Mantis Claw

Lapeer20m · May 22, 2018

i just got my very own mantis claw for mavic.

While I considered myself a good pilot, this thing is lots of fun as it’s a real challenge to grab things.

Anybody else have one?

msinger · May 22, 2018

I have the 3.5" version. It was a pain to assemble, but it works really well.

Lapeer20m · May 22, 2018

It took 7 minutes of flight for me to pick up a potato with the 5” version.

I’m thinking that a potato is not the optimal shape for this device!

msinger · May 22, 2018

I hooked mine to my Inspire 1 to pick up a small tree branch that was laying on the roof of my house. The trickiest part was lining up the hook so it could be dropped at just the right spot.

RayOZ · May 22, 2018

I need to look in to this.

LuvMyTJ · May 23, 2018

If you have a 3D printer there are several printable designs on out there too. Someday I will print one out.

RayOZ · May 23, 2018

I dont have a 3D printer. I found a 2.5" claw for ~AUD11. Cheaper than buying a 3D printer.

LuvMyTJ · May 23, 2018

In the states, some public libraries will let you schedule a time to use a 3D printer... anything like that there?

RayOZ · May 23, 2018

Public libraries? They still exist? LOL
I haven't been in one for quite a while. I might have to check one this weekend.

Simmo · May 23, 2018

Ive got one.

msinger · May 23, 2018

LuvMyTJ said:
In the states, some public libraries will let you schedule a time to use a 3D printer... anything like that there?

There are lots of pieces to this design (see them here). I suspect it would take a couple of days to print. While that might be a fun adventure for some, it's probably not worthwhile since these kits can be purchased from Amazon and eBay for about $15.

Jonny_Pain · May 23, 2018

Maybe something like a big treble hook would work just as well.

I’d be concerned that it could get snagged on something and could not release from the drone.

I guess that fishing line dropper device would be the fix for this

Lapeer20m · May 23, 2018

Jonny_Pain said:
Maybe something like a big treble hook would work just as well.

I’d be concerned that it could get snagged on something and could not release from the drone.

I guess that fishing line dropper device would be the fix for this

I utilized the fishing line dropper with this claw for just that reason.

Lapeer20m · May 23, 2018

Here is my potato video from last night. This was the culmination of at least 7 minutes of trying unsuccessfully.....

RayOZ · May 23, 2018

Well... I pulled the trigger and bought one from eBay. Definitely need a way to trigger release just in case it grabbed the wrong object and getting itself stuck. Eg. trying to recover a drone in a tree and gets snagged on a thick branch instead. The fishing line dropper seems like an expensive option, unless there’s a cheap one, cos the one I’m thinking of is the cost >$100. Don’t remember what it’s called.

TheFarmer · May 23, 2018

How does one release the object after arriving at the delivery point?

Also... if worried about snagging on something too big, perhaps a friction release (like a clothespin or small clamp) can be rigged on the line where a substantial "tug" on the line would pull it loose. I think a mavic could generate a good jolt on the line with a couple feet of vertical headstart.

Ping^Spike · May 23, 2018

Interesting... How do you operate it (open/close) remotely?

What weight can it carry?

Mossiback · May 23, 2018

TheFarmer said:
... if worried about snagging on something too big, perhaps a friction release (like a clothespin or small clamp) can be rigged on the line where a substantial "tug" on the line would pull it loose...

Genius. Sometimes low-tech is best.

msinger · May 23, 2018

TheFarmer said:
How does one release the object after arriving at the delivery point?

The claw opens when it touches the ground. You'd need to lower it until it hits the ground and drag it away from the object it was holding so it does not attempt to grab it again when you lift the claw.