During the fall we did two blog-posts (1, 2) about a new prototype named Obstacle Avoidance/SLAM deck, but since then it’s been a bit quiet about it. So we thought it was due for an update! First of all, after a lot of discussions, we decided to rename the deck to Multi-ranger. It better describes what the board does and matches the naming of the Z-ranger. We’ve sent out some samples to customers and so far the response has been great. So we’re pushing forward and preparing for production that’s estimated to begin in March. Below is a picture of the latest prototype.
The biggest change for the final prototype is adding a LDO regulator to power the sensors. We’ve seen that depending on the settings for the sensors they might consume a lot more than when we initially tested. Using the same settings as for the Z-ranger brings the consumption to 90 mA, which together with the Crazyflie 2.0 electronics, comes close to filling the power budget for the Crazyflie 2.0 VCC LDO regulator. Aside from that we’re making some minor changes to simplify production and testing.
We’ll keep you updated on the progress!
Yes!!! I’m very excited about this one. Great job. I want one now.
Hi Loren,
Happy to hear that you’re excited about the deck! We’re working hard on making it available :-)
Hello Marcus,
Great job on this board. I have a project that I’m going to be working on in March. Do you think it will be available by then? If not do you have any more prototypes that I could purchase? Thanks a lot.
Hi Ryan,
Glad to hear that you like it! Unfortunately the board will not be available in March. Production will start in March so it’s more likely to be available in May. Unfortunately there’s been a lot of prototype requests so we can’t sell any more (we need some for development).
Wow, this one would be awesome! Will it be possible to use together with the Flow deck?
Hi Fabio,
Happy that you’re excited about it! Yes, it works with the Flow deck (we’ve been using them together while developing).
Very excited to buy one of these when it’s available!!
This is really cool and the deck the I really need. Is this available now? I cannot see it on your product list. I am very excited to buy!
Hi Carl,
Happy to hear that you are excited about it. The deck is currently in production so keep checking our blog or sign up to the news letter and we will announce when it’s available.