If you happen to’ve ever gone mountaineering together with your FPV drone, that weight and bulk are essential elements on the subject of becoming all the things right into a backpack. DarwinFPV affords a compact 4-inch FPV drone, the FoldApe, that may be folded into an excellent smaller kind issue! On this evaluate, we are going to discover its options, construct high quality, and total efficiency.
Fascinated 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 accessible in DJI O3 model, Runcam Wasp/Hyperlink, and Walksnail; I’m testing the analog model.
The drone comes with these equipment, together with additional 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 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 package deal can equip all the things essential for long-range flights.
In comparison with the Flywoo Explorer, the scale distinction is important.
Folding Mechanism
Probably the most putting characteristic of the FoldApe4 is, undoubtedly, its folding mechanism. This design alternative is not only 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, due to the intuitive design and safe locking mechanism. To unfold it, you pull the arms out and connect 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.
If you happen to don’t just like the folding side in any respect, you’ll be able to simply go away these screws in completely, and it behaves similar to an everyday 4-inch drone, making the folding elective.
The interlocking arms, 4 mm thick, have a staggered configuration. Word that the rear arms are decrease than the entrance arms and they don’t seem to be on the identical aircraft. When unfolded, the arms are stiff and don’t have any play due to tight tolerance, making certain 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 seems like a incredible setup for long-range flying; nonetheless, 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 below 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, comparable 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 will attain the marketed 20 minutes with 3S 1150mAh. This may very well be as a result of I used to be flying aggressively; maybe extra conservative flying may 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 virtually like a toothpick drone, it was very quiet and environment friendly too! Whereas it is probably not the quickest quad I’ve flown, it definitely affords a whole lot of enjoyable!
As standard, DarwinFPV has managed to construct a well-performing drone from funds elements, and so they have put important effort into tuning them. Very nicely executed.
Limitations and Issues
I take pleasure in flying the DarwinFPV FoldApe, nevertheless it leaves one thing to be desired when it comes to long-range capabilities.
The GPS is basically 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 characteristic.
With the analog setup, I began experiencing fairly dangerous sign simply 500 meters away—hardly inspiring confidence for long-range flights. I’m not totally certain if the VTX or the antenna is guilty, however with 600mW, I’d anticipate at the very least a few kilometers of vary with out important 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, outfitted with a easy monopole antenna, which isn’t superb 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 standard, 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’ll be able to’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 go away the FC and motors as they’re.
Find out how to Setup
The setup course of was easy, 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 assessments.
First, it’s good to bind the receiver to your radio by coming into your bind phrase within the “Receiver” tab in Betaflight.
Then, arrange modes (arm change) and at last arrange OSD (NTSC digital camera).
Last Ideas
Designing a big drone, comparable to a 7-inch or 8-inch (just like the Speedybee Mario 8) to be foldable, is smart, 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, if you happen to’re restricted on house to even pack a full measurement 4-inch FPV drone, the FoldApe4 presents a compelling choice. It affords a novel mix of portability, efficiency, and value, making it a standout alternative within the 4-inch long-range FPV drone class.
Whereas it might not characteristic high notch elements, its considerate design, strong building, and flight efficiency create a compelling package deal for pilots of all ability ranges.
There’s definitely room for personalization and enchancment, however I completely love how this drone flies—easy, responsive, and quiet. Maybe just a little disappointing when it comes to long-range capabilities, however for one thing priced at solely $180, it’s a exceptional worth.
Get the DarwinFPV FoldApe from these distributors: