Review of the Syma X8HW quadrocopter.

Introduction

The Syma X8HW quadrocopter is one of the top drones of the eighth series of Syma Toysof Syma X8W. The developer listened to criticism from X8W users and offered an updated version of the drone. The letter "HW" indicates the present altitude barometer (H) and a modified Wi-Fi camera (W). Further details.

Features

  • Altitude Hold
  • Mode Headless
  • Control at 2.4GHz
  • 1MP Wi-Fi camera
  • 6-axis gyroscope
  • 360 ° flips
  • LED backlight
  • Max. flight time 7 min
  • Max. FPV distance 70 meters

Package contents

  • Quadcopter Syma X8HW
  • 1 × rechargeable battery 2S 7.4V 2000mAh LiPo 25C
  • 4-channel 2.4GHz control equipment (powered by 4 AAs are purchased separately)
  • 1MP Wi-Fi camera on axleless gimbal
  • 220V power supply for charger
  • Charger
  • 4 × rotor
  • 4 × spare rotor
  • 4 × rotor protection
  • 4 × Seat Supports
  • Card Reader
  • Hardware Set
  • Screwdriver
  • Instruction Manual (English and Chinese)

Specification

Brand:
Syma
Model:
X8HW
Color:
Gold
FPV:
via Wi-Fi
FPV signal frequency:
2.4 GHz
Stabilization:
6-axis gyroscope
RF signal frequency:
2.4 GHz
Number of radio transmitter channels:
4
Power supply for control equipment:
4 × AA 1.5V (purchased separately)
Camera:
1MP
Memory:
microSD (purchased separately)
Motors:
collector type
Battery capacity:
2S 7.4V 2000mAh LiPo
Backlight:
LED
Flight time:
≈ 5-7 min
Flight range:
≈ 70m
Flight Environment:
Outdoor
Charging Time:
≈ 200 minutes
Material:
ABS plastic
Dimensions:
500 × 500 × 190mm
Weight:
600g
Age restriction:
14

Appearance

​​

Motors

The Syma X8HW quadcopter is equipped with standard brushed motors. The developer does not disclose performance information. To fulfill the assigned tasks, the potential of the power plant is more than enough.

Camera

By default, a 1MP Wi-Fi camera is included with the Syma X8HW quadrocopter. axleless suspension. The quality of the footage is below average and is only suitable for the first acquaintance with the first person flight. The installation process itself does not take much time and is essentially simple. The video material can be saved both on a microSD card pre-installed in the camera, and in the memory of a smartphone paired with the camera. The latter method is more power-consuming.

FPV

First person flight for this model is implemented via Wi-Fi on frequency 2.4GHz via a video transmitter working in tandem with the onboard camera. The image is displayed through the free mobile application "SYMA-FPV" (on IOS / Android). The broadcast quality leaves much to be desired, in general, due to the large video signal delay, the time of which increases in proportion to the distance of the quad from the mobile device, but this will be enough for the first acquaintance with FPV flight. The removal distance in an interference-free area is not more than 70 meters.

Now the drain chamber does not interfere with the operation of the equipment, as it was with the camera Syma X8W. The distance in FPV mode has increased in practice, and at the time of loss of the video signal, control over the drone remains. Recall that the X8W quad could not be removed with the stock camera turned on beyond the 20-meter mark, and the Wi-Fi signal from the camera simultaneously jammed the remote control signal, which led to the loss of control over the drone.

Battery

Quadcopter

In fact, for completeness of sensations, one battery was not enough, we recommend at least 3 × batteries and it would be best to refuse to buy standard Syma in favor of more expensive and productive analogs.

Note that if you turn off the Wi-Fi camera, the flight time increases to 7-8 minutes.

Equipment

The Syma X8HW comes with a classic for the eighth series, four-channel equipment operating at 2.4 GHz. Provides a distance of up to 200 meters in an interference-free area. Power is supplied from 4 × AA batteries, purchased separately.

Button Assignments

Test Drive

In the test, the Syma X8HW showed good dynamics. The "Altitude hold" function worked flawlessly. Flips 360 ° without drawdown. Freely moves up to 200 meters (in field conditions without FPV) and up to 70 meters in first person mode. In general, it all depends on external factors at the place where the drone is launched (household appliances and appliances operating in the same frequency range). The carrying capacity of the quad remained the same - no more than 150 grams, but everything is solved by replacing the stock motors with the so-called "G-motors". Like all other models of the developer, the Syma X8HW quadrocopter does not like the wind and shows all its best sides exclusively in complete calm.

The higher the wind speed, the greater the likelihood that the quad will fly in its direction, and this despite constant monitoring between the equipment and the drone. Then, flying out of the radio exchange and loss of communication, followed by a fall!

Recommendations

  • To take full advantage of the device's flight performance, it is important to calibrate the compass after each battery connection. This is due to the fact that Syma is equipped with the simplest electronics, which is not able to memorize pre-flight settings. After turning off the power, all settings will be reset! It is recommended to carry out pre-flight calibration on an absolutely horizontal surface (use a level in any version).

Calibration process:

  1. Turn on the aircraft
  2. Place the aircraft on a horizontal surface
  3. Turn on the remote control
  4. Move both sticks to the lower right position and hold for about 2-3 seconds, paying attention to the drone's illumination, it will start blinking. Wait for the backlight to switch from flashing to steady light. Calibration complete.
  • If you notice that the quadcopter has ceased to produce optimal thrust, and its activity has become more sluggish (with a fully charged battery), then we advise you to simply buy new motors and the quad will again begin to implement its entire flight potential. It is advisable to lubricate the motor bushings with a thick grease, this significantly prolongs their life.
  • The main rotor on budget quadrocopters, as a rule, always requires mandatory balancing in order to get rid of "jelly" and vibrations at the time of aerial photography.
  • After purchasing a quad (this applies to the entire X8 series), it is advisable to put all the fasteners of the drone body and, most importantly, the fasteners of the motors on the thread fastener! This is done in order to exclude their self-unwinding (revealed in practice). A spinning motor in flight leads to fatal consequences.

FAQ

The most frequently asked questions regarding the Syma X8HW quadrocopter and the 8th series in general.

* In - a question; O is the answer.

Q. Does Syma X8 HW have FPV?

O. Yes.

Q. Is it possible to equip Syma X8 HW S / C - motors?

A. It is possible, but economically not feasible, because the amount that will have to be spent on modernization will be enough for a quite good budget drone on BC motors.

Q. What is the capacity of the stock quadcopter Syma X8 HW ?

A. On stock motors up to 150 grams without significant loss of control.

Q. Will the cameras from Syma X8C / X8W / X8SC / X8SW / Syma X8G / X8HG fit the quadcopter Syma X8 HW ?

A. Okay.

Q. How to distinguish "G - motor" from "C - motor"?

A. Determined by the force of attraction of the magnets. G - motors are attracted significantly more than conventional motors.

Q. How do I turn on the “Headless” mode on Syma X8 HW ?

A. Hold down the expense button (left button on the front of the equipment) until the beep sounds.

Q. What is the difference between “Mode 1” and “Mode 2”?

O. Mode 1 - left stick "Gas", right stick "Control". Mode 2 - left stick "Control", right stick "Gas".

Q. How do I switch between Mode 1 and Mode 2?

A. Hold the trimmer located under the right stick in the right position and at the same time turn on the power of the console. The remote control will beep and the display will show “Mode 2”. In the same order to change to "Mode 1".

Q. Does the battery indicator displayed on the remote indicate the battery charge of the quadcopter?

A. No, since the equipment works in one-way mode with the drone, therefore, it does not receive any incoming signals.

Q. Is it possible to retrofit Syma X8 HW with 2 or 3-axis suspension?

A. No, because there is not enough traction for stock motors. Amateurs solve the issue by replacing them with "G - motors".

Q. How to switch the equipment to "long-range mode" of operation?

By default, the standard control equipment is usually set to the so-called "Home Mode" (flashing antenna receive symbol on the equipment display) . In this mode, the distance is short. To switch to "Long-range mode" it is necessary: ​​

  1. With the equipment turned off, raise and hold the trimmer (from the left of the right stick), at the same time set the power button of the equipment to the "On" position.
  2. Then move the left stick up and down at the same time. The antenna reception indicator on the equipment display will change from blinking to permanently lit.

Price

Currently the price for the Syma X8HW quadrocopter is $ 105.

Output

Syma X8HW$105
6.8666666666667
Price
7/10
Camera
5/10
Functionality
5/10
Flight time
6/10
Flight performance
7/10
Compactness
5/10
Completion
10/10
Reliability
8/10
Price / Quality
10/10

Pros

  • Quality of execution
  • Strength
  • FPV (for a first look)
  • Altitude hold function (barometer operation)
  • Dynamic (especially without supports and protection)
  • Headless Mode
  • 6-Axis Gyroscope
  • LED Backlight

Cons

  • Brush motors (short life)
  • FPV over 2.4GHz Wi-Fi
  • Balancing of the rotors is required
  • Dislikes windy weather

The manufacturer Syma Toys loves its consumer very much and always listens to the comments identified during operation. As a result, each new or modified model is always better than the previous ones. Syma X8HW will primarily be of interest to beginners, this particular segment of consumers will appreciate all the advantages. But, those who like to work with a soldering iron will not pass by either, since the X8 series is always in great demand as a model for deep modernization. Age limit 14.

Photo

Photo with Syma X8HW quadrocopter.

Video

Video with Syma X8HW quadrocopter.

.