I lately reviewed the analog model of the BetaFPV Aquila20 FPV drone equipment, and this time I’m having a look on the HD model. That is the primary drone equipment to function BetaFPV’s personal digital FPV system, Artlynk, which makes it significantly fascinating.
The Aquila20 HD FPV equipment consists of every part it’s essential to begin flying in a budget-friendly bundle. It’s designed to decrease the barrier to entry and cut back the training 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 quite a bit to say on this evaluate as a result of the HD model of the Aquila20 drone equipment is nearly an identical to the analog model:
- Identical battery
- Identical drone design
- Identical motors and propellers
- Identical radio transmitter
- Identical carry case and equipment
In consequence, the drone flies very equally. The flight modes and total operation are an identical as effectively. The one actual distinction is the FPV system—this equipment marks the debut of the Artlynk digital system:
- Completely different VTX and digicam on the drone
- Completely different FPV goggles
I’ve a separate publish that goes into element on the professionals and cons of the Artlynk system right here: https://oscarliang.com/betafpv-artlynk/
I’ll maintain this evaluate concise and focus primarily on what’s completely different, together with the professionals and cons in comparison with the analog model. Be sure you additionally take a look at my full evaluate 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 headscarf. It’s basically 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 and have a really spacious faceplate—I used to be in a position to put on my glasses comfortably whereas utilizing them.
Betaflight OSD displayed accurately, and also you get all the same old helpful data on the backside of the display: VTX/Goggles enter voltage, bitrate, distance, and out there SD card storage.
They appear significantly bulkier than the DJI Goggles 3, however that’s anticipated given the considerably cheaper price.
The Drone
From the skin, the Aquila20 HD drone seems an identical to the analog model. The variations are primarily within the electronics—particularly the digicam 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 incorporates a light-weight heatsink that’s loosely connected utilizing a silicone thermal pad. It’s straightforward to take away with out making a multitude.
The VTX and digicam are a part of BetaFPV’s newest Artlynk P1 Air Unit. Under are some close-up pictures.
The antenna itself is solely a PCB with copper traces.
The VTX, digicam, and antenna collectively weigh round 7.1g, which is nearly as gentle because the analog setup. Nevertheless, because of the further 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 very best for inexperienced persons who’re nonetheless studying the fundamentals.
As I discussed in my evaluate of the analog model, the Aquila20 is comparatively heavy for its measurement. The HD model is even barely worse on this regard, because it’s about 7g heavier. It’s gradual and never suited to freestyle flying in any respect. It feels underpowered for aggressive maneuvers, and I crashed many instances just because I couldn’t get well from dives or inverted positions because of the lack of energy. It additionally tends to turn out to be unstable and might even freak out should you apply an excessive amount of yaw enter too rapidly.
That stated, should 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 first rate.
What actually stunned me was the picture high quality. The HD Artlynk system is approach higher than analog by way of readability. You possibly can see objects farther away and branches extra clearly. It’s not on the extent of DJI O4, in fact, however for a funds digital system, it’s very spectacular.
Vary can be considerably higher than the analog model. The marketed 400m+ vary is definitely fairly conservative. In my testing, I used to be in a position to fly over 500m with fairly good sign and will have gone even farther if I hadn’t reached the sting of the sector. I used to be additionally in a position to fly behind close by bushes and bushes.
By comparability, with the analog model, I used to be already seeing static at round 100 meters, and flying behind bushes was nearly unimaginable—immediate glitchy video. You possibly can be taught to fly with each analog and HD variations, however higher video provides you far more confidence. Not having to consistently fear about video breakup permits you to push your self additional.
Nevertheless, latency is noticeably increased than analog (and even increased 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, but it surely positively makes flying proximity a bit more difficult. That stated, I’d personally commerce the marginally increased latency for the improved vary any day—it’s much more dependable and in the end permits you to do extra.
Given how a lot I crashed throughout testing, I actually want the Aquila20 had a buzzer. It could 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 be extraordinarily loud, one thing to think about if that’s one thing you are concerned about.
Closing Ideas: Which Aquila20 Equipment Ought to You Get—Analog or HD?
If you happen to 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 might outgrow it pretty rapidly.
BetaFPV does deserve credit score for simplifying the complete expertise with their very own software program and {hardware} ecosystem. It lowers the training curve, reduces setup complexity, and makes the equipment much more approachable for true inexperienced persons.
Get the Aquila20 HD FPV equipment from these distributors:
That stated, my recommendation for inexperienced persons 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 means that you can 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 kids who simply need one thing easy to fly.
