The AirDog looks an impressive piece of kit. Fly's in up to 30 knots. I do note that on there website they have not yet released a "kitesurfing mode" (they plan to). They have surf and windsurf modes, which are designed to operate safely in each respective conditions. There is clearly more complexity in safely following a kiter that they do not appear to have addressed yet.
AirDog have published the kitesurfing settings to buyers until the "proper" mode is finalised - no fault on their part. They instruct kiters to use the Windsurfing mode (for water, fixed follow, force return to home landing) and allow sufficient height and distance from the rider to allow for the kite (i.e. 30m high x 50m distance for example). Return to Home height can also be set (i.e. 45m to clear anyone on it's journey home. This RTH will happen at 40% battery remaining automatically, or sooner if you command it.
At this time the AirDog doesn't know where the wind is coming from, so the rider must manually position the AirDog on the circumference of the sphere you have specified (if this makes sense. You've defined a sphere with you as the centre, taking into account the horizontal and vertical distances you've established. Once you've positioned the drone, it will remain in that relative position unless you then tell it otherwise. The proper Kite mode will have some way of determining wind direction and thus defaulting upwind, i think. But it's basically the same as Windsurfing with the distances increased.
Its an incredible piece of kit. Honestly. Once flying, the relative position can be adjusted with a 4 way game pad like controller - higher, lower, closer, further away, and also left or right on the circumferebce you've defined. In addition, a rider can send "Come to Me" as well as Return to Home instruction with 2 dedicated buttons. I tested it 4 times previously in the park and it does exactly what you expect, everytime.
Foolproof really, unless you neglect to instruct the rider how to use the controller that you've just strapped to his arm.
For better or worse I know of 2 more enroute to WA as we speak, both keen to know what went wrong. I trust that those buyers will learn from my mistake.
Grumpy old kiters. Drone away (pun intended), just replace my lines if you take them out
Select to expand quoterollo19 said..
Grumpy old kiters. Drone away (pun intended), just replace my lines if you take them out
Or your eye!
If you can find your drone , there is a good chance you can still get the files off the card. Just don't leave too long. Break out the dive gear. 
I cant believe some of you guys are here repeating the rules. Do you guys work for the government?
Get over it. James regrets this more than anyone.
They can ban them, change the rules or whatever, but if its fun guys will still do it.
Select to expand quotebjw said..
I cant believe some of you guys are here repeating the rules. Do you guys work for the government?
Get over it. James regrets this more than anyone.
They can ban them, change the rules or whatever, but if its fun guys will still do it
like rape and punching animals
