Parrot Disco Lens Guard Vortex Gen Wide Skid

thingiverse

I have encountered numerous unplanned landings that resulted in damage to my Parrot Disco camera lens, as well as a Bebop 2 lens. The latest firmware release, version 1.7.1, appears to contribute to more challenging landings, although it's still too early to make a definitive assessment. I had previously installed an additional protective guard, but unfortunately, it failed to safeguard the lens due to its low profile design. This experience led me to design a lightweight yet more prominent lens guard that would prevent damage from debris and provide better protection for my camera lenses. To achieve this, I needed to create a design that extends outward from the lens while minimizing drag and turbulence. The solution was to employ oval rams positioned far enough apart so they only occasionally appear in the video feed. One of my initial attempts involved gluing a guard directly onto the drone, but a firmware glitch caused it to spin out of control, leading to a hard landing that dislodged the guard and damaged my lens. This incident prompted me to develop a design that clamps over the front edge of the camera, allowing for secure attachment without relying on glue. I also aimed to keep the design compact enough not to obstruct the camera's view when pointing downward, which I believe is an effective angle for capturing footage. Additionally, I incorporated slots for vortex generation and a wide protective skid that enables easy access to the first mounting screw while minimizing obstruction. In windy conditions, such as the 25 mph gusts I experienced in Nebraska, the guard barely appears in the video feed – only about two or three times for brief moments. This design has effectively safeguarded my lens from dirt and rocks on multiple occasions. I'm confident that this design will prove beneficial to others seeking to protect their camera lenses during flight operations.