Drone News

INTRODUCTION After the super popular Xiaomi FIMI 4K, here is the Xiaomi FIMI A3, probably the cheapest 1080p stabilized video plateform in the market. Dislike its big brother, we have no more a WiFi based digital hi-res FPV system but an old-fashion efficient analog system in order to save costs. But the main advantage of this machine is probably to offer a real 2-axis mechanical video stabilization overlayed with an Electronic one for the third yaw axis. The machine comes in RTF edition where the radio command integrates also a FPV monitor and a builtin DVR to record your favorite flight/FPV sessions. Everything for around 250USD…. so clearly in the same price segment of the Hubsan H501S or the MJX Bugs 3/6. Xiaomi FIMI is known to offer good quality for their quadcopters, let’s check if this entry model will still continue this traduction. BOX CONTENT Like any Xiaomi model, the box is optmized in size to reduce post shipping fees. The box is suprizingly small …. but every thing is here inside + 1 x Xiaomi Fimi A3 + 1 x Transmitter (with a builtin 1S LiPo battery) + 1 x Charger + 1 x Power unit + 1 x 3S balancer plug cable + 1 x USB to microUSB cable + 2 x Spare props (1 CW, 1 CCW) + 1 x Instruction manual (English) First small deception…. we have a very basic LiPo charger… like the ones included with basic toysquadcopter. It uses the 3S JST balancer plug connexions. Two LED lights are present: one when the charger is powered and another when to show charging activity. We will talk about this charger later… Second negative point is the absence of a camera dome casing protecting the gimbal…. Of course you can design easily one but…. out of the box, it’s really missing…. OVERVIEW The machine is built with the same quality plastic of the Xiaomi 4K, a soft and flexible one with high quality. The design is relatively flat, a 323mm machine in term of dimension. Unfortunatly…. arms can’t be folded so it will require more space for transportation. Probably one of the most negative point. -FRONT VIEW No obstacle avoidance sensor…. Was predictable with such low-entry model. The gimbal is a micro compact one where the integration of the camera is included in the tilt axis. Stabilize a super lightweight camera module is really challenging. In general only DJI managed this job with the Spark & the mavic. -SIDE VIEW No visible USB/microUSB port anywhere. The design is very wind profiled with curvy shapes. Each arms ends with some lights. Rear ones indicates more the battery status. As usual, when red lights start to flash fast, it means the battery becomes low. -REAR VIEW Battery connector with redondant pins for a 3S system Hidden and protected by the battery, the microSD port and the microUSB to update both the flight controller and camera firmwares No risk to loose the microSD card during a crash. Smart location. -UPPER VIEW A small GPS/glonass dome…. -BOTTOM VIEW The power button is located button. As the former model, to turn on/off the machine you will have first to short press on this button, release it then long press and hold it diring 3s. Notice the absence of any VPU system to increase potentially even better the altitude stabilization… especially indoors where the GPS signal is absent. In this situation, it mean the stabilization is done only via the builtin barometer One really positive element is the presence of a DIY port when you can plug some future third party accesories. They are controlled via PWM connexion. The rear right button is dedicaced to trigger this port…. Great -WEIGHT Just a little bit less than 560g ….. not so so bad for a 350mm video plateform. Motors and props Some 1805 motors branded by FIMI directly directly. Notice that CCW motors are painted with an orange line in order to match the corresponding prop directly 3mm shaft section but with a spring installed for the new prop lock system The prop installation takes just a fraction of second…. It’s a brilliant solution !!!! I really like it… Very smart. Just push the prop, turn a quater of tour and you are ready to flight !!!! Battery Of course we have a proprietary battery, a 2000mAh 3S model…. but not smart…. I mean there is no specific auto-storage capacity. So if you plan to park this machine for a couple of weeks, you will have to discharge by yourself each cell at 50%. By reading carrefully the sticker, we can read 12.75V…. so clearly is not a simple LiPo with a max of 4.2V per cell but a model more close to a LiHV battery up to 4.35V per cell. The problem is the actual charger can’t reach 4.35V per cell …. Si in practice you won’t charge the battery at full capacity. One way to overcome the non-possibility to fully charge the battery is first of course to use a charger with LiHV capacity but you will need also the cable compatible with. For this, you can mod the provided one by soldering a mean lead connector. As soon as the cable is built, it’s interesting to notice that each cell don’t have the same internal impedance. In fact the cell 3 shows a higher value, linked with a builtin resistance in the circuit. In practice, as soon as you start the charge cycle, the cells 3 show +0.1V more versus cells 1 & 2. Camera module With a FOV of 80 degrees, the camera sensor is a 1/3.2″ CMOS model. The camera is fully integrated with the tilt axis to gain weight and place. On the pitch angle can be controlled by the left rear button micro Dampening balls installed The video recording is splitted into 1Gb files of 2min24. In 1080p@30fps, the datarate is about 60Mbit/s…. Not so bad at all. Here is a raw sample of the A3 If the video is not super sharp, I don’t suffer too much of blurred edges as reported from some earlier users. In any case, with default settings, the white and the blue color are oversaturated. Luckely, a bunch of settings are available via the radio. The sound is not recorded. Transmitter One of the most positive element of the bundle, i.e. the radio transmitter including both a 2.4G radio link to control the machine and a 5.8G builtin VRX collecting the CVBS video flux transmitted by the quad. The quality of the transmitter is really good with nice and precise metal sticks. Internally the antennas are attached to the main PCB/modules via iPX connectors. So it can be super easy to replace default antennas for some higher gain ones. Via the radio settings, it’s possible to change the 5.8G frequency. It means that this channel is transmitted in the radio protocol. If the quality build is really good, the screen got a brillant surface and in presence of strong daylights, it’s hard to see all details. Clearly, the radio would deserve to have a sunshade installed or in the worst case a system to welcome one. It’s not the case …. In the right part, this tiny joystick allows you to enter into the main radio/quad/camera settings or to access directly for smart flight/DVR functions. A microUSB port is here to charge the builtin battery, to update the RC firmware. Nearby a microSD slot to record your FPV sessions. As any GPS based machine, the compass calibration is a must to do procedure. Two clock-wise mouvements are required. They are clearly depicted by the animation in the radio. When you boot the radio, you have centralization of all pre-flight informations. The FPV signal is recorded in D1 NTSC format in 720×480@30fps. Here is a raw sample recorded via the builtin DVR. It’s more dark than the direct signal which can be recorded by an external goggles/FPV screen. Probably linked with the extra OSD informations overlayed. As for the HD recordings, the FPV recording is splitted into 3min files. The sound is recorded and as you can see, the GPS informations are stored. A pretty nice option to localize your machine if you loose it during a long range flight. A small artefact can be noticed with the DVR files. You can often observed at end of each file, a ghost video fragment of a former recording. It happens even if you format the card….. Need probably a full in depth formating. UNBOXING, ANALYSIS AND DEMO FLIGHT Even if my FIMI A3 comes from a second batch and with almost up to date firmwares, I decided to install all the new firmwares available at: https://www.fimi.com/. Firmwares update procedure works flawless. With the new firmware, a new “cinematic” flight mode where all rates are limited as well as the gimbal one. I guess also, EIS is also applied over the two-mechanically stabilized axis. This new mode is ideal to shoot super smooth videos. This first video shows the content of the bundle, the role of each radio-transmitters buttons and probably first important mod to do, the DIY charger cable from the one provided in the bundle. Important point, if you plan to flight far, you will have to extend the max flight distance setting. Notice also if you plan to fly this machine in europe, you must in theory turns the machine into CE mode instead of FCC (default setting). When associated with a charger with a LiHV program, as you can see, the voltage of the cell 3 is about +0.1v higher than the two other cells. At then end of the balance program, each cells will converge to 4.35V. After a local compass calibration, the machine in GPS mode is able to take off from 9 satellites. Push lower inner both stick to arm the machine. From 1m high, the altitude hold of the machine is really accurate !!!! Impressive. What I really like is the silence of the A3… Beyond 20m, you can’t event acoustically notice the quadcopter. Clearly the the video stabilization system is doing a great job. It’s almost without any vibrations….. really this is the most impressive point of this machine. In term of video quality, with the last camera firmware, the color rendition staturates a bit white and blue color. Thanks to all the camera setting available (especially EV), you can fix that. The video is good…. not ultra sharp (a bit blurred for background scene) but really not bad at all. Small details, when you land the machine, Recordings are automatically stoppped. To enjoy a full control and FPV range, you must install antennas vertically. Out of the box the machine can achieve 1km very easily. Important point: when the FPV signal is too low, the builtin remote FPV screen becomes blue. It’s really annoying. It may be fixed with a firmware update, not for the radio but for the LCD controller…. probably with a programmer stick. So not an easy procedure. Via pushing the small dial up, you can have a quick access to all the smart flight modes. When engaged, you can discard the selected flight mode by pressing the home button. The RTH works fine and had a precision about 2m from the take off location. The orbit mode can be controlled via the pitch & roll axis of the right stick. The rolls controls the velocity of the circling, the pitch the radius. No possibility to tune the yaw with the mode. The Cinematic mode smooth everything….. So fly slowly and the video results will be really good. The gimbal control is also slowed down with this mide. The fixed wing mode limit also the pitch & roll axis. Be aware, you have a lot of inertia associated with….. It’s hard to stop the machine quicly in this mode. The follow-me uses the second builtin GPS module integrated in the radio. In general such kind of follow-me are not super accurate but here it’s not the case…. It’s working well…. not as good as a visual tracking mode but it’s really efficient. For the DVR recording, as mentioned before, the end of each DVR files can present some ghost segments from previous recorded files. Don’t know if it can be fixed with a new RC firmware update. A full and slow format helps a lot of to reduce these artefacts. When I like, DVR saves also important informations like the GPS coordinates of the machine. A little disapointing element is the flight duration, about 20min even when the battery is charged in LIHV mode. A bit far from the 25min advertised. CONCLUSIONS The Xiaomi FIMI A3 is a good machine. When sold around 250USD, there is no real other competitors because this is the sole machine with a gimbal system while other offer in the best case only a EIS stabilization. It kills for example the (2 years old) Hubsan H501S or any last MJX Bug products. The FIMI A3 is stable, accurate, reliable without toilet bowling effect. The quality build is also very good. Of course there is no 1080p@60fps or 4K resolutions, but the 1080p@30 fps recordings are already not bad. We can maybe regret the non-possibility to fold the machine for an easier transportation. When balancing all positives points with the negatives, the FIMI A3 can be easily recommanded. PROS + Cheap stabilized video plateform + Almost perfect video stabilization + Good 1080p@30fps videos + Full RTF solution + Good quality build + Great FPV & control range + Easy prop installation + OSD informations (GPS coordinates) saved with the FPV link via the builtin DVR + A lot of advanced flight modes + 22min of flight duration ? => More about 20-21min + Silent machine + DIY port for 3th party accesories + Relatively cheap CONS – Not foldable – No gimbal dome for transportation – Need a DIY mod to charge fully the Li-HV battery – Need a charger with the Li-HV program – Cell 3 of the battery got higher internal resitance – Videos/photos not sharp => blurred on borders – Color rendition (too much blue and white) – No 1080p@60fps – Blue Screen when the FPV signal is lost/low – Brillant FPV screen=>Need a sunshade – Inportant OSD informations (GPS coordinates) are added by the RC not natively on the drone=>External VRX won’t be able to receive GPS informations. Only AVout export them but you will use the radio builtin VRX – Potential “Ghost video fragments” at the end of each FPV DVR files This quadcopter have been courtesy provided by Banggood in order to make a fair and not biased review. I would like to thank them for this attitude. You can find it actually for 299USD at https://www.banggood.com/Xiaomi-FIMI-A3-5_8G-1KM-FPV-With-2-axis-Gimbal-1080P-Camera-25mins-Flight-Time-GPS-RC-Drone-Quadcopter-RTF-p-1368969.html View the full article

INTRODUCTION The SKYSTARS Ghostrider X95 (GR-X95) is a 95mm FPV racer with a full transparent plastic body diffusing cool light’s effects. The GR-X95 frame is a full monoblock pastic model with a builtin prop guard. For the electronic, we have a F4+betaflightOSD flight controller, some 20A/Dshot600 ready 4-in-1 ESC 4S compatible and for the motors some 1104/7500Kv. The FPV rig is composed of a 700TVL CMOS micro camera and a 48CH/200mW max 5.8G VTX. The control of the VTX can be done via the OSD thanks to the IRC tramp communication. The GR-X95 can be found in PNP or in BNF with either a FrSky D16 or a Flysky AFHDS-2A solution. There are already planty of such FPV racers in the market… Is this one bring something new/better ? Let’s have a look. BOX CONTENT + 1 x Skystars Ghostrider X95 + 4 x Spare props (2 CW, 2 CCW) + 1 x SBUS/Serial receiver cable + 1 x Bracelet + 1 x Set of stickers No instruction manual…. OVERVIEW The frame is pure X-design of 95mm The main central inner square is a boon of 3mm of thickness while each individual bar of the prop guard system is only 1.5mm. The material is a flexible transparent pastic. Flexible enough to be deformed and absorbe energy of most type of crashes. -FRONT VIEW The design is pretty cool full white transparent with a tall central dome jailing all the electronic tower and the FPV camera. Mine came in PNP version With a FrSky XM+ attached, I decided to drill two small holes on the top of canopy to install vertically both antennas. It reminds me the famous cartoon caractar Maestro from “once upon the human” Out of the box, the machine comes with the classic “prop in” configuration. I decided to use more the prop out system to have the lens “grass-free”. -SIDE VIEW The left side is the unique way to access to the microUSB port and the boot button of the F4 ominibus flight controller. You will need to use a USB cable with a very thin USB connector. Unfortunatly, via this hole, you can’t access to the unique VTX button located just above. You will need to disassemble the top cover if you want the access. It’s not a big deal since the VTX can be completly controled via the OSD. -REAR VIEW With the FrSky XM+ installed rear. -UPPER VIEW -BOTTOM VIEW A battery strap is preinstalled long enough even for a compact 4S battery. On the bottom, rubber anti-slicing band is installed to secure the battery installation Two of the four M2 hexscrews holding the tall dome. The associated screw’s threads are in plastic so be aware versus multiple opening or crash…. These threads will have some loose….. and you will need probably a new spare dome. -WEIGHT Almost 88g standalone …. clearly it’s not light…. and above 110g with a basic 3S 350mAh LiPo. Expect to be above 125g in 4S. Motors and props 1104/7500Kv….. they can handle without problem 4S….. but as you will see….you can already forget 4S applications. It’s strongly advised to secure each motor’s screws with a thread locker….. As you will see vibrations are really important and if you don’t want to loose mid-flight a motor…. gluing the four M2 hexscrews is really recommanded. Triblades 2040 chrystal clear prop are installed and four given as spare in the bundle. Camera module Assumed to be a 700TVL CMOS 1/3″ model with a sensitivity of 0.1Lux. Annonced to be a NTSC/PAL also but in practice it’s turned in PAL by default. The fied of view is about 115 degrees. The lens can be oriented from 0 degrees up to 60 degrees without canopy/prop occlusion. I didn’t find a switch to turn the camera into NTSC. Disassembling The top layer is a buzzer/led lights floor. Lights are completly configurable via Betaflight. A free UART6 3p port is available. Use the cable to connect your favorite receiver. A close up on the microUSB port and the boot button to update Betaflight. When the serial receiver is attached UNBOXING, ANALYSIS, CONFIGURATION AND DEMO FLIGHT Out of the box, the machine is well tuned in betaflight at least in term of receiver, flight modes, OSD and light controls. The F4 omnibus board is flashed with Betaflight 3.5.3 so a modern version. All PIDs and filter settings have been also optimized probably more for 2S setup. In term of flight modes, anti-gravity and air mode are enable by default for all flight modes. Even “flip over crashed” is enable via the AUX3. So just a little fine-tuning is required to match your own choices. A good start at least. The machine is strangely adveritized to be flew more in 2S while ESC & motors can support 4S… strange….. And effectively as soon as you start to plug a 3S LiPo, you understand: below 50% of throttle input this machine is noisy but fly ok. It’s not a monster of power at least for this rate. But when you push the throttle stick further, you can hear massive vibrations in the structure and of course it’s directly translated into huge vibrations in the FPV signal video. More the light sensitivity of the CMOS camera is pretty poor with for example the “black sun” effect. This camera is not sharp too… Really a disapointing model need to swapped for a better camera. These vibrations are really really annoying….. execpt if you plan to cruize slowly with, it’s killing the interest to this machine. I tried different PID & filter optimisations…. no real better results obtained. Clearly a disapointing situation. Flight time with a 350mah are also short, about 3min30s maximum….. At least in term of durability of the structure, I was positively impressed. I crashed the machine many times into soft groud, trees & branches…. No damage at all. I can’t promise same results over hard concrete. CONCLUSIONS The SKYSTARS Ghostrider X95 is finally a disapointing machine linked with the poor FPV camera and the huge vibrations as soon as we start to fly the machine a little bit in a sporty way…… If we can replace easily the camera for a better model, it’s another story for the vibrations. Probably a new frame is required…. Finally…. the interest of the GR-X95 is limited versus flawless competitors except if the light effects is a must to have for you. PROS + Cool light effect + Monoblock pastic durable frame + F4 board + IRC tramp compatible VTX CONS – Tons of vibation from 50% of throttle input – Poor FPV camera with poor light sensitivity – Need to open the machine to bind the receiver – Heavy Dump_BF_3_5_3 This quadcopter have been courtesy provided by Banggood in order to make a fair and not biased review. I would like to thank them for this attitude. You can find it actually for 132USD at https://www.banggood.com/SKYSTARS-2019-Ghostrider-X95-95mm-FPV-Racing-RC-Drone-DIY-PNP-BNF-F4-OSD-200mW-20A-BLHeli_S-700TVL-p-1399455.html?p=YL2512105842201212FR View the full article

INTRODUCTION The Fullspeed TinyLeader HD is probably the first 75mm HD tinywhoop FPV racer. HD means here, thanks the Caddx Turtle 2, the possibility to record video footages in 1080p@60 resolution while broadcasting the FPV signal with low latency to be FPV racing compatible. This machine got a F4 based flight controller with a builtin OSD, some 8A 4-in-1 ESC in theory 3S capable DShot600 ready, 1103/11000Kv motors. Associated with the Caddx Turtle 2 (CT2), we have a VTX supporting 48CH with an output power up to 600mW. Good news, the VTX controls can be done via the OSD thanks to the support of the IRC tramp protocol. Let’s discover this news HD Tinywhoop/CineWhoop competitor. BOX CONTENT + 1 x TinyLeader HD + 2 x Stikers That’s all … no battery, no extra props, no printed intruction manual and the more important as you will see no Caddx Turtle 2 OSD board to change the default camera settings. You will have to QRcode in order to download associated manuals. OVERVIEW In theory the TL-HD is a 75mm machine but as you can see, we have here a particular design where front motors distance is about 70mm while rear motor is 52mm. So clearly is not a clear X design and the general diagonal is about 80mm. Now with this particular motor’s layout, can we benefit some better flight behiaviour if a custome mixer matrix is taken into account in Betaflight ? That’s an open question. The lower frame is a simple 1mm carbon frame where each duct system is attached via three screws The duct system for each motor got 5 branches (versus 4 for 75mm machines in general) and jails particulary well each props. -FRONT VIEW The yellow top canopy is 3D printed TPU based. The same as for the Non-HD version. Or here we have a much more wider lens associated with the CT2. The direct negative point is the lower tilt angle we can have, not below 15-20 degrees. For slow motion indoors applications can be a problem. An easy fix consists in cutting/enlarge the hole at bottom position. -SIDE VIEW For the HD version, the 5.8G linear antenna can’t be installed anymore inside the central top canopy hole. It’s blocked by the CT2 main cable. On the front left side, can be found a 2p small connector to plug the OSD board. At least each motor are connected to the ESC via a simple 3 position plug… Good point for maintenance. One of the first really annoying point: the location of the main CT2 button (check inside the red circle in the photo below)… First the receiver is installed here as well…. and it’s pretty tricky to press on it to start or stop recording. More with the default settings of the CT2, the autorecording is not turned on by default. It means you will need to press twice this button for each battery. Take a teethpick to avoid any short while pressing this button. For the 2.4G antenna, at least this one can be installed inside the central top hole dislike the 5.8G antenna On the right side, the microUSB port for betaflight connexion. Good news, with the USD powering, the receiver is also turned on it will make the binding a little bit more easy. -REAR VIEW No lights… but it’s not a big deal. The main lead connector is a XT30 model -UPPER VIEW We can see clearly the original decentralized motor’s layout versus front to rear motors. Notice also the default prop out configuration. It should help a bit more the stabilization of the machine. At least minimizing the projection of grass on the lens. -BOTTOM VIEW Each duct nylon based sustem is attached via 3 tiny screws. The default battery tray is perfect for 300mAh 2S LiPo… but useless for any 3S model. You will need to remove it and use a rubber band instead. What’s a pity that there are no latteral carbon hook to lock the rubber band Probably the most annoying point: the access of the VTX’s button. I spent more that 5min to find it !!!! so small, so well hidden. Look inside the red circle below… Crazy. Even if we have the possibility to control the machine via the OSD, if you want to unlock all VTX limitations (all 48CH and up to 600mW), you will need to press and hold this button more than 20s. -WEIGHT The machine standalond is above 55g!!! a lot of extra weight linked mainly with the CT2. The new Modula 7 HD will be around 46g… so close to be 8g lighter. In comparaison with the non-HD 75mm Trashcan model With a 350mAh LiPo…. So in 3S… clearly is much more an outdoors flyer. Motors and props 1103/11000Kv not too fast for being 3S compatible 40mm quadriblades… classic prop for such machine. Camera module Dislike the Runcam Split 2 mini, the CT2 got a shorter lens with a wide FOV. Paradoxally is probably the trick to be jellofree at least versus the first batch of the RCSM2. It’s now know that first lens of the RCSM2 introduces a massive jello in the video recordings. One fix is to install such kind of wider lens. New batch of the RCSM2 now uses a news lens. Whatever, here with the CT2 we have already such lens. As you can see to downtild the lens, a fix consists in cutting the bottom part. Whateven you won’t be able to reach 0 degrees…. but something about 10 degrees. Why ? because the CT2 main camera body will be also blocked by the two lattera sides. UNBOXING, ANALYSIS, CONFIGURATION AND DEMO FLIGHT First of all, I had to pick up somewhere an extra OSD board in order to change some default CT2 settings. For example, I turned on the auto recording to avoid to press the hidden button twice. The camera is in 16:9 aspect ratio by default and WDR is turned on too. Except these micro-fine tuning, the machine comes with Betaflight 3.5.1 and all default settings are all very well tuned for the machine. You will need just to add the RSSI on the AUX5 in the receiver tab and the RSSI info in the OSD layout. Except that, PIDs, rates, filter settings are very well designed for the machine. I decided to fly mostly this machine in 3S setup in outdoors conditions. First take off with a nominal throttle input about 50%. In order to compare, in 3S it’s just a bit less powerfull than the Eachine Trashcan in 3S. I guess with some weight gained…. can be a different story. In LOS condition, in angle mode, no drifts are observed, a good point for the Gyros…. The machine is fast, turns/banks pretty well…. I already start to like this machine… And now the most important….. In both the FPV live system and on the 1080p@60 videos, there is no jello !!!!!!! OMG that’s so so great….. a real tiny cinewhoop…. I can feel the huge difference with my last SPC-K1 and diatone R249+HD both equiped with the fault RCM2 lens (now they are shipped fixed). The machine is power enough for powerloop, prop wash are very limited…. It’s stable and precise in windfree condition…. Pure fun to fly with. I like this machine a lot. With a 350mAh LiPo, the flight duration was about 3min30s….. Probably with a better battery, I can reach 4min. During my multiple flight sessions, I crashed it many many time and the frame got nothing. A good point for the durability. Before to conclude, be aware that the first batch got some weak FET…. and burnt immediatly as soon as you plug a 3S LiPo. I am lucky to received the fixed batch… and I think now it’s ok. CONCLUSIONS Don’t be impressed by the relatively long list of the negative points. Some can fixed for free, some are linked with a “fast design”…. but the much more important element is here. This machine a real 75mm/80mm cinewhoop able to shoot some jellofree 1080p@60 videos. That’s so so fun. It’s a good acro flyer… not a monster of power but powerfull enough for 90% of your FPV/race applications. It’s durable too for both indoors and outdoors applications. I can only recommend this machine but also have a look to the new Happymodel Modula 7 HD who will be introduce relatively soon. PROS COMPLETLY HD RECORDING JELLOFREE + Well tuned out of the box + Almost no prop wash + Super fun + Durable + VTX w/ IRC Tramp CONS – Heavy – Very bad location of the VTX main button – Bad location of the CT2 main button – No 0 degrees tilt angle for indoors flight (need to cut the canopy to fix that) – Micro SD card insertion/ejection can damage top metal cover of the microSD port – No accessories (spare props, CT2 OSD board, battery) – Battery tray not compatible with 3S batteries – No custom mixer setting for the particular motor’s layout (should be a really a minor point) Dump_BF_3_5_1 This quadcopter have been courtesy provided by Banggood in order to make a fair and not biased review. I would like to thank them for this attitude. You can find it actually for 176USD at https://www.banggood.com/FullSpeed-TinyLeader-75mm-F4-2-3S-Whoop-FPV-Racing-Drone-1103-Motor-Caddx-Adjustable-Cam-600mW-VTX-p-1390447.html View the full article

It’s clear now….. any FPV machine in 2019 will be HD thanks to the one the three HD/FPV combo available (Runcam, Caddx and Foxeer). Here is probably the future best-seller in the 75mm format, i.e. the new Happymodel Modula 7 HD: https://www.banggood.com/Happymodel-Mobula7-HD-2-3S-75mm-Crazybee-F4-Pro-Whoop-FPV-Racing-Drone-PNP-BNF-w-CADDX-Turtle-V2-HD-Camera-p-1418831.html This machine on the paper is just amazing… Listen to: 2S/3S compatible, 69g with a 300mAh/3S LiPo, and the more important with a Caddx Turtle 2 !!!! so ready to shoot 1080p@60 (I hope jellofree) with a low latency FPV signal. It’s not over, the Modula uses now the same super durable frame as the trashcan… Seems to be the same FC F4 based with smartaudio to control the VTX, a builtin SPI receiver w/telemetry and a current meter. My only interrogation are about the MOSFET… Still some 5A w/peak 6A…. Hummm in 3S I hope it will be ok. The machine will be a direct competitor of the Fullspeed Tinyleader HD (review published pretty soon in D-M) but close to be 17g more lighter !!! Want to see a first preview ? Check this video… Hargggggggggg can’t wait Features: – New Crazybee F4 PRO V2.0 AIO Flight controller 1-3s Lipo Compatible – 2S for indoor Cine whoop mode – 3S for outdoor Freestyle whoop mode – Betaflight support , multi flight mode: ACRO/AIR/ANGLE – The lightest 1102 brushless motor only 2.7g with double ball bearings – Powerful and smoothly – Betaflight OSD support ,easy to get RSSI, Voltage ,current from your goggles(DSMX version no RSSI output) – Caddx turtle v2 + 1080p 60fps DVR ready – Camera Angle adjustable – VTX power switchable 25mw~200mw – Smartaudio ready , change VTX bands, powers, channels via OSD – Frsky Non-EU version support NON-EU Frsky transmitter D8/D16 compatible – Flysky version support both AFHDS and AFHDS-2A protocol transmitter – DSM2/DSMX version support DSM2 and DSMX compatible Spektrum transmitter – No RX version support external serial-bus receiver like xm+, crossfire, S-FHSS etc.. – Full telemetry function ready (Frsky Non-EU and Flysky version support) – Special Breath light ready – Real Bind and Fly version – Compatible both for 2s-3s Lipo/LIHV Package Included: 1x Mobula7 HD 75mm FPV Drone 4x 40mm 3-Blade Propellers ( 4 CW & 4 CCW) 1x 3S 11.4v 300mah 30C/60C battery 1x Propeller Disassemble Tool 1x Screwdriver View the full article

Here is new 2S 68mm tinywhoop FPV racer from HBRC, i.e. the HBX68: https://www.banggood.com/HBX68-68mm-1-2S-RC-FPV-Racing-Drone-PNP-BNF-F3-10A-BLHeli_S-800TVL-0802-16000KV-Motor-p-1416705.html It’s still based on a old F3 + OSD board…. but now there are some builtin 10A ESC !!! so really no problem to handle 2S voltage (and maybe more …). The machine includes a AIO combo FPV camera with 48CH and with three outputs power: 25mW/100mW and 200mW. No information if there is a IRC Tramp or SmartAudio support… probably not… Motors are these new 0802/16000Kv model… In a first glance, this new HBX68 is not advanced as the Eachine trashcan (probably no smartaudio, no F4 FC) but the main pro point of this machine is its weight about 27g (with the receiver included) so clearly 5-6g less than the Trashcan. In 2S configuration, this machine should be around 42-43g… not so bad for indoors applications. Specification: Item name: HB(X)68 68mm 1-2S FPV racing drone Wheelbase: 68mm Weight: about 25.6g (without battery) Recommed flight weight: <42g (with battery) Flight time: 3-7mins(2S 250mAh/350mAh) Flight controller: 1-2S F3, built-in OSD ESC: 1-2S 10A BLHeli_S Motor: 1-2S S0802 16000KV Propeller: 35mm 4-blades VTX+camera: 25/100/200mW 800TVL 150° 48CH Receiver: without receiver/ DSMX pro/ FrSky D8/ FS-RX2A/ SFHSS AC900 receiver(option) F3 OSD flight controller: Processor: STM32F303CCT6 (72MHZ, 256K FLASH) Sensor: SPI sensor MPU-6000 Firmware: Betaflight_3.x.x_OMNIBUS Power supply: 1-2S Built-in 5V/0.8A BEC Built-in BF OSD Built-in LC filter Support programmable LED Supports BLheli suite ESC programme With buzzer port SBUS or DSM receiver input, please configurate RX3 as input interface. DSM receiver powered from 3.3V SBUS and PPM from 5V 10A BLHeli_s ESC: Firmware: BLHeli_S 16.6/16.7 Continuous current: 10A Burst current: 12A (5s) Power supply: 1-2S lipo(3.0-8.7V) Support Dshot150/300/600, PWM, Oneshot125, Multishot 0802 16000KV motor: Item name: S0802 KV: 16000KV Stator diameter: 8mm Stator height: 2mm Shaft diameter: 1mm Working voltage: 1-2S(3.0-8.7V) Weight: 1.9g Mounting hole: 6.6mm/1.4mm VTX+camera: Output power: 25mW/100mW/200mW Lens: HD800TVL/FOV: 150° Channel: 48CH Antenna: copper tube Including battery: Capacity: 250/ 300mAh Voltage: 3.8-4.35V(HV) (2x battery) Continuous Discharge Rate: 30C/60C Connector: PH2.0-2P Weight: about 6.9-7.5g Recommended battery: 2x 1S 250mah 30C 3.8V HV (series connection) 2x 1S 300mah 30C 3.8V HV (series connection) 1x 2S 260mah 35C 7.6V HV 1x 2S 350mah 35C 7.6V HV Package included: PNP version: 1x HB(X)68 68mm frame kit 1x S0802 16000KV motor 1x F3 OSD+10A BLHeli_S fytower 1x 48CH 800TVL AIO camera VTX 2x 1S 250/300mAh 30C HV battery 2x pairs 35mm 4-blade orange propeller 1x 1S HV charger BNF version: 1x HB(X)68 68mm frame kit 1x S0802 16000KV motor 1x F3 OSD+10A BLHeli_S fytower 1x 48CH 800TVL AIO camera VTX 2x 1S 250/300mAh 30C HV battery 1x DSMX pro/ FrSky D8/ FS-RX2A/ SFHSSAC900 receiver(option) 2x pairs 35mm 4-blade orange propeller 1x 1S HV charger View the full article

INTRODUCTION The new Diatone R249+HD is a new candidate as 2.5″ HD FPV racer. This model comes after the SPCMaker K1 and the iFlight iH2 all of them includes the last Runcam Split Mini 2 combo, able to film in 1080p@60fps while broadcasting the FPV signal with low latency. As you already maybe know, it’s a real real challenge to build a 2.5″ machine jello free for the HD recordings… For example, the SPCMaker K1 failed this main objectif. For larger model, it’s much more easy to get rid of all vibrations transmitted…. but in a such compact tiny space, it’s another story. The R249+HD got a F4 flight controller, some 20A 4-in-1 ESC with Dshot 600 support and 1105/5500KV motors Notice this machine is shipped only in PNP version… so you will have to provide your favorite receiver. Let’s have a look to this new HD flying plateform. BOX CONTENT + 1 x Diatone R249+HD + 4 x 1940 Props (2 CW, 2 CCW) + 4 x 2540 Props (2 CW, 2 CCW) + 4 x Prop guards + 1 x MicroBuzzer + 1 x Male XT30 connector + 5 x zip ties + 1 x Spare battery strap + 1 x set of M2 hexscrews + 1 x bag of M2x7mm hexscrews + 1 x 3M tape + 2 x M2 nylon nuts + 1 x FC connector A lot of accessories are given except spare batteries. Diatone advertised that the best results are obtained in 3S with a 450mAh LiPo. OVERVIEW Versus the SPC-K1, the R249+HD got much longer arms to reach almost the 115mm size while having a shorter central body. The unique bottom plate is 3K carbon based with 3.30mm of tickness…. as the SPC-K1. It will be strong enough for crash durability, but maybe not enough for transmitted vibrations from motors. From motors, ESC and flight controller everyting is branded by MANBA. The Mini version is installed on the R249+ with three UART port (U1,U3,U6). Very important remark, non of these Uart are bidirectional…. it means no direct plug & play of F.port compatible receiver. ESC are strong enough for 4S input up to 25A@peak. The Side-By-Side comparaison with the SPC-K1 …. The K1 got more a H design… while the Diatone is more a X-based. -FRONT VIEW The general design is pretty cool and cute…. advantage IHMO for the Diatone…. We have this plastic top canopy structure surrounding all the electronic tower and the camera system. With a 4S LiPo installed beneath. -SIDE VIEW The quality build is very good… with a clean setup, clean soldering job…. with sillcone wires everywhere. The RCSM2 main board is protected with the white plastic cover. Above, the Runcam 5.8G VTX board supporting up to 40CH and two different output power (25mW and 200mW). Great news, thanks to the IRC Tramp protocol, the Vfreq, Vband and power can be set via the OSD. It’s a good point that the SPC-K1 don’t have. But it’s not perfect …. there is no wiring connextion between the RCSM2 main board with the last UART6 available. What’s a pity… because we could control the camera like this…. Only 2 wires are missing between the two elements… What’s a pity. Anyway, the R249+HD comes with a free 5p connector. This one allow a direct connexion of the FrSky R-XSR receiver in SBUS configuration. In a first glance, it’s a good point ….. but …. with the way of connexion, no way to receive the RSSI for the OSD for example. If you want the RSSI as well …. (and telemetry in general), the full 5 wires connexion is required… Or it’s not the case here. 3 on 5 are here only. The S.port in & out are missing. Another alternative would have been to connect the receiver with the new F.port protocol…. this one share on a bi-directional data transmission on the same wire …. but but but requires a UART able to be bi-directional. Or the MANBA don’t offer such UART capacity…. So to plug the R-XSR in F.port format, you will have to solder the signal wire on the uninverted pad on the receiver itself… To resume…. if you want RSSI on your OSD & telemetry…. you will need to play with the soldering iron. More the R-XSR is one the most expensive reveiver… This is why I decided to install more a simple OpenFrSky receiver instead… in D8 mode, sharing the RSSI on the last channel but also having telemetry. This receiver is connected via SBUS Connexion. -REAR VIEW A compact caps is here to filter as much as possible interferences from noise & ESC…. Unfortunatly, it’s not yet perfect, some noise can be noticed in the FPV feedback With the R-XSR direct plug & play but without RSSI Or with the OpenFrSky receiver installed and protected inside a heatskrink tube. -UPPER VIEW -BOTTOM VIEW -WEIGHT 126g in 3S (350mAh model)… so close to be 8.6g more heavier than the SPC-K1. Motors and props Two set of props are given… a first 1940 crystal one assumed to offer the best results for HD recordings. and 2540 larger model. The free gap available with the 2540 is less than 1mm …. impressive. The M2 hexscrews to lock each prop. Camera module The runcam split mini 2 lens is not protected from a frontal crash. Notice the tilt orientation can be set from +10 up to +35-40 degrees. Notice also it’s not last lens model given now with a Runcam Split Mini 2. The new and shorter one is annouced to reduce a bit the jello. UNBOXING, ANALYSIS, CONFIGURATION AND TESTING As already mentioned, I installed the OpenFrSky nano receiver with SBUS connexion… so I add to remove the 5p microJST connector. The machine comes with Betaflight 3.5.1 pre-installed and I can say relatively well fine tuned. With this particular type of receiver will have to invert the serial line with the “set serialrx_inverted = ON” command in the CLI. Before to go forward, IMHO the main important point to check first is the presence of Jello in the HD recordings….. If yes, the interest of this machine is almost 0 at least compare to a non-HD and cheaper model. To check this, I stayed in my garden in a perfect windfree conditions… and in 3S configuration as mentioned by Diatone. I first used the original 1940 props …… and as you can see the results are just awfull !!!!!!! So wavy/jello…… it’s just unacceptable. So let’s try with the 2540 ….. well …. it’s just a bit better but far far far away from acceptable results… In order to make a faire comparaison, I also include what’s results can be obtained with the SPC-K1. This one got much less jello…. in exactly the same situation/setup…. but for me none of them are just ok…. Too much jello in any case… Ok I tried to applied the filtering settings of the SPC-K1 machine with the PIDS of the R249+HD…. and here results are almost as good/as bad as the SPC-K1… I also tried to play a bit with other PIDs and filter settings but without really good success…. As you already understood, the main important test, i.e. to produce Jellofree videos completly failded…… I don’t see any interest to continue to test its FPV racing capacity…. No doubt there are good…. but this machine should be first of all a low riding HD recorder…. CONCLUSIONS Unfortunatly the quest to have the first 2.5″ HD FPV machine is still opened….. This diatone in practice offer even worser results than the SPC-K1. Maybe because there is no soft-mounting for motors ? or the RCSM2 uses the old lens ? Whatever if these two fixes would be here…. I don’t think it will solve 100% of the jello…. As you already understood, I can’t recommand this machine as 2.5″ HD FPV machine…. Take instead the non-HD version…. cheaper…. Who will be the next brand to attempt the quest… We will see…. PROS + Super compact 2.5″ HD FPV racer + Quality build + A lot of accessories in the bundle + VTX w/ IRC tramp support + Builtin Runcam Split Mini 2 CONS HUGE AMOUNT OF JELLO OUT OF THE BOX !!!!!! UNACCEPTABLE FOR A HD MACHINES – R-XSR S.port connexions absent – MAMBA FC don’t support directly F.port connexion => Need to solder the F.port signal wire on the P uninverted pad of the R-XSR – 8.6g more heavier than the SPC K1 – Absence of Soft-mounting for motors Dump_249+HD This quadcopter have been courtesy provided by Banggood in order to make a fair and not biased review. I would like to thank them for this attitude. You can find it actually for 190USD at https://www.banggood.com/Diatone-2019-GT-R249-HD-Edition-2_5-Inch-4S-FPV-Racing-RC-Drone-PNP-RunCam-Split-Mini-2-TX200U-F4-p-1395003.html View the full article

INTRODUCTION The Eachine Trashcan 75 was one of the most awaited machine after the great success of the first and compact 75mm 2S tinywhoop machines, i.e. the BetaFPV 75X and the happymodel modula 7. The Eachine answer on the paper is just incredible: all last electronic novelties are here: 0803 motors for 2S power, F4 flight controller with a builtin OSD, a programmable VTX via smart audio, a builtin SPI receiver (FrSky, FlySkay and now Speltrum DSM2/X), a new 1/3″ 1200TVL Caddx FPV camera and a frame revisted to be more durable than the Modula 7 for example. So everything in theory is to have a future hot cake seller. Let’s check if in practice, it’s the case. BOX CONTENT + 1 x Eachine Trashcan 75 + 1 x USB charging cable + 4 x Spare props (2 CW, 2 CCW) + 4 x 300mAh 1S LiHV batteries with JST PH 2.0 connector + 1 x Screwdriver + 1 x Bag od spare screws + 2 x 3M tape bands + 1 x 1S plug + 1 x Spare XT30 lead connector + 1 x Allen key + 1 x Prop remover tool + 1 x Instruction manual (English) + 1 x Transportation bag As last ReallAcc, Jumper, happymodel and Eachines deluxe products, the instruction manual is extremely well done…. It’s so rare so it has to be noticed. Printed in color, you can find all the different steps to bind, programm your VTX and OSD. A very important accessory (to not be lost): this plug is used to power your Trashcan either in 1S (with the plug installed) or in 2S (plug removed). OVERVIEW The machine comes in 75mm format …. so look like a giant versus the little 1S US/UR 65 brother. But don’t be afraid, the more important will be the total weight in practice. -FRONT VIEW As last 1S brushless FPV Tinywhoop machines, the Trahscan 75 comes with a nice red canopy. The plastic quality is really good. Flexible enough to absorve energy of shocks. On the front part, the cage welcoming the Caddx Eos2 camera can be oriented from 0 degrees up to +35 degrees in practice for more agressive and sporty flights. I will anticipate a bit, but in order to fix mostly the presence of vibrations/jello, insert a piece of foam (the one coming with the transportation of the Trashcan) in sandwich between the FC and the red canopu structure. Il will remove most of vibrations. -SIDE VIEW -REAR VIEW A 5 LED bar is here pre-programmed with a larson scanner effect. No turning indication done… You can easily add it in betaflight in the LED light section. -UPPER VIEW The transparent red canopy let make visible all lights coming from the FC, especially for the two rows of lights for the Vfreq and Vband selection respectively. One negative point: the hole where the linear antenna pass through is too large and there is a free loose/gap. In practice, it means than the antenna can rotate and in the worst scenario , the uFL plug can be pop out. -BOTTOM VIEW Installed in a 2layers configuration, a free loose can noticed for the battery installation in the tray. Two 3M tape are given to fix this gap. Probably the best solution is to use a rubber band. Good point, each motors are connecter via a microJST plug: perfect for motor’maintenance. The green wire corresponds to the Smart Audio connexion. Notice there is a physical microswitch to bind the machine to your transmitter….. but hard to access. It’s located nearby the microUSB plug…. below one of the two plastic bars of the battery tray. As we will see, I advise more to bind the machine via the new CLI command… it’s billion of times more simpler -WEIGHT 33.9g standalone …. no it’s not lightest 2S TW racer… You can save a fraction of gram by removing the red led strip bar for example. For 1S setup and for 2S/oudoors So we are just under 50g …. still of for indoors but for more larger living places IMHO. 1S is advised in this scenario. 2S will be too throttle touchy. Motors and props The new 0803/15000Kv motors…. just a fraction of gram more heavier than the classic 0603…. but much much more powerfull. 40mm quadriblades props…. with 1.25mm shaft diameter. If you want to improvel also the flight duration…. The two/triblades setups must be adopted. LiHV battery 300mAh 1S LiHV batteries…. announced to be 40C/80C (so probably more 40C)… Be aware with LiHV batteries, they tend to loose more capacity versus charge/discharge cycles. In comparaison with the 1S 250mAh coming with the US65mah…. longer but really more heavier. So for our UR65/US65, this model of 300mAh can be interesting too. A USB charger is provided. The microswith selects the LiHV (default) and LiPo mode. When turned on the direction of the USB plug, the charger is in LiHV mode (up to 4.35V/cell). When charging, you see a solid red light. It’s turned off when the charge is done. Camera module The Trashcan 75 integrates a new Caddx EOS2 CMOS camera with 1200TVL !!!! It’s based on a 1/3″ sensor… Don’t be abused with these number…. In practice, higher TVL means also higher latency and mor noise in the signal especially for low light condition. The new Caddx promises a builtin WDR feature…. so we will see in practice. The VTX got 5 bands (raceband supported) but not an exact 40CH. Some Vfreq are restricted to be FCC compliant. Probably there is a way to uncock this limitation. The VTX got a physical swith… but as for the receiver, I advise more to tune the VTX via the OSD or CLI commands. If you upgrade the current betaflight version, be sure to turn on the TBS protocol for the UART1. The UART3 is free to be used… why not to trigger a Runcam Split Mini 2/Caddx turtle 2. UNBOXING, ANALYSIS, CONFIGURATION AND DEMO FLIGHT The machine comes with a beta version of the future branch 4.0 of Betaflight. It’s not a problem at all, this RC is very stable in practice. When you connect the machine to betaflight…. you can notice that Eachine spent some time to tune/optimize parameters…. That’s so great. For example the TBS smart audio is working with the UART1. The PIDs have been optimized, the rates, the flip over crash is active for AUX3 by default, the OSD layout and even the led strip bar…. what is missing ? ho…. just a minor detail… to turn the buzzer for poor man…. by turnin on the two correspoding options in the configuration panel…. Not a big deal… So bravo Eachine for this. The Trashcan 75 offers a great new feature!!!! You can bind the builtin SPI receiver via a CLI command!!!! That’s just great… No need to have a second, third hands and do tricky moves to keep pressed the microswitch bind button while powering the buttom…. It’s so easy now…. with one cup of coffea in one hand, run the binding sequence of your transmitter then go in CLI and type the “bind” command….. and voilà :)…. Disconnect everything (USB plug for the Trahscan and power off the transmitter) and reconnect… you are bound… How I can live now without this feature ? Of course it will work only I guess with SPI receiver. To complete, I just did minor changes for the OSD layouts and also change the AUX mappings to turn on the buzzer for poor man…. Important point, if you want to turn the 200mW setting via OSD, you will have to select the 800mW one. All other ones via OSD select the 25mW output. Now … it’s time to talk about the performances of this machine…… When you plug the first battery … no light. It’s only when the second is plugged than the ESC will start to music. I check wires …. to not be in contact …Then first throttle up… and the machine felt like a stone…. … nothing really blocked… I rearmed… and no more problem…. Really stange… I noticed that behaviour only for cold start session…. So don’t be surprized… Ok now the machine is in the air !!!! and in angle mode no drifts at all in angle mode Yeahh!!!. It’s rock steady stable. Impressive… Let’s attempt a punch out …And whaoohhh that’s a power, really not bad at all…. and during fast descents the prop wash is here but still managable. In LOS, this machine is super precize…. what’s happyness….. Now it’s time for FPV time …. The FPV camera signal is good …. but not among the best in term of WDR at least…. Dont’ worry, the job is already well done. The range and FPV distances are also pretty good IMHO…. I already love this machine…. Ok a bad point…. there are some jello in the FPV signal…. Install the piece of foam and it will improve the situation. This machine is super powerfull….. power dive, powerloop …. fingers in the noze….no instability at the end of such figures… That’s great…. A real pleasure to fly this little monster outdoors. For indoors, 1S is highly recommanded coz the throttle is too touchy in 2S. Another complain…. the flight time don’t exceed 3min and even 2min30 with agressive accro flight style. It’s not enough. You can use the provided XT30 connector if you are sure to fly this machine in 2S setup only … or solder more a red JST connector instead. Compact 2S batteries are more easy to find with this connector. I crashed this machine many many times….. and the frame is still ok…. Ok if happened at full speed against concrete…. don’t expect miracles. At least to change a frame, it will take 5-10min maximum. Spare parts are already available. CONCLUSIONS Definitively a high entry Eachine model, a keeper model…. It’s almost a perfect machine for winter proximity FPV flights. It’s powerfull, durable, with ton of features…. Both the FPV and control range are good…. Only the out of the box flight duration is too limited and another battery setup will be required as upgrade. PROS + Powerfull 2S machine + Tons of fun + Very well designed + Almost perfectly well configured out of the box + F4 powerfull FC + Smart Audio + Builtin SPI receiver + No drift in angle mode + Good FPV camera + 25mW/200mW VTX + Good FPV and RC ranges + CLI bind command + < 50g in 2S setup + Frame among the most durable + Can be used for both indoors and oudoors applications + Transportation bag CONS – 2.45 min of flying duration in 2S – Presence of Jello (can be fixed) – Antenna need to be 100% secure with a drop of glue – Potential receiver cuts for the first take-off dump_BF_4.0.0.txt This quadcopter have been courtesy provided by Banggood in order to make a fair and not biased review. I would like to thank them for this attitude. You can find it actually for 95USD at https://www.banggood.com/Eachine-TRASHCAN-75mm-Crazybee-F4-PRO-OSD-2S-Whoop-FPV-Racing-Drone-Caddx-Eos2-Adjustable-Camera-p-1386071.html View the full article

INTRODUCTION The Eachine E511S is a new advanced WiFI Toysquadcopter with brushed motors but with GPS & barometer flight assistance. The Eachine E511S is proposed in a basic 720p+2.4G WiFi link, an intermediate (1080p+2.4G) and an advanced (1080p+5G). I will focus on the 1080p@2.4G version. It’s a foldable machine easy to transport inspired by last DJI designs with a builtin 1080p@25fps/5mpx Cmos sensor. More the tilt orientation can be controled via a 1-axis micro servo controller via the radiotransmitter. Associated with the GPS presence, the iOS/android application offers: RTH, orbit mode, path planning and GPS-follow-me functions. In term of price segment…. the E511S turns around 100USD…. so a bit expensive for a brushed Toyquadcopter but twice cheaper the than Hubsan H510S for example. Let’s discover this product. BOX CONTENT + 1 x Eachine E511S + 2 x 1200mAh 2S LiPo (proprietary battery) + 1 x Transmitter (using 4xAAA batteries not included) + 1 x USB charging cable + 2 x Spare props (1 CW, 1 CCW) + 4 X Prop guard + 1 x Screwdriver + 1 x Instruction manual (English) The instruction manual is badly translated and the results of many upgrades versus earlier Eachine products. For example, the transmitter button list is not fully exact. OVERVIEW The machine folded occupies a 15cmx10cm rectangle and unfolded the E511S is close to be a 350mm machine. In term of structure, it’s a 100% plastic one. The general quality of the plastic is good with two types of plastic for the canopya and for the arms. -FRONT VIEW Two white front LEDs are here to help you to keep orientation in LOS conditions -SIDE VIEW -REAR VIEW The battery compartement. No difficulty to insert or to extract the battery. It’s a good point. On the top rear location, the barometer sensor is installed. -UPPER VIEW The E511S show a column of 5 LED lights. They are flashing until the GPS system fixes at least 7 satellites. As soon as it’s done, lights become solid. A unique power button. Hold 3s to turn on/off the machine. -BOTTOM VIEW A little bit hidden, the microSD slot to welcome a card up to 32Gb. For the 1080p only model, we can find the 2.4G antenna of the WiFi builtin module. -WEIGHT 290g without propguards…. so exceeding the 250g limit…. Motors and props 1020 brushed motors…. They are associated with a gear/pinion of course to increase the lift capacity. In the other hand, the stress on motors is increased. And the main open questions will be the durability of these motors and the availability of spare. Don’t expect more than 30 flights without problem and be sure before each take off/crash to inspect manually the free rotation of each props. LiPo The E511S is proposed either with a 1, 2 or three batteries in the bundle. They are basic 1200mAh 2S LiPo with the 2S balancer plug available The USB charger shows a red light for USB connexion, a flashing green light for charging and a solid green light when it’s charged. Full charging takes about 2h…. it’s long. I strongly advise to make a DIY charging cable to be plugged on your favorite professional charger. Camera module Since close to one year, most of toysquadcopter come with a wider Field of View more compatible with video filming application. Here we have a 120 degrees model. The lens is by default oriented to -45degrees after eaching booting. You can set the orientation from 0 degrees down to -90 degrees. The camera record in 1080p format with a datarate about 5mbit/s… Far from 50Mbits+ for advanced and more professional video plateform. Only 25fps in term of frame rate….. but at least the recording seems to not loose too much frames over time. A raw sample recorded on the microSD card Notice the presence of vibration and props occlution when the gimbal is set to horizontal. The color rendition is better than we can find usually for toyquadcopter…. the light sensitivity also….. but we are still (very) far from even a Xiaomi Mi A3 in term of video quality. Disassembling To open the machine will have to unclip first two parts: the very top canopy structure surrounding the power button and the two latteral silver plastic tabs. After, you will be able to access to all screws to be removed. On front, the camera is held by a servo block motor. 4 screws attach the system and the camera is plugged to the main WiFi module via the orange rubbon cable to be detached as well. The GPS chip on front, the barometer rear. The shielding for the GPS module is here. Transmitter The same Eachine radio chassis we can find with their last product. 4 shoulder buttons and 6 front ones. To take off with the radio transmitter you need first i) to receive at least 7 satellites, to ii) calibrate the compass (press the left arrow button to start the calibration procedure) then iii) press both sticks in bottom outter direction to start the engine. To start a video, you can press the top right shoulder button. To take a photo the rear right shoulder one. Notice, if you inserted a microSD card, the recording will be done on it. If not, the recording will be the received video flux on your smartphone. Ni-Mh 4xAAA batteries are working but they need to be very well charged to be able to turn on the radio Without problem you can use a 6″ smartphone…. with a bit of extra force, I was able to use a 6.26″ model…. but for larger model no more room available. UNBOXING, ANALYSIS AND TESTING As said in the introduction, I received the 1080p version but also including a 2.4G WiFi Link…. so no problem for android connexion (can be a problem for the 5.8G version and android europeens users). No password required. Notice with the last software android version, now the 1080p preview and metric unity are here. Before each take off, it’s strongly advice to perform a compass calibration to be sure to have best GPS holding results. You can run the procedure either with the left arrow button on the RC or via the option in the app setting menu. First rotate three times clock wise the machine horizontally until the transmitter emits a beep & the app shows to change to the Y axis then install the machine noze down and rotate one more time clock wise three turns until a second beep. The application is largely inspired by the X-hubsan application…. and I feel it’s the same team who developped the software. For example all flight mode selection is the same, the way-path planner uses the same principles, etc… It’s a good thing I think since the Hubsan app is a good one…. Except that the E511S is not fully polished IMHO. For example, the google map is not automatically centered on the drone location for example. The Orbit flight point of interest selection was not clear also. To fly the E511S only with your smartphone, you will need 1) to let appear the virtual sticks, 2) to press and hold 3s the lock button, click yes to confirm the take off and then 3) press the auto-take off button. The machine can fly only in GPS stabilization mode and I can say it’s stable !!!! rock steady… not bad for a toyquadcopter. The machine offers 3 speed modes via the radio and only 2 if you plan to fly the machine only with your smartphone. The video feedback is not bad at all… precise…. and I was also positively surprized to see a good link up to 100m. In winter time with a low sun, don’t expect miracle with the camera sensor…. but resuts are acceptable. Of course no EIS and this machine is in practice usefull only in windfree conditions. The RTH is very precise in practice a good point. The way point definition super easy thanks to the draw options. I don’t why, the machine waits a couple of second in each waypoint even if set to 0 in settings. Now it’s time to more negative points…. the first one is about the battery duration… we are far from the 13-16min advertized…. more about 10min… and notice the huge voltage drop under load…. sign of poor default batteries. Another problem I had …. the servo motor of the gimbal stopped to worked after 4-5 flights I never tried to force on the mechanism….. so a weak point of this machine main certainely. Concerning the follow-me GPS based, I also noticed than the machine was not perfectly on-axis with the holder of the smarphone. Maybe a biased link wih the GPS fix option available in the parameters. In general such king of follow-me obtains results far to be perfect….. slow/delay in reaction and of course time to time unfocusing the target. Look attentively to the vibrations transmitted at arm’s extremity….. the main source of jello in the video…. CONCLUSIONS I have a strange feeling with this machine. In one hand, I found this machine easy to fly, with godo advanced features usually no present in toyquadcopter segment. Camera results are better than usual…. it’s 1080p… color are correct, frame rate still a bit slow but without frame lost at least. The radio and FPV range are ok… the application user friendly…… but in another had… it’s about 100USD ….. and with almost this price you can find a MJX bugs with a 1080P camera as well but with brushless motors…. Functionalities are the same more or less. At least the E511S is foldable. If I go further, for 200 bucks we have the FIMI A3…. so the real question if you have to ask if you plan to purchase the E511S. Do you want a first machine to shoot basic but working 1080p videos to enter into the drone’s world…. or if you want wait a bit more to afford for example the FIMI A3. That’s the question. PROS + Cheap GPS quadcopter + Very stable GPS hold + 1080p camera @25fps + 120 degrees FOV + Good radio and FPV range (at least 100m) + 1080p version includes a 2.4G WiFI + 1-axis contralable gimbal (only via the remote) + Better color and light rendition than previous generation CMOS sensor (but still far from average 1080p results) + Foldable + Good quality build CONS – Jellos linked with vibrating arms – Fragile 1-axis gimbal servo motor – 8-9 min of flight time – Voltage drop under load – Can’t install 6.2″>+ smartphone – Android software not yet mature: not saving all parameters, not center map on the quad’s position, etc… – No selfie drones specialized flight modes This quadcopter have been courtesy provided by Banggood in order to make a fair and not biased review. I would like to thank them for this attitude. You can find it actually for 112USD at https://www.banggood.com/Eachine-E511S-GPS-Dynamic-Follow-WIFI-FPV-With-1080P-Camera-16mins-Flight-Time-RC-Drone-Quadcopter-p-1373965.html View the full article

Ok Ok …. I know the official release of the FIMI X8 SE will be only late february, but two raw videos emerged from a pre-release version. Stabilization’s results look awsome…. Of course no information if it was post-edited or not…. but I feel probably not. View the full article

The end of 2018 and 2019 will be the moment of transition for new compact FPV racers able to record in HD formats. If you don’t like the Runcam Split Mini 2 system, the XPKRC K5 is based on the Caddx Turtle V2 also able to record in 1080p@60fps: https://www.banggood.com/XPKRC-K5-120mm-FPV-Racing-Drone-PNP-BNF-Omnibus-F4SD-20A-mini-BLheli_S-Caddx-Turtle-V2-25-200mW-VTX-p-1398900.html It’s a 120mm machine (2.5″) based on a F4+betaOSD flight controller. For the ESC, they can handle up to 4S LiPo thanks to the builtin 20A chips. Probably they are Dshot600 compatible. Motors are 1106/4500Kv… so definitively you will need a great battery with a high discharge rate to avoid massive voltage swags during 100% throttle inputs. The frame looks like the SPCmaker ones… not really protecting the main electronic tower. Arms also look pretty thin…. I hope they will be robust enough and not flexible to propagate vibrations into the HD recordings. The machine is proposed in PNP or in BNF with three choices of receivers. Wait & See. XPKRC K5 120mm FPV Racing Drone PNP BNF Omnibus F4SD 20A mini BLheli_S Caddx Turtle V2 25-200mW VTX Specification: Brand name: XPKRC Item name: K5 FPV Racing Drone Wheelbase: 120mm Flight Controller: Omnibus F4SD Motor: 1106 4500KV ESC: 20A Mini 4 in 1 BLheli_S ESC (2-4S LiPo) Propeller: GEMFAN2540 3-blade Camera: Caddx Turtle V2 VTX: 5.8g 25MW-200MW 40CH Receiver: Frsky/DSMX/Flysky/Futaba(BNF Only) Size: 110*106*30mm Weight: 98g Package Included: 1 x K5 Frame Kit 1 x Omnibus F4SD Flight Controller 4 x 1106 4500KV Motor 1 x 20A Mini 4 in 1 BLheli_S ESC (2-4S LiPo) 2 x GEMFAN2540 3-blade Propeller CW 2 x GEMFAN2540 3-blade Propeller CCW 1 x Caddx Turtle V2 Camera: 1 x 5.8g 25MW-200MW 40CH VTX 1 x Buzzer 1 x 12mm x 20mm Battery Strap 1 x Frsky/DSMX/Flysky/Futaba Receiver(BNF Only) View the full article

Versus time, video toysquadcopters make some improvements…. Of course they will never compete versus a real brushless stabilized video plateform … but look this one for under 100USD. This is the SHRC H1G: https://www.banggood.com/SHRC-H1G-1080P-5G-WiFi-FPV-GPS-25mins-Flight-Time-RC-Drone-Quadcopter-RTF-p-1397713.html Ok it’s brushed (always stock some spare motors in advance)… but it’s a foldable machine with a 1080p camera advertized to have a better light sensitivity. No word about the datarate and the frame per second associated with. IMHO it won’t be over 30… and unfortunatly main probably a 25fps model. Of course it’s not stabilized… no sign of any EIS system… The control & FPV range is announced to work within a radius of 300m thanks a to a 5G link. As usual for europeeans android users be sure your phone can be compatible (in general it’s not the case). The flight time is about 25mm thanks to a 850mAh 2S battery… Not so bad. More the machine got a GPS system to offer advanced flight mode: path-planning, orbit mode, follow-me (via GPS) and RTH. I forgot to mention the presence of a 120 degrees of Field of View lens. One open question will be the availability of spare parts… especially motors and FC boards. Maybe 2010 will show also first toyquadcopters with EIS integrated…. who knows. Description: Brand:SHRC Item Name: HRC H1G 5G WiFi FPV RC Quadcopter Frequency: 2.4G/5G Channel: 4CH Gyro: 6-Axis Camera: 720P/1080P(Optional) Image Resolution: 1280*720P/ 1920 x 1080P Video Resolution: 1280*720P/ 1920 x 1080P R/C Distance: 2.4G 720P: 300m 5G 1080P: 500m FPV Distance: 2.4G 720P: 200m 5G 1080P: 300m Motor: Brushed Quadcopter Battery: 7.4V 850mAh(Included) Flying Time: About 25mins Charging Time: About 50mins Transmitter Battery: 3 x 1.5V AAA (Not Included) Quadcopter Size: 18 x 18 x 15.3cm Quadcopter Weight: 164g Package Size: 25.5*8.5*18.5CM Package Weight: 0.633kg Features: 1. Statellite Positioning follow:The drone will follow you wherever you go. 2. GPS global positioning provides stable flight. 3. Headless mode:no need to adjust the position of aircraft before flying. 4. One key return,return when out of control and low battery antomatic return. 5. 25minis battery life:large battery capacity and long battery life Function: 2.4g/5G WIFI FPV, Set circle fly, Set point fly,GPS positioning follow,One key return, Headless mode,Indoor/outdoor Mode, 25minis flight time Package Included: 1 x RC Drone 1 x Transmitter 1 x 7.4V 850mAh Lipo Battery 1 x USB Cable 4 x Propeller 1 x Manual View the full article

You want a 4S 2″ FPV racer able to shoot 1080p@60fps ? There is a new model from Diatone: https://www.banggood.com/Diatone-2019-GT-R249-HD-Edition-2-Inch-4S-FPV-Racing-RC-Drone-PNP-RunCam-Split-Mini-2-TX200-F4-OSD-p-1395006.html And as you maybe already know with the SPCMaker K1, it’s pretty hard to have a jello-free machine in 2″ format. For this new Diatone model, the 25A ESC board allows 4S support. Associated with, some 1105/4500Kv strong motors. In term of frame & design, I really hope diatone tuned their machine to be jello-free and prop-occlusion free as well. The VTX is a runcam model outputing either 25mW or 200mW. This element can be controled via OSD if the wiring is done correctly. For the HD 1080p part, it’s still a Runcam solution with the new Split mini 2. Actually the machine is only proposed in PNP. I really like the look…. and I really hope it will be the first jello-free 2″ HD machines… working flawless out of the box. Description: Brand name: Diatone Item name: GT R249 HD Edition RC Drone Wheel base: 95mm Propeller: 2 inch Color: gray Weight: 85g Lipo battery: support 4S (not included) Flight controller: Mamba F405 mini; MPU6000; AT7456 OSD; 16M flash; 5V 1A BEC. ESC: Mamba F25 / 25A 4S ESC Dshot600 Motor: Mamba Racing MB1105 5500KV Camera: RunCam Split Mini 2 VTX: RunCam TX200U 48CH 25mW / 200mW Package included: 1 x GT R249 HD Edition RC Drone View the full article

Ok it was announced to be released today but here is the new 4K sucessor of the Xiaomi Mi 4K: https://www.banggood.com/FIMI-X8-SE-5KM-FPV-With-3-axis-Gimbal-4K-Camera-GPS-33mins-Flight-Time-RC-Drone-Quadcopter-RTF-p-1394905.html And to make short…. this new FIMI is really awsome!!! It’s not a direct MAVIC 2 competitor since there is no object avoidance system… but except that… all other caracterics are impressive. This 790g machine is foldatable, just a little bit more wider than a 6″ phones. It has a 3-axis mechanical gimbal with a great SONY sensor based camera to capture videos in 4K@30fps with a datarate of 100Mbit/s. A 1080p@100fps is also here… for super smooth videos. More the FPV/control range is announced to be around 5Km !!!!! for a total flight time of 33min…. Impressive. The prop systems also is improved to reduced the emitted noise. A 4500mAh propriatary battery is used The Fimi X8 SE is really compact… super foldable In comparaison with other Xiaomi models The radiocontrol works in the 5.8G band for the FPV/video link and can accept both smartphone or tablet Special dronies modes are integrated and three types of visual tracking (only one target followed) A complete mission planner is also integrated More… it’s possible to build directly a full pananorama landscape from multiple photos shots. Three types of panarorama are proposed. It’s not over…. Some “motion-lapse” video effects are also in bundle The positioning is done by GPS+glonass systems coupled with a bottom visual camera and the front main one is also used. One question is raised…. Can object avoidance can be added later ??? The Appz is ultra complete for both iOS & Android a First video is proposed What is my opinion….. Bye-Bye the Hubsan Zino….. I still didn’t received it yet but … from the first reviews I saw… the GPS stabilization is relatively poor and major firmwares upgrades are required. More the FIMI X8 SE integrates much more advanced features and has a better camera sensor with higher bit-rate. In fact everything is better versus the Zino. If only if Object avoidance was here…. The machine may have been considered as a DJI Mavic 2 competitor…. At least it’s twice cheaper. I have been told that this machine will be sold 400USD for the first items..The regular price will be 500USD. Description: Specification FIMI X8 SE RC Quadcopter Dimensions: 204 x 106 x 72.6mm Diagonal size: 372mm Item weight: 790g Hover accuracy Vertical: ±0.1m (Within the ultrasonic detecting range) ±5m (when GPS Positioning is active) Hover accuracy Horizontal: ±1.5m Max ascending speed: 5m/s Max descending speed: 4m/s Max cruising speed: 18m/s Flying limit altitude: 500m Max Flight Time (no wind): About 33mins (at 8m/s constant speed) Wind resistance: ≤50kph Satellite positioning systems: GPS+GLONASS Operating frequency: 5.725-5.850 GHz Remote Controller Dimensions: 203.8×91 x 46.6mm Weight :370g Operating frequency: 5.725-5.850GHZ Max controllable distance: About 5000m Battery : 3900mAh lithium battery Nominal voltage: 3.7V Charge port type: Micro USB Input : 5V -2A Gimbal Controlled rotation scope: 0°〜-90°Pitch angle Angle control accuracy: ±0.004° Stabilization: 3-axis gimbal HD 4K Camera Lens: FOV 78.8° Aperture: f2.2 Focal distance: 4.73mm Equivalent focal distance: 26mm Sensor: 1/2.3″ CMOS Effective pixels: 12M ISO range: 100 – 3200 for video 100-1600 for still Shutter speed: 8 ~ 1/8000S Max photo resolution: 4000*3000 Video resolution: 3840×2160 30/25/24fps 2560×1440 60/50/30/25/24fps 1080P 100/60/50/30/25/24fps 720P 200fps File system: FAT32 / exFAT Image format: JPG; JPG+DNG Video format: MP4 Memory card type: Micro SD ( U3 or above) 8 – 64GB (Sandisk/Kingston U3 recommend) Max bitrate:100Mbps Charger Rated output 13.05V -3A Rated power 39.15W Rated input 100-240V~50/60Hz1.5A Implementation standards Q/BJFMK0001-2016 Battery Charging limit voltage: 13.05V Capacity: 4500mAh/51.3Wh Voltage: 11.4V Weight: About 275g Propeller Length: 8.5inch Pitch: 3.3inch Other parameter Color: White Operating temperature: 0-40℃ Suitable altitude: ≤5000m Implementation standards: Q/BJFMK0001-2016 Package Included: 1 x RC Quadcopter( with camera) 1 x Transmitter 1 x Gimbal 1 x 11.4V 4500mAh Lipo Battery 3 x USB Cable 6 x Propeller 1 x AC Cable 1 x Charger 2 x Manual View the full article

INTRODUCTION The LisamRC LS-X220 is a new relatively large 5″/220mm FPV racer. This one thanks to super strong 35A ESC is 6S compatible out of the box. To complete the ultrastrong ESC board, some 2306/2600Kv are here to boost the machine to extreme velocities. The X structure is based on 5mm arms and is completed with a super strong aluminium cage to protect the electronic tower and the CCD super had II sensor based FPV camera. Generally, the general design mimics the GT’s models also recently introduced. This machine targets acro/free experimented pilots able to control such amount of power. Let’s discover this new machine proposed in PNP or in BNF version with a FrSky D16 solution. BOX CONTENT + 1 x LisamRC LS-X220 + 8 x 5045 props (4 CW, 4 CCW) + 1 x 5.8G Pagoda antenna + 1 x Set of sticker + 2 x Battery straps No instruction manual in the bundle …. So you will have to guess how to control the VTX for example OVERVIEW The first impression of this machine is a durability one. 5mm strong large arms are employed. A little originality, there are not installed horizontally like 99% of the case, but vertically. With this design, we will less sensitive to crash in the top-bottom direction…. but for forward directions, it will be more a weaker point strategy with this design. Each arms are blocked into two 2mm carbon plates located centrally in the main X-structure. Above the upper one is attached a strong alimimum cage. -FRONT VIEW The general design is pretty cool … All electronic ingredient and the FPV camera are well protected. The upper metallic structure is screwed via the four short standoff linking the two carbon plates. Maybe, if some a hooking design would have been prefered, this solution would have been a little bit more strong for frontal accident. Here all the stress of the shock will be absorbed indirectly by the inner screws inside each standoff. -SIDE VIEW For the BNF version, a FrSky XM+ receiver is installed and connected via a 3 position microJST connector. So it should be super easy to replace the receiver for your favorite one. In another hand, unfortunatly, the FrSky XM+ is not flashed with the firmware exporting the RSSI to last AUX channel. It means that out of the box no RSSI display in the OSD. You will need to flash the firmware by yourself. At least no desoldering/resoldering job is required thanks the the presence of this connector. The FrSky receiver is installed on a piece of foam to not be in direct contact of the VTX module located nearby. The microUSB port is on the left side. When connected to betaflight, the machine shows a version 3.2 installed… clearly a 1 year old OS not supporting for sure any VTX controls via OSD. The right side shows three button. The “boot” button to be pressed while powering the machine if you want to flash a new betaflight OS. You can do this operation via a USB powering. The LiPo plugging is not necessary. The middle one controls the output power of the VTX. By default you are in 25mW. short press to cycle to different available power up to 600mW. Finally the last one concerns the Vfreq/Vband selection. -REAR VIEW The antenna is slightly deported on the rear side to mimize the stress on the SMA connector during a crash. Notice this one presents a lot of loose … You will need to regulary fasten the two nuts. Four LEDs cercling a buzzer are here. Out of the box, they are not specialized with betaflight. They are just solid bright. -UPPER VIEW -BOTTOM VIEW Each motors are installed on a small carbon plateform protecting enough the motor by itself. With the 6S installed, the battery strap is maybe a little bit too short. -WEIGHT About 515g with a 6S 1300mAh LiPo …. Motors and props 2307/2600Kv motors branded directly by LisamRC. They are advertized to have a special wiring minimizing the emitted heat. 5mm shaft section Crystal clear 5042 props are offered in the bundle. They are well equilibrated out of the box. No jello can be noticed with Camera module A chinese CCD super Had II sensor based FPV camera with a field of fiew about 150 degrees. No IR blocking. The lens is in M12 format. The module can be uptilded aboive 70 degrees…. so no problem for ultra agressive flight. The camera connexion is done via a dedicaced plug. It means the replacement of the camera can be more easy in practice. Good news, there is a small joystick in the rear side to change any camera settings. By default WDR is turned off and the camera is in PAL format. UNBOXING, ANALYSIS, CONFIGURATION AND DEMO FLIGHT The machine comes with Betaflight 3.2 and via this old version is not possible to know if the VTX’s controls via the OSD is possible or not. I upgraded to Betaflight 3.5.3. You need absolutly to press the “boot” button to enter into the DFU mode. Unfortunatly either on the UART3 or 6 of the F4 board or with the IRC tramp orSmart audio protocols, I was able to control the VTX with the OSD… The VTX don’t offer this feature. What’s a pity since there is no instruction manual for example with a Vfreq table. Out of the box also, the OSD and the LED designs were not optimized at all. To make short, only the receiver settings were correct. PIDs were the default 3.2 ones. After the 3.5.3 upgrades, I optimized both the OSD and light layout but kept the default PIDs settings as well with dynamc filtering turned on. In practice I don’t advise rates overs 800deg/s, flips and rolls are already super fast with this value. For the best usage, it’s advised also to use a 1300-1500 mAh LiPo batteries. I tried first in 4S configuration. The machine already responds pretty well…. Be aware to push a bit the VTX output power fixed from factory at 25mW. I set the WDR turned on… If I didn’t notice any signifiant noise from ESC & motors in the FPV signal, the camera offers some washed rendering. It can comes from my own modifications of the camera settings done by accident (navigation inside menu can be a bit tricky to do with this tiny joystick). Whateven if light transitions are correctly rendered and if the level of detail is ok, I am disapointed by this color’s rendition. I repeat, it can come from my own fault during a setting update. In term of flight attitude ….. in 4S you can notice a bit the inertia of the machine. It’s fast and powerfull but be aware with super fast turning with the inertia of the machine. In 6S configuration…. what a power in your hands !!!!!! Punch out are just incredible. The motors are screaming like crazy with a full throttle input… Impressive. You have so much power than the AirMode won’t let you to go down fast ….. With a 1300mAh 6S LiPo you can expect 3min30-4min of flight time. CONCLUSIONS Generally I liked this monster especially in 6S …. but be aware it’s ultra powerfull…. and reserved for advanced pilots. I like the frame design and durability, the presence of strong ESC & motors. The cage is large enough to have enough room to upgrade the FPV camera for a Runcam Split Mini 2/Caddx Turtle 2 HD solutions. My concerns are about the non-support of the VTX’s controls via the OSD, the non-presence of a RSSI compatible firmware in the XM+ out of the box. Except that, this machine represents a good base for a ultrapowerfull racer. PROS + 6S power !!!! + 5mm frame structure + Durable structure + Well designed + 35A ESC + Builtin joystick for the camera OSD controls CONS – Not smart audio/IRC Tramp compatible – Old Betaflight 3.2 pre-installed – FrSky XM+ receiver not flashed with the RSSI compatible firmware – Props occlusion in the Field Of View – SMA antenna extender not well secured/fasten Dump_BF_3_2 This quadcopter have been courtesy provided by Banggood in order to make a fair and not biased review. I would like to thank them for this attitude. You can find it actually for 180USD at https://www.banggood.com/Lisamrc-LS-X220-FPV-Racing-RC-Drone-PNPBNF-Omnibus-F4-PLUS-35A-Blheli_S-ESC-48CH-25200400mW-VTX-p-1292104.html View the full article

If you go the the Fimi’s website… you can see a new top banner announcing a new introduction the next december the 10th. Almost no information leaked but …. during a couple of minutes, in the Fimi’s facebook page, a 4K support was announced….. Clearly it’s a direct competitor of the DJI Mavic… Of course wait & See…. Out of topic, I still didn’t received my FIMI A3… the shipping is very slow …. but some video starts to emerge today in Youtube View the full article

Was expected to be release soon, here is the Eachine competitor of the Betafpv 75X: https://www.banggood.com/Eachine-TRASHCAN-75mm-Crazybee-F4-PRO-OSD-2S-Whoop-FPV-Racing-Drone-Caddx-Eos2-Adjustable-Camera-p-1386071.html It’s a 75mm machine equiped of strong 0803/16000Kv 2S capable. We have also the new revision of the Crazybee FC board now with a builtin F4 for faster PID looping, 6A 4-in-1 ESC (peak @7A) Dshot600 ready. The big news is now the support of 2S LiPos. This machine weights about 48g so close to be twice more heavier than a UR65 in 1S configuration. Clearly this machine will be more sporty but more adapted to outdoors application than indoors ones. Another improvement versus competitors is the presence of a 1200TVL CMOS camera with global WDR. The VTX can also deliver from 25mW up to 200mW output power…. and is smart audio compatible. So all VTX settings can be done via the OSD !!! The tiny structure also seems to be re-enforced versus 1S solution. As you probably know, the betafpv chassis is known to break easily…. So I really hope eachine worked a bit on this point. The Trashcan is proposed with three choices of builtin receiver SPI based: FrSky D8/D16, Flysky AFHDS/AFHDS2 and Spectrum DSM2/DSMX. In a first glance… represents effectively a serious competitor….. pretty well designed. Of course wait & see … Specifications: Brand Name: Eachine Model Name: TRASHCAN Item Name: 2S 75mm Brushless Whoop racer drone BNF/PNP Wheelbase: 75mm Size: 98mm*98mm*36mm Weight: 33g(without battery) Weight:48g(with Original 1s 300mah lipo battery x2) Spare parts specifications: Motor Mode: TC0803 KV16000 Configu-ration: 9N12P Stator Diamter: 8mm Stator Length: 3mm Shaft Diameter: Φ1mm Motor Dimension(Dia.*Len): Φ10.5mm*14.5mm Weight(g): 2.2g No.of Cells(Lipo): 1S-2S Flight controller (Frsky version) CRAZYBEEF4 PRO FR Firmware target: CrazybeeF4FR (Flysky version) CRAZYBEEF4 PRO FS Firmware target: CrazybeeF4FS (DSM2/DSMX version) CRAZYBEEF4 PRO Firmware target: CrazybeeF4DX (No RX version) CRAZYBEEF4 PRO FR Firmware target: CrazybeeF4FR MCU: STM32F411CEU6 (100MHZ, 512K FLASH) Sensor: MPU-6000(SPI connection) Board size: 28.5 * 28.5MM Power supply: 1-2S battery input (DC 3.5-8.7V) Built-in 6A(each) Blheli_S 4in1 ESC Dshot600 ready Frsky version Built-in SPI Frsky receiver with telemetry(D8/D16 switchable) Flysky version Built-in SPI Flysky receiver with telemetry(AFHDS/AFHDS2A switchable) DSM2/X Version built-in Serial-based DSM2/DSMX compatible satellite receiver No RX version need to add external Receiver Built-in Betaflight OSD(SPI Control) Built-in Current meter Max 28A Current meter scale set to 1175 Built-in 5V 1A Buck / Boost with LC filter Built-in voltage detection BLHELI_S pass-through Ready Taillight LED Ready Onboard 4in1 ESC MCU upgraded to EFM8BB21 Power supply: 1-2S LiPo/LiPo HV (3.5v/8.7v) Current: 6A continuous peak 7A (3 seconds) Support BLHeliSuite programmable Factory firmware: S_H_50_REV16_7.Hex Default protocol: DSHOT600 Frsky NON-EU receiver Version SPI BUS receiver Frsky D8/D16 switchable Compatible Non EU transmitter both D8 and D16 mode Channels: 8ch or 16ch Failsafe support No ground interference ( Transmitter and receiver 1 m from the ground): 300m Flysky receiver Version SPI BUS receiver Protocol: AFHDS and AFHDS-2A Switchable Channels: 8ch(AFHDS) or 14ch(AFHDS-2A) No ground interference ( Transmitter and receiver 1 m from the ground): 300m Failsafe support DSM2/DSMX receiver version Serial bus receiver Protocol: DSM2/DSMX compatible Channels:6-9 (Depend on your radio) No ground interference ( Transmitter and receiver 1 m from the ground): 300m VTX Output power: 25/200mw switchable Frequency: 40CH Input voltage: 3.3V 5.5V Current consumption: 300mA(type) Antenna: RG178 antenna Frequency: 5.8GHz 5bands 40 channels With Raceband Smart Audio ready Weight: 3g CADDX EOS2 camera 1/3″ CMOS Sensor 1200 TVL 2.1mm lens 4:3 Image size NTSC Global WDR Internal Synchronization Lipo Battery Capacity: 300mAh Voltage: 3.8v Continuous Discharge Rate: 40C Instantaneous discharge rate: 80C Size: 55mmx12mmx6.5mm Weight: 7.8g Connector: PH2.0 *Notes: Need 2pcs batteries for Series circuit Features: PNP version support TBS receiver New Crazybee F4 PRO Flight controller 1-2s Lipo Compatible 2S whoop more powerful and more flight time Betaflight support , multi flight mode: ACRO/AIR/ANGLE New 0803 Powerful and High efficiency Brushless motor and Smooth ESC Betaflight OSD support ,easy to get RSSI, Voltage ,current from your goggles(DSMX version no RSSI output) Caddx EOS2 camera ready , More comfortable FPV experience Camera Angle adjustable (0-35°) VTX power switchable 25mw~200mw Smart Audio ready , change VTX bands, powers, channels via OSD Adjust the settings and the PID of the flight controller via OSD Frsky Non-EU version support NON-EU Frsky transmitter D8/D16 compatible Flysky version support both AFHDS and AFHDS-2A protocol transmitter DSM2/DSMX version support DSM2 and DSMX compatible Spektrum transmitter No RX version support external serial-bus receiver like xm+, crossfire, S-FHSS etc.. Full telemetry function ready (Frsky Non-EU and Flysky version support) Taillight ready Real Bind and Fly version Compatible both for 1s-2s Package Included: PNP/ NO Receiver Version 1 x 75mm Brushless whoop Frame 1 x Crazybee F4 PRO FC no RX verion 4 x TC0803 KV16000 Motor 1 x 40mm propeller(4cw+4ccw) 1 x Caddx EOS2 camera 1 x 5.8G 40ch 25mw-200mw VTX 4 x 3.8v 300mah 40C/80C battery 1 x USB Lipo/LIHV Charger 1 x Propeller disassemble tool 1 x LED board 1 x Screwdriver 1 x XT30 wire 1 x Bag BNF Version 1 x 75mm Brushless whoop Frame 1 x Option1: Crazybee F4 PRO FC built-in Frsky NON-EU receiver Option2: Crazybee F4 PRO FC built-in Flysky AFHDS and AFHDS-2A Switchable receiver Option3: Crazybee F4 PRO FC built-in DSM2/DSMX receiver 4 x TC0803 KV16000 Motor 1 x 40mm propeller(4cw+4ccw) 1 x Caddx EOS2 camera 1 x 5.8G 40ch 25mw-200mw VTX 4 x 3.8v 300mah 40C/80C battery 1 x USB Lipo/LIHV Charger 1 x Propeller disassemble tool 1 x LED board 1 x Screwdriver 1 x XT30 wire 1 x Bag View the full article

One among the most awaited drone is probably the new Xiaomi FIMI A3 video plateform. I should grab mine in couple days for an exclusive review (I hope too). I know a lot of you are impatient to see first results/videos. Here are a couple of …. Probably the more interesting is the last one where the Fimi A3 is compared with the Hubsan H501SS: same price range but the latter is without stabilization. Well … actually sold 250 USD (around 220 euros), the A3 seems to offer impressive stabilization results. Of course… deeper and independant tests must be done. Wait & See View the full article

Another FPV racer with a builtin Runcam Split Minit 2 is announced with the GEPRC Cygnet: https://www.banggood.com/Geprc-GEP-CX-Cygnet-145mm-3-Inch-RC-FPV-Racing-Drone-Stable-F4-20A-48CH-RunCam-Split-Mini-2-1080P-HD-p-1380268.html Here we have a larger 145mm machine with 3″ props for a weight announced about 131g without battery. the main 3K carbon structure got 3mm arms coupled with some aluminimum vertical element. For the electronic a powerfull F4+BFOSD board, a 4-in-1 20A 4S compaticle ESC boar, 1206/4500KV motors. The RCSM2 is associated with a 48CH 5.8G VTX outputting up to 200mW. The machine is proposed in BNF with two types of FrSky receiver: i) a classic 2.4G FrSky XM+ or ii) via a 868Mhz/900Mhz FrSky R9 for super long range. For example 6mins of flight time is announced with a 3S LiPo of 850mAh to shoot beautifull videos (at moderate speeds). If you want more action, 4min with a 4S 650mAH Lipo can be obtained. Specification: Brand name: Geprc Item name: GEP-CX Cygnet Frame kit: GEPRC GEP-CX3 Wheelbase: 145mm Weight: 131g(not include battery) Flying time: about 6mins(3S-850mAh) / about 4mins(4S-650mAh) Props: 3inch Carbon fiber thickness: 3mm top plate+3mm bottom plate CNC: CNC 7075 aluminum Tail: 3D printed TPU materail+LED Motor: GEPRC GR 1206 4500KV Stable Mini Flytower F4-20: Betaflight F4 OMNIBUS flight controller 20A BLHeli_S/Dshot150/300/600 ESC GEP-VTX58200 48CH Mini FPV Transmitter(OFF/25/100/200mW) Camera: RunCam Split Mini 2 1080P HD Propellers: Emax AVAN Mini 3024 Receiver: PNP(without receiver) / BNF(XM+) / BNF(R9MM) Package included: PNP version: 1x GEPRC GEP-CX3 frame kit 4x GEPRC GR 1206 4500KV motor 1x Stable mini flytower F4-20A-VTX58200 1x RunCam Split Mini 2 1080P HD camera 4x Emax AVAN Mini 3024 propellers BNF version: 1x GEPRC GEP-CX3 frame kit 4x GEPRC GR 1206 4500KV motor 1x Stable mini flytower F4-20A-VTX58200 1x RunCam Split Mini 2 1080P HD camera 4x Emax AVAN Mini 3024 propellers 1x XM+/ R9MM receiver (option) View the full article

Remember my last SPCMaker SPC-K1 review ?. Here is a 110mm version of this model, i.e. the SPC-K25: https://www.banggood.com/SPCMAKER-K25-110mm-FPV-Racing-Drone-PNP-BNF-5_8G-Omnibus-F4-20A-2-4S-BLheli_S-RunCam-Split-Mini-2-p-1380267.html We have exactly the same electronic ingredients: a F4 + BFOSD flight controller, strong 4S compatible 20A BLheli_S/Dshot600 ESC, 1106/6000KV motors and !!!! a buitlin Runcam Split Mini 2 (RCSM2) to shoot 1080p@60fps HD videos while broadcasting with low latency the FPV analog signal. For the SPC-K1 a lot problems have been reported. The more important one is the presence of Jello. SPCMaker will send me a fixed frame for the K1 but good news at least with this K25, out of the box no jello can be noticed according to the following video. In another hand, the VTX is still none smartaudio compatible, no direct control of the runcam split mini 2 with radio and main probably the FrSky XM+ receiver won’t be flashed with the firmware exporting the RSSI for the OSD. The frame is now larger 110mm versus 95mm so about 10 extra grams can be noticed. Arms are also now 3mm. Wait & see but from now there are lot of new FPV racers directly integrating a RCSM2 or a Caddx Turtle 2. The competition will be rude…. Specification: Brand name: SPCMAKER Item name: K25 FPV Racing Drone Flight Controller: Firmware: Omnibus F4 Input Voltage: 2-4S Lipo BEC: 5.1V@1.2A Size: 27x27mm Mount holes: 20x20mm Weight: 3.5g ESC: 20A Mini 4in1 BLheli_S 2-4S Lipo Current: 25A(Continuous Current) BEC: No Input Voltage: 2-4S Lipo Size: 29x31mm Weight: 4.9g Motor: 1106 6000KV Propeller: Emax AVAN Rush 2.5 Inch Camera: RunCam Split Mini 2 VTX: 5.8G 25mW-200mW 40CH Receiver: Frsky/Flysky/Futaba/DSMX(BNF Only) Package Included: 1 x K25 Frame Kit 1 x F4 Flight Controller 1 x 20A 4in1 ESC 4 x 1106 6000KV Motor 2 x Emax AVAN Rush 2.5 Inch Propeller CW 2 x Emax AVAN Rush 2.5 Inch Propeller CCW 1 x RunCam Split Mini 2 Camera 1 x 5.8G 40CH VTX 1 x Receiver(BNF Only) 1 x Battery Strap 1 x Buzzer View the full article

A new Emax product is now introduced, a 75mm tinyhoop style one, i.e. the Tinyhawk: https://www.banggood.com/Emax-Tinyhawk-Indoor-FPV-Racing-Drone-BNF-RTF-F4-4in1-3A-15000KV-37CH-25mW-600TVL-p-1375328.html We have here a 1S solution with 08025/15000Kv motors for a total weight about 41g with the battery included. The FPV system is a basic 600TVL CMOS camera coupled with a 25mW VTX supporting smart audio protocol. For the Flight controller, a F4 with a builtin Betaflight OSD chip. The flight controller includes also a builtin FrSky receiver in D8 exporting the RSSI for the OSD. Finally ESC are “only” 3A rated, at least supporting BLheli_S firmware. Well IMHO, this machine is just a fraction of grams more lighter than a beta75X 2S machine while the Tinyhawk is only 1S. More the full plastic structure is already known to be fragile for the transversal plastic rod. To resume, probably this machine is pretty well optimized and configured out of the box and inverted props can probably help for fast turnings but this model is less interesting than new 2S TinyWhoop machines recently introduced. Specification: Brand name: Emax Item name: Tinyhawk Item Specification Main PCB Flight Controller: F4 (MATEKF411 firmware) ESCs: 4in1 3A Receiver: EMAX Tiny receiver (Compatible with Frsky D8 mode) Motor Stator: 8mm x 2.5mm (08025) KV: 15000kv Propeller Diameter: 40mm Blades: 3 Pitch: 23mm Weight: 0.5 g Camera and VTX VTX Power: 25mw Channels: 37CH Camera Properties: 600TVL CMOS Battery Voltage: 1s 4.35v HV Capacity: 450 mAh Discharge rating: 80c/160c Feature: – 75mm Indoor racing drone – 08025 brushless motor with durable ball bearing for increase flight and low maintenance – Durable polypropylene plastic frame with propeller guards – Motor beeper function. Find your tinyhawk after a crash – Speeds up to 56kph – Up to 4 minutes flight time on single battery – Fast F4 Processor for smooth stable flight characteristics – MPU6000 gyro for vibration free operations – Unique inverted motor design to keep CG as low as possible to fit in the smallest of spaces – 25mw VTX and 600tvl Camera included for fun FPV flight via FPV style goggles – Smart Audio function to change VTX channel via your transmitter – OSD settings control to customize flight feel – Pre-tuned from factory with expert pilots and new pilots in mind. 3 rate profile settings for all types of flying feel – Plug in type motors for easy maintenance – 1s High Voltage (HV) 450mah lipo included – Frsky compatible D8 receiver built in to FC – Custom carbon fiber themed carrying case Package Included: 1 x Tinyhawk FPV Racing Drone 1 x Light weight soft carry case, with carbon fiber look 1 x USB High Voltage capable 4 port USB Charger 1 x 1s High Voltage (HV) 450mah lipo battery. GNB powered View the full article

WiFi toyquadcopter made a lot of progress since one year. From basic 720p camera with a narrow field of view and basic flight assistance, now with the Eachine E511S: https://www.banggood.com/Eachine-E511S-GPS-Dynamic-Follow-WIFI-FPV-With-1080P-Camera-16mins-Flight-Time-RC-Drone-Quadcopter-p-1373965.html we have a foldable machine able to record up to 1080p with a FOV of 120 degrees. More thanks to a builtin GPS you will enjoy advanced flight modes such GPS positionning, RTH, follow-me, path planning. No mention about specific selfie fligth modes, a very important missing information if you plan to use this machine as a firt selfie drone… The camera can be tilted up and down via the radiocommand. It’s a brushed machine with 1020 coreless motors so the largest brushed motors actually available. Of course with brushed machine always take into consideration that such motors have a limited life. If you think to buy this machine, always also order at least a CW and a CCW motors. With a 1200mAh 2S LiPo, the promised flight time is about 14min… In term of control range about 200-300m… but I am not sure despite the 5.8G WiFi link such distances can be reached. For europeans android users, take into consideration that probably the selected 5.8G WiFi channels won’t be compatible with your device except if Eachine added a procedure to change these channels according to your local zone. More, three versions are proposed: one 720p, one 1080p and one 1080p 5.8G WiFi. If for the two first it’s clear that the video is stored locally on the quadcopter via a microSD card… it’s not clear for the 1080p 5.8G model if also the native video flux is also stored onboard or only via your smartphone. If the last hypothesis is true, the machine looses a lot of interest. Other questions emerge also from the camera module: What is the frame rate ? what is the light sensitivity… At least for sure for such price don’t expect EIS feature to stabilize your video recording… So many questions at end. Only a complete review will answer Description: Brand Name: Eachine Item NO.: E511S Frequency: 2.4G Channel: 4CH Gyro: 6 axis Motor: 1020 Coreless Motor Quadcopter Battery: 7.4V 1200mAh Lipo (Included) Transmitter Battery: 3 x 1.5 AA battery (NOT Included) Flying time: 14-16mins Charging time: 120-150mins R/C Distance: 200-300m Color: Black Camera Optional: 720P / 1080P / 5G WiFi 1080P FOV: 120° Wide Angle Quad’s Size: 35.4×36.6×7.3cm (the arms not folded, with props guard) 18.5×10.8×6.4cm (the arms folded) Features: – With foldable arm, small size, easy to carry. – GPS positioning mode provides a more accurate flight. – With wifi function can be connected APP, APK system to take pictures, video, real-time transmission through the phone camera image. – Optional 720P / 1080P / 5G WiFi 1080P HD camera give wide range high denfinition pictures and video. – Camera with Servo that support adjust the angle by APP. – Surround action will enable the aircraft flying in a circle, providing cooler shooting perspective.(outdoors only) – Follow me: the aircraft will fix the controlling cellphone and follow the operator whichever direction he moves.(outdoors only) – Waypoint flight mode, just draw a route on the screen, the copter as the given path.(outdoors only) – With altitude hold mode function provides stable flight. – With 3.7V 1200mAh battery, the fly time up to 16 mins. – With Headless Mode,no need to adjust the position of aircraft before flying . – With One key to return function makes it easily to find the way home. – with low power protection overcurrent protection. – 2.4GHz Technology Adopted for Anti-Interference. – 4 Channel which can do ascend, descend, forward, backward, left sideward fly, right sideward fly and rolling 360°. – 6-axis gyro which can have more stable flying and be easy to control. – It have 3-level flight speed to switch that can make more fun with the flying. – It can realize 3D tumbling 360°rolling in four directions with 4 LED lights. – The quadcopter fuselage is made of high strength and resistant engineering plastics,lightweight and durable resistance. Function: Up/down, Forward/backward, Turn left/right, Sideward flight, 3-level flight speed, LED Light, Headless Mode, GPS Positioning, Follow Me, Surrounding Flight, Waypoint Flight, Altitude Hold Mode, WiFi FPV, Camera/Video Package Included: 1 x Eachine E511S RC Quadcopter 1 x Transmitter 1 x 7.4V 1200mAh Lipo Battery (Can be choose the battery quantity when order) 1 x USB Charging Cable 4 x Protection Cover 2 x Spare Blades 1 x Screwdriver 1 x User Manual View the full article

You just read the review of the SPCMaker SPC-K1, the first 95mm FPV racer including a runcam split mini 2 ?. Here is a new model, the iFlight iH2: https://www.banggood.com/IFlight-iH2-95mm-FPV-Racing-Drone-PNPBNF-SucceX-F4-FC-35A-BLHeli_32-ESC-RunCam-TX200-2-6S-p-1372753.html It’s also a 95mm machine but with a total weight of 71.4g instead of 86g for the SPC-K1. More we have a ESC board with new FET supporting up to 35A !!!! so 6S compatible (if and only if motors could handle such voltage). More there now BLheli_32 firmware compatible !!!! so with DSHOT1200 compatible for faster corrections and controls. Motors are “only” 1104 @ 9500Kv. Clearly too fast for being 4S compatible. The iH2 will be limited to 3S setup. In this case with a 300mAh 3S LiPo you can expect a full 1080p@60fps flying machine under 100g … Impressive. For the VTX part, we have also Runcam VTX module so potentially IRC Tramp compatible. In term of frame structure, lower arms looks very thin… about 2mm max… so clearly the durability of this frame will be the main opened question. The iH2 is proposed with three type of receiver: FrSky D16, Flysky AFHDS-2A and Spektrum DSM2. I really hope a jello free situation will be here … and also no occlusion in the Field of View. I will ask to review this one. iFlight iH2 95mm FPV Racing Drone PNP/BNF SucceX F4 FC 35A BLHeli_32 ESC RunCam TX200 2-6S iFlight iH2 is a new FPV tiny-whoop designed for the indoor HD aerial filming based on iH3. It has all the fun and advantages of IH3, but now in a smaller size and comes with the latest released electronics. iFlight has made many attempts to improve the configuration of iH2, ensuring both the feasibility of carrying HD video equipment and the extraordinary flight experience. The main problem of previous micro indoor drone for HD aerial filming is the drone body weight. To overcome this obstacle, we have carried out weight control strictly. On the basis of ensuring the strength, the proportion of the frame has been greatly reduced. The brain of the iH2 is iFlight’s new Succex 6S Mini all in one F4 FC stack with 35A ESC. Equipped with RunCam SPLIT-MINI 2 and RunCam TX200, the iH2 comes pre-tuned to bring you unprecedented flight experience! Specification: Brand name: iFlight Item name: iH2 95mm FPV Racing Drone Wheelbase: 95mm Drone size: 125*102mm Drone weight: 71.4g(without battery) Flight controller: SucceX F4 mini ESC: SucceX Mini 35A 2-6S BLHeli_32 Firmware: betaflight 3.5.0(can upgrade) Motor: Tachyon 1104 9500KV Propeller: GEMFAN 1940 3-blade Camera: Runcam split mini 2 VTX: RunCam TX200 Receiver: FS-A8S /Frsky XM+ / DSM2 (Optional) Recommend battery: Fullsend 350mAh 7.4V 2S 45C (Not included) Feature: – Ultra-light body – Lens protected by vertical side plates effectively – no propeller in view Package Included: PNP Version 1 x iFlight iH2 frame kit 1 x iFlight SucceX F4 mini 2-6S flight controller 1 x iFlight SucceX Mini 35A 2-6S BLHeli_32 4 in 1 ESC 1 x RunCam TX200 VTX 4 X iFlight Tachyon T1104 9500KV motor 4 x CW GEMFAN 1940 3-blade propeller 4 x CCW GEMFAN 1940 3-blade propeller 1 x RunCam SPLIT-MINI2 camera 1 x iFlight 10*130mm red strap 1 x Battery strap 15*150 red 1 x 3M Adhesive Mushroom Buckle 10cm 1 x XT30 male with wire 2mm side #18 Silicone wire red black 70mm long 1 x 90° Hexagon screwdriver1.5 1 x 90° Hexagon screwdriver 2.0 BNF Version 1 x iFlight iH2 frame kit 1 x FS-A8S /Frsky XM+ / DSM2 receiver (Optional) 1 x iFlight SucceX F4 mini 2-6S flight controller 1 x iFlight SucceX Mini 35A 2-6S BLHeli_32 4 in 1 ESC 1 x RunCam TX200 VTX 4 X iFlight Tachyon T1104 9500KV motor 4 x CW GEMFAN 1940 3-blade propeller 4 x CCW GEMFAN 1940 3-blade propeller 1 x RunCam SPLIT-MINI2 camera 1 x iFlight 10*130mm red strap 1 x Battery strap 15*150 red 1 x 3M Adhesive Mushroom Buckle 10cm 1 x XT30 male with wire 2mm side #18 Silicone wire red black 70mm long 1 x 90° Hexagon screwdriver 1.5 1 x 90° Hexagon screwdriver 2.0 View the full article

INTRODUCTION The SPCMaker SPC-K1 represents a novel step forward in the compact FPV brushless world due to for the first time the integration of the new Runcam Split Mini 2 module. Thanks to it, you can broadcast the video signal for FPV application and simultaneously with very low latency record the native video source up to 1080p@60fps. More the SPC-K1 is a 95mm machine, so ultra compact and even 1,5 years it was pretty hard to imagine than such machine could emerge soon. The SPC-K1 integrates also a F4 based FC, strong 20A BLHeli_S/Dshot600 4-in-1 ESC coupled with 1105/6000Kv motors in order to be 4S compatible. For the 5.8G, a dedicaced board broadcasting the signal over 40CH with 25mW or 100mW of power transmission. The machine structure is mainly 3K carbon based. BOX CONTENT + 1 x SPCMaker SPC-K1 + 4 x props (2 CW, 2 CCW) + 4 x Prop guards + 1 x 10 M2 hexscrews + 1 x Battery strap + 2 x set of stickers Notice the absolute absence of an instruction manual ….. not really professional for an end-users machine. Important remark, the provided hexscrews are for the guardless configuration. You will need to provide your own M2 hexscrews if you want to fly with propguards. No spare props or battery provided…. OVERVIEW The machine is compact, holding perfectly in the hand’s palm. A 95mm machine. It’s impressive to have a 95mm 1080p@60 flying machine. On this photo, you can notice immediatly the really thin shape of the upper plate….. you can understand easily that most part of the electronic layers are directly exposed to latteral crashes…. The lower main structure including arms is 2.5mm thick….. In term of durability it’s not really a weak element but I would prefer more a 3mm solution. The arms would have been more solide … and it will reduce also vibrations…. The upper layer is even thiner…. 1.5mm and linked with the bottom via classic aluminium standoff.s IMHO in case of massive frontal crashes, the standoff will break or be bent. To conclude about the frame, it’s far to be the most solid solution I saw. I guess the save maximum of weight…. -FRONT VIEW The Emax 2″ props (Emax Avan Blur) represents the maximum size you can install. At least, good news, no prop occlusion will be noticed in the video. -SIDE VIEW From the left side we can see easily the two top layers wich are respectively the VTX board (upper) and the flight controller board linked togather via a small 6p connector. The third bord (from top) is the main Runcam split mini 2 where you can guess two small black micro switches. They are really tiny…. and you can even by accident touch the ESC’s pads while pressing them. More they can break relatively easily….The front button trigs the video recording. Notice, the autorecording option is turned on by default. At least don’t forget at the end of your flight to stop the current recording. Unfortunatly, the RunCam split Mini 2 UART port and not connected to one of the two free available on the FC. It means you can’t use the radio to trigger recording or to change a builtin camera option…. Only 2 wires are required for these connexions…. What’s a pity than it’s not done from factory. From the right side, we can see the unique button of the VTX. What’s a pity this board don’t support Smart Audio or IRC Tramp protocols … You can also guess the microSD slot. You will need to raise the metal tab to insert/eject the microSD card. Prefer a good class10 freshly formated in FAT32. -REAR VIEW If there are no LED lights…. at least and it’s the more important for me, there is a buzzer….. Not ultra loud but ok for a radius of 20m. -UPPER VIEW The 5.8G linear antenna is pretty close of the two 2.4G antennas of the FrSky receiver. Maybe to limit harmonics degradation, the two FrSky antennas should be installed more on the front part. -BOTTOM VIEW -WEIGHT 86g standalone and less than 150g with a 500mAh 4S LiPo !!!! Expect about 125g with a 3S/300-350mAh. Motors Some SPCMaker 1105/6000Kv motors. Not too fast for being 4S compatible. It’s an excellent point. Now with such motors…. the quality of ball-bearings is a real important question….. in order to reduce vibration/increase longevity. Notice that motors are installed on black softmount TPU based. IMHO it’s not the best material to absorbe the more vibrations…. Camera module and VTX For the Runcam split mini 2, the camera module looks the same with two different FOV. A 130 degrees for the FPV section and 165 degrees for the HD recordings. The maximum uptilt angle you can set is about +35 degrees. In this position, the lens is not at 100% protected from a frontral crash. The Runcam split mini 2 comes with the Firmware V2.1 pre-installed. For future upgrade, you will need to copy the firmware bin file in the root folder of your microSD card … then power on the machine. The procedure should takes a couple of minutes The Vfreq, Vband and outpower selection procedure is different from classic way. Basically you have two light leds to control the current Vfreq and Vband selected with binary coding. When you press 3s, both lights will turn off then you will have the red light flashing fast. Then by short pressing you will cycle between the eight Vfreq inside the current band. If you long press one more time than 3s, you will enter into the Vband submenu . If pressed 3s one more time then in the outpower menu Disassembling On the bottom side of the FC, two free UART ports are available. Ideal for example for the Runcam split mini 2 connexion and a SmartAudio compatible VTX… UNBOXING, ANALYSIS, CONFIGURATION AND DEMO FLIGHTS The machine comes with an old betaflight version, the v3.2.4 (original dump zip file below). With this version, no support of smartaudio and runcam protocols. So if one day, you want to install the two wires linking the FC to the RCSM2, you will also need to upgrade Betaflight. I directly installed the version 3.5.2 and copied the PIDS settings found in the V3.2.54 In the first video, in the last part flight section, you can notice huge amount of jello at least in 4S configuration… I tried other type of props…. no more better success. It’s annoying because the SPC-K1 flies beautifully and is ultrapowerfull. A lot of fun to fly this machine in acro. You can also notice that edges are blurred with the splut mini 2 combo…. At least the sound is well recorded dislike the first edition. After some other investigation, I noticed I forgot to apply also the original filter settings. When fixed, results are better….. but I still have some remaining jellos ….. It’s really a frustrating situation because, you can feel you are close to a perfect situation if the filter and the softmount sections were a bit more efficient. It’s also strange because another reviewer with the same machine and PID/filter settings got much better results than I have … Here is his results with a 3S LiPo and mine with the same type of 300mAh 3S LiPo I still have jello in 3S setup. Except another error of me, I don’t see any reason to not have such relatively good results. I will investigate more and probably later change softmount for this solution: https://www.banggood.com/8-PCS-EVA-Sponge-Vibaration-Isolation-Soft-Mount-for-1102-1106-Motor-for-RC-Multirotor-FPV-Racing-Drone-p-1138084.html EDIT: With a bit of extra work, I have these results indoors for hovering conditions Seem most of jello are gone……… but need to be confirmed outdoors. CONCLUSIONS I got a mixed feeling with this machine. If you don’t bother to keep the last betaflight version, to not have the RSSI in your OSD layout, the control of split mini 2 via OSD, the SPC-K1 is great acro flyer especially in 4S configuration. You can obtain pretty good HD recordings if you are lucky or with a bit of jello like I have. Be aware, generally all the electronic elements are partially exposed to crash’s damages and the general frame solution is not the more durable you can find in the market. In another hand, if you think to find here everything well configured with smart audio, split mini 2 controls etc… it’s not the case at least out of the box. Some extra works are required…… and for me as a deluxe machine as the SPC-K1 can represent it’s not very acceptable. Dump_BF_3_2_4 PROS + First 95mm with a builtin Runcan Split Mini 2 + Good 1080p@60 videos + 86g machine !!! + Ultra powerfull in 4S (and already powerfull in 3S) + More than 5min of flight time with a 500mAh 4S LiPo + Fun acro machine + Record sound CONS – Presence of Jello in 3S & 4S configuration – Electronic tower exposed to crash due to a shrinked upper carbon plate – Fragile upper structure – Come with an old Betaflight installed (3.2.4) – FrSky receiver not flashed with the “RSSI” friendly firmware – No instruction manual – Absence of longer’s hexscrews for the propguard installation – VTX not compatible with IRC Tramp/SmartAudio technologies – Edges blurred (Runcam Split mini 2 known problem) – No UART connexion between the Runcam split mini 2 and the flight controller This quadcopter have been courtesy provided by Banggood in order to make a fair and not biased review. I would like to thank them for this attitude. You can find it actually for 193USD at https://www.banggood.com/SPCMaker-SPC-K1-95mm-Omnibus-F4-20A-BL_S-FPV-Racing-Drone-PNP-BNF-w-RunCam-Split-Mini-2-Camera-p-1357411.html View the full article

FIMI is the real producer of the Xiaomi Mi drone and big news, there will be soon a new model more compact, i.e. the FIMI A3: https://www.banggood.com/FIMI-A3-5_8G-1KM-FPV-With-2-axis-Gimbal-1080P-Camera-25mins-Flight-Time-GPS-RC-Drone-Quadcopter-RTF-p-1368969.html5 Here we have a 560g machine flying up to 25min and 1km of distance equiped of 2-axis physical axis gimbal + 1080p@30fps CMOS Ambrella based sensor. The yaw stabilization is done electronically like the DJI Spark. Clearly this machine is a direct competitor of it or the new Hubsan Zino. I guess a 4K variant will be also announced soon. The radiocommand integrades directly a small screen. You can even record the transmitted video flux via a builtin DVR. If the price target is interesting…. my first regret is not the absence of a 4K@30fps resolution but more the 1080p@60fps one…. Another point, it’s not clear if the 5.8G video link is an analogic one or a digital one… Seems more an old analog one seems there is a builtin DVR in D1 format in the radiocommand. DESCRIPTION: Item Specification FIMI A3 RC Quadcopter Model: A3 Color: White Dimension: 285*229*69mm Diagonal Size: 323mm 560G Hover Accuracy: when GPS Positioning is active, Vertical: ± 0.5 m & Horizontal: ± 1.5 m Max ascending speed: 6 m/s Max descending speed: 5 m/s Max cruising speed: 18 m/s 1KM Flying Limited Altitude: 500 m 25MINSWind resistance: = 4 Satellite positioning systems: GPS+GLONASS Operating frequency: 2.4-2.483GHz; 40CH Built-in Battery: 11.1V 2000 mAh 3S Lipo Battery Remote Controller 480*272 Screen size: 4.3inch Frequency: 2.4-2.483GHz; 40CH Max R/C distance: About 1000m Built-in Battery: 2950 mAh lipo battery Voltage: 3.7V Charge port type: Micro USB 720*480 Gimbal Controlled Rotation Scope: 0° ~ -90° Pitch angle Stabilizaton: 2-aixs mechanical and 3-aixs electronical gimbal HD 1080P Camera Lens: FOV 80° Aperture: f2.0 Focal Distance: 3.54 mm Equivalent Focal Distance: 27mm Sensor: 1/3.2″ CMOS ISO Range: 100 – 3200 for video; 100 – 1600 for picture Shutter Speed: 4 ~ 1/8000 s Max Photo Resolution: 8M 3264*2448 1920X1080 30 FPS File System: FAT32 / exFAT Image Format: JPG Video Format: MP4 DVR: 1920×1080 30 fps / 1920×1080 25 fps Adapter Rated Output: 14V 0.8A Rated Input: 100-240V ~ 50/60Hz 0.3A Rated Output Power :11.2W Balance Charger Rated Output: 11.1V 0.8A Rated Input:14V 0.8A Applicable Battery: 3S Charging Limit Voltage: 12.75 V Rated Voltage: 11.1 V Rated Capacity: 2000 mAh / 22.2 Wh Weight: about 162g Propeller Item Name: Quick-release propeller Length: 7.5inch Pitch: 3.6inch Feature: 1. HD 1080P camera powered by Ambarella ISP processor and Sony CMOS sensor, provides perfect HD picture and video. 2. The 2-aixs mechanical and 3-aixs electronical gimbal provides stable and smooth footage in any situation. 3. With lightweight design, the drone flies faster. 4. Wth quick-release propellers, fast and powerful propulsion with durable,well balanced design. 5. Flight time is up to 25mins with 11.1V 2000mAh lipo battery 6. 1km range 5.8G real time transmission system. 7. With DIY port, you can explore your way to play with the drone, like driving a servo, lighting a led or fireoworks. 8. Remote Controller is built-in LCD screen, DVR, and User Interface. 9. Headless Mode,no need to adjust the position of aircraft before flying . 10. One key to return function makes it easily to find the way home. FUNCTIONS: PACKAGE INCLUDED: 1 x RC Quadcopter( with camera) 1 x Transmitter 1 x 11.1V 2000mAh Lipo Battery 1 x USB Cable 1 x Charging Cable 1 x Balance Charger 1 x Manual View the full article

FullSpeed a new FPV machine’s producer who collected recently good feedbacks with their last models. Here is a new PNP revision of their 2.5″ success story, the Leader 2 SSE: https://www.banggood.com/FullSpeed-Leader-2_5SE-120mm-FPV-Racing-Drone-PNP-F3-OSD-28A-BLHELI_S-2-4S-600mW-Caddx-Micro-F2-p-1366576.html Basically we have the same highly profiled carbon based structure super durable to massive crashes. Arms are 3mm thick for example. We have this nice 3d-printed top canopy structure protecting the electronic tower but also shaping the machine into a shark animal. For the electronics… it’s a classic but solid solution: F3 + BFOSD compatible FC, 28A 4S compatible BLheli_S 4-in-1 ESC (not yet BLHeli32). Associated motors are 1106/7500Kv ultrapowerfull model but definitively requiring a super strong battery with a huge discharge rate. As novelty, probably a Caddx Micro F2 FPV camera is now here. It’s a CMOS model but with a great light sensitivity and WDR feature. For the VTX controls can be done via the OSD and can deliver up to 600mW over 48 channels. If Leader 2.5SE is not a revolution in the FPV market, for example no Runcam split mini 2 combo installed as for the futur SPCMaker K1 (should be reviewed soon in D-M), it’s a solid machine and can represent an excellent 2.5″ choice. Specification: Brand Name: FullSpeed Item Name: Leader 2.5SE FPV Racing Drone Weelbase: 120mm Net Weight: 88g Thickness of bottom plate: 3mm Thickness of side plate: 2mm Flight controller: FSD F3 built-in OSD ESC: FSD 28A BLHELI_S 2-4S 4in1 ESC Dshot600 Motor: 1106 7500KV Propeller: FSD 2535 Camera: Caddx Micro F2 VTX: FSD TX600 25/100/200/400/600 switchable VTX FullSpeed FSD F3 Flight controller Size: 27.5mm * 27.5mm * 5mm Mounting hole: 20mm * 20mm MCU: STM32 F303 Built-in Betaflight OSD BEC: 5V 3A FullSpeed FSD 28A BLHELI_S 4in1 ESC Size: 27mm * 27mm * 5mm Mounting hole: 20mm * 20mm Firmware: BLHELI_S Input voltage: 2-4S Continuous current: 28A BEC Ouput: NO FullSpeed FSD TX600 25mW-600mW VTX FPV Transmitter Output power: PIT/25mW/100mW/200mW/400mW/600mW switchable Control mode:BFOSD control(RX)/button Video system: NTSC/PAL Antenna: IPEX BAT: 5V Recommended Frequency: 5.8GHz 6 bands 48 channels, with Raceband: 5362-5945 MHZ (TX600’s factory set up is on lock mode(5733-5866MHZ unlock). Please follow your local laws and regulations if you need to unlock the frequency.) Size: 26*26mm(L*W),Hole:20*20mm Weight: 2.3g Package Included: 1 x Leader 2.5SE frame kit 1 x FSD328 F3 28A Flight tower 4 x 1106 7500KV Brushless motor 2 x FSD 2535propeller (CW) 2 x FSD 2535propeller (CCW) 1 x Caddx Micro F2 1 x FSD TX600 25mW-600mW VTX FPV Transmitter View the full article