|
|||||
|
Discussion
The Micro RTF Quadcopters Thread
Hey everyone!!
Stigern mentioned a great idea on the Beetle quad review thread that someone should gather all of the quads together and open a thread about them. Since I have a lot of contacts in the toy industry here in China, I decided to do my best and post what I know about the current selection of cheap rtf quads on the market. There are some common features on all of these quads: - 2.4GHz (Almost no interference) ***The RC EYE One will be 2.4GHz around March...* - Lithium Polymer battery (1 cell 3.7V) ***exception: RC EYE One*** - Coreless motors (very efficient) ***exception: RC EYE One, though efficiency is the same*** - The ability to flip - Cheap acquisition price (40-50usd with some exceptions ie the QR Ladybird V2, RC EYE One) Now, the similarities end here... the canopy designs, flight software and transmitter functions all vary significantly from company to company.. so do plenty of research before you buy the quad that you have your eyes set on. Aaron from Banggood provided me with some pictures and links.. These quads are available all over the internet.. so you can decide what the cheapest option is for you to obtain one of these quads. Anyways, let me know if I've missed a quad or two so I can add their info onto the thread. If you have one of these quads that don't have a review yet, we would love to hear about it! I haven't got the time or the money to test out every single one of them for you guys, so you'll have to help me out! Regarding the modes available on the TX, here is what we know so far (Thanks to ___FP for writing this): The RC EYE One: Modes 1-4 Walkera QR Ladybird V2: mode 1 or mode 2 FireFly: mode 1 or mode 2 (according to what I see, it seems me like a Nine Eagles TX) SH-6043: only mode 2 WLToys-V929/V939: mode 1 or mode 2 Syma X1: Mode 2 and Mode 4 Mini Pet: mode 2 or mode 4 (Or 1-4 with the MJX transmitter) UDI U816: only mode 2 Nine Eagles Alien : mode 1 or mode 2 MJX X100: mode 1-4 Hubsan X4: Mode 1,2,4 If you are wondering which quads have 6 axis systems, please refer to the following. 3 axis : Walkera Ladybird V2 WLToys V929 WLToys V939 WLToys V949 WLToys V959 Syma X1 Nine Eagles Alien/1SQ 6 axis: RCLogger RC EYE One WLToys V202 UDI U816 Mini Pet SH-6043 MJX-X100 Walkera Ladybird V1 Hubsan X4 WLToys V212 WLToys V222 *deep breath* here we go!! ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Walkera QR Ladybird V2 -From the company that started it all, this is a cheaper version of the quad..and it comes complete with a Devention 4 channel radio A review can be found here Specifications: Receiver: RX2643H-D Battery: 3.7V 240mAh Dimensions: 8.5 x 8.5cm Height: 3cm Safe Radio range: <=30m Flight time: 6-8min Color: Green ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- WLToys V929/V949/V959 The 929, 949 and 959 are a series of immensely popular quads from WLToys. Based on the Blade MQX, these quads are slightly larger than the other micro quads, they are generally less responsive than the micros...but make up for the performance figures by packing a lot of functionality not found on other similarly sized and priced quads. The 949 has onboard lights that could be switched on and off via the 5th channel button on the top right hand corner of the transmitter... the recently introduced V959 has modules that one could purchase (camera, bubble generator, water shooter, nerf shooter and a rescue basket accessory) and attach to the bottom of the quad. It sure looks like a lot of fun, but the lack of 9X compatibility is a let down for many though. V949 V959 Here is a review I've written about the 929/949. JamesChen072's review of the V929 Here is the review I've written on the 959 JamesChen072's review of the V959
Specifications: Main rotor Diameter: 13.5cm V929 BodyWeight: 61g FlightTime: about 10 minutes Charging Time: 50 minutes Range: 100-150 meters Power Supply: 3.7 V 500mAh Lipo Battery ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Benma SH 6043/6044 The 6043 and 6044 quads aren't very popular yet, but as far as I've heard, they have great performance that may rival the performance of the Hubsan X4 SH6044 SH6043 Bobepine's review can be found here Specifications: Size: 13.5 x 13.5 x 4.5 cm Control distance: 50 meters charging time: 1h Flight time: 6 minutes Ladybug Battery: 3.7V 300mAh Transmitter Battery: 6 x AA (Not Included) TFMeouch's findings: Pros - Crash resistant. I've crashed it numerous times and nothing is broken so far. - Quiet motors. An important point for me. - Stable flight controls. Hovers relatively well, though can be twitchy at times. - Landing skids. The bug legs act as the landing skids, protecting the motors. - Flips. Yes, it does flip, though recovery is a bit unstable. Cons - Poor transmitter sticks. The sticks are quite vague and difficult to fine tune the controls. - Battery requirement. Maybe I'm complaining too much, but I prefer transmitters to just use 4 AA batteries. - Lack of spare parts. Its hard even to find the batteries, but I suspect the lipo is the same type used by the Walkera Ladybird based on the connector plug. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- UDI U816 I like the looks, it by far has the coolest looking canopy (In my opinion) of the rtf quads..The reviews are somewhat mixed and Aaron told me that the props can fly off sometimes (but he thinks that the performance is quite ok). The U816 exists with many other canopies... but I believe that the electronics are very similar if not the same. Specifications: Weight: 30g Size:9.6x9.6cm Main rotor size:5.5 CM Battery: 3.7v 240mAh Rechargeable Li-Po battery Charging Time: 60 minutes Flight Duration: about 7-9 minutes Transmitter Battery: 4 x AA Batteries(not include) Radio Distance: Up to 30m ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Below are some alternatives that don't have any reviews yet...so I'm not sure how they perform...but usually Banggood's products are well screened. There will be reviews in the future. Or if any of you have these..let us know how they perform! ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Nine eagles Alien/1SQ Nine eagles apparently has joined the chaos! They are quite well known and they produce really nice products.. 1SQ thread Looks great though! Specifications: Mode No.: TX:NE-TXOS205(4CH 2.4GHz) RX:NE-MASF02:4 in 1(including:Three axis gyroscope,ESC,Mixer,2.4GHz receiver.) Motor system: 7.0 Hollow cup motorX4 Battery:3.7V 250mAh Li-Po Main rotor diameter:56mm Overall length:122.5mm Overall width:122.5mm Overall height:32.8mm Whole weight:About 32g Courtesy of ___FP ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Vitality H36 This quad has amazing performance, massiveoverkill and Aaron both think so... and I've heard from Aaron that he thinks it's possibly better than the X4! Its compatibility with the 9X is a big plus! Video Specifications Product Size:19*19*5cm Battery: Li-po battery 3.7V 500MAH ; 6*AA battery for controller (not included) Charging time:about 50 minutes (recharger by USB or controller) Flight duration: 10 minutes; Radio distance: about 100 meters ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Syma X1 Another contender from a well known brand. The Syma X1 was released very recently so there isn't a lot of information about it. It seems that there are 3 kinds of canopies... they all look weird in my opinion (I really like the nine eagles one now). Will post more info as soon as they trickle in. Specifications: Weight: 70G Rotor diameter: 14cm Battery: 3.7V 350mah Flying time: 8-9 Minutes Charging time: About 70 minutes Radio range: About 80 meters ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MJX X100/Mini Pet Different canopies and transmitters, but the same airframe and electronics. These are great quads for night flying and they are exceptionally stable and durable (Thanks to the 6 axis system) Please refer to the review for further information! Specifications: Weight: 36.5g Rotor diameter: 6cm Battery: 3.7V 300mah Flying time: 10 Minutes Charging time: 1-2 hours (!!!) Radio range: About 50-80 meters My MJX X100 Review can be found here Rating: ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- HuanQi 881 Hmmm... This company is known but I have heard nothing about this quad yet. Seems like another complete clone. Specifications : Weight: 32g Size: 8.5x8.5 cm Battery x 2: 3.7V 250mah Flying time: 7.5 Minutes Charging time: 1/2 hour Radio range: About 50 meters Transmitter Battery: 6 x AA (Not Included) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ The MJX X200 A larger MQX sized sibling to the X100...this quad isn't too popular at the moment, heard some reviews and they weren't too great... not to mention that the transmitter isn't backwards compatible with other MJX products Specification: Item name:X200 UFO Brand:MJX Color:Red, Orange Range:150M Battery: I-Poly 3.7v 600mAh Charging time:1.5 Hours Flight Time:12-13 Minutes Power Supply: 3.7 V 600mAh Lipo Battery ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Hubsan X4 The smallest and (in my opinion) best looking micro out there. It performs VERY well and it is the standard by which the micro quads are compared. Hubsan X4 Review Hubsan X4 Video Item Name:The Hubsan X4 Size: 60 x 60mm Motor (x4): Coreless Motor Frequency: 2.4GHz Voltage: 3.7V Battery: 240mAh Li-Po Battery Flight time: above 9 minutes Charging time:30 minutes 4 Channels Function: left, right, forward, backward Latest 6-axis flight control system with adjustable gyro sensitivity ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ The WLToys V939/ V202 quads The V939 is a very popular micro quad from WLToys, it is 9X compatible and has onboard LED lights for night flights. It is let down by the stock battery though so I would recommend the V202 which features a 6 axis system, revised canopy and batteries that are much, much better. That said, the V202 did lose 9X compatibility, but other than that, the performance is amazing. Stay tuned for a review! V939 V202 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ The HCW 553 Here's a micro quad with an AR DRONE like canopy. The bumpers instead of the open rotors mean that it is much easier for beginners to practice indoors without hurting them, the wall or the TV etc FyreSG has written a review, I'm still looking for the link. Specifications: Name:HCW 553 4 Channel Remote Control Mini Shaft Aircrafts QR Series UFO Model No.:HCW 553 Brand Name: HCW Helicopter battery: 3.7V 350mAh Controller battery: 6 x 1.5V AA battery Charging time: 50 minutes Flying time: 6-8 minutes Charging by USB Cable of High Quality Newest in 2012. Size:16.5 x 16.5 x 3 cm (L x W x H) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ The RC Logger RC EYE One Although a little bit pricey, I think this is the best quad out of all of these micro quads (my opinion). The design is a departure from the norm but the performance is stable enough for beginners but also active enough for the seasoned flyer. Currently the TX RX system runs on 915MHz but that will change to the 2.4GHz system in the very near future. An adapter for larger, more hobby grade transmitters will also be available soon. AND their customer service is unparalleled by any other company that I've ever seen. Absolutely love purchasing and flying their products. Review: RC EYE One Review
Official thread: https://www.rcgroups.com/forums/show....php?t=1754154 Available at www.rclogger.com RC EYE One Admissible flight operation Inner and outer area Admissible humidity max. 75% rel. humidity, non-condensing Admissible temperature range 0 to +40 Celsius Diameter without rotors 120 mm Operating conditions No to light wind Rechargeable battery 7.4 V LiPo Rotor diameter 64 mm Take-off weight approx. 80 g Total height 47 mm Remote Control (for RC EYE One) Dimension (W x H x D) 150 x 100 x 70 mm Number of transmitter channels 5 Supply voltage 3 V/DC (2 type micro/AAA batteries) Transmission frequency 915 MHz Transmitter range max. 40 m (free field) Weight 130 g Charger (for RC EYE One) Charging current 500 mA per charging channel Required input current min 1.5 A Supply voltage 5 V/DC ============================================ WLToys V212/V222 These are accelerometer upgrades of the V949/959. They are very stable and run on the V202 protocol. There are full reviews as follows WLToys- V212 review WLToys- V222 review ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The HiSky FF120/ Hobby King Qbot This one has quickly made it to the top of my favorites. Absolutely stunning in terms of performance, and the company actually actively modifies their product according to the comments made here! Package Included: 1 x HiSKY Micro Quadcopter 1 x 2.4gHz RF module 2 x 3.7V 20C 250mAh lipoly battery 1 x USB dual battery charger 1 x Spare propellers (2 x black, 2 x orange) 1 x Screwdriver If you get it with HiSky/HK's HF module, you could fly this quad with practically any tx on the market! Qbot thread ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Hubsan X4 V2 In the X4 review, I found the X4 to be a well engineered, well programmed quad with drop-dead gorgeous looks. Although I don't really care for the company, the quad is among one of my favorites (being the QR1 Ladybird, the RC EYE One and the HiSky FF120). The X4 V2 (let's call it that for now) has a number of improvements over its widely popular predecessor, the H107 X4. These improvements are advertised as: - LEDs for night flights (that could be turned on and off, and flash to indicate low voltage) - Rubberized pads to protect the motors from landing impact - X'tal changed to one that's less prone to damage - Anti-flip function, allowing the X4 V2 to be pushed to the limit without flipping - Re-designed props that protect the motor shaft from impacts - Increased range (from 30m to 100m) - Optional bumpers - New frame material The Hubsan X4 preview thread ============================================ If you are in the US (or Canada) you can find some of the quads here: www.shop.massiverc.com Most of these RTF Quadcopters are available here : RC Quadcopters(Banggood) For the RC EYE One, you can purchase it here ============================================ |
||||
|
Last edited by jameschen072; May 15, 2013 at 09:35 PM.
|
||||
|
|
|
|
Good post. I welcome our micro quad overlords. They'll probably need their own forum section in a few months. I'm still waiting for one with a nice canopy to come out, besides the Hoten X.
By the way, there are also a few from Syma I believe. You also might want to add the Walkera Scorpion, even though its not really a quad. |
|
Last edited by variantman; Jul 30, 2012 at 10:33 AM.
|
|
||
|
Quote:
I didn't know that Syma had a quad... Not surprised though..and they make good products..so should be a winner. Will google tomorrow |
|
|
||
|
|
|
Thanks for starting this thread, James. There's a bit of information on the new Walkera, as well as the U816, on this blog: https://www.rcgroups.com/forums/show....php?t=1701001
Waiting for more analysis. Syma X1 here: http://www.symatoys.com/product/show/1878.html |
|
|
|
||
|
Quote:
|
|
|
||
|
|
|
Review of the SH-6043 is here...
www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1691196&highlight=sh+6043 Read down thread 1st page about 1/2 way, complete with videos. |
|
|
|
||
|
Quote:
Underneath it's an LB. Uses the same spares etc. as far as I can tell. http://www.robbe.de/blue-arrow-nano-...f-2-4-ghz.html |
|
|
||
|
|
|
I received my U816 today.........
I will say this, if this is how a true quad flies as far as constant user input is concerned, I must now re-think what extent I'm willing to go in a real hobby quad. Begeezus, is this quad hard to maneuver! |
|
|
|
||
|
Quote:
I agree though, I do like the fraggle rock like look.......I can see Gobo and Mokey rocking that quad now |
|
|
||
|
|
|
I actually have the Benma SH 6043 and did a short review on it in another thread.
Perhaps I should just sum up my observations on the quad. Pros - Crash resistant. I've crashed it numerous times and nothing is broken so far. - Quiet motors. An important point for me. - Stable flight controls. Hovers relatively well, though can be twitchy at times. - Landing skids. The bug legs act as the landing skids, protecting the motors. - Flips. Yes, it does flip, though recovery is a bit unstable. Cons - Poor transmitter sticks. The sticks are quite vague and difficult to fine tune the controls. - Battery requirement. Maybe I'm complaining too much, but I prefer transmitters to just use 4 AA batteries. - Lack of spare parts. Its hard even to find the batteries, but I suspect the lipo is the same type used by the Walkera Ladybird based on the connector plug. |
|
|
|
|
|
Thanks guys for all the links to the reviews! I will update the thread soon. Looks like the U816 and the SH6043 aren't receiving the best of reviews then hmm...
@phoxache, the Robbe quad is a re-branded ladybird... The new canopy on the V929 is similar to the Robbe's as far as I know... But I think the design on the new V929 canopy is hideous...so I've asked them to come out with another design for the second batch. @dedmonwaking, there is a slight learning curve to flying quads... I found them to be a little hard to control at first too but eventually got the hang of it. Either that or the U816 has some control issues like my pre-production v929 which does not respond immediately to stick inputs, making it very difficult to fly. |
|
|
|
||
|
Quote:
If you're familiar with air hockey......well, the U816 is that puck gliding on air. A slight movement gets a big reaction. I'm getting the hang of it, but this size quad keeps you on your toes unlike the v929 which is more like a tank in the sky compared to the U816. Although I'm not 100% sure, I'm gonna say this quad is equal in size to the walkera ladybird and it looks like parts are interchangeable with it as I ordered spare blades made for a walkera on a hunch that it would fit....and they do. It does have a stable hover and very quick response.....yet very slow piro ability. The biggest let down is that 360° button is the acrobat button which is in a very awkward place (if your okay with soldering, button repositioning won't be a problem). Fortunately if you press it by accident to switch rates or trim the yaw.....it does a flip or roll with in 1 foot....a very tight flip. But I think once one gets used to controlling this micro quad, I think video shots would be vastly better on it than on a v929 cause there is nearly zero vibration.....even after 20 something hard crashes. And when I say crashes, they are pretty big impacts. I spend more time trying to find the mini blades than I do flying. Since this quad is so small, all the weight is in a small circumference....so even if you cut throttle, it doesn't become a glider like the v929.....it's a flying rock. Basically, I bought this thinking that all quads will fly similar. No...this is for the adrenaline junkie who is too novice for advanced crafts but eager to try something close enough without breaking their bankroll. I have a strong suspicion that the v939 will offer the same type of experience, despite maybe having a better control system or using the 9x....a rock is a rock is a rock to the air puck squared. So, I'm leaning towards a big pass on the v939. |
|
|
Last edited by dedmonwakin; Jul 30, 2012 at 11:55 PM.
|
|
|
|
|
Yet another...
Great idea this thread, thanks!!!
Kosem has sent a link to another one on a french website: the FireFly: It must be the same size as the 929 according to the details: 4CH function: up/down, forward/backward, turn left/right, left/right sideward flight 360degree omnidirectional. hovering. feature: controller with LCD Screen. Product Size:19*19*5cm Battery: Li-po battery 3.7V 500MAH ; 6*AA battery for controller (not included) Charging time:about 50 minutes (recharger by USB or controller) Playing duration: 10 minutes; Remote control distance: about 100 meters Another kind of information for those (like me) who can only fly in mode 1 (tell me if there is any mistake...): Walkera QR Ladybird V2: mode 1 or mode 2 FireFly: mode 1 or mode 2 (according to what I see, it seems me like a Nine Eagles TX) SH-6043: only mode 2 WLToys-V929/V939: mode 1 or mode 2 Syma X1: ??? Mini Pet: mode 1 or mode 2 (not sure what to read on the bottom left switch: mode 2 / mode 1 but may be it is high / low rate)? UDI U816: only mode 2 Nine Eagles Alien : mode 1 or mode 2 |
|
|
Thread Tools | |
Similar Threads | |||||
Category | Thread | Thread Starter | Forum | Replies | Last Post |
Suggestion | Personal attack Rule as it applies to Trader Talk Thread Titles | porcia83 | Site Suggestions / Complaints | 3 | Jul 27, 2012 11:58 AM |
For Sale | Quadcopter Parts Sale Thread | mfkubak | Aircraft - Electric - Multirotor (FS/W) | 10 | Jul 26, 2012 02:33 PM |
Discussion | Why are there so many heli threads in the Airplane Micro RTF forum? | Bowerz | Site Chat | 38 | Dec 15, 2009 07:43 PM |
Wattage RTF Micro Flyer (thread #2) | Skyshark | Scratchbuilt Indoor and Micro Models | 233 | Sep 17, 2009 02:22 PM | |
Wattage RTF Micro Flyer (thread #1) | Bleriot | Scratchbuilt Indoor and Micro Models | 384 | Dec 15, 2004 03:28 PM |