How to choose a quadrocopter

When choosing a quadcopter, it is worth considering the planned operation of the device.

content

1. How to choose a quadcopter: what to look for
2. Types of unmanned aerial vehicles
3. The main criteria for choosing a quadcopter
4. Features of the choice of the quadcopter for the child
5. Features of the choice of the quadcopter with the camera
6. Choosing a quadrocopter with a video camera
7. Choosing a quadrocopter for beginners
8. Features of the choice of racing quadrocopter
9. How to choose a battery for quadcopter
10. Top quad copter manufacturers

How to choose a quadcopter: what to look for

The quadcopter market is in the hundreds of models that differ in size and purpose. According to the second parameter, they can be divided into two groups - “entertaining” and “for video shooting”.

1. "Entertaining" quadcopters are usually relatively small, inexpensive and low-functional. But at least they fly, and thanks for that. Sometimes such quadcopters are equipped with a small built-in camera to make it more fun, but its photographic characteristics are far from perfect.

2. Quadcopters "for video" differ in large size, high price and the lack of an internal camera. It is either external or not included. Devices that are not complemented by a camera can be equipped with a GoPro or similar device. In this case, it is important to assess the presence of the attachment.

By type of delivery quadrocopters are of two types - RTF (ready to fly out of the box) and prefabricated. The first ones are as easy to use as they are, but they are expensive, and it is advisable to buy them in offline stores: when ordering from abroad, transport companies may not handle the goods with sufficient care. Prefabricated quadrocopters resemble furniture from IKEA: the box contains a bunch of parts from which a ready-to-use device is assembled. You will also have to configure them yourself, according to the instructions. But they are cheaper.

These are the two most important criteria when choosing a quadcopter. It is necessary to determine the intended purpose of use and readiness to spend a couple of evenings for the assembly and configuration of the device. Among other important parameters are:

1. Type of quadcopter;

2. The presence of the camera;

3. Flight characteristics: range, speed and time;

4. Type of drive;

5. Additional features and specifications.

6. Equally important is the manufacturer.

Types of unmanned aerial vehicles

Drones, or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), differ in the number of screws used.

1. Trikoptery, as the name implies, are equipped with three screws. Such devices are cheaper than other drones, but they are not well suited for flying outside the premises. Trikoptera unstable keep in the air, so because of the wind, they stray from the course or even fall. In addition, such a lifting force of such drones is small, so they are not equipped with an external camera. But thanks to the highest maneuverability, the thuncters quietly go through complex trajectories.

2. Quadcopters - the most common type of UAV.These drones are equipped with four drives, providing high lift force, stability in the air, optimal maneuverability and flight range. Quadcopters are recommended for both beginners and professional users.

3. Hexacopters and Octocopters are equipped, respectively, with six and eight screws. Because of this, they are distinguished by high payload and the “top bar” of flight. Finally, these drones retain the ability to fly, even if one screw is damaged. However, hexacopter and octocopter are usually superior in price to quadrocopters and tricopter.

The main criteria for choosing a quadrocopter

Camera presence

The presence of the camera directly determines the purpose of the quadrocopter. So, if you just need a radio-controlled drone for entertainment, models that are not equipped with a photographic module will do. Drones without a camera are cheaper than others and are suitable, for example, for piloting training.

Drones with integrated camera are suitable for undemanding users. In such devices, the sensor is installed with a resolution of 5 to 13 megapixels, removing with little detail.

Drones with an external camera - a solution for professional operators. They secure GoPro or professional DLSR, which receives video and photos in high resolution or with the required optical qualities. The only drawback of such drones is the high cost: quadcopters with an external camera are among the highest-ranking options.

Flight characteristics: range, speed and time

When choosing a quadcopter, you should evaluate the possible use cases. Then it becomes clear which of the characteristics of the flight is of paramount importance.

So, for fans of simple entertainment, drones with a maximum time in the air (from 20 minutes) will do; for operators - with a maximum range (from 300 meters); and for riders - with a maximum speed (from 100 km / h).

type of drive

In quadrocopters mounted actuators collector or brushless type. The first ones are distinguished by a low price, however, with prolonged use they overheat and therefore need periodic replacement. Quadcopters with brushless drives are characterized by durability and minimum take-off time, but they are more expensive and are installed only in large-sized drones.

additional characteristics

Among the additional characteristics and capabilities of quadcopters can be identified:

1. Programmable flights. You can pre-draw the trajectory of motion on the map or through a simple algorithm. This will especially appeal to video buffs because it automates scene creation;

2. Follow me mode. A useful feature for sports enthusiasts (such as snowboarders). In this mode, the quadcopter follows the person you want to capture;

3. Wi-Fi module. Equipped with a quadcopter can be controlled from a smartphone or other mobile device;

4. GPS module. A useful feature for creating programs or simply tracking the movement of a quadrocopter on the map;

5. Blade protection. Structural solution, which implies installation of a special “grid” on the quadrocopter, which protects the device during shocks and falls. A useful solution for beginners.

6. These are not the only possible additional functions, but “universally useful”.

Features of the choice of the quadcopter for the child

Quadrocopters with blade protection are best suited for piloting training. They will "survive" after a collision with a wall or tree.

A good version of the quadcopter for the child is the mini version. Such devices have a low price and help to learn piloting skills. Depending on the interests of the child, you can purchase both the RTF version (ready to fly out of the box) and the national team.

If the child plans to engage in video, you can pay attention to quadrocopters with built-in camera.And after he “taps his hand”, it is worth picking up a larger model, to which you can connect GoPro or “DSLR”.

Features of the choice of the quadcopter with the camera

The most important parameter of a quadrocopter with an integrated camera is the photographic characteristics of the sensor itself and the complete lens. First of all, pay attention to the type of lenses. For landscape photography, wide-angle lenses are better suited.

In addition, the physical resolution of the sensor is important. The higher it is, the more detailed the resulting image will be. At the same time, the extrapolated resolution (for example, from 13 MP on the sensor in a software way 4K is easily obtained on the finished video) does not matter much.

However, high-resolution video (Full HD, 2K, 4K) usually takes up a lot of space on a memory card and requires an external drive speed of 10 Mbps. Therefore, it is very important that the quadcopter supports MicroSDHC or MicroSDXC (up to 64 GB or up to 2 TB, respectively).

Choosing a quadrocopter with a video camera

Quadcopters with integrated camera are not suitable for professional photography. A quality “picture” can be obtained only on an additional device - for example, a connected GoPro or a “SLR”. Therefore, it is very important that the quadcopter is equipped with an appropriate mount.

In addition, the quadcopter lift is important. Even the most compact DSRL cameras and “mirrorless” ones weigh about 500 grams, while more professional equipment with a lens can weigh more than a kilogram. Choosing a quadcopter for a used camera, you should pay attention to the maximum weight that the device can lift.

Not only high-quality quadrocopters (like DJI Phantom 3) are suitable for video filming, but also hexacopters or octacpeters. Such devices are more “securely” held in the air, they better withstand the action of the wind, and also have a greater lifting force.

Choosing a quadrocopter for beginners

First of all, when choosing a quadcopter for training, you should pay attention to the budget sector. It is there that devices are found at a price of up to 10,000 rubles - which, in principle, do not “hit the ball” if they break on the first day of use.

The disadvantages of budget quadcopters are low battery life, short distance and flight altitude. And the advantage, of course, lies in the fact that they are capable of teaching piloting - that is, the basic skills of controlling a device moving in a three-dimensional, dynamically changing space. And after that you can buy a flagship quadrocopter.

Features of the choice of racing quadrocopter

When choosing a racing quadcopter, you should pay attention to the “format” of the device: micro or nano (up to 50 and up to 20 grams of weight in the assembled state, respectively); as well as the maximum speed he develops. However, these drones usually have a short flight time - on the order of several minutes.

When choosing a full-sized drone, you should pay attention to its mass (the smaller - the better) and, again, at the speed of flight. Usually it is indicated by the manufacturer directly in the specifications of the device.

How to choose a battery for quadcopter

The main criteria when choosing a battery for a quadrocopter are:

1. Weight and dimensions;

2. The number of cells and output voltage;

3. Capacity;

4. Current output;

5. Connector;

6. Calculated parameters.

Weight and dimensions

The main requirement for the battery is for it to fit into the quadcopter's battery compartment. Information about the dimensions is usually indicated in the specification of both devices.

In addition, the weight of the battery must be such that the quadcopter with the battery and the connected camera has a mass less than the maximum calculated take-off. Otherwise, the balance of the device will be broken, and the drone will simply fall.

Number of cells and output voltage

The design of a lithium-polymer battery — namely, these are most often used in quadrocopters — includes several separate battery cells included in a sequential circuit. This provides a voltage boost.

The number of cells depends on the output voltage. Each of them "gives" 3.7 V. As a result, 3 connected cells provide a voltage of 11.1 V, four - at 14.8 V, etc.

The design of quadcopter drives for budget and middle price segments implies a direct increase in power depending on the output voltage supplied. The higher it is, the faster the blades rotate. So, if the weight and volume of the battery compartment allows, for maximum lift it is worthwhile to take a battery with a large output voltage.

At the same time, it is worth considering that most quadcopters have a voltage limit that can be applied to the drives. It can not be exceeded.

The number of cells in the battery is indicated by the following marking:

1. 1S - one cell, 3.7 V;

2. 2S - two cells, 7.4 V;

3. 3S - three cells, 11.1 V, etc.

Capacity

The battery life of the quadcopter, in which it is installed, directly depends on the battery capacity. This indicator is measured in milliampere-hours. The higher the capacity - the, accordingly, the longer the drone will last in the air.

Current output

Quadcopters are resource-intensive devices, so they need "hardy" batteries. The durability parameter is also indicated directly on the battery case and is measured in current transfer speed.

The optimal discharge rate (current output) is within 20С-100С. C is a conditional parameter indicating the time during which the battery can completely release the accumulated electricity without harming itself.

So, for example, a battery with a 30C current discharge can be discharged in 1/30 hour (or 2 minutes) without reducing its capacity, and with a 60C current output - in 1/60 hour (or 1 minute).

Connector

For inclusion of the battery in an electric circuit of the quadrocopter special connectors are used. Despite the simplicity of the design, adapters between them practically do not exist (and those that are, can lead to waste of energy on the resistance). Therefore, it is important to ensure that the battery connector matches that used in the quadcopter.

Calculated parameters

The current capacity that it is able to withstand depends on current output and battery capacity. And it is precisely this one that is the main characteristic that shows whether the battery in use is “pulled” by the battery.

For example, four drives of 10 A each are installed in the quadcopter. It is planned to install a 1500 mAh and 10C battery in it. We calculate the current consumption: 4 × 10 A = 40 A. We calculate the current produced by the battery: 1.5 A × 10 C = 15 A. Since 15 is significantly less than 40, this battery will not work.

Recommended manufacturers

Among the best manufacturers of batteries for quadrocopters can be distinguished:

1. Kokam, Thunder Power. Relatively inexpensive, quality, suitable for various UAVs;

2. Gens Ace. Have high quality, differ in high cost;

3. Turnigy. Inexpensive, but relatively good;

4. Zippy. Inexpensive, differ in optimum quality, perfectly are suitable for the budgetary quadcopter.

Top quad copter manufacturers

Among the best manufacturers of quadcopters can be identified:

1. DJI. The largest, most famous quadcopter manufacturer. Produces uniquely flagship devices with rich functionality and excellent flight performance. The only downside is the price. For example, the flagship model Inspire 2 in Russian stores can be sold for more than 500 thousand rubles;

2. Syma. Manufacturer of low cost, but at the same time very high quality quadcopters, which are perfect for beginners;

3. Husban. Another manufacturer of high-quality but inexpensive quadcopters;

4. Parrot. It produces middle class drones, characterized by a non-standard design and pleasant functionality;

5. Walkera.Manufacturer of high-quality quadcopters for aerial fans who are not ready to spend a huge amount of money on a DJI model.

6. Of course, Xiaomi is worthy of mention with its middle class quadrocopters, but its range is very limited.

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Attention! This material is the subjective opinion of the authors of the project and is not a guide to purchase.