I not too long ago reviewed the analog model of the BetaFPV Aquila20 FPV drone equipment, and this time I’m looking on the HD model. That is the primary drone equipment to function BetaFPV’s personal digital FPV system, Artlynk, which makes it notably attention-grabbing.
The Aquila20 HD FPV equipment contains the whole lot you have to begin flying in a budget-friendly bundle. It’s designed to decrease the barrier to entry and scale back the educational curve. Simply purchase the equipment, cost the batteries, and fly straight out of the field.
Is the HD equipment higher than the analog equipment? Let’s discover out.
New to FPV? Begin with this newbie’s information: https://oscarliang.com/fpv-drone-guide/
The place to Purchase
Get the Aquila20 HD FPV equipment from these distributors:
It comes with:
- Aquila20 HD Quadcopter
- LiteRadio 4 SE Radio
- VR04 HD FPV Goggles
- 2 × Batteries
- Battery Charger
- 1 Set of Spare Propellers (Gemfan 2218 3-Blade)
- USB-C Cable and Adapter
- Prop Elimination Software
- Screwdriver
Specs
- Goggles: VR04 HD FPV Goggles
- Radio Transmitter: LiteRadio 4 SE
- Video Transmission Energy & Vary: 200mW and vary above 400m
- Radio Protocol: ExpressLRS 2.4GHz V3
- Digicam Angle Adjustment: 10°–30°
- Flight Controller: Aquila20 V1.0
- Propellers: Gemfan 2218 3-Blade
- Motors: 1103 10500KV
- Battery: Aquila20 Unique 2S HV 1100mAh
- Charger: 2S HV Charger & Voltage Tester (BT3.0 Connector)
- Wheelbase: 100mm
- Body Materials: PA
- Flight Modes: N / S / M Mode
- Flight Time: ~10 minutes
- Drone Takeoff Weight (together with battery): 127.5g
Very Just like the Analog Model
I really feel like I don’t have lots to say on this overview as a result of the HD model of the Aquila20 drone equipment is nearly an identical to the analog model:
- Similar battery
- Similar drone design
- Similar motors and propellers
- Similar radio transmitter
- Similar carry case and equipment
Because of this, the drone flies very equally. The flight modes and total operation are an identical as properly. The one actual distinction is the FPV system—this equipment marks the debut of the Artlynk digital system:
- Completely different VTX and digital camera on the drone
- Completely different FPV goggles
I’ve a separate put up that goes into element on the professionals and cons of the Artlynk system right here: https://oscarliang.com/betafpv-artlynk/
I’ll maintain this overview concise and focus primarily on what’s completely different, together with the professionals and cons in comparison with the analog model. Make sure you additionally take a look at my full overview of the analog Aquila20 equipment for a extra full understanding of how the Aquila20 platform works and performs: https://oscarliang.com/betafpv-aquila20/
VR04 HD Goggles
The BetaFPV VR04 HD FPV Goggles look nearly an identical to the analog VR04 goggles, however the HD model options two antennas.
The goggles are powered by an exterior battery mounted on the rear of the scarf. It’s primarily a battery holder that takes two 18650 Li-ion cells, with a USB port for charging and a devoted energy button.
The goggles use a single LCD display screen and have a really spacious faceplate—I used to be capable of put on my glasses comfortably whereas utilizing them.
Betaflight OSD displayed appropriately, and also you get all the standard helpful information on the backside of the display screen: VTX/Goggles enter voltage, bitrate, distance, and accessible SD card storage.
They appear significantly bulkier than the DJI Goggles 3, however that’s anticipated given the considerably lower cost.
The Drone
From the surface, the Aquila20 HD drone appears an identical to the analog model. The variations are primarily within the electronics—particularly the digital camera and VTX.
Let’s take it aside and have a better look.
The VTX antenna is a PCB-style antenna mounted on the facet of the drone.
The VTX includes a light-weight heatsink that’s loosely hooked up utilizing a silicone thermal pad. It’s straightforward to take away with out making a large number.
The VTX and digital camera are a part of BetaFPV’s newest Artlynk P1 Air Unit. Beneath are some close-up pictures.
The antenna itself is solely a PCB with copper traces.
The VTX, digital camera, and antenna collectively weigh round 7.1g, which is nearly as mild because the analog setup. Nonetheless, as a result of extra plastic mounting brackets, heatsink, and associated {hardware}, the general drone weight is about 7g heavier than the analog model (120.5g vs 127.5g).
The battery connector is a BT3.0.
Flying Expertise
Let’s take a look at some flight footage first:
The drone hovers at round 35% throttle, and it doesn’t really feel very highly effective—which is definitely preferrred for newcomers who’re nonetheless studying the fundamentals.
As I discussed in my overview of the analog model, the Aquila20 is comparatively heavy for its dimension. The HD model is even barely worse on this regard, because it’s about 7g heavier. It’s sluggish and never suited to freestyle flying in any respect. It feels underpowered for aggressive maneuvers, and I crashed many occasions just because I couldn’t recuperate from dives or inverted positions as a result of lack of energy. It additionally tends to turn into unstable and may even freak out when you apply an excessive amount of yaw enter too rapidly.
That stated, when you’re simply cruising round gently, it’s completely flyable—and that’s precisely what it’s designed for. This can be a beginner-focused drone.
Flight time is round 7–8 minutes, which is pretty respectable.
What actually shocked me was the picture high quality. The HD Artlynk system is manner higher than analog when it comes to readability. You’ll be able to see objects farther away and branches extra clearly. It’s not on the extent of DJI O4, in fact, however for a price range digital system, it’s very spectacular.
Vary can also be considerably higher than the analog model. The marketed 400m+ vary is definitely fairly conservative. In my testing, I used to be capable of fly over 500m with fairly good sign and will have gone even farther if I hadn’t reached the sting of the sphere. I used to be additionally capable of fly behind close by timber and bushes.
By comparability, with the analog model, I used to be already seeing static at round 100 meters, and flying behind timber was nearly inconceivable—on the spot glitchy video. You’ll be able to study to fly with each analog and HD variations, however higher video offers you far more confidence. Not having to continually fear about video breakup helps you to push your self additional.
Nonetheless, latency is noticeably greater than analog (and even greater than DJI). This forces you to decelerate when doing something that requires precision, resembling flying by way of gaps. I did get considerably used to it after just a few flights, nevertheless it undoubtedly makes flying proximity a bit more difficult. That stated, I’d personally commerce the marginally greater latency for the improved vary any day—it’s much more dependable and in the end helps you to do extra.
Given how a lot I crashed throughout testing, I actually want the Aquila20 had a buzzer. It will make discovering the drone in grass a lot simpler. The drone is already pretty heavy anyway, including a buzzer wouldn’t make a lot distinction weight-wise.
Oh, and the drone can also be extraordinarily loud, one thing to think about if that’s one thing you are worried about.
Ultimate Ideas: Which Aquila20 Equipment Ought to You Get—Analog or HD?
For those who don’t thoughts spending $100 extra, the HD model is clearly the higher selection because of its superior picture high quality, penetration, and vary. It’s merely extra gratifying to fly than the analog model.
That stated, the Aquila20 has a low efficiency ceiling. It’s not designed for freestyle ripping, racing, or long-range flying, and you could outgrow it pretty rapidly.
BetaFPV does deserve credit score for simplifying your complete expertise with their very own software program and {hardware} ecosystem. It lowers the educational curve, reduces setup complexity, and makes the equipment much more approachable for true newcomers.
Get the Aquila20 HD FPV equipment from these distributors:
That stated, my recommendation for newcomers stays the identical: get a radio first and observe in an FPV simulator, then transfer on to an actual drone resembling a tiny whoop (just like the Air65), a 3.5-inch, or perhaps a 5-inch freestyle drone. This strategy lets you skip newbie drone kits completely.
For my part, newbie drone kits just like the Aquila20 take advantage of sense for individuals who can’t observe in simulators—maybe you don’t have entry to a pc, otherwise you’re shopping for it for youngsters who simply need one thing easy to fly.