Swellpro Splash Waterproof Drone 3 Plus FAQ's

Q: What are the differences between the SplashDrone 3 and the SplashDrone 3+?

The SplashDrone 3+ is the latest addition to the SwellPro family of waterproof drones. Here is a list of just some of the improvements and enhancements that are included:

Extended flight times

New LiHV battery with 3 levels of battery warning

New Smooth+ remote controls

Power-Flip function when floating

Enhanced waterproofing throughout

Circuit board moisture protection coating

Lost Drone Location Beacon option

Tuned flight control feel

New and improved 3-axis gimbal 4K camera

New heat management system

Easier hatch fastenings

New carry case for drone & accessories

Striking new colour scheme

Q: Are there different versions of the SplashDrone 3+?

A: The previous SplashDrone 3 was sold in two versions. Now buy the SplashDrone 3+ as a base platform and add the modules you want to be able to film, fish, rescue, etc. Every module easily and quickly attaches to the drone as required.

Q: What is the maximum flight speed of the SplashDrone 3+?

A: 72km/h (45mph) in ATTI mode, 58km/h (36mph) in GPS mode

Q: How much load can the SplashDrone 3+ carry?

A: SplashDrone 3+ has a maximum take-off weight of 3.2kg. This generally means that the drone can carry a maximum payload of 1kg.

Q: What is the maximum resolution of the 4KGC-3 camera?

A: The SplashDrone 3+ GC3 3-axis gimbal camera has a maximum video resolution is 4K 30FPS video (3840×2160). The photo resolution is 16MP.

Q: Which video capture mode does most people would use?

A: 2.5K@60fps (default setting)

Q: Is the camera different on 4KGC-3 camera than the previous camera?

A: Yes, the GC3 camera is all new, sharper detail, better colour balance, improved metering and higher resolution. This is an all-new camera.

Q: Can I use the SplashDrone 3+ to see objects underwater?

A: Yes, when the SplashDrone 3+ lands on the surface of the water, the camera is positioned underwater to capture the underwater scenery.

Q: Is the SplashDrone 3+ able to return to a boat that has moved from the take-off location?

A: In Return-Home mode, the SplashDrone 3+ returns to the take-of GPS location. However, with the Ground Station, the SplashDrone 3+ can be instructed via the mobile APP to return to the current location.

Q: Can the SplashDrone 3+ be used underwater?

A: The SplashDrone 3+ floats safely on water, but is not designed to submerge further. It is designed to fly in wet weather and take-off and land on water. Think of it as a flying boat, not a submarine.

Q: What is the flight time for SplashDrone 3+?

A: The average maximum flight time with the LiHV battery is over 22 minutes. Flight time can be affected by the characteristics of the flight, payload and wind conditions.

Q: What is the maximum wind speed that the SplashDrone 3+ can fly in?

A: The SplashDrone 3+ is able to fly and hover in wind speeds of up to 27 km/h (17 mph) or Beaufort force 4 with wind gusts up to 43km/h (27mph) or Beaufort force 6.

Q: Does the SplashDrone 3+ have an optical positioning system?

A: As optical positioning systems do not work over water, the SplashDrone 3+ uses multiple other sensors to provide hovering and flight positioning.

Q: Is the remote controller waterproof?

A: Although the SplashDrone 3+ and its payload modules are all waterproof, the remote controller is not currently waterproof. We are working on a waterproof version for a future release.

Q: How does the Location Beacon work?

A: With the SplashDrone 3+ and the optional GroundStation, if you inadvertently lose or crash your drone out of sight, even with very low batteries, the Location Beacon will instantly provide the drone's location, pinpointed on your mobile device with voltage and altitude data to assist recovery. This feature uses a separate low-frequency (433/915Mhz) signal which propagates well through obstacles. Range ~1km.

Q: Will more payload modules be released for the SplashDrone 3+?

A: At SwellPro, we are dedicated to the evolution of the waterproof drone. Our R&D department is constantly testing and developing new ideas and products. We will continue to release new imaging and payload release modules for the SplashDrone platform and welcome your ideas for new designs.

Q: What is the effective range of the SplashDrone 3+?

A: In unobstructed conditions, the SplashDrone 3+ can reach an effective range of 2.5km and can be limited by software settings on the Flight Controller.

Q: What are the different flight modes available on the remote controller?

A: Four different flight modes are available:

1.GPS mode – the drone manages its hover stability using GPS and other sensors.

2.Smart Cruise mode – Yaw and pitch are combined onto the right-hand joystick for ease of use or photography.

3.Atti mode – speed and distance restrictions as well as GPS positioning are disabled, but Altitude stability is enabled.

4. Smooth+ - switch from joysticks to variable controls for a super smooth flight experience.

Q: Can the SplashDrone 3+ be used in salt water environments?

A: Yes. The SplashDrone 3+ is built for marine environments with corrosion resistant materials and seals. Like any ruggedized electronics, always rinse the drone thoroughly after use in harsh environments.

Q: Can the SplashDrone 3+ takeoff and land on water?

A: Yes. The power system and carbon-fibre propellers have more than enough power to lift-off from the water surface.

Q: Can the SplashDrone 3+ be used in rain or snow?

A: Yes.

Q: Does the SplashDrone 3+ come with a carry case?

A: Yes. The SplashDrone 3+ comes complete with a custom-made carry case that cushions and protects your investment and accessories.

Q: What is the charging time of the SplashDrone 3+ battery?

A: Approximately one and half hour.

Q: Can the 4K gimbal camera and payload release module be used on the SplashDrone 3+ at the same time?

A: No, they work separately. However the PL2 and PL3 release modules have cameras onboard for finding the best fishing areas.

Q: What is the difference between the PL2 and PL3 release modules?

A: The PL2 has a fixed HD camera whose angle can be manually adjusted prior to flight. The camera provides live video feed back to the Remote Controller. The PL3 has a 2.7k camera with tilt stabilization and control that can record video and photos to an inbuilt microSD card.