BetaFPV has simply launched an enhanced model of the Pavo20—the Pavo20 Professional. Whereas it intently resembles its predecessor, the Professional mannequin encompasses a barely bigger body that accommodates greater propellers and extra highly effective motors. However do these incremental upgrades make it a greater drone? On this evaluate, I’ll share my hands-on expertise with the Pavo20 Professional, highlighting what makes it stand out and whether or not it might change or complement your present drone lineup.
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The place to Purchase?
You should buy the BetaFPV Pavo20 Professional from these distributors:
The bundle contains screws for securing the cover to the body, DJI O3 antennas, and a LED strip, which is a well-recognized accent when you’ve used different BetaFPV fashions just like the Pavo25. You’ll additionally get an additional set of Gemfan 2.2-inch tri-blade propellers, and a USB-C adapter for connecting the flight controller to Betaflight.
Battery is just not included, they suggest the Lava 3S 550mAh LiPo: https://oscarliang.com/product-vrfd
Get some spare 2.2inch propellers right here: https://oscarliang.com/product-8nfq
Specs
- Wheelbase: 93.7mm
- Supported VTX: DJI O3 Air Unit, Caddx Vista Equipment, RunCam Hyperlink
- Supported Cameras: DJI O3 Digital camera, Caddx Collection, RunCam Collection (19mm/20mm)
- Digital camera ND Filter Set up: Vertical
- Battery Connector: XT30
- Battery Slot Width: 20mm
- Flight Controller: F4 2-3S 20A AIO FC V1
- Motors: LAVA Collection 1104 | 7200KV Brushless Motors
- Propellers: Gemfan 2218 3-Blade Propellers (1.5mm Shaft)
- Receiver Choices: ExpressLRS, TBS Crossfire
- Weight (With out Battery and FPV Setup): 70.1g
- Beneficial Batteries: LAVA 3S 450mAh 75C Battery, LAVA 3S 550mAh 75C Battery, 3S 650mAh Battery
Design and Enhancements
At first look, the Pavo20 Professional seems to be similar to the authentic Pavo20, however with some key upgrades.
The injection-molded plastic body is barely sturdier, and the carbon fiber plate is thicker now 2.4mm, enhancing sturdiness.
Left: Pavo20 Professional; Proper: Unique Pavo20
The propellers have been upgraded from 2-inch two-blades to 2.2-inch tri-blades, and the motors have been upgraded from 1103 8500KV to 1104 7200KV, delivering extra energy.
The cover design has additionally been refined, with extra antenna mounting choices for the unique DJI O3 antenna, in addition to extra holes for digital camera set up, providing extra flexibility in your setup.
The Pavo20 Professional weighs in at 70.1g with out the DJI O3, or 108g with it, which is 14 grams heavier than the unique Pavo20. Nevertheless, this added weight comes with improved sturdiness and efficiency.
Electronics Elements
The flight controller stays the identical—the F405 20A AIO FC V1, suitable with 2S to 3S batteries.
One level value noting is that the flight controller doesn’t have a USB port, requiring a particular dongle for connecting to Betaflight, which is one thing you don’t need to lose. This is similar adapter they use within the Air65 and Air75 whoops.
The ExpressLRS receiver is built-in into the flight controller, making a easy and clear setup. Nevertheless, the antenna is only a easy and bent copper wire hidden underneath the body, which can restrict vary in comparison with a correct dipole antenna mounted externally.
Putting in DJI O3 Air Unit
Out of the field, the Pavo 20 Professional doesn’t include any video transmitter or digital camera, you must set up your individual.
The Pavo20 Professional is designed with the DJI O3 Air Unit in thoughts. You would most likely use different cameras and VTX’s resembling Walksnail or analog, however you’ll need to get inventive about find out how to mount them.
Set up of the O3 is easy and requires no soldering.
First, change the unique antenna with the supplied dipole antennas, then set up the digital camera within the plastic bracket.
The bracket holds the Air Unit securely with out the necessity for any screws.
Match the supplied rubber grommets within the body.
Then set up the bracket with the O3 on the body with the supplied screws, that’s it.
Flight Efficiency
Right here’s some uncooked footage (no stabilization) in 15MPH wind:
The brand new motor and propeller mixture within the Pavo20 Professional delivers a noticeable enhance in efficiency in comparison with the unique Pavo20. The larger 1104 motors paired with 2.2-inch tri-blade propellers present extra thrust, making the Pavo20 Professional quicker and extra responsive, and handles propwash higher.
This setup makes it preferrred for chasing transferring objects like automobiles or bikes. The elevated weight and energy assist the drone deal with wind higher, essential for out of doors flying. Moreover, the bigger disk space improves effectivity, offsetting the elevated weight and sustaining flight time.
With a 3S 550mAh battery, the Pavo20 Professional affords round 5 minutes of flight time (with aggressive flying), just like the unique Pavo20.
This drone is clearly optimized for the 550mAh batteries, bigger batteries would possibly intrude with the propellers if not positioned appropriately.
The default PID/filter tune is fairly good, with no seen jello within the footage, and the drone is straightforward to manage. Whereas there have been minor wobbles in 15MPH gusts, utilizing Gyroflow stabilization can remove most vibrations, leading to silky-smooth footage. The stabilization additionally crops the footage barely, which conveniently removes the propellers from the digital camera’s view—a bonus function. Nevertheless, for higher efficiency in windy situations, bigger drones are nonetheless preferable.
Right here the noise evaluation in PIDToolBox.
Conclusion
Total, the BetaFPV Pavo20 Professional is a strong improve over the unique Pavo20. The 0.2-inch bigger propellers won’t sound like a lot, however they provide higher efficiency with out sacrificing portability, making the Pavo20 Professional extra versatile for various flying situations. The upgrades, resembling greater motors and a sturdier body, tackle a number of the authentic Pavo20’s shortcomings, making this a compelling choice for these in search of a extra dynamic flying expertise.
You should buy the BetaFPV Pavo20 Professional from these distributors:
Battery is just not included, they suggest the Lava 3S 550mAh LiPo: https://oscarliang.com/product-vrfd
Get some spare 2.2inch propellers right here: https://oscarliang.com/product-8nfq