U818A-1 Quad Copter by UDI R/C
By Woody Hearn on Jul 4, 2015 @ 6:09AM
Trying to describe the featureset on something as complex as a quadcopter while simultaneously applying anecdotal repartee is a challenge beyond what I may currently be capable of. So we'll use UDI R/C's list and ascribe tangents as best we can. The U818A-1 Discovery, 6 axis gyro, remote controlled quadcopter comes with a two stick, 4 channel, 2.4 GHz controller; an on-board, micro-sd, data port; a USB micro-sd reader; a 2 GB micro-sd card; two rechargeable, Lithium-polymer, 3.7V, 500mAh batteries; a two plug, USB balance charger; a 30 frame per second, 1280x720, HD camera; and, a bag of spare parts including propellers, and gears.
The controller is a massive chunk of plastic, with buttons, toggles, and joysticks for governing throttle, trim, pitch, roll, yaw, running lights, speed modes, photo, and video options. There's a lot packed in there and it can be a bit intimidating. The built in LED screen provides adequate visual feedback to keep it from becoming too overwhelming however. The body of the U818A-1 is a flexible, but sturdy plastic that serves to protect the blades while crashing, and your fingers when you get a bit too close while forgetting to drop the throttle. Unfortunately, this protective cover also serves as a sail that catches the slightest of winds, making control of the quadcopter somewhat difficult in anything other than ideal conditions. I also had an unresolved issue correcting the three trim settings to get the quad to hover without any drift. This is a significant problem in so much as hovering is the basis of all other controlled movement. I've burned through the 8 minute battery life several times over, just trying to dial this in. I've yet to succeed.
Without being able to control the quadcopter effectively, I was unable to test the camera in flight. The photos and video I did capture was heavily artifacted. Seeing some other videos from the U818A-1 makes me think this was a product of the camera being too close to its subject matter though. It should be noted that the camera on the quadcopter is fixed and does not transmit its images to the controller. So, it will take time to get a feel for exactly where/what you're shooting.
Given it's size and price, this is a reasonable starter quad. But, skilled flyers will most likely be frustrated with the U818A-1's limitations. Hopefully, not everyone will be hampered by the same mechanical issues that prevented me from easily flying the quad. That being said though, it really stood up quite well to the amount of abuse we subjected it to, trying to figure out how to fly the thing.
Pros:
- Two plug USB balance charger
- USB SD card reader
- Onboard HD camera
- Backup 500mAh battery
- Relatively short battery recharge time
Cons:
- Flight control issues
- Short-ish battery life
- Poorly translated, incomplete instructions
- No camera controls
- No video/photo feed to the controller
The UDI U818A-1 is available via Amazon for $89.99. (at the time of this review)
http://amzn.com/B00SH3MU0U
This is not a paid review.
#gureviews #UDIU818A1
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By Woody Hearn on Jul 4, 2015 @ 6:09AM
As an over-sized child, I've wanted a quadcopter since the first time I saw one. So, I was pleased to accept a U818A-1 for review from USA Toyz. My fingers itched to get my hands on it. And, understanding my own complete lack of skill, couldn't wait to crash it. Repeatedly.
Trying to describe the featureset on something as complex as a quadcopter while simultaneously applying anecdotal repartee is a challenge beyond what I may currently be capable of. So we'll use UDI R/C's list and ascribe tangents as best we can. The U818A-1 Discovery, 6 axis gyro, remote controlled quadcopter comes with a two stick, 4 channel, 2.4 GHz controller; an on-board, micro-sd, data port; a USB micro-sd reader; a 2 GB micro-sd card; two rechargeable, Lithium-polymer, 3.7V, 500mAh batteries; a two plug, USB balance charger; a 30 frame per second, 1280x720, HD camera; and, a bag of spare parts including propellers, and gears.
The controller is a massive chunk of plastic, with buttons, toggles, and joysticks for governing throttle, trim, pitch, roll, yaw, running lights, speed modes, photo, and video options. There's a lot packed in there and it can be a bit intimidating. The built in LED screen provides adequate visual feedback to keep it from becoming too overwhelming however. The body of the U818A-1 is a flexible, but sturdy plastic that serves to protect the blades while crashing, and your fingers when you get a bit too close while forgetting to drop the throttle. Unfortunately, this protective cover also serves as a sail that catches the slightest of winds, making control of the quadcopter somewhat difficult in anything other than ideal conditions. I also had an unresolved issue correcting the three trim settings to get the quad to hover without any drift. This is a significant problem in so much as hovering is the basis of all other controlled movement. I've burned through the 8 minute battery life several times over, just trying to dial this in. I've yet to succeed.
Without being able to control the quadcopter effectively, I was unable to test the camera in flight. The photos and video I did capture was heavily artifacted. Seeing some other videos from the U818A-1 makes me think this was a product of the camera being too close to its subject matter though. It should be noted that the camera on the quadcopter is fixed and does not transmit its images to the controller. So, it will take time to get a feel for exactly where/what you're shooting.
Given it's size and price, this is a reasonable starter quad. But, skilled flyers will most likely be frustrated with the U818A-1's limitations. Hopefully, not everyone will be hampered by the same mechanical issues that prevented me from easily flying the quad. That being said though, it really stood up quite well to the amount of abuse we subjected it to, trying to figure out how to fly the thing.
Pros:
- Two plug USB balance charger
- USB SD card reader
- Onboard HD camera
- Backup 500mAh battery
- Relatively short battery recharge time
Cons:
- Flight control issues
- Short-ish battery life
- Poorly translated, incomplete instructions
- No camera controls
- No video/photo feed to the controller
The UDI U818A-1 is available via Amazon for $89.99. (at the time of this review)
http://amzn.com/B00SH3MU0U
This is not a paid review.
#gureviews #UDIU818A1
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