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Holy Stone HS220 quadcopter drone review

REVIEW – What’s more fun than a remote-controlled quadcopter? A quadcopter that you can control with your phone or a dedicated controller that also has a built-in camera all packaged in a 2-in-1 folding format. Let’s check it out.

What is it?

The Holy Stone HS220 is a quadcopter drone that can be controlled with a battery-powered remote or an iPhone or Android device.

What’s in the box?

  • Holy Stone drone
  • Handheld remote
  • 2 batteries
  • micro USB charging cable
  • 4 replacement propellers
  • 4 replacement feet
  • Screwdriver
  • Tool
  • User manual

Design and features

The Holy Stone HS220 drone is made of white and black plastic and features a quadcopter design with 4 rotors. On top of the drone, you’ll see the Holy Stone logo which doubles as the touch-enabled power button. You’ll also notice two other icons which are designators for how to position the drone when in folded (as shown here) and unfolded Wing flight mode.

The bottom of the drone has for LED status lights and the battery slot.

A black plastic cage protects the rotors and your fingers from damage. You’ll also notice the four rubber feet that let you land the drone on different types of surfaces without damage.



As mentioned earlier, the Holy Stone HS220 is a folding drone. Each rotor folds out to create a larger X-shaped drone that is almost 2x the original size. Note, that you have to unfold the drone to be able to remove the battery for charging.

You’ll also need to use the drone in wing flight mode if you want to take pictures and video with the built-in camera.




The HS220 comes with a handheld remote control which doubles as the battery charger. It is powered by the same type of battery that the drone uses. The control has a micro USB connector on the front edge that is used to charge the batteries for both the controller and the drone.

The drone can fly for about 7-9 minutes per battery charge, and the remote will work for a much longer time on one charge, so you can swap batteries with the controller when you’re out in the field if the drone’s battery is too weak for flight. The drone’s weak battery will still work in the controller and the controller’s battery will power the drone for a few extra minutes until you need to go inside for a recharge.

Note that it can take up to 150 minutes (2.5 hrs) to recharge each battery which seems like forever when you just want to fly your drone.

The controller also features a fold out phone holder if you want to use the Holy Stone app and the controller to control the drone.

The app

The app is available for iOS and Android. I tested the app on my Pixel 2 XL and the Huawei P20.

The app’s user interface is relatively basic. And the main part of the screen is used for a live view through the drone’s camera. Note that you have to use the app if you want to record video and / or capture images with the drone. Also note that the image you see above is the ONLY time I was able to see a live view from the drone’s camera. Every subsequent time that I used the app, it the screen would be black. However, if I clicked the picture capture button on the handheld remote control while the app was open and my phone was connected to the drone’s WiFi, the app would make a click/capture noise. But video and images came out with a black screen.

Let’s fly!

To fly the Holy Stone drone, you first have to charge the battery for the handheld controller and the battery for the drone. As mentioned above, both batteries are charged using the controller. After both batteries are charged, you can decide if you want to fly the drone in the folded (smaller) form factor or the wing flight form factor. In my experience, the drone is more stable in the unfolded wing flight form factor. When it’s folded, you can snap pictures or capture video and the flight pattern is a little wonky which you’ll see in the video demo below.

Before you can start flying, you will tap the logo on the drone to turn it on and press the power button on the controller. Then you will want to press the lift joystick up, then down to pair the controller with the drone, then press the one key start/land button. This will cause the drone blades to start spinning and you can use the left joystick to lift the drone.

See it in action (or not)

As you’ve seen in my 1st demo video above, I had a LOT of problems flying this drone. It seemed to have a mind of its own for the first few flights. Even so, it stood up just fine from getting stuck in a tree, to slamming into the side of the house, and other flight stopping maneuvers. I have to hand it to Holy Stone for making a rugged little drone.

I got better at flying it, but the drone does drift in different directions, which require frequent trim operations to resolve that problem and even after performing the trim operations, the drone would not just hover completely still in one place, it would always drift a little bit. Also when using the one-key landing button, it would not just descend straight down and land, it would descend at an angle and then land.

What I like

  • Small foldable design
  • More rugged than other drones I’ve reviewed
  • Can fly it with or without using your smartphone
  • One button launch and land

What needs to be improved

  • Control. Requires frequent trim procedure
  • Takes too long to charge the batteries (150 minutes)
  • Android app bugs. No way to capture pictures or video without using the app

Final thoughts

After some practice, I was able to fly the Holy Stone HS220 drone pretty well, but I was never able to see how well the built-in camera performed as I was not able to get the app to show the live view of the camera or record from the camera.

When it’s all said and done, flying this drone was fun but is overpriced at $100. For that much money, I expect the camera feature to work and I think there should be a way to capture video and images without needing to use an iOS or Android app.

Price: $99.99
Where to buy: Amazon
Source: The sample for this review was provided by Holy Stone.

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Holy Stone HS220 quadcopter drone review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on December 3, 2018 at 11:34 am.

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Deals: Save big $’s on JLab headphones, microSD cards, gaming gear, and more

NEWS – Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals are behind us, but that doesn’t mean there are no more deals. There are lots more to come including the 12 days of deals from Amazon. Today is day 2 of their 12 days of deals and the theme is gaming. So check below for some money saving gift ideas for the gamer on your shopping list. We are also sharing a couple deals from JLAB audio for their headphones and earbuds. As always, these deals can vanish quickly, so act fast!

Amazon

  • SanDisk 128GB microSD cards for only $18.21 on Amazon
  • OMEN by HP Mindframe PC Gaming Headset with World’s First FrostCap Active Cooling Technology for only $119.99 (you save $80) on Amazon
  • Instant Pot DUO80 8 Qt 7-in-1 Multi- Use Programmable Pressure Cooker for $79 (you save $60) on Amazon
  • Samsung UN55NU8000FXZA Flat 55″ 4K UHD 8 Series Smart LED TV (2018) for $847.99 (you save $352.00) on Amazon
  • Acer Predator Utility Backpack for only $83.99 (you save $66.00) on Amazon
  • HyperX Alloy FPS RGB – Mechanical Gaming Keyboard for only $89.99 (you save $20.00) on Amazon
  • ASUS ROG Zephyrus S Ultra Slim Gaming PC Laptop for only $1,699.00 (you save $300.00) on Amazon
  • SanDisk Extreme 500 Portable SSD 1TB for only $197.99 (you save $102.00) on Amazon

JLAB Audio

  • Neon Bluetooth Wireless On-Ear Headphones – $20 ($30 Original price) good through December 3-5
  • Rock Bluetooth Earbuds – $15 ($30 Original Price) good through December 3-5
    Available only on https://www.jlabaudio.com/

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Deals: Save big $’s on JLab headphones, microSD cards, gaming gear, and more originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on December 3, 2018 at 11:00 am.

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Albedo100 makes sure you’ll always be seen at night

NEWS – Albedo is a measure of how reflective an object, usually a planet or moon, is – how much of the incident light is reflected by the object.  Despite how bright they are, the Earth’s albedo is only about 0.3, meaning 30% of light is reflected, and our moon when full is only about 0.5, or 50% of light reflected.  The permanent reflective spray from Albedo100 would seem to promise to greatly increase the reflectivity, and therefore the visibility at night.

Albedo100’s spray is a “permanent formula that dries a matte gray and can last up to three months, defying wind, rain, and UV rays.”  It’s intended for use on hard surfaces, and it works best on concrete, metal, stones, and wood.  Spray it directly on your bike frame, walking stick, sports equipment, shoes, or helmet to greatly increase your visibility and safety outdoors at night.

A can of Albedo100 permanent reflective spray is $18.95 at The Grommet.

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Albedo100 makes sure you’ll always be seen at night originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on December 3, 2018 at 10:00 am.

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Yale Assure Connected by August Touchscreen Smart Lock YRD226 review

REVIEW – My father imparted many tidbits of wisdom to me prior to his passing a few weeks ago. One of his gems was, “Locks keep honest people honest.” How true this is. With Yale’s Assure Lock Deadbolt, my pockets have become a bit lighter and my home is protected in technological style.

What is it?

The Yale model YRD226 is deadbolt lock with an integrated keypad and wireless capabilities, enabling a homeowner to lock or unlock a door using a traditional key, user-programmable code, Bluetooth, Cellular or Wi-Fi.

Hardware Specs:

  • Installs in standard doors in minutes
  • Replaces existing deadbolt with just a screwdriver
  • Fits on doors 1-3/4″ to 2-1/4″ thick (*1-3/8″ requires thin door gasket
  • Backset 2-3/8″ or 2-3/4″
  • Face Bore Hole: 2-1/8″
  • Edge Bore Hole: 1″
  • Adjustable Latch
  • Create up to 250 keypad access codes using the August with Network Module or 25 codes without
  • Lifetime limited warranty for finish and mechanical, one year
  • Certified ANSI/BHMA A156.36, Grade 2
  • Finishes:  Oil Rubbed Bronze US3, Satin Nickel US15, Oil Rubbed Bronze US10BP

What’s in the Box?

  • Yale Real Living Assure Lock™ Touchscreen Deadbolt
  • August Wi-Fi Bridge module and Bluetooth lock module
  • Installation Guide
  • Mounting Screws
  • Door Template
  • 4 AA Batteries
  • 2 Keys
  • August Warranty card

Design and Features:

At 150 years old, Yale is no stranger to door locks, are several patents. The latest incarnation, provided is a testament to Yale’s legacy.

I received the well-packaged, brushed-nickel model which matched my current door hardware.

Since I was replacing an existing lock, I did not need to drill holes, save for the 5/16” hole for the door closed sensor magnet. Yale’s illustrated instructions are extremely well written and easy to understand.

Installing the lock took approximately 15 minutes using nothing more than a Philips screwdriver.

I opted to install the lock detection magnet in the door frame for a more polished appearance

The lock and finish is attractive and intimidatingly heavy, as a lock should be.

I was almost startled upon installing the four AA batteries into the lock because it talks! A pleasant female voice directs the remaining setup functions and made setup simple and efficient and, to be honest, rather fun.  There is a brief calibration process, opening and closing the door that worked flawlessly the first time.

Using the keypad, I was able to create a master entry code, allowing access to the remaining configuration functions. I added a few sub-user codes and tested the lock. My daughter’s friends are notorious for leaving the front door unlocked, so I was thrilled at the lock’s automatic lock feature which works like a champ. I set it to lock the door 30 seconds after the door has been closed.

Installing the August app, I was able to connect to the lock and set up the Wi-Fi bridge module in minutes. It should be noted that the bride module communicates to the lock via Bluetooth with a limited range of about 10 feet, so plan on having a nearby outlet.

The app is compatible with Apple’s Home Kit and Alexa and works perfectly. Setup was painless. It’s great to be able to order Alexa or Siri to “unlock the front door.” I was also able to add the lock to my Wink hub, configure some IFTTT Applets and use the lock functions to activate lots of cool home automation. The Yale lock is one of the most well-connected gadgets I’ve had the pleasure of using thus far. Other manufacturers are encouraged to take note.

The app is intuitive, allows configuration of the lock without using the keypad and can operate the lock anywhere there is an internet connection.

Lock settings and instructions are thoughtfully coded and the instruction videos are top-notch.

The activity log provides a record of when and how the door was opened.

What I like:

  • Quality manufacturing and workmanship
  • Outstanding installation documentation and illustrations
  • Easy hardware and app installation
  • Delightful voice prompts
  • Plenty of locking options
  • Excellent variety of connectivity options

What needs to be improved?

  • Expensive

Final thoughts

Yale’s Assure Lock YRD226 is an outstanding product, combining great quality, easy installation, fantastic connectivity, and was a genuine pleasure to install. Frankly, it’s rare to not run into some kind of hiccup installing new hardware and apps.  It’s my hope that other manufacturers follow in Yale’s footsteps with all of the possible connection options, making home automation choices plentiful. At some point, I will be adding more of these to the other exterior doors of my home.

Price: $279
Where to buy: Amazon
Source: The sample for this review was provided by Yale. Please visit their site for more info.

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Yale Assure Connected by August Touchscreen Smart Lock YRD226 review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on December 3, 2018 at 9:00 am.

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Build your own galloping mechanical horse

NEWS – This kit is the perfect thing for model-builders and horse lovers.  Scientifics Direct describe this kit: “Automata are mechanical art pieces that achieve a series of lifelike movements using a variety of clever mechanisms.  Cranks, gears, wheels, cams and linkages are used to mimic the simple flowing beauty found in nature.  As the crank is turned, the horse springs to life, galloping along. Each of the legs moves independently, while the head reaches into the wind and the tail flows out behind.”

This Mechanical Horse Automation kit is designed for advanced hobbyists ages 14 and up.  It will require 8-12 hours of work to assemble.  Cabinet-grade plywood and hardwoods are laser-cut into the 221 pieces required for the animated horse.  You’ll need a razor saw, glue and sandpaper, plus the 36-page illustrated instruction manual to complete the project.  When finished, the horse (and its mechanics) measure 12” x 5.5” x 12.5”.

You can buy this kit for $74.95 from Amazon.

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Build your own galloping mechanical horse originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on December 3, 2018 at 8:00 am.

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