to Argentina is on the way on September 10th. So Vantage team!!!! be honest with me, are you ready to send my snap before that date? I think you are not an option to get my vacations especial working like that.
Sorry to upset you here David.
We are focusing on the bottom line, which is getting our customers flying. The extra battery and case are nice accessories that we still plan on giving to all our pre-sale customers. However, manufacturing those accessories takes time, and we don’t want to hold everyone up as we make non essential components. If you would prefer to wait to get your Snap with all your accessories in one box, we can certainly hold it for you. But, for those who just want to get flying asap, we are making that option available.
With regards to your specific order and your trip, please email us at contact@vantagerobotics.com.
Reading the blog…. and talking about shipping: ” Based on this, in addition to the specific delays above, our new expectation is that all pre-orders will be shipped by the end of September.”…… about spare batteries: “We’re targeting beginning shipping spare batteries by mid-August.”…. about the case: ” we expect to begin shipping the cases in September. In the meantime, we will be shipping everyone a fuselage “sock”
What it means?
First, I can handle the delay, but I can’t handle the lack of trust.
Second, The case was something that was included from the beginning “What’s in the box. Second, how are you going to send batteries in Snap, battery, charger, carrying case, full set of spare props, Quick Start Guide, 8 GB microSD card” so you are not telling the truth.
Third, how are you going to send spare batteries on mid-August and you expect send all preorders by the end of September?… I guess you can send the snap an the spare battery at the same time at least more than 50% of the preorders and save time and money on double shipping!!!. another lie about shipping time frame.
Fourth, I had to delayed mi trip to grand canyon because of YOU, and my trip to Argentina is on the way on September 10th. So Vantage team!!!! be honest with me, are you ready to send my snap before that date? I think you are not an option to get my vacations especial working like that.
Sorry to upset you here David.
We are focusing on the bottom line, which is getting our customers flying. The extra battery and case are nice accessories that we still plan on giving to all our pre-sale customers. However, manufacturing those accessories takes time, and we don’t want to hold everyone up as we make non essential components. If you would prefer to wait to get your Snap with all your accessories in one box, we can certainly hold it for you. But, for those who just want to get flying asap, we are making that option available.
With regards to your specific order and your trip, please email us at contact@vantagerobotics.com.
are these Chinese manufacturing problems ?
are these Chinese manufacturing problems ?
Are things on track going into the second week of August? Did international shipments commence as planned?
Are things on track going into the second week of August? Did international shipments commence as planned?
No news right now. Not at full speed, but big improvements every week.
we haven’t started delivery to Australia as yet right?
We have started international shipments, but I don’t know if any have specifically made it to Australia yet.
we haven’t started delivery to Australia as yet right?
We have started international shipments, but I don’t know if any have specifically made it to Australia yet.
Great news that you’ve started International shipping!.
Thanks Gizmo
Great news that you’ve started International shipping!.
Thanks Gizmo
Can we get an update next week? Will preorders be finished by Oct? At this rate, it seems even Sept is too soon a deadline.
Can we get an update next week? Will preorders be finished by Oct? At this rate, it seems even Sept is too soon a deadline.
is that 350 meters FCC or CE range?
FCC
is that 350 meters FCC or CE range?
FCC
For anyone who hasn’t seen it, I did an unboxing video of my snap and posted it on YouTube. There is also my first flight and a few others I posted. If you are interested feel free to check them out. Here is the unboxing.
https://youtu.be/-_-NlH3DhjU
Thanks again Joe!
For anyone who hasn’t seen it, I did an unboxing video of my snap and posted it on YouTube. There is also my first flight and a few others I posted. If you are interested feel free to check them out. Here is the unboxing.
https://youtu.be/-_-NlH3DhjU
Thanks again Joe!
So that’s about 150 meters CE?
Just to be clear, this the was longest range we have achieved and should not be a baseline expectation. The typical expected range will be 100-150m.
So that’s about 150 meters CE?
Just to be clear, this the was longest range we have achieved and should not be a baseline expectation. The typical expected range will be 100-150m.
Hey Joe,
Thanks for the video. Just out of curiosity, when did you pre order your snap?
Hey great news!
I noticed that the bottom-left corner of the video with two cyclists turns reddish. For example, after 01:06. There are also other moments in the same video with same behaviour. Any understanding what’s causing this behaviour and whether it can be avoided?
Sorry, which video are you referring to?
Hey great news!
I noticed that the bottom-left corner of the video with two cyclists turns reddish. For example, after 01:06. There are also other moments in the same video with same behaviour. Any understanding what’s causing this behaviour and whether it can be avoided?
Sorry, which video are you referring to?
@ Joe Kerby
Thanks for the videos! I noticed you have videos from other drones, including Mavic. I’d love to hear your opinion on Snap vs. Mavic.
@ Joe Kerby
Thanks for the videos! I noticed you have videos from other drones, including Mavic. I’d love to hear your opinion on Snap vs. Mavic.
I expect to recieve my Snap soon and I’m very exited. Because I lost my previous drone in the wilderness I would like to know when the tracking beacon will be available.
Thanks Peter. We are currently focusing entirely on filling pre-sale orders. The tracking beacon will come after that.
I expect to recieve my Snap soon and I’m very exited. Because I lost my previous drone in the wilderness I would like to know when the tracking beacon will be available.
Thanks Peter. We are currently focusing entirely on filling pre-sale orders. The tracking beacon will come after that.
SB
That’s a tough one. I did like the mavic a lot but ended up returning it due to connection issues. Maybe I just had a bad one because I have friends that don’t have the issues I had. As far as comparing it to snap I do t think I can make a fair comparison just yet as I am just beta testing the Android app and it isn’t fully functional yet. ( none if the autonomous modes are yet enabled). With that being said, I do have the dji spark and had a crazy landing where it had a mind of its own and almost hit me and my 2yr old son. So flying snap around kids is definitely a plus. I think once the range extender for snap is available it will be truly awesome. Hopefully that helps.
https://vimeo.com/224893836
Ah. Thanks. The is the edge of the bumper that surrounds the gimbal. It’s cause by high wind + high speed maxing out the gimbal range.
https://vimeo.com/224893836
Ah. Thanks. The is the edge of the bumper that surrounds the gimbal. It’s cause by high wind + high speed maxing out the gimbal range.
Hey Vantage team – any updates? (good or bad).
We will be posting another update shortly.
Hey Vantage team – any updates? (good or bad).
We will be posting another update shortly.
Where is the August blog information ?
Sorry John. We are incredibly busy with production work. We will try to post another update as soon as we can.
Where is the August blog information ?
Sorry John. We are incredibly busy with production work. We will try to post another update as soon as we can.
Did another issue appear?
Nothing yet
Did another issue appear?
Nothing yet
The big question: Yes or no, are you on track to complete preorder shipping by the end of September?
Nil reply or deflection is equivalent to a no.
That is still the goal we are working toward.
Any chance we can get 2 smaller updates than 1 large update? It’s been over a month…
Sorry for the delays Jeff. We would like to post more updates, but are all incredibly busy here. And, ultimately, working on production is taking a higher priority than writing updates. We hope to send another post soon.
Any chance we can get 2 smaller updates than 1 large update? It’s been over a month…
Sorry for the delays Jeff. We would like to post more updates, but are all incredibly busy here. And, ultimately, working on production is taking a higher priority than writing updates. We hope to send another post soon.
Its September already guys, I think we are due an update if you’re not going to make the pre order deadline
Its September already guys, I think we are due an update if you’re not going to make the pre order deadline
I have a feeling we may have some Good News coming our way in the next update…Fingers crossed!!.
I’m always more half full rather than half empty.
I have a feeling we may have some Good News coming our way in the next update…Fingers crossed!!.
I’m always more half full rather than half empty.
Just a small progress update would be appreciated – percentage shipped so far, whether international shipments have conmenced and any updated prediction on when all preorders will be fullfilled.
I ordered in early September 2015, and have yet to recieve any notice or estimated date for delivery.
Just a small progress update would be appreciated – percentage shipped so far, whether international shipments have conmenced and any updated prediction on when all preorders will be fullfilled.
I ordered in early September 2015, and have yet to recieve any notice or estimated date for delivery.
we are about to run into week number 6 from this update. even a facebook status reporting percentage of orders filled and/or android beta progress and/or deadline perception at this point would sufice.
hate to feel left on the dark for a month and a half, theres a point we can stand by with the vimeo videos, but its been over a month now…
sorry to sound like a broken record, but its over or just about to become over a year since the very first preorder shipping deadline.
Sorry Nick. We are working like crazy on production issues, and updates are a lower priority. We will try to get something out soon.
we are about to run into week number 6 from this update. even a facebook status reporting percentage of orders filled and/or android beta progress and/or deadline perception at this point would sufice.
hate to feel left on the dark for a month and a half, theres a point we can stand by with the vimeo videos, but its been over a month now…
sorry to sound like a broken record, but its over or just about to become over a year since the very first preorder shipping deadline.
Sorry Nick. We are working like crazy on production issues, and updates are a lower priority. We will try to get something out soon.
Update ASAP, please.
Update ASAP, please.
Is the plan to still have everyone who pre-ordered receive their drone by the end of September?
That is the goal we are pushing for
Is the plan to still have everyone who pre-ordered receive their drone by the end of September?
That is the goal we are pushing for
If there’s a goal and there’s no practice, it doesn’t mean anything.
If there’s a goal and there’s no practice, it doesn’t mean anything.
Toby ordered early September of 2015 and hasn’t received any notification of shipping. That update speaks volumes.
Toby ordered early September of 2015 and hasn’t received any notification of shipping. That update speaks volumes.
Mine is in the UK guys & girls & due to be delivered by1800 today, SOOOOOO Pleased & Glad I’ve stuck in for the long run.
Mine is in the UK guys & girls & due to be delivered by1800 today, SOOOOOO Pleased & Glad I’ve stuck in for the long run.
I noticed Tobys comment aswell. That was when I gave up hope of having this drone for my Circumnavigation of Australia next month.
I noticed Tobys comment aswell. That was when I gave up hope of having this drone for my Circumnavigation of Australia next month.
I do not recall receiving an shipping address verification email, I am somewhat concerned. Please advise on shipping status.
Regards,
TAHAZCITY
If you would like information on your specific order, email us at contact@vantagerobotics.com. Please include your transaction number, which can be found in the confirmation email that was sent to you when you ordered.
Gizmo2001- did you get it? How does it go?
VR team- So Snap is back up for sale, buy today ship Nov. Does that mean pre order shipping has fallen back to Oct now? Sep is halfway gone and many of us are yet to recieve an address confirmation.
We decided to say Nov. as a more conservative estimate to ease expectations.
Gizmo2001- did you get it? How does it go?
VR team- So Snap is back up for sale, buy today ship Nov. Does that mean pre order shipping has fallen back to Oct now? Sep is halfway gone and many of us are yet to recieve an address confirmation.
We decided to say Nov. as a more conservative estimate to ease expectations.
On your product details page, it says that a 8 GB SD is included, but on your order page it doesn’t.
What is correct?
Sorry. That was for the earlier pre-sale orders. We will update this.
On your product details page, it says that a 8 GB SD is included, but on your order page it doesn’t.
What is correct?
Sorry. That was for the earlier pre-sale orders. We will update this.
@Chris,
Yes Mine has arrived but unfortunately I’ve been ill so I have not been able to leave the house to try it out which is torture to be honest!.
I’m hopeful that early next week I will be well enough to give it a quick flight, I did post pictures of the packaging on a FB page as I thought it would be too tempting if I opened the box not to try to sneak out of the house to give it a try
I’ll definitely let you all know more then.
We wish you a speedy recovery Gizmo!
@Chris,
Yes Mine has arrived but unfortunately I’ve been ill so I have not been able to leave the house to try it out which is torture to be honest!.
I’m hopeful that early next week I will be well enough to give it a quick flight, I did post pictures of the packaging on a FB page as I thought it would be too tempting if I opened the box not to try to sneak out of the house to give it a try
I’ll definitely let you all know more then.
We wish you a speedy recovery Gizmo!
Do you have any ballpark idea of when you get to Feb 28 2016?
You should email contact@vantagerobotics.com for an estimate on your order
Hey Vanatage Buyers and Investers,
Has anyone really received their Snap yet! I haven’t?? I don’t even get upgrades anymore. Let me see a yes or no on who exactly is getting their and who isn’t.
We are shipping units now. Email us at contact@vantagerobotics.com if you are curious about the status of your specific order.
Hey Vanatage Buyers and Investers,
Has anyone really received their Snap yet! I haven’t?? I don’t even get upgrades anymore. Let me see a yes or no on who exactly is getting their and who isn’t.
We are shipping units now. Email us at contact@vantagerobotics.com if you are curious about the status of your specific order.