About the product
Today large popular among budget UAV enthusiasts is the Syma X8W quadrocopter from a well-known and respected by many amateurs manufacturer - Syma Toys
Note that the new product replaced the older model X5SW
The first thing that comes to mind when you see the Syma X8W is that it is very similar to another popular model from DJI Innovations - the Phantom 1 . They do have some similarities, especially their size. Nevertheless, the X8W is several times cheaper than the Phantom, which makes it more affordable for most novice pilots.
Features
- 0.3MP Wi-Fi camera
- 6-axis gyroscope
- 360º flips
- Headless Mode
- Return to Hardware
- 2.4GHz Control
- LED Backlight
Package contents
- Syma X8W quadrocopter
- Battery 7.4V 2000mAh LiPo 25С
- 2.4GHz control equipment (powered by 4 × AA 1.5V not included)
- 0.3MP Wi-Fi camera
- 4 × rotors
- 4 × spare rotors
- 4 × rotor guards
- 4 × mounting feet
- Battery charger
- Charger power supply
- Smartphone holder
- Fasteners
- Screwdriver
- Instruction (in English / Rus )
Specification
Appearance
Motors
The Syma X8W quadcopter is equipped with brushed motors. The developer does not specify performance information. There is enough potential, it can easily pull any of the GoPRO action cameras and any of its analogues on board. The downside, as always, is the fact that the motors do not have bearings, the shafts rotate in plastic bushings with the transmission of torque through the gear
Camera
The Syma X8W is equipped with a 0.3MP Wi-Fi camera. The quality of the shooting is below average, in fact the same camera is installed on the Syma X5SW quadrocopter. Due to the operation of the camera and equipment at the same 2.4GHz frequency, a bug appeared in the test. In FPV mode, you will not be able to fly beyond 20 meters, then the quad loses connection with the equipment. Without a camera, the removal distance is increased to 200m. When the camera is turned off, the flight time also increases by more than one minute.
After buying a drone, it is better to give up the camera altogether, instead of buying something better, this will significantly prolong the positive emotions from owning a quadrocopter, since its main purpose is amateur photography / video filming.
FPV
First person flight for this model is implemented via Wi-Fi at 2.4GHz via a video transmitter working in tandem with the on-board 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 for the first acquaintance with the FPV flight, this will be enough (provided that you fly within the line of sight)... The removal distance in an interference-free area is not more than 30 meters.
Battery
The Syma X8W quadcopter is equipped with a 7.4V 2000mAh LiPo 25C lithium polymer battery. Provides a flight duration of no more than 10 minutes. Charging time is no more than 3 hours 20 minutes.
Controls
The Syma X8W quadrocopter comes with a classic 4-channel remote control operating at 2.4GHz. In an interference-free area, it provides a distance of no more than 200 meters (without FPV). Power is supplied from 4 × AA batteries (AA × 1.5V)
Button assignment
Test drive
In the test, the Syma X8W quadrocopter showed good dynamics in the absence of wind. The control is stable, the work of the 6-axis gyroscope affects. Flips are performed without drawdowns, Headless mode works flawlessly, beginners will appreciate.
Recommendations
- To take full advantage of the quad's flight performance, it is important to calibrate the drone compass after each battery connection. This is due to the fact that Syma is equipped with the simplest electronics, which is not able to remember pre-flight settings. When the power is turned off, all settings will be reset!
- Preflight calibration must be performed on a completely horizontal surface! (use the level in any version)
Calibration:
- Connect the power supply of the quad
- Place Syma on a horizontal surface
- Activate the control equipment
- 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 realize its full flight potential... To obtain better flight characteristics, amateurs install improved "G-motors" instead of the stock "C-motors" on the drone. The upgrade will allow the drone to be retrofitted with a 2-axis gimbal, which was an exception on stock motors.
- Main rotors on budget quadrocopters, as a rule, always require mandatory balancing in order to get rid of “jelly” and vibrations at the time of aerial photography.
FAQ
The most frequently asked questions regarding the Syma X8W quadrocopter and the 8-series in general.
* In - a question; O is the answer.
Q. Is there FPV on Syma X8W?
A. Yes.
Q. Is it possible to equip Syma X8W with 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 Syma X8W quadcopter?
A. Up to 150 grams without significant loss of control.
Q. Will cameras from Syma X8C / X8SC / X8SW / X8HW / Syma X8G / X8HG work with Syma X8W?
A. It will do.
Q. How to distinguish "G - motor" from "C - motor"?
A. Determined by the force of attraction of the magnets. G - motors are attracted much stronger.
Q. How do I enable the "Headless" mode on the Syma X8W?
A. Hold down the expense button (left button on the front of the equipment) until the beep.
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 to 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. Because the equipment works in one-way mode with the drone, therefore, it does not receive any incoming signals, just as the quad electronics does not transfer data from the drone to the equipment.
Q. Can the Syma X8W be retrofitted with a 2-axis or 3-axis gimbal?
A. No, because there is not enough traction for stock motors. Amateurs solve the issue by replacing them with G - motors (they allow you to raise a 2-axis gimbal with a camera).
Q. How to transfer the equipment to the "long-range" operating mode?
A. In stock, the equipment is usually set to "home mode" (flashing antenna reception symbol on the equipment display). In this mode, the removal distance is not large. To switch to "long-range" mode, you must:
- 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.
- 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
On various Internet marketplaces the price for a quadcopter Syma X8W varies from $ 65-130.
Conclusion
Pros
- Quality versions
- Controllability
- FPV
- Durability
- LED lighting
- Price
Cons
- Quality of shooting and video signal transmission of the stock camera
- Small resource of collector motors
- Does not like windy weather (376 (they can always be purchased separately). Otherwise, this is a high-quality product, the quad is perfect for the first experience with a UAV, reliable, ready to endure the mistakes of beginners. Subject to retrofitting with a good camera, it will give only positive emotions from ownership. Age limit 14.
Video
Video with Syma X8W quadrocopter.
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