Caddx just lately launched the Protos FPV drone package that includes their new digital FPV system, the Ascent. The package appears to be like surprisingly good worth and comes with the whole lot you have to fly, which initially had me intrigued. I used to be even planning to purchase it for evaluation — however after trying into the main points a bit extra, I modified my thoughts. Let’s take a more in-depth take a look at what the Protos is, and clarify why I’m not speeding to choose one up.
New to FPV? Take a look at our newbies information: https://oscarliang.com/fpv-drone-guide/
What Is the Caddx Protos Equipment?
The Caddx Protos is an reasonably priced all-in-one FPV drone package priced at $359 – lower than the worth of a pair of excessive finish goggles! It consists of basically the whole lot you have to get began:
- FPV goggles
- The Protos drone
- Radio controller
- Batteries and charger
Curiously, the drone makes use of Caddx’s new Ascent digital FPV system. It isn’t Walksnail Avatar and it doesn’t match DJI by way of picture high quality, vary, or latency. Nevertheless, it does seem to look noticeably higher than analog.
This drone package is clearly geared toward newbies who desire a easy, plug-and-play means into FPV. However as I’ll clarify later, there are some compromises.
The place to Purchase
You may get the Caddx Protos package from:
What’s Included within the Caddx Protos bundle:
- FPV field goggles
- Protos micro FPV drone with Ascent VTX
- ExpressLRS radio controller
- USB charger (can cost three batteries directly)
- Three proprietary batteries
- Equipment (case, cables, battery lead, and so forth.)
The Ascent FPV System
Ascent is a model new digital FPV system. The consumer interface appears to be like nearly similar to Walksnail Avatar, however they aren’t associated, and seems to be a very completely different ecosystem. From the footage obtainable thus far, picture high quality isn’t higher than Avatar — so primarily based on the low worth of the Protos drone, it appears Caddx positioned Ascent as a budget-friendly digital choice relatively than aiming for high-end efficiency.
If you happen to already personal Walksnail or DJI, there’s presently no compelling motive to modify for my part – it could be a downgrade. Additionally, the utmost VTX energy is simply 100mW proper now, which is okay for indoor whooping or park flying inside line of sight, however fairly limiting for freestyle or longer-range flying.
Fascinating remarks from early testers concerning the Ascent system:
- The best way it handles low sign is sort of distinctive: when the hyperlink will get weak, the picture shrinks to the middle (“focus mode”). At very low bitrates, it switches to black & white to take care of flyable element.
- Bitrate is comparatively low in comparison with AVatar or DJI — typically round 20–25Mbps.
- Solely 50FPS and 60FPS refresh charges obtainable. Latency is flyable, however noticeably increased than Avatar/DJI making it difficult to do exact maneuvers.
- Picture high quality is healthier than analog, however not so good as Avatar, and nowhere near DJI.
The Protos Drone
The Caddx Protos is basically a small cinewhoop fashion drone. Because of the prop guard, it’s comparatively safer for flying in tight areas or round individuals in comparison with open-prop micro quads.
Battery & Energy System
It makes use of 40mm propellers and weighs round 62g dry, or about 104g with the battery put in. For reference, that places it in the identical measurement and weight class as BetaFPV Femto. Provided that it additionally runs 1102 motors, I’d count on related ranges of energy and dealing with — enjoyable for cruising, however undoubtedly not a freestyle beast. Nevertheless, the Protos comes with Li-ion battery, not LiPo, so it’ll have much less punch and energy. Be taught extra about LiPo battery right here: https://oscarliang.com/lipo-battery-guide/
The included batteries are 2S 840 mAh Li-ion packs.
| Li-ion (used right here) | LiPo |
| Greater power density → longer flight time | Extra energy + higher throttle response |
| Lighter for a similar capability | Heavier for a similar capability |
| Decrease present output → weaker punch-out energy | Excessive present output → Higher for freestyle and acro flying |
The battery has a proprietary design— it slides and clip into the drone. It’s handy and beginner-friendly, but it surely additionally locks you into Caddx batteries solely. No Third-party 2S LiPo choices right here.
Anticipate longer flights than the same whoop on LiPo, however much less energy when climbing or doing sharp inputs.
Body & Construct
The Protos makes use of a pusher configuration (propellers are mounted the other way up). The body is solely plastic, no carbon fibre. The thick shell makes it extra sturdy but additionally a bit heavier than typical pastime builds.
One attention-grabbing function: the Protos consists of down-facing LiDAR and optical stream sensors. These allow Altitude Maintain and Place Maintain modes — good for serving to absolute newbies hover with out panic. I’ve seen this idea in BetaFPV’s Cetus drone package just a few years again, personally I’m not a fan of those assisted flight modes for newbies, firstly they don’t work that effectively, and so they don’t actually train you the right way to fly an FPV drone and training in a simulator continues to be the very best place to construct expertise IMO. Fortuitously, whenever you’re prepared, you possibly can change into Acro mode for correct FPV flying.
Be aware that the VTX has no onboard HD recording, you possibly can solely file within the goggles (1080p).
Lastly, the Protos drone doesn’t run Betaflight; it makes use of Caddx’s personal firmware. In case your aim is to study Betaflight, then this drone isn’t the proper path.
Ascent Field Goggles
The Ascent goggles seem like a reworked model of the Walksnail Goggles L — very related in form, measurement, options, and so they additionally use 1080p 60hz shows.
Key factors:
- Requires an exterior battery, powered through a barrel plug
- Some customers report gentle leaks, however typical in field goggles
- Inside antennas, no exterior modules or replaceable antennas
- No AV enter, doesn’t assist analog
- No HDMI enter, doesn’t assist different digital techniques
- Joystick + again button management, acquainted for those who’ve used Walksnail goggles
- OSD doesn’t burn into DVR footage — OSD information is saved in separate file
Radio
The included radio is a gamepad-style controller — compact and fundamental. It appears to be like considerably like DJI’s distant controller however has ExpressLRS inbuilt (with an inside antenna).
Nevertheless:
- There’s no show and no EdgeTX interface
- No capability to alter radio settings on the system
- Restricted long-term progress for pilots who plan to stay with the pastime
The excellent news? The Protos drone makes use of an ELRS receiver, so you possibly can bind it to any third-party ELRS radio later. If you need improve concepts, try my suggestions:
https://oscarliang.com/radio-transmitter/
Battery and Flight time
The package consists of 3 batteries and a charger.
Battery specs:
- 2S 840 mAh Li-ion packs
- Marketed 8.5 minutes of flight per pack (real-world occasions might fluctuate)
These batteries have a proprietary slide-in design, so you should purchase replacements from Caddx, which locks you into their ecosystem. Sure — with modifications you would run commonplace 2S packs, however that defeats the simplicity that this package is designed to supply.
The three-bay USB-C charger can cost all three batteries concurrently — much like DJI Avata 2’s charging resolution.
Who Is This For?
It’s vital to be clear: the Protos will not be a efficiency drone. It’s a beginner-focused FPV coach, designed to get new pilots flying with little setup and minimal technical hurdles. It’s not constructed for freestyle ripping, racing, or long-range.
As a result of it makes use of Li-ion batteries and tiny 1102 motors, energy is restricted. To not point out Ascent may be very new, and isn’t as succesful as DJI and even Walksnail (and isn’t cross-compatible), you’re shopping for into an ecosystem that has an unsure future.
That mentioned — in case your aim is just to study the fundamentals of FPV and have enjoyable cruising round a small area, it does precisely that.
Purchase it if…
- You’re brand-new to FPV and desire a full FPV drone package for under $359
- You worth plug-and-play comfort over tinkering
- You intend to fly principally indoors/yard, the place lengthy vary or sign penetration doesn’t matter
Skip it if…
- You already personal Walksnail, DJI, or HDZero. There’s no motive to modify to Ascent at this level.
- You want low latency or good vary/sign penetration
- You need Betaflight configurations (the Protos drone doesn’t use Betaflight however their very own firmware).
- You desire a nimble drone for freestyle or racing.
- You wish to keep away from proprietary batteries.
Conclusion: Would I Purchase It?
The Protos Drone Equipment
The Protos appears to be a strong newbie coach: simple to arrange, sturdy, and surprisingly effectively thought-out. At solely $359, it’s a tempting entry level into digital FPV. However the trade-off is that you simply’re locked into Caddx’s new ecosystem (batteries + FPV system), and the efficiency ceiling is low.
If I had been beginning FPV at the moment on a decent funds, I’d nonetheless personally select one thing like this with open ecosystem:
With batteries and charger, this setup prices equally to the Protos package, however could be extra future-proof, extra versatile, and arguably extra enjoyable in the long term — particularly for those who plan to develop within the pastime.
Nevertheless, judged purely as a plug-and-play newbie bundle, Caddx has finished an important job right here. I simply want it:
- Ran Betaflight
- Used commonplace LiPo packs
- Supplied extra FPV system choices, e.g. Walksnail, Analog and even DJI O4 Lite.
The Ascent System
Saying their new Ascent system in a funds drone package is a brilliant transfer — individuals who purchase this are possible newbies who’re nonetheless on the fence which FPV system to get, so Caddx has an opportunity to win them early.
However at the moment, Ascent continues to be in its infancy:
- Just one goggles choice, a funds field goggles with low specs show
- Just one VTX choice with restricted 100mW energy, and it’s not even bought individually but
- Wants time to show reliability and neighborhood assist
Ascent may enhance over time — and if Caddx expands the lineup with higher goggles, extra VTX choices with higher specs, it might finally turn into a compelling funds ecosystem. For now I’d go. I have already got DJI and Walksnail, each of which supply higher latency, higher picture high quality, extra {hardware} choice.