I lately reviewed the analog model of the BetaFPV Aquila20 FPV drone package, and this time I’m having a look on the HD model. That is the primary drone package to characteristic BetaFPV’s personal digital FPV system, Artlynk, which makes it notably attention-grabbing.
The Aquila20 HD FPV package contains every part you might want to begin flying in a budget-friendly package deal. It’s designed to decrease the barrier to entry and scale back the training curve. Simply purchase the package, cost the batteries, and fly straight out of the field.
Is the HD package higher than the analog package? 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 package 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 Instrument
- 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 Much like the Analog Model
I really feel like I don’t have lots to say on this assessment as a result of the HD model of the Aquila20 drone package is nearly an identical to the analog model:
- Similar battery
- Similar drone design
- Similar motors and propellers
- Similar radio transmitter
- Similar carry case and equipment
In consequence, the drone flies very equally. The flight modes and general operation are an identical as effectively. The one actual distinction is the FPV system—this package marks the debut of the Artlynk digital system:
- Completely different VTX and digicam on the drone
- Completely different FPV goggles
I’ve a separate submit that goes into element on the professionals and cons of the Artlynk system right here: https://oscarliang.com/betafpv-artlynk/
I’ll maintain this assessment concise and focus primarily on what’s totally different, together with the professionals and cons in comparison with the analog model. You should definitely additionally take a look at my full assessment of the analog Aquila20 package 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 screen 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 appropriately, and also you get all the same old helpful information on the backside of the display screen: 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 surface, the Aquila20 HD drone seems to be 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 more in-depth look.
The VTX antenna is a PCB-style antenna mounted on the aspect of the drone.
The VTX includes a light-weight heatsink that’s loosely hooked up utilizing a silicone thermal pad. It’s straightforward to take away with out making a large number.
The VTX and digicam are a part of BetaFPV’s newest Artlynk P1 Air Unit. Beneath are some close-up photographs.
The antenna itself is just a PCB with copper traces.
The VTX, digicam, and antenna collectively weigh round 7.1g, which is nearly as gentle because the analog setup. Nonetheless, as a result of 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 splendid for rookies who’re nonetheless studying the fundamentals.
As I discussed in my assessment 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 sluggish 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 recuperate from dives or inverted positions as a result of lack of energy. It additionally tends to grow to be unstable and might even freak out for those who apply an excessive amount of yaw enter too shortly.
That mentioned, for those who’re simply cruising round gently, it’s completely flyable—and that’s precisely what it’s designed for. It is a beginner-focused drone.
Flight time is round 7–8 minutes, which is pretty respectable.
What actually stunned me was the picture high quality. The HD Artlynk system is means higher than analog when it comes to readability. You’ll be able to see objects farther away and branches extra clearly. It’s not on the extent of DJI O4, after all, however for a finances 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 moderately 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 timber and bushes.
By comparability, with the analog model, I used to be already seeing static at round 100 meters, and flying behind timber was nearly not possible—prompt glitchy video. You’ll be able to be taught to fly with each analog and HD variations, however higher video provides you way more confidence. Not having to continuously fear about video breakup helps you to push your self additional.
Nonetheless, latency is noticeably increased than analog (and even increased than DJI). This forces you to decelerate when doing something that requires precision, corresponding to flying via gaps. I did get considerably used to it after a couple of flights, but it surely positively makes flying proximity a bit more difficult. That mentioned, I’d personally commerce the marginally increased latency for the improved vary any day—it’s much more dependable and in the end helps you to do extra.
Given how a lot I crashed throughout testing, I actually want the Aquila20 had a buzzer. It will 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 contemplate if that’s one thing you are worried about.
Closing Ideas: Which Aquila20 Equipment Ought to You Get—Analog or HD?
For those who don’t thoughts spending $100 extra, the HD model is clearly the higher selection due to its superior picture high quality, penetration, and vary. It’s merely extra fulfilling to fly than the analog model.
That mentioned, the Aquila20 has a low efficiency ceiling. It’s not designed for freestyle ripping, racing, or long-range flying, and chances are you’ll outgrow it pretty shortly.
BetaFPV does deserve credit score for simplifying all the expertise with their very own software program and {hardware} ecosystem. It lowers the training curve, reduces setup complexity, and makes the package much more approachable for true rookies.
Get the Aquila20 HD FPV package from these distributors:
That mentioned, my recommendation for rookies stays the identical: get a radio first and follow in an FPV simulator, then transfer on to an actual drone corresponding to a tiny whoop (just like the Air65), a 3.5-inch, or perhaps a 5-inch freestyle drone. This strategy lets you skip newbie drone kits totally.
In my view, newbie drone kits just like the Aquila20 take advantage of sense for individuals who can’t follow in simulators—maybe you don’t have entry to a pc, otherwise you’re shopping for it for youngsters who simply need one thing easy to fly.