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Should you’ve ever gone mountain climbing along with your FPV drone, you understand that weight and bulk are essential elements with regards to becoming every part right into a backpack. DarwinFPV gives a compact 4-inch FPV drone, the FoldApe, that may be folded into a fair smaller kind issue! On this assessment, we’ll discover its options, construct high quality, and total efficiency.
Interested by lengthy vary flying? Try 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 out there 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 Digicam: Caddx Ant
- VTX: DarwinFPV 600mW
- Wheelbase: 168mm
- Arm thickness: 4mm
- Battery Connector: XT30
- Really useful 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 every part essential for long-range flights.
In comparison with the Flywoo Explorer, the scale distinction is important.
Folding Mechanism
Essentially the most putting function of the FoldApe4 is, undoubtedly, its folding mechanism. This design selection isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about practicality, making the drone compact and straightforward to move. This strategy is additional complemented by foldable props, permitting it to shrink all the way down to a remarkably compact measurement.
Folding and unfolding the drone is simple, because of the intuitive design and safe locking mechanism. To unfold it, you pull the arms out and connect two screws in the course of the underside plate. When folded, these two screws can return in these holes so that you don’t lose them.
Should you don’t just like the folding facet in any respect, you may simply go away these screws in completely, and it behaves similar to a daily 4-inch drone, making the folding non-compulsory.
The interlocking arms, 4 mm thick, have a staggered configuration. Word that the rear arms are decrease than the entrance arms and they aren’t on the identical aircraft. When unfolded, the arms are stiff and don’t have any play because of tight tolerance, guaranteeing optimum flight efficiency.
Electronics
Not like 5-inch freestyle quads, that are usually designed primarily for uncooked energy, the FoldApe4 leans in the 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 appears like a implausible setup for long-range flying; nonetheless, throughout my testing, I noticed 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 beneath 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 realize longer flight instances, similar 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 might be as a result of I used to be flying aggressively; maybe extra conservative flying might enable 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 nearly like a toothpick drone, it was very quiet and environment friendly too! Whereas it might not be the quickest quad I’ve flown, it definitely gives quite a lot of enjoyable!
As typical, DarwinFPV has managed to construct a well-performing drone from finances elements, they usually have put vital effort into tuning them. Very effectively achieved.
Limitations and Concerns
I take pleasure in flying the DarwinFPV FoldApe, however it leaves one thing to be desired by way of long-range capabilities.
The GPS is actually ineffective, seemingly 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 check the GPS rescue function.
With the analog setup, I began experiencing fairly dangerous sign simply 500 meters away—hardly inspiring confidence for long-range flights. I’m not solely certain if the VTX or the antenna is accountable, however with 600mW, I’d count on no less than a few kilometers or vary with out a lot breakup in line of sight. You’ll be able to estimate FPV vary utilizing this calculator: https://oscarliang.com/js/fpvrange.html
The ExpressLRS receiver is a SPI receiver constructed into the flight controller, geared up with a easy monopole antenna, which isn’t very best 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 widespread, offering a wider availability, however the improve 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 may’t swap out these motors for 4S with out upgrading the AIO FC as effectively. That’s gonna be costly. So for now, I suppose I’ll go away the FC and motors as they’re.
The way to 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 could be discovered right here.
The ESC is already flashed with Bluejay firmware (S-H-50 – Bluejay BETA, 0.14, 48kHz), and it carried out effectively throughout my checks.
First, you must bind the receiver to your radio by getting into your bind phrase within the “Receiver” tab in Betaflight.
Then, arrange modes (arm swap) and at last arrange OSD (NTSC digital camera).
Closing Ideas
Designing a big drone, similar 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 until you’re seeking to match it into your pocket. Moreover, with a folding mechanism, extra joints and components are concerned, rising the chance of failure and problems of repairs and upkeep.
Nonetheless, in case you’re restricted on area to even pack a full measurement 4-inch FPV drone, the FoldApe4 presents a compelling choice. It gives 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 just a little disappointing by way of long-range capabilities, however for one thing priced at solely $180, it’s a exceptional worth.
Get the DarwinFPV FoldApe from these distributors:
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