Review of the Quadrocopter Parrot Mambo
The version of the drone presented in the review finally received an FPV camera and a full-fledged FPV kit, details about the Parrot Mambo FPV are here.
Model 2016. Mini quadcopter, created primarily for those in whom the spirit of competition always lives. The developers endowed the quad with features that no competitor in the niche has. With the Parrot Mambo as an example, the company clearly demonstrates that the world of UAVs has a great future, regardless of their size.
Peculiarities
- Optimized weight to speed ratio
- Software tuned for stabilized and controlled flight
- Built-in inertial measurement unit for assessing speed, tilt and contact with an obstacle (works in close connection with the drone software)
- Altitude hold via ultrasonic sensor and barometer
- Auto takeoff and landing
- Take-off function from the palm
- Drone base impact-resistant polyamide and polypropylene
- CANNON (controlled power mechanism that allows the drone to confidently fire 6mm balls at a distance of up to 2 meters)
- GRABBER (controlled power mechanism that allows the drone to capture objects weighing up to 4 grams)
- Smartphone Piloting (drone and attachments are controlled via a smartphone via the FreeFlight Mini app)
- Dynamic Flip Execution
Equipment
The developer offers a choice of 3 kit options:
- Parrot Mambo Fly
- Parrot Mambo Mission
- Parrot Mambo FPV
Specification
Drone
Brand
:
Parrot
Model
:
mambo
Color
:
Black with white insert/Black with gray insert
Connection
drone-
smartphone
—
Parrot Flypad
:
Bluetooth V4.0 BLE connection
Stabilization
:
3 axis gyroscope
vertical
camera
:
0.3MP at 60 FPS
Memory
:
built-in 8GB
Capacity
batteries
:
1S 550mAh LiPo
Backlight
:
LED
Maximum vertical flight speed:
up to 30 km/h
Duration
flight
:
up to 8 minutes in combination with Cannon/Grabber and up to 9 minutes without attachments
Range
flight
:
up to 20 meters (with smartphone control)
up to 100 meters (when controlled by the Parrot Flypad)
Wednesday
for
flights
:
Indoor/Outdoor
Time
charging
:
≈ 30 minutes
Execution materials
:
Polyamide and Polypropylene
The weight
(without
hinged
mechanisms
)
:
63gr
Dimensions (including propeller protection):
18×18cm
Compatibility
With
OS:
iOS 7 and above/Android 4.3 and above
SDK*:
OS Linux
Limitation
on
age
:
14+
SDK* (software development kit)
-
set of developed software. Available on the official website of the manufacturer.
Cannon
Number of balls in the store:
6pcs
rate of fire
:
one shot in 1.5 seconds
Diameter
balls
:
6mm
Range
flight
ball
:
≈ 2m
Grabber
Positions
mechanism:
Open/Closed
Control
:
Electronic opening and closing timer
load capacity
:
up to 4g
Appearance
Programmed functions
- Auto takeoff
- Auto landing
- Altitude Hold
- Takeoff from the palm
- Flips
Sensors
- Built-in inertial measurement unit for assessing speed, inclination and contact with an obstacle (which included 3‑axis accelerometer and 3‑axis gyroscope)
- Vertical stabilization: Ultrasonic sensor (active up to 4 meters) + barometer.
- Horizontal stabilization and speed measurement: vertical 0.3 MP camera 60 fps (next to the ultrasonic sensor)
Parrot Mambo’s sensors and accessories work closely with the quadcopter’s software to provide a stable and controlled flight experience. This approach made it possible to significantly simplify the process of piloting a drone, even for those users who first picked up the remote control.
Positioning
At the bottom of the Parrot Mambo are ultrasonic and optical sensors responsible for precise positioning and stabilized quadric flight. Moreover, the ultrasonic sensor works in conjunction with a barometer, which is a rarity for quadrocopters of this niche. In practice, such a tandem provided a remarkably stable altitude hold.
The built-in vertical camera can be used in photo mode. All photos are stored in the memory of the smartphone paired with the quadcopter. The quality of the photo is not high, but it is enough to record your achievements from a vertical angle.
flight properties
Demonstrative control, both from the phone and from the Parrot Flypad remote control. Dynamic and wind resistant. The potential of collector motors is enough with the “head”. Thanks to the optimal weight of the drone, unique motors with increased efficiency, as well as software that was created specifically for this model, the developers managed to achieve the best flight performance in the UAV niche.
Control
As mentioned above, the Parrot Mambo can be controlled in 3 ways:
- Smartphone (via FreeFlight Mini App)
- Parrot Flypad control equipment (purchased separately)
- Parrot Flypad + smartphone (via “FreeFlight Mini” app)
The difference in convenience and distance is up to 20 meters with a smartphone and up to 100 meters in tandem with the Parrot Flypad. When controlling only the Parrot Flypad, some functions of the quad will not be available.
In the arsenal of Mambo functions: “Auto takeoff” and “Auto landing”. Also, everyone will be able to evaluate the take-off of the drone from the hand. To do this, you need to activate the function (by clicking on the palm icon at the top of the screen). Then throw the drone into the air and it will take off and hover in front of the pilot waiting for new commands. The take-off function from the palm of your hand becomes relevant when you need to quickly join a fight or competition.
Price
The developer offers the Parrot Mambo quadcopter in various configurations:
- Parrot Mambo Fly — $109.99
- Parrot Mambo Mission — $179.99
- Parrot Mambo FPV — $179.99 (details on the FPV version can be found here)
*(prices indicated by the manufacturer on the official website as of 08/09/2018).
Conclusion
Parrot Mambo from $110
pros
- Quality/Design
- Dynamics / Handling
- Control (smartphone / smartphone + transmitter)
- Auto take off/Auto landing
- Takeoff from the palm/Flips
- Software/Sensors (operation)
- Fast battery charging
- Cannon/Grabber/FPV camera
- Removal distance
- Does not require registration
Minuses
- Few shooting balls (included)
- No spare rotors included
Futuristic design, workmanship deserves respect. Looks amazing in its natural state. The quadric is no less effective in flight. We note the manufacturability of the product for the niche it occupies, which generally justifies the price tag. The optimal size, the presence of an additional payload in the kit: “Cannon”, “Grabber” and FPV cameras, significantly expand the functionality of the quadcopter. The full potential of Mambo will be appreciated by beginners. Thanks to modern electronics and additional accessories, a novice user will be able to quickly and safely master the basic skills of piloting and adapt to first-person flight. Thus, reducing the time interval for the transition from simple and cheap UAVs to more technologically advanced and expensive ones without fear of losing your favorite drone. Age limit 14+.
A photo
Photo of a Parrot Mambo quadcopter.
Video
Video from Parrot Mambo.