IO STAR 3: Drotek's New Revolutionary Light Drone

Drotek is a leading French company in the field of illuminated drones. It was founded in 2012 and is based in the south of France, near Toulouse.
It employs around 35 passionate people, including engineers, developers, electronic wiring professionals, and artists. Internationally, Drotek operates in some fifteen countries.

Expertise & products

Since our creation, we have specialized in electronics for air, sea, and land drones, developing electronic boards that include autopilots, GPS modules, and telemetry systems.
In recent years, we have turned our attention to the manufacture of aerial drones for light shows, making this our specialty.
This orientation enabled us to develop our first drone, the IO STAR, the lightest drone on the market, specially created for light shows.

Innovation and technology

We are distinguished by our commitment to technological innovation in the field of drone light shows. This feat, for example, optimizes flight autonomy, an essential factor in the creation of shows, giving you infinite possibilities for drone light shows.
Furthermore, we design a complete solution for your shows, including not only IO STAR drones but also other innovation-sensitive hardware, such as control software, ground control stations, charging stations, all-in-one platforms, and so on.

All this brings us to our latest innovation: the IO STAR 3. So, what is new about this drone?

The 3S smart battery

The IO STAR 3's latest intelligent battery enables you to optimize your performance significantly, whether with increased flight duration or LED power. But the real novelty here is the addition of a charge indicator on the top of the drone. This indicator lets you determine your drone's battery status at a glance. We have chosen this option to save you time before and during the preparation of your drone light show. From an organizational point of view, this gives you a considerable advantage.
With one click, you can remove the discharged battery from the drone and replace it with a full one. The battery code is simple. There are 5 green lights: the more lights, the fuller your drone's battery. Conversely, a single green light means you need to change your drone's battery.
We can provide two battery versions: a standard 2420 mAh version and a high-capacity 3810 mAh version. This option enables you to meet your operational needs and optimize performance according to usage scenarios (fly duration, cost, and operational flexibility).
Our batteries are also protected against short circuits, temperature, excessive discharge, and data communication.

Independent Geoguard Module

Another recent feature of the drone is the addition of an independent module: the Geoguard.
This module, essential for swarm flights, consists of a processor and a GPS independent of the rest of the drone's system. Geoguard independently monitors the drone's position and speed using its own GNSS and barometric sensors.
In the case of flight limits being exceeded or GPS signal loss, Geoguard can automatically trigger a motor shutdown, providing protection against uncontrolled flight.

Remote lighting

Another functionality designed to optimize the organization of your drone light show preparation is the addition of a “remote ignition” function.
The idea is simple: once your drone is on the ground, you can return to your control station, on the drone management software, and launch the take-off directly from the software by clicking on the “Power ON” button.
From an operational point of view, this remote ignition facilitates the launch and management of a large number of drones simultaneously, which is all the more important for large-scale shows, for example.
The same applies to turning off your drones in case of stand-by before the show, or turning off your fleet at the end of the show by pressing the “Power OFF” button.

All-in-one platform

For this release, we have designed an innovative piece of equipment to complement the IO STAR 3.
That is why we have developed a take-off platform to facilitate logistics on the operating site. This all-in-one platform, crafted to be stackable, can accommodate up to six IO STAR 3 drones in secure locations for stable take-off and landing.
This design improves safety, transport, and organization by allowing drones to take off directly from the platform and return after performances.
These platforms are supplied with transparent covers to protect the drones from the elements. Operators simply place the platform on the ground, and the drones are ready to go!

The benefits of the IO Star 3

In addition to the drone features we have just presented, the IO STAR 3 presents a range of considerable advantages for your light shows.

The lightest drone

Once again, Drotek has pushed back the boundaries of what is possible by providing the most powerful and lightweight drone on the light drone market.
Weighing in at just 320g with the standard battery, it adds autonomy and speed to performance.
From the propellers to the hull and battery, all the materials used in the drone have been designed to optimize lightness and minimize overall weight.

Drone speed

Speed, as previously mentioned, is an essential element to take into account when performing drone shows. We didn't just focus on drone speed but rather on combining speed with precision. With this in mind, we have made every effort to develop a fast drone.
With a horizontal velocity of 6 m/s, our drones offer optimum flexibility to perform any trick.
This speed not only allows you to adapt your choreography to your image, guaranteeing fluid movements but also opens up fresh creative perspectives.

Increased flying time

The duration of flight time can be influenced by several elements, such as battery capacity, LED power, weather conditions, and so on.
With the IO STAR 3, we guarantee a flight time of up to 40 minutes in optimal conditions, allowing you to reveal even more of your story in your choreography. This autonomy is made possible by our smart batteries and the drone's lightweight, which we mentioned earlier.

Environmental resistance

Designed to withstand a wide range of environmental conditions, the IO Star 3 can operate in a temperature range from 0°C to 40°C.
External factors, such as the weather, can often interrupt a show. Whether it is rain, wind, or even snow, our IO STAR 3 drone stands up to any environment. For example, it can withstand gusts of up to 50 km/h, but it is also waterproof.

More powerful LEDs

We have moved the LEDs to the center of the lower part of the drone. This change provides better light distribution and visibility in all directions.
Better distribution and visibility bring greater uniformity to your shows. Additional power has been added to drive the high-intensity RGBW LEDs, enabling a wide range of colors and dynamic animations.

Other useful features

Precise Positioning System: Thanks to RTK GNSS technology, the IO Star 3 can achieve centimeter-accurate positioning, essential for synchronized choreography.
Flight Termination System: An independent flight termination system ensures that the drone can be safely stopped in the case of an emergency.
Radio communication: The drone is equipped with two radio links, Wi-Fi 5 GHz and XBee 2.4 GHz, ensuring reliable, redundant communication with the ground control station.

Applications of IO STAR 3 drone

The IO STAR 3 is designed to revolutionize aerial light shows, no matter what business you are in.

Events and entertainment

Entertainment is a favorite field for drone operators. Whether for big-scale shows like concerts and festivals or more private events like weddings or birthday parties, our drones can enhance every moment.
They can also be used at sporting events, to promote a pre-game or opening ceremony, for example. Or at your theme park, to give your visitors a spectacular experience.

Advertising and marketing

To effectively promote your brand, the launch of one of your existing products or a new product, or an advertising or communication campaign, drones are an essential asset.
Just imagine a large audience discovering a drone show for the first time, and your company logo displayed large in the sky. Our solutions can also be perfectly integrated into your corporate events, reinforcing your brand identity while delivering a memorable experience.

Art installations

Drones open up a new field of expression for artistic installations. Thanks to their flexibility, they can bring unique artistic performances to life by blending art, light, and technology. Your imagination is your only limit!

How much does a drone light show cost?

The cost of a drone show depends on various factors, including the number of drones used. The greater the number of drones, the greater the possibilities. The complexity of the figures and animations plays a role in the final cost. A simple animation with basic figures requires less design time than a complex one. From a logistical point of view, transporting all the equipment, regulatory procedures, setting up the site, and the presence of a technical team on site justify the total costs.
At Drotek, we offer a whole range of services for shows. From design to rental and technical support, we support you in every step. Thanks to our expertise and the flexibility of our offers, we can adapt to your needs and your budget.
To find out more about our offers and get a quote tailored to your needs, contact us today!

Summary

The IO STAR 3 is Drotek's latest innovation in terms of drones! This drone sets a high standard in drone light show technology.
As an upgrade to the IO STAR 2, he introduces several advanced characteristics, designed to enhance show performance and also operational efficiency.

3S smart battery is at the heart of IO STAR 3 enhancements, which now includes a charge indicator for quick status checks and easy replacements, optimizing your show preparation. The independent Geoguard new module ensures safety during your operations by monitoring the drone's position and speed. Also, the remote ignition function allows operators to launch drones directly from the control software, optimizing the management of large-scale shows.

Weighing only 380 grams with the extended battery, the IO STAR 3 is extremely light, contributing to its impressive hover time up to 40 minutes under optimal conditions. Its robust design allows operation in varied environments, including temperatures from 0°C to 40°C and wind speeds up to 50 km/h. The drone's high-intensity RGBW LEDs, now centrally positioned, ensure superior light distribution and visibility, enhancing the visual impact of your light shows.

The IO STAR 3 is versatile and suitable for events, advertising, or artistic installations. Its precise positioning system, reliable flight termination system, and dual radio communication links ensure both safety and operational excellence. The cost of a drone light show varies based on many elements such as the number of drones, animation complexity, logistical factors, etc. Drotek offers comprehensive services tailored to individual needs and budgets. For more information and customized quotes, contact Drotek!

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