If you happen to’re on the lookout for an FPV drone that provides extra than simply sluggish, beginner-friendly flights, the HGLRC Draknight RTF (Prepared-to-Fly) bundle is likely to be precisely what you want. It’s top-of-the-line micros I’ve reviewed in 2024. Priced below $300, you get nearly every thing required to start out flying FPV, however you may as well buy this 2-inch drone individually and use your personal gear. On this assessment, I’ll share my expertise with the Draknight, exploring its options, efficiency, and why it stands out amongst newbie FPV drones.
New to FPV? Take a look at my FPV Drone information for freshmen: https://oscarliang.com/fpv-drone-guide/
The place to Purchase
The HGLRC Draknight is obtainable as a standalone FPV drone or in an RTF package that features goggles and a radio. You may get it right here:
The HGLRC Draknight RTF package comes with every thing you should get began:
- The Draknight 2S drone
- Two 2S 720mAh LiPo batteries
- A easy LiPo charger with storage charging functionality
- A USB-C charging cable
- The HGLRC C1 distant management with built-in 18650 batteries
- A light-weight module bay that helps Crossfire
- A neck strap for the distant
- DM KR FPV goggles with adjustable myopia vary
- Quite a lot of equipment, together with further props and a digicam mount
Specs
| Draknight Drone | Radio | Simulator Dongle |
|---|---|---|
| Flight controller: SPECTER12 ES2-4S AIO | Radio Hyperlink: ExpressLRS 2.4GHz | Constructed-in ELRS Most supported frequency: 250hz |
| MCU: STM32F411 | Packet fee: 250Hz | Receiving distance: greater than 200m |
| GYRO: ICM42688P | Gimbal sensor: potentiometer | Binding technique: Rapidly energy on and off thrice to enter binding mode |
| Constructed-in receiver: ExpressLRS 2.4G (UART) | Antenna: built-in ipex1 era copper tube antenna | Interface: USB TYPE-C+USB TYPE-A double plug |
| Constructed-in VTX: 0-25-100-400mW (adjustable) | Working voltage: 6-8.4v DC | Working voltage: 5v |
| ESC Present: 12A (15A Burst) | Vary: 500m+ | ELRS firmware improve technique: WIFI or USB plug |
| ESC Protocol: Dshot | TYPE-C for charging and firmware flashing | ELRS firmware model: ELRS 3.0 |
| ESC firmware: (Bluejay) | 3.5MM analog coach port | ELRS Firmware Title: HGLRC 2.4 GHz, HGLRC Hermes 2.4GHz RX |
| FC firmware: HGLRCF411SX1280_15A | Battery: 18650 flat head battery x2 | Exterior receiver help protocol: solely helps CRSF protocol |
| FC enter voltage: 2S-4S (Lipo) | Charging: TYPE-C charging present 1.2A, The charging time is about 3-4 hours | Weight: 9.5g |
| Mounting gap: 25.5X25.5mm M2 | Distant management channel: 8 channels | Dimension: 74mm x 21mm x 12.5mm |
| Motor: SPECTER 1003 10000kv | Bluetooth: Bluetooth 4.2 | / |
| Propeller: Gemfan2023 propeller | ELRS firmware improve technique: WIFI or TYPE-C USB flash | / |
| Weight: 44.3g | ELRS firmware model: ELRS 3.0 | / |
| / | ELRS firmware identify: DIY units 2.4 GHz DIY ESP32 + E28 2.4GHz TX | / |
| / | Weight: 195g (excluding battery) | / |
| / | Dimension: 160mm x 130mm x 50mm (excluding distant management) | / |
Construct High quality and Design
The very first thing I observed was the strong construct high quality of the Draknight. The body feels strong and the design suggests it could actually take a couple of hits, which is essential for freshmen nonetheless studying the controls.
Weighing in at 44g with out battery and geared up with an included 2S 450mAh LiPo, the Draknight is able to ship some critical efficiency. It’s barely heavier than some opponents, just like the Emax Tinyhawk Freestyle, however the aluminum body provides sturdiness—one thing typically missing in ultra-lightweight drones.
The ten,000KV brushless motors present loads of energy, making certain this drone can deal with every thing from light cruising to extra aggressive freestyle maneuvers.
Radio
The Draknight will be bought individually, however if you happen to don’t personal any gear, the RTF package comes with a radio and FPV goggles, making it good for freshmen on a good price range. The drone can be used with different ExpressLRS radios and analog goggles while you determine to improve your gear, including versatility.
The distant controller is straightforward, with built-in ELRS (ExpressLRS) help. It has no display screen, so you’ll be able to’t change radio settings simply, however I didn’t discover the necessity to change any settings throughout my testing. It’s paired with the drone proper out of the field and will get the job achieved.
The radio is powered by two 18650 batteries and has a game-style design that feels comfy in hand. The vary is nice, you shouldn’t fear about dropping the radio hyperlink earlier than the video sign, which is usually the primary vary limitation.
FPV Goggles
Whereas fundamental, the included FPV goggles present an honest viewing expertise. Compact and light-weight, these goggles provide adjustable focus for nearsighted and farsighted customers, although they lack a DVR perform, which is a big disadvantage if you wish to document your flights.
When it comes to consolation and immersion, they aren’t on par with mid to high-end options, however they’re adequate for freshmen. They’re additionally fairly small, which could work effectively for youthful pilots. Even after upgrading to raised goggles, these can nonetheless be helpful for spectators.
For FPV goggles suggestions, see this submit: https://oscarliang.com/fpv-goggles/
With this radio and goggles setup, the vary is best than anticipated. I might fly round 300-400 meters away and nonetheless maintained dependable video and radio hyperlinks. Nevertheless, I didn’t push it additional, as dropping it in dense bushes might make it arduous to search out, particularly because it’s so tiny.
Battery Charger
The package features a fundamental non-smart charger that handles 2S and 3S LiPo/LiHV batteries by way of the steadiness connector. It prices one battery at a time, which might take 20 minutes to half an hour. If in case you have many batteries, you would possibly need to contemplate extra superior choices. However for freshmen, this charger will get the job achieved. For battery charger suggestions, see this information: https://oscarliang.com/choose-lipo-battery-charger-power-supply/
Draknight vs. TinyHawk
When evaluating the Draknight to different FPV drones in its class, just like the Emax Tinyhawk Freestyle, it holds its personal. Whereas the Tinyhawk is likely to be barely lighter, the Draknight affords extra sturdiness and uncooked energy, making it higher suited for individuals who need to develop extra aggressive flying types. The aluminum high mount and durable development counsel this drone can face up to frequent crashes. It additionally features a beeper and useful LEDs, including to its worth as a flexible, ready-to-fly possibility.
Flight Efficiency
The Draknight is likely one of the finest micro drones I’ve examined in 2024, arms down.
It’s tremendous easy, agile, and quick, making it supreme for freestyle flying. The motors and propeller mixture is environment friendly, holding the motors cool and the battery barely heat after flights, which is a testomony to its high quality construct and tuning.
Regardless of its energy, the Draknight may be very quiet, making it supreme for flying in native parks with out disturbing others. I used to be capable of obtain round 6 minutes of aggressive flight time with the included 2S 720mAh battery, and as much as 8 minutes with relaxed cruising.
With its sturdy design, attractiveness, built-in LEDs, and a buzzer to assist find it after a crash, the Draknight is a standout micro drone in 2024.
Principal Complaints
Whereas the FPV digicam is ample, its picture high quality falls brief in comparison with different micros I’ve examined up to now 12 months. It may gain advantage from a greater digicam for certain, however this isn’t a dealbreaker.
One other situation is the overly tight motor wires, which might result in them disconnecting from the flight controller throughout flight. This occurred to me, leading to a fast “roll of loss of life.” The repair is straightforward—simply unplug the motor wires, unwind the twisted motor wires a few turns, and plug them again in. In the event that they turn out to be too free, safe them to the arms with some fabric tape.
Setting Up and Flying
Getting began with the Draknight is simple. No binding is critical—simply cost the batteries, and also you’re able to fly. The radio is paired with the drone out of the field, with all of the buttons and switches wanted for an entire FPV expertise, together with mode choice (angle, horizon, and acro) and a beeper swap for locating your drone after a crash.
For freshmen, I like to recommend beginning in angle mode, which retains the drone secure and straightforward to regulate. If you happen to want to fly in acro mode, follow in simulators first. The included ELRS dongle permits you to follow on FPV simulators utilizing the radio wirelessly.
Authentic Betaflight CLI Diff will be discovered right here.
Conclusion
The HGLRC Draknight RTF bundle is a wonderful selection for these trying to begin flying freestyle. It affords an important steadiness of sturdiness, energy, and flexibility, making it a powerful contender within the newbie FPV drone market. Whether or not you’re simply beginning out or trying to develop your abilities, the Draknight supplies a strong platform to be taught and have enjoyable with. Alternatively, if you have already got your personal radio and goggles, the standalone Draknight 2-inch drone can be extremely really helpful.
You may get the HGLRC Draknight package/quad right here: