BetaFPV’s newest providing, the Aquila16 FPV equipment, is a complete package deal 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 evaluate, I’ll discover its options, efficiency, and the way it stacks up towards 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 modern carrying case, good 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 the whole lot you want: the drone (Aquila16), a radio transmitter (Literadio 2 SE), FPV goggles (VR03), two LiPo batteries, a battery charger, handbook and equipment akin to 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 subtle darkish grey end provides it knowledgeable contact.
Weighing 47g (73g with battery), it’s a bit heavier in its class as a result of its strong plastic building that homes the electronics and strengthens the propeller guards.
The digicam angle is adjustable, permitting for slower indoor flights or sooner out of doors flying.
It’s doable to entry the flight controller by eradicating 4 screws beneath the Aquila16. The motors and the digicam are linked with connectors, sensible in the event that they should be modified!
The equipment comes with two 1S 1100mAh batteries with BT2.0 connectors. Not like conventional drone batteries that should 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 modern design and appears skilled, nevertheless it additionally means you’ll be able to’t use different batteries apart from BetaFPV’s proprietary batteries.
Distinctive to the Aquila16 is the optical circulate sensor. A typical FPV drone tends to float barely when hovering. However with the assistance of the optical circulate sensor, the Aquila16 can maintain its place extra precisely, making it a a lot much less scary expertise for brand spanking new pilots. Whether or not or not this can be a useful function, I’ll talk about later within the conclusion.
You’ll be able to join the the drone to your pc utilizing the supplied USB adapter, this could will let you 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 trying to attach the drone to my pc, not essentially the most consumer pleasant expertise. Anyway, you shouldn’t want to alter any config, because the drone flew simply effective out of the field, so it’s not one thing I’d be involved about.
Aquila16 Specs
- Battery: Aquila16 Particular Battery|1100mAh (Default), 650mAh (Elective)
- Digicam: C02
- Digicam 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. It’s good 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 pink, when completed it’s inexperienced.
It doubles as a voltage checker – merely join the battery to the “Check” port.
Radio Transmitter
The BetaFPV LiteRadio 2 SE radio (reviewed), now with an ExpressLRS RF module, is primary however useful.
It has no display screen, the battery is built-in and never simply detachable. There isn’t a 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 executed.
FPV Goggles
The VR03 FPV goggle, whereas primary, is efficient for novices on a funds.
It has built-in battery and DVR assist, however their single-screen design may not swimsuit everybody, particularly those that want binocular-style goggles for higher focus. It’s not as comfy to make use of in comparison with the excessive finish binocular goggles, nevertheless it ought to get you began simply effective.
It helps 5.8GHz analog FPV system and affords a frequency search operate. Observe 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 Guide. Every mode affords a novel flying expertise:
- Regular Mode (Place Maintain): This mode is just like flying a DJI digicam drone. It makes use of sensors to keep up peak and place. Leaving the throttle stick on the middle 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 novices throughout hovering.
- Sport Mode (Angle Mode in Betaflight): Permits for extra dynamic flight whereas sustaining some stability help.
- Guide Mode (Acro Mode in Betaflight): Presents full handbook management, very best for skilled pilots.
Moreover, there are three velocity settings: sluggish, medium, and quick. These alter the drone’s charges, affecting how shortly and sensitively it responds to radio stick actions. The chosen flight mode and velocity 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 completely 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 facility 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 ought to be already certain to the radio, so that you’ll achieve management by way of 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 must get a picture from the drone.
The FPV Expertise
Every thing 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 diverse flight types and environments.
Though it’s heavier and fewer agile than typical tiny whoops, its crash resistance, precision, and management make it very best for novices. It’s not overpowered, which is nice for brand spanking new pilots, and affords exceptional flight time – I averaged about 8 to 9 minutes indoors. Nevertheless, it’s much less suited to out of doors flying in windy circumstances and lacks the facility for freestyle maneuvers.
Video high quality within the goggles is what you’d count on at this worth level. It’s a funds drone, so don’t count on the high-end digital system imagery. Nevertheless, the goggles are comfy sufficient, with minimal mild 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’ll be able to 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?
When you’re intimidated by the velocity and energy of typical FPV drones, the Aquila16 equipment is a unbelievable selection. It’s a complete, ready-to-fly package deal that doesn’t require further {hardware} or difficult setup.
This equipment is particularly appropriate for younger pilots or those that may discover simulators boring. Its protected indoor flight functionality makes it a fascinating and sensible studying device. 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 healthier for complete novices as a result of its ease of management, whereas the Cetus X, with its Betaflight assist and barely extra energy, caters to these prepared for out of doors flying and a extra superior expertise.
Personally, I might have most popular Betaflight firmware assist on the Aquila16, because it’s the usual for many FPV drones. Studying the BetaFPV Configurator is just a little pointless particularly after you graduated from the Aquila16, you’ll most likely by no means use it once more.
The optical circulate 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 educating folks learn how to fly FPV drones. I might reasonably not have this function and decrease the price of the drone.
I might advocate skipping “Regular mode” fully. When you don’t have entry to an FPV simulator, begin out with Sports activities Mode. When you do have entry to a sim, you’ll be able to apply in Guide 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 out of doors except you’re assured together with your expertise.
In conclusion, the Aquila16 is a powerful contender for these beginning in FPV, providing a stability of simplicity, security, and delight.
