When you’ve ever gone mountain climbing together with your FPV drone, you recognize that weight and bulk are essential components in the case of becoming every little thing right into a backpack. DarwinFPV presents a compact 4-inch FPV drone, the FoldApe, that may be folded into a fair smaller kind issue! On this evaluate, we’ll discover its options, construct high quality, and general efficiency.
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The place to Purchase?
Get the DarwinFPV FoldApe from these distributors:
The FoldApe is obtainable 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 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 little thing essential for long-range flights.
In comparison with the Flywoo Explorer, the dimensions distinction is critical.
Folding Mechanism
Essentially the most putting function 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 right down to a remarkably compact dimension.
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 course of the underside plate. When folded, these two screws can return in these holes so that you don’t lose them.
When 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-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 haven’t any play due to tight tolerance, making certain optimum flight efficiency.
Electronics
Not like 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; nevertheless, throughout my testing, I noticed it has some severe limitations as defined shortly.
Sub250 Weight Restrict
With a 3S 3000mAh Li-ion battery (sometimes 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 biggest 3S I’ve. DarwinFPV recommends utilizing bigger LiPo batteries to realize longer flight instances, akin 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 may very well 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 will not be the quickest quad I’ve flown, it definitely presents a whole lot of enjoyable!
As typical, DarwinFPV has managed to construct a well-performing drone from funds elements, they usually have put important effort into tuning them. Very effectively carried out.
Limitations and Concerns
I get pleasure from flying the DarwinFPV FoldApe, however it leaves one thing to be desired by way of long-range capabilities.
The GPS is actually ineffective, doubtless 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 unhealthy sign simply 500 meters away—hardly inspiring confidence for long-range flights. I’m not totally positive if the VTX or the antenna is responsible, however with 600mW, I’d count on at the least 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, outfitted with a easy monopole antenna, which isn’t supreme 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 an alternative of 3S. Not solely are 4S batteries extra widespread, 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 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 assume I’ll go away the FC and motors as they’re.
How one can 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 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 exams.
First, it’s essential to bind the receiver to your radio by coming into your bind phrase within the “Receiver” tab in Betaflight.
Then, arrange modes (arm swap) and at last arrange OSD (NTSC digicam).
Closing Ideas
Designing a big drone, akin 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 elements 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 dimension 4-inch FPV drone, the FoldApe4 presents a compelling possibility. It presents a novel mix of portability, efficiency, and worth, making it a standout alternative within the 4-inch long-range FPV drone class.
Whereas it might not function prime notch elements, its considerate design, stable building, and flight efficiency create a compelling bundle for pilots of all talent ranges.
There’s definitely room for personalisation and enchancment, however I completely love how this drone flies—clean, 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:
