PowerVision - PowerRay Wizard Underwater ROV Kit - White

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• Rated 3 out of 5 stars

  Cool, but has shortcomings and limited use

  • Tech Insider Network Member
  • My Best Buy Premier Silver Review
  • Top 50 Contributor

  The PowerRay is really tough to review. On one hand, it's really cool. Playing with a submarine in the ocean is awesome. And in the right circumstances you can get some good underwater photos, but unfortunately, it's inconsistency and steep learning curve make it hard to recommend to anyone that isn't a hardcore fisherman or dedicated underwater photographer. It would be super cool to get some sweet underwater photos of underwater fish or even friends who are diving and/or snorkeling, but it takes so much coordination and effort that, unless you literally live on the water and are in it all the time, it's tough to pay such a premium for limited functionality. HOW IT WORKS I'm a dedicated technophile, but I had an extremely difficult time getting the PowerRay up and running, the instructions are lacking in all of the important ways that makes the initial setup and use EXTREMELY frustrating (which I'll mention below). So I think it's a good idea to understand how it works (the knowledge I obtained after significant trial and error). Traditional methods of wireless communication do not work underwater. So, you have to be tethered to the PowerRay in order to control it. (Which is ultimately a good thing, more on that in a moment). So in terms of the MUST HAVES, you have to have the PowerRay connected to a long cord, which connects to a Base Station, which is required. You also have a phone or tablet (you don't have to be connected to the internet). The controller isn't necessary, you can drive it with your phone via touch controls, but that is no way to drive it, it's too difficult. For ease of use, I think the controller is a necessity. So to operate the PowerRay, you connect the PowerRay via the long cable to the BaseStation, you turn the Base Station on separately, which acts like a Wi-Fi hub. You then connect your phone to the Base Station's Wi-Fi network, which is ultimately how the phone/tablet communicates with the PowerRay. When you turn the controller on, after turning the Base Station on, it automatically connects to the Base Station's Wi-Fi network and integrates into the app on your phone/tablet (but I found the controller's ability to connect to the BaseStation's Wi-Fi to be inconsistent at best. This is just the basics on getting the PowerRay into the water for purpose of operating it. To use the "sonar" device to map the floor of the body of water and/or find fish, you simple plug the PowerSeeker Fishfinder (a little plastic ball) into the bottom of the PowerRay (it screws on after removing a cover) and to use it, you simple choose it on the app while you're driving. It then starts to scan the water. DESIGN I am super impressed with the design and what you get. This truly is a complete package. You can look at the product details to see everything you get, but the PowerRay comes with it's own rolling suitcase which is a gigantic plus. It gives you a good place to store it, and makes it convenient to take on a plane. I took it through TSA without a problem, I simply opened it up and laid it on the security belt and had no issues. The PowerRay looks sleek, and is extremely well built. I found all of it to be well built and thought out. You really can't hurt yourself with the blades unless you shove your finger into the propellers. There's a danger, no doubt, but I was never concerned, you can grab the back of it to pull in and out of the water without fear of cutting your finger off. The controller is well built and thought out and so is the PowerSeeker and means to charge it. There's one charger than charges the BaseStation, PowerRay itself, and controller. NOTE: you have to charge the BaseStation and PowerRay, at first I thought the BaseStation powered the PowerRay, but that's NOT the case. You need to charge it all. Luckily there's only one charger. INSTRUCTIONS AND EASE OF USE If there's one big complaint I have, it's the instructions and ease of use. This is one of the most unintuitive devices I've ever used. The Quick Start manual is paltry and does a poor job of explaining how the device works, which helps you figure out how to set it up, and it's just not intuitive. I guess once you know how it works it makes sense, but until you do it can be frustrating. You have to turn the Base Station on, then plug it into the PowerRay, turn the controller on, turn your phone on, select the BaseStation's Wi-Fi network, open the Vision Plus app, and hope that it connects. When you open the app, it goes to a screen that says "Start Diving." But you can't advance (well you can, but to a stock image of the cotnrols that does nothing) unless it connects to the BaseStation. The connection issues are compounded by Android. If Android connects to a Wi-Fi network without internet access (like the BaseStation's network) it will often disconnect. Unless you know, you have to select the option to stay connected to the network even though there's no internet. And even after successfully driving the PowerRay several times, on the 3rd or 4th time it simply wouldn't connect to my phone. The BaseStation was on, but I ultimately restarted my phone, disconnected from the BaseStation network and reconnected. Eventually it worked, but it was frustrating because I knew how it worked and successfully used it before. I simply cannot explain the inconsistency. THe first time I used it, the controller simply would not connect to the BaseStation. On my second drive, it did finally connect, but I didn't do anything different. What compounds the instructions issue is that there's no good FAQ or troubleshooting resources in the app, or in the online community. It's too new of a product to get reliable help on say, YouTube. I couldn't find any help to solve the controller connectivity issues. Luckily, it finally just worked. But with a product this expensive, unfortunately the bar is just so high, it needs to work reliably every time (at least more than most). Again, once you understood how it works, it makes sense, but it's not intuitive and the instructions simply aren't helpful. if you decide to get this, make sure to spend plenty of time in advance of your first dive (maybe practicing in a pool if you have that option) so you understand it and aren't left confused and frustrated say, out on the ocean. OPERATION So assuming you get everything set up, it's exciting. You start diving and bam, you're off to the races. But when I was driving it in the Gulf of Mexico, I simply couldn't control it. I put it on the Slow setting, and because I couldn't see which way I was pointing (and the water was cloudy, so the camera was of no help) and ultimately couldn't control where I was going. On this particular "dive" I simply couldn't get any photos because I was driving blind. It seemed every time I tried to drive it the way I thought it was going, it seems like it started going off in the opposite direction. So unless you can see it, and see which way it's pointing, it's tough to drive (unless you were in really clear water and the camera was more helpful). And when the purpose is to dive up to 100 feet, you often won't have the ability to "see" the PowerRay and figure out where you were going. I'm not sure if the current played a part, I think so, but I can't say for certain. It certainly felt like the current kept moving it which again, made it difficult to navigate. PHOTOGRAPHY The PowerRay has a fantastic camera. When I got to clear water, I was impressed with the quality. BUT, the issue is setting up your shot. To get a picture of say, the ocean floor (in shallow-er waters of course), you have to dive while driving forward and hit the shutter button. It takes some skill. What would have been easier if you could dive to a certain depth, and then control the camera separately. Trying to control the PowerRay while lining up your shot makes it difficult. Again, though, I was in cloudy water, I'm sure in better circumstances, like being in clear-er water with beautiful reefs around, you could grab a great picture. Quality of the camera isn't the issue, lining up and framing your shot is. POWERSEEKER I used the PowerSeeker to map out the floor. It was cool, it gave us the depth. But it didn't find any fish. I don't think there were any around, so it's not the device's fault, but I could see where it could be a big boon to fisherman. I could see this device's best utility where yo drive it close to the surface (so you can see where you're driving from the boat or dock) and scan the water to see where the fish are. VR GOGGLES Put this in the category of "cool" but of mostly gimmicky. I used the VR Goggles for a first person view, but I found it even more difficult to figure out where I was driving. It's a fantastic viewing experience (and simple to change, you simply push a button on your phone and it switches to VR mode without any issues). I think it would best used when a friend connects their phone to the BaseStation and simply "watches" rather than trying to drive while in VR mode. CONCLUSION All-in-all, this is a cool device. But it's too difficult to recommend to anyone given it's price and steep learning curve. Plus, it's use really is limited. If you were traveling to a reef with clear water AND had access to a boat, I could see you getting some great photos, even great photos of your friends who might be diving or snorkeling in the same place. But I don't live near water, so those type of "events" where I could capture some great photos are just too few and far between to justify the cost. But if you're getting it for photography purposes, I would take a hard look at how you'll use it, and I would definitely make sure you understand how it works before taking it out on your first trip.

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  Posted 6 years ago by callmeageeth

• Rated 5 out of 5 stars

  Great underwater experience

  • Top 500 Contributor
  • Tech Insider Network Member

  This underwater drone comes with full required equipments needed to drive it. surprisingly very well bulit. First off, setup was is straigh forward and instructed in the manul. Its has a safety fetures by locking the drone and preventing propellers from working while they are off water and you are required to unlock it before take the control. Controller has a good phone holder and goid enought to hold tablet up to 7”. Lights are reakly bright and helpfull during recording. Controlls take few minutes until you getvtge pattern if it. 2 sticks for forward, backward, up and down controlls. Make sure to mount the wifi transmitter to get a wider coverage and get a good and stable wifi conncetion between the smartphone and the drone. 1-2 hours after a full battery charge. I got a chance to test it in a pool and was a great experince after spending 30 minutes to fully learn how to smoothly drive it. Picture is crystal clear.

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  Posted 6 years ago by Zaid

• Rated 5 out of 5 stars

  Underwater Adventure, Exploration & Excitement

  • Tech Insider Network Member
  • Top 10 Contributor

  I was excited to have an opportunity to provide a comprehensive review of the PowerRay Wizard Underwater ROV Kit by PowerVision in exchange for the product. I live in North Florida, which has an abundance of natural fresh water springs. I am approximately 40 miles from the Gulf of Mexico and 65 miles from the Atlantic. The Florida Manatee is my favorite gentle, sea cow, creature to observe and interact with in certain springs and runs. However, they are strictly protected in Manatee Sanctuary Zones. Even outside the Sanctuary Zones Federal Law prohibits humans from 'touching' any Manatees. This is where the PowerRay is my most valuable asset and resource (see attached pics). At my age, 75, diving is no longer a viable activity for me, and, although snorkeling is FUN, it has it's depth limits. The PowerRay Wizard allows me to enjoy our fascinating underwater world of enchantment and wonder without ever getting 'wet'. YooHoo! When I received the PowerRay Wizard I was immediately impressed by the quality of the professionally designed, secure, luggage-like, carrying-case it came in. The outer housing is made of hardened, composite, plastic with two wheels for rolling ease, telescoping carrying handle, and zippered combination lock. On the inside there are individual cutouts lined in 'shockproof' material to protect each individual component of this PowerRay on my journeys to the water areas. After downloading the Vision + App I started learning the intuitive controls of the PowerRay while training in my pool. The more I practiced, the easier it became. Over the past three weeks I was able to make trips to visit local, fresh-water springs and a bay off of Crystal River looking for Manatees. I captured many photos with this PowerRay (see attached pics). WoW! I love this PowerRay Wizard ROV and here are the reasons why: ** Setup – The PowerRay furnishes a Quick Start Guide, which familiarized me with the basics of set-up and devices. However, there is a PowerRay User Manual, which is much more detailed and comprehensive including helpful illustrations to connect, navigate, and take quality photos and videos. It is available for downloading at the main United States PowerVision Support Center website. I found this site extremely helpful in showing me what mobile devices are compatible with the Vision + App, FAQs, Specifications, Quick Tip Videos, and much more pertinent information. I strongly recommend visiting this website. ** Vision + App – I first determined that both my mobile phones and I-Pad were compatible with the Vision + App. So, I downloaded the Vision + App from both the Google Play Store and Apple App Store for my three devices. I use my I-Pad as my primary device just because it has a much bigger screen and allows me to see much more underwater detail. My Apple and Android mobile phones are my backup just in case my I-Pad battery runs low. After downloaded the Vision + App the first time it prompted me to register and log in. It allowed me to add my two other mobile devices under my same account. Easy process. ** Charging – The PowerRay folks made this process super convenient. I can charge the PowerRay ROV, Remote Controller, Fish Finder, and the Base Transmitter, or Wi-Fi Router, all at the very same time using the included Charging Adapter. How convenient is that? ** Hardware Setup – Simple cable connections to follow. However, connect the Base Transmitter and ROV cables first before turning ON the Remote Controller. Once the cables are connected turn ON your Base Station (Wi-Fi Router). You can scan your mobile device for the Base Station (Router) and, then connect to your mobile device. Next, turn the Remote Controller ON and OPEN the Vision + App. Ready to navigate. Exciting! The attached tethering cable is 230 feet long. It can withstand up to 30 kg of force per foot (30kgf) or 66 lbs of force per foot (66lbf). So, it can take a load in the water and withstand moderate force. I am working on a separate 150lb test fish line attachment and reel to attach to the rear body of the ROV as extra insurance when I use it in the ocean. ** Intuitive Learning Curve – I found the more I used this PowerRay ROV the more I familiarized myself with all of its FUN features and settings, and the easier it was to enjoy this baby. Make no mistake this is not a 'toy'. The PowerRay is a semi-professional, underwater camera accessory, which allows me to visually explore the water-world in my local environments. I love it! ** Navigation – I prefer the Joystick Controller in Default 4 Mode. It is exactly like a gaming controller and so easy to use. However, beware there is a communication gap of approximately one and a half seconds between the Remote Controller and ROV. I found that after gently putting the ROV in the water it responded or navigated more efficiently about one foot or more under the surface of the water. It is professionally designed to glide underwater with hydrodynamic efficiency. I first set the Speed on the Remote Controller to 'L' or low while getting used to navigating the ROV. When I want to get out to a certain area I set the speed on 'H' or high at about one to two feet underwater. When diving I always go at 'L' low speed. Near the bottom I use 'M' or medium while getting into the position I want for pics or videos. Navigating around the bottom, grass, rocks, etc. 'L' for sure. The PowerRay will travel 1 knot or 1.15 miles an hour at 'L' or low. It moves at 2 knots or 2.30 miles per hour at 'M' or medium. And, at 'H' it moves at 4 knots or 4.60 miles per hour, which is 7 feet a second and pretty fast. ** Underwater Photos & Videos – The PowerRay exceeds all my expectations in taking photos and videos. I set my resolution through the Vision + App for 1920 x 1080 30fps. This is the third lowest resolution setting, but easiest to enlarge, download, and send by e-mail. The 4K,12 megapixel, UHD camera has an 100-degree wide-angle lens. Burst Mode photo shooting at 5fps in 12 megapixels, 1080P real-time image and video streaming, integrated adjustable light for photography and videography. Fantastic! I cannot believe the excellent quality of photos and videos. This baby absolutely amazed me and it will you, too. ** VR – This is an astounding feature, which turns your underwater adventure into a real time 3-D experience. The Zeiss VR Goggles are of the finest quality. Wow! It actually takes me to the front of the ROV (where the camera is mounted) as if I was actually there, and, I get to see what the ROV is capturing as I navigate it underwater. If that is not enough for 'over-the-top', I can also control the ROV with my head motions – Up and the ROV goes up, likewise by moving my head down for down, left, and right. How Cool Is That? I tried it out at Crystal River looking for Manatees – this is the ultimate in 3-D virtual reality and control experience. Fantastic! ** Optional Controls of the PowerRay – Using the Vision+ App I can use any of my mobile devices to control the navigation of my ROV with simulated joysticks on the face of my mobile device. Although it allows me to use my mobile device in place of the Remote Controller (Joysticks) to navigate the ROV, my fingers are way too big for the Left and Right simulated joysticks to be effective. I'll stick to the joysticks on the Remote Controller. ** Fishfinder – Now, that the weather is getting better I can't wait to use this optional device in the Gulf of Mexico on the West Coast of Florida. It can be used with the PowerRay ROV, or, separately. It uses a sonar system that can define underwater landscape, depth, temperature, and, of course, where the fish are. Amazingly, it can detect fish as far down as 230 feet below the surface. The Vision + App can even set alerts when fish are near the Fishfinder. The only thing I need is a fishing rod and bait! ** Maintenance – Thoroughly clean the ROV when it is taken out of the water. I towel dry the ROV body and stand it upright to let all of the water drain out of it for 20 minutes or more. It needs to be rinsed with fresh water if it was used in salt water. Let it dry out completely before putting it back in its case. ** TIPS: * Always 'lock' the PowerRay ROV before getting it out of the water to prevent bodily harm from the propellers. The ROV can easily be locked through the Remote Controller, or, the Vision + App. * Keep the PowerRay submerged several feet under the water surface for increased mobility. * Keep the tethering cord clean and dry after use. If you have a wind-up reel you can use it would be most helpful rather then winding the cable by hand on the furnished reel. There is approximately 230 feet of tethering cable altogether. * Keep the 'capped switch cover' of the PowerRay's communication port handy in your pocket so when it is pulled out of the water the 12 pin communication cable port can stay dry by placing the cover on it for protection. * If you have more then one mobile device – consider downloading the Vision + App on both devices so you have a 'backup' in case the first mobile device' battery runs low. Be prepared for at least 3 hours of continued use with this PowerRay. Conclusion: I wholeheartedly recommend the purchase of this phenomenal underwater drone. It will open up worlds to you previously hidden. It is 'addictive'. I never know what incredible natural beauty awaits for me to discover. The springs are so clear, full of life, and the water is so pure, and another opportunity to observe my favorite animal, the Manatee. This would make a great gift to yourself, loved one, family member, or special friend. After using this PowerRay Wizard for the last three weeks all I can tell you is that it is worth every penny. Buy one, you won't be disappointed.

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  Posted 6 years ago by pauldar