New Bright R/c Multi-function Irobot 710 Kobra Review
Radio-controlled robotics have eye-stage with this unique, versatile machine.
I accept had my easily on a number of new R/C models from New Bright this year, with each 1 including its own set of surprises. These take been some of the first "toy grade" vehicles that I have driven in quite some time. While my kids have their own armada of toy store radio-controlled machines, I've focused my attention on the hobby-form cease of the R/C world.
Every now and then, even so, it's squeamish to take a wait at what options are available for getting the "side by side generation" interested introduced to the hobby. So far, the vehicles that I accept been sent from New Bright have been "traditional" radio-controlled vehicles. That changed with this latest review machine.
The New Vivid iRobot 710 Kobra
When I think about R/C vehicles, my first thoughts gravitate towards cars, trucks, and quadcopters. That said, in that location'south an assortment of vehicle types to selection from, one being robots. While these robots aren't the "Danger, Will Robinson" blazon, they do offer numerous features and congenital-in functionality.
New Brilliant has a robot of their own, the iRobot 710 Kobra . This radio-controlled robot is a track-driven unit with a single, jointed arm, claw, and FPV camera. It looks like a tank with an arm, just it'south much more complex than that.
This robot reminds me of a Revell Vexplorer that I had owned a few years ago. I (and my kids) enjoyed using that machine from time to fourth dimension, but the overall thrill never stuck around. With this model from New Brilliant, in that location has been a greater amount of interest from my "test drivers", mayhap more interest for this model than whatever other R/C machine that we've looked at.
Unboxing the 710 Kobra
What'due south Included:
- 1 New Bright iRobot 710 Kobra
- one New Bright iRobot 710 Kobra Controller
- 1 Instruction manual
First Impressions of the New Vivid iRobot 710 Kobra
The Robot
When you take this R/C robot out of the box, it has a decent amount of heft to it, accompanied by a solid, well-built experience. The body and most of the exterior and mechanical components are made of plastic, however, they don't feel flimsy or frail. While it'south in "storage style" the 710 Kobra is able to hunker downwardly to a relatively compact size. At ⅓ calibration, information technology'south a large-enough machine, but won't require a storage shed to house it in.
Once it's been powered on, the first instinct is to start moving the many controller sticks around to figure out what controller action controls what aspect of the 710 Kobra. An easier route may be to read through the manual (which I did do…eventually), but let's confront it; it's more fun to swoop correct into an R/C machine and explore.
Equally mentioned before, this model reminds me of the Revell Vexplorer, a customizable "Erector Prepare-style" radio-controlled machine. The overall mobility of that specific model was impressive, though there were some limitations in what could be done and how far you could maneuver certain appendages.
Adding to the fun and functionality of this robot is an app-enabled FPV photographic camera. When paired with an Apple iPhone or Android smartphone (via Wi-Fi), you're non only able to drive the 710 Kobra though first-person view , but you lot tin besides send audio messages through a speaker in the camera.
The Tracks, Arm and Claw
The iRobot 710 Kobra has a full arm length of 39" when fully extended. That's impressive. Very impressive. Another, equally-impressive mobility feature comes in the class of the quad-track setup this robot uses.
While in the out-of-the-box "storage mode", the iv tracks all line up, however, they outer tracks can easily be extended to the rear or front of the 710 Kobra, allowing the length of the robot to double. Not only does the length double, but the overall base and footing support doubles, allowing that 39" arm to not tip this machine over when fully extended (outwards).
The arm movements include up/down and 360-degrees around. The arm itself is jointed, giving greater movement and usage possibilities. While the overall build of the machine is robust, fully-extending the arm with the tracks in "compact" mode, volition easily cause this machine to tip over. Hopefully yous're not property a glass of milk in the robot'south claw at the time.
Ah yes, the claw. This small, however robust piece of the puzzle can let the 710 Kobra do amazing things. Since it is mounted onto another rotating mount and doesn't sit stock-still to the arm, you have greater mobility and movement. The hook surface is covered with a suction cup-manner texture, giving the robot (and yous) greater assurance that whatever you attempt to selection up, will remain picked up.
The Camera
In that location's no denying the current popularity of FPV in the radio-control hobby. While you'll find heavy implementation and use of it in quadcopter/multirotor drone racing and freestyle flying, it is gaining popularity with surface (on-route and off-route) vehicle hobbyists as well.
The WiFi-connected, app-enabled camera features of the New Vivid iRobot 710 Kobra are rather robust and have been enjoyable to discover and use. After a somewhat lengthy pairing procedure, y'all're able to exercise some fun and creative things with the robot, by mode of the camera and sound speaker.
The app acts every bit your FPV monitor and can exist set within of a bracket at the tiptop of the 710 Kobra controller An bachelor HD/SD switch on the main screen of the app allows you to toggle between visual quality for the camera. This is mainly for low or slow connection situations and to reduce visual "jitter" while driving.
As you encounter depression-low-cal or no-light situations, the camera will switch to "nighttime mode", giving you the opportunity to go on your robotics risk without skipping a beat. My middle son served as our initial test pilot and found this feature to be a fun and useful feature to use.
Another "favorite" app/robot feature that he discovered was audio messaging. After pressing a button on the app, the robot pilot tin can ship an audio bulletin through the speaker on the 710 Kobra. Again, my middle son found this both fun, and useful, when he sent our robot into his older brother'southward room during a recon mission.
The Controller
I make an effort to not allow my R/C controller snobbery carry over to toy-grade machines that are typically establish in superstores. Realizing that I (and other adults) aren't the intended users of these radio-controlled devices and controllers remains top of heed when I am reviewing ane of these vehicles.
Having said that, the New Brilliant iRobot 710 Kobra controller is 1 of the best that I've seen and used (when it comes to not-hobby grade accessories). Not only does information technology characteristic an array of like shooting fish in a barrel-to-achieve controls and buttons, merely the overall comfort is astonishing. The middle-of-the-road sizing isn't too small for me to utilize and isn't also large for a kid either.
Pricing and Availability
The 710 Kobra is currently a Toys R Us sectional and is priced at $199.99. You can, notwithstanding, find this model on eBay as well equally other online retailers. Please note, however, prices may vary from store-to-shop.
Learn more about the New Bright iRobot 710 Kobra at newbright.com.
Where Y'all Tin Buy the New Brilliant iRobot 710 Kobra R/C Robot
- Toys R Us – $199.99
- Walmart – $199.99
- Target – $199.99
- eBay – Various prices
Looking Forward to More Exploration
While I am looking frontward to further-exploring this R/C robot, I believe my kids finally have me beat when it comes to enthusiasm and excitement for a radio-controlled machine (though non by much). Since it arrived on our doorstep, this is ane vehicle that they have been asking to drive more than any other in our fleet. Whether information technology'southward the FPV setup or the full general mobility of the robot itself, one thing is certain; it's fun to employ and play around with, no affair what your age.
Source: https://rcnewb.com/first-impressions-new-bright-irobot-710-kobra/
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