What is a Micro Drone 4.0
It is a mini drone weight just 170 grams, carrys 1080p full HD camera and gimbal.
Alert regarding Japanese aviation law
Since this aircraft has a takeoff weight of 100g or more, it is subject to the " Flight Rules for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles " in Japan. Additionally, after purchase, you will need to register with the Drone Registration System . See below for details.
Since this aircraft has a takeoff weight of 100g or more, it is subject to the " Flight Rules for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles " in Japan. Additionally, after purchase, you will need to register with the Drone Registration System . See below for details.
Drone flight rule in Japan and other countries
このページを日本語で見る
Table of contents
Latest information
Aug. 21, 2020: Production resumed, completing the first batch. However, the defect rate is high, and they are investigating the cause before the start of production of the next batch. Due to this, the schedule is slightly delayed, and the product will be shipped to backers in October. Production of the controller has also started and will be shipped at the same time as the drones. The video Micro Drone 4.0 outdoor flight test has been released on YouTube.
See more 
Apr. 13, 2020: The factory is still closed. They hope to resume in about 2w. The video Testing Video has been released on YouTube.
Mar. 21, 2020: It is revealed that the specification of the SD card slot is SDXC. Can be used up to 2TB.
Mar. 13, 2020: Factory is expected to resume operation in the next 4-6 weeks.
Mar. 04, 2020: While waiting for the factory to resume operations, they are improving the quality of the video footage. They are working to improve color grading and reduce vibration caused by propellers.
Feb. 27, 2020: The factory was suddenly closed because of the Coronavirus.
Feb. 18, 2020: Inspection of test products completed. The result of this adjustment is being reflected on the production line. After this, dozens more are produced and the results are confirmed.
Feb. 11, 2020: The video Micro Drone 4.0 Production: Update #19 has been released on YouTube by the MD4 team.
Before the start of Chinese New Year, test production of 300 units was completed on a mass production line. Forty of them have been fully assembled and undergoing inspection and evaluation. It was scheduled to begin shipping on February 15, but the factory has been confused by the effects of Coronavirus outbreak. It is expected that the latest information will be reported separately. Before shipping, a confirmation email of the delivery address is sent to each backers. The remote controller will also be shipped at the same time as the drone.
For the AI tracking function, two functions, "Follow Me" function and "360 orbit" function, can be used at first. This function is implemented on the smartphone application side, and new functions will be added one after another by updating the application.
Jan. 08, 2020: Exhibiting at CES in Las Vegas from January 7th. By CES visitors, videos Micro Drone 40 Extreme Fliers Booth CES 2020、 Micro Drone 4.0 at CES 2020、 Micro Drone 4.0: What Ever Happened to It? has been uploaded to YouTube.
Dec. 08, 2019: Videos showing the outdoor flight and product package were released. The image from the drone is still operating only on the gimbal, and EIS: Electronic Image Stabilization is not enabled. Expected to be a more stable image by enabling EIS.
In addition, the final specification has been updated. Due to the increase in size of the propeller, both width and depth have increased by about 3 cm. The weight also increased. Battery capacity has decreased and flight time has been reduced from 12 minutes to 10 minutes.
Nov. 23, 2019: Ready for mass production. The first mass production and quality test will be performed in the next 30 days. It takes 60 to 120 days from the start of production to shipping, and shipping is expected to start in February 2020.
A 2 min 25 sec video shot at the Commercial UAV Show in London was released. The video introduces the Quick Launch function (takes off with a triple click of the power button) and the Self-Hovering function (optical sensor and barometer, keeps hovering in one place without the need for operation).
Nov. 16, 2019: The latest samples were obtained from the factory and tested well. It is expected that the mass production schedule can finally be established.
Nov. 13, 2019: Latest photos taken at the Commercial UAV Show in London have been released. Here and Here . The design has changed significantly.
Nov. 03, 2019: Shipment is likely in December.
Sept. 18, 2019: Completed review of all parts. Expected to start mass production in October 2019. The weight is expected to be kept below 200g, but the arm size will be slightly larger.
July 27, 2019: The estimated shipping date is postponed to October 2019.
July 16, 2019: The camera resolution is fixed at 5 million pixels. The recommended SD card is class 10 (C10) and writing speed 45 MBit / s or more. However, the capacity should be 32GB or less.
July 7, 2019: About camera resolution, They have been testing a number of different sizes, 5mp, 8mp, 12mp, they found that the bigger the mp does not improve video pixel density and blur comes from the focus of the lens. It turns out that increasing the bit rate instead improves the video quality until the video processor's optimum performance. so they think the ideal size is 5mp.
July 6, 2019: The specifications have been changed to charge the batteries directly from the microUSB port mounted on each battery. Upgrade the firmware version from the Wi-Fi or SD card. The test will take about three more weeks. Mass production is expected to take 30 to 90 days thereafter. Because of this, shipping time will be from September to November.
July 1, 2019: During final production test before mass production at the factory. Mass production will start as soon as the test is completed. Shipping is expected to take 30 to 90 days from here. Therefore, it is expected to be shipped from August to October at the shortest.
Overview and Features
The Extreme Fliers has developed several small drones since 2011, but this time, which is the fourth generation, it has a 1080p full HD camera and 2 axis gimbal. Furthermore, since the video is stored in the SD card on the body, clear aerial video can be taken without disturbance of images in Wi-Fi transfer. Because the weight is less than 200 g, so the restrictions imposed by Japanese drone flight rules (aviation law) are also greatly relaxed. Although GPS will not be installed, it will be equipped with Return To Home function by image recognition. Of course, they also plan to acquire the certification of wireless devices necessary for flights in Japan and other countries. The optional battery is available starting at 5/20, and one for USD25 for backers. They are also planning to develop propeller guards, carrying cases, various repair parts, and will be made public to backers in the future. Share Micro Drone 4.0 with FaceBook(indiegogo) Share Micro Drone 4.0 with Twitter(indiegogo)
Introduction of Micro Drone 4.0(indiegogo)
Remote control application page for Micro Drone 4.0(indiegogo)
Micro Drone official site(Extreme Fliers)
Micro Drone official site(FaceBook)
Find the Micro Drone series(Amazon.com)
Price and Release schedule
For crowdfunding backers, it was originally scheduled for release in June 2019 as a support benefit, but development has been delayed. Initially it was offered at $ 120 (about 13,000 yen), but the current offer price is $ 145 (about 16,000 yen). You can also select two sets of $ 275 (about 30,000 yen), 5 sets $ 675 (about 75,000 yen), 10 sets $ 1299 (about 145,000 yen). A shipping cost ($ 20 worldwide) and customs duties are expected to be added to this. Although this crowdfunding project was originally planned to close reception on March 1, the campaign will be extended due to its high popularity, and it is expected to continue until the end of March.In addition, after distribution to backers, general release is planned, and the price is expected to be less than $ 200 (about 22,000 yen).
Stretch goal
The indiegogo campaign plans to implement the following three as a stretch goal in the case of a large investment.- No.1:Professional Remote Control Handset
- Target amount $500,000 : Already reached.
It is development of professional-oriented optional remote controller.
Using this, the radio wave reaching distance extends 700 feet (about 200 meters), which is exceptional as a very small drone.
Also, many functions of professional orientation will be included.
Backers can apply for $ 75 (about 8,400 yen).
In general release, it is expected to be sold for $ 150 (about 17,000 yen).
Remote control application page for Micro Drone 4.0(indiegogo)
- No.2:Neurala AI tracking
- Target amount $750,000 : Already reached. In cooperation with Neurala's image processing technology, functions described below will be integrated. This is a feature built into all products, no additional payment required.
- No.3:MFi Integration
- Target amount $1,500,000 : not reached.
It is planned to have a function to importing video images taken by Drone directly into smart phone, and relay broadcasting with FaceBook Live / YouTube Live.
This is also a feature built into all products, no additional payment is required.
MFi means Made For iPhone / iPad / iPod, It means to officially register as an authenticated accessory of Apple iPhone series. Android machines do not need special certification to develop this feature, but iPod / iPad / iPhone can not implement this feature without MFi certification.What is MFi authentication?(japanese)
Professional Remote Control Handset
And the Micro Drone team decided to develop this Professional Remote Control for more professional users. Although it is said that many functions of professional orientation as below will be included, details are unknown now. Details will be announced soon from the Micro Drone team.
- Customization Features
- Extended the range (flying up to 700ft), dual patch antennas, rumble feedback, smartphone integration, gimbal wheel, in-built rechargeable battery, and more that allows Micro Drone 4.0 pilots to get the experience of using a professional drone.
- Professional Features
- Ability to customize your buttons via our app to allow you to assign different functions such as switching between modes 1-4, activating smart shot maneuvers, and quickly shooting a video.
- Comfortable Design
- Lastly, our controller has also been ergonomically designed to sit comfortably in the palm of your hands with all controls in easy reach.
Neurala AI tracking
Achieved with the stretch goal No. 2. Various intelligent flight modes using Neurala's image recognition technology will be installed.- 360° Orbit
- Circle selected point of interest and auto-rotate alignment focus on a central focal point.
- Follow Me
- Tracks and automatically follow users at custom programmable distances and altitudes.
- Cable Cam
- Reverses drone orientation to fly aircraft backward from launch location as flies away.
- Land on Hand
- Visually searches for a human hand to initiate landing in hand with extended palm.
- Sideways Dolly
- Mimics its flight path sideways to recreate traditional wheeled camera dolly track.
- Return Home
- One tap flight instruction to autonomously navigate to initial to take-off location.
- Gesture Controls
- Teaches aircraft to recognize hand/arm movements to initiate flight maneuvers.
Neurala Official site
Specification
The part marked with a yellow marker is the specification changed from the original announcement (determined on December 8, 2019).| Enclosure | resin/carbon composite materials |
|---|---|
| Size | 150 x 150 x 50 mm (Previous 4.7 x 4.7 x 1.6 inch : about 12 x 12 x 4 cm ) |
| Weight | 170 gram (Previous 4.2 oz : about 119 gram ) |
| Camera | Made by SONY, 1/2.3" CMOS image sensor, F2.6, 5M pixels, 110-degree field of view, two axis mechanical gimbal |
| Video | 1080p (1920 x 1080 pixel Full HD) 30fps, Video buffer starts recording 10 sec before you press record |
| Photo | RAW, Panorama, Burst, Timelapse, and more |
| Micro SD card slot | on board (SDXC : for record videos and photos ) |
| Microprocessor | Qualcomm Based |
| Sensors | IMU(inertial measurement unit), Gyro/Accelerometer, Barometric Air Pressure Sensor, Downward Facing Optical Flow Camera |
| Motor | brushed motor, Interchangeable if failed |
| Battery | 1-cell 3.7V 850mA capacity LiPo battery (Previous Two-cell 7.4v high-performance Li-Po battery with 1200mAh capacity weighs 26g) easy hot swapping using its quick release design |
| Charging | Power supply via micro USB cable connected directory to battery, use USB-AC adapter, 45 minutes is required for full charge |
| Flight time | about 10 minutes (Previous about 12 minutes) |
| Radio wave range | 400 ft ( about 122 m ) / 700 ft ( about 213 m ) with Professional Remote Control Handset |
| Altitude limit | Same as radio wave range |
| Max speed | 30 mph ( about 48.28 km/h) |
| Controller | Smartphone / tablet installed free app(Wi-Fi), Third-party controllers and optional controllers can also be used ( Bluetooth connection with smartphone ) |
| FPV goggles | Correspond with screen display of app, using
VR goggles for smartphones
( As of now, there is no plan to support dedicated goggles / commercial goggles ) |
| in the Box | Micro Drone 4.0, 1 x Rechargeable Li-Po Battery, 1 x Battery Charger, additional propellers |
| Option parts | Under consideration : A lineup similar to the previous Micro Drone series will be prepared (Replacement propellers, motors, batteries and other repair parts) |