If you happen to’re on the lookout for an FPV drone that gives extra than simply gradual, beginner-friendly flights, the HGLRC Draknight RTF (Prepared-to-Fly) bundle is likely to be precisely what you want. It’s probably the greatest micros I’ve reviewed in 2024. Priced below $300, you get nearly every little thing required to begin flying FPV, however you can too buy this 2-inch drone individually and use your individual gear. On this overview, I’ll share my expertise with the Draknight, exploring its options, efficiency, and why it stands out amongst newbie FPV drones.
New to FPV? Take a look at my FPV Drone information for rookies: https://oscarliang.com/fpv-drone-guide/
The place to Purchase
The HGLRC Draknight is on the market as a standalone FPV drone or in an RTF package that features goggles and a radio. You may get it right here:
The HGLRC Draknight RTF package comes with every little thing it’s essential to get began:
- The Draknight 2S drone
- Two 2S 720mAh LiPo batteries
- A easy LiPo charger with storage charging functionality
- A USB-C charging cable
- The HGLRC C1 distant management with built-in 18650 batteries
- A light-weight module bay that helps Crossfire
- A neck strap for the distant
- DM KR FPV goggles with adjustable myopia vary
- A wide range of equipment, together with further props and a digicam mount
Specs
| Draknight Drone | Radio | Simulator Dongle |
|---|---|---|
| Flight controller: SPECTER12 ES2-4S AIO | Radio Hyperlink: ExpressLRS 2.4GHz | Constructed-in ELRS Most supported frequency: 250hz |
| MCU: STM32F411 | Packet price: 250Hz | Receiving distance: greater than 200m |
| GYRO: ICM42688P | Gimbal sensor: potentiometer | Binding methodology: Rapidly energy on and off thrice to enter binding mode |
| Constructed-in receiver: ExpressLRS 2.4G (UART) | Antenna: built-in ipex1 era copper tube antenna | Interface: USB TYPE-C+USB TYPE-A double plug |
| Constructed-in VTX: 0-25-100-400mW (adjustable) | Working voltage: 6-8.4v DC | Working voltage: 5v |
| ESC Present: 12A (15A Burst) | Vary: 500m+ | ELRS firmware improve methodology: WIFI or USB plug |
| ESC Protocol: Dshot | TYPE-C for charging and firmware flashing | ELRS firmware model: ELRS 3.0 |
| ESC firmware: (Bluejay) | 3.5MM analog coach port | ELRS Firmware Identify: HGLRC 2.4 GHz, HGLRC Hermes 2.4GHz RX |
| FC firmware: HGLRCF411SX1280_15A | Battery: 18650 flat head battery x2 | Exterior receiver help protocol: solely helps CRSF protocol |
| FC enter voltage: 2S-4S (Lipo) | Charging: TYPE-C charging present 1.2A, The charging time is about 3-4 hours | Weight: 9.5g |
| Mounting gap: 25.5X25.5mm M2 | Distant management channel: 8 channels | Measurement: 74mm x 21mm x 12.5mm |
| Motor: SPECTER 1003 10000kv | Bluetooth: Bluetooth 4.2 | / |
| Propeller: Gemfan2023 propeller | ELRS firmware improve methodology: WIFI or TYPE-C USB flash | / |
| Weight: 44.3g | ELRS firmware model: ELRS 3.0 | / |
| / | ELRS firmware title: DIY gadgets 2.4 GHz DIY ESP32 + E28 2.4GHz TX | / |
| / | Weight: 195g (excluding battery) | / |
| / | Measurement: 160mm x 130mm x 50mm (excluding distant management) | / |
Construct High quality and Design
The very first thing I seen was the sturdy construct high quality of the Draknight. The body feels stable and the design suggests it could take just a few hits, which is essential for rookies nonetheless studying the controls.
Weighing in at 44g with out battery and geared up with an included 2S 450mAh LiPo, the Draknight is able to ship some critical efficiency. It’s barely heavier than some opponents, just like the Emax Tinyhawk Freestyle, however the aluminum body provides sturdiness—one thing typically missing in ultra-lightweight drones.
The ten,000KV brushless motors present loads of energy, guaranteeing this drone can deal with every little thing from light cruising to extra aggressive freestyle maneuvers.
Radio
The Draknight could be bought individually, however when you don’t personal any gear, the RTF package comes with a radio and FPV goggles, making it excellent for rookies on a good price range. The drone will also be used with different ExpressLRS radios and analog goggles whenever you determine to improve your gear, including versatility.
The distant controller is straightforward, with built-in ELRS (ExpressLRS) help. It has no display, so you possibly can’t change radio settings simply, however I didn’t discover the necessity to change any settings throughout my testing. It’s paired with the drone proper out of the field and will get the job performed.
The radio is powered by two 18650 batteries and has a game-style design that feels comfy in hand. The vary is nice, you shouldn’t fear about shedding the radio hyperlink earlier than the video sign, which is usually the primary vary limitation.
FPV Goggles
Whereas fundamental, the included FPV goggles present a good viewing expertise. Compact and light-weight, these goggles provide adjustable focus for nearsighted and farsighted customers, although they lack a DVR operate, which is a big downside if you wish to file your flights.
By way of consolation and immersion, they aren’t on par with mid to high-end alternate options, however they’re enough for rookies. They’re additionally fairly small, which could work properly for youthful pilots. Even after upgrading to higher goggles, these can nonetheless be helpful for spectators.
For FPV goggles suggestions, see this publish: https://oscarliang.com/fpv-goggles/
With this radio and goggles setup, the vary is healthier than anticipated. I may fly round 300-400 meters away and nonetheless maintained dependable video and radio hyperlinks. Nevertheless, I didn’t push it additional, as shedding it in dense bushes may make it onerous to search out, particularly because it’s so tiny.
Battery Charger
The package features a fundamental non-smart charger that handles 2S and 3S LiPo/LiHV batteries by way of the stability connector. It expenses one battery at a time, which may take 20 minutes to half an hour. In case you have many batteries, you may wish to think about extra superior choices. However for rookies, this charger will get the job performed. For battery charger suggestions, see this information: https://oscarliang.com/choose-lipo-battery-charger-power-supply/
Draknight vs. TinyHawk
When evaluating the Draknight to different FPV drones in its class, just like the Emax Tinyhawk Freestyle, it holds its personal. Whereas the Tinyhawk is likely to be barely lighter, the Draknight affords extra sturdiness and uncooked energy, making it higher suited for many who wish to develop extra aggressive flying kinds. The aluminum prime mount and durable development recommend this drone can face up to frequent crashes. It additionally features a beeper and useful LEDs, including to its worth as a flexible, ready-to-fly choice.
Flight Efficiency
The Draknight is likely one of the finest micro drones I’ve examined in 2024, fingers down.
It’s tremendous easy, agile, and quick, making it perfect for freestyle flying. The motors and propeller mixture is environment friendly, preserving the motors cool and the battery barely heat after flights, which is a testomony to its high quality construct and tuning.
Regardless of its energy, the Draknight could be very quiet, making it perfect for flying in native parks with out disturbing others. I used to be in a position to obtain round 6 minutes of aggressive flight time with the included 2S 720mAh battery, and as much as 8 minutes with relaxed cruising.
With its robust design, attractiveness, built-in LEDs, and a buzzer to assist find it after a crash, the Draknight is a standout micro drone in 2024.
Most important Complaints
Whereas the FPV digicam is ample, its picture high quality falls brief in comparison with different micros I’ve examined up to now yr. It may benefit from a greater digicam for certain, however this isn’t a dealbreaker.
One other concern is the overly tight motor wires, which may result in them disconnecting from the flight controller throughout flight. This occurred to me, leading to a fast “roll of dying.” The repair is straightforward—simply unplug the motor wires, unwind the twisted motor wires a few turns, and plug them again in. In the event that they turn into too free, safe them to the arms with some material tape.
Setting Up and Flying
Getting began with the Draknight is easy. No binding is important—simply cost the batteries, and also you’re able to fly. The radio is paired with the drone out of the field, with all of the buttons and switches wanted for a whole FPV expertise, together with mode choice (angle, horizon, and acro) and a beeper change for locating your drone after a crash.
For rookies, I like to recommend beginning in angle mode, which retains the drone secure and simple to regulate. If you happen to want to fly in acro mode, follow in simulators first. The included ELRS dongle means that you can follow on FPV simulators utilizing the radio wirelessly.
Authentic Betaflight CLI Diff could be discovered right here.
Conclusion
The HGLRC Draknight RTF bundle is a wonderful selection for these trying to begin flying freestyle. It affords an excellent stability of sturdiness, energy, and flexibility, making it a powerful contender within the newbie FPV drone market. Whether or not you’re simply beginning out or trying to develop your abilities, the Draknight offers a stable platform to be taught and have enjoyable with. Alternatively, if you have already got your individual radio and goggles, the standalone Draknight 2-inch drone can also be extremely really useful.
You may get the HGLRC Draknight package/quad right here:
