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BetaFPV’s newest providing, the Aquila16 FPV equipment, is a complete bundle designed for these wanting to dive into the world of FPV flying. This beginner-friendly equipment features a small drone, radio distant, FPV goggles, batteries, a charger and different equipment. On this overview, I’ll discover its options, efficiency, and the way it stacks up in opposition to the Cetus X and Cetus Professional FPV kits.
New to FPV? Try my newbie’s information for moving into FPV drone flying: https://oscarliang.com/fpv-drone-guide/
The place to Purchase?
The Aquila16 FPV equipment is out there at these retailers:
The equipment arrives in a smooth carrying case, excellent for transportation and safety. Inside, you’ll discover the Aquila16 drone, a Literadio 2 SE transmitter, VR03 FPV goggles, two LiPo batteries, a charger, and equipment like spare propellers and a screwdriver.
Inside, the equipment is neatly organized, containing every little thing you want: the drone (Aquila16), a radio transmitter (Literadio 2 SE), FPV goggles (VR03), two LiPo batteries, a battery charger, handbook and equipment resembling spare propellers, a screwdriver and USB-C cables.
Aquila16 Drone – A Nearer Look
Resembling the DJI Avata, the Aquila16 is a 1S tiny whoop – a small drone with protecting ducts throughout the propellers. Its refined darkish grey end offers it an expert contact.
Weighing 47g (73g with battery), it’s a bit heavier in its class as a result of its strong plastic development that homes the electronics and strengthens the propeller guards.
The digicam angle is adjustable, permitting for slower indoor flights or quicker outside flying.
It’s doable to entry the flight controller by eradicating 4 screws underneath the Aquila16. The motors and the digicam are linked with connectors, sensible in the event that they must be modified!
The equipment comes with two 1S 1100mAh batteries with BT2.0 connectors. In contrast to conventional drone batteries that must be strapped on to the drone, it slides into the drone and locks itself in place. It’s a really sturdy connection, battery didn’t disconnect in all crashes throughout my testing. It’s a smooth design and appears skilled, nevertheless it additionally means you possibly can’t use different batteries apart from BetaFPV’s proprietary batteries.
Distinctive to the Aquila16 is the optical movement sensor. A typical FPV drone tends to float barely when hovering. However with the assistance of the optical movement sensor, the Aquila16 can maintain its place extra precisely, making it a a lot much less scary expertise for brand new pilots. Whether or not or not this can be a useful function, I’ll talk about later within the conclusion.
You possibly can join the the drone to your laptop utilizing the offered USB adapter, this could permit you to change flight controller (FC) config within the BetaFPV Configurator. I did this earlier than with one of many BetaFPV Cetus drones. Nevertheless the method for the Aquila16 wasn’t documented on their web site, nor within the handbook. I used to be additionally having driver points when making an attempt to attach the drone to my laptop, not essentially the most consumer pleasant expertise. Anyway, you shouldn’t want to vary any config, because the drone flew simply fantastic out of the field, so it’s not one thing I’d be involved about.
Aquila16 Specs
- Battery: Aquila16 Particular Battery|1100mAh (Default), 650mAh (Optionally available)
- Digital camera: C02
- Digital camera Angle Adjustment: 15°-30°
- Charger Used: BT2.0 Battery Charger and Voltage Tester V2
- Flight Controller: Aquila16 V1.0
- Flight Modes: N/S/M Mode
- Flight Time(4.35V-3.4V): 8 minutes
- Body Materials: Black PA12
Battery Charger
The included charger can cost two batteries concurrently, requiring simply over an hour to totally cost each. You want to energy the charger from a USB energy supply (USB Sort C port). Most charging energy for every port is 5W, when charging 2 batteries it’s 10W.
When charging the LED is purple, when completed it’s inexperienced.
It doubles as a voltage checker – merely join the battery to the “Take a look at” port.
Radio Transmitter
The BetaFPV LiteRadio 2 SE radio (reviewed), now with an ExpressLRS RF module, is fundamental however useful.
It has no display screen, the battery is built-in and never simply detachable. There isn’t any bay to put in an exterior module. It has an energy button, two 3-position switches, two 2-position switches, a Bind button and a Setup button on the again. On the backside, there’s a USB-C connector for charging and connecting to a pc to play FPV simulators. The gimbals really feel low-cost however will get the job carried out.
FPV Goggles
The VR03 FPV goggle, whereas fundamental, is efficient for rookies on a price range.
It has built-in battery and DVR help, however their single-screen design may not go well with everybody, particularly those that want binocular-style goggles for higher focus. It’s not as comfy to make use of in comparison with the high end binocular goggles, nevertheless it ought to get you began simply fantastic.
It helps 5.8GHz analog FPV system and gives a frequency search operate. Notice that the DVR requires an micro SD card to work, which isn’t included.
There’s a USB-C connector for battery charging, an on/off button, 4 buttons for controlling the headset menu, and a foldable antenna.
DVR is just like what you see within the headset. File format is .avi with decision of 640×480 pixels at 30 fps. New video recordsdata are created each 5 minutes.
Flight Modes and Velocity
The Aquila16 options three flight modes: Regular, Sport, and Handbook. Every mode gives a novel flying expertise:
- Regular Mode (Place Maintain): This mode is just like flying a DJI camera drone. It makes use of sensors to keep up top and place. Leaving the throttle stick on the heart holds the drone regular in its present spot. Throttling up causes ascent, whereas re-centering the throttle stick halts it. Throttling down initiates descent. This mode considerably simplifies throttle administration for rookies throughout hovering.
- Sport Mode (Angle Mode in Betaflight): Permits for extra dynamic flight whereas sustaining some stability help.
- Handbook Mode (Acro Mode in Betaflight): Provides full handbook management, supreme for knowledgeable pilots.
Moreover, there are three pace settings: gradual, medium, and quick. These alter the drone’s rates, affecting how shortly and sensitively it responds to radio stick actions. The chosen flight mode and pace are displayed within the decrease proper nook of the FPV display screen, with battery voltage and flight timer within the backside left.
How To Set Up For First Flight
The Aquila16 FPV equipment features a detailed handbook that totally explains the setup course of. Right here’s a fast overview of the steps I adopted earlier than my preliminary flight:
- Cost the drone batteries, radio, and goggles utilizing USB-C cable.
- To energy on the radio, press and maintain the ability button till you hear three beeps. Activate the FPV goggle by turning it on (display screen activates).
- Join the battery to your drone, the sunshine ought to come on. The drone needs to be already certain to the radio, so that you’ll acquire management through the transmitter 10-15 seconds after powering up.
- For video feed, press the ‘S’ button on the goggles to enter the menu. Then, press and maintain the ‘S’ button to provoke frequency scanning. The system will mechanically choose the channel with the strongest sign and you need to get a picture from the drone.
The FPV Expertise
The whole lot simply labored out of the field. Proper from the beginning, the Aquila16 impressed me with its stability and smoothness. The adjustable digicam tilt is flexible, permitting for various flight kinds and environments.
Though it’s heavier and fewer agile than typical tiny whoops, its crash resistance, precision, and management make it supreme for rookies. It’s not overpowered, which is nice for brand new pilots, and gives outstanding flight time – I averaged about 8 to 9 minutes indoors. Nevertheless, it’s much less fitted to outside flying in windy situations and lacks the ability for freestyle maneuvers.
Video high quality within the goggles is what you’d count on at this worth level. It’s a price range drone, so don’t count on the high-end digital system imagery. Nevertheless, the goggles are comfy sufficient, with minimal gentle leaks, and the DVR function is a pleasant contact for sharing flights or finding the drone after crashes.
Compatibility with Different {Hardware}
The VR03 FPV goggles are appropriate with any analog 5.8GHz VTX.
The LiteRaido 2 SE within the Aquila16 equipment works with any drone outfitted with 2.4GHz ExpressLRS (ELRS) receivers (V3 firmware).
You possibly can management the Aquila16 drone with any radio outfitted with a 2.4GHz ELRS module (V3 firmware). For binding directions, see this tutorial: https://oscarliang.com/bind-expresslrs-receivers/
Conclusion: Ought to I Purchase It?
In case you’re intimidated by the pace and energy of typical FPV drones, the Aquila16 equipment is a unbelievable alternative. It’s a complete, ready-to-fly bundle that doesn’t require further {hardware} or sophisticated setup.
This equipment is particularly appropriate for younger pilots or those that may discover simulators boring. Its protected indoor flight functionality makes it an attractive and sensible studying instrument. Whereas it doesn’t totally replicate the FPV expertise of bigger, highly effective FPV drones, it’s an reasonably priced and low-risk introduction to the pastime.
The Aquila16 FPV equipment is out there at these retailers:
When evaluating it to different BetaFPV kits just like the Cetus Professional, the Aquila16 stands out with a extra polished design, higher flight efficiency, and enhanced capabilities. Nevertheless, the selection between the Aquila16 and the Cetus X is extra nuanced. The Aquila16 is best for whole rookies as a result of its ease of management, whereas the Cetus X, with its Betaflight help and barely extra energy, caters to these prepared for outside flying and a extra superior expertise.
Personally, I’d have most popular Betaflight firmware help on the Aquila16, because it’s the usual for many FPV drones. Studying the BetaFPV Configurator is a little bit pointless particularly after you graduated from the Aquila16, you’ll most likely by no means use it once more.
The optical movement sensor, whereas helpful for stability in hover, doesn’t add a lot to the FPV flying expertise. For my part, it isn’t actually useful for instructing folks the right way to fly FPV drones. I’d slightly not have this function and decrease the price of the drone.
I’d advocate skipping “Regular mode” totally. In case you don’t have entry to an FPV simulator, begin out with Sports activities Mode. In case you do have entry to a sim, you possibly can apply in Handbook Mode because it’s the last word flight mode for FPV drones. Thoughts you, when flying indoors, it’s really useful to make use of Angle mode for security. Solely use Acro mode when flying outside until you’re assured together with your expertise.
In conclusion, the Aquila16 is a powerful contender for these beginning in FPV, providing a steadiness of simplicity, security, and pleasure.
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