Eachine Tiny QX95 micro FPV drone review

After many brushless racing quadcopters, I thought that it would be nice to review a micro brushed quadcopter like this Eachine Tiny QX95. In my opinion, these little RC toys are not just cheaper but also somehow more practical than the powerful brushed quads. For example, this Eachine QX 95 weighs only 56g which makes it suitable for indoor flights. Bumping into things will not produce big damage.

In a relatively short time, Eachine announced three models of the QX series. Firstly the QX80, then the QX90, and recently this Tiny QX95. The only difference between these 3 is in terms of design. While the QX95 adopts an “H” shape frame, the QX80 and QX90 have an “X” shape frame. Reading the testimonies of those who own all these three drones, I found out that the Q95 is the best among them.

Thanks to the versatile F3 flight controller, the Eachine QX series is capable of multiple flight modes. By default, the Eachine QX95 features “Acro” and “Angle” modes.

The Eachine Tiny QX95 is currently available in ARF and BNF (Bind-N-Fly) packages. By choosing the BNF package, you will need to pay an extra 10 bugs, which is not that bad, especially for those who are not OK with soldering stuff. According to your existing transmitter, you can opt for QX958FR (with FrSky receiver), QX958FS (with FlySky receiver), and QX958DS (with DSM2 receiver).

Eachine Tiny QX95 review

In my preliminary discussion with James from Banggood regarding the possibility of reviewing the Eachine Tiny QX95 we agreed that he would send me one with FlySky receiver. I opted for this RX because I own two FS-i6 transmitters.

The package arrived in my country about two weeks ago, but due to a spontaneous strike by the employees from the post office, my box has been “sequestered” in their warehouse for nearly a week.

Certainly, the QX95 package is very reached. I found inside the box, besides the tiny aircraft, the following:

• 2 pieces of 600mAh Li-Po batteries (1s);
• USB charger;
• Y charging cable for balance chargers;
• 2 pieces of spare motors (CW and CCW);
• 1 set of spare propellers;
• Blade removing tool;
• Self-adhesive Velcro bands;
• Detailed user manual.

Inside the box, the quad is well protected by a CNC cut foam. The airframe is made from carbon fiber, which is pretty nice.

The VTX FPV camera is attached in front of the quad using a rubber band. Both RX and LED status bars are attached to the frame by using double-sided adhesive tapes. To access the FC’s micro USB port, you need to remove the LED bar… to be frank, this is somehow a design fail.

Although there is enough room to install the TX below the upper plate, it is attached on the top of it, where it is more exposed during crashes. Another cons is that the tiny wire which serves as RX antenna is not insulated and can easily cause a short circuit.

The battery can be attached under the quad using a rubber band or the included Velcro tapes. No power switch, just interconnect the two microLOSI connectors (of the battery and FC).

Thanks to the very bright tail light, the Tiny QX95 is very visible in the dark. The four RGB LEDs are pre-configured and indicate when the motors are armed/disarmed, turning left/right and backward.

Eachine Tiny QX95 features and specs

• Carbon fiber airframe (95mm wheelbase);
• S3 EVO brushed flight controller;
• Multiple flight modes (by default Acro and Angle);
• 8520 brushed motors (coreless);
• 55 mm propellers;
• Status LED bar (4 RGB LEDs);
• AIO FPV camera (520TVL, 32CH25mW TX and cloverleaf antenna);
• MicroLOSI battery connector (recommended 1s 600 mAh);
• About 6 minutes of flight time.

The flight controller comes with Cleanflight 1.13.0 firmware. I would recommend staying on it till you are accommodated with everything (setup & fine-tuning) and only after should you go to flash BetaFlight OS.

Eachine QX95 review – Camera / FPV system

The tiny vTx 520 TVL camera weighs about 5g and is 19 x 14 x 5 mm in size. The specified output power of the integrated 32CH 5.8G TX is 25mW.

On the rear part of the camera, there is a 6-bit dip switch. DIP 1-5 allows setting the desired band and channel. The 6th DIP allows toggling between PAL / NTSC video standards.

The 4-lobe circular polarized antenna is directly soldered on the camera’s top.

Although I read about a lot of fellows having camera issues, mine seems to be OK. The focus is set properly and performs acceptably in light condition changes. I find the field of view optimal for indoor and outdoor flights.

If I find the FPV range too short, I will replace the stock camera with the Eachine TX02, which has 200 mW Tx power.

Eachine QX95 – Image quality and FPV range test

Binding the Eachine Tiny QX95 with the transmitter

Being very enthusiastic to test my new toy as soon as I arrived home, I immediately tried to bind the Eachine Q95 with my FlySky FS-i6. Luckily, the Eachine QX 95 user manual describes it this process very well. You need to take the following steps:

1. Connect the battery while the “Bind” pin of the RX is grounded (the blue LED on the RX will start to flash);
2. Go to RX Setup on the transmitter, and set “RX Setup” to “AFHDS Mode”. Now, here is the trick: this can be done by disabling “AFHDS2”;
3. Turn ON the transmitter while holding the “bind” button;
4. If the binding process is successful, the blue LED will always turn ON.

I assigned on my FS-I6 transmitter CH5/Aux1 to SWD (right switch with 2 positions) and CH6/Aux2 to SWC (right switch with three positions). After doing this, I could Arm/Disarm the motors using the SWD switch.

To switch between flight modes (Angle/Acro/Horizon) using SWC, I had to configure the flight mode assignment through the CleanFlight app.

Eachine QX95 Review – First Usage & Test

My first flight was a bit disappointing —the Eachine QX95 flew a bit chaotically. Firstly, I replaced the props and checked the motors for dust… the same thing. Then I performed calibration through CF APP, and the Eachine Tiny QX95 became much more stable.

Because it is speedy and very responsive, first-time pilots will have difficulty in controlling it.

I said that my camera is OK in the “Camera / FPV system” section of my Eachine QX95 review. When I changed the room, some weird patterns (like sperm under the microscope :D) appeared on my FPV screen. It seems that this issue is present only in certain light conditions.

Outdoor, in calm days, it flies perfectly. The “Acro” mode is pretty nice, flips & rolls can be easily done. Unfortunately, even the slight wind kills any fun.

The FPV range is pretty good (about 80-100 meters), so it can be flown in both ways LoS and fully FPV.

Price and availability

If you want to move from entry-level toys to something more advanced, this mini brushed FPV quad can be found here. Don’t forget that you can opt for three different TX modules (DSM2/FlySky/FrSKy). If you don’t own a suitable transmitter, you can also consider ordering this quad in a bundle with the Eachine I6 transmitter (FlySky FS-i6 clone).

The manufacturer just announced an upgraded model of this compact FPV drone. Eachine QX95S comes with a better camera and redesigned carbon fiber frame. By default, the  AIOF3PRO flight controller comes with BetaFllight firmware.