Mastering ANAFI Ai's Vehicle Mode: A Complete Guide

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. What is Vehicle Mode?
3. How Vehicle Mode Operates
4. Using Vehicle Mode
5. Preparing for a Vehicle Mission
6. Taking Off in Vehicle Mode
7. Maneuvering the Aircraft in Vehicle Mode
8. Stopping Tracking and Resuming
9. Returning to the Vehicle for Landing
10. Completing a Vehicle Mission
11. Conclusion

Introduction

In this article, we will explore the concept of vehicle mode in the context of the Anaphi AI drone. Vehicle mode is a feature that allows pilots to control their drone from a moving vehicle, enabling them to take off and land safely while the drone tracks and follows the vehicle. We will discuss how vehicle mode works, how to use it effectively, and the steps involved in completing a vehicle mission.

What is Vehicle Mode?

Vehicle mode is a special operating mode in the Anaphi AI drone that allows pilots to control the drone while it is in motion on a moving vehicle. This mode enables the pilot to take off the drone from the vehicle, maintain its position relative to the vehicle, and safely land it back on the same moving vehicle. By synchronizing the drone's speed and trajectory with that of the vehicle, pilots can maneuver the aircraft independently while it continues to track and follow the vehicle.

How Vehicle Mode Operates

When the Anaphi AI drone is in vehicle mode, it stabilizes itself 5 meters above the takeoff point and tracks the vehicle's position. The drone maintains this relative position throughout the mission, even when the pilot is maneuvering the aircraft. This is made possible by utilizing the GPS systems on the drone and the Sky Controller 4. As a result, the camera does not need to stay focused on the vehicle during the mission, allowing for flexible positioning of the drone.

Using Vehicle Mode

To use vehicle mode effectively, certain preparations and steps need to be followed. First, a distinctive takeoff platform must be obtained and secured to the chosen vehicle. The takeoff and landing vectors should be free of obstacles, and a proper preflight check should be completed. It is also essential to ensure that both the drone and the Sky Controller 4 have GPS capabilities.

Preparing for a Vehicle Mission

Before beginning a vehicle mission, the pilot needs to power on the Anaphi AI system and make sure the return to home altitude is set appropriately. Additionally, it is crucial to ensure that the landing will occur on the moving vehicle rather than a fixed location. The return to home button in vehicle mode functions as the return to vehicle button, so it is essential to have GPS on both the drone and the Sky Controller 4 for this mode to work effectively.

Taking Off in Vehicle Mode

To initiate vehicle mode, the Anaphi AI drone should be placed on the takeoff platform in the direction of the vehicle's movement. The pilot must not be the one driving the vehicle. Once the drone is in position and ready for takeoff, the pilot can select vehicle mode from the Free Flight 7 application. The driver should start moving the vehicle at a speed under 15 miles per hour. The Anaphi AI drone will automatically detect the vehicle's motion and offer the option to take off.

Maneuvering the Aircraft in Vehicle Mode

Once the aircraft is airborne in vehicle mode, the pilot has full control over maneuvering the drone and adjusting the camera angle independently. The drone continues to track and follow the vehicle, maintaining the relative position established during takeoff. This flexibility allows the pilot to capture footage from various angles while the drone autonomously tracks the vehicle.

Stopping Tracking and Resuming

During a vehicle mission, there may be instances where the pilot needs to temporarily stop the drone from tracking the vehicle. To do this, the pilot can press the red stop button, and the drone will enter manual piloting mode. In this mode, the drone will no longer follow the vehicle's movements. To Resume tracking the vehicle, the pilot simply needs to press the green play button, and the drone will continue following the vehicle's trajectory.

Returning to the Vehicle for Landing

To bring the drone back to the moving vehicle for landing, the pilot needs to activate the return to vehicle function. This function requires the Anaphi AI drone to travel to its minimum return to vehicle altitude using GPS coordinates from the Sky Controller 4. The drone then locates the general position of the vehicle using its main camera and identifies the landing pad. Once the landing pad is identified, the drone initiates its descent and lands precisely on the intended mark.

Completing a Vehicle Mission

A complete vehicle mission involves successfully taking off, maneuvering the drone while it tracks the vehicle, and returning to the moving vehicle for landing. By following the steps and guidelines provided, pilots can perform vehicle missions effectively with the Anaphi AI drone. Vehicle mode offers a unique perspective and flexibility in capturing footage while on the move.

Conclusion

Vehicle mode in the Anaphi AI drone is a powerful feature that allows pilots to operate the drone from a moving vehicle. By understanding how vehicle mode operates and following the necessary steps, pilots can take off, maneuver, and land the drone safely on the moving vehicle. This mode offers exciting possibilities for capturing dynamic footage and opens up new opportunities for creative aerial Photography and videography.

Pros of Vehicle Mode:

• Enables pilots to control the drone from a moving vehicle
• Provides flexibility in capturing footage from various angles
• Allows for independent maneuvering of the drone while it tracks the vehicle

Cons of Vehicle Mode:

• Requires a distinctive takeoff platform and additional preparations
• Requires GPS capabilities on both the drone and the Sky Controller 4
• Limited to a maximum vehicle speed of 15 miles per hour

Highlights

• Vehicle mode in the Anaphi AI drone allows pilots to control the drone from a moving vehicle.
• The drone tracks and follows the vehicle while the pilot maneuvers the aircraft independently.
• By utilizing GPS systems, the drone maintains its relative position and does not require constant focus on the vehicle.
• Preparations involve obtaining a distinctive takeoff platform and ensuring GPS capabilities.
• Vehicle mode offers flexibility in capturing footage and enables creative aerial photography and videography.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use vehicle mode with any type of vehicle? A: Vehicle mode can be used with any type of vehicle as long as a distinctive takeoff platform can be secured to it.

Q: What happens if the vehicle exceeds the maximum speed of 15 miles per hour? A: If the vehicle exceeds the maximum speed, the Anaphi AI drone may lose synchronization and tracking with the vehicle, affecting the functionality of vehicle mode.

Q: Can I switch to vehicle mode during an ongoing flight mission? A: No, vehicle mode needs to be selected before taking off. You cannot switch to vehicle mode during a mission.

Q: Does the drone need to maintain a certain altitude during vehicle mode? A: The drone stabilizes itself 5 meters above the takeoff point and maintains this altitude throughout the vehicle mission.

Q: Can I use vehicle mode in congested areas or with obstacles nearby? A: It is essential to ensure that the takeoff and landing vectors are free of obstacles or congested areas to avoid any collisions during the vehicle mission.

Resources:

• Anaphi AI user guide
• Free Flight 7 application