The best small FPV quadcopter video recorder
Drones have become increasingly popular in the last years, from simpler use just for fun to professional use in competitions. Regardless of its use, the search for the best small FPV quadcopter has also risen, which is a specific drone category, focusing on small package, high agility performance, and a good video recording quality. Keeping up with this growing demand, many stores appear to offer a product with these properties, such as HorusRC.
A product that fits perfectly on that category mentioned before is Beta FPV HX115 115mm HD Toothpick Drone built-in FrSky RXSR receiver, a drone with great performance on a small package. The quality of its construction, design, and technology is impressive, as you can see in this article. Check out Horusrc.com for more products and you are sure to find what you are looking for there! HorusRC's high-quality products are a reference in the radio-controlled aircraft market.
Overview
The Beta FPV HX115 115mm HD Toothpick Drone built-in FrSky RXSR receiver, which can be found in the Horus RC website, is a freestyle drone capable of recording videos in HD. This drone is equipped with a customized high-definition camera and made of light carbon fiber structure, which turns it into the best small FPV quadcopter in its category.
Apart from its small size, the first impression one gets when holding this drone is its lightness. To achieve such impressive dimensions, the main struct is made of carbon fiber and the entire circuit is surrounded by a resistant plastic, increasing its durability, resistance to impacts and decreasing its size and weight, without exceeding 250g. These properties make this drone great for those who have just started learning to fly FPV drones or those who do obstacle racing flights.
The Beta FPV HX115 115mm HD Toothpick Drone built-in FrSky RXSR receiver, which can be found in the Horus RC website, is a freestyle drone capable of recording videos in HD. This drone is equipped with a customized high-definition camera and made of light carbon fiber structure, which turns it into the best small FPV quadcopter in its category.
System
In order to adapt to different flight performance conditions, the Beta FPV HX115 HD has a unique ability to operate with two different flight configurations in combination with the 5000KV brushless motors. The first configuration is a 3S 450mAh battery with 3-blade propellers, and the second is a 4S 450mAh battery with 2-blade props, bringing to users the perfect fit for an FPV flight experience.
Integrated with small circuits boards, the main controller is a Toothpick F4 2-4S AIO Flight Controller with a high-performance STM processor and tuned with Betaflight MATEKF411 (MK41). The circuit modularity is a strong point of this quadcopter. Since the component's cables are not directly soldered to the plate, it is easy to fix or replace them.
The last component of this drone to talk about is its cameras, which is the main highlight of this drone, despite its small figure. Equipped with customized high-definition camera RunCam Split 3 Nano, that features of low latency TV-OUT (40MS) and an HD video record recording, it brings to the user the best small FPV quadcopter flying experience, one that impresses with its high image quality, better than what the customers could normally get from a standard SD cam.
FPV Gear: HD RunCam Split 3 Nano
The last component of this drone to talk about is its cameras, which is the main highlight of this drone, despite its small figure. Equipped with customized high-definition camera RunCam Split 3 Nano, that features of low latency TV-OUT (40MS) and an HD video record recording, it brings to the user the best small FPV quadcopter flying experience, one that impresses with its high image quality, better than what the customers could normally get from a standard SD cam.
The specs of this camera unit are pretty good even for its size, which can record on MOV file format on 1080P at 60fps and 16:9 aspect ratio with recording FOV (field of view) of 165°. There are also more options under these configurations. To store so much information, the maximum SD card memory size is up to 64Gb capacity, with the recommended memory write speed of class 10 or above (UHS-1 ~ UHS-3).
However, if the goal is to get only a high performance over a high definition video recording, there is a version of this drone, Beta FPV HX115 115mm FPV Toothpick Drone, that can also be found at Horusrc.com. The freestyle mode without the high image recording weights even less, increasing, even more, its capability to get the optimum flight experience on a quadcopter.
As for the FPV video transmission, the spec is impressive. As was mentioned before, the camera unit has a low latency transmission. Usually, it is necessary to sacrifice the image quality to achieve satisfactory performance on a common drone camera. This drone uses a 4:3 aspect ratio and FOV of 130° with a sharp WDR (wide dynamic range) FPV camera for a better ambient view during the flight of the best small FPV quadcopter.
8 Best FrSky RC transmitters to get the most fun from your RC toys
If you want to build your own RC toy setup, you will need a reliable radio control transmitter. And finding a solid RC transmitter is not easy, especially when there are so many options available out there. We have covered several RC toys on our blog already, and now it's time to find out which FrSky RC transmitters are available right now.
So, are you ready to explore the best RC radio transmitters from FrSky? Check these out below.
Horus X10S
Horus X10S is the latest FrSky transmitter that includes all the best features of X10 along with some significant new improvements. For instance, it comes with MC12 gimbals to deliver an enhanced flying experience. The device contains a dedicated iXJT+ module to ensure a smooth RF performance and to reduce the latency. There are two internal antennas along with a detachable antenna to establish a stronger connection.
X10S is provided with a full-color screen that remains perfectly visible even in broad daylight. Its wireless trainer system will come in handy for the beginners, while the free Link App will let you control the transmitter from your iPhone.
The default settings will allow you to store up to 60 models, while you can save more models by using an external memory card. The device also supports all regular 3.5mm headphones. You can choose carbon fiber, silver, or amber as the transmitter panel.
Horus X10
Horus X10 is one of the most feature-rich RC transmitters ever produced by FrSky. Drawing inspiration from the previously successful models like the X9D and X12S, the device comes with a detachable antenna to ensure better portability. The industrial LCD screen will help you to use the navigation menu and check out the current session details even under direct sunlight.
As the device runs on FrSky's unique operating system, you will enjoy a great user experience. Thanks to the dual-antenna setup and the improved battery life, you can expect a better performance from the device. The device features an integrated iXJT+ transmitter, while it is also possible to use other transmitting modules. Audible speech alerts will let you know about the alarms and settings changes.
You will find all the usual ports including the mini USB, 3.5mm headphone jack, and the microSD card slot. The package comes with a neck strap, wall adapter, FCX10 LiON charger, and the necessary stick protectors.
Taranis Q X7S
As the name suggests, this is an upgraded version of the highly popular Taranis Q X7. It features improved ball bearing hall sensor gimbals along with two knobs and six upgraded switches. As it runs on OpenTX, you can easily share files with the other supported models. You will find a dedicated wheel and center buttons to navigate through the colorful menu. Thanks to the USB port and the microSD card slot, you can easily connect the device to your computer and expand the onboard memory. There is an integrated vibration feedback system to complement the voice and sound warnings. Other notable features include the trainer port, audio output, and real-time data logging.
Taranis X9D Plus SE
Continuing with the tradition from its predecessor, Taranis X9D Plus SE also features a highly affordable price. The device takes advantage of the proprietary ACCST technology to deliver a reliable overall performance. As the transmitter comes with the high-end M9 gimbals, you will be amazed at the smoothness and accuracy levels offered by the X9D Plus SE. You can choose any of the four water transfer shell artwork skins to make your radio look unique.
Taranis Q X7
Taranis Q X7 is a highly powerful RC transmitter developed by FrSky. The lightweight device is available in both black and white color schemes. Its smooth ball bearing gimbals will deliver reliable performance, while the voice, sound, and vibration alerts will let you know about the warnings. The 16-channel radio offers full support for OpenTX, making it possible to share the data with X9D and other supported models. You can use the microSD card slot and the USB port to expand the memory and adjust various settings. Q X7 also comes with full telemetry capability with instant flight data logging.
Taranis X9D Plus
If you are looking for an affordable RC transmitter that offers reliable performance, Taranis X9D Plus should be one of your top choices. The device utilizes FrSky's frequency hopping ACCST technology to take full advantage of the 2.4GHz brand, which means the transmitter will maintain a reliable connection with the receiver all the time. You can rotate and adjust the antenna to ensure the best reception. As the device features full RSSI support, you will receive alerts when the signal becomes weak so that you can bring back the toy to safety.
Horus X12S
This is the most powerful radio transmitter offered by FrSky right now. This flagship device is provided with premium quality gimbals, switches, pots, and other components. The full-color LCD display will make it a lot easier to use the intuitive UI system. Full telemetry support with real-time data logging will keep you in control, while the integrated GPS and six-axis sensors will help you maintain the proper course. As the device features six position encoders, switching flight modes is really easy. The transmitter comes with a hard case, which means you can carry it wherever you go.
Taranis X9E
Taranis X9E is another highly popular FrSky RC transmitter that offers a unique combination of power and features in the same package. Its top-mounted OLED display will provide detailed telemetry data, while the improved gimbals will offer significantly better control. There are dedicated buttons and a rotary encoder to help you navigate through the user interface. It is possible to expand the radio by adding more switches and pots. Other notable features include ACCST support, receiver lock, voice and sound alerts, dedicated power switch along with USB and SD card slots.
Final Words
Having fun with your RC toys depends mainly on having a suitable transmitter. Now that you have read this post, you know which the best FrSky RC transmitters are. So, which one are you going to pick up? Let me know in the comments below.
Drone racing simulator get comfortable with the XSR-SIM
As the love for RC drones and airplanes grows, so does the development of drone racing simulators. These are software that helps amateurs and even pros train from basic to complicated maneuvers. The standard gear you would need to fly simulators is the same used at real-life flights: a controller and the radio's trainer USB cable port. However, this common configuration normally brings a setback: annoying wires everywhere.
If you are tired of having a cable in the way when flying sim drones with your Taranis, you'll be glad to know that your problem already has a solution! FrSky recently released a Wireless USB Simulator Dongle: the XSR-SIM. Now you can use your transmitter the same way you use it when you go fly the real things. No more 15' USB cable strung across the family room to the computer attached to the TV. Get it at Horusrc.com for less than $20 and cut the cord!
The FrSky Wireless USB Dongle For Simulator allows you to wirelessly connect your FrSky transmitter to computer to use simulator. Just install the pre-loaded HID driver to your PC (Mac users will need to download the correct HID drivers). Then bind your transmitter to it, now you can move freely while using a simulator.
What is the XSR-SIM
In a few words, it is a Bluetooth Dongle + FrSky RX combo that is extremely simple to set up and works great: plug it directly into your computer, create a Simulator Model on your transmitter, then bind them the way you would usually do with a receiver and you are ready to fly your drone racing simulator.
Why you want one
Yes, it's actually cheaper to run a generic Mini USB cable between the transmitter and the computer. But sometimes you might want a wireless connection because having a cable can be quite inconvenient. Some older transmitters don't even have a specific port made to link it to a simulator. And, sometimes, not having the cable at all might be the problem too.
For example, many users have ranted about easily losing their cords or not finding the USB cable with the right head that connects to their TX. So, it's good to have options, and certainly, the XSR-SIM is the best out there. Some users might find the wireless dongle easy to loose too, but that is fairly simple to counter: you can just leave it plugged to your computer since it takes only a little space.
The FrSky Wireless USB Dongle For Simulator allows you to wirelessly connect your FrSky transmitter to computer to use simulator. Just install the pre-loaded HID driver to your PC (Mac users will need to download the correct HID drivers). Then bind your transmitter to it, now you can move freely while using a simulator.
Set up
As was said before, setting up this unique FrSky Wireless USB Dongle for drone simulators is super simple. The XSR-SIM has a built-in receiver, so you will have to bind it to your Taranis or Horus radio. Just follow the steps below and you will be racing your sim drones like you always have done in no time, but now with no strings attached to your TX!
If you already have a simulator model on your transmitter, all you will need to do is plug in the XSR-SIM and follow the normal binding routine of the sim model selected on the TX. There is a helpful video on the FrSky site on the XSR-SIM page.
Model Creation
At the MODEL SELECTION page of your TX, create a multicopter model
At the MODEL SETUP page, rename our model to your choosing
Binding
While holding the F/S button on XSR-SIM, plug it into your PC
At the MODEL SETUP page, choose the D16 binding mode and bind your XSR-SIM (Ch1-8 Telem ON Mode)
When both green and red LED's are lit, exit binding mode and return to the Model homepage
Remove the XSR-SIM then plug it right back into the PC (but now not holding the F/S button). The green LED should light at this moment, indicating that the binding process is complete
Calibration and Fly: continue with your usual simulator calibration process and you will be ready to fly.
Simulator Compatibility
As expected, it won't work with all kinds of simulators since some of them are only compatible with a specific set or chain of associated products. But, According to Frsky, this dongle works with all popular drone racing simulators such as Freerider, Velocidrone, DRL, Liftoff, FPV Air 2, and so on. You can also flash the firmware quite easily through the SmartPort interface if there are incompatibility issues with future sims.
OS Compatibility
Since it's actually pretty similar to using a flight controller + receiver combo, except the wiring and requirement is much simpler, the user might think that there must be some other downside to this: maybe it won't work with all Operational Systems? However, this dongle works out of the box with Windows 10 so no more weird driver issues with your particular transmitter's USB port!
For Windows, it should work straight out of the box, given that the HID driver is pre-installed. Now, for Mac OS users, you will have to install the correct HID drivers first that already come with the USB. It's as simple as that.
Beware of the Firmware
Exactly like a receiver, it has either FCC or LBT (EU) firmware installed, so beware of this little detail before you buy this drone racing simulator wireless dongle on an impulse. If you are having trouble binding it, usually it is because of a firmware issue, meaning your Taranis might be on FCC or LBT but the XSR-SIM is on the other.
In case you got the wrong firmware with your product, you will have to flash the correct firmware through the S.Port just like flashing the R-XSR receiver. Download the correct firmware that matches with your TX from Frsky official website.
How to choose the best VTX FPV
The video transmitter is one of the more important pieces of equipment for FPV flying. There are many factors to consider when choosing the best VTX FPV. You need to consider the VTX power in mW, if you are flying indoors or outdoors if you are flying with others and also the bandwidth your FPV goggles or monitors can tune into. More features to be aware of are how easy is it to change and read the channels and bands. In the case, your FPV camera doesn't have a microphone and you prefer to have onboard audio, some of the best FPV VTXs have a built-in microphone.
There is a new trend in the FPV drone racing industry and that is low latency HD. The Animon Connex Pro sight HD system is a fairly new technology that hasn't been fully adapted yet by most racers. With the addition of the latest DJI digital racing system, pro pilots are starting to have a dedicated digital rig and some have even switched over exclusively. The DJI is the best VTX for FPV on the digital front, for now.
Even with this new technology, the majority of FPV drone racers still rely on 5.8 GHz for the best VTX FPV video transmission. If you are planning to fly long-range or between many obstacles I would recommend a 2.4 GHz or a 1.3 GHz VTX. These greatly improve the long-distance effectiveness at a cost of picture quality. When using 2.4 GHz video you must make sure you are not using a 2.4 GHz radio link, it would be best to use FrSky or JR transmitter with a FrSky JR module bay for use with a 433 MHz or 900 MHz output module. This will give the best VTX FPV video transmission possible.
Power
25mW, 200mW, and 600mW are the usual power output choices. There are a few VTX out there where the output is adjustable. Many countries legally limit this output to 25mW so always know your countries laws on this before buying. 25mW is also good for flying indoors where Multi Path can affect the signal, that is when the signal gets bounced off surfaces and creates interference in the picture. 200mW is usually what is required at most outdoor FPV races and is more than enough for flying with friends as well. A 600mW VTX doesn't mean it gets 3 times the range as a 200mW, higher-powered VTXs tend to generate more heat and create more interference when flying with others, it also can have more of a Multi Path effect in confined areas. If the longer range on 5.8 GHz is your goal there are some 1000mW VTXs out there, that along with higher gain antennas will get you decent range out of a 5.8 GHz system. Many of the best FPV VTXs output 5V for an FPV camera, look for this if your camera requires one, you can also get 5V off a PDB. Some cameras require 5V and some can even take up to 22V, make sure you know your camera's requirements.
Channel and Band Switching
Whether you are FPV Racing or just flying with friends at a park, it's always good to be able to access your channel and band selection. Most of the best FPV VTX have either a dip switch or push-button for changing channels and bands. Dip switches are more tedious to change and push buttons are easier but you must go through other channels and you may step on someone's channel mid-air. There are a few transmitters where you can turn transmission power very low or completely off to change channels in the pits. A VTX with a push button has an indicator that tells you what channel and band it is tuned to, it's either a combination of LEDs or a digital display indicator.
Clearer Signal
Increase your chances of a clearer signal by running a LC filter and using a 12V regulator to power your VTX. Mount your VTX away from your control receiver and antenna away from being obstructed by carbon fiber. Also, do not let the ground from the VTX touch the carbon fiber as it can cause issues. Do these to get the best VTX FPV results.
Keep it Working
Don't let the VTX sit on for too long on the bench, in the air it has constant airflow, left sitting for too long can burn it out. Also please do not power on your VTX without an antenna, that will surely burn out your VTX quickly. Also, be aware of how your antenna is mounted because in a crash the antenna is sometimes pulled off along with the VTX or the SMA/RPSMA output. Some people like to install an extension from the VTX to relieve the stress in the event of a crash. This is the best for getting the best VTX FPV experience.
FrSky Transmitter X9E Reviewed by Udo
I was searching for a new frsky transmitter which should fulfill some features i had missed since my beginning of RC modelsport. My focus is on scale glider and some F3b competion models, and i wished to have more possibilities in mixer configurations than the usual, predefined menues from mid-priced transmitter gave to me. So i read all the flagship-tx manuals from well known manufacturer, tried some configuration software, but no solution was capable to satisfy my personal needs. By chance i read in a forum about the principle of "channel driven" programming of Taranis frsky transmitter without the limits of hard-coded mixer configuration. The frsky transmitter X9e would be the right choice for me because of the tray design and the (extendable) number of switches.
Surprisingly you could download a config tool named companion for programming the model by using your PC . Two hours after starting it was like you've lived in a cave for a long time and suddenly standing in the centre of times square, thanks to OPENTX ! Because of the stringent "input-process-output" principle, the freedome to create own mixers on every channel, and a little bit "spreadsheet" like logic, it was an easy going to create a simple "four flap glider program".
Not only that i was able to perform a complete configuration, including logical switches, special functions, announcements an so on, you could simulate the whole config !
The possibilty of designing several telemetry screens, sourced by a hugh amount of sensors, completed the extremely positiv expression. So buying was a no-brainer.
Three months after first use i never experienced any failsafe, regardless flying a glider to the limit of visibility. The more i was trying all the features the more it became clear that the only limit regarding functionality was in my mind, wether in hardware nor in software.
In case you've IT skills in programming you even can design own software modules using lua script. Actually the Taranis X9e is the only series which gave the opportunity of a "100% customizable transmitter" on the market, i'm pretty shure !
It has a solid manufacturing quality, precise gimbals and an outstanding price/perfomance ratio.
I'm fully convinced that this series and his successors will write RC-history.
Overview:
Brand Name: FrSky
Item Name: ACCST Taranis X9E Transmitter Full CNC Arm with Carton and Eva Package
Number of Channels: Up to 16 channels
Operating Voltage Range: 6~15V (2S, 3S Lipos are acceptable)
Operating Current: 260mA maximum (both RF module and backlit are on)
Operating Temperature: -10~60℃
Backlight LCD Screen: 212*64
Model Memories: 60 (extendable by SD card)
Compatibility: FrSky X series, D series and V8-II series receivers (plus other receivers if an external module
is used)
Taranis X9E-EU version is only compatible with X series receiver EU version
Features:
Quad Ball Bearing Gimbals
Receiver Match
Audio Speech Outputs (values, alarms, settings, etc.)
Antenna Status Detection and Adjustment
Real-time Flight Data Logging
Switch Numbers Extendable
Receiver Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) Alerts
Super Low Latency
Smart Port Supported
Vibration Alerts
Bluetooth
Package Included:
1 x X9E Transmitter
1 x EVA Case
How to Choose the Best Video Transmitter for your FPV Racing Multirotor
The video frsky transmitter is one of the more important pieces of equipment for FPV flying. There are many factors to consider when choosing a Video Frsky Transmitter or VTX for short. You need to consider the VTX power in mW, if you are flying indoors or outdoors, if you are flying with others and also the bandwidth your FPV goggles or monitors can tune into. More features to be aware of are how easy is it to change and read the channels and bands. In the case your FPV camera doesn't have a microphone and you prefer to have onboard audio, some VTXs have a built in microphone.
There is a new trend in the FPV drone racing industry and that is low latency HD. The Animon Connex Prosight HD system is a fairly new technology that hasn't been fully adapted yet by most racers. The System is pricey and requires the use of a ground station. The advantage of an HD system is the increase in resolution and clarity. It also doesn't get as much "noise" as an analog system. Instead it displays more of a pixilation loss when the signal becomes weak.
The majority of FPV drone racers still rely on 5.8 GHz for video transmission. If you are planning to fly long range or between many obstacles I would recommend a 2.4 GHz or a 1.3 GHz VTX. These greatly improve the long distance effectiveness at a cost of picture quality. When using 2.4 GHz video you must make sure you are not using a 2.4 GHz radio link, it would be best to use FrSky or JR transmitter with a FrSky JR module bay for use with a 433 MHz or 900 MHz output module.
Power
25mW, 200mW, and 600mW are the usual power output choices. There are a few VTX out there where the output is adjustable like the TBS Unify Pro and the soon to be released Vantac VT241T. Many countries legally limit this output to 25mW so always know your countries laws on this before buying. 25mW is also good for flying indoors where Multi Path can affect the signal, that is when the signal gets bounced off surfaces and creates interference in the picture. 200mW is usually what is required at most outdoor FPV races and is more than enough for flying with friends as well. A 600mW VTX doesn't mean it gets 3 times the range as a 200mW, higher powered VTXs tend to generate more heat and create more interference when flying with others, it also can have more of a Multi Path effect in confined areas. If longer range on 5.8 GHz is your goal there are some 1000mW VTXs out there, that along with higher gain antennas will get you decent range out of a 5.8 GHz system. Many VTXs output 5V for an FPV camera, look for this if your camera requires one, you can also get 5V off a PDB. Some cameras require 5V and some can even take up to 22V, make sure you know your cameras requirements.
Channel and Band Switching
Whether you are FPV Racing or just flying with friends at a park, it's always good to be able to access your channel and band selection. Most VTX have either a dip switch or push button for changing channels and bands. Dip switches are more tedious to change and push buttons are easier but you must go through other channels and you may step on someone's channel mid-air. There are a few transmitters where you can turn transmission power very low or completely off to change channels in the pits. A VTX with a push button has an indicator that tells you what channel and band it is tuned to, it's either a combination of LEDs or a digital display indicator.
Clearer Signal
Increase your chances of a clearer signal by running a LC filter and using a 12V regulator to power your VTX. Mount your VTX away from your control receiver and antenna away from being obstructed by carbon fiber. Also do not let the ground from the VTX touch the carbon fiber as it can cause issues.
Keep it Working
Don't let the VTX sit on for too long on the bench, in the air it has constant airflow, left sitting for too long can burn it out. Also please do not power on your VTX without an antenna, that will surely burn out your VTX quickly. Also be aware of how your antenna is mounted because in a crash the antenna is sometimes pulled off along with the VTX or the SMA/RPSMA output. Some people like to install a extension from the VTX to relieve the stress in the event of a crash.
Choose a VTX with the features you will actually need. A more expensive VTX will not have a higher quality picture. Spend less on your VTX and more on a camera and quality antennas.
The Matching Art of JF head model
Since the foundation of 1997,Qingdao JINGFA International Trade Co.,Ltd. becomes an integrated company combining R&D,Hair Products, sales and service for training heads, mannequin and mannequin heads,wigs. With innovative development for years, now company has over 200 staff and covers the area of nearly 100,000 m².Over 1,000 kinds of products are well sold in more than 20 countries and regions.
JF head models are necessary for showcase display:
Mannequins are necessary display tools for showcase design, at the meantime, they are also the eye-catching points for a costume store or shopping mall. Therefore, it requires enough thinking on the showcase design, other than random designs. Only when you pay more attention to the mannequins and showcase design, you can bring in more customers and deals.
Be particular over the mannequin design and placement:
The theme of mannequins should be clear. First, you need to well plan the storyline and match to it according to different costume styles, no matter business casual, city classic, or travel casual, etc. Second, how to place mannequins in a showcase and what are the best combinations?
Consult JF head model, we will give you our sincere advices and suggestions.
