Thursday, June 26, 2025

Difficult Lawn? Here’s How the Luba 2 Performed After 3 Months

After my initial review this April I can now show you 3 month of progress and you will see how well it did on my difficult lawn. See the little issues I ran into, some tricks, easy fixes and hear if I still would recommend this product.


Here's the main review (in case you missed it)


Wednesday, June 18, 2025

3DMakerPro Eagle LIDAR scanner - see the improvements

Had this LIDAR for 7 month now and have seen a lot of improvement. See the updates for both the firmware and the most recent Software. These days they have reduced the price again, with this link: https://shrsl.com/4wxfx  the Code: RSC15 for 15€ off should be applied automatically!

My Philosophy: Honest, "almost scientific" testing, I test products rigorously and share honest opinions—even if it costs me affiliate earnings. Using my affiliate links supports my work at no extra cost to you! Huge thanks!๐Ÿ™ 

๐ŸŒ▬▬▬▬LINKS▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬๐ŸŒ
๐Ÿ›’ Product: https://shrsl.com/4wxfx
๐Ÿ›’International store: https://shrsl.com/4uaeg
Shop link: https://shrsl.com/4wxd0
3DMakerPro Facebook Group
JimuMeta (3DMaker): https://scene.jimumeta.com

Downloads
RayStudio 1.0.6
Firmware update 1.0.7   
(Calibrate files) But I really think you need to contact their support to get appropriate calibration data for your SN / Device.
✅ ALL of my POINTCLOUD example data for you to download and inspect (get free CloudCompare to open it) ๐Ÿ’กhttps://cloudcompare.org (open source! - best pointcloud tool I found during research)
Unreal Engine๐Ÿ”ฅ and  Unreal Engine Pointcloud plugin

Thursday, June 12, 2025

AtomRC DolphinPro Review, flights, chase shots

AtomRC asked me to test the DolphinPro - which was an instant "YES" for me - since I love the previous Dolphin! The new one comes with many improvments - here you see all the details - and I took my time to properly testfly it, give you some INAV insights, mods, and STL files.

SPECS / INFO:
Wingspan: 800mm
Length: 862mm
WingArea: 16.96d㎡
Material: EPP
Motor recommend: 2807 1100KV
ESC: ≥6S 50A BEC
Propeller: 8040-2

WEIGHT:  959g (all except battery)

FLIGHTTIME: 21 min cruising around = 2110 mah (2x 1300mah 6S Lipos)
  so 15-20 mins on 2600mah 6S
  ~25-35 mins on a 5000mah 6S LiIon

BATTERY OPTIONS
2x 1300mah 6S Lipo - far back
1x 1300mah 6S Lipo - all the way fwd
1x 5000mah 6S LiIon pack

GPS altough it's just an BN220 and not a modern M10 - acquisation was quick and sats were plenty

Wingspan a bit shorter than old one, denser foam (at least the grey version),
VTails larger, further in the back,
VTail + Ailerons - plenty options! (spoilerons for landing?, Speedbrake?)
Wingfences - instead of downward facing wingtips (which broke easily)
Control rods "beefier" not the bendy wires
LEDs installed
Nose: different options, magnets + screws - no glue needed
Wire channel below battery for nice Video cable install!

TIPS:
SECURE the LIDs (front one comes with a screw - use it!)
Back LID flew away in a highspeed test (140kph)
Use this "AtomRC Canopy locking arm (verschluss nupsi).stl" and a little bowden tube glued into fuselage with a screw.
I use INAV:  7.1.1 (at the moment)
To have correct MAH readings in your OSD (if you use their AtomRC FC) you can set this SCALE (I've calibrated it and it looks accurate now):
set current_meter_scale = 170

Autolaunch settings:
set nav_fw_launch_max_angle = 90
set nav_fw_launch_motor_delay = 200
set nav_fw_launch_climb_angle = 18
set nav_fw_launch_timeout = 10000
set nav_fw_launch_max_altitude = 0
set nav_fw_launch_thr = 1750
set nav_fw_launch_idle_thr = 1300

๐ŸŒ▬▬▬▬LINKS▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬๐ŸŒ
Plane details at ATOMRC

LINK to my Gdrive:  (motormount, Back-Lid, INAV DIFF)
Alternative Motormount (by someone else)
Antennamount

♫▬▬▬▬MUSIC▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬♫
Ten Cent Man - Splasher!  /  Scetchy - Aiyo
I use EPIDEMIC SOUND, check their nice tracks here: https://bit.ly/3p6OGE0

#RCSchim #fixedwing #fpv

Friday, June 6, 2025

What a RemoteID Scanner sees and how it works (Dronetag Rider)

This is an interesting look into REMOTE ID and how official organizations can use these tools to secure their operations airspace very easily. It's also really scary as to how easy you can be found as the pilot of something like your consumer DJI drone :)

check the device here and make sure to use Mario5 to get 5% off!



Thursday, May 15, 2025

First look at the Falcon Mini - something a little different (Zero Zero Robotics)


This is an early review sample - so the final product may differ (hopefully be finetuned at least). 

Price:    Flymore combo (early bird):  355€ with secret "RCSchim" Perk: 330€ (20 slots!) 
Compared to DJI Mini3 (379€)
(DJI Flymore - 529€ - but then DJI will have more flighttime)
From features pov - you would chose DJI (better videolink, better cam, better flight behaviour, easier to operate, smaller formfactor).

But the "cool" factor (how it looks while flying, the inverted party trick,...) speak for this innovative drone :)

Flighttimes seem to be around 20 min (good considering this tiny 2cell Lipo)
Very silent - maybe the quietest drone I have! Silent means efficient!
USB dock comes without powersupply. When using a weak USB phone charger - it didn't work - use a decent power supply (30w or more?), you can also charge a battery directly in the drone.

App not in Android store atm, needed to donwload this here
(and by that you might need to loosen your app install rules on the phone)
App also saves low quality version of the video on your phone (DCIM folder directly), but only if you record video.

Thursday, May 8, 2025

HOVER AIR X1 Pro Max: Honest Test of This 42kph, 8K Pocket Drone! ๐Ÿšด♂️๐Ÿš

A compact, action-focused drone excelling in autonomous tracking for dynamic adventures but with trade-offs vs. the DJI competition. 

๐Ÿ›’ get the drone here: US or in the EU shop 

My Philosophy: Honest, "almost scientific" testing, I test products rigorously and share honest opinions—even if it costs me affiliate earnings. Using my affiliate links supports my work at no extra cost to you! Huge thanks!๐Ÿ™ 

Key Improvements Over Previous Model
Larger yet portable: 192g, still pocket-friendly.
Faster tracking: Follows at 42 kph, ideal for MTB/downhill action.
๐ŸŽฅEnhanced camera: 1/1.3" sensor, 8K30, 4K120/60 video.
Improved stabilization + ND filters.
64GB internal storage + SD slot.
Flexible controls:
Beacon (touchscreen remote) for basic mode changes.
Attachable joysticks (single/dual) for manual flight.
Phone + beacon + joysticks combo (laggy video feed).

Pros
Image quality: Significant upgrade, though occasional underexposure.
Autonomous tracking: Excels in tight, fast-paced environments (e.g., woods, trails).
Durability: (I will list this on both sides ;)  these drones are made to crash often, props are guarded by indestructible frame.
Versatile controls: Multiple setup options for action vs. scenic shots.
Accessory integration: Beacon and joysticks add flexibility.

Cons
Durability concerns: Motor damaged in a minor crash (review unit replaced).
๐Ÿ”‹Battery life: ~10 minutes; limits long-range use.
Noise: Loud because of small props.
Range/transmission: Video link lags; best for close-range shots (≤200m).
Costs: $24 repair kit, expensive accessories—opt for bundles!

Ideal for adventurers prioritizing autonomous tracking in challenging terrain. Compromises on battery, noise, and durability make it a niche pick over DJI for action scenes. Not a cinematic powerhouse but a reliable "flying camera man" for adrenaline junkies. 

Tuesday, April 29, 2025

Anycubic S1 Combo Review: Printer Shines, ACE Pro Disappoints (Real-World Testing!)

 


Get the Anycubic S1 Combo with CODE: ANYKS1 549€ for printer and Filament Box
or my suggestion - the PRINTER ONLY with CODE: AKOBRAS1 369€ !!!  
My Philosophy: Honest, "almost scientific" testing, I test products rigorously and share honest opinions—even if it costs me affiliate earnings (like in this case for sure :). Using my affiliate links supports my work at no extra cost to you! Huge thanks!๐Ÿ™ 


๐ŸŒ▬▬▬▬INFO▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬๐ŸŒ
Kobra S1 Size: 400x410x490 mm
ACE Pro Size:   366x283x235 mm
min 80-90 cm height if AMS on top!
25x25x25cm buildroom! 
120° heatbed (although not uniformly heated up - and better add 10°)
320° nozzle max temp
speed a bit lower than bambu, color changes 2:47 - slow, not very efficient
Printquality is quite good!

๐Ÿ’กinstall "Rinkhals" (modded firmware addon)
why? to get a good WebUI (Mainsail)  http://your-printer-ip:4409
and also full Orca-Slicer (with upload and print), minus the multimaterial handling
Good thing: Anycubic Slicer / phone app still works - so you can use both.
I left the printer in Cloud mode (so phone app works outside of my LAN), got a minor warning on rinkhals that I will not see printer listed...

RINKHALS howto:
- download update....swu file, https://github.com/jbatonnet/Rinkhals
- rename it to update.swu and copy it on the USB Stick (fat32), in SPECIFIC dir: "aGVscF9zb3Nf" 
- plug in the USB stick and wait for the install bar (20sec)
Note: if you get a new firmware update on the KobraS1 (official from Anycubic), you just need to download the rinkhals file again (make sure new firmware is already supported). 

Anycubic Slicer next  (S1 support), better to use 2.4GHz wifi? 
Orca:  use Octo/klipper:  and your-IP:4409  in LAN settings

Tuesday, April 15, 2025

Will it Survive MY STEEP YARD? Brutal Mammotion LUBA 2 AWD 3000x Robot Mower Test!

 This is a practical REAL world extreme test - rather than a polished review. I helped setup a Luba for my mother in law last year and saw how great it did in a nice yard. So my question was: WOULD IT SURVIVE IN MY CHAOTIC REALM? :)


Until now I mow with a large Husquvarna Rider TX16s AWD beast.
With the very advanced LUBA robot I hope that a lot of the mowing seasons work can be automated. 

So far it exceeded my realistic expectations - only a few issues on difficult spots on my property caused him to get stuck. Adjusted the map and now will collect experience for you (and for a follow up video!).

My Philosophy: Honest, "almost scientific" testing, I test products rigorously and share honest opinions—even if it costs me affiliate earnings. Using my affiliate links supports my work at no extra cost to you! Huge thanks!๐Ÿ™ 
๐Ÿ›’  EU Shop  Product
Germany  Product
US  Product
UK  Product

●▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬●
๐Ÿ’กSome tips and findings:

  • use 3 point turns instead of 0-turn  (the latter will get stuck easier)
  • webRTK (or iNAVI) really works - but check if it is available in your region!
    Make sure you either have Wifi coverage or use the 4G data service
    Since it works reliable, and the 4G link replaces WIFI - the only prerequisite to operate such an advanced lawnmower bot is electricity available in a shed/house for the Dockingstation!
  • 4G is a nice bonus; in regions where my Wifi cant reach - I still see FPV live feed - but very slow!
    1 year free 4G simcard included,  (costs in the 2nd year: ~50€ / year)
  • ๐Ÿ”‹BATTERY capacity seems really good (depends on terrain and height of gras!) ๐Ÿ’ช
    Luba 3000 or 5000 - same battery - just more areas to be setup (license)
    Luba 10.000 - bigger battery (15Ah instead of 12Ah)
    High / Low gras versions (only in US region)
  • SOFTWARE keeps getting better, sometimes you don't see current progress - 
    in that case just close the app and start it new!
    app notifications come with a 5 hrs delay on my phone ;)
  • THEFT PROTECTION
    device is bound to your account, cannot be used by thief (but he can use it for spareparts)
    GPS position tracking if device is on and has 4G coverage
    doesnt work if it is OFF, if GPS is blocked or if your 4G service is unavailable or canceled
    Workaround:  put stickers on, hide an Apple Airtag inside the mower
♫▬▬▬▬MUSIC▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬♫
Such a Beautiful Day - Sarah, the Illstrumentalist
I use EPIDEMIC SOUND, check their nice tracks here

Sunday, March 30, 2025

Italian Alps - Epic FPV adventures at Marmolata Glacier!

Here we travelled to the most epic italian Mountain peaks - and as soon as the clouds moved aside just a little bit, my drone was up there. Actually the clouds made these flights so much more interesting!



Wednesday, March 26, 2025

Monport GA30W Fibre Laser: Speed & POWER… Once You Fix the DRIVERS! (LightBurn Setup Guide)

Key Specs of the MONPORT GA30w:

Powerful 30 watt 1064nm Laser! ๐Ÿ’ช Engrave speed: 10.000 mm/s 600.000 mm/min (36kph!) Frequency range: 30~60kHz Working area: 150×150 mm Device dims: 35 x 42 x 62 cm max Z.height (lens to working area): 41 cm max height of object: 18 cm engraver accuracy: 0.01 mm pos accuracy: ±0.1 ยตm