1. Introduction and Overview
The GLADIUS MINI is the world's first 5-thruster mini-size underwater drone, designed for real-time observation, exploration, photography, and video capture. Its streamlined, biologically inspired design allows for low-resistance movement and unmatched stability, mimicking a submarine to achieve speeds up to 4 knots (2m/s).
Equipped with intelligent control algorithms, the drone offers precise hovering, diving, rising, tilting, and turning capabilities. It features a 4K UHD camera for stunning visuals and powerful LED lights for clear visibility in various underwater conditions. The GLADIUS MINI is highly portable, making it an excellent choice for diving, fishing, underwater photography, yachting, and various inspection tasks.
Figure 1: The Gladius Mini Underwater Drone, including the main unit, remote controller, and tether winder.
2. What's in the Box
Your Gladius Mini package includes the following components:
- ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle)
- Tether & Winder
- Remote Controller
- Power Adapter
- Support Documents
- Limited 1-Year Warranty
3. Setup
Before operating your Gladius Mini, ensure proper setup:
- Charge the Battery: Fully charge the drone's internal battery using the provided power adapter. The drone has an approximate battery life of 2 hours.
- Download the App: Download the official CHASING APP to your smartphone. This app is essential for controlling the drone and viewing real-time footage.
- Connect Components: Securely connect the tether from the drone to the winder, and then connect the winder to the remote controller. Ensure all connections are firm to prevent disconnections during operation.
- Attach Smartphone: Mount your smartphone onto the remote controller's holder for easy viewing and control.
- Choose Location: Select an open water area free from obstacles like poles, rocks, or dense vegetation to prevent the tether from tangling. Clear water conditions are recommended for optimal camera performance. Avoid areas with strong currents or crashing waves, as these can pull the drone and tether, making control difficult.
Video 1: Official product video demonstrating the setup and initial deployment of the Gladius Mini underwater drone. This video highlights the ease of connecting the tether and preparing the drone for use in various water environments.
4. Operating
The Gladius Mini offers intuitive controls for a seamless underwater exploration experience.
4.1. Camera & Lighting
The drone is equipped with a 4K UHD camera capable of capturing footage at 1080p or 4K resolution and 12 MP photos. Its F3.0 lens and two 1200 Lumens LED lights ensure clear, bright, and clean images even in challenging underwater conditions. For optimal visual quality, operate the drone in clear water.
Figure 2: Close-up view of the Gladius Mini's 4K HD camera and dual LED headlights, designed for superior underwater visibility and image capture.
4.2. Controls & Maneuverability
Control the Gladius Mini using the remote controller or the CHASING APP on your smartphone, which functions like a gamepad. The drone features three vertical propellers and two horizontal thrusters for precise movement in all directions.
- Adjustable Tilt-Lock: Utilize the ±45° adjustable Tilt-Lock mode to achieve perfect camera angles, allowing the drone to move fluidly and capture epic underwater scenes.
- Depth-Lock Mode: The intelligent control algorithms and one-touch Depth-Lock Mode help you navigate freely and hover at a desired depth to find and capture exactly what you want.
- Speed Settings: The drone can reach speeds up to 4 knots. It offers low, medium, and high-speed settings for various operational needs.
Figure 3: The Gladius Mini showcasing its adjustable tilt angle of ±45 degrees and its capability to reach speeds of up to 4 knots.
Figure 4: The Gladius Mini's ability to dive to an incredible 330 feet (100m) and maintain a locked depth for stable observation.
Figure 5: The Gladius Mini's remote controller with a smartphone mounted, providing game-like control for intuitive operation.
4.3. Battery Life
The Gladius Mini offers approximately 2 hours of battery life, allowing for extended exploration sessions. Actual battery life may vary depending on current conditions and the intensity of thruster usage.
4.4. Connectivity & Sharing
The drone supports Virtual Reality (VR) equipment for an immersive underwater experience. You can also view and share live media on up to 3 wireless devices via Wi-Fi, and connect to a big screen TV or monitor using the HDMI port. One-touch posting and live-streaming via social media platforms are also supported.
5. Maintenance
To ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your Gladius Mini, follow these general maintenance guidelines:
- Rinse After Use: After each use, especially in saltwater, thoroughly rinse the drone, tether, and winder with fresh water to prevent corrosion.
- Inspect Tether: Regularly inspect the tether for any signs of wear, cuts, or tangles. Ensure it is properly wound on the winder to avoid damage.
- Clean Propellers: Check the propellers for any debris, seaweed, or sand that might impede their function. Clean gently if necessary.
- Store Properly: Store the drone and its accessories in a dry, cool place, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. The Gladius Mini is designed to be portable, with dimensions similar to a 15-inch MacBook Pro (8.9 x 15 inches) and a weight of less than 5.5 lbs.
Figure 6: The compact and lightweight design of the Gladius Mini, emphasizing its portability for easy transport and storage.
6. Troubleshooting
If you encounter issues with your Gladius Mini, consider the following:
- Connectivity Issues: If experiencing Wi-Fi disconnects or app communication problems, ensure your smartphone's Wi-Fi is stable and that the drone's app is updated to the latest version. Restarting both the drone and the app may resolve temporary glitches.
- Tether Management: Be mindful of the tether's location during operation. It can get tangled around underwater obstacles like poles or rocks. If the drone gets stuck, try turning off the motors and gently pulling the unit back using the tether.
- Murky Water Visibility: The 4K camera performs best in clear water. In murky conditions, visibility will be significantly reduced, impacting the quality of footage and ease of navigation.
- Depth Control Responsiveness: Some users may find the depth control via the remote controller to be very sensitive. Practice deliberate and gentle movements to achieve desired depth adjustments.
- Hardware Malfunctions: For issues such as lights not working or persistent sinking (if not related to ballast), contact customer support as these may indicate a hardware malfunction.
7. Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Brand Name | gladius |
| Item Weight | 15.22 pounds |
| Package Dimensions | 17.75 x 14 x 11.28 inches |
| Batteries | 1 Lithium Ion batteries required (included) |
| Color Name | yellow |
| Special Features | Adjustable |
| Photo Sensor Technology | CMOS |
| Video Capture Resolution | 4K |
| Maximum Aperture | 2 f |
| Flash Memory Type | Micro SD |
| Video Capture Format | 4k |
| Supported Audio Format | AAC |
| Screen Size | 3 Inches |
| Connectivity Technology | Wi-Fi, HDMI |
8. Warranty & Support
The Gladius Mini comes with a Limited 1-Year Warranty. For any product-related inquiries, technical support, or warranty claims, please refer to the support documents included in your package or visit the official gladius website for contact information.