The best quadcopters with a camera and a long flight range. Quadcopter range
Range of quadcopters - what are the maximum and minimum values in modern drones? How is it possible to increase these parameters? In this article, specialists from the drone supplier ARMAIR will answer all your questions.
Range of quadcopters - what are the optimal and maximum capabilities of the devices?
Most products on this moment have a small value of this parameter - up to 1 km in the city and up to 2-3 km in the countryside. The range of quadcopters depends on the strength of the radio signal and video signal. Most devices operate at a frequency of 2.4 GHz, which has a range of up to 1 km. Further, the signal either weakens or disappears altogether, especially in an urban environment. Also, a significant limiter on the flight range, in addition to the signal strength, is the battery charge; for many copters it lasts for 15-20 minutes of flight, some models have a flight duration of 25-35 minutes.How is it possible to increase the maximum range of quadcopters?
- Installing an intermediate amplifier on the quadcopter remote control. As a standard, control panels have a power of around 10 mW; connecting and setting up an amplifier will make it possible to increase this parameter up to 1-1.5 watts. And this will give you the opportunity to control the copter at a distance of up to 7-8 km.
- You can buy an LRS module and install it in the control panel. This module will increase the control radius of the copter from 1 km to 3-5 km.
- The problem of physical capabilities and battery charge of the copter can be solved by connecting or additional. power supplies, or by connecting a more capacious charging battery.
- You also need to take into account the fact that as the range of the radio signal increases, it will be necessary to increase the strength and range of the video signal in order to receive a video stream from the copter’s cameras. This question can be solved by installing video transmitters of various powers.
The number of people using quadcopters is increasing every day. This is leading to an increase in the number of drones on the market that come with different features and prices for different categories users. Flight time is one of the characteristics that varies from one quadcopter to another, so today we will focus on learning ways to extend the flight time of your drone.
For example, you will see drones that can stay in the air for about half an hour, while others can only fly for a few minutes. On the other hand, quadcopters that have a longer flight time are more expensive, and with more short time flights - entertainment micro-drones - are much cheaper.
Due to the price difference, many pilots choose a less expensive drone - this is especially true for beginners. Not really fair, right?
There are a number of factors that can reduce a drone's flight time. For example, the camera (external or built-in) and battery quality. The camera usually puts a strain on the battery due to the added weight or due to the drone's battery being used to operate it.
It goes without saying that many of us want a quadcopter that has a longer flight time. Since the price of such can be a deal breaker for many of us, let's look at a few tricks that can help you increase the flight time of your drone.
How to keep a quadcopter in the air longer?
The following techniques are easy to perform, and although some require removal certain elements from drone design, others are a little more advanced. If you're interested, keep reading.
Remove camera
While having a camera attached to your drone may seem like a cool idea, it will be more useful if you decide to get rid of it for the duration of the flight if you don't need to take photos. This can significantly increase battery life, resulting in more time for the drone to remain in the air.
The camera adds weight to your drone, which leads to consumption more energy. Some cameras (usually built-in models) can also reduce flight time since they are powered by the drone's battery.
If you are not very interested in aerial photography or cinematography, this method is for you.
Buy a battery with a higher amperage
For less expensive drones, it is not surprising that the battery has a lower amperage than the one found on more expensive models. This significantly reduces flight time, since such a battery cannot provide a long stay in the air.
Upgrading your battery will allow your drone to last longer, which in turn will increase your flight time. More time - more fun.
Higher amperage can be helpful, but don't overdo it, as a heavy battery means extra weight. This may unwittingly undermine your efforts.
So, remember to check the weight of the higher capacity battery to ensure it is the right weight for your quadcopter model.
Experiments with propellers
The size of your drone's propellers can also affect flight time. The choice of propellers depends on whether you will use the camera or not. Before you try this trick, you need to use the propellers that came with the drone and then choose new ones based on your experience.
You can try using larger propellers when the camera is attached to the drone and smaller ones when the camera is not in use. Many who have tried this method have reported an increase in the flight time of their quadcopter.
You should experiment with using screws various sizes to determine the size that will provide the longest flight time and still be able to get the drone into the air.
Learn to fly your quadcopter in the right conditions
You need to define the right time for the flight of your drone, as some conditions may cause it to consume more power, resulting in shorter flight time. The best place for flying an amateur micro-drone - indoors, since a calm environment will not lead to greater energy expenditure than usual.
You should avoid flying the quadcopter in open areas in wind and rain, as the drone will waste more battery power trying to maintain stability in the air. Additionally, such weather conditions can cause the drone to shut down, causing the battery to drain even more than usual.
It is better if you develop the habit of flying when conditions are favorable. weather conditions, when a light breeze blows. This way you can extend the life of the battery.
Use the 40-80 rule
This rule applies to charging your quadcopter's battery. For example, some time ago it was advisable to use a battery until it was completely discharged before charging it. But times have changed and this can only cause the battery to become weaker over time. This is especially true if you are using lithium ion battery to power your quadcopter as this can significantly reduce battery life and therefore result in shorter flight time.
It's important to note that a lithium battery can be fully charged and discharged 300 to 500 times before it needs to be replaced. You should also keep in mind that every time you drain your drone's battery, it becomes weaker and its lifespan shortens over time.
You can avoid this by recharging the battery before it is completely drained, this good practice- recharge the battery when it is half discharged or when the charge is between 40 and 80 percent. At the same time, you must monitor the recharging process, as it can cause the opposite effect.
The temperature at which you charge the battery can affect its lifespan. It has been proven that charging a battery in a room with temperatures above 38 degrees Celsius can weaken the battery by about 35 percent.
Charging the quadcopter on time
If you prefer to charge your battery a day before using it, you should stop this habit as it has also been proven to reduce battery life. It is recommended to charge the battery several hours before your flight.
Remove unnecessary elements
If you're an experienced drone pilot, you can get by without the safety features. This approach will help reduce the weight of your copter. Their presence leads to the consumption of more energy.
You can also get into the habit of only flying your drone in open areas, which will help protect your drone from colliding with other objects.
Decals and quadcopter skins certainly add some flair to your drone, but they can also be an unnecessary burden that reduces flight time by consuming more power.
Finally
These are just a few of the few ways you could use to increase your drone's flight time. While they may help improve this score, don't expect significant changes. For example, it is almost impossible to increase the flight time of your drone to twice its original value.
It would be wise to purchase extra batteries, which have a high enough amperage to be used when others are running low. While these tricks won't provide you with hours of fun with your drone, they're still worth learning.
Such a characteristic as the range of a quadcopter often remains untaken into account when choosing a device. However, it is one of the most important in the operation of the device. It can also be found under the name coverage area of the equipment, although some users confuse it with the flight range of the quadcopter. To clarify this concept, let's look at it in more detail.
What determines the range of a quadcopter?
Unlike the flight range, which depends primarily on the power of the model’s battery, the range of the quadcopter depends longer on the communication technology that is used to connect with the control device. Since quadcopters are controlled remotely by wireless channels, their list is very small. The models can be controlled using a radio signal familiar to radio-controlled models at a frequency of 2.4 Hz. The capabilities of equipment with this data transmission technology are quite large, which is why they still remain popular.
Another - more modern way signal transmission – bluetooth channel. It is more limited in range than a radio channel, but its advantage is different. Its use allows you to abandon the usual equipment in favor of smartphones and other mobile technology, which the user always has literally at hand. Devices that use it most often include mini and nano models, which even at maximum power cannot fly far. Another modern channel control, giving a more noticeable operating range - this is everyone’s favorite wi-fi channel. Transmitter in in this case can be used not only to transmit control commands, but also to broadcast video or record photos.
However, in this case the range is significantly reduced, which can cause some difficulties. Some companies are developing more advanced their own signal transmission technologies, which significantly increases the range of the quadcopter. If we take, for example, the DJI company, then it already has a similar development called Lightbridge. It is many times more efficient than popular wi-fi, which is why it is appreciated by users.
Range of drones of different models
Let's give an example of the operating range of various quadcopters. Most elementary example– a mini quadcopter called Cheerson CX-10W. Its range will be only 30 meters. The same Parrot AR.Drone 2.0 and Syma X5S fly further. Their radius is 50 meters. The JJRC JJ-850 has twice the radius. However, there are models with very impressive characteristics. For example, Blade Chrome Camera Drone. This parameter for the quadcopter is 600 meters. The same folding 3DR IRIS boasts a radius of 1000 meters.
As for the record holders among enough expensive models. Here the leadership is occupied by the above-mentioned DJI company. Its new Phantom 4 will not get lost within a 5 km radius, which is more than double that of its previous generation.
How to increase the range of a quadcopter
You can increase the range of the quadcopter different ways. The simplest of them is changing the hardware settings. It is not available for all quadcopter models, but only for those that have regional standards for calibrating flight range and altitude. This is partly due to legislation, and partly due to congestion in the range of data transmission frequencies used. To implement this method you will need good skills in using computer equipment, as well as studying the instructions and manuals related to the specific selected model that requires an upgrade.
It may be necessary to change data in the firmware only on the quadcopter board, or additionally on the equipment. In cases where the signal range settings are set to maximum, and the control equipment is literally working with all its might, you can use other methods, not software, but hardware. To do this you will have to buy additional accessories for a drone, namely signal amplifiers. The more powerful the amplifier, the greater the range of the quadcopter you can get. The only problem is that the amplifier will require additional food. It can be either external, independent, or common with the remote control, in the case when the amplifier is connected to the port of the control equipment.
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Video on how to increase the range of a quadcopter
Optimal range of a quadcopter
If for you the characteristics of a quadcopter are only a matter of the future, you should pay attention to what it will be used for, and from these purposes, determine the required range in the future. If the model is planned to be launched indoors, then a radius of more than 50 meters will be redundant, since it will not be possible to use it effectively, due to physical limitations premises.
For flights outside the premises, for example, in the yard, you will need a model capable of maintaining a signal at a distance of 100 meters or more. Otherwise, when the device disappears from sight, it may lose the signal and, as they say, fly to China. Professional photo and video shooting requires models with the highest large radius actions. In this case, not only the range of the equipment is important, but also the quality of the communication signal, which is a much higher priority.
The choice of quadcopter consists of criteria that seem important to you at the moment. If this is your first quad, then you shouldn’t chase an expensive and sophisticated model. It is better to choose an inexpensive and durable model in order to master piloting skills. If you are going to fly in an apartment or office, then you should consider a device with a protective bumper. The size of the model is also important. You can fly a small one in an apartment, but you should go outside with a medium-sized drone. Availability of GPS, various sensors, automatic take-off, landing, and return-to-home functions will appeal to any pilot. Having mastered piloting, you should seriously think about aerial photography and choose a model either with a high-quality complete camera or with a gimbal, for example, for the famous GoPro action camera. Remember that stabilization of the camera gimbal is also important for high-quality shooting, otherwise you cannot avoid the “jelly” effect.
The variety of models is freedom and a problem of choice. The choice is always yours.
In the drone market aircraft presented great amount models, the different levels and appointments. However, if you need truly high-quality photo and video material, we recommend that you pay attention to quadcopters with a long range and a camera.
Introductory
Quadcopters with a long range and a camera are, as a rule, professional devices presented in the segment of fairly expensive models. Such models are subject to higher requirements since ensuring a stable radio signal for long distance requires more equipment High Quality. Besides, visual control drone becomes impossible at a distance of about 150-200 meters. Therefore, it is possible to control the copter at a long distance only using the camera, hence the high demands on the quality of video signal transmission.
The video signal must be:
- stable
- don't be late in time
Flight control is carried out according to telemetry data, which is displayed on the monitor screen or on the pilot’s flight glasses. It is these data that show what the remaining battery charge is, how far the device has flown from the starting point, the level of the radio signal, speed, altitude and direction of flight. All this information is extremely necessary for the pilot.
We have prepared for you a selection of 8 models of quadcopters that can be controlled at a distance of over 1 km. Each of the presented copters is a high-quality device ready to fly out of the box. In fact, all you need to do is charge the battery and, after reading the instructions, carry out all the necessary pre-flight calibrations and settings.
For each copter we present some of the most important characteristics, such as: camera, video resolution, maximum time flight, maximum speed, maximum range, cost of the device.
DJI Mavic Pro
One of the flagship products of DJI Innovations has already become a hit - . This is a compact drone (when folded, it fits comfortably in the palm of your hand) equipped with visual and ultrasonic sensors that allow it to avoid obstacles and maintain flight stability even indoors.
The drone can stay in the air for a whopping 27 minutes on a single charge, weighs around 750 grams, has a claimed range of up to 7 km, and a speed of up to 70 km/h (in sport mode). The camera is capable of recording video in 4K format at 30 fps, FHD (1080p) at up to 96 fps and HD (720p) at up to 120 fps. The camera viewing angle is 78 degrees. DJI OcuSync technology is capable of transmitting a 1080p video stream to the remote control or DJI Goggles over a distance of up to 7 km.
MavicPro users report that images lack sharpness, colors look washed out, narrow dynamic range cameras. Additionally, the camera is non-removable, meaning you'll have to make do with stock camera specs.
DJI Inspire this is already a device high level with the ability to replace the camera, which gives it the potential for upgrading.
The choice of camera is determined by the ZENMUSE line. You can choose a 12 MP 4K camera ZENMUSE X3 or a 16 MP camera ZENMUSE X5 with removable lenses capable of recording video in 4K in RAW format. The line also includes the Z3 model with 7x optical zoom, as well as the ZENMUSE XT thermal camera.
The drone itself is built on a carbon fiber frame whose beams rise and fall automatically during takeoff and landing, thus allowing the camera to rotate 360 degrees and tilt 125 degrees. The drone is equipped with visual positioning sensors and ultrasonic sensors that transmit information about the terrain and current altitude to flight controller. Thanks to this system, the drone can maintain altitude even without a GPS signal.
The disadvantages include the short operating time on one battery – about 15 minutes. And also the lack of sensors for avoiding obstacles in the drone’s path.
DJI Inspire 2
2 is a logical continuation of the Inspire 1. In fact, the DJI Inspire 2 is the best video camera to date.
Improved flight time – Thanks to the presence of two self-heating batteries, flight time is increased to 27 minutes, even in cold weather. Speed characteristics have been improved - the drone can reach speeds of up to 94 km/h. The new drone was equipped with a directional FPV camera, obstacle avoidance sensors, and a sensor in the upper part of the drone to protect against collisions with obstacles during takeoff. New technology image processing - CineCore 2.0 allows you to shoot video in 5.2K in RAW format and record to the built-in storage. Added smart flight modes such as Spotlight Pro, TapFly and ActiveTrack.
The only downside is perhaps the price.
DJI Phantom 4 Pro
This is perhaps the best amateur device on the market. It embodies all the latest achievements of DJI.
The presence of cameras in front and behind, as well as infrared sensors on the sides, provide the drone with a 360-degree view, virtually eliminating the possibility of an accident. At the bottom of the copter there are visual and ultrasonic sensors to control the surface under the drone.
The camera has a 20MP CMOS sensor, a mechanical shutter, and a new wide-angle lens with a focal length of 24 mm. Changed and technical capabilities cameras, it is capable of shooting 4K at 60 fps. Among the interesting features, a mode appeared burst shooting Burst Mode.
The new model's remote control is equipped with a 5.5-inch screen for transmitting images from the camera. As for the flight modes, they are the same as the Inspire 2. Like all DJI drones, the Phantom 4 is extremely stable even in windy conditions.
Of the minuses: it is not possible to rotate the camera 360 degrees. Enough high price for an amateur drone.
Yuneec Typhoon N
Yuneec Typhoon N is a high-tech device from Yuneec International, which specializes in electric models aviation technology. Yuneec Typhoon H is a hexacopter, i.e. contains 6 motors.
The Typhoon H camera has a 360-degree view due to its folding landing gear, which allows for panoramic shooting. Thanks to the folding arms, the Typhoon is easy to transport.
In addition, typhoon camera flights do not require a tablet; the ST16 personal ground control station already contains a built-in 7 inch screen which displays video from the camera. You can also connect a second remote remote control Thus, one person controls the flight and the other controls the camera.
Just like the Phantom, the Typhoon can fly around obstacles. In the case of Yuneec Typhoon H, the size and geometry of the obstacle does not matter, proprietary Intel technology RealSense is capable of generating a 3D model of the surrounding world. Based on this data, the drone can lay optimal route following. Thanks to the presence of ultrasonic sensors, the system can operate at any time of the day. One more interesting feature is the memorization of a previously formed model. All the necessary intelligent flight modes are available, such as selfie mode, follow me, waypoint flight, return home, etc. The 12MP camera is capable of recording video in 4K format at 30 fps.
The disadvantages include the dimensions of the drone. And also the presence of sensors only in the front part of the drone.
3DR Solo
Development of the company 3D Robotics which features many original innovative ideas. This device is equipped with two processors (one in the remote control, the other in the drone) that are controlled by OS Linux. As you know OS Linux is open platform, so you have the opportunity to change source adapting the system to suit you. Of course, this should only be attempted by experienced users.
3DR SOLO is an extremely fast device, capable of reaching speeds of up to 90 km/h. The stated operating time on one battery is about 20 minutes. The drone's flight range is about 1 km.
The features of this device also include a unique suspension, developed jointly with GoPro engineers. With this gimbal you can control all the features of your GoPro camera.
Unfortunately, the 3DR SOLO cannot avoid obstacles, and its adaptation to GoPro may make this drone a question mark if you are not a GoPro camera user.
GoPro Karma
Another representative of drones for the GoPro camera - this time own development Australian manufacturer of famous action cameras. Often compared to the DJI Mavic Pro, since both drones belong to the compact class.
The key feature of this drone is that it can only be used with GoPro cameras. Karma is compatible with Hero4 Silver, Hero4 Black, Hero5 Black, and compatibility with Hero5 Session is announced soon. These cameras offer best-in-class image quality. In addition, the GoPro Karma kit includes a Karma Grip monopod. You don't just get a drone - you get universal system videos of your adventures. The Karma controller has a built-in 5-inch touch screen, the brightness of which is enough to read information even in sunny weather.
Since a GoPro camera is not included, this drone is not an obvious choice for users of other cameras. In addition, GoPro is new to the production of quadcopters, which affects the reliability of the drone (we all remember problems with the battery, due to which the device simply turned off in flight and fell like a stone).
Xiro Xplorer
Quite an interesting copter with unusual design, which was awarded the Design Award 2016.
The drone comes in three configurations, the most interesting of which are G with a gimbal for GoPro cameras, Xplorer V with a 14MP camera on a 3-axis gimbal capable of shooting at 1080p resolution and Xplorer 4K equipped with a 4K camera at 24 frames/sec. Data from the camera is transmitted to mobile phone By Wi-Fi channel. To strengthen the signal, the kit includes a special WiFi extender that is attached to the remote control.
It's worth noting that you'll have to fly slowly if you're trying to shoot anything on the horizon, because high speed propellers will enter the frame. The 4K camera is equipped with an 84 degree lens low level frame distortion. The price for the Xiro Xplorer package with a 4K camera is around 50 thousand. rubles
