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Quick Start Guide
Watch the video of how to pack the gear and how to connect to the Blueye Pioneer underwater drone. This video is also... -
Blunux software update on the Blueye drones
Updating the Blunux Operating System on the Blueye Pioneer, Pro, or X3 drone is done through the Blueye App. It is im... -
Best practices with the DVL A50
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Join our free introduction course
While it's not mandatory or required to undergo a training course to operate the Blueye ROVs, we believe it's benefic...
FAQs
Can I get a 3D model of the drone? +
Yes! If you want to have a closer look at the X3 model you can download one of the 3D files below and open them in a 3D object viewer:
GLB model (for Android/Windows)
USZD model (for iOS/macOS)
What is the maximum rate of descent and ascent, if the drone is moving vertically up and down? +
The speed is about 0.5 m/s. Vertical speed can be found quite accurate from the dive-logs.
How to find the Blueye drone serial number +
There are multiple ways to find the drone serial number:
- In the app
- On the battery tube
- On the hinge plastic part
- In the Drone Webserver.
What are the components of Blueye tether reel ? +
Blueye tether reel is made of Kevlar core, which helps the tether to take up all the pressure and two copper conductors for signal transmission.
Splicing tethers +
It is difficult to make the splice waterproof, especially the connector to the drone. If the tether takes in more water, data transfer rate gets disrupted. By using the original connector on the drone side, Blueye Pioneer underwater drone will not take in water while it will try to splice and a user can dive with it while waiting for a new tether.
Warranty will be lost if the tether causes a problem for other parts.
Read more here: Changing the tether
What does the colours of different LED lights on Blueye underwater drone indicate? +
- Orange blinking light means it is starting up
- Green blinking light means that the drone is ready to be used
What is the warranty of my Blueye underwater drone? +
Your Blueye underwater drone is warrantied against manufacturing defects for a period of one year from the original date of delivery of the product.
Read more: Terms & Conditions
When can I expect my Blueye drone to be delivered? +
Shipment can be expected imminently after we receive payment.
Where are downloaded media files stored on Android? +
When downloading media files from your Blueye underwater drone to your Android device, the files are stored in a Blueye subfolder in the DCIM directory. The exact location depends on your device, but the path would typically be: Internal Storage/DCIM/Blueye/file_name.mp4.
You can find the files using the system File Browser app. Most Android devices will scan the DCIM folder for media files and display them in the system Gallery app.
Is the memory/SD card removable? +
The SD-card is only to be replaced after communication with Blueye Support as the SD-card needs special formatting and content.
Even if you remove the card, it will be difficult to see the videos, unless Linux software is being used, and in the same way a new SD card which is not properly formatted will prevent the drone from starting.
Is it possible to display the video stream from a Blueye drone on multiple devices ? +
Yes, It is possible to stream to multiple devices with the Blueye Observer App.
Read more here: Blueye Observer App.
How do I capture video with the Blueye App? +
Video capture with the Blueye underwater drone is done with a simple one-button action.
Click the X-button on the controller or the video icon in the in-app interface.
Read more: Video recording
How can I transfer videos from the Blueye underwater drone to my devices? +
Transferring videos from the underwater drone can either be done in the Blueye App on iOS or Android or PC or Mac.
Read more: Transferring video files
How do I include dive information in my video? +
There are multiple ways to include dive information in your videos. The easiest way is to use the built-in video overlays described here.
If you already have recorded videos without video overlays you can add dive information such as depth, temperature and heading information to your video by using the videos subtitle files. This can be done by following these instructions for Mac or Windows.
What is Blunux? +
Blunux is the name of the operating system running on all Blueye underwater drones.
How do I update Blunux? +
You download and install Blunux updates through the Blueye App. See Software Update on the Blueye drones for more information.
How do I check which version of Blunux is installed? +
You can find the Blunux version number in:
- On the main screen in the Blueye App, when connected to a drone
- Under the Diagnostics menu item in the in-dive menu
- Under Settings - Drone Settings - Drone Software Update in the app
Are Blunux updates required? +
Blueye App version v2.5.1 requires version Blunux v1.7 or later in order to connect to the drone.
Blueye App version v3.10.0 requires Blunux v3.0 or later in order to connect to the drone.
When connecting to a drone running an old version of Blunux, the app prompts you to download, install, and update the drone.
Please see software update on the Blueye drones for more information.
Why are we removing full backward compatibility? +
Since we first shipped the Blueye Pioneer in December 2018, we have made numerous improvements to the Blueye App and Blunux operating system.
Both iOS and Android will automatically update apps to the latest version, but it is up to the end-user to download and install Blunux updates to the drone. For every feature added to the Blueye App, we have to write additional code and conduct tests ensuring compatibility with all versions back to Blunux 0.1.83 released in December 2018.
Ensuring full backward compatibility consume precious development resources we would rather spend on adding new functionality requested by customers, improving performance, or fixing bugs.
By requiring an update to Blunux 1.7 or newer, we define a new baseline for which version the Blueye App must be compatible with.
Is it possible to opt out of software updates? +
We strongly recommend installing the latest versions of Blunux and the Blueye App to receive the latest features and bug fixes. We will not be able to provide support on old software versions.
However, if you for some reason wish to not update your drone you will also have to disable automatic updates of the Blueye App on your iOS or Android device.
Starting with version 2.5 of the Blueye App we require Blunux version 1.7 or newer installed on the drone, so to connect to older versions of Blunux you cannot upgrade from version 2.4 of the app.
How does water temperature affect the battery life of the Blueye underwater drone? +
Lithium Ion batteries do provide less capacity when they experience too low or too high temperatures. For Eg: when these batteries are at around 0°C they can loose up-to 20% of their capacity at 23°C. The same applies when the battery experiences an ambient temperature of around 60°C, loosing at 5% of it's original capacity at 23°C
Is there a MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) for the Blueye drone's battery? +
We have MSDS for the cells and PSDS for the battery pack. Please find the documents attached with the UN declaration.
How do I charge the battery of the Blueye underwater drones? +
The charger can charge the drone battery either through the drone charging cable or by connecting the Smart Battery to the connector on the backside of the charger. Store the charger in the charger bag.
Read more: Charging the batteries
How much time does it take to charge the Blueye drone battery? +
It will take around 3 hours to fully charge the battery of the drone & the run time is up to 2 hours. Run-time on the battery of the surface unit is 6-8 hours.
Read more: Charging the batteries
Can I dive with the Blueye underwater drone dive when the battery is not fully charged? +
You can still dive with the Blueye underwater drone, even if its battery is not fully charged. We do however recommend that you ensure all of your devices to be over 80% charged before diving
Read more: Charging the batteries
What is the accepted form of payment for the Blueye underwater drone? +
When your drone is ready for shipping and handling, we will ask you to pay your proforma invoice. We do not accept credit cards at this moment. The invoice is to be paid by bank transfer.
What does the blinking lights on the surface unit mean? +
- If all 4 LEDs are blinking at the same time, it means that the battery might be broken or the unit is overheating.
- If the LEDs swipe back and forward (like a Cylon in Battlestar Galactica), then the unit is booting up. The typical startup time is ~30sec.
- If the drone symbol does not light up, there might be a connection problem with the drone and you should get in touch with us by emailing contact@blueye.no.
Read more:
Accessories
Is the Surface Unit waterproof? +
The Surface Unit can withstand water spray from any direction (IP64) when the rubber connector lid is properly attached. The Surface Unit CANNOT be submerged into water.
Why is the surface unit is making a squeaking noise? +
The squeaking noise happens when the charging current is very low. You must make sure to use the supplied 5V USB charger and cable.
What do I do if the antennas on Surface Units are broken? +
If an antenna is broken, the Surface Unit can operate with only one antenna as a temporary solution. Normal "dual band WiFi antennas" will work as a replacement. The contact type is RP-SMA and is user replaceable. It is the contact that is waterproof so using non waterproof antennas are OK.
How do I change the name and password on the Surface Unit Wi-fi? +
It's possible to change different Wi-Fi settings on the Surface Unit. Please follow these instructions to learn more.
How do I reset the password on the Surface Unit? +
For X3 users (black colored Surface Unit): To reset the Surface unit you need to click the battery button 6 times in a rapid manner, while the unit is powered on.
What should I do if the controller is not visible in my Bluetooth list? +
If the controller is not found or you are unable to connect, re-start the controller and turn Bluetooth off and on your device. If you have an Android device, have also a look in the "Previously connected devices"-list.
Read more:
Is the controller waterproof ? +
The standard gamepad controllers are not waterproof. It should be kept away from water and dust.
The Blueye rugged controller is IP65 rated.
Read more:
How do I connect the controller to my Blueye underwater drone? +
To connect the controller to a mobile device, go to Bluetooth settings and select the controller.
Instructions on the different controllers can be found here.
Read more:
How to pair an Xbox controller
Can I use any kind of Bluetooth controller with my Blueye underwater drone? +
As long as the controller can be connected to your iPhone/iPad or Android device via Bluetooth, there are many different versions you can choose from (NB: the iOS controller must be MFi certified).
iOS Compatible Controllers
Model | Phone holder | Bluetooth | Wired | Intl. shop | Nor. shop |
SteelSeries Nimbus | No | Yes | No | Amazon | Prisjakt |
Gamevice for iPad | Yes | No | Yes | Amazon | Apple |
Gamevice for iPhone | Yes | No | Yes | Amazon | Apple |
PXN-6603 | Yes | Yes | No | Amazon | N/A |
Rotor Riot RR1800 | Yes | No | Yes | Amazon | N/A |
Android Compatible Controllers
Model | Phone holder | Bluetooth | Wired | Intl. shop | Nor. shop |
SteelSeries Stratus XL | No | Yes | No | Amazon | Prisjakt |
Trust GXT 590 | Yes | No | Yes | N/A | Prisguiden |
PXN-9613 | Separate product | Yes | No | GearBest | N/A |
iPega PG-9055 | Yes | Yes | No | Amazon | N/A |
iPega PG-9028 | Yes | Yes | No | Amazon | Prisjakt |
Rotor Riot RR1800A | Yes | No | Yes | Amazon | N/A |
Read more: Compatible controllers
What is the minimum focus distance of the camera? +
The Blueye cameras are fixed focus with a focus range of 0.5m to infinity in water.
How do I clean the camera windows on Blueye underwater drones? +
The cleaning of the camera window is a delicate process as the window material is quite soft. It is recommended NOT to use standard paper towels or workshop wipes, as these often contain abrasive materials. If the window of the camera is fouled with "normal dirt" from the sea, say salt, fish-blood, etc. it is probably just as good to use clean fresh water on a microfiber cloth.
Do not clean with any petroleum-based chemicals (white spirit).
Is it possible to take still images with camera on Blueye underwater drone ? +
Yes, it is possible to capture still images & screenshot with the camera on Blueye underwater drone.
Please read more about this here: Capture videos & pictures
What is the megapixel of the camera of Blueye underwater drones? +
The camera of Blueye Pioneer underwater drone is Full HD 1080p.
Read more:
What is the sensitivity of the camera? +
The sensitivity of the camera lens of Blueye Pioneer's lens is F1.8
Read more: Technical specifications
Is it possible to install an additional filter on the camera? +
You cannot place any additional filter on the camera of the Blueye Pioneer.
Is it possible to use an international power adapter for Blueye adapter ? +
Yes, you can use an international adapter to plug Blueye adapter to use the Blueye Pioneer. Another alternative is to change the cable that connects to the power adapter (the black brick). This brick accepts input voltage in the range 100-240V, so it is just a matter of replacing the cable from the power adapter to the wall socket. The cable is a standard appliance cable, called IEC 60320-C13 (or simply C13) and can be picked up at most electronics stores or online.
Is it possible to use VR glasses to control the Blueye underwater drone? +
No, as of now it is not possible to use VR googles with the Blueye App. This could be a future feature, but we cannot guarantee it will be.
Is the MovieMask compatible with all mobile devices? +
The MovieMask Blueye Premium edition is compatible with most phones that are not wider than 78,1 mm, usually defined as up to 6,2’’ screens. This includes, but are not limited to, all models of iPhone, Samsung S6, S7, S8, and S8 edge. However, some phones have a button on the side, that will interfere with our mount (like Sony Xperia and some models of HTC).
Read more: MovieMask website
Can I travel by airplane with my Blueye underwater drone? +
The Blueye Pioneer weights less than 9 kg and can easily be carried on as hand-luggage while traveling with an airplane. If you wish to check-in your underwater drone as extra luggage, that is an option as well.
Read more: Traveling by airplane
Is there any kind of demo available for the Blueye underwater drone? +
Demos can be arranged. Please e-mail contact@blueye.no for further information.