Review of 3D Robotics X8+: the functional oktokopter - with great potential
Announcement of 3D Robotics X8 + occurred in November, about the same number as when it was announced the new flagship of the DJI Innovations - DJI Inspire 1. However, if about the announcement of the second pipe all and sundry (like once, 4K camera on board and the price at $ 3000 !), the announcement and release of 3DR X8 + somehow gone unnoticed. Let us restore justice and see what distinguishes X8 + and what are its strengths.
- Title: 3D Robotics X8 +
- Price: $ 1,350
- quadrocopters Type: RTF
- Release Date: Autumn 2014
Externally copter looks more "difficult" than the previously released quadrocopter of 3D Robotics (IRIS +) and is oktokopterom as rotors had not 4, and 8. Photos X8 you can see below, but for now let's move on to the drone capabilities.
The developers have positioned their offspring as the copter that is suitable for the following tasks:
- video shooting
- creation of surface maps (so-called «mapping») and the area of 3D-models
- Flight data collection
- data collection outside the visible spectrum
- coordinate the establishment of the cloud
As you can see, the opportunities abound X8. Such a wide range of potential 'work' copter was made possible thanks to the fact that his boot weight increased in comparison with the IRIS + quadrocopters doubled - from 400 grams to 800 grams, at what is the minimum that can raise the copter. His real boot weight starts with 1 kg!
Of course, X8 + is equipped with GPS and autopilot functions, it is possible to hang a cardan suspension for the cameras from different manufacturers, it supports the type of regime in the first person, and broadcast video in first-person mode, and can also shoot video in following the man.
By cons should include a weak battery: Li-Polymer battery with a capacity of 6000mAh 4S provides a total of 12 minutes of flight at full load, which is very small for this class of radio-controlled copter.
Specifications
- Height - 100 mm
- Weight with battery - 2450 g
- Maximum additional weight -> 1 kg
- Propellers - 10 x 4.7 mm
- Motors - 880 kV
- Electronic speed controllers - 20A firmware SimonK
- GPS uBlox - GPS with built-in magnetometer
- Power supply - Li-Polymer battery with a capacity of 6000mAh 4S
- Flight time -12 min at full load
Example flight at the predetermined coordinates
Conclusions
X8 + more expensive than IRIS + and if you have limited resources (eg, $ 1,500), it is better to take the IRIS + (or its analogues - DJI Phantom 2 Vision / Vision Plus) - if you this money will be enough for a full set, including the camera.
If the camera and a remote control you have, you should think about purchasing X8 +. He has a larger lifting weight and, more importantly - greater number of rotors. This significantly increases the quality of the flight quadrocopters and its ability to resist the wind.
In summary:
- X8 + more functional, but more expensive
- IRIS + also functional, but has fewer opportunities for expansion and it is cheaper