Does the NEO 2 have better VPS than NEO in difficult environments?

[Chrislaf]

For those of you who have upgraded to a NEO 2, I would be interested to know whether the NEO 2 has improved VPS in difficult environments especially when GPS is not available or is weak.

For example, I had my NEO out today on a trail that was covered in fresh fallen snow so there were very little distinct patterns for the VPS to use other than my footprints. In addition for most of the walk there was very little or no GPS signal so the NEO was relying completely on VPS. Active Track (using the N3 controller) worked for some of the walk then the NEO lost its stable hover and became erratic. The same with Direction Track from the front. I would be interested to know if the NEO 2 would fair better in a situation like this or would it behave the same way when there is little or no GPS.

I have looked in the NEO 2 manual and it seems to have the same warnings for VPS as the NEO does.

Chris

 

[GerdS]

I have not tested the Neo 2 over snow yet, but the Neo 1 had both a very weak VPS pinhole camera and also a very weak low-cost GPS solution developed by DJI themselves.
At least the GPS receiver of the Neo 2 is far superior compared to Neo 1 and the wide angle camera at the bottom gets more light, so the Neo 2 should perform much better in described situations compared to Neo 1.

 

[Chrislaf]

I find in most cases the NEO is fine in the snow. I have had it track me while walking, Nordic skiing and snowshoeing all without problems but yesterday it was overcast as well as having fresh snow and that combination seemed to confuse it more. It is likely that the NEO 2 will be better in these difficult conditions as it has better low light ratings. I look forward to seeing the reports once others get to try it out.

One thing I wonder about is the durability of the two front screens (lidar and status). Yesterday my NEO crashed in the snow and was completely full of snow. I just banged it off and resumed my flight.

I guess we shall soon see.

Chris

 

[Droning on and on...]

In my very limited experience so far, yes, and much so.

Not surprising given the 180 fisheye camera on the bottom compared to the pinhole on the Neo 1. I can fly it around indoors down dim hallways, etc., with no issues – paths that the neo 1 requires the clip on bottom light array to fly with good stability.

The OA seems pretty good too... The combination of 360 camera and forward lidar seems to be working out rather well, probably the reason DJI is putting it on every new drone with OA, including the cheapest offering, Neo 2.

 

[Chrislaf]

In my very limited experience so far, yes, and much so.

Not surprising given the 180 fisheye camera on the bottom compared to the pinhole on the Neo 1. I can fly it around indoors down dim hallways, etc., with no issues – paths that the neo 1 requires the clip on bottom light array to fly with good stability.

The OA seems pretty good too... The combination of 360 camera and forward lidar seems to be working out rather well, probably the reason DJI is putting it on every new drone with OA, including the cheapest offering, Neo 2.

Thanks, that's helpful information. My original NEO gets tons of use especially in the winter so that is good information. I may eventually decide to get one but right now I can live with the original. I might even try the clip on bottom light that I have and see if it improves the VPS in fresh snow the next time I go out.

Chris

 

[jaja6009]

Great information in this thread!

I am in public safety and we use a Neo with light kit to enter buildings for various reasons to include post fire to assess the structure for collapse potential.
I tired it Friday night and there was still light smoke in the building. The smoke was enough though to have the downward looking sensor lose the ground making the Neo go into Atti mode and hit a wall.

Without smoke, the light kit works in a building with no lights and the Neo can zip around a normal single family home in one battery.
We may have to see how a Neo 2 would fare.

 

[Chrislaf]

Great information in this thread!

I am in public safety and we use a Neo with light kit to enter buildings for various reasons to include post fire to assess the structure for collapse potential.
I tired it Friday night and there was still light smoke in the building. The smoke was enough though to have the downward looking sensor lose the ground making the Neo go into Atti mode and hit a wall.

Without smoke, the light kit works in a building with no lights and the Neo can zip around a normal single family home in one battery.
We may have to see how a Neo 2 would fare.

I'd be really interested to see how the NEO 2 fared in that environment. My NEO with the bottom light, and top mounted pen light and 5 blade props can easily fly into completely dark rooms in my house without any problems.

Right now there are limited accessories for the NEO 2 for this purpose. I have seen mounts for lights/cameras but no propeller upgrades or bottom light accessories yet.

Chris

 

[jaja6009]

Aerial-pixel. com has both top and bottom mounts for lights for the Neo 2. Look under 3D Printed, DJI Strobe Mounts. It uses Firehouse Technology lights on the bottom and a little pen light for the top.

I just got a set. I have not yet tested them as I am still feeling out the Neo 2.

As you said, the Neo 1 with light kits can fly in complete darkness. I can go under tables, chairs, zip up and down stairs. With its low cost of replacement, we send this in instead of an Avata 2 for more riskier assignments. The Neo 2 if it fairs better in lite smoke, may have to replace it or at least compliment it.

 

[Chrislaf]

Aerial-pixel. com has both top and bottom mounts for lights for the Neo 2. Look under 3D Printed, DJI Strobe Mounts. It uses Firehouse Technology lights on the bottom and a little pen light for the top.

I just got a set. I have not yet tested them as I am still feeling out the Neo 2.

As you said, the Neo 1 with light kits can fly in complete darkness. I can go under tables, chairs, zip up and down stairs. With its low cost of replacement, we send this in instead of an Avata 2 for more riskier assignments. The Neo 2 if it fairs better in lite smoke, may have to replace it or at least compliment it.

How much flight time do you get on your original NEO with your light kit? I get just over 7 minutes.

Chris

 

[jaja6009]

How much flight time do you get on your original NEO with your light kit? I get just over 7 minutes.

Chris

About the same, 5 to 7 minutes. I fly indoors in Beginner Mode which I find to be perfect for me indoors.