Drone News

A new compact 100mm brushless racer is announced by Gofly-RC: https://www.banggood.com/Gofly-RC-Falcon-CP90PRO-100mm-Mini-FPV-Racing-Drone-F3-OSD-25mW-100mW-40CH-VTX-Runcam-Nano-650TVL-p-1232700.html The frame is pretty cool with the runcam nano FPV camera fully protected. For the electronic, classic ingredients, i.e. a F3 + OSD omnibus board, 4-in-1 20A BLheli_S/Dshort ESC board and 1104/7500Kv motors. Maybe we could expect some 1105 or even better 1106 variant to boost even more performances. Whatever, the announced setup should be 4S compatible even a 3S battery is advised. There are some programmable lights and a builtin Buzzer. The FPV section is based on a 25mW/100mW 40CH VTX. This CP90pro comes in PNP version so you will need to attached you own receiver with serial/PPM connexion. No information about the thickness of the frame but look like something around 3mm from the photos. Specification: Brand name: Gofly-RC Item name: Falcon CP90PRO Wheelbase: 100mm Size: 125mm*125mm*35mm Weight: 72g(without battery) Motor: 1104 7500KV brushless motor ESC: 4in1 BLheli_S 20A (Include 5V BEC) Power input: 2s/3s lipo battery Propeller: 2inch(50.80mm) Flight time: 4-5minutes Compatible receiver: DSMX/DSM2/PPM/SBUS (package not including) Camera: RUNCAM NANO 650TVL VTX: 5.8G 25MW 100MW 40CH FC: OMINIBUS F3 (Betaflight3.2.2, mounting hole: 20*20mm) OSD: Betaflight OSD LED navigation lights: Programmable RGB LED Alarm Buzzer: 75db Input plug: XT30 Notes: this is the PNP version, it doesn’t come with the receiver, charger, receiver or remote control. Package included: 1x Falcon CP90PRO mini FPV racing drone PNP 2x pairs propeller 4x propeller protective guard Cet article NEWS: Gofly-RC Falcon CP90Pro est apparu en premier sur Drone-Maniac !!!!!!!. View the full article

– FX805-OSD camera: https://www.banggood.com/fr/FXT-FX805-OSD-600TVL-NTSC-125-Degree-AIO-5_8GHz-25mW-37CH-Raceband-Camera-Vtx-Combo-Built-In-OSD-p-1195292.html – FXT T70: – FXT FX888R: https://www.banggood.com/fr/FXT-FX888R-5_8G-6-Bands-48CH-Raceband-Triversity-Receiver-Built-in-12864-OLED-p-1195291.html – iRangeX IRX4+: https://www.banggood.com/IRangeX-IRX4-Plus-2_4G-CC2500-NRF24L01-A7105-CYRF6936-4-IN-1-Multiprotocol-STM32-TX-Module-With-Case-p-1225080.html – Eachine Beecore V2.0: https://www.banggood.com/Eachine-Beecore-Upgrade-V2_0-Brushed-F3OSD-Flight-Control-Board-For-Inductrix-Tiny-Whoop-E010-E010S-p-1212231.html – WLtoys A959B: https://www.tomtop.com/p-rm8934eu.html?aid=frc6 Cet article NEWS: SeByDocKy’s weekly news #74 est apparu en premier sur Drone-Maniac !!!!!!!. View the full article

THE SPCMaker 90NC IS UNFLYABLE OUT OF THE BOX DUE TO BAD GYROS!!!! AVOID THIS MACHINE INTRODUCTION The SPCMaker 95GL received few weeks ago my award due to its great performances in all sectors: powerfull machine, durable, great CCD camera, OSD, etc… With the new SPCMaker 90NC, some upgrades have been introduced. Now we have a F4 + OSD Omnibus board and super strong 28A ESC BLheli_S/Dshot 600. Other ingredients remain the same, i.e. a great Runcam microswift CCD camera, strong carbon frame and 4S compatible 1104 brushless motors. We can in theory expect another super great machine. Let’s discover it. BOX CONTENT + 1 x SPCmaker 95GF + 2 x 3S 350mah/30C with XT30 connector + 2 x battery straps + 4 x zip ties + 1 x Velcro bands + 8 x 2035 quadriblade props (4 CW, 4 CCW) + 8 x M2 hexscrews + 1 x XT30 male to XT60 female cable extender OVERVIEW Everything starts well … we have a 85mm machine full carbon based With strong 3mm arms -FRONT VIEW -SIDE VIEW -REAR VIEW -UPPER VIEW The tiny bind button associated with the FrSky XM+ receiver -WEIGHT Motors and props LiPo Camera module The lens is directly exposed to a frontal crash UNBOXING, ANALYSIS To make very short, unfortunatly this machine is unflyable out of the box !!!!!! freaks out as soon as the machine is armed !!!!. Motors becomes super hot in a fraction of seconds.It’s linked with the new gyro chip ICM 20608. The new gyros if they are not softmounted (massively) becomes crazy as soon as small vibrations are transmitted by motors. For more explanations, please check this Alber Kim’s video: The only way to make this machine “usable” is to softmount almost every parts: motors, FC board, ESC board, aluminium standoff…. as depicted in this photo: CONCLUSIONS What a disapointement from SPCMaker……. From light (95GL) to dark (90NG, 110NG)…. Simply avoid this machine except if you are sure to do correctly the softmounting. PROS + Up to date electronics parts + Deluxe bundle + Great CCD FPV camera + Strong 3K carbon 3mm frame + 4S compatible + 28A BLheli_S_Dshot 600 ESC + FrSky XM+ CONS – BAD GYROS, COMPLETlY UNSTABLE MACHINE OUT OF THE BOX – Exposed lens from direct front crash – No possibility to set the lens orientation – Expensive 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 233USD at https://www.banggood.com/SPC-Maker-90NG-90mm-FPV-Racing-Drone-With-Omnibus-F4-NANO-28A-4-in-1-BLheli_s-5_8G-48CH-VTX-BNF-p-1193566.html Cet article TEST: SPCMaker 90NC est apparu en premier sur Drone-Maniac !!!!!!!. View the full article

There is a new brushed TinyWhoop inspired FPV racer introduced by Eachine: https://www.banggood.com/Eachine-M80S-with-3-Flight-Mode-8520-Motor-5_8G-600TVL-Camera-Micro-FPV-Racer-Drone-Quadcopter-RTF-p-1230897.html The M80 is slightly larger (76mm) and integrates 8520 motors (no RPM mentioned) to reach 52g with 500mAh 1S LiPo. The FPV part is classic with a 600TVL CMOS camera coupled with a 25mW/48CH. After the Eachine 90C, the mirarobot S80, the M80 permits also to select three flight modes: angle (6-axis stabilized), angle and even altitude hold …. Clearly this last flight mode will required an autocentered throttle stick and it’s clearly incompatible with precise acro flight … Really strange choice/mixture of these flight modes. The price is also super high: 100 USD for a brushed model when you can grab the great Boldclash B06 for the same price … Crazy from Eachine. Eachine M80 with its integrated camera/video transmitter and pre-installed LED tail light, it has everything you need and more for FPV fun. 3-flight mode free to switch(Acro Mode, Angle mode, Altitude Mode) makes flying simple while the ducted propeller design allows you to bounce off walls and objects without crashing! One key Rolling allows you to flip the quadcopter back upright after a crash by quickly reversing the motor direction. New altitude hold flight mode manintains the distance from the ground, providing an intuitive flight experience. Description: Brand Name: Eachine Item NO.: M80 Wheelbase: 76mm Weight: 40g (without battery) Flight weight: 52g (Include battery) Size: 100*100*50mm Motor: 8520 Brush Motor Prop Size: 44mm Camera: 600TVL HD CMOS 1/3 inch Camera Video Output format: PAL / NTSC AV Wireless Transmitter: 5.8g 25mw 48ch Batterry: 3.8V 500mah Lipo battery Flight time: 6 minutes With LED_Strip function Features: – One key Rolling will flip a crashed, upside down craft to an upright orientation at the push of a button, no more walk of shame! – Three Flight Mode, Acro Mode, Angle mode, Altitude Mode can be switched freely. – With Altitude Mode, Maintains distance from ground while providing self-leveling, perfect for beginners, make the flight more stable, expand the flight crowd. – with 8.5mm brushed motors and larger pitch propellers for a much more powerful flight experience. – New power system is fed by a 1S 500mAh High voltage batteries, reliable flight times form 6 minutes. – Automatic stabilization -The lightweight combo touts a 32 channel, 25mW video transmitter, a light and durable dipole antenna, and the 600 TVL camera has a 140° field of view. – USB uses high voltage charger and comes with battery protection function, which can protect the battery to the maximum extent. – The customized edition flight control design makes the flight more stable. – Changes in the tail 3 color lights clearly show that the plane can fly for a few minutes. – Durable airframe and quiet ducted fans protect the motors and propellers from bumps and crashes, while the enclosed canopy fully protects the camera, video transmitter, and flight controller. – with customized edition Remote Control. Package Included: 1 x Eachine M80 Frame Kit 1 x Flight controller 1 x Transmitter 4 x 8520 Brush Motor 1 x 5.8G 600VTX w/Camera antenna 4 x 44mm Propeller 1 x 3.8V 500mah Battery 1 x USB Charging cable 1 x User Manual Cet article NEWS: Eachine M80 est apparu en premier sur Drone-Maniac !!!!!!!. View the full article

INTRODUCTION The Happymodel Mantis 85 represents a new input in the long list of micro brushless FPV racers. Happymodel is probably a new subdivision of Eachine/RealAcc. It’s at least a compagny working as OEM for major websellers. Here with the Mantis 85, we have a compact 85mm machine equiped of a F4 omnibus with a builtin OSD, some 6A BLheli_S/Dshot600 2S compatible 4-in-1 ESC board (up to 2S) and small 1102/9000Kv motors. For the FPV part, a super classic solution with a 600TVL CMOS 120 deg 48CH/25mW AIO combo. The Mantis 85 is sold in three BNF editions (FrSky D8 w/RSSI on last channel, FlySly AFHDS-2A and Specktrum DSM2/X) and one RTF adopting the FlySky AFHDS-2A solution coupled with a FS-i6 radio. One great argument for the Mantis is its price…Less than 140USD for a full RTF FPV racer … no so bad isn’it ?. Let’s discover this new proposal. BOX CONTENT + 1 x Happymodel Mantis 85 + 1 x 2S 400mAh/40C with JST connector + 1 x Transmitter FlySky FS-i6 (using 4xAA batteries not included) + 4 x Spare props (2 CW, 2 CCW) + 1 x Allen key + 2 x Rubber bands + 2 x velcro straps + 6 x Spare hexscrews + 1 x Instruction manual (English) A small bag with the accesories OVERVIEW Let’s check first the main caracteristics of the Mantis: F4 + builtin OSD board not so bad … More the builtin MCU are classic/old MPU6000 with SPI connection… and since there is no softmounting, it’s good news.. Paradoxally the new generation of gyros (working up to 32Khz) ICM 20608 is they are not softmounted will freak out the machine completly (see the SPCmaker 90/110NG catastrophic results) It’s confirmed to be a 85mm machine with 2mm real 3K carbon lower frame/arms structure while the upper is 1mm only linked with aluminimum standoff. -FRONT VIEW Or with the battery strapped below. Since the battery strap is very thing, it’s hard to keep a perfect horizontal position. -SIDE VIEW The microUSB port is perfectly available out of the box without requiring to remove props. In the rear side installed up side down, a small buzzer. A very important element for such compact machine. All the upper structure is widely open…. so latteral soldering jobs are not super protected from shocks and waters. It’s advise to cover all pads connexion with liquid electrical tape to secure a bit the electronic. -REAR VIEW Whatever the BNF receiver version you will grab, the 2.4G receiver will be installed in the rear section… with an easy access to the bind button. In the other hand, the 2.4G antenna can also be damaged by rear props. Try to installed it more vertically down to maximize the control range. To (re)bind the receiver to the transmitter, you will need to i) keep the receiver bind pressed while powering the quad (you can use PC USB port, it’s more easy to do both simultaneously) then ii) press & hold the radio bind button while turning on the radio. With the flysky AFHD-2A protocol, no RSSI feedback. Only the FrSky solution has. -UPPER VIEW When the receiver is bound, a solid blue light is here. -BOTTOM VIEW The battery strap pre-installed is super thin and don’t secure very well the battery installation beneath -WEIGHT More than 55g with the receiver and the battery strapped installed… A total weight of 79g … with the 2S LiPo. It’s light but not ultralight…. Paradoxally not so so far from model with 1104 motors and 3S compatible. Clearly it will impact negatively the general thrust performances. Motors and props It’s so usual to see 1102 motors instead of 1104. There are weaker in term of thust but lighter. Announced to be 9000Kv, they should be 3S compatible even if ESC are not. 46mm triblade props 1935 props LiPo A 2S 400mAh/30C LiPo with JST connector. Here is probably the weakest element of the bundle. As you will see in the demo video, the 30C discharge is overated… A huge massive voltrage drop > 1.5V can be observed under load … clearly unacceptable even after few cycles of charge/discharge, the performances improve a bit … The first mod is to install another 400mAh/500mAh model with a true strong discharge rate. FPV-Camera module Another good news, the AIO camera is installed on an orientable 3D printed camera support. The minimum angle is about +15degrees while the maximum can be set up to 40-45 degrees As many eachine AIO FPV combo, two buttons can be found and are very easy to access from the top part. The more front select the NTSC/PAL systems if long pressed (mirror image if short pressed) and the read one select the Vfreq is short pressed (inside the eight Vfreq in the current selected Vband) and cycle between the six Vbands if long pressed. The complet list of supported channels Transmitter The classic FlySky FS-i6 comes with the RTF bundle. Here we have three 2-way switches and one 3-way plus two rotative dials. The firmware is the old 1.1 So unfortunatly only 6 channels can be controlled. If you want to control 10CH, you will need to update the builtin Firmware. The first top left 2-way switch arms/disarms the machine while the 3-way selects the flight mode: in upper position for acro, middle for angle (6-axis stabilized) and the down position for acro + airmode Maybe the order should a but different since to boot completly the radio, you need first all switches in upper position. In mean a beginner who forgot that can be in acro directly. UNBOXING, ANALYSIS, CONFIGURATION AND DEMO FLIGHT The RTF version comes pre-bound and first good news especially with a flysky cheap solution, the failsafe is working perfectly… the motors are stopped within the first second. That’s great. The F4 board is flashed with betaflight 3.2.0 and seems to (almost) perfectly tuned at least in term of receiver/ports/flight mode. OSD part is pre-configured but maybe some elements can be removed from screen. The receiver is connected via iBUS protocol via a serial link on the UART1. DShot 600 is here by default and board & gyro pushed up to 8Khz for a total CPU usage around 5%… I am pleased to see that for a cheap machine, at least they spent some time to optimize a bit the machine. PIDs are default one but you will see in practice they are working pretty well. One small regret… that there is no a seven channel available in order to control the buzzer from a switch. A work around is to assign the AUX1 initially for the arming to the buzzer… You will need to arm with the throttle stick. Even before to take-off, the voltage reading don’t show perfectly 8.4V… so some voltage reading ajustement must be done… and as soon as you take off (from 55% of throttle), the buzzer start to emit and the voltage drop around and below 7V!!!! so we have a huge/massive voltage drop at least for the voltage reading. Even wih the full charged battery, the punchout are not impressive…. clearly a better battery is required…. even if I already said, the battery performances will improve a bit vs multiple charging processes. Actually, you peform flips and rolls but powerloop are really risky… In another hand, thanks to the F4 board and 8Khz the machine flies beautifully… In angle mode, almost no drift are observed versus time… despite the absence of any softmounting solution. In acro, it flies really well… even after a hard tun, no collapse.. or bounce back… Almost no jello are observed in the FPV feedback. The camera perfomances do the job, not among the best actually but no major problems with…. The FPV range is also pretty good for a 25mW model. 100m and more can be obtained. Since there is no correct voltage reading, it’s hard to understand when you reach the real LVC alarm… but IMHO, flight time are limited to 2min30 (max 3min)…. It’s short … too short IMHO. In term of durability, no major problem can be revealed…. even props can resist to moderate crashes. CONCLUSIONS Except the weak battery element, the Mantis 85mm is good machine well designed despite its agressive price. The F4 board do a fantastic job and even if it’s a monster powerfull acro machine, it’s a super fun machine to fly in acro. As soon as you will upgrade the battery, performances wil be boosted. One good point, the machine (in RTF edition) work flawless out of the box. You can charge your LiPo/AA batteries and go in the field and fly FPV !!! . No bad for a first entry FPV brushless micro racer product. PROS + Good flyer + Work flawless out of the box (no extra tuning required) + F4 w/ betaflightOSD + Working failsafe with the flysky receiver + Good instruction manual + Cheap RTF solution CONS – Weak battery with overated discharge rate – Battery voltage reading not accurate (need ajustement) – 2min30 of flight time – Underpowered machine for crazy acro flight applications – Battery strap too thin to secure very well the battery beneath 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 137USD at https://www.banggood.com/Happymodel-Mantis85-85mm-FPV-Racing-Drone-RTF-w-Supers_F4-6A-BLHELI_S-5_8G-25MW-48CH-600TVL-p-1221699.html Cet article TEST: Happymodel Mantis 85 est apparu en premier sur Drone-Maniac !!!!!!!. View the full article

Well …. problably most of you were waiting the blackfriday. Among the interesting deal I saw: Banggood – The Xiaomi Mi 4K @360USD: https://www.banggood.com/Xiaomi-Mi-Drone-WIFI-FPV-With-4K-30fps-1080P-Camera-3-Axis-Gimbal-RC-Quadcopter-p-1057057.html – All RC models with 10% off: with coupon “BFRC10%” TomTop –All RC models with 10% off: with coupon “TTUS10” Cet article NEWS: BlackFriday everywhere !!!!! est apparu en premier sur Drone-Maniac !!!!!!!. View the full article

SPCmaker introduces a new brushless racer whti the 110VT: https://www.banggood.com/SPC-Maker-110VT-110mm-Brushless-FPV-Racing-Drone-F4-BLheli_S-40CH-RunCam-Micro-Swift-2-600TVL-BNF-p-1228442.html Each time we have the last technologies included: a great 600TVL CCD WDR FPV camera, F4+betatlight OSD, buzzer, strong 4S 20A BLheli_S/Dshot 4-in-1 ESC board and now some 1106/5500Ks so even stronger/powerfull motors. The 5.8G VTX can be turned into 25mW or 100mW. Three choices of receiver are propsed: FrSky D16 (XM+), FlySky AFHDS-2A and Spektrum DSMX. The structure is full 3K carbon based with 3mm of thickness for the arm/lower plate. The total weight should be around 116g. On the paper, this new SPCMaker product …. but as you will see relatively soon with my review of the 90NG, SPCmaker can fail completly a product. For the 90NG, out of the box this machine is completly unflyable… gyros are completly lost/confused by transmitted vibrations. Even soft-mounting doesn’t really help…It’s surprizing because the former 95GL received my SeBy’s award, it was a so good machine. I really hope this new SPC 100VT product will work flawless. Wait & See. Description: Brand name: SPC Maker Product model: SPC 110VT Wheelbase: 110mm Size: 88mm*104mm*34mm Weight: 84g (without battery) Flight weight: 116g(Include battery Material: 3K carbon fiber Motor: 1106 5500KV brushless motor ESC: 20A Mini 4 in 1 BLheli_s ESC (2-4S LiPo) Propeller: 2.5 inches 3-blades propeller Receiver: original Frsky XM+, compatible DSMX / Flysky AFHDS-2A Camera: RunCam Micro Swift 2 1/3 “600TVL FPV camera 2.3mm lens CCD VTX: 5.8g 25MW-100MW 40CH Video transmitter Flight controller: Omnibus F4 OSD: Betaflight OSD Firmware of flight controller: betaflight_3.2.0_OMNIBUS F4 Flight time: 3 minutes Rear LED Ready( LED_Strip function) Buzzer Ready Battery: 11.1V 350mAh 60C lipo battery VX86-2 20A 4 IN 1 DSHOT ESC 2-4S Lipo Continuous Current: 20A Burst Current: 25A=10S Input Voltage: 2S-4S LiPO BEC: No Dimensions: 29x31mm Weight: 4.9g Firmware: BLHeLi_S Input signal: Dshot150 & Dshot300 & Dshot600(PWM are not recommended) VX86-3 25mW/100mW 5.8G 40CH 5645-5945MHz VTX Input voltage: 5-6V Power: 25mW/100mW can be select Operation Current: 310mA@5.5V@25mW / 350mA@5.5V@100mW Frequency range: 5.8G 40CH 5645-5945MHz Dimensions: 17x22mm Weight: 2.5g Independent external power amplifier for better signals. RunCam Micro Swift 2 Image Sensor: 1/3″ SONY Super HAD II CCD Horizontal Resolution: 600TVL Lens: 2.3mm Lens(M8) FOV145° Signal System: NTSC S/N Ratio: >60dB (AGC OFF) Electronic Shutter Speed: 1/60~100,000 Auto Gain Control (AGC): Yes Back Light Compensation (BLC): Yes Min. Illumination: 0.01Lux@1.2F WDR: D-WDR DNR: 2DNR Day/Night: Color/Auto/B&W Power: DC 5-36V Net Weight: 5.6g Dimensions: 19mm*19mm*19mm Compatible: 1. DSM2 Receiver Support Spectrum/JR(DSM2 protocol) DEVO10/DEVO 7E(with deviation firmware). 2. Frsky Receiver Support FRSKY taranis X9D/X9D PLUS(D16 mode), and XJT (D16 Mode), DJT DFT DHT Transmitter. 3. Flysky Receiver Support FS-I6FS-I6X.FS-I6S.FS-TM8.FS-TM10.FS-I10 and other second-generation AFHDS 2A protocol remote control. Package included: 1 x SPC Maker 110VT frame 1 x Omnibus F4 1 x Receiver 4 x 1106 5500KV brushless motor 1 x 20A Mini 4 in 1 BLheli_s ESC 4 x 2.5 inches 3-blades propeller CW 4 x 2.5 inches 3-blades propeller CCW 1 x RunCam Micro Swift 2 2.3mm CCD camera 1 x 5.8G 25mW-100mW 40CH VTX 2 x 11.1V 350mAh 30C lipo battery (comes without charger) 1 x WS2812 LED Board 4 x 3*100mm nylon band 2 x 12mm*150mm magic band 2 x 15mm*50mm back to back with 3M rubber magic belt 1 x XT60 female plug to XT30 male plug converter 1 x Carrying case Cet article NEWS: SPCMaker 110VT est apparu en premier sur Drone-Maniac !!!!!!!. View the full article

After the Full Speed BeeBee66, here is another brushless tinywhoop class FPV quadcopter including a builtin OSD: https://www.banggood.com/HB68-68mm-1S-Micro-Brushless-FPV-Racing-Drone-PNP-F3-OSD-5A-BLHeli_S-25mW-48CH-600TVL-p-1228472.html The HBRC HB68 integrates a TeenyFish F3 based FC with a builtin OSD in 20mmx20mm format. For this new revision of the TeenyFish board, I hope voltage regulation problem of the first edition are solved. The HB68 comes in PNP edition. You will need to install your own receiver in SBUS/PPM (+5V) or via a DSM port(+3.3V). Motors are announced to be 0603/140000 Kv…. maybe a typo (we should read 0703). The FPV rig is a classic 600TVL/120 degrees/48CH/25mW AIO combo. The ESC solution is a 4-in-1 5A BLheli_S/Dshot600 board. The total weight with a 260mAh LiPo but without the receiver is announced to be around 33g. The flight time should be around 3min. Specification: Item name: HB68 brushless racing drone Wheelbase:1S Frame structure: true X Bottom plate: 1mm thickness, 3K carbon fiber Weight: <25g (without battery) Flight weight: <33g (with battery) Flight time: 2-4mins Flight controller: F3, built-in OSD ESC: 5A BLHeli_S Dshot Motor: D0603 14000KV Propeller: 35mm 4-blade (4x orange, 4x yellow) VTX+camera: 25mW 48CH 600TVL 120° battery: 1S 3.85V 260mAh/ 250mAh 30C F3 flight controller: Item name: TF3-OSD Size: 20*20mm Mounting hole: 16*16mm, 2mm hole diameter Processor: STM32F303CCT6 (72MHZ, 256K FLASH) Sensor: SPI sensor MPU-6000 Firmware: Betaflight_3.x.x_OMNIBUS Power supply: 1S Built-in 5V/0.5A 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 5A BLHeli_S Dshot ESC: Size: 20*22mm Mounting hole: 16*16mm, 2mm hole diameter Firmware: BLHeli_S 16.6 Continuous current: 5A Burst current: 6A (5s) Power supply: 1S lipo Support Dshot150/300/600, PWM, Oneshot125, Multishot D0603 motor: Item name: D0603 KV: 14000KV Stator diameter: 6mm Stator height: 3mm Shaft diameter: 1mm Bearing: N/A Working voltage: 1S Max thrust: 19-26g (56mm 2-blade BN props) Weight: 1.6g VTX+camera: Output power: 25mW Camera resolution: 600TVL,120° Channel: 48CH Video system: PAL/ NTSC Antenna: 3DB hose antenna Built-in OSD wiring port Battery: Item name: HV-250/260-30C Capacity: 250/260mAh Voltage: 1S, 3.85V Continuous Discharge Rate: 30C Connector: PH2.0-2P Weight: 6.5-6.9g Notes: -this version is PNP version, it doesn’t come with the receiver and transmitter. -the 250/260mAh battery will be sent according to the goods supply, the 260mAh battery will be sent firstly, if 260mAh battery in insufficient supply, we will sent the 250mAh battery. Pacakge included: 1x frame kit 1x F3 flight controller 1x 5A BLHeli_S Dshot ESC 4x D0603 14000KV motor 1x 25mW VTX+camera 1x 1S 250/260mAh 30C battery 4x orange OS35 4-blade propeller 4x yellow OS35 4-blade propeller 1x L style USB adapter plate 1x propeller puller Cet article NEWS: HBRC HB68, a brushless TinyWhoop w/ OSD est apparu en premier sur Drone-Maniac !!!!!!!. View the full article

INTRODUCTION The Mirarobot S60 is a new Tinywhoop class brushed FPV quadcopter. The same principle is here, i.e. a ducted prop guard system protecting and improving the stability of the machine. One originality with the S60 is the introduction of the flight mode selection between angle (6-axis stabilized) and acro via a shoulder button on the radio. No betaflight FC in the S60, it’s a RTF model coming with a proprietery FC, a 600TVL CMOS 120 degrees – 25mW/48CH for the FPV rig. This machine enter into the competitition between many other TW clones, for example with the KingKing Tiny6. Let’s have a look to this new FPV compact machine. BOX CONTENT + 1 x Mirarobot S60 + 1 x 200mAh/40C 1S LiPo with JST sh 1.0mm connector + 1 x Transmitter (using 3xAA batteries not included) + 1 x USB charging cable + 1 x Instruction manual (English) No spare props in the bundle …. strict minimum. It’s not a big deal since your have a solid and efficient prop guard system. You have the possibility to order the S60 with 1,2 or 3 LiPos. OVERVIEW The machine is compact, a 63mm in diagone even if it’s not a perfect X- machine, the front-rear axis is shorter than the left-right one. The plastic seems solid and this machine look much more solid and durable than a Tiny 6 for example. The main caracteristics -FRONT VIEW The machine is more flat than competitor. The camera is jailed between the two front ducted system. -SIDE VIEW No USB port visible anywhere -REAR VIEW -UPPER VIEW -BOTTOM VIEW The 5.8G linear antenna and the unique Vfreq/Vband selection button for the FPV part. -WEIGHT 20g standalone so it’s 0.5g less than the Tiny 6 A little bit less than 26g in total weight (so 2g more heavier than the 24g advertized in the instruction) Motors and props Classic 6mmx15mm coreless brushed motors are installed. But no information about their RPM performances. Probably some standard ones classic 30mm quadriblade props are installed. No spare ones in the bundle. The Kinkong Tiny 6 triblade edition should improve the flight time LiPo JST-sh connector with 1.0mm of pitch between connectors Camera module A classic 600TVL CMOS camera is installed with FOV nearby 120 degrees (M7 lens thread). Unfortunatly, the lens is not oriented with a positive pitch value 48CH channels spread into 6 different bands One unique button. Short press to cycle between the eight Vfreq. A green ligth shifting on a column can be guess through the canopy. If you long press on it, you will cycle betwenn the 6 supported Vband. A red light is associated with the Vband selection A modding is possible to correct this problem. If indoors it’s not a big drame, outdoors in acro it can be one. You can access the FPV rig part by removing the four tiny screws Seems no possibility to set the camera in NTSC/PAL system Disassembling A simple and thing copper wire as monopole 2.4G linear antenna. The wire is jailed into front left ducted guard. If installed more vertically, the control range should be boosted. Transmitter A gamepad style radio with two unique shoulder buttons. The left one is used to (re)bind the quad with the TX. The right button is to select either the angle stabilized mode or the acro mode. When the angle mode is selected, the front red lights are turned on (and off when it’s acro). No 360 degrees flips, headless, or one key return. Other buttons are used to trim the direction but there is a way to recalibrate the radio control (not to level the machine). In general I am ok with gamepad style transmitter. The two sticks are short and flat with powerfull springs. For a thumber like me it’s not super easy to have a precise control with especially over [-50%,50%] interval. As you will see in the videos, especially in acro, the machine can be hard to control. 3 x AA batteries feed the radio. Ni-Mh batteries are working with Good news, the RF chip is based on the CC2530 model so… potentially the radio protocol can be one day deviated. Despite the patch antenna, the control range should be very good. The CC25xx chip is the one used by FrSky for example UNBOXING, ANALYSIS AND DEMO FLIGHT The lipo insertion is easy but longer models won’t be compatible except if you change the lead power cable. When you turn on the quadcopter and the machine, the radio is already bound. No beep is emitted and no need to push up and down the throttle stick like happens often for toyquadcopter. After 3-4s, you will be able to push the throttle. The camera rendition is correct for a 600TVL camera but clearly the light sensitivity is a bit below the average. Nothing catastrophic but hard light changes will be a problem for the camera. The machine hovers from 45%. It’s not a beast of power but at least in angle mode it’s stable. No jello in the video and no specific drifts observed. The control range is excellent (> 100m), several walls can be crossed without any dropout. The FPV range also is good for the a 25mW model. In angle the machine is stable enough to enjoy tiny space adventures. When the acro mod is active, flight caracteristics change unfortunatly. First the pitch rates are very important and a large value of expo is preset on the radio. It means sunddenly the machine can pitch foward/backward strongly… and since there is possibility to orient the camera with a positive angle… it can be problematic. More after such mouvement, there are some bouncing backs/instability …. really can be not enjoyable. More a thumber won’t probably super precise controls with this radio. We can hope one day the radio protocol will be hacked for DeviationTX/OpenTX one day. A new outdoors in acro What’s a pity that settings can’t be changes in the FC… at least for the acro mode. The motors are not also 100% innocents… probably the lack of power represents another brake for acro flying. CONCLUSIONS A good indoors FPV machine in angle mode where both control and FPV range will strong enough to cross all the house. The FPV rendition without being one of the best is largely enough to have fun. For outdoors flights, especially in acro… the machine is not super stable with a lot of bonce backs. Usage of another transmitter would probably help a lot for the acro control. PROS + Stable and precize FPV machine in stablized mode + Good 2.4G radio control range + Good FPV range + Super durable frame + 4min of flight time + Good 200mAh/40C LiPo CONS – Not enough stable/powerfull in acro mode – Light sensitivity of the camera not among the best – Camera installed without a positive pitch angle – Radio sticks not super adapted for thumbers 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 60USD at https://www.banggood.com/Mirarobot-S60-Micro-FPV-Racing-Drone-Quadcopter-Acro-Flight-Mode-Switch-with-CM275T-5_8G-720P-Camera-p-1209375.html Cet article TEST: Mirarobot S60 est apparu en premier sur Drone-Maniac !!!!!!!. View the full article

Seems after the popular success of the first Multimodule DeviationTX compatible radio, i.e. the Jumper T8SG that a lot of new chinese radios will follow. Here is a gamepad style model ultra compact and light from IRangeX, the IRX-IR8M: https://www.banggood.com/IRangeX-iRX-IR8M-2_4G-8CH-Multi-Protocol-Transmitter-With-PPM-S_BUS-Mini-Receiver-p-1226058.html We have a radio with the same 4-in-1 multimodule supporting hundreds of protocols, a small LCD screen (the same as for the Jumper & the 7E), 6 switches, 2 pots. Here up to 255 model files can be stored and they clam than OS can be upgraded by USB but actually no reference to DeviationTX … so it’s not 100% sure it will be based on this OS. The radio can be powered either by 4xAA or a 2S LiPo. According to my Banggood contact, 10 first samples will be ready (for reviewers I guess) from the 11-30. I will probably one of them :). Sound also a super great radio. The gimbals also look better than the Jumper original ones (but a new revision with Hall sensor ones will be introduced soon for the Jumper). Compared to the jumper, no vibrations motor seems here but the USB access is direct at least. A compact receiver (probably a FlySky AFHDS-2A) is also included. Probably we will see a future war of the best multimodule radio and it’s good for us to see such new products. Description: Brand name: iRangeX Item number: iRX-IR8M Band: 2.4GHz Channels: 8 Color: White, Black (optional) Mode: Mode 2, Mode 1 (optional) Computer Radio: Yes Outpulse: 1000-2000ms Model Memery: 30 Modulation: “4 IN 1” CYRF6936, CC2500, NRF2401, A7105 Range: Full Telemetry: Yes Transmitter (Tx) Battery Type: 2S Lithium lon Battery/ 4S “AA” 1.5V Features: * i8X-IR8M transmitter can act like a USB drive. Managing models, configuration, icons, and themes is as easy as copying a file. * Supporting for up to 255 different models in transmitter memory. * Fully configurable themes including bitmaps, fonts. * Flexible transmitter configuration, remap any switches or buttons to any purples. Also Virtual Channels for additional functionality. * All text is localized, user-adjustable mode configurations (1, 2, 3 or 4) * Smooth, quad-bearing gimbals, adjustable stick length and tension. * Comfortable, no-slip tubber grips. * Easy-to-read backlit screen. *Support for multiple protocols without any modifications to the transmitter: Cyprus: CYR6936: DSM/DSMX, JR Pro, Walkera DEVO Texas Instruments: CC2500: Frsky, Futaba SFHSS Amiccom: A7105: Flysky AFHDS2A, Hubsan Nordic Semiconductor: NRF24L01: Hisky, Syma, Assan and mose other Chinese models. Package Included: 1X iRangeX iRX-IR8M 2.4G 8CH Multi-Protocol Transmitter With Receiver Cet article NEWS: IRangeX IRX-IR8M, another “universal” radio in approach est apparu en premier sur Drone-Maniac !!!!!!!. View the full article

Here is probably the new revision of the super popular Eachine Aurora 100 with the RC mini flight 110: https://www.banggood.com/Aurora-RC-Mini-Fight-110mm-Micro-FPV-Racing-Drone-PNP-BNF-F3-NANO-4in1-BLHeli_S-28A-48CH-1500TVL-HD-p-1226059.html It’s simple they updated/improved almost all elements. For example motors are now 1106/5500KV so super much powerfull than classic 1104 motors for such size. Associated with them, some 2540 triblades props should offer impressive boost from 3S. The open question are they also 4S compatible ? seems to yes according to the full caracteristic. For ESC we have a 4-in-1 28A !!!! BLheli_S/Dshot600 and can accept also 4S Li-Hv batteries!!!! The 48CH 5.8G has a switchable power module from 25mW up to 200mW !!! More the camera is a 1/3″ CCD model with 1500TVL and of fov of 135 degrees !!!!!!! No information about the light sensitivity but should be great as well. The flight controller is a F3 + betaflight (we could expect a F4). The BEC delivers up to 3A so largely enough for the VTX, camera and the FC. Seems to be a super new great flyer from Eachine. 3 BNF version are proposed: 1) FrSky D8 (with RSSI ?), 2) FlySky AFHDS-2A and 3) Spektrum DSM2/X as well as a PNP version. Be aware no battery in the bundle but they need to be with a XT30 connector. Specification: Brand name: Aurora RC Item name: Mini flight Wheelbase: 110mm Configuration: true X Size: 105x105x28mm Weight: 84g (not included) Bottom plate thickness: 3mm Lateral plate thickness: 2mm Aluminum standoff height: 23mm Brushless motor: 1106 5500KV Propeller: 2540 three-blade Compatible receiver: RSKY D8 mode/ FS-AFHDS 2A/ DSMX (option) VTX: ARVTX20200 48CH 25/100/200MW switchable Flight controller: AuroraRC F3 NANO Connector: XT30 plug Flight time: 2.5-4mins Power supply: 2 – 4S LiPo/ 2-4S HV LiPo (not included) AuroraRC F3 Nano Flight Controller: Size: 25x25x5mm Mounting hole: 20x20mm Processor: STM32F303 MCU IMU: MPU6000 ( SPI ) Built-in OSD: BetaFlight OSD Firmware: OMNIBUSF3 BetaFlight 3.2.0 BEC: 5V output, maximum support 3A current Support LED strip Support buzzer 4in1 BLHeli_S 28A ESC: Size: 27x31x5mm Mounting hole: 20x20mm Processor: SILABS EFM8BB21F16G Firmware: BLHeli_S 16.6 MOSFET model: AON7418 Driver: new-generation 3in1 MOSFET driver Input voltage: 2-4S LiPo/ 2-4S HV LiPo Continuous current: 28A Burst current: 35A(5s) Support PWM, Multishot, Oneshot, DSHOT ARVTX20200 VTX: Size: 27mmx27mmx4.5mm Mounting hole: 20x20mm(4-M2) Weight: =3.5g (not including antenna) Frequency: 5.8GHz Number of channels: 48 Output power: 0/ 25mW/ 100mW/ 200mW Image transmission: =0.5km@25mW, =0.8km@100mW, =1km@200mW (original antenna) Power consumption: 7V~24V, +12V/170mA@200mW Video format: NTSC/ PAL Input power: 7-24V Camera: Size: 19x19mm Color: black Horizontal resolution: 1500TVL HD Image sensor: 1/3 inch CCD Lens: 2.1mm, 135-degree FOV Input power: 5-22V Working current: 70mA OSD overlay: support Package included: 1x Mini flight frame kit 1x AuroraRC F3 NANO flight controller 1x AR BLHeli_s 28A brushless ESC 1x Receiver: compatible RSKY D8 mode/ FS-AFHDS 2A/ DSMX (option) 4x 1106 5500KV motor 8x 2540 3-blade propeller 1x ARVTX20200 micro VTX 1x camera black 1x Battery strap 1x Battery non-slip mat Cet article NEWS: Eachine Aurora RC mini est apparu en premier sur Drone-Maniac !!!!!!!. View the full article

The popular RF multimodule for FrSky radios (and compatible for some Futaba) is updated with the IRX4plus: https://www.banggood.com/IRangeX-IRX4-Plus-2_4G-CC2500-NRF24L01-A7105-CYRF6936-4-IN-1-Multiprotocol-STM32-TX-Module-With-Case-p-1225080.html Now there is a USB port to update the firmware for the STM32 MCU chip in order to add new supported protocol. The communication with the radio can be done directly via PPM connexion and a dial pot or via serial. In the last choice, all protocols/settings are available throught the radio OS. A must to have module !!! Overview: This 2.4G Multi-protocol TX Module is STM32 ARM microcontroller based module. All available protocols are included in serial mode. It is suitable for many brand of quadcopters, helicopters and airplanes. This module integrate four RF chips (CC2500,NRF24L01,A7105,CYRF6936) into one single circuit board, it .supports a variety of remote control protocols ,such as Futaba S-FHSS, Walkera DEVO, Spektrum DSM2, DSMX, Flysky, Frsky, WLToys, Hubsan, Hisky, Esky , Assan etc. You can control your craft flexibility with it , and You will get much excellent experience with you favorite transmitter. Specification: Brand Name: iRangeX Item Name: IRX4 Plus Operating Voltage: 5-14V Operating Current: <=100mA Operating Frequency: 2.4G ISM band RF Power: +22dBm MCU: STM32F103CBT6(128K ROM, 20K RAM) Weight: 45g Features: Two operation modes: PPM mode and serial mode. – When in PPM mode, there are 31 different protocols (protocol NO.0 is reserved for serial mode) mapping to the 16-position protocol selection switch on the module. They are listed in the default protocols table below, when the green light is off, you can use the switch to choose protocol NO. 1 to NO.15, when the green light is on, you can choose protocol NO.16 to NO.31. – To turn on/off the green light, Please follow these steps: Turn off you transmitter, point the protocol switch to ÿ0ÿ, hold and press the bind button of RF module, then turn on your transmitter, after 3 seconds, release the button. Normal Use Operation in PPM Mode: 1. Install RF Module in position, Set PPM signal output on you transmitter. 2. According to the default protocols table, turn the arrow sign (the side with a vertical slot) of protocol switch to the proper number to choose protocol. 3. After finish binding operation, Power on your transmitter, the red light of RF module will be on, then RF module is ready to work , after that power on your receiver (or craft). 4. Protocol selection is done at the beginning of power up, so if you want to change protocol during operation, you should recycle the power. 5. The red light will blink slowly if there is no valid PPM signal. Binding Operation in PPM Mode: 1. Power on your receiver, and set it to binding mode. 2. Hold and press the bind button of RF module, and then turn on your transmitter, after 3 seconds, release the button, you will see the red light flashing rapidly, then RF module is in binding mode, and the red light will go solid after binding. 3. Some protocols (eg: S-FHSS) donÿt have binding procedure on RF module, and some protocols (eg: hubsan, e010)will auto bind when power up. Operation in Serial Mode: When the green light is off, and the protocol switch is point to ÿ0ÿ, you can access serial mode. Transmitter that supports the er9X/erSky9X or Open TX firmware can work in this mode, The model protocol selection and binding is done from the Model Settings menu on the transmitter, For telemetry capable transmitters, the telemetry integration is done seamlessly with the transmitter firmware. For more information, Please refer to the Link below. https://github.com/pascallanger/DIY-Multiprotocol-TX-Module https://github.com/pascallanger/DIY-Multiprotocol-TX-Module/blob/master/Protocols_Details.md Notice: – The jumpers and header attached is used for updating firmware of TX module through USB serial cable. Please remove them for normal use.. – Sometimes, you may need a power recycle when you choose a new protocol. for example, protocol changes from Q303 to HISKY. – For FRSKY and S-FHSS protocol, you may need set the value of Fine or Option (in the Model Settings menu) properly to bind with your model. The value is varied, since itÿs partly depended on your model. Package Included: 1x iRangeX IRX4 Plus TX Module Cet article NEWS: iRangeX IRX4plus RF multimodule est apparu en premier sur Drone-Maniac !!!!!!!. View the full article

A new very interesting Eachine brushless racer is announced with the Aurora A100: https://www.banggood.com/AuroraRC-A100-1S-Micro-Brushless-FPV-Racing-Drone-w-F3-OSD-BLHeli_S-5A-48CH-25mw-VTX-600TVL-PNP-BNF-p-1225243.html Here it’s an ultralight weight 1S model but equiped of 0705 motors instead of weaker 0703 models usually seen in all brushless 1S FPV racers. These more powerfull motors should boost considerably performances without too much extra weight. Other element are now classic: a F3 with a builtin betaflight OSD, a 4-in-1 5A BLheli_S/Dshot600 ESC board. For the FPV part a basic 600TVL CMOS 25mW/48CH AIO camera module. Four type of receivers are proposed: a FlySky AFHDS, a FlySky AFHDS-2A, A FrSky (D8?/D16?) or a spektrum DSM2/X. There is also a PNP to install your own prefered receiver. A buzzer is also here. All the structure is 1.5mm carbon based. The machine standalone is around 30g. With the 600mAh/25C LiPo, the total weight will turn around 50g. Description: AuroraRC A100 Micro FPV Racing Drone Brand name: AuroraRC Item name: A100 Micro FPV Racing Drone Wheel base: 100mm Normal X Bottom board: 1.5mm Top board: 1.5mm Standoff: 19mm Size: 80mm * 80mm * 21mm Weight: about 30g (without battery) Flight time: 2.5-4 minutes Battery: 1S LiPo (3.7-4.2V) Package size: 18*12*6cm Package weight: 80g F3 Flight controller Firmware: betaflight_3.2.0_OMNIBUS CPU: STM32F303CCT6 (72MHZ, 256K FLASH) Sensor: MPU-6000 SPI Power supply: 1S battery input(DC 3.6-4.2V) BEC: built in 5V/0.5A boosted circuit Receiver: support PPM, SBUS, IBUS, Spektrum DSM2/DSMX, 1024/2048. Built-in OSD port Support BLheli suite programming Support DHSOT ESC Built-in voltage test and alarm Size: 25*30mm Mounting hole: 16*16mm (f2.5mm) Weight: 3.1g 4 In 1 BLHeli_S 5A Brushless ESC Power supply: 1S Continuous current: 5A Peak current: 6A (3S) Support BLHeliSuite programming Factory firmware: O_L_5_REV16_6.HEX Support D-shot150, D-shot300, D-shot600, Oneshot125, Multishot, PWM Brushless motor Sunnysky 0705 10000KV (with bearing) Propeller 55mm 2-blade 1.0mm mounting hole AIO VTX & Camera VTX: 48CH 25mw Camera: 600TVL 120° wide angle Receiver PNP version: without receiver BNF version: Compatible DSMX / FRSKY / AFHDS / AFHDS 2A (optional) Battery 600mah 1S 3.7V 25C LiPo battery Package included: 1 x A100 frame kit 1 x flight controller integrated ESC 4 x 0705 10000KV brushless motor 8 x 55mm 2-blade propeller 1 x vm2751 VTX AIO camera 1 x receiver (BNF version only) 1 x 600mah 3.7V 25C battery Cet article NEWS: Eachine AURORA A100, 1S brushless FPV racer with 0705/10000Kv est apparu en premier sur Drone-Maniac !!!!!!!. View the full article

INTRODUCTION The JYU Hornet S was a brushless quadcopter with the possibility to transform the machine into a simple flyer or into a FPV machine or even into a video plateform thanks to some clipsable modules. Unfortunatly, the Hornet S didn’t fill all the promises, i.e. the FPV module offered a poor range, the gimbal-camera system a poor flight time performance. Here is the JYU Hornet 2, the new upgraded version keeps the same spirit with clipsable modules and probably can be seen as the fixed Hornet S. Associated with the Hornet 2, four versions are proposed : a basic model to be used as a simple brushless flyer, a FPV version including also a 1080p camera (without EIS), a 3-axis gimbal coupled with a basic 4K camera, and the pro version including a 3-axis gimbal and 4K@30fps camera. BOX CONTENT + 1 x JYU Hornet 2 + 1 x Transmitter (with a buitin 2200mAh LiPo) + 1 x Charger + 1 X 4S LiPo 3600mAh with propriatery connector + 1 x 3-axis gimbal with 4K non-pro camera + 2 X Landing gear + 4 x Spare props (2 CW, 2 CCW) + 4 x Prop guard + 4 x Long translucid cups + 1 x Screwdriver No instruction manual. You must download it at http://en.jyu.com/support/download/ A small bag with all the screws to attach landing skid and prop guards OVERVIEW The Hornet 2 is still a 280mm brushless machine and is still 100% plastic based. The general design is also similar with the original Hornet S. The plastic looks a high quality one. For this new “major” revision, they promised to reinforce internally by some orthogonal tubes the general durability of this 100% plastic based canopy…. In the first hand, espcially when the battery is installed, the machine seems heavy…. and it’s hard to believe that this machine will resist to major crash. In comparaison with the Xiaomi Mi 4K, the hornet 2 looks much more compact. A good point….. Unfortunatly no possibility to fold at least the landing gear so the transportation won’t be so easy. and compared with the Walkera Vitus 320 -FRONT VIEW The design is cool for sure and the integration of the gimbal-camera module well done. Anyway, the landing skid looks fragile… and won’t accept a hard landing without damage. What’s a pity also, there is way to fold the system for an easy transportation. When you remove the gimbal-camera module, you can access to the module bay where just above the battery connector, a small microUSB where to connect the machine to the “Hornet 2” PC software. -SIDE VIEW On each side of the camera-gimbal module, you can find two press button to release the module. Just shift it forward to completly release it. To install it, pre-insert it then push it rear… You shoud hear the clip system when it’s done. -REAR VIEW The Gimbal-camera system integrates a 2.4G WiFi module with a diversity system. In order to maximize the FPV range, it’s good to have one vertically and the second one horizontally. The battery bay -UPPER VIEW We can guess one of the two plastic pads used to extract the battery. The second one is on the bottom side. We need to press on them then pull out the battery. In practice, it’s really hard to extract the battery. Probably after multiple extractions, it will be a bit more easier but actually each time I had to force a lot. -BOTTOM VIEW The gimbal system don’t offer a classic dampening system with four dampening balls. Here we have a central circular dampening rubber element jailing the gimbal. It’s original and allow a more compact integration. We will see if it’s also efficient for the video stabilization. A plastic cover hides/protects the module bay The ground clearance is about 94mm large enough to welcome the 3-axis gimbal camera combo We still have the same light system as for the Hornet S controlable via the light button and left dial of the remote control. Three modes are proposed. Only with the first, the intensity can be controlled with the left dial. The second offers a circular larson effect. -WEIGHT 413g standalone without props, battery and prop guard !!!! it’s already super heavy 774g with the battery 822g with the landing skid added :(. How to imagine this machine, especially in sport mode can resist to a major crash. The kinetic energy is 1/2mv² …. so quadratic with the velocity…… It clearly impossible for a full plastic structure to resist to anything if the hornet 2 crashes at 100km/h and more. IMHO it can survive up to 20km/h maximum…. and on a soft surface. The camera module standalone is 216g!!! so with the props installed the final weight is 1073g !!!!! Motors and props 22’s motors… 5mm for the shaft diameter so it will be super easy to find compatible props. 7.3″ props, exactly the same dimension as for the Hubsan 501’s ones LiPo For the Hornet 2, the battery is upgraded for a 4S model, a 3600mAH to be more precise. It should boost and improve general flight time The L40 model A proprietary connector. At least, no problem to insert the charger plug. First of all, there is an arrow painted on top of the charger connector and second point, it’s not possible to plug the charger connector inverted. If you short press on the main button, the level of remaining is displayed via 4 green lights. When 4 lights are here, it means 100%; 3 means 75%, 2 means 50%, 1 means 25% and below. No information if it’s a smart battery for example with an auto-storage mode. With the charger it’s possible to recharge both the LiPo and the builtin LiPo of the transmitter via the USB port. It takes 1h to recharge the battery. N Camera module Probably the most upgraded part for the Hornet 2. The new module is highly profiled and very beautifully design. We can find this central dampening system very well integrated. The two antennas can be bent individually. For the basic “Aerial 4K” (non-pro) the FOV is about 112 degrees while fo the pro is 100 degrees. For the non-pro we have a SONY IMX 179 sensor and a IMX117 for the pro version. Unfortunatly these sensor chips are “old” now… 3 years old… and it will unfortunatly impact a lot the general quality of the video recordings. A 16Gb scandisk microSD card is included in the button. There is also a microUSB port probably to update a gimbal firware and to connect to a specifc software. Unfortunatly, no specific software is available…. especially to calibrate the gimbal. It’s really an important missing. Associated with the two aerial options, we can now connect the two modules to a smartphone/tablet via a 2.4G WiFi link. The Application can be downloaded for both android and iOS as “JYU” First annoying thing, officially in the instruction, the default WiFi password is written to be 12345678 and I tried many many time without success. In practice, for my module, the password was JIANGYU2016 (thanks to samste !!!!). Now the question I have,… I am not completly sure that I received the final non-pro 4K module…. but according the specications, I should have it. After connexion you will retrieve the live FPV video feedback… and unfortunatly the resolution is rather poor, in VGA maximum Far from 720p preview generally we can have with Xiaomi Mi, DJI, walkera products One good thing, we have in picture in picture a small preview of the local map. Just press on it to switch to the map mode. A feature we can find for DJI or Hubsan Appz for example. It’s working well. On the top right of the appz in camera mode, we can find the setting button. 5 panels are available The first one for the general flight settings The second for the radio command settings (mode selection and calibration) The third for the battery cells monitoring The fourth for the camera setting Here only the video and photo resolution can be set. No other camera settings like exposure, shutter, color balancing… and why not the datarate quality…. Finally the fifth is some general settings where the level and compass calibration can be done. Here no possibility to calibrate the gimbal for example …. What I really like, from the menu in the first page is the possibility to replay the automatic logs stored into the microSD card. You can visualize all flight events even the sticks commands applied Ok now the moment of truth …. and let’s check the performances of this non-pro 4K module Here is a raw sample in 4K@25fps Results are not fantastic… first in term of gimbal stabilization, some microvibrations can be seen … and for some moment some “waves” appears. Awfull :(. For this second problem, I guess it’s more linked with the CMOS sensor, know to be more sensitive to jello…. We will see later than the props are mainly guilty and as soonas better are installed most microvibrations can be removed. Clearly the non-pro version in 4K don’t offer amazing results. Maybe the the 2.7K resolution @30fps should be prefered…. Here is a snapshot of the 4K recording… we can see a huge fisheye distortion at border :(… Some 1080p@60fps results If most of the waves effect are gone, with the original props, vibrations are still here… clearly far away in term of results than a Xiaomi Mi 4K for example. @1080p…. the compression factor is also huge…. you can clearly see pixelization’s bands in homogeneous areas… and a lot of compression artefacts to render small details (trees & branch)… More far/background details are blurred ….. Results are definitively disapointing. Transmitter The general shape of the transmitter remains the same as for the first Hornet S.. The advertized control range for the FCC version is about 1000m (800m for the CE version). No switches but two shoulder dials and four buttons on the main front plus two rear small button rear. The front side got also a central 3-positions switche to select the flight modes. Be aware, two radios can be found. The RA13 for the basic and FPV version and the RD13 for the gimbal camera versions. The RA13 includes an Analog 13 Channels 5.8G VRX while the RD13 a specilized 2.4G WiFi receiver as well as a builtin GPS module. The central vertical switch select the flight mode. The middle position is the default one with both GPS & altituld hold stabilzation. The upper position represents the “Manual” mode. Via the PC software or the Appz, the manual mode can be without any flight assistance (full velocity can be achieved) and with just the altitude hold assistance (default selection). When the central switch is in the lower position, we have the “Feature flight mode” where either Headless/ Waypoints (mission planning) or the wrist module (default) can be selected. The left dial control the light intensity only for the first light mode. What’s a pity for example through the appz it’s not possible to assign (yet) the role of the left dial. For example to control the tilt angle of the gimbal for example. The right dial controls the pitch angle of the camera 3 small lights are here. The left one when is green means the quadcopter and the radio is bound. If not (stay solid red), you can run the binding procedure as follow. Press and hold the RTH and auto-landing buttons while turnin the transmitter then within the first five second turn on the quadcopter. The right one indicates the level of battery, i.e. green when full charged and turn to red when charge is under 25%. There is also a central light linked with the buitin GPS. Actually this GPS (probably used for follow-me and Orbit mode) is not yet active. These two advanced features are actually only reserved if you own the wrist module but we can hope that a future appz/firmware update will also include them for the non-wrist module owners. Smartphones up to 6″ inch can be installed I regret that the neckstrap hook is too short to be compatible with DJI/Xiaomi Mi tablet holder. PC software A new update of the Hornet software is also proposed. If you own the aerial version, the PC software is almost useless except to flash new firmwares. Very important, to install and to run the appz, you must have the administrator rights. Right click on the exe files and “run as administrator”. There are two way to use the software: 1) to change a setting and 2) to upgrade fimrwares (FC, receiver, remote and wrist module) 1) RUN THE SOFTWARE TO CHANGE A FLIGHT CONTROLLER SETTINGS You must: Turn on the quadcopter first wait the second treeble beep then only connect the USB cable to your PC. The corresponding COM port should be available. 2) RUN THE SOFTWARE TO FLASH A NEW FC/RECEIVER FIRMWARES You must: Plug the USB cable first then turn on the quadcopter and wait the purple lights flash fast then run the software as administrator. 3) RUN THE SOFTWARE TO FLASH A NEW TRANSMITTER FIRMWARE You must: Plug the USB cable first between the radio (microUSB port) and your PC, turn on the radio then run the software as administrator. UNBOXING, ANALYSIS AND DEMO FLIGHT First test with all default settings. Of course a solid compass calibration was done: press the compass button on the appz or push the left stick in lower left and right stick in upper left positions. Turn twice first clockwise horizontally the machine (untill lights flash green) then noze up turn clockwise the machine twice too (the lights should stay solid green). Reboot the machine after the calibration. It’s advertized to do the compass calivration without the gimbal module install in order to not decalibrate the gimbal itself. I notice my gimbal is not perfectly leveled in the yaw direction, slight pointing to the right direction … and unfortunatly no software/procedure available to fix this problem … I really like the interface… simple, we can find everything immediatly and basic flight informations can be found easily. Maybe the real number of satellite received should be also printed. It’s not very clear how many satellites you need to receive in order to take off in “Normal” mode. First take off after arming the button… You definitively need to push the throttle above 70-80% to take off. It’s true at least for the take-off part. When in the air, the machine still perfectly in the air keeping its altitude with low altitude variations. The GPS & barometer stablization work very well. A good point. The machine flies beautifully and default PID settings offers smooth flight caracteristics. The machine when assisted by GPS & barometer is not a super fast flyer. A maximum of 5m/s can be reached. Of course most of these settings can be change in PC software/Appz. In term of radio control range, seems to be great. No dropout was abserved. The 2.4G FPV range will also depend of your smarphone/tablet WiFI sensivitity and beware than phone casing can block/decrease partially the RX sensitivity. I was able to fly the machine above 300m without problems My smartphone unfortunaly is not super WiFi sensitive. Much better results can be obtained and I am pretty sure than 500 and even more can be obtained. RTH works perfectly and offers a deviation limited to 1-2m maximum.. really acceptable. Flytime are about 13min before to reach 20% of remaining. so you can easily add two extra minutes… so close to 15-16min in practice so not so so far from the 18min advertized. How ever as you can especially for 4K recording, some jello and even waves can be seen in video recordings. Waves seems to be removed when the video resolution is turned into 1080p@60fps. General camera performances are relatively poor with a huge compression ratio. Small details are in general completly blurred/destroyed and you don’t have the feeling that it’s a clean 1080p recording. I did some other tests with the Hubsan H501 props also some 7.3″ models and as you can see below results are billions time better. Almost perfect stabilization….. more flight time are little bit extented as well…. so a win-win mod. Now the only limiting factor is the camera sensor. For the pro version we have a IMX 117 sensor. Here is a video taken by an action cam equiped with such sensor Results are better more sharp… so defintively the pro-version is highly recommended with you are looking for the Hornet 2. CONCLUSIONS Strange/mixed feeling I have with this machine. The Hornet 2 for sure improves a lot of the Hornet S results/performances. More powerfull machine in 4S from now with extented flight time. The PC software offers also some new settings and the Appz for the camera versions is really nice. But generally, I don’t understand how a 820g+ (probably more around 850g with the 1080p/5.8G FPV module) can be seen/used as a FPV machine: after a first crash, the machine will be probably in small parts. More non acro specifc flight mode. You can’t disable builtin gyros….. so you will be always with a 6-axis stablization. The only interest IMHO is the camera versions. And the non-pro version unfortunatly offers poors camera results. Only the pro-version will reach acceptable results competitive for example to a Xiaomi Mi 4K. The machine is not light, not super transportable, flight time correct without being fantastic and more …. the pro version is close to the 600USD !!! (while you can find the Xiaomi Mi 4K around 400USD !!!). More (but it’s true for 99% of advanced drones), the Appz and the machine requires new feature update to unblock for example the follow-me and the orbit flight modes for the non-wrist module owners. PROS + Precize GPS stablization + Improved flight time + Multimodule concept + More polished product + Good Appz + Good/acceptable stablization with Hubsan’s props. CONS – Poor general performances of the non-pro 4K camera – Jello/vibration with original props – Actually no follow-me/orbit without the wrist module (but should come with a appz/firmware update) – General interest of the FPV module (for a 820g+ full plastic based machine) – No camera settings available from the Appz – No gimbal software available actually – Wrong default WiFI password (at least for the non-pro version) – Expensive versus competitors (Xiaomi Mi 4K for example) – Thin and non-foldable landing skid – Battery hard to extract 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 520USD at https://www.banggood.com/JYU-Hornet-2-Racing-5_8G-FPV-With-4K-HD-Camera-3-Axis-Gimbal-RC-Quadcopter-RTF-p-1149085.html Cet article TEST: JYU HORNET 2 (Aerial 4K edition) est apparu en premier sur Drone-Maniac !!!!!!!. View the full article

INTRODUCTION The Eachine E58 is new WiFi quadcopter of the month. Here, we have a foldable machine cloning the DJI mavic shape with a builtin 720p 2.4G WIFi camera with wide angle. More, it’s also possible to record natively 720p files into a microSD card slot. The Eachine E58 can be seen as a shrinked version of the popular VISUO XS809HW, another 720p wide angle machine. Classic headless and one key return are here as well as a baramoter for altitude hold. Let’s check this WiFi toyquadcopter. BOX CONTENT + 1 x Cheerson CX-10C + 1 x 500mAh 1S proprietary LiPo + 1 x Transmitter (using 3xAA batteries not included) + 1 x USB to microUSB cable + 2 x Spare props (1 CW, 1 CCW) + 4 x Prop guards + 1 x Screwdriver + 1 x Instruction manual (English) In practice, only two complete props can be found as spare. OVERVIEW Folded, the machine is compact and super easy to transport. Prop also can be folded. -FRONT VIEW Two two front white front lights are strong, a good point to keep your orientation for LOS flights. -SIDE VIEW The front motors are installed 2cm higher versus the rear ones. -REAR VIEW Red light in rear position The 2.4G linear antenna associated with the WiFI module -UPPER VIEW A unique button can be found. Short press on it to turn on/off the E58. -BOTTOM VIEW Like the Visuo model, the microSD slot is hidden below. A class 10 is recommanded When turned on first, the blue light stays solid. Unfortunatly, the associated radio transmitter buttons doesn’t work…. You will need to use the Appz to trigger recording. When recording, the blue light will flash fast. When stopped, it will flash slowly. -WEIGHT Motors and props Even props are foldable Prop guard must be clipsed individually, no screws required LiPo A 500mah 1S LiPo model with proprieatary casing. You will need the USB cable to recharge the LiPo via a PC port or a powerbank. Camera module Good news a 120 degrees Lens is installed but as you can notice, even in upper position, the camera still targets the ground with a nominal angle of -15 degrees. In maximum position, you can point directly vertically. A raw sample video. Results are relatively jellofree. According the media info, the frame rate is none-constant… win a minimum of 5fps and a max of 20fps. Disassembling A PANchip 159 2-in-1 MCU-RF chip is here. It’s not a super news for a future radio protocol attempt because SPI data can’t be intercept directly. Transmitter There are also two buttons for an auto-take off/auto landing. When auto-take off, the machine clips around 1.5m high. During the auto-landing procedure, you can still control the pitch & roll of the machine. 3x AA batteries are required to feed the transmitter. Ni-Mh batteries are working. A maximum of 5.5″ smartphone can be installed. A drawback, latteral buttons can be blocked when installed on the phone holder. UNBOXING, ANALYSIS AND DEMO FLIGHT The machine flies well and smooth and the three speed modes are very well tuned for both indoors and outdoors applications. The machine can handle pretty well a small wind. I am positively surprize by the quality of the 720p recordings for a such cheap toyquadcopter. Results are now similar to those hubsan H502E ones. Of course I would prefer a perfect 30fps for smoother shootings… probably it will comes in the next generation of machine with a more powerfull VCU chip but Eachine E58’s results start really to be interesting and not bad for a first flying video machine. I deeply regret the non possibility to trigger camera recording directly from the radio. It means you will need at least a smartphone to shoot videos. What a pity also than the camera lens orientation can’t be at least install perfectly horizontally. A easy mod can probably fix the problem by enlarging the camera bay. The control range is good (> 40m) but first WiFi breakups will appear from 20-25m. It will also depends a lot of your smartphone WiFi device. The flying duration is pretty good, a good 6min while recording. The Eachine E58 is also sold with a 1, 2 or 3 LiPo bundle. CONCLUSIONS Probably one of the best 720p WiFI camera available in the WiFi toyquadcopter area with a nice wide Field of View, good color rendition and good light sensitivity. The machine E58 flies also pretty well well tuned. No real drawbacks can be noticed except maybe the non-possibility to tune the lens orientation with a positive angle more adapted with formward mouvements. I guess within the next 6-12 months, we will have full 30fps 720p (maybe 1080p) builtin WIFi camera module. The E58 can be recommanded as first WiFi toyquadcopter for basic 720p recording while checking the captured scence in real-time thanks to the 720p WIFi feedback. PROS + Stable machine + Well tune speed modes + Good 720p camera with precise color + Strong white front light + Silent + Good flight duration (~6min) CONS – Can’t ajust lens orientation perfectly horizontally – Camera triggering only available from the Appz – Only 2 spare props – Phone holder blocking latteral smarphone buttons – Proprietary battery – YaP (Yet another Protocol) 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 46USD at https://www.banggood.com/Eachine-E58-WIFI-FPV-With-2MP-Wide-Angle-Camera-High-Hold-Mode-Foldable-RC-Drone-Quadcopter-RTF-p-1212232.html Cet article TEST: Eachine 58, 720P Wide angle WIFi toyquadcopter est apparu en premier sur Drone-Maniac !!!!!!!. View the full article

The new chinese compagny “Happymodel” introduces a 85mm brushless FPV racer with the Mantis85: https://www.banggood.com/Happymodel-Mantis85-85mm-FPV-Racing-Drone-RTF-w-Supers_F4-6A-BLHELI_S-5_8G-25MW-48CH-600TVL-p-1221699.html We have a full carbon fiber glass based machine with a F4+OSD flight controller, a 6A 4-in-1 ESC BLheli_S/Dshot 600 ready board, 1102/9000Kv motors and a classic 600TVL CMOS 48CH/25mW AIO FPV module. The lens orientation can be manually ajusted. That’s a good point. Notice the bundle comes in RTF format with a FlySly AFHDS-2A solution. The machine standalone weights 50g and you will need to add around 20g with the 2S 400mAh LiPo. A buzzer is even here. From a first glance, no real major drawback in the design can be observed and the introduction price is super agressive 137USD !!! so close to be twice more cheaper than some SPCmaker products for example. Can be a very nice first FPV bundle. Wait & See. Specification: Brand name: Happymode Item name: Mantis85 85mm FPV Racing Drone Wheelbase: 85mm Size:100mm*100mm*25mm Weight: 49g( battery not include) Flight controller: Supers_F4 Flight controller built-in OSD Motor: Happymodel SE1102 KV9000 Propeller: 48mm 3-blades propeller Camera: 600TVL HD CMOS 1/4inch VTX: 5.8g 25MW 48CH NTSC/PAL Video transmitter Remote controller: Flysky FS-I6, MODE2 left throttle Battery: 7.4V 400mah 30C lipo battery OSD: Betaflight OSD Firmware of Flight controller: Betaflight 3.1.7 Flight time : 4minutes Buzzer Ready Flight controller: Size: 20mm*20mm Mount hole: 16mm*16mm Processor: STM32F405RGT6 MCU Sensor: SPI Sensor MPU6000 Built-in Betaflight OSD ( Batt voltage, RSSI, Fly mode , Flytime, Craft name etz.) Firmware version: Betaflight 3.1.7 Dshot600 ready Target: OmnibusF4SD ESC: Size:25mm*29mm Mount hole: 16mm*16mm Firmware version: BLHELI_S 16.5 BB2, 48MHZ Chip Lipo Battery: 1-2S Con. Current: 6A Peak Current: 10A (5S) Programming: YES Betaflight passtrough ready Dshot600 ready(Default) Support oneshot42 oneshot125 Multishot Dshot Flysky FS-I6: Channels: 6 Channels Model Type: Glider/Heli/Airplane RF Range: 2.40-2.48GHz Bandwidth: 500KHz Band: 142 RF Power: Less Than 20dBm 2.4ghz System: AFHDS 2A and AFHDS Code Type: GFSK Sensitivity: 1024 Low Voltage Warning: Less than 4.2V DSC Port: PS2 Output: PPM Charger Port: No ANT length: 26mm*2(dual antenna) Transmitter Weight: 392g Package Weight: 628g Transmitter Size: 174x89x190mm Package Size: 23.5×21.2×10.6cm Power: 6V 1.5AA*4 (Not Included) Display mode: Transflective STN positive type, 128*64 dot matrix VA73*39mm,white backlight. On-line update: Yes Color: Black Certificate: CE0678,FCC Model Memories: 20 Control Range: 500m Features: -Full carbon fiber glass and CNC aluminum alloy structure -Extremely light and Solid Frame -More powerful SE1102 motor -More powerful STM32F4 MCU + BLHELI_S ESC make your Operating feel more stability and silky -Adjustable Angle of Camera -Jaw-dropping flight performance -Betaflight support -Acro mode / Air mode /Angle mode support -Built-in OSD(Using F4 MCU controls OSD over SPI bus in DMA mode) -OSD Configuration has been include in BETAFLIGHT GUI -Radio Stick to control PID Tunes -BLEHELI_S pass-through ready -Frsky Mode :Telemetry RSSI Output ready Package included: 1 x Happymodel Mantis 85 Frame kit 1 x Super_s F4 Flight controller build-in Betaflight OSD 1 x Flysky AFHDS2A Receiver 4 x Happymodel SE 1102 KV9000 brushless motor 1 x Super_S BS06D 4 in 1 ESC Dshot600 4 x 1935 3-blades propeller CW 4 x 1935 3-blades propeller CCW 1 x 600TVL HD CMOS 1/4 inch camera 1 x 5.8g 25MW 48CH NTSC/PAL VTX with Raceband 1 x 7.4V 400mah 30C lipo battery 1 x Buzzer 1 x Flysky FS-I6 remote controller MODE2 left throttle Cet article NEWS: Happymodel Mantis85 (F4+OSD, 1102/9000Kv, 6A BLheli_S/Dshot600, AFHDS-2A, RTF) est apparu en premier sur Drone-Maniac !!!!!!!. View the full article

INTRODUCTION The Eachine E011C represents their new revision of the former and popular E011 for being an excellent and cheap FPV plateform. In the menu, we still have a Ducted Tinywhoop style machine carrying this time a santa claus caractar. This time there is a builtin speaker playing some santa claus songs while flying. The structure remains the same and in order to carry this extra weight (logo caractar + builtin speaker), some 60 000 RPM 7mmx16mm coreless brushed motors are installed. The price is super attractive and of course we will check if the E011C can be also another super FPV plateform. Let’s discover this Eachine product. BOX CONTENT + 1 x Eachine E011C + 1 x 1S 260mAh/30C LiPo with mCPx/JST ph 2.0 connector + 1 x Transmitter (using 3xAAA batteries not included) + 1 x Santa Claus Logo module + 1 x USB charging cable + 4 x Spare props (2 CW, 2 CCW) + 1 x Screwdriver + 1 x Instruction manual (English) The Santa claus caracatar come disassembled. It takes 1min to build it. OVERVIEW The E011C remains a 65mm tinywhoop class brushed machine. The canopy structure is a logo style one to welcom the santa claus caractar. Clearly with such ducted system, no real danger to hurt some kids surrounding the machine and for me it’s a super important point to highlight. Be aware at least than very young kids won’t swallow the santa claus caractar. -FRONT VIEW Like the E011, the lego caractar is just clipsed on top. In case of crash, the santa claus will be ejected from his plateform. -SIDE VIEW The top canopy structure is just clipsed latterally. Later after the Xmas’s parade… dads can very install their favorite AIO camera module. -REAR VIEW -UPPER VIEW -BOTTOM VIEW The power lead JST pH connector. Good news all motors are plugged into the FC via mCPx 2 positions connector. Motor’s maintenance won’t requiee any soldering job. That’s a good point. A builton speaker is here to sing some christmas songs In practice, the speaker is relatively loud ….. and your christmass’s party with several of them can be transformed into a real nightmare with some massive headaches. Unfortunatly, no possibility to turn off speakers from any radio. button :(. -WEIGHT 36.3g with everyting installed…. It’s a lot !!!! Motors Like the boldclash B03-pro, we have some 0716 brushed coreless motors announced to be 60 000RPM for stronger motor thrust Classic 32mm quadriblade props LiPo A 260mAh/30C LiPo with JST pH connector. When Santa claus is installed, expect 3min-3min30 of flight maximum. Expect more than 5min with everyting is removed. Disassembling Just unclips the upper structure than remove the two latteral flat screws. You will be able to raise a bit the Flight controller combo and detach the four motor’s connectors. The huge speaker installed beneath and soldered on the upper side of the FC A XN297L RFchip is here for the 2.4G part and good news!!!! The radio protocol is 100% compatible with well known “Bayang” so already Deviated since a while. No problem to control the E011C with the Jumper T8SG radio for example. Just above the XN297L chip, a empty 3 pads connector where you can grab your +5V for your AIO FPV camera. There is also a kind of SWD port …. so if the ARM MCU is recognized a bradwii/silverxx third party firmware could be installed. 2.7g can be saved by removing the buitin speaker In pratice, the E011C flight controller is a direct clone of the Bolclash B03-Pro except the missing microJST connector to connect directly their B06-F06 AIO FPV camera module Transmitter A super basic and small gamepad style transmitter. Any should button to select a speed for example. Only a left or right clicking on the stick can active Headless, one key return and 360 automatic flips. There is another option boosting motors while reducing the flight duration. Like the Boldclash B03-Pro, there is a “extra payload” option when SantaClaus (or your FPV camera) is installed. It boost (a bit) motors…. but reduce in the other hand flight duration. UNBOXING, ANALYSIS AND TESTING Immediatly after power lead cable connexion, the machine starts to scream “giggle bells” song very loud !!!! and no way to turn on/off from the radio. It’s definitively a christmas gift only in the current state. After gyro calibration, when the santa claus is installed, you can feel that the 36g+ is heavy even for these 0716 60KRPM motors… Don’t worry, it’s not catastrophic… but the flight duraction is deeply impact by the presence of both Santa claus and the builtin speaker. The machine don’t offer any speed mode…. the yaw rate is relatively fast but not too fast even for indoors applications. The machine flies very well … even if much better controls can be obtained with a more professional radio. The control range is about 40-50 and it’s strongly advise to drill a small hole into the top canopy structure to let the antenna be installed vertically in order to optimize the horizontal radio propagation. When the caractar and the builtin speaker are removed (after Xmas of course :), the E011C becomes a great and much more powerfull machine. Well no real advantage versus the Orignal E011 I would say since we have the same 60 KRPM motors. FPV transformation As being very similar to the Boldclash B03-pro, we can easily install their B06-F06 AIO module directly via two tiny screws included in the Boldclash packaging. 5 good min can be obtained with such setup !!! CONCLUSIONS I would qualify this E011C a 2-in-1 machine: i) An ideal trainer/watcher machine for small kids playing (annoying versus minutes) santa claus songs whom will delight all the familly (for few minutes only) then ii) a perfect FPV plateforms being used later by dads. The machine flies beautifully but only with angle (6-axis stabilization) mode. For around 16USD…. it’s probably one of the most interesting cheap toy TinyWhoop plateform available. PROS + Good TinyWhoop plateform with 0716 brushed motors + Non dangerous flying machine even for small kids + Bayang protocol + Clone of the Boldclash B03-Pro + Cheap + Excellent FPV platform CONS – No speed mode selection – No possibility to turn off the builtin loud speaker – No acro mode 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 16USD at https://www.banggood.com/Eachine-E011C-Flying-Santa-Claus-With-Christmas-Songs-716-Motor-Headless-Mode-RC-Quadcopter-p-1205851.html Cet article TEST: Eachine E011C Flying Santa Claus est apparu en premier sur Drone-Maniac !!!!!!!. View the full article

Walkera just announced a new revision of their Walkera Vitus, the “starlight” edition: http://www.walkera.com/index.php/Goods/info/id/47.html Basically, it’s exactly the same machine except the camera upgraded with a 4K sensor with a light sensitivity < 0.001Lux so able to shoot videos with better SNR in super dark conditions. For me it’s hard to understand the introduction of such machine since their original Vitus is still in beta stage developpement. For example, the final android appz is not yet available, 3-4 months after the introduction of the machine. A real scandal. Ok the Vitus starlight will use the same appz, but it’s definitively a lack of respect of former customers. Walkera… please fix and polish all your products before to think to introduce a new one. For example, for the Aibao, we had to wait several months to have some working more or less directly. By the way, I stil working on the review of the original Vitus 320 Cet article NEWS: Walkera Vitus Starlight (4K camera with night vision) est apparu en premier sur Drone-Maniac !!!!!!!. View the full article

INTRODUCTION The FrSky Taranis Q X7S represents the new revision of their former popular X7 itself the direct successor of their super popular X9D series. With the X7S, we have some M7 gimbals with Hall sensor so offering super precision in the controls. The X7S also includes a Bluetooth module to connect wireless the radio to a trainer software. The X7S runs OpenTX 2.2, directly installed out of the box. I will review the Internal version. BOX CONTENT + 1 x FrSky Taranis Q X7S + 1 x 2000mAh NiMh battery pack (with balancer plug) + 1 x Neckstrap + 1 x charger + 1 x AC/DC power unit + 1 x Set of stickers + 1 x Instruction manual (English) + 1 x Transportation bag As each FrSky product, the X7S comes with a great transportation bag. OVERVIEW The X7S uses exactly the same X7 chassis in blue color. On the front side, four 3-way switches are installed. On shoulders only one two-way and press and return switch. The Taranis X9D got two extra switches versus the X7S. Notice the antenna can’t be detach. No SMA or RP-SMA connector :(. In comparaison, the X7S is huge…, the Jumper T8SG looks super compact comparatively. To turn on the radio, long press 3s the flat central button (will turn in green). OpenTX 2.2 is installed out of the box :). The screen is a basic black & white 128 x 64 display. Of course D8, D18 and LR12 protocols are supported natively via the builtin CC2500 RF chip. One of screen displaying the sticks & switches current state. Compared to the X9D, here the switches looks solidely installed. Two 3.5mm jack ports. The left one is an earphone and the right one is used as trainer port. Notice than the miniUSB can be also be used as trainer port. The external module bay is here where you can connect all existing RF module already available for former Taranis modules. More particulary, the iRangeX IRX4 where hundreds of protocols and settings are directly available through OpenTX. With such module communications are done via PPM protocol so less fast/efficient than direct SPI connexion as can offer the Jumper T8SG with its builtin 4-in-1 multimodule. A 2000mAh Ni-Mh battery is directly connected. The battery is connected via a 2S balancer plug. To charche it, you will need first to disconnect the connector. I regret the absence of a builtin charger…. -WEIGHT Close to 800g !!!!! it’s super heavy… more than twice more heavier than the Jumper radio. -ACCESORIES A small charger is provided. A switch to select the Ni-Mh or LiPo charging mode. So be sure to select Ni-Mh if you are using the default Ni-Mh battery pack Charging circuit UNBOXING AND ANALYSIS The X7S chassis is super confortable to grab. The quality is here. Gimbals movements are just super pricize and a lot of grip is offerered for both thumbers or pinchers. 60 config files can be stored inside the builtin memory and many many more via the microSD card. For each model file, everything can be set: from the radio settings, channel mapping, mixer, etc…. several hundreds of options are available, it’s impressive. Like most of previous FrSKy radios, voice alert can be set in coordination with telemetry information feedbacks for example. The navigation in all OpenTX pages/settings is natural and easy One of feature proposed by any Taranis is the possibility to flash a firmware for the radio itself of course but also for a FrSky receiver via serial connexion. Two ports are available: one in the external RF module and the second in the bottom bay. CONCLUSIONS A super “no brain” radio where everything is polished and solid. The openTX OS is mature and offers ton of parameters. The M7 gimbals with hall sensor are really great. So no real drawback can be reported. The X7S is 50 USD cheaper than the X9D plus special edition (with M9 gimbal hall sensors) PROS + M7 gimbals with Hall sensor + OpenTX 2.2 + Quality build + Compatible with all existing external RF modules (with PPM communication) + Wireless trainer port + Audio & vibrations alerts + Comptability of config file with the X9D’s serie CONS – Heavy – Less switches vs the Taranis X9D – None removable 2.4G antenna 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 28USD at https://www.banggood.com/Frsky-2_4G-16CH-ACCST-Taranis-Q-X7S-Transmitter-Mode-2-M7-Gimbal-Wireless-Trainer-Free-Link-App-Bag-p-1183984.html Cet article TEST: FrSky Taranis Q X7S est apparu en premier sur Drone-Maniac !!!!!!!. View the full article

Sometimes, when I am newsing a product, you can feel immediatly, you have a future hit !!! and I will immediatly say: WARNING WARNING !!!! The new Eachine EV200 will be a Killer !!!!!: https://www.banggood.com/Eachine-EV200D-1280720-5_8G-72CH-True-Diversity-FPV-Goggles-HD-Port-in-2D3D-Built-in-DVR-p-1220010.html We knew all that the EV100 was the first try in FPV goggles area for Eachine. With these new announced EV200, according to following specfications, I am in Shock!!!. Martin Luther King said “I have a dream this afternoon”… I would say… “I have a dream for FPV goggles, and the EV200 did it” … Here are the important key points: – FoV of 42 degrees !!!!! – 720p builtin screens – 16:9 & 4:3 aspect ration compatible – Double receiver socket Fatshark pinout compatible – 72CH receivers – IPD ajustement up to 72mm – Fatshark lens dopter compatible – Builtin DVR w/ H264 recording file – Autosave DVR function – MicroUSB,HDMI in, AVin/out – 2D/3D (side by side) – Antifog Fan …. Well no real missing important point …. Ok Ok maybe an headtrack PS/2 port ….. But the EV200D are designed for FPV racing…. The facial mask seems also redesigned and be more confortable versus the EV100. Two options are offered: one without receiver (setA) and one with two diversity vRX modules !!! so a total of 4 antenneas can be plugged. Crazy. Clearly, I am super enthousiast about this product… If there no major bug in the receiver/screen parts (black screen, artefact, light leaks, spherical distorsion, etc..), these EV200D will be the next Eachine Hotcake seller. Specification: Brand Name : Eachine Item Name : EV200D Frequency : 5.8GHZ Debug frequency: 5300MHz Frequency range: 5333-5945MHz Sensitivity : <=-93dB Antenna Impedance : 50O Audio and video: AV in/out Video Formate : NTSC/PAL Brightness: adjustable Contrast: adjustable Pupil Distance adjusting: 56-72mm Power input: 7.4v Low voltage: 6.8v Operation temperature: -10?-40? Features: FOV 42° Built-in DVR USB power supply Resolution 1280*720 7.4V battery with LED indicator Aspect ratio 16:9/4:3,Default display is 16:9 Supported display mode: HD Port in 2D/3D; AV in 2D/3D IPD adjuastable 56mm-72mm: wide range IPD adjustable,suitable for more pilots Optional diopter lens,compatible with Fatshart diopter lens,200/400/600 degrees selectable(diopter lens not include) Dual True diversity RX modules:True diversity RX module/Open source supported/Compatible with Fatshart OLED receiver Package included: 1 x Set A or Set B 1 x 7.4v 1800mAh Battery 1 x USB Cable 1 x HD Port Conventor 1 x HD Port Cable 1 x 3.5mm AV Cable (one-in-three) 1 x Lens wiping cloth 1 x User Manual Note: Set A is Eachine EV200D goggles only Set B is Eachine EV200D goggles + 2*True diversity receivers Cet article NEWS: Eachine EV200D (FOV 42 deg, 16:9/4:3, 720p screens, 72mm IPD, 2D/3D, Fatshark vRX socket compatible) est apparu en premier sur Drone-Maniac !!!!!!!. View the full article

Runcam is very active recently. Here is a new 1/3″ CMOS nano camera: https://www.banggood.com/RunCam-Nano-650TVL-2_1mm-FOV-160-Degree-13-CMOS-Sensor-43-FPV-Camera-NTSCPAL-p-1218412.html 650TVL, the Field Of View is wide, 160 degrees. The light sensitivity is of course excellent and the famous WDR of Runcam is present. The module is super compact 14mmx14mm and weights 2.8g. The module is directly compatible with 1S LiPo. It’s probably this kind of camera will be included very soon into microbrushless racers. Description: Model: RunCam Nano Image Sensor: 1/3″ CMOS Sensor Horizontal Resolution: 650TVL Lens 2.1mm : (M8) FOV160° Signal System: NTSC/PAL S/N Ratio: 50dB (AGC OFF) Electronic Shutter Speed : Auto Auto Gain Control: Auto Min. Illumination: 0.1Lux@1.2F WDR: Auto DNR: Auto Day/Night: Auto Power: DC 3.3-5.5V Working Current: 140mA@3.3V / 140mA@5.5V Dimensions: L14mm*W14mm*H17mm Net Weight: 2.5g Package included: 1 x Runcam Nano 1 x 3pin Cable Cet article NEWS: Runcam Nano 650TVL est apparu en premier sur Drone-Maniac !!!!!!!. View the full article

Be aware, all weight informations given in the video are not in grams…. sorry for my mistake. Correct weights are given below INTRODUCTION The Boldclash B06 is a new brushless TinyWhoop class FPV racer, the direct successor of their former Boldclash B05. With this new model, bye-bye the TeenyFish F3, they prefered to return to classic SPracing F3 board. Motors are still some 0703 but for the B06 they are announced to spin at 15000Kv. The FPV rig has been also updated. Now a 800TVL CMOS 1/3″ 25mW 48CH is integrated offering better light performances versus their former 600TVL camera. The FC includes also 4-in-1 ESC solution but now only “2A” (peak@3A) BLheli/oneshot125 but no more BLheli_S/Dhsot compatible. Actually four choices of receiver are proposed: FrSky D16 XM, FlySky AFHDS-2A, Spektrum DSM2/X and Futaba FASTT. There is also a PNP variant. Let’s discover this new model BOX CONTENT + 1 x Boldclash B06 + 1 x 1S 450mAh LiPo with mcpx JST pH 2.0mm connector + 1 x Spare top canopy + 1 x USB charger + 8 x Spare props (4 CW, 4 CCW) + 1 x Wrench prop remover + 1 x USB to microUSB cable + 1 x Instruction manual (English/Chinese) OVERVIEW The new B06 is now full plastic based. No more carbon element. Paradoxally, the ducted/prop guard system looks much more robust and by consequence it’s not a bad news. We have no more the tall central FPV tower potentially breakable during a crash. Here it’s more a lower profiled canopy structure, much more robust. Even it’s not obvious on the photos, the B06 is a 75mm machine so 10mm more larger than the B05. -FRONT VIEW The design is cool more similar to the original inductrix/King Kong one. The FPV solution is now fully protected with this strong plastic canopy structure. It’s nothing else than the F06 FPV solution, I recently reviewed. with the battery installed beneath playing the role of landing skid -SIDE VIEW Any visible latteral port. Everything look highly profiled The camera is installed with an positive inclinaison of 15 degrees. Since the B06 is suitable for both indoors and oudoors applications, this angle’s choice is a good one IMHO. -REAR VIEW The linear antenna installed horizontally. In practice, the FPV range is pretty good so some even better results could be obtained if the antenna would be installed more vertically. -UPPER VIEW One unique button, i.e. the Vfreq/Vband selection button. One short press to cycle between the eight frequencies inside the current Vband and press & hold more than 2s to cycle between the six supported Bands. Notice, you can guess a sliding blue light for the Vfreq selection and a sliding green light for Vband through the canopy. -BOTTOM VIEW Even the X-structure arms are in plastic. I was worried at beginning but in practice they are super robust and the lightweight of the B06 helps a lot in their durability. We can guess bottom the microUSB port for Betaflight connection and the receiver just below the battery bay. The FrSky XM receiver is installed beneath… with the 2.4G antenna parallel to the main FC board and in sandwish with the LiPo. There is a super tiny bind button. Press and hold it while powering the machine then run the binding procedure on your compatible D16 radio. It’s a bit tricky to do it with only two hands. It’s a basic FrSky XM module so without telemetry feedback. You can flash it with a new firmware to send the RSSI value on the last channel but since there is no OSD, it’s in practice useless to do it. Clearly the location of the receiver is far to be ideal in term of the radio reception. The best would be to install the receiver on top with the antenna more vertically. It should be possible to mod the position in this way. Good news for motor’s maintenance, they are connected to the main board via 3 positions microJST connectors -WEIGHT 26.5g standalone in comparaison with the 22.4g for the B05 With the battery installed, we have a total weight of 40.4g versus the 33.5 for the former edition, so a difference of 7g. 3g can be explained by the 450mAh LiPo versus the 350mAh. So the other 4g comes from ducted system and the heavier top canopy structure. The main open question, will these 7 extra grams will impact deeply the flight caracteristics. Motors and props 0703 motors “racing edition”, boldclash branded announced to be 15000Kv. No information about their associated thrust… shoud turn about 20g each. They are the same as for the B05. Some 40mm triblades props, the same than for the B05 LiPo They upgraded the LiPo from a 350mAh to a 450mAh and more a 25C to a 80C for the discharge rate. Now the open question, are these new number true ?. They decided to move from a microLOSI connector to a JST pH. Judiscious choice ? More, I notice the gauge of the main lead power cable relatively thin…. IMHO it should impact negatively the performances of the machine. FPV-Camera module UNBOXING, ANALYSIS, BINDING, CONFIGURATION AND DEMO FLIGHT The machine comes with Betaflight 3.1.6 pre-installed (default dump attached below) and correctly configured at least for the receiver section. It’s not the ultimate one and better results could be obtained with the last BF3.2.1. At least, I would say, no ton of extra work is required with the B06. After the binding, you can enjoy directly the machine. By default, the machine is armed with AUX1=CH5 and only the angle (6-axis stablization) mode is set. So if you want acro, you will need to modify by yourself, the flight mode section (see video). Since there is not buzzer, they set the beacon delay & volume to 2min and max respectively as I recommended to them during the beta stage developpement. The BLheli firmware installed is the 14.6. I don’t think flashing the last 14.9 can turn ESC BLheli_S compatible. The buzz emitted is strong enough to hear to machine within a radius of 3-4m… which not bad. Of course we can regret the absence of a very tiny 0.7g buzzer….. one of the first mod to do. I think some little plastic element can be removed to gain some weight. In this case, the buzzer installation should be extra gram free. Immediadly, you can notice than the FPV feedback is good espcially for a CMOS camera. Light sensitivity is better than the average. The FPV range is also good despite a linear antenna. You can cross 3-4 walls indoors without problems without tons of breakup. Absoluptly no drift can be reported in angle mode !!! You can have super precise indoors flight with ultra precision. Very fun. For outdoors, throttle punchouts are oviously impacted by these 7 extra grams even if the 80C battery probably compensate most of. Don’t worry the ascent rate is very acceptable but it’s far to reach a 3S machine performances. At least, you can enjoy acro figures without problem but you probably will loose a bit of altitude. It’s for sure far better than any brushed competitors. I would like to use this battery on the former B05 model. Should boost well performances as well. Despite being installed horizontally, the 2.4G control range is good in a radius of 100m. Any dropout reported. 4min of flight time can be achieved with this excellent battery. After the flight, the battery is even not warm… A good sign of its quality. CONCLUSIONS One more time, Boldclash delivered a good product…. and in term of flight caracteristic, this brushless machine is very efficient indoors and outdoors. The FPV, control ranges are good, the battery autonomy good. The structure is durable….. almost the perfect machine…. but I would prefer to a see a builtin OSD…. the Maxvideo chip should add only 0.2g for the SPracing F3 board. Probably we will see it a next model. I think with these model we achieve the limit of 0703 motors can give. To boost even more performances, maybe 0704 motors is the way to go. PROS + Good flyer, acro compatible + Brushless 75mm FPV racer + Full duct system + More durable than the B05 + Good FPV AIO camera module + Jellofree + No drift for 6-axis stabilized flight modes + SPF3 + Good 450mAh/80C LiPo + ESC set to buzz after 2min of inactivity with max output volume + 4 min of flight time CONS – No buzzer – No betaflightOSD – 7g more heavier than the B05 – No BLHeli_S support – FrSky XM receiver badly positionned – Thin main lead power cable This quadcopter have been courtesy provided by Boldclash 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 99USD at http://www.boldclash.com/boldclash-b06-fpv-racing-drone-f3-blheli-esc-15000kv-m0703-800tvl-camera-25mw-48ch-vtx-p133.html Cet article TEST: Boldclash B-06, another brushless TinyWhoop FPV racer est apparu en premier sur Drone-Maniac !!!!!!!. View the full article

A new revision of the Eachine QX95 is announced by Eachine: https://www.banggood.com/Eachine-QX95S-with-F3-Betaflight-OSD-Buzzer-LED-Micro-FPV-Racing-Drone-Quadcopter-BNF-p-1218445.html We still have a 8.5mmx20mm brushed machine but with some “black” variant, more powerfull. The F3 board is also upgraded with the presence of a builtin Betaflight OSD. The camera is also installed beneath and it’s possible to ajust the lens orientation. The FPV camera is a basic 1/4″ 600TVL model. 53.5g in total with 1S 450mAh. Notice it’s not a classic LiPo but a LiHv with higher voltage. A buzzer is here to find your lost machine and a led strip bar for racing application. Three type of receivers are proposed: a FrSKy D8, a FlySky AFHDS-2A and a specktrum DSM2/X. For the FrSky model, the RSSI is exported via telemetry. Well if motors are really upgraded… and since the total weight is acceptable, the machine should offer good performances acro compatible. Anyway, I didn’t see any upgrade on the carbon frame… where the tickness seems locked to 1mm…. not strong enough for a massive crash Specification: Brand Name: Eachine Item NO.: QX95S Size:90mm*93mm*20mm Weight: 40.5g (Without battery) 53.5g (With battery) Flight controller: Eachine AIOF3PRO_Brushed built-in OSD Motor: Coreless 8520 Black Edition CW/CCW Propeller: Ladybird 55mm CW/CCW 2-blades propeller Camera: 600TVL HD CMOS 1/4inch VTX: 5.8g 25MW 48CH NTSC/PAL Video transmitter Battery: 3.8V 450mah Lipo battery(HV 4.35v) OSD: Betaflight OSD Firmware of Flight controller :Betaflight 3.2.0 (Target: Omnibus) Flight time: 4 minutes (Battery voltage at 2.8v) Features: – More powerful Coreless motor – Jaw-dropping flight performance – Airmode/Angle/Acro mode support – Adjustable Angle of Camera (0°~15°) – Built-in Betaflight OSD – Radio Stick to control PID Tunes – LED_STRIP Ready – Buzzer Ready – Telemetry RSSI Output ready (Frsky version) – V-bat Detector Receiver Option: – Frsky D8 mode SBUS Output 8ch With RSSI output (OSD display or X9D telemetry) – Flysky compatible 8ch PPM receiver (AFHDS 2A Mode) – DSM2/DSMX compatible Receiver Compatible: 1.Frsky Receiver Support FRSKY taranis X9D/X9D PLUS(D8 mode),and XJT (D8 Mode),DJT DFT DHT Transmitter. 2.Flysky Receiver Support FS-i4, FS-i6, FS-i6S, FS-i6X, FS-i10, FS-GT2E, FS-GT2G, FS-GT2F, Turnigy Evolution Transmitter. 3.DSM2/DSMX Receiver Support Spectrum/JR(DSM2/DSMX protocol) DEVO10/DEVO 7E(with deviation firmware). Package Inlcuded: 1 x Eachine QX95S Frame Kit 4 x 8520 Black Edition Coreless Motor 1 x AIOF3PRO_Brushed Flight controller 1 x 5.8G VTX w/Camera antenna 8 x 55mm Propeller 1 x 3.8V 450mah Battery 1 x Charging cable 1 x LED_STRIP 1 x Buzzer 1 x Paddle propeller Cet article NEWS: Eachine QX95S est apparu en premier sur Drone-Maniac !!!!!!!. View the full article

Not yet announced in major webseller’s sites…. but here are the first informations grabbed for the new very promising Sky03 The non complete specifications are: – FOV of 43 degrees – 800×600 screens with non spherical distortion – IPD ajustement 63.5mm +/- 6mm – 48 CH diversity builtin receivers – HDMIin up to 1080p sources – Frontal camera – Defogging system – DVR with H264 recordings For me it’s sound super good …. Probably the real Fatshark’s killer longwaited and so many time announed. Notice that Aomway will also introduce in december their commander V2 with a FOV of 42 degrees as well. Cet article NEWS: Skyzone SKY03 (FOV 43 degrees, 800×600 screen, 48CH diversity, H264 builtin DVR, HDMI) est apparu en premier sur Drone-Maniac !!!!!!!. View the full article

INTRODUCTION The Eachine E57 represents the last compact WiFi toyquadcopter from Eachine. In the menu, a machine ultra slim, super easy to transport/pack with new system to folding system and a 720p WiFi link. The E57 can be controlled with the provided radio or via the dedicaced “Eachine fly” Appz via a 2.4G WiFI link. Let’s have a quick tour of this product. BOX CONTENT + 1 x Eachine E57 (with a builtin 250mAh 1S) + 1 x Transmitter (using 2xAAA batteries not included) + 1 x USB charging cable + 4 x Spare props (2 CW, 2 CCW) + 1 x Prop remover wrench + 1 x Instruction manual (English) OVERVIEW The general shape is an H struture with a super slim height dimension…. less than 1cm, i.e. 9.2mm to be precise. Everything is plastic based. The general quality of the plastic is in the average… not too hard minimizing the risk of massive cracks during a crash. A 100mm machine unfolded -FRONT VIEW A super tiny M5 lens can be guessed on front. Latterally, two small blue lights are here…. Beyond, 10m there are not super visible to distinguish between front to the rear. -SIDE VIEW The trick to unfold the machine is the press the two latteral push buttons… and in a fraction of second, thanks to some tiny springs. -REAR VIEW Two small red lights . When flashing slowly, they indicate the LVC alarm. -UPPER VIEW The unique port, a small DC plug to charge the builtin battery. -BOTTOM VIEW Through the central section, we can guess the buitin battery…. No possibility to remove it to swap for a new fresh one…. A real pity. You will have to wait 30min before another flight attempt … -WEIGHT 36.2g only for the quadcopter including the LiPo… relatively light… The transmitter is also super light. Motors and props Some 7mmx20mm coreless brushed motors. No specific RPM mentionned. 38mm props… with large section. The same type of props we can find for some nanoquadcopter like the UDI Skulldrone. Camera module What a tiny lens thread !!!! a M5 format … Clearly impossible to find a lens with wider FOV with such super tiny dimension … The camera got a fixed orientation angle. No possibility to set it to a positive angle for example With such tiny pinhole lens, don’t expect a FOV larger than 70 degrees… For indoors applications, it’s super hard to fly FPV with such narrow FOV ….. Transmitter A super slim transmitter is given. Here no classic stick gimbals but some super flat model to be manipuled only with thumbs. So you can be in troubles if you are a “pincher”. The classic flight modes are here: headless and “one key to somewhere” …. Only two speed modes are proposed while via the Appz, three can be selected. Be aware, if you want to control the machine via the radio, you will need first to bind the E57 with the transmitter before to connect the machine to your smartphone via WiFI. There is no smartphone/tablet builtin holder …. so no possibility to carry your favorite WiFi device … Two AAA batteries to find the transmitter. NiMh models are working. Here we have 2-in-1 MCU+RFchip…. It will be super hard to hack the radio protocol. Unfortunatly, I was not able to bind the E57 with another transmitter. UNBOXING, ANALYSIS AND DEMO FLIGHT The “Eachine fly” Appz must be installed if you want to enjoy the FPV WIFi feedback. It’s the same application used for the E56. Anyway, the E56 radio can’t control the E57 and vise and versa… so probably there are some minor difference in the RF protocol. The first thing is too bind the transmitter with the quadcopter by pressing up & down the throttle stick. When done, you should see solid the blue & red lights of the E57. In term of radio link, no problem within a radius of 30m. I don’t advise to go further with this machine. For the FPV link, the frame rate don’t exceed 15fps even at close distance and the latency is a minimum of 0.3s. Of course versus time, the frame rate decreases with sporadic some video freezings. The FPV feedback is good, we have a real 720p feedback where colors are relatively well rendered. Aynway, the light sensitivity is correct but very far to reach the best performances from other CMOS cameras. For example, if your target the sun, you will see a black hole. In term of flight caracteristics…. the yaw control is “touchy” in expert mode….. The more problematic is strange behaviour of the altitude hold. As soon as, a small breeze is here…. you can see your machine going down or up with non-negeagable altitude deviation. Indoors the situation is improved. video recordings are more stable. Another problem is the lack of powerlift in general. For example, after a 360 degrees flips, the machine loose 3-4m of altitude…… The vertical climb rate is slow….. The machine looses also altitude after a yaw turn….. At the end of the flight, the 7mmx20mm motors are warm… sign of the stress associated with the extraload. Finally the 36g machine is paradoxally too heavy for these type of motor/prop combo. In term of video recording, outdoors despite the altitude hold, the lack of power will produce some a bit tembling videos…. More in presence of wind, it’s not obvious to shoot/focus precisely on your desired scene. At the end of the battery duration, we can notice some suddenly altitude losts, probably linked with a battery with poor discharge performances. The flight time is about 4min in average. CONCLUSIONS Far to be the best Eachine WiFI quadcopter …. Despite being super compact and with a good FPV feedback, the motors’s weakness is major negative point… The E57 must be almost only used indoors to have stabilized flights. Outdoors, the machine can drift (a lot) in presence of wind… and shooting videos of a specific scene is not obvious. PROS + Super slim + Original folding system + Good 720P WiFi link + Super transportable CONS – No removable LiPo – Lack of power – YaQwNFoV (Yet another Quadcopter with Narrow Field of View) – YaP (Yet another Protocol) – Deviation in altitude hold especially outdoors – No possibility to attach a smartphone/tablet to the transmitter. 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 41USD at https://www.banggood.com/Eachine-E57-WiFi-FPV-Selfie-Drone-With-720P-HD-Camera-Auto-Foldable-Arm-Altitude-Hold-RC-Quadcopter-p-1196592.html Cet article TEST: Eachine E57, the slim WiFi toyquadcopter est apparu en premier sur Drone-Maniac !!!!!!!. View the full article