Investigating the Inexpensive Aquatic Drone, Dory: Comprehensive Examination and Analysis. Detailed Inspection and Critique.
Hey there, mateys! Today we're diving deep with the cheapest underwater drone (ROV) we could find – the Chasing Dory. Not just because it's budget-friendly, but it's packed with fun features that'll make your sailing adventures more exciting!
Join us on this adventure, which turned out to be quite the nautical tale in our video. Here's a rundown of the main details, tips, and links to get your hands on this underwater explorer.
The Chasing Dory is a compact submarine that's practical for day-to-day ship life, but most importantly, it's an enjoyable toy to own – all for around 500 euros, making it roughly equal to the price of an average flying drone.
Reasons to Dive In
Why buy an underwater drone? Truth be told, there may not be many reasons other than the sheer enjoyment of piloting it and exploring what lies beneath the surface. However, it does offer some practical applications like:
- Scoping out the seafloor before anchoring gives peace of mind for a tranquil night at sea.
- Quick inspections of your boat hull for signs of damage, anodes, or a dirty propeller are a breeze.
- Finding the perfect fishing spot or examining the activity of other fishermen is made possible.
- Capturing underwater life, including fellow divers, adds an interesting twist to your marine footage.
- Hunting for sunken treasures or lost items becomes more feasible – we found one during our test!
- Reviews of underwater structures are within reach.
- Spending quality time with your kids or grandkids is an excellent gift – it's easy to handle, and it lasts up to an hour on a single charge.
- Aspiring nautical YouTubers will appreciate capturing bucolic underwater footage for their channels!
Ultimately, having this submarine toy is a blast!
Making a Splash
In this case, there's not much to buy – just the drone itself and careful consideration of where to purchase it. We picked the Chasing Dory due to its price, as it was the best we could afford and also happened to be the cheapest.
It's equipped with a camera, can operate up to 15 meters deep, and is easily controlled via your mobile device in real-time.
When making your purchase, keep in mind that it costs more than 400 euros, so taxes and customs charges depend on where you buy it.
You have two options: Buy only the drone or opt for the package deal that includes the remote control, a travel backpack, and a towel. Generally, the remote is available separately for about 70 euros, but the entire bundle costs only around 20 euros more than the drone alone in Spain. So, we went for the package.
Purchasing options:- Direct from Spain: Approximately 540 euros, with fast delivery.- Aliexpress: Link here- Straight from the manufacturer: 549 euros, with shipping and customs costs included.
The accessories are limited, but the drone is manageable without the remote control using your mobile device.
Unboxing the Dory
Being based in Spain, our delivery was surprisingly swift. It arrived in just two days after ordering. Check out the full details of what comes in the package in the video.
Power Up and Basic Operation
We began testing the drone in a controlled environment like a swimming pool, shallow lagoon, or shore – with the clearest possible waters for added ease.
First, download the Chasing Go 2 app from Google Play or the Apple Store.
With the app installed, connect everything. There's no ignition switch, so simply ensure the drone is fully charged, connect the cable to it (making sure it's secure with its O-ring), and then to the buoy. It will beep to confirm it's functional.
Now, connect your mobile phone to the new Wi-Fi network named "doryXXXXX" and open the app to connect. If your phone fails to connect to the app when opened, try turning off your data connection.
And voilà! We can now see the image of the drone, control it using the remote, and begin our underwater adventures!
Sailing the Dory
In the video, you'll find countless videos and photos showcasing the drone's impressive performance and easy-to-use controls. If you're fortunate enough to be in crystal-clear waters, the images will be stunning, while those in the Cantabrian Sea still offer unexpected underwater sights due to the limited water clarity.
It's a Wrap
Overall, we're very satisfied with the Chasing Dory. As we mentioned earlier, it's primarily a fun toy – and it certainly performs well.
It's easy to handle, although there are trickier situations, like maneuvering around a sailboat or fishing gear. With a good battery life, you can explore for extended periods without worrying about recharging. We've offered some suggestions for improvements that we've shared with the Chasing team.
During our Cantabrian Sea tests, the drone's capabilities proved valuable. While the visibility isn't optimal, the drone helps us explore closer to what interests us underwater. In clearer waters, like the Mediterranean, we'll unlock even more opportunities for stunning discoveries. Stay tuned for updates, pirates!
- The Chasing Dory underwater drone, an affordable piece of technology, is not just a tool for nautical applications like scoping the seafloor or inspecting boat hulls, but also a fun gadget that adds excitement to sailing adventures, making it a great companion for underwater explorations.
- For those keen on expanding their underwater horizons, the Chasing Dory is more than just a cheap gadget – it's a dive into the majesty of the deep, offering opportunities to capture marine life, find sunken treasures, and even review underwater structures, all while creating memorable experiences for you and your family, especially for aspiring nautical content creators.
