Introduction
Following the success of the Hubsan X4 H111 miniature quadcopter in 2014, we all expected to see Hubsan
Features
- Streaming the video stream at an analog frequency 5.8GHz without delays
- HD FPV camera (720P)
- Headless
- 6-axis gyroscope
- For outdoor and indoor flying
- LED backlight
- 2.4GHz control panel with built-in 4.3 inch monitor
- Flight time up to 6 minutes
- Control radius up to 50 meters
Model row
2 variants of drones were presented:
- H111C (X4 Nano Plus) - with 720p camera without FPV
- H111D (Nano FPV Q4) - with 720p camera with FPV
Hubsan H111D Nano FPV Q4 is a versatile nano drone that has received almost all the basic functions of a drone in this niche. If we compare the popular Cheerson CX-10WD-TX and the Hubsan H111D, then the latter has a more advanced first-person flight (FPV), implemented at the 5.8 GHz analog frequency without video transmission delays. For the CX-10WD-TX FPV flight is implemented via Wi-Fi with the accompanying negative effect of delay.
Specification
Package contents[1 29]
- Quadcopter Hubsan H111D
- Battery 1S 3.7V 180mAh LiPo
- USB cable for battery charging
- Transmitter (powered by 4 AAs sold separately)
- 4 × spare rotors
- Instruction
Unboxing
Hubsan H111D quadcopter arrives in a stylish, black box with a transparent window through which the quadcopter can be seen. The quality of the packaging deserves respect. In addition to a miniature quadcopter and a huge control panel, the box contains: USB charger, one set of spare screws and instructions. Unfortunately, the kit does not include a memory card, so you will have to buy it separately. A microSD card with a capacity of 4 to 8 gigabytes is suitable.
The first thing to start with the drone is to study the instructions, as it describes in detail how to prepare for the flight and how to control the drone during the flight... It also describes the design details and provides an exploded view if the H111D needs repair.
Appearance
Design Hubsan H111D inherited from its predecessor. All drone parts, including motors, are attached to the main board
Motors
The Hubsan H111D quadcopter is equipped with collector motors standard for this UAV niche. The developer does not specify information about their power.
Camera
The Hubsan H111D FPV camera is integrated into the body and, as it turned out, has a very small viewing angle, which in turn complicates control in FPV mode. The main task of such a camera is far from shooting, but primarily high-quality FPV flight. This is also indicated by the fact that the video is recorded on a memory card (microSD is purchased separately), which is installed not in the drone's slot (it is not there), but in the control equipment slot. Recorded video resolution is 1280 × 720p (HD). Video recording format AVI.
Power supply
The quadcopter is equipped with a 180mAh single-cell lithium-polymer battery. According to the manufacturer's specifications, it provides a flight time of up to 6 minutes. In practice, with a mixed style of piloting, this time was 3-4 minutes, standard for this niche. During this time, the drone does not have time to warm up slightly due to the operation of the receiver with the transmitter.
Control panel
The Hubsan H111D quadcopter is equipped with the most common control equipment, which is used for all HUBSAN drones with FPV flight capability. The first thing that catches your eye is the impressive size of the remote control and the built-in 10cm FPV display, which displays a picture from the drone's camera in real time. By default, the equipment can be powered from 4 AA batteries, which can be directly attributed to the disadvantages, since it would be more practical to use a lithium-polymer battery.
Converting the remote to a LiPo battery is easy. To do this, you need to purchase a 7.4V 1000mAh 25C LiPo battery with JST connector and power harnesses with a similar mating connector. The power harnesses must be soldered to the control panel board, having previously disassembled it. Everything necessary for the modernization process is sold on well-known Internet trading platforms).
* This is how the remote control looks after removing the battery compartment (it is attached to the caps in the remote control). LiPo 7.4V 1000mAh 25C with JST connector is installed in the vacant space. Purchased harnesses with a mating JST connector are soldered to the power pins on the board. The whole work takes 10-15 minutes.
Assignment of controls
On the remote control, besides the usual joysticks and trimmers, there are a couple of buttons that are located just above the control sticks. The right one turns video recording on and off. The left one is not active for the Hubsan H111D quadcopter. Switching between the normal flight mode and the "Expert" mode is carried out by pressing (for 0.5 seconds) on the right control stick. Headless mode is activated by the same press, only on the left control stick. Flips are activated by pressing the left throttle stick, but with a hold interval of 1.5 seconds.
A microSD card slot and miniUSB port are available on the right side of the remote control. The memory card must be inserted into the slot before turning on the remote control! Through the USB port, the user can download the recorded video to a computer.
Menu
The configuration menu on the remote control can be called up by simultaneously long pressing the left control stick (in the position of the stick "Lower left corner") and the right stick (stick position "Center"). The following settings appear on the screen:
- Playback of recorded video
- Date and time settings
- Format memory card
- Control setting
- Sensitivity setting
- Manual FPV frequency selection
- Output
FPV monitor operating in the 5.8GHz frequency range.
Flight performance
After the first flights on the Hubsan H111D indoors, we were surprised how stable this tiny drone. Despite the lack of the Altitude Hold function, the quadcopter can be easily held at the selected altitude using the throttle stick. Two flow modes are available: "Normal" and "Expert". Beginners are advised to start with the "Normal" mode. This will at least significantly save on the purchase of rotors.
If the drone goes out of range, the motors will immediately stop and the quad will crash. On the one hand, this will prevent him from flying far from the pilot, on the other hand, flying on the street, the pilot risks losing him. Be careful and choose open and free areas for the flight!
FPV
The FPV broadcast is working fine except for annoying horizontal stripes that are likely to come from the electrical noise of the brushed motors. When the motors are not working, the picture on the monitor is clear.
If the drone starts flying in a chaotic direction, it is recommended to calibrate it. Turn on and place the quad on a horizontal surface. Press and hold the throttle stick in the far right position and at the same time quickly move (from left to right) the right control stick.
Price
Average price per drone on various Internet marketplaces:
- H111C (X4 Nano Plus) - 38 $
- H111D (Nano FPV Q4) - 98 $
Conclusion
Pros
- Robust design
- Stability and ease of operation
- FPV at the analog frequency 5.8GHz (no delays)
- Full FPV kit
- Two modes for beginners and experts
- Ability to view video recording on the remote control
- Price
Cons
- Flight time
- Built-in battery
- Insufficient viewing angle cameras
- Horizontal stripes on the monitor screen during flight
- The main board plays the role of the drone frame
Summing up, we can say that Hubsa n H111D certainly deserves the attention of the consumer. Design, workmanship, ready-made FPV kit built on an analog VTX and controllability indicative of this niche will definitely be appreciated by novice pilots. Upset by the small angle of the camera. But, if this fact strongly interferes, then the problem can be solved by replacing the standard lens. Despite the built-in FPV monitor, we still recommend flying with FPV goggles
Photo
Photo with Hubsan H111D quadcopter.
Quadric with a modified camera (now the angle of view is normal).
Video
Video with Hubsan H111D quadcopter.
Quadric with a modified camera.
Camera upgrade.
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