Filip Brož When I was a little boy, I liked to make different swallows and airplanes out of paper. The highlight was the functional paper models from ABC magazine. If there was a smart paper swallow back then that I could control in mid-air with my phone, I'd probably be the happiest boy in the world. When I was growing up, there were extremely expensive RC models that were so complicated to operate that only an adult could handle them.
The Swallow PowerUp 3.0 is a boy's dream come true. All you have to do is fold any paper swallow, attach the durable carbon fiber module together with the propeller and start flying. At the same time, you control the swallow using an iPhone and PowerUP 3.0 application.
However, my first flying experiences were definitely not easy. After unpacking the box, in addition to the propeller module and spare parts, I also found a USB charging cable and four sheets of waterproof paper with pre-printed diagrams of swallows. Of course, you can build any other using classic office or any other paper. On YouTube or on the manufacturer's website you will find dozens of other swallows that you can easily put together.
Each aircraft has different flight characteristics. At first it was a huge problem for me to keep the swallow in the air for at least a moment. However, as with any model, it just takes practice and the right swallow. For example, I had positive experiences with the Invader model. Kamikaze, on the other hand, always sent me to the ground immediately.
Anyway, the PowerUp 3.0 is only suitable for flying outdoors, unless you have the option of flying in a large hall or gym. It is also worth looking for a meadow where there are no trees or other obstacles. Likewise, beware of rain and strong winds. Subsequently, all you have to do is put on the module, which you attach with the help of rubber grooves to the tip of the swallow and turn on the small, unobtrusive button. You then launch the app on your iPhone and use Bluetooth to pair with the module.
The PowerUp 3.0 application graphically simulates a real aircraft cockpit, including a lever for adding speed, a battery indicator and a signal. In the application, you can also send weather data and control the plane with one hand. The plane gains or loses altitude with the throttle level, which you set by simply moving your thumb across the display, which immediately reacts to the propeller. In turn, the direction changes with tilting the phone left or right, copying the rudder.
To avoid sudden fluctuations in flight, user commands can be continuously corrected with the optional FlightAssist technology. The control can be switched from touch to motion, when you move the entire phone and arm.
When taking off the swallow, just set the speed to 70 percent of the power and let the plane down gently. I recommend holding the phone in a horizontal position and tilting it sideways. Fortunately, if your swallow falls to the ground, nothing happens. Just pick it up and release it again. At the top of the module you will find a rubber cover that protects against possible damage. The body is made of carbon fiber, so it can withstand a fall on concrete. The only thing that will need to be replaced over time is the paper swallow, which will take a lot of work after one flight.
Recharging the module takes about thirty minutes and allows for ten minutes of flying time. For that reason, it pays to carry a power bank with you and charge it outside using a micro USB cable as soon as you run out of juice. The smart module is also equipped with an LED that indicates various situations. Slow flashing means searching for Bluetooth connection, fast flashing means charging or firmware update (when using for the first time) and double flashing means stable Bluetooth connection.
You can make a clever paper swallow buy at EasyStore.cz for 1 crowns. If you have children at home, PowerUp is a great idea for an interesting gift that will also please dads. Children also have the opportunity to develop their creativity and creative activity while building new models. Modern paper swallow flying is here.
