Auterion, a provider of operating system for drones, has introduced Skynode S, a new game-changing drone technology for kinetic military use to ramp up support for democracies looking to defend against aggressors. Skynode S is an all-in-one computer and flight controller offering the first low-cost, NDAA-compliant technology which will integrate with a wide range of […]
Russia’s wider war in Ukraine is a drone war. The side that can deploy more and better unmanned aerial vehicles – for surveillance, strike, minelaying and even resupply – has a clear advantage, even if it’s outnumbered or outgunned in other ways. Which is why both Russia and Ukraine are ramping up production of drones […]
Nordic Unmanned, Omni Táxi Aéro and OHI Unmanned have announced that ANAC has issued the permit to fly Class 1 UAV in BVLOS flights in Brazil for Omni’s offshore missions and operations for offshore drone logistics for Petrobras have begun. Nordic Unmanned is providing logistics services using Schiebel Camcopter S-100 drones from its fleet. The […]
Cranfield University is partnering with LIPTON Teas and Infusions, the world’s largest tea group, to begin field trials testing climate change mitigation and resilience practices. The project, supported by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) and UK Tea & Infusions Association (UKTIA), aims to improve tea production standards and create data and resources […]
In this exciting episode of Weekly Wings, the drone industry podcast hosted by Paul Rossi and Samuel Stansberry, we dive into the dazzling world of drone light shows, celebrating the Fourth of July with stunning visuals and some unexpected mishaps. We explore the intricacies of these aerial spectacles, including a deep dive into a spectacular […]
FAA Investigating: Was a Jamming Attack Responsible? According to an article in the Seattle Times, what was supposed to be a spectacular Fourth of July drone light show at Angle Lake in SeaTac turned into a costly disaster. Shortly after the show began, 55 of the 200 drones deployed started dropping into the lake, resulting […]
Doodle Labs technology helps drones in combat evade jamming By DRONELIFE Features Editor Jim Magill The war in Ukraine, which has often been referred to as the world’s first drone war, has led to both sides in the conflict relying on fleets of small unmanned aerial vehicles to surveil enemy positions and drop bombs on […]
Drone light shows are becoming more popular and offer a great career path for drone fans. And as it turns out, you could put on a drone light show in your own high school drone program.
That’s via the Drone Blocks light show drone kit, which costs about $7,500. Though that might be pricey for a high school to invest in, it’s reusable year after year. As long as your school can swallow the budget, this kit is the perfect way for STEM teachers and drone enthusiasts who want to create a drone light show. The kit includes everything you need to put on a successful show.
Just imagine the recognition a teacher would get for teaching students how to put on a drone light show and then actually making it happen. Consider it a guaranteed way to be named “Teacher of the Year.”
DroneBlocks light show kit: what’s included
The DroneBlock drone light show kit comes with all the hardware and the proprietary software any STEM instructor needs to put on a successful mini drone light show.
The kit includes 10 swarm drones, 3 4-channel chargers, 30 batteries, 12 propeller sets, and a handful of repair tools (screwdrivers, propeller guards, etc.). The kits also include a base station setup including 5 tripods, 4 base stations, 1 relay station, and more.
The kit costs $7,495, which includes 10 drones. But of course, more drones make your shows more dynamic and interesting. You can buy your drones in increments of 10. A 20 drone kit costs $14,240 and a 70 drone kit costs $45,490.
Unlike the impressive drone shows at Disney World, these drones are specifically designed for indoor use and engineered to perform in low-altitude light shows. While it’s technically possible to set up a drone light show outdoors, such as on a school’s football field, less-than-ideal weather conditions could jeopardize your event. (Any winds exceeding 7 mph can affect their flight paths).
To set up, place the base stations in the corners of the area. These stations triangulate the drones’ locations in real time, eliminating the need for GPS.
STEM educators should ensure they have a space large enough indoors to put on the show (and for an audience).
A High School Robotics Program Elective prepares for its drone light show in the gym. Photo Courtesy of DroneBlocks
How to put on a drone light show
Purchasing the kit grants you access to user-friendly software, a drone light show curriculum, and technical support from the DroneBlocks team.
The included software features an intuitive interface, allowing future drone designers to visualize and edit drone formations in real time. With its drag-and-drop functionality, students can arrange the drones into intricate patterns and shapes.
Students can show off their artistic side as well, but creating fun drone designs and matching up the patterns to music. This is a fun and different way to add the A into STEAM.
The software also includes a real-time simulation feature, enabling users to preview their shows before the actual performance. Additionally, a mini quick-start guide is available for all kit purchasers. The guide features two 10-15 minute videos: a 10-minute setup guide and an in-depth design module. After watching these setup videos, you’ll be ready to create endless drone light shows.
Who is DroneBlocks drone light show for?
If you run a small after-school STEM program and have access to funding or grant opportunities, the drone light show kit could be a solid choice.
Creative classrooms that don’t just want a cookie-cutter project
This kit is ideal for a fun, after-school project rather than a full-blown STEM curriculum. Note that it doesn’t include lesson plans or a structured curriculum. Lack of curriculum isn’t a bad thing though. Instead, classrooms are encouraged to lean into the creative aspects of editing and designing drone shows through the software. And for what it’s worth, DroneBlocks promises to be available with customer support for purchasers.
Still note, this isn’t for a teacher seeking a cookie-cutter project where they can kick back and let the students go. Consider this more well-suited for a small group of high-achieving students, such as those enrolled in a STEM-focused after-school program.
Classrooms with a robust budget
Starting at $7,500, the drone light show kit is a significant investment and may not be suitable for every educator. The kit doesn’t include lesson plans, a scope and sequence, or a structured curriculum. Given that, it’s generally better for a small number of students in specialized programs.
For educators seeking a more comprehensive computer science-based curriculum centered around drones and suitable for larger groups of students, consider the DroneBlocks curriculum paired with the educational Crazyflie drones. This comprehensive drone curriculum costs $495 per year and includes software access for unlimited students, offering the opportunity to explore DroneBlocks coding with or without drones.
Is DroneBlocks a worthwhile investment to make a drone light show?
Moreover, many grants are specifically written for STEM opportunities, offering various ways to secure funding. The DroneBlocks drone light show kit introduces students to career opportunities in the drone industry. Plus, it allows them to showcase their learning to friends and family with an unforgettable drone light show.
In recent weeks, there has been repeated speculation in expert circles that the integration of helicopter drones on the German Navy’s corvettes is facing major problems. Now, a spokesman for the Ministry of Defense confirmed that the project to deliver a naval drone system for “reconnaissance and identification in the maritime operational area” (AImEG) has […]
Auterion, a provider of operating system for drones, has introduced Skynode S, a new game-changing drone technology for kinetic military use to ramp up support for democracies looking to defend against aggressors. Skynode S is an all-in-one computer and flight controller offering the first low-cost, NDAA-compliant technology which will integrate with a wide range of […]
