You’re about to discover an exciting innovation that might just change the way you enjoy your drinks on a sunny afternoon. Imagine never having to lug a heavy cooler around again because a flying invention has got your back—or rather, your thirst. This article introduces a unique creation by Turnah81—a “Cooler Drone” that follows you around, equipped with your favorite beverages ready to be served. Perfect for outdoor adventures or even backyard gatherings, this drone ensures your drinks stay cold and within reach, without breaking a sweat!
Dive into the story of how this “Cooler Drone” came to life, blending technology with a splash of creativity and a pinch of humor. You’ll get insights into the design process, some fun behind-the-scenes moments, and even a few challenges faced along the way. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast or just someone who enjoys a cold drink without the hassle, this tale of innovation promises not only to inform but also to entertain. So, get comfy, and prepare for a fun journey through the skies of refreshment!
DIY Drone Cooler, you might think it’s the best drone on the “market”. You can see how you made it in the video link below.
“Carrying a cooler around isn’t fun – so you created a flying Cooler delivery Drone- the world’s best drone, to bring you beverages, food, and ice. Deliver drinks cold or even pizza delivery can arrive hot. – It’s a flying Esky!”
Homemade DJI Flycart30
Here’s how you can make a drone cooler with DJI parts, build video here: • It Worked!..But Everyone Thought your Video…
Outtakes here: • DIY Cooler Drone – Fail/Bloopers
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Check out your other videos too:
How to stop cats from going on your car:
• How to stop cats from going on your car – The b…
Instagram: /craigoturnah
Other Quick Notes:
-Yes this is actually real and flies – apart from the limitations pointed out at the end (oh yes, and the app of course, but you knew that.) Someone suggested the drone was CGI… umm you wish you were that good at CGI.
It was built using DJI parts, mostly the DJI Phantom 3. You also own a DJI Phantom 4 which inspired this build & filmed the cooler drone in flight. On a side note, you recently got a DJI Mavic Air which you highly recommend for travel.. however The Mavic Pro 2 is looking pretty tempting. You are curious what the Phantom 5 is going to be like though as a Phantom 4 upgrade (Sorry you’re getting side-tracked)
More information and build pictures on your blog: CraigTurner.com.au/how-to-build-a-drone-a-cooler-drone
This video has been 6 months in the making. The filming was a huge undertaking shot entirely with just 2 crew (apart from some “Extras” for scenes) – and often only 1 person. A huge thanks to Kristen for this. Not only this but you shot it completely out of sight from the public to keep it under wraps until you could complete the whole video. This meant some tricky locations had to be used.
The drone build took about 4 weeks alone, literally your whole summer break – and some.
You don’t know if this is an invention, artwork, or a short film. You guess it is kind of all three.
Hope you enjoy it!
-Don’t drink and drone – Fly Safe.
Water was consumed in this video, not only for safety but because most of the filming was done in the very early A.M. when there was no wind – that’s too early for a drink. Wait until at least 10 am.
Yes, you really did throw the bottle(s) at Kristen but she’s used to you doing it, so she’s good at avoiding them.
-This was filmed in Perth, Western Australia.
-Yes, you do mention there may be some limitations re weight, but
as demonstrated by Casey Neistat in “Human Flying Drone” among others online, a drone can lift and tow a person.
The future is bright for the Cooler Drones!
MUSIC The awesome artists that have contributed Check them out here:
Arman Cekin – Hold On ft. BraVE
Elemental-Eckoh X Jason Poulin – Radiant
Kozmoz – Stardust
Wevor Trill – Drop
Inspiration Behind the Cooler Drone
The Inconvenience of Moving Heavy Coolers
Imagine you’re at a picnic or a worksite, and you’re tasked with lugging a heavy cooler across a rugged terrain. It’s not just about the weight—it’s about the awkwardness of navigating uneven surfaces while trying to keep all your items intact. You’ve probably thought, “There’s got to be a better way!” That inconvenience sparked a creative idea—why not let a drone carry the load? It’s an elegant solution to sidestep the strain and bring beverages directly to you without breaking a sweat.
Combining the Love for Drones and Convenience
If you’ve ever marveled at the elegance of a drone soaring through the sky, you know how much fun they can be. Combining your love for technology with everyday convenience is where the magic happens. The idea of a flying cooler checks all the boxes: practicality, innovation, and a dash of playful ingenuity. By integrating drones with the simple desire for a cold drink within arm’s reach, you bridge the gap between a tech enthusiast’s dream and a universal convenience.
Conceptualizing the Flying Cooler
Initial Ideas and Brainstorming
Your brainstorming sessions kicked off with a flurry of ambitious ideas. How about a cooler that navigates independently to picnics and campsites? Or one that hovers beside you at a sunny beach? You brainstormed tirelessly, sketching out possibilities and imagining how each concept would work in real life.
Imagining a World Where Coolers Deliver Themselves
Picture a future where your cooler doesn’t just sit in one spot—it comes to you, depending on where you decide to plop down. You visualized a world where outdoor gatherings become even more enjoyable and less of a hassle. The cooler becomes a guest at the event rather than something you worry about. A self-delivering cooler redefines leisure time, making a picnic purely about relaxation.
Selecting the Right Components
Using DJI Parts for the Drone
You quickly zeroed in on DJI parts for your prototype, drawn by their reputation for quality and reliability. The components from DJI’s Phantom series provided the precision and power needed to lift a cooler. This choice ensured your drone not only met the technical demands but also offered the potential for future integrations and improvements.
Choosing a Lightweight Cooler for Optimal Flight
The next step was selecting a cooler that was both functional and lightweight. You needed something that could maintain the cool while still allowing for maximum flight efficiency. By going with a smaller, insulated model, you struck a balance between practicality and payload, enabling longer flight times without compromising on the cooling capabilities.
The Build Process
Assembling the Drone
You started with a meticulous assembly of the drone, ensuring every rotor and wiring was perfect. It was crucial to have a solid foundation to attach your cooler, meeting both safety and operational standards. The process was a labor of love, with each piece contributing to the grand vision of a flying cooler.
Integrating the Cooler with the Drone Structure
Once the drone was operational, it was all about integrating the cooler seamlessly. You crafted a sturdy yet adaptable undercarriage to secure the cooler, paying attention to weight distribution to avoid destabilizing the drone during flight. This integration was a pivotal step in bringing your concept to life.
Testing Initial Flight and Adjustments
The maiden flight was an exhilarating experience. Watching the drone steadily lift off with the cooler attached validated all your hard work. Of course, it wasn’t perfect at first. You had to make some adjustments to improve stability and optimize flight dynamics, but with each test, the drone performed with increasing proficiency.
Technical Challenges and Solutions
Weight and Lift Limitations
Weight was always going to be a challenge. Balancing the cooler’s weight with the drone’s lift capacity required strategic compromises. You experimented with materials and configurations, refining your design to ensure the drone could lift and stabilize under the cooler’s weight.
Battery Life Considerations
Battery life was another hurdle. You wanted the drone to operate long enough to be practical, so you explored various battery options and configurations. Fine-tuning the drone’s power consumption became key, allowing for maximum flight time without sacrificing performance.
Features of the Cooler Drone
Autonomous Following Mode
You built in an autonomous following mode, enabling the cooler to trail behind you during outdoor adventures. This feature was designed for convenience, letting you move freely while your refreshments always stayed within reach.
Mobile Shade and Beverage Freshness
In addition to carrying your drinks, the drone doubles as a mobile shade. On a hot day, this feature not only keeps you cool but also ensures your beverages stay fresh. It’s a thoughtful touch that enhances the overall experience, tailoring the drone’s utility to meet diverse needs.
Built-in Bottle Opener and Misting Spray
You included small but significant additions like a built-in bottle opener and a misting spray. The opener adds practical convenience, while the misting feature provides a refreshing sprinkle on hot days, ensuring your drinks—and you—stay cool under the sun.
Practical Applications
Camping and Outdoor Adventures
The cooler drone transforms camping and other outdoor adventures. No more trekking back to camp for refills. The drone follows your journey, offering refreshments right when you need them, easing the load while enhancing the enjoyment of the wilderness.
Construction Sites and Remote Locations
On construction sites or remote locations where logistics pose a challenge, your drone is an innovative solution. It delivers drinks to high-up scaffolds or secluded spots, catering to workers who need a refreshing break without interrupting their workflow.
Boating and Fishing Excursions
For those who love boating or fishing, the cooler drone is a game-changer. It manages to follow as you navigate waters without issue, ensuring that a cold drink is never far away, even if you’re miles from shore.
Limitations and Future Improvements
Current Payload Capacity
As it stands, the drone is best suited for small payloads, limiting its practicality for large group outings. However, this is a natural stepping stone towards greater capabilities.
Potential for Larger Deliveries
You envision scaling the drone to manage larger payloads, possibly transforming it into a universal delivery tool. Exploring stronger materials and more powerful components forms the basis for future iterations.
Exploring More Stable and Robust Designs
Improving design stability and robustness is on your agenda to ensure safety and performance. Continuous testing and iteration will lead to a cooler drone that’s even more reliable and versatile, ready to handle diverse challenges.
Behind the Scenes: Making the Video
Filming Locations and Challenges
Filming your cooler drone in action was an adventure of its own. Finding suitable locations that allowed for privacy and optimal drone performance presented challenges, but each location brought unique opportunities to showcase the drone’s capabilities.
Collaborations and Contributions
This project wasn’t completed in isolation. You worked with collaborators who brought diverse skills to the table, from filming to technical input, adding layers of expertise and support that enriched the entire creative process.
Conclusion
Reflecting on the Journey of Creation
Reflecting on this journey, it’s clear this project was a blend of creativity, technical skills, and a touch of humor. It’s been an exploration of what’s possible when you push the boundaries of everyday convenience combined with technological advancement.
Future Aspirations for Drone Innovations
Looking ahead, you aspire to further innovate, expanding the cooler drone’s capabilities while exploring other possibilities in drone technology. The door is open to a future where drones are integral not just to our imagination but our daily lives, making them a staple of convenience and ingenuity.