CaddxFPV Ratel Pro: Analog FPV isn’t dead (yet)?
Although one of the best manufacturers of analog FPV cameras for a long time, CaddxFPV has joined DJI's digital HD FPV platform, then quickly made another change and focused exclusively on the Walsknail Avatar HD FPV transmission system. Honestly, I was surprised when I read about the release of the Rate Pro camera for the analog FPV systems that...
MEPS SZ F7 HD: Easy to wire high-performance flight controller
Here at FirstQuadcopter, we start 2024 with a flight controller review. The MEPS SZ F7 HD is the company's second FC we tested. Both have similar features, mainly just the mounting pattern difference. The smaller 20x20mm is suitable for compact 3-5" CineWhoop drones, and the bigger 30x30mm for 5-9" freestyling and long-range FPV drones.
The flight controller is one of...
BLUETTI AC70: 1000W Battery Backup for Power Outages
One of my friends recently moved to a village with electricity problems. As gas boilers, pellet stoves, and heating water recirculation pumps don't like power outages, he asked me to recommend a battery backup solution, knowing that lately, I have reviewed a couple of power stations. Starting from its budget (willing to spend around $600) and its needs, I...
Master Airscrew 9″ propellers for Long-Range FPV drones
Last week, I built a long-range FPV drone using the Chimera 9 ECO frame, and while researching the required components, I came across Master Airscrew, a US brand with a tradition in propeller manufacturing. So far, I have only used HQprop, Dalrop, and Gemfan propellers, and although they never disappointed me, I was curious to test if these 9"...
MEPS SZ2207: Are these FPV motors better than company’s reputation?
The SZ2207 will be the second FPV motor from MEPS reviewed here on FirstQuadcopter. Both motors are intended for 5-6" racing drones. While the SZ2306's stator has 23mm width and 6mm height, the SZ2207's stator is 22 mm/7 mm. The 2207 has a narrower stator width, so you can expect lighter rotational inertia that allows for faster RPM changes,...
iFlight BLITZ F7 V1.1 flight controller: Is it good?
The flight controller (FC) is the brain of the FPV drone and is probably the most critical component, as it is responsible for stabilizing the drone. The FC generates the motors' control signals based on the pilot's and sensors' inputs. If you are starting with this hobby, I strongly recommend using BetaFlight-based flight controllers like this iFlight BLITZ F7...
Insta360’s Tiny Vlogging Camera GO 3 gets a black skin
Insta360's tiny vlogging camera, released in June 2023 in Arctic White upon the request of many content creators, is now also available in Midnight Black color. The camera weighs only 35g (1.2oz), and its unique magnetic body provides effortless mounting. Capture amazing hands-free shots from creative angles, see the world from your pet's view, or uncover fresh perspectives.
The biggest...
LN-motor FS2812 and FS2306 brushless motors for FPV drones
Commonly, the product name of FPV motors is formed by a group of two numbers. The first one refers to the dimensions of the motor and the second one to the speed of the motor. Brushless motors have two main parts: the rotor with permanent magnets and the stator with copper coils. After learning to decipher the numbers on...
FLSUN S1 and T1: Enclosed High-Speed Delta 3D printers
This week, I was contacted by FLSUN on the occasion of the launch of two new 3D printer models. FLSUN S1 and T1 adopt a delta design and enclosed full metal frame structure. Besides the different build volumes, these two machines have many other significant differences, which is expected as the S1 costs two times more than the T1.
Besides...
RadioMaster RP4TD: GEMINI ready ELRS diversity RX
RadioMaster is a company that, from the beginning, started to offer ExpressLRS-compatible devices, including transmitters and receivers. Their new RP4TD diversity ELRS RX module comes with a dual-antenna system for improved range and penetration. When paired with TX modules such as the BetaFPV SuperG, you can use the ELRS Gemini mode.
To ensure improved stability, regardless of temperature, the RadioMaster...
GoPro 12 vs Insta360 Ace Pro: Which is the best deal for Black Friday 2023
With the Ace Pro, it’s clear that Insta360 wants to offer a GoPro alternative. Even the most popular brands have haters, not just fans, so there is room for new companies in any market segment. Both action cameras were released in 2023, with a two-month gap between them, and are the flagship models of the companies.
Black Friday season has...