First Quadcopter

As its name says, the RadioMaster Pocket is a small, lightweight radio controller that packs a big punch. It is available in two versions ELRS and multi-protocol CC2500. Both variants come preinstalled with EdgeTX firmware. The RM Pocket is also equipped with hall-effect gimbals, removable stick ends, and a foldable antenna, making it easy to transport and store. It...

The BETAFPV Pavo Pico is a micro-class CineWhoop-style flying platform intended for DJI O3, Walksnail Avatar, and Caddx Vista FPV systems. BetaFPV sent out a couple of PAVO PICO kits for evaluation a few months before the official release. FPV enthusiasts across the globe gave their feedback about what improvements should be made to be a close-to-perfect product. A micro...

Action cameras are a must-have accessory for adventurers, social media influencers, and FPV drone owners. In 2023, the best options are the recently released DJI Action 4 and the GoPro 11. Both action cams can shoot high-quality, stabilized cinematic video in any outdoor condition, but they have a few key differences that set them apart. Let's discover them in...

The newly released Holybro Kakute H7 V1.3 flight controller supports 2 to 8S LIPO batteries and is intended for classic four-motor drones and professional octocopters. It has nine PWM outputs (2x4in1ESC and LED), six UART ports (UART2 is used for Bluetooth telemetry), and a dedicated HD digital port for DJI O3 Air Unit and other compatible VTXs. According to HolyBro,...

Hubsan claims to be a "Leading provider of flight control" and brings "new" drones on the market. Just like their other drones, the Hubsan BlackHawk1 looks extraordinary on paper, but when you start using them, the unpleasantness comes. Over the last seven years, the First Quadcopter team reviewed more than 200 drones from the biggest names in the drone...

When I read the first leaks about the DJI Air 3, I thought that the only improvement from its predecessor would be the dual-camera system. After the official reveling, I realized it is a consumer mass-market drone with some impressive flagship features. DJI states that the new Air 3 has 48% more battery life than its predecessor. With up...

Yesterday, FIMI announced an upcoming VTOL on their official Facebook page, which will be their first fixed-wing drone. The release is scheduled for July 31st. In a nutshell, a VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) fixed-wing aircraft is a type of UAV that can take off, hover, and land vertically like a helicopter or a multirotor drone, but also has the...

SJRC's latest F5S PRO+ drone has some pretty exciting features, including GPS positioning, a 3-axis stabilized camera, and many creative video modes. Adopting a collapsible design, it can be packaged with you for any adventure in nature. With folded arms 141x89x56mm and weights only 304 grams. The F5S PRO Plus controller adopts repeater mode WiFI FPV (USB downlink), ensuring stable and...

When I connect the battery for the first time to a newly built FPV drone, I wait with bated breath to see if everything is OK and no smoke comes out. Short circuits due to wrong wiring and bad soldering are the most common problems in DIY drones, and they cause serious damage to sensitive electronics. VIFLY ShortSaver V2...

The ToolKitRC C4 is a compact charger with a maximum output of 50W. Its small size makes it easy to carry and use on the go, and its intuitive user interface and LED display make it easy to use. It comes with an XT60 output and 4 levels of adjustable charging current. Being compatible with LiPo, LiHv, and LiFe cells...