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  • 5 Best Tiko 3D Printer Review – Alternatives

    5 Best Tiko 3D Printer Review – Alternatives

    On March 30, 2015, a Kickstarter project was opened to create a revolutionary new 3D printer. One month later, in April 2015, the Kickstarter had raised $2,950,874 from 16,538 backers who put up at least $179 each. Shipping was estimated to start in November 2015, approximately seven months later. The printer was going to be known as the Tiko Unibody 3D Printer.

    The designers of this printer were visionaries in every sense of the word. The Tiko 3D printer what the creators of the term “state-of-the-art” had in mind when they coined the phrase. Here are some of the planned specifications.

    • The maximum print volume was supposed to be 138.3 cubic inches.
    • The shape of the print area wouldn’t have been the usual rectangle or circle. Instead, it would have been triangular but with rounded corners. The height would have been 4.9 inches. If you were printing something with a cylindrical shape, the diameter of that cylinder could have been as large as 4.9 inches.
    • The layer resolution was supposed to be 50 to 250 microns.
    • The printing zone would have been enclosed.
    • The print bed would have been made of a flexible plastic. That would have made it easy to pop off the printed item without damaging it.
    • Tiko would have been able to connect to Wi-Fi so that you could print from virtually anywhere, including a smartphone. If Wi-Fi was not available, you could have used the printer to create a wireless access point. This would have let you print directly from your computer to the printer.
    • If the unit was ever jarred or moved while printing, a built-in accelerometer would have sensed this and shut the Tiko down automatically.
    • The accelerometer would have also had a role in the automatic calibration process.

    This was your big chance to participate in the development of cutting-edge technology. For a mere $179, you could have contributed to a Kickstarter project and gotten a new type of 3D printer, one that would have made IT history.

    The first shipment (from Hong Kong) went out in December 2016. That was 13 months after the initial expected ship date. Those units, once they were set up by the new owners, had problems. By February 22, 2017, the project was over. The Tiko 3D printer became someone’s broken dream. There were subsequent efforts to revive the brand, but nothing came of them. In the end, the biggest problem was probably not the design or planning. It was probably that the project was underfunded and couldn’t survive the bad times.

    Even though their $179 investment was gone, those who contributed to the Tiko Kickstarter project were offered an inexpensive way to acquire a 3D printer. The CEO of M3D offered anyone who lost money on the Tiko Kickstarter the opportunity to purchase a Micro 3D Printer for a discounted price of $199. It was a good deal for anyone who accepted the offer and a smart way for M3D to expand its customer base.

    There are plenty of other options available for those who were hoping to purchase a Tiko 3D printer. We will list some of those alternatives for you. But first, here is some background information on 3D printers.

    [amazon box= “B07CJQ3D6L,B07DMZ1YQD,B07HDHHBRJ,B07MLWFXHF,B0757H1Q5K” template=”table”]

    3D Printer FAQs

    How Do 3D Printers Work?

    Where Can 3D Printers Be Purchased?

    How We Reviewed

    3d Printer at the top of the table

    Image by Karolina Grabowska from Pixabay

    ​The printers we reviewed were chosen based on price. We were looking for printers at a price close to the $179 that would have been spent on the Tiko. Quite a bit of time has passed since the beginning of the Tiko project. In that time, technology has marched on. It is reasonable to expect that since then, prices have dropped, and functionality has increased. It is interesting to see how some of the ideas in the Tiko design have made it into currently available printers.

    All the printers reviewed here are delivered completely assembled. There are many more available in this price range that require assembly. Some even come in the form of a kit, which sounds like an extreme form of assembly. If you are good with your hands, have a sense of adventure and have the patience of a saint, you might do well to find a kit. This will give you lot more printer for the money.

    Overall Price Range of This Product

    3D Printing using the 3D printer

    Image by Lutz Peter from Pixabay

    In general, the cost of filament-based 3D printers ranges from the low hundreds to many thousands of dollars. Because we are looking to replace a $179 Tiko printer, we have decided to limit our price range to between $150 and $350.

    5 Best Alternatives to the Failed Tiko 3D Printer

    Monoprice Mini Delta 3D Printer

    [amazon box=”B07CJQ3D6L”]

    Price

    $159

    Setup

    Assembled

    Interface

    Wi-Fi, USB, microSD

    Display

    LCD

    Technology

    FFF

    Print Area 

    4.3” x 4.3” x 4.7”

    Enclosed 

    No

    Heated Bed

    Yes

    Bed Leveling

    Auto

    Nozzle Size 

    .04 mm

    Extruders

    1

    Software Inc. 

    Cura, supports Windows XP or

    later, Mac OS X (10.6 64-bit)

    Resolution

    50 micron

    Dimensions

    14.2” x 10.4” x 16.9”

    Weight 

    30.6 lbs

    Includes

    USB cable, microSD card, power adapter, cord

    Where To Buy

    Monoprice, Amazon

    Warranty

    30-day money back guarantee, one year for repair of

    manufacturer’s defects

    This low-end printer has it all. It works right out of the box and, except for its lack of enclosure, it has all the great features of higher-end systems. Wi-Fi connectivity allows you to cut the leash to your computer. It only addresses smaller print projects, but if you can work with that limitation, this printer is for you. This model is also worth considering if you are looking to buy your first 3D printer.

    PROS

    • Wi-Fi interface
    • SD card
    • Excellent features at a low cost
    • Heated bed

    CONS

    • None

    M3D Micro+ Desktop 3D Printer

    [amazon box=”B07DMZ1YQD”]

    Price

    $349

    Setup

    Assembled

    Interface

    USB

    Display

    No

    Technology

    FFF

    Print Area 

    4.3” x 4.5” x 4.6”

    Enclosed 

    No

    Heated Bed

    No

    Bed Leveling

    Auto

    Nozzle Size 

    0.35 mm

    Extruders

    1

    Software Inc. 

    M3D

    Resolution

    50 to 350 microns

    Dimensions

    7.3” x 7.3” x 7.3”

    Weight 

    4.4 lbs

    Includes

    M3D software, USB cable, power adapter

    Where To Buy

    Amazon, M3D website

    Warranty

    Three months for manufacturer’s defects

    PROS

    • Lightweight

    CONS

    • No Display

    da Vinci Mini Wireless 3D Printer

    [amazon box=”B07HDHHBRJ”]

    Price

    $200

    Setup

    Assembled

    Interface

    USB, Wi-Fi

    Display

    No

    Technology

    FFF

    Print Area 

    5.9” x 5.9” x 5.9”      

    Enclosed 

    No

    Heated Bed

    No

    Bed Leveling

    Auto

    Nozzle Size 

    .04 mm

    Extruders

    1

    Software Inc. 

    XYZware, supports Windows 7 and above, Mac OSX 10.8 and

    above   

    Resolution

    100 microns

    Dimensions

    15.4” x 13.2” x 14.2”

    Weight 

    18 lbs

    Includes

    Starter filament

    Where To Buy

    XYZ Printing, Amazon

    Warranty

    Undetermined

    This is another excellent entry-level printer that works right out of the box. Wi-Fi connectivity is a big plus, as is that automatic bed-leveling feature. The resolution of 100 microns is good, but not great. It only runs filaments available from XYZ Printers. The proprietary XYZware software is provided.

    PROS

    • Wi-Fi interface

    CONS

    • Uses only XYZ Printing filaments
    • Resolution

    HopeWant Desktop 3D Printer

    [amazon box=”B07MLWFXHF”]

    This seems to be a good entry-level printer. Remove it from the shipping carton, and it’s ready to go. It prints either from the computer or the SD card (TF card).

    PROS

    • SD Card
    • Price

    CONS

    • No Display
    • Resolution

    Print-Rite CoLiDo Delta 3D Printer

    [amazon box=”B0757H1Q5K”]

    Price

    $269

    Setup

    Assembled

    Interface

    USB

    Display

    No

    Technology

    FDM

    Print Area 

    5” diameter x 5.9” high

    Enclosed 

    No

    Heated Bed

    No

    Bed Leveling

    No

    Nozzle Size 

    .04 mm

    Extruders

    1

    Software Inc. 

    Repetier-Host, supports Windows 7 and above, Mac

    Resolution

    50 microns

    Dimensions

    9.9” diameter x 17.5 high

    Weight 

    12 lbs

    Includes

    Flash drive, USB cable, adapter, filament

    Where To Buy

    Amazon, CoLiDo

    Warranty

    30-day return policy, one-year international warranty

    The price of this unit is at the high end of our range but, as always, you get what you pay for. This printer is different from the others in that it is configured for a circular print area. It is easy to set up, and it prints quickly due to its three-axis parallel movement system. This is an excellent printer for a beginner, but the quality and consistency are good enough for professional applications. At 30 watts, it is economical to operate.

    PROS

    • Fast printing
    • Low power

    CONS

    • No Display
    • Resolution

    Conclusion

    The Monoprice Mini Delta 3D printer was the clear winner here. For a printer with its features, the price is almost unbelievable. Wi-Fi connectivity and use of SD cards to store print files make it very user friendly. The heated bed also makes this the only printer on the list that could be comfortably used in a professional setting.

    Featured Image: Image by ZMorph3D from Pixabay

  • Redmi AirDots

    Redmi AirDots

    With wireless tech headphones are getting better and better and smaller and smaller. Someday they will be small stick on patches for you temple. Any smaller and you will lose them in your ears. I find ear buds make my ears hurt but the included small nubs were surprisingly comfortable. I was fine using them for a couple of hours. They will not fall out if inserted properly. Although be careful not to drop one in the grass. 🙂

    TypeIn-Ear
    MaterialABS
    FeaturesPortable
    Main FunctionsBluetooth
    ApplicationRunning, Sport, Working
    Compatible withComputer, Mobile Phone
    ConnectivityWireless
    BluetoothYes
    Bluetooth protocolA2DP, AVRCP, HFP, HSP
    Bluetooth VersionV5.0
    WIFINo
    Product weight4 Grams
    Package Contents1 x Pair of Earphones, 1 x Charging Dock, 2 x Pair of Ear Caps, 1 x Chinese User Manual

     

    Unboxing

    The box is all in Chines so I can’t say much on it. Although the quality does reflect the cheap price. The instructions are in Chines.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Build Quality

     

    The build quality is pretty good. They don’t feel cheap and the case feels well formed with a solid hinge. It’s made from ABS which I know from my 3D printing is a tough plastic. How long they last remains to be seen. I’ve only had them for a couple of weeks with them but the hinge still feels strong.

     

     

     

     

     

    It has tiny pins inside the mold of the case which make contact with the charge pads. It keeps a good connection through magnets which in turn keeps them from falling out of the case. The dots come with the clingy plastic to protect it from scratches. They also cover the charge pads so you need to remove them before they will charge.

     

     

     

     

     

    Connectivity

     

    The AirDots has Bluetooth 5.0 which is great for a sub $30 pair of wireless Earbuds. Being 2 times faster Bluetooth 5 gives faster transfer and makes it clear and crisp for music and voice. 5.0 also give almost 2 times the range of 4.2 but my phone is not far from me at any point so I’m ot concerned there. Just removing them from the case will cause them to connect to you phone. Pressing the button once will play the last media played. Pressing one while the phone is ringing will cause it to answer the call. Press and hold to send the call to voicemail or skip to the next sung. Pressing twice will activate whichever voice assistance you use. (Siri on iphone)

     

    Audio Quality

     

    Surprisingly the AirDots have good sound quality for such tiny speakers. I’m amazed at how well the base sounds. They have noise cancellation that seems to work well although I’m not sure how much of this is from them being so snug in my ears. Like wearing earplugs. Although the sound quality is good the volume seems lacking. My phone seems ok but not as loud as I would like. Great for kids if you are concerned for their hearing though. Haha. When connected to my laptop it seems much louder although less crisp. I’m no audio expert so I don’t know why.

     

     

     

    Pros

    • Build quality
    • Good sound with Base
    • Battery life
    • Case holds 2 extra charges
    • Bluetooth 5.0
    • Noise cancellation

     

    Cons

    • No charge cable
    • Volume depends on device connected
    • No Charge cable

     

    Conclusion

     

    The AirDots are a great deal for the money. They are under $30 Canadian. So much so I don’t see how companies like Apple can justify the prices. Apple didn’t invent Bluetooth 5 so they have no justification for their prices in my eyes. There is a lot of wireless earbuds on the market today thanks to the Chines market and the internet. Competition is great for the consumer and you can’t go wrong with these earbuds. Being cheap is a good thing because they are so small I know my kids will lose one eventually. I downloaded the App from Google Play store but it didn’t seem to do anything except annoy me with popup ads. I have heard people lose connection between the earbuds but holding down the button for about 20 seconds will reset them and they should reconnect. They are waterproof but the charge case isn’t so be careful not to jump in the pool with them in your pocket.

  • Hey+ B1800 Smart Bracelet International Edition

    Hey+ B1800 Smart Bracelet International Edition

    Since the famous Fit-bit band smart bracelet arrived there have been a lot of competition, especially in china. And thankfully the power of the internet gives us access to these products. The Hey+ B1800 is much better than the Q13 which I wouldn’t recommend. The smart bracelet has some great features such as a heart rate monitor, alarms and my favorite the ability to customize your watch face with your own photos. The included ones are nice, but a smart bracelet needs to be customizable for my liking. The AMOLED touch screen is clear and responsive. Not too responsive like others I have tried. It’s a nice watch which is comfortable on my wrist with an ok accompanying android app (iOS Untested). I say ok because it isn’t fully translated but the parts that are can easily be understood.

    Hey+ B1800 Smart Bracelet International Edition

    Buy on GearBest

    Smart Bracelet: Specifications

    ModelB8100
    ManufactureHey+
    DisplayAMOLED
    OperatingmodeTouch Screen
    Waterproof level50m
    System requirementIOS 8.0 and above, Android 4.4 and above
    Battery capacity120mAh
    Charging time2 hours
    Standby time18 days
    Bluetooth version4.2
    Usage temperature0°-45°C
    APPHey Plus

    Unboxing the Smart Bracelet

    The B1800 comes in a nice looking box that you can tell was designed with care. It has a simplistic design with a nice presentation of the band when you open it. Lifting the top layer with the little tab shows a small box with the charge cable.

    Hey+ B1800 Smart Bracelet International Edition

    Design and Build quality 

    The smart bracelet B1800 band has a soft rubbery feel. The band is made TPU (Thermoplastic polyurethane) and not the plastic that cracks from constant bends. The display pops out so you can place it into a different color band which you can buy on ebay.

    The band has plenty of holes to fit a range of different size wrists. Mine being pretty thin. The pin that fits into the hole fits very snug and does not feel like it will come undone while you sleep and during exercise.

    One thing I like about this band is the touch screen isn’t super sensitive. You wouldn’t think that should be a problem but I had one band that changed by the static in my shirts and blankets. I would wake to find the watch settings and face changed.

    The lock screen has 6  built in background images with a time layout you can’t change. They all look ok but when it comes to a smart watch I expect to create my own.

    Buy on GearBest

    The position of the time, date and data limits your custom dial options. Here are some of mine. I just wish I could save more than one custom face at a time so I don’t have to recreate them every time I wish to change it.

    Functions of the smart Bracelet

    Functions you expect from a smart bracelet are usually simple things like the pedometer, phone notification and now heart rate sensor. The Hey+ B1800 comes with that and many more cool features.

    The watch has plenty of data you can view at a glance without having to go to your phone to see your steps, heart rate and more. In fact one of the main apps is called Data. It tells you your steps, calories, distance, heart rate and sedentary. Until now I had no idea what sedentary was. It means time sitting or inactive.

    It also has features such as exercise monitoring and recording. Such as Running, Treadmill, Riding and even Free training (weight lifting). Because I’m disabled I can’t use many of those features. I can use the pedometer and a bit of riding but not much else.

    When you start an exercise function such as running you get a 3 second countdown which I’m not sure is useful. It uses your phones GPS location to track speed and distance.

    You get data as you exercise so you can see how far you have gone. That could be a bad thing for some. Haha. Here is a sample of the data it offers.

    During your exercise it gives you the option to pause or finish. And when you are done it gives you a summary or it tells you your exercise was too short to record.

    Buy on GearBest

    This smart bracelet band has many features which are great for people like me that should track this information and set goals for myself. With heart issues it is good to have the heart rate monitor to record and share with my doctor.

    Being the “International” version though isn’t very internationally friendly if you wish to use the weather app. It does not support cities outside of China. And much of the help section is not translated.

    I contacted the company through an email address I found in the app but I didn’t get much of a response. Here is their response when I asked them to update the weather to include more cities. “Ok, this part has not been updated yet, and it will need to be updated later. Thank you very much for your feedback and wish you a happy life.”

    Alarms are very handy if you are one of the rare people like me that doesn’t keep their phone in their hand 24/7. It vibrates pretty well but doesn’t beep. You can set one time alarms as well as daily or weekly alarms. I just wish they would link it to my phones alarms which I have setup for reminders. As an application developer, I wish it was open source so I could add all the features I want. When you select the alarm app on the watch it tells you to add them through the phone application of there are no alarms set. When there are alarms it lets you flip through them and turn them on or off.

    The Alipay app I’m assuming is a china pay service like Apple pay.

    The last app is the setting which has the about info as well as brightness settings.

    Two very cool features which I love is the NFC (near field communication)and the Passcard feature. This supposedly lets you scan your works door card to let you replace it with your watch. I’m not sure if it works because I don’t have one to try. Although you would think your work cards would be pretty secure and hard to copy.

    The other feature which will be great for my kids is, find my phone. It sounds an alarm on your phone to help you find it.

    The charge cable feels well built and holds the band firmly in place. It also has a guide to be sure the pins connect to the charge points. The sensor for measuring heart rates are located on the bottom with the charge points.

    App

    The smart bracelet watch connects to your phone with Bluetooth 4.2. And hanging the face is quick. The application is full of features but they are all over the place. For instance the top left brings a side menu with Account profile settings and about information. It also has setting in the top right which houses the watch information and in the bottom right it has an Assistance icon which is again info like frequently asked questions.  They should be placed together in the left menu bar.

    Translation makes many of the app functions questionable. What is Transport card for? It would help if the help section wasn’t in Chinese.

    Door card I assume, the NFC part which is cool but I don’t know how the security part works.

    The app is where you can view all your data with pretty charts and graphs. Which is missing the option to export the data. I would build in an option to export to CSV.

    You use the app to also set alarms, exercise goals and notifications. Any app on your phone that has notifications can be used to send to the watch, which is a must have feature.

    The custom dial interface is simple enough to use. Select a style and chose a background. That is it. You also have the option to share your watch face but that seems pointless. The efforts spent on that feature would have been better spent on something like exporting the data or saving multiple faces.

    Smart Bracelet Final Summary:

    The Hey+ B1800 is very smart band. In time, I’m sure it will be more advanced ranking in one of the top smart bracelets category. Not being a doctor I can’t say how accurate the sensor is. The other features alone are well worth the price. The Apple smartwatch came out with less and cost many times more.

  • Andoer Tripod & Monopod Review

    Andoer Tripod & Monopod Review

    Andoer is quite a known brand that produces a lot of camera accessories. Some time ago we reviewed their action cams, the Andoer AN7000 and A360I. These are good cameras and I was always curious about the quality of their accessories. Finally, I was able to test their aluminum tripod. Let’s take a look together.

     

    Specifications

    ModelAndoer Tripod & Monopod
    MaterialAluminum
    Head360° fluid head
    Min Length36 cm
    Max Length156 cm
    Telescopic sections5
    Tube Diameter25 mm
    Payload15 kg
    WeightAbout 1.5 kg
    Camera mountUp and Upside down

     

    Box

    The package comprises the cardboard box, an impermeable and semi-rigid shoulder bag, and the tripod itself.

    Build Quality

    I want to start this by saying that this tripod is perfect to bring with you on a trekking trip because is very light and compact; also very easy to transport thanks to its bag and the head cup that you find into the box

    This tripod is really tiny when it is in its shortest form and it can also be used on a table but when it is fully extended it reaches 150/160cm.

    In every height and extension, this tripod is perfectly stable also thanks to its closing mechanism that’s simple but effective.

    One of the tripod’s three legs is detachable and can be used as a monopod. This is very useful for people who want to bring just a little device along, and not the entire tripod.

     

    The legs “feet” are made of soft rubber. On any smooth surface, these are perfect but in different conditions, like under the trees or on some wet floor it can be slippery.

    The head on this tripod is also made entirely of aluminum – apart from the fluid head mechanism, which is made of plastic.

    Every section on this part can be locked, and it has also two spirit bubble levels for the X and Y axis, so as to set the camera in the best way possible.

    One of the best features of this tripod is its upside-down function. With a simple 180° turn of one of the legs, the camera can be placed under the tripod.

    Summary

    I think, for this price (actually about 70 euros) it is more than just a great tripod. The absence of a lever on the head for better control of the movements is unusual, but all the other things work perfectly – easy to get used to it. The tripod is lightweight, compact and very sturdy – perfect for anyone who wants something serious without spending their entire wad on it.

     

  • Robo 3D Printer Review: The High-Quality Prints

    Robo 3D Printer Review: The High-Quality Prints

    Robo 3D Printer Review

    Robo is an emerging manufacturer of consumer-level desktop 3D printers. The brand currently sells three printer models that are easy to set up and use to start creating. This review covers the features of the Robo R1+, C2, and R2 models to help consumers decide on the best Robo 3D printer for their budgets and design needs.

    What Are Robo 3D Printers?

    Robo is a 3D printer company based in San Diego, California that launched in 2012. The company crowdsourced funds to develop its first model, the Robo R1 3D printer. They now sell and provide support for three newer models, the R1+, C2, and R2. These printers enable users to produce designs created using computer-aided design software or templates.

    Robo’s easy-to-use, consumer-level printers are capable of printing with as many as 20 or 30 different types of filament and have features designed to improve the detail, resolution, and overall quality of each print job. All three of their current printer models feature high-temperature extruders, and two out of three models have heated print beds.

    Robo printers are desktop-sized and include most of the features that hobbyists look for in these devices. Rather than relying on complex and costly CAD software, Robo printer users can use open-source modeling software or the company’s free mobile applications to design and create objects.

    Robo 3D Printer Specifications

    Robo R1+

    The most affordable model in Robo’s current line of desktop 3D printers is the Robo R1+. This value-oriented model is larger than the C2 and R2 models and is capable of printing with more than 30 filaments, allowing for a wide range of creative possibilities. The R1+ is compatible with open-source design software and iOS and Mac OS, Linux, and Windows operating systems.

    The Robo R1+ has a large 10″ x 9″ x 8″ (254 x 228.6 x 203.2 mm) print size and the overall dimensions of the printer are 17.1″ x 18.1″ x 15.1″ (433.8 x 459.7 x 383.54 mm). This desktop model weighs 21 pounds (9.53 kg). The R1+ is capable of printing in the 50 to 300-micron layer resolution range with XYZ accuracy of 11, 11, and 1.6 microns. The quick-change nozzle print head has a diameter of 0.4mm, a travel speed of up to 80 mm/s, and a print speed of up to 50 mm/s. The nozzle temperature ranges from 240 degrees Celsius (464 degrees Fahrenheit) up to 290 degrees Celsius (554 degrees Fahrenheit) with an all-metal extruder.

    The metal hot ends on this fused filament fabrication device can emit materials ranging from ABS to a variety of types of PLA, PET-G (flex and sturdy), nylons, polycarbonate, and flexible TPE and TPU. This printer is capable of processing PLAs filled with metals such as brass, bronze, copper, stainless steel, and iron, as well as conductive PLA for low voltage applications and magnetic iron. This printer features automatic leveling calibration print plate technology and a heated print bed to prevent warping. The print bed can be set up to 80 degrees Celsius (176 degrees Fahrenheit).

    The Robo R1+ printer works with the free open-source Matter Control software, which supports file slicing prior to printing. The unit supports standalone printing from an SD card, whereas the C2 and R2 models have USB stick file transfer functionality.  The R1+ ships with a power cable, spool of filament, SD card, toolkit, quick start guide, and a one-year subscription to Autodesk Fusion 360. This printer model carries a six-month manufacturer’s warranty and lifetime support.

    Robo C2

    The C2 is Robo’s compact, mid-range 3D printer model. This Robo 3D printer has a print size of 5″ x 5″ x 6″ (127 x 127 x 152.4 mm), overall dimensions of 13″ x 18.25″ x 12.75″ (330.2x 463.55 x 323.85 mm), and weighs 20.8 pounds (9.43 kg). The C2 is capable of printing with more than 20 material types including a variety of PLAs, PET-G, flexible TPE and TPU, magnetic iron, HIPS, and PVA. The R1+ and R2 models support a wider range of materials and have larger print sizes. All of these printers are compatible with Robo and non-Robo filaments.

    The C2 prints with a layer resolution ranging from 20 up to 300 microns and has XYZ accuracy of 12.5, 12.5, and 5 microns. The quick-change 0.4 mm nozzle on this device has a print speed of up to 16 cubic millimeters per second and travel speed up to 250 mm/s. The nozzle temperature can reach 290 degrees Celsius (554 degrees Fahrenheit). The print plate on this model features automatic leveling calibration technology but does not come with a heated print bed.

    Customers interested in adding a heated print bed to prevent warping during printing will need to find aftermarket parts and connect the bed to the electrical outputs on the controller. They may also need to convert the removable plastic bed on the C2 printer to another material such as aluminum for reliable and safe performance. You might also consider the affordable and significantly larger Robo R1+ printer or the much more expensive and slightly larger R2 model.

    The C2 goes beyond the limited connectivity of the R1+ by supporting Ethernet and Wi-Fi connectivity. This printer model also has the capability to function as a personal hotspot. This model supports USB file transfers and comes with a stick pre-loaded with 3D models. The C2 is compatible with a wide variety of devices including computers running Mac OS, Linux, and Windows to tablets and smartphones. Like the higher-end R2, the C2 printer works with the free Robo mobile application and Cura preparation software.

    The Robo C2 is the most affordable printer made by the company to feature an LCD touchscreen that simplifies the control scheme and allow for onboard file slicing. The screen on this model is 3.5″, which is smaller than the 5″ screen on the more expensive R2 printer. The C2 also does not feature an onboard camera for recording print jobs in progress like the R2. The C2 comes with standard printer accessories including a power cable, spool of filament, toolkit, quick start guide, and a one-year subscription to Autodesk Fusion 360. This printer model comes with a 12-month standard warranty and lifetime support.

    Robo R2

    The R2 printer is the high-end model in Robo’s current product line. This high-performance smart 3D printer has an 8″x 8″ x 10″ (197 x 197 x 250 mm) print size and overall dimensions of 16.75″ x 23.75″ x 16.61″ (425.5 x 603.3 x 421.9 mm). This fully-featured model weighs in at 30.2 pounds (13.7 kg), making this printer considerably heavier than the R1+ and C2. Like the R1+, the R2 is capable of printing with over 30 types of materials. This model features sensors that detect when the filament is running low and automatically pauses the print job in progress. The R2 features a removable print plate and a print bed with automatic leveling calibration.

    The Robo R2 also stands out with its 5-inch LCD screen with control options. This printer model has Ethernet and Wi-Fi connectivity and functions as a personal hotspot. This printer is compatible with computers running Mac OS, Linux, or Windows as well as open-source software, the free Robo application for iOS and Android devices, and free Cura Preparation Software to ready, manage and monitor the 3D print job from a tablet or a smartphone. Like the C2, this model also supports onboard file slicing for ease of use. This model also boasts a camera to record print jobs in progress and enable users to watch the footage on a mobile device.

    Enhance the functionality of the R2 printer with a forthcoming option to add a second extruder. This add-on will allow users to print designs with two different materials or two different colors of the same material at the same time. This model is capable of printing with a layer resolution ranging from 20 to 300 microns and XYZ accuracy of 12.5, 12.5, and 5 microns. The travel speed on this advanced consumer model goes up to 250 mm/s, while this printer is capable of extruding at up to 16 cubic millimeters per second.

    The quick-change nozzle on the R2 printer has a 0.4 mm diameter and reaches temperatures up to 290 degrees Celsius (554 degrees Fahrenheit). The heated print bed can reach up to 100 degrees Celsius (212 degrees Fahrenheit). This bed helps to prevent warping and comes with a BuildTak sheet to make it easier to remove print projects.

    This Robo 3D printer supports both standalone printing from a USB stick and Wi-Fi file transfer for printing directly from the brand’s application. In addition to a power cable, spool of filament, toolkit, quick start guide, and a one-year subscription to Autodesk Fusion 360, the R2 printer also comes with a USB stick loaded with 3D models. This printer comes with a one-year warranty and lifetime support.

    Pricing

    Robo offers 3D printers priced between $500 and $1500. Consumers and institutions should determine which model provides the features they want at an acceptable price point. The Robo R1+ printer has the features that most 3D printing enthusiasts want with a $499.99 price tag. This model does not have the range of connectivity and smart features that come on the compact C2 or higher-end R2 models.

    The Robo C2 has a smaller print size than the R1+ with more connectivity options including Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and USB. This model supports onboard file slicing and features a 3.5-inch display with simple controls.  The C2 printer is currently priced at $799.99. The C2 and more expensive R2 models share a number of smart features, but the R2 has a larger print size, a larger touchscreen, and an onboard camera. The C2 does not have a heated print bed, and Robo does not sell compatible beds. This model also prints with a more restricted range of materials than the R1+ or R2.

    The most advanced 3D printer by Robo, the R2, currently sells for $1,499.99. This model is set apart by its integration of a 5-inch touchscreen, onboard camera, and heated print bed. The R1+ and R2 are both capable of printing in more than 30 materials, but Robo proposes that the R2 will soon support the use of multiple extruders. There is a $1000 price difference between the R1+ and R2 and a $700 price difference between the C2 and R2 Robo 3D printer models.

    Robo also sells 3D printer bundles with C2 or R2 printer models for educational purposes. K-12 instructors may be interested in the MyStemKits bundles with three printers, one year of curriculum support, four hours of online training, and 250 student licenses. Individual users interested in 3D printing a basic quadcopter drone should consider the Robo 3D Print Project model for $99.99. The company also sells desk clock and guitar 3D print kits in the $40 range.

    How Robo 3D Printers Compare

    FlashForge 3D Printer

    Price$349.99
    Ease of Use
    Assembly Time
    Build Quality
    Warranty

    Creality3D CR-10 Mini 3D Printer

    Price$359
    Ease of Use
    Assembly Time
    Build Quality
    Warranty

    Anycubic 3D Printer Mega

    Price$368.99
    Ease of Use
    Assembly Time
    Build Quality
    Warranty

    Pros and Cons

    PROS

    • Accessible consumer desktop-style 3D printers
    • Price range from $500 up to $1500
    • Prints with many types of materials

    CONS

    • Robo printers and materials tend to be more expensive than other brands

    Conclusion

    If you want a consumer-level desktop 3D printer with a wide range of functionality, consider one of the three Robo 3D printer models in this review. The brand’s current line makes it easy to select a printer that will fit your budget and design preferences. You may be able to find a refurbished unit of your preferred printer model for a lower price. Robo also sells accessories, materials, and kits that make it easy to get started and learn about 3D printing.

  • Phantom Drone 3 Review – Which Should I Buy?

    Phantom Drone 3 Review – Which Should I Buy?

    Meta Description: This Phantom Drone 3 drone review will help you understand how DJI incorporated the best features of its Phantom 3 line into the Phantom 3 SE. This budget drone packs excellent features such as a 4K camera, 2.5-mile flight range and 35 miles-per-hour speed while the high-speed battery charger reduces flight downtime.

    Stock Image: https://depositphotos.com/search/drone-quadrocopter-dji-phantom-3.html?qview=162116742

    Phantom Drone 3 Review – Which Should I Buy?

    You are hooked on your low-cost, low-feature beginner drone, love to fly it and learned enough to keep from crashing. Congratulations! Now you want to step up to a more versatile model, preferably one with a great camera. The DJI Phantom 3 drone line is a great choice especially if you are on a budget. However, which one do you choose? DJI produces the Phantom 3 SE, yet discontinued Phantom 3 models are readily available. This Phantom Drone 3 drone review will help you understand these options so you can make your best decision.

    The Phantom 3 SE is easy to fly, excellent for photography and very stable in rough air. GPS technology and advanced sensors hold it motionless in the wind. You will immediately see and appreciate the difference from your inexpensive beginner drone. DJI improved the range over earlier models. You still want to keep your drone in sight, yet the longer transmission distance gives you peace of mind from losing a signal. Moreover, in the worst case, the Phantom 3 will still return home.

    We researched and compared features of each Phantom 3 model from DJI material and user reviews. We used the Phantom 3 SE for the base model and compared it to the entire Phantom 3 line. You will have a better understanding of these options before you make your purchase.

    Why Is the Phantom 3 SE the Best Model of the Phantom 3 Line?

    The first thing you notice about the Phantom Drone 3 SE is how stable it is. This model goes where you tell it and stays there. GPS and sensors keep the unit rock steady for photos. Its 35-mph speed fights the toughest winds, although you should choose better conditions. You do not want to lose your investment.

    The Phantom 3 is fun to fly. The controller responds to your inputs, and soon the flying becomes second nature. The learning curve is faster than with less-expensive beginner drones with fewer features. You will appreciate its size for both stability and keeping it in sight over long distances.

    You spent more on this step-up model and want to protect your purchase from fly-aways. The controller signal travels 4 kilometers even though the unit can be out of sight at this distance. Stronger signals provide a comfortable safety margin if you have trouble visually tracking it.

    The drone automatically returns home when losing the signal or if the battery runs too low. The Phantom 3 flies directly to the specified home point in a straight line. Be sure and set your home point before flight – DJI software alerts you verbally when it is correct. Select a minimum altitude higher than the anticipated obstructions such as trees, buildings, and power lines. Newer models have obstruction avoidance features, but the Phantom 3 flies in a straight line.

    You will enjoy the video and photo capabilities of the Phantom 3. The 4K camera coupled with the smooth, stable platform yields great images. You can choose from a wide range of speed, exposure and resolution settings to get that perfect video or picture.

    Intelligent batteries support 25 minutes of flight time. Many users purchase at least two batteries for extended sessions.

    Key Phantom 3 SE Specifications

    The Phantom Drone 3 SE has strong performance specifications compared to more expensive models. They provide a good balance between cost and functionality.

    • Max Speed: 35 miles per hour
    • Battery Flight Time: 25 minutes
    • Transmitter Range: 2.5 miles
    • Maximum Altitude: 19,685 feet above sea level (limited by software to 400 feet above ground level due to Federal Aviation Administration regulations)
    • Camera Image Size: 4,000 by 3,000 pixels
    • Video Bit Rate: 60 Megabits per second
    • Mobile App Screen View: 720P at 30 frames per second

    General Features

    This model performs well for its price point. The drone is fast at 35 miles per hour. You can tackle higher winds but must keep a good margin of error for safety. For example, a 35-miles-per-hour drone flying against 25-mile winds will only move 10 miles per hour over the ground. It may not be fast enough to return home when flying extended distances especially if the battery is low.

    The Phantom 3 SE can operate 19,385 feet above sea level supporting high altitude take off from mountains. The Federal Aviation Administration limits drone flight to no higher than 400 feet above ground level. Users cannot operate drones near restricted areas such as airports and military bases. DJI prevents operation beyond these limits using the drone’s internal software.

    Camera

    The Phantom Drone 3 SE’s camera produces 12-megapixel still photos. It has single-shot, burst-mode, exposure-bracketing, and time-lapse features. You will appreciate the exposure bracketing when faced with various light levels during flight. The unit supports both JPEG and RAW formats found in high-end professional cameras. You can adjust exposure and other photo features in post-editing using the RAW setting. The camera supports Ultra High Definition video with a maximum setting of 4,096 by 2,160 resolution at 24 frames per second. You fill up your memory card quicker at this level so you may want to choose lower resolutions for some videos.

    Transmitter Range

    The Federal Aviation Administration requires you to keep your drone in sight at all times. The Phantom Drone 3 SE supports a 2.5-mile range before losing the signal. Sometimes interference from power lines or nearby buildings degrades signals even though you have the drone in sight. The strong signal produced by the unit helps overcome susceptibility to local interference.

    Battery Flight Life

    The drone uses 4,480-milliampere-hours batteries with a 100-watt charger. You can fly 25 minutes before changing batteries although best practice is to land with at least 20 percent in reserve. Recharge time is one hour per battery.

    Stability

    The SE model has both a GPS- and vision-positioning system for stability. The GPS signal only works outdoors within the satellite line of sight. The vision-positioning sensors work below 10 feet to add more stability. You can fly the unit indoors out of GPS signal range using the sensors. However, hovering and control are less precise and the propellers can cause damage so use caution and judgment.

    Phantom Drone 3 SE Pricing

    The DJI Phantom Drone 3 SE may be difficult to purchase due to its popularity. DJI and Best Buy sell this model but may be out of stock. The Drone Market offers it for $559.99, and Geekbuying advertises the same price. Both sellers ship from outside the United States.

    How Does the SE Compare to Other Phantom 3 Models?

    This Phantom Drone 3 drone review evaluated all Phantom 3 models. You may consider buying a discontinued Phantom 3 model, especially if the SE model is not immediately available. Some offer similar features and may be less expensive. DJI continues to support the Phantom 3 line and accessories are readily available. Here is a feature summary to help you decide.

    Phantom 3 Standard

    • Price: $499 at Amazon
    • Camera (3 stars): The video camera operates at 2.7K resolution, better than 1.92K High Definition. Other Phantom models have more powerful cameras than the Phantom 3 Standard.
    • Battery and Flight Time (4 stars): The Phantom 3 Standard uses a 57-watt battery charger. Batteries take 96 minutes to charge for 25-minute flight time.
    • Transmitter Distance (1 Star): The model uses a Wi-Fi transmitter with 0.62-mile range, the lowest range of all Phantom 3 models.
    • Positioning System (1 Star): The Phantom 3 Standard uses GPS for outdoor stability but has no vision-positioning system. You cannot fly it indoors.

    Phantom 3 4K

    • Price: $629 at Amazon
    • Camera (5 stars): The video camera operates at a 4K resolution which is Ultra High Definition. The strong camera is a good value for the price.
    • Battery and Flight Time (4 stars): The Phantom 3 4K uses the same battery as the Phantom 3 Standard. Flight time is 25 minutes.
    • Transmitter Distance (2 Stars): The model uses a Wi-Fi transmitter with a 0.75-mile range. Signal distance is better than the Phantom 3 Standard but less than other models.
    • Positioning System (3 Stars): The Phantom 3 4K has a GPS- and vision-positioning system. It can be used indoors with caution.

    Phantom 3 Advanced

    • Price: $655 at Amazon
    • Camera (3 stars): The Phantom 3 Advanced shares the same lower resolution camera as the Phantom 3 Standard. The video imager operates at 2.7K.
    • Battery and Flight Time (4 stars): This model uses the same battery as other Phantom models. Flight time is 23 minutes.
    • Transmitter Distance (5 Stars): The Phantom 3 Advanced uses DJI Lightbridge technology to improve range. This model can fly up to 3.1 miles from the transmitter.
    • Positioning System (5 Stars): This model has advanced sensors operating independently of the GPS unit. The navigation unit uses both GPS signals plus the Russian satellite network called GLONASS. The combination provides stronger signals especially when some of the satellites are not in view.

    Phantom 3 Professional

    • Price: $799 at Amazon
    • Camera (5 stars): The Phantom 3 Professional shares the same camera with the Phantom 3 4K. Users obtain 4,000 by 3,000 pixels image resolution.
    • Battery and Flight Time (4 stars): This model uses the same battery as the other models but has a more powerful 100-watt charger. Flight time is still 23 minutes, but you can recharge batteries in 63 minutes.
    • Transmitter Distance (5 Stars): The Phantom 3 Professional and Advanced models use DJI Lightbridge technology to improve range. This model can fly up to 3.1 miles from the transmitter.
    • Positioning System (5 Stars): This model uses the same sensors as the Phantom 3 Advanced. The combination of GPS plus the Russian GLONASS system provides stronger signals than other Phantom models.

    Consider the Pros and Cons When Evaluating Phantom 3 Models

    Here are some tradeoffs you may consider.

    Pros

    • The Phantom Drone 3 SE’s 2.5-mile transmitter range maximizes Wi-Fi technology over earlier models. You will rest easier knowing you have complete control over longer distances despite external signal interference.
    • The 4K camera supports stunning still and video images. Phantom drones excel at photography, and this is a welcome feature for the base model.
    • The $600 price is attractive compared to other Phantom models. The Phantom Drone 3 SE combines the most popular features of the four discontinued models.

    Cons

    • The DJI Phantom 3 SE uses an older design. DJI may discontinue it in favor of newer models with limited future support.
    • The SE may be a difficult purchase. DJI and electronics box stores have stock-outs with no indication of replenishment dates.
    • The four other DJI Phantom models in this review are out of production but readily available. You should do comparative price checking before making your purchase decision.

    So What Should You Do?

    DJI produces some of the most popular drones on the market due to features, reliability, and price. The Phantom 3 product line brought significant value for entry-level buyers, but new models and technology will replace them over time. They still provide an excellent flying experience coupled with superb cameras.

    The Phantom Drone 3 SE model is an excellent choice given its low price, excellent range, and high definition 4K camera. Phantom 3 drones are easy to fly, especially for beginners who previously mastered less-expensive drones with fewer stability features. The low purchase price works well for limited budgets.

    You will be pleased with your SE model purchase. If it is not available, you can consider the comparatively priced discontinued Phantom 3 models with similar features, most notably the Phantom 3 4K.

    Review Overview

    • Camera (5 Stars)
    • Battery and Flight Time (4 Stars)
    • Transmitter Distance (4 Stars)
    • Positioning System (4 Stars)

    Overall Score

    • 4.25 Stars

    Summary

    This Phantom Drone 3 drone review evaluated all models in the Phantom 3 line. DJI took the best features of the four original models and put them in the Phantom 3 SE. This base model drone has excellent features at a budget price that is sure to please the entry-level drone enthusiast.