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In case you’ve ever gone mountain climbing along with your FPV drone, you already know that weight and bulk are essential components in the case of becoming all the pieces right into a backpack. DarwinFPV affords a compact 4-inch FPV drone, the FoldApe, that may be folded into a fair smaller type issue! On this overview, we are going to discover its options, construct high quality, and general efficiency.
Occupied with lengthy vary flying? Take a look at my information: https://oscarliang.com/long-range-fpv-flying-mini-quad/
The place to Purchase?
Get the DarwinFPV FoldApe from these distributors:
The FoldApe is on the market in DJI O3 model, Runcam Wasp/Hyperlink, and Walksnail; I’m testing the analog model.
The drone comes with these equipment, together with further screws, antenna posts, and zip ties.
Specs
- FC/ESC: DarwinFPV F411 15A ELRS AIO Board
- Receiver: Onboard SPI ELRS 2.4GHz
- GPS: DarwinFPV GM8
- Motor: 1504 3800KV
- Props: Gemfan F4019-2
- FPV Digital camera: Caddx Ant
- VTX: DarwinFPV 600mW
- Wheelbase: 168mm
- Arm thickness: 4mm
- Battery Connector: XT30
- Really helpful Battery: 3S 1150mAh LiPo or 3S 3000mAh Li-ion
- Weight with out Battery: 127.8g
Nearer Look
Upon unboxing, the FoldApe4’s compactness was instantly putting. It’s fascinating how such a small bundle can equip all the pieces essential for long-range flights.
In comparison with the Flywoo Explorer, the dimensions distinction is important.
Folding Mechanism
Essentially the most putting function of the FoldApe4 is, undoubtedly, its folding mechanism. This design selection is not only about aesthetics; it’s about practicality, making the drone compact and simple to move. This strategy is additional complemented by foldable props, permitting it to shrink right down to a remarkably compact measurement.
Folding and unfolding the drone is easy, due to the intuitive design and safe locking mechanism. To unfold it, you pull the arms out and fasten two screws in the midst of the underside plate. When folded, these two screws can return in these holes so that you don’t lose them.
In case you don’t just like the folding side in any respect, you possibly can simply depart these screws in completely, and it behaves identical to an everyday 4-inch drone, making the folding non-obligatory.
The interlocking arms, 4 mm thick, have a staggered configuration. Observe that the rear arms are decrease than the entrance arms and they don’t seem to be on the identical airplane. When unfolded, the arms are stiff and don’t have any play due to tight tolerance, guaranteeing optimum flight efficiency.
Electronics
In contrast to 5-inch freestyle quads, that are usually designed primarily for uncooked energy, the FoldApe4 leans in direction of effectivity and weight optimization.
It’s designed to run on a 3S battery with an XT30 connector. The FC has a built-in SPI ELRS receiver, and it comes with a GPS module. On paper, it feels like a implausible setup for long-range flying; nevertheless, throughout my testing, I spotted it has some critical limitations as defined shortly.
Sub250 Weight Restrict
With a 3S 3000mAh Li-ion battery (usually weighing round 160g), the general weight goes to be over 250 grams – at round 285g. If you wish to keep underneath the 250g restrict, you would need to think about using a 3S LiPo.
Flight Time and Efficiency
I’ve only a few 3S batteries, so I examined the FoldApe with a 3S 550mAh LiPo – the most important 3S I’ve. DarwinFPV recommends utilizing bigger LiPo batteries to attain longer flight occasions, corresponding to a 3S 1150mAh LiPo or a 3S 3000mAh Li-ion.
Regardless I nonetheless achieved 5 minutes of flight time utilizing a 3S 550mAh, which is spectacular, however I doubt we are able to attain the marketed 20 minutes with 3S 1150mAh. This could possibly be as a result of I used to be flying aggressively; maybe extra conservative flying may permit longer flight time.
Battery I used to be utilizing: https://oscarliang.com/product-m4n8
The flight efficiency was distinctive. I wasn’t anticipating such a nimble and responsive drone. It flew virtually like a toothpick drone, it was very quiet and environment friendly too! Whereas it will not be the quickest quad I’ve flown, it definitely affords plenty of enjoyable!
As normal, DarwinFPV has managed to construct a well-performing drone from funds elements, they usually have put vital effort into tuning them. Very nicely performed.
Limitations and Issues
I get pleasure from flying the DarwinFPV FoldApe, but it surely leaves one thing to be desired when it comes to long-range capabilities.
The GPS is actually ineffective, possible the identical module used within the Darwin129 7-inch. I by no means achieved a GPS lock; it didn’t even detect a single satellite tv for pc throughout my hours of testing! Consequently, I couldn’t take a look at the GPS rescue function.
With the analog setup, I began experiencing fairly unhealthy sign simply 500 meters away—hardly inspiring confidence for long-range flights. I’m not totally certain if the VTX or the antenna is responsible, however with 600mW, I’d count on a minimum of a few kilometers or vary with out a lot breakup in line of sight. You may estimate FPV vary utilizing this calculator: https://oscarliang.com/js/fpvrange.html
The ExpressLRS receiver is a SPI receiver constructed into the flight controller, outfitted with a easy monopole antenna, which isn’t perfect for long-range flights both.
The absence of a buzzer, an adjunct that’s essential for long-range flights, is notable.
I additionally want this quad supported 4S batteries as a substitute of 3S. Not solely are 4S batteries extra fashionable, offering a wider availability, however the enhance in voltage additionally means decrease present for a similar energy, making the quad extra environment friendly, particularly contemplating the skinny wires used on this quad.
Sooner or later, with lengthy vary in thoughts, I plan to make the next enhancements to my FoldApe:
Sadly, the FC/ESC AIO board solely helps as much as 3S, so you possibly can’t swap out these motors for 4S with out upgrading the AIO FC as nicely. That’s gonna be costly. So for now, I suppose I’ll depart the FC and motors as they’re.
How you can Setup
The setup course of was simple, requiring solely a few changes.
It got here with Betaflight 4.4.2 firmware, goal DARWINF4SX1280HD. The unique CLI dump will be discovered right here.
The ESC is already flashed with Bluejay firmware (S-H-50 – Bluejay BETA, 0.14, 48kHz), and it carried out nicely throughout my exams.
First, you’ll want to bind the receiver to your radio by getting into your bind phrase within the “Receiver” tab in Betaflight.
Then, arrange modes (arm change) and at last arrange OSD (NTSC digital camera).
Ultimate Ideas
Designing a big drone, corresponding to a 7-inch or 8-inch (just like the Speedybee Mario 8) to be foldable, is sensible, however a 4-inch drone is already fairly compact. It appears a bit pointless to fold it into one thing even smaller except you’re trying to match it into your pocket. Moreover, with a folding mechanism, extra joints and components are concerned, rising the probability of failure and problems of repairs and upkeep.
Nevertheless, in the event you’re restricted on area to even pack a full measurement 4-inch FPV drone, the FoldApe4 presents a compelling choice. It affords a singular mix of portability, efficiency, and value, making it a standout selection within the 4-inch long-range FPV drone class.
Whereas it might not function prime notch elements, its considerate design, strong development, and flight efficiency create a compelling bundle for pilots of all ability ranges.
There’s definitely room for personalisation and enchancment, however I completely love how this drone flies—easy, responsive, and quiet. Maybe a bit disappointing when it comes to long-range capabilities, however for one thing priced at solely $180, it’s a outstanding worth.
Get the DarwinFPV FoldApe from these distributors:
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