BetaFPV has simply launched an enhanced model of the Pavo20—the Pavo20 Professional. Whereas it carefully resembles its predecessor, the Professional mannequin includes a barely bigger body that accommodates larger 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 purchase the BetaFPV Pavo20 Professional from these distributors:
The bundle consists of screws for securing the cover to the body, DJI O3 antennas, and a LED strip, which is a well-known accent in the event 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 isn’t 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 Digicam, Caddx Sequence, RunCam Sequence (19mm/20mm)
- Digicam ND Filter Set up: Vertical
- Battery Connector: XT30
- Battery Slot Width: 20mm
- Flight Controller: F4 2-3S 20A AIO FC V1
- Motors: LAVA Sequence 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
- Advisable Batteries: LAVA 3S 450mAh 75C Battery, LAVA 3S 550mAh 75C Battery, 3S 650mAh Battery
Design and Enhancements
At first look, the Pavo20 Professional appears similar to the unique Pavo20, however with some key upgrades.
The injection-molded plastic body is barely sturdier, and the carbon fiber plate is thicker now 2.4mm, bettering sturdiness.
Left: Pavo20 Professional; Proper: Authentic 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 further antenna mounting choices for the unique DJI O3 antenna, in addition to further 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. Nonetheless, this added weight comes with improved sturdiness and efficiency.
Electronics Parts
The flight controller stays the identical—the F405 20A AIO FC V1, suitable with 2S to 3S batteries.
One level price 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 identical 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. Nonetheless, the antenna is only a easy and bent copper wire hidden beneath 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 need to 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 similar to Walksnail or analog, however you’ll need to get artistic about mount them.
Set up of the O3 is simple 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 excellent for chasing transferring objects like vehicles or bikes. The elevated weight and energy assist the drone deal with wind higher, essential for outside flying. Moreover, the bigger disk space improves effectivity, offsetting the elevated weight and sustaining flight time.
With a 3S 550mAh battery, the Pavo20 Professional provides round 5 minutes of flight time (with aggressive flying), much like the unique Pavo20.
This drone is clearly optimized for the 550mAh batteries, bigger batteries would possibly intervene 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 simple to manage. Whereas there have been minor wobbles in 15MPH gusts, utilizing Gyroflow stabilization can eradicate 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 characteristic. Nonetheless, for higher efficiency in windy circumstances, 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 circumstances. The upgrades, similar to larger motors and a sturdier body, tackle among the unique Pavo20’s shortcomings, making this a compelling choice for these looking for a extra dynamic flying expertise.
You should purchase the BetaFPV Pavo20 Professional from these distributors:
Battery isn’t 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