With a price ticket of round $200, the AxisFlying Manta 5 SE (Analog model) is without doubt one of the most inexpensive BNF 5-inch FPV drones in the marketplace. Naturally, I used to be excited to get my arms on it. Nonetheless, AxisFlying by accident despatched me the DJI O3 model as an alternative. Oh effectively—let’s simply faux now we have the analog model and see the way it performs! On this overview, I’ll stroll you thru the setup course of, options, and flight efficiency that can assist you resolve if this drone is the correct match for you.
If you happen to’re out there for an inexpensive analog 5-inch FPV drone, try my elements record right here: https://oscarliang.com/cheapest-fpv-drone-build/.
However in the event you’d fairly not construct it your self, then preserve studying…
The place to Purchase?
Analog Model:
DJI O3 Model:
Within the field it comes with the next equipment:
- FPV Drone ×1
- Propellers ×2 baggage
- VTX Antenna
- M3 Screwdriver
- Spare Battery Anti-Slip Sticker
- Spare Battery Straps
- GoPro Fixing Screws (together with nuts)
- Handbook
They even labeled the motor instructions (props out), and also you get two battery straps included.
Specs
- Wheelbase: 223 mm
- Weight (±10 g):
- Analog: 362 g
- DJI O3: 401 g
- Prime Plate Thickness: 2 mm
- Backside Plate Thickness: 3 mm
- Center Plate Thickness: 3 mm
- Arm Thickness: 5.5 mm
- Flight Controller: Axisflying Argus ECO FC F405
- ESC: Axisflying Argus ECO 60A-6S (Bluejay 8-bit)
- Gyro: ICM-42688-P
- VTX Choices:
- DJI O3 Air Unit
- Axisflying Swerls VTX-5.8G-1.6W
- Motors: AE2207 V2 1960KV
- Receiver Variations: TBS Nano RX or ELRS 2.4 GHz
- Beneficial Battery: LiHV/LiPo 1050–1300 mAh (6S)
O3 vs O4
Truthfully, this couldn’t be worse timing for AxisFlying to ship me the O3 model. In my current overview of the DJI O4 Professional, I recommended to keep away from shopping for new O3 as a result of the O4 Professional is best in each means for a similar worth. Nonetheless, AxisFlying at the moment doesn’t provide a BNF with the O4 Professional—solely the O4 Lite, which I’m additionally not notably keen on (as defined in my earlier put up). So, the O3 model is the most suitable choice from AxisFlying in the meanwhile. Regardless, I’ll give it a correct overview, so we get an impression how the analog would carry out as effectively since they’ve related specs.
Design: The Good and the Unhealthy
A few months in the past, I reviewed the Manta 5 SE body by itself, and I actually favored its easy, budget-friendly design. It’s easy but sensible, and it is smart that AxisFlying would use it as the premise for an inexpensive BNF drone.
Key Design Highlights
- Body: Light-weight, sensible, and simple to restore—nice for each reliability and efficiency.
- Motors: The 2207 1960KV motors ship loads of punch for freestyle.
- Antenna Placement: Comes with two separate antennas (changing the unique 2-in-1). They’re lengthy and unobstructed by the battery or body, making them very best for long-range flights.
- Buzzer: There’s a loud buzzer inside, which is uncommon in funds BNF drones today.
Regardless of these positives, the quad is noticeably tail-heavy—even with a GoPro mounted up entrance. I believe analog setup could be extra suited on this body, since a typical analog VTX is far lighter than a DJI Air Unit, and we are likely to put a GoPro on the quad. For O3 and O4 builds, nonetheless, you often don’t want a GoPro, and people heavier air models push the middle of gravity far to the rear.
I imagine an extended digicam cage (or a deadcat-style body) might assist handle each the burden distribution and the annoyance of getting propellers in your digicam’s view. Having such a tail-heavy quad considerably defeats the aim of a freestyle-focused X configuration.
On the subject of weight:
- With out battery/GoPro: 461.1g
- With 6S 1100mAh LiPo: 652.7g
- With 6S 1100mAh LiPo and GoPro Hero 11: 807.6g
That is 60 g heavier than AxisFlying’s revealed specs. Hold that in thoughts if weight is a priority for you.
Construct High quality: Let’s Look Inside
Taking the quad aside for repairs and upkeep is a breeze. Fortunately, there are not any facet plates—merely take away the highest plates to entry the FC stack.
The construct high quality is top-notch: solder joints are clear and stable, and the best way the motors are soldered to the ESC offers the drone an expert really feel and is simple to deal with.
The FC is designed with solder pads on the highest and connectors on the underside, curiously Axisflying determined to flip the FC over within the construct—probably for simpler meeting on the manufacturing facility. Whereas this may increasingly simplify manufacturing, it makes it tougher for customers to entry the solder pads for tinkering in the event that they want entry to the soldering pads. It additionally makes it extra sophisticated to configure Betaflight in the event that they determined to replace the firmware.
Nearly each part is linked to the FC by way of connectors, aside from the GPS, which is soldered to the underside. For the GPS, they may have used a distinct 5V pad that could possibly be powered by way of the USB-C port, because it at the moment solely powers on when the battery is linked.
Flight Efficiency
Velocity and Energy
The Manta 5 SE is a really quick and highly effective 5-inch FPV drone, able to high speeds between 170–180 km/h, very spectacular! It additionally hovers at simply 16% throttle as a result of extraordinarily excessive thrust to weight ratio, however this makes exact maneuvers difficult particularly for rookies. To handle this, chances are you’ll wish to arrange a throttle curve or restrict motor output relying in your capibility.
Throughout testing, I used BetaFPV LAVA 6S 1100mAh LiPo and GNB 6S 1300mAh LiHV batteries. Each work effectively with this drone, although the GNB batteries provide barely extra energy as confirmed in my testing. I get round 5 minutes of flight time utilizing these batteries, however you may positively use greater batteries for longer flight time.
Tuning
Out of the field, the Manta 5 SE felt effectively tuned, with no noticeable vibration or jello. Nonetheless, it was tuned with out utilizing the Betaflight sliders, which is a draw back as a result of it makes high quality tuning PID and filters tougher for the customers.
Whereas the tune is nice general, it positively has room for enchancment, for example, there may be some instability when dropping throttle to zero, and there may be some prop wash as effectively. Growing Motor Idle barely or enabling Dynamic Idle would possibly assist, particularly on condition that the quad is back-heavy.
The ESC is operating Bluejay firmware at 24 kHz PWM frequency. Whereas this appeared to work high quality throughout my testing, I really feel that for DJI O3 or O4 setups, a 48 kHz PWM frequency might yield even smoother footage.
GPS Efficiency
The GPS does work, however it isn’t the most effective I’ve examined. A chilly begin takes 2–3 minutes to get a 3D repair, whereas a sizzling begin is fast—about 10 to twenty seconds. Nonetheless, the utmost variety of satellites I might get was solely 8–9, which is the naked minimal required in Betaflight.
If you happen to plan to fly lengthy vary or depend on GPS Rescue, it may be value changing the GPS for a greater one. See my GPS testing for suggestions: https://oscarliang.com/gps-review/
Video High quality
My greatest criticism for the Manta 5 SE O3 Version is that the props are seen within the digicam’s view. Whereas this design selection protects the digicam, these spinning propellers destroy the cinematic footage. I imagine this body would work nice for analog setups—the place you don’t actually care about seeing these props within the goggles—however for DJI O3 or O4 methods, the body would profit from an extended digicam cage. This adjustment wouldn’t solely enhance weight distribution but additionally scale back the prospect of getting props within the digicam’s view, successfully killing two birds with one stone.
Find out how to Setup For First Flight
The flight controller board goal is SPEDIXF405, comes with Betaflight firmware model 4.4.3. For inventory CLI Diff, see right here.
ESC firmware: B-X-30 (Bluejay firmware, model 0.19, 24 kHz)
ELRS Receiver: Goal: AxisFlying AXIS Thor 2.4GHz RX, firmware 3.4.0 (CE_LBT)
Setup:
That’s it.
Remaining Ideas
The AxisFlying Manta 5 SE delivers stable worth for its worth and serves as an amazing entry level into the FPV passion. Whereas it isn’t excellent—particularly with its GPS points and freestyle tuning—it gives a variety of versatility for each rookies and budget-conscious pilots.
Who’s it for?
- Funds-Acutely aware Pilots: At round $200 for the analog model, it’s one of the budget-friendly 5-inch BNF drones in the marketplace.
- New FPV Pilots: The pre-built configuration and easy setup make it very best for these new to FPV.
- A number of Configurations: Accessible in each analog and DJI O3 variations.
Personally I believe I just like the analog model extra as a result of it gives higher worth (though I solely examined the O3 model). Get it from these distributors:
Analog Model:
DJI O3 Model:
The Axisflying Manta 5 SE BNF flew effectively, however it’s not excellent, there are room for enhancements:
- Longer digicam cage for higher weight distribution and to scale back props within the digicam’s view.
- Enhance tuning flexibility by utilizing Betaflight sliders and enabling bi-directional DShot.
- Take into account a 48 kHz PWM frequency for smoother footage.
- Improve the GPS for a smoother consumer expertise and configure GPS Rescue correctly out of the field.
Regardless of a number of downsides, the Manta 5 SE is without doubt one of the most inexpensive choices in the marketplace and positively deserves a spot in your shortlist.