Introduction
The 4DRC 4D-V30 Mini Drone with Obstacle Avoidance is a compact and lightweight drone that offers impressive features for both indoor and outdoor flying. In this review, we will dive into the details of this drone and explore its capabilities and performance.
The 4DRC 4D-V30 Mini Drone with Obstacle Avoidance has gained quite a bit of interest in the drone market. With its advanced features, including obstacle avoidance, this mini drone promises a smooth and safe flying experience. However, after testing it out, there are some concerns regarding its obstacle avoidance capabilities.
Overview of 4DRC 4D-V30 Mini Drone
The 4DRC 4D-V30 Mini Drone is a compact and foldable drone that comes in a generic box, typical for these types of devices. However, what sets this little drone apart is its 360-degree obstacle avoidance feature. The package includes a controller, the mini drone itself, accessories, and instruction manuals.
Non-Camera Version
This particular version of the 4D-V30 Mini Drone does not come with a camera. This is actually a desirable feature for those who only want a small drone to fly around the house without the need for a camera. The absence of a camera helps keep the cost low and the focus on the flying experience.
The Unboxing Process
To set up the drone, simply open the zipper case and remove the drone from inside. The drone is foldable, making it easy to carry and store. By unfolding the arms, the drone is ready for flight. While it may appear to have a camera, it is important to note that this version of the drone does not actually have one. However, if you’re interested in having a camera-equipped drone, there is a separate camera version available, although the image quality may not be on par with professional drones.
Toy-Grade Drone
It’s important to note that the 4DRC 4D-V30 Mini Drone is a toy-grade drone. This means that it is not designed for professional use or for capturing high-quality footage. However, it still offers a fun flying experience for beginners or hobbyists looking to enjoy the thrill of piloting a drone without the need for advanced features.
Design and Obstacle Avoidance Features
The 4DRC 4D-V30 Mini Drone with Obstacle Avoidance is an affordable option for those looking to venture into the world of drones without breaking the bank. While it may lack a camera, it compensates with its obstacle avoidance feature, which is a standout aspect of this mini drone. Located on the top, the 360-degree obstacle Vance allows the drone to sense obstacles in its path, whether they are in the front, rear, or on the sides. This obstacle detection is made possible using an infrared light.
Indoor and Outdoor Flying
When it comes to flying the drone indoors or outdoors, it is recommended to use the obstacle avoidance mode indoors. This is because sunlight interferes with the drone’s sensors, potentially causing false detections or the drone not sensing an object at all. Considering the size of the drone and its brushed motor power, it is better suited for outdoor flying on calm days. This way, it can navigate through the air with ease and stability.
LiPo Battery and Charging
The LiPo battery, which powers the 4DRC 4D-V30 Mini Drone, is conveniently located at the bottom of the device. To access it, simply pop open the battery compartment. Charging the battery is a breeze, as it comes with a micro USB cable. The cable can be found in the accompanying bag, making it easy to keep everything organized and ready for use.
Charging and Battery
One of the great things about the 4DRC 4D-V30 Mini Drone is its versatile charging options. You can use any cable with a micro USB to charge the drone, making it convenient and hassle-free. The drone has a small red light indicator, which turns on when connected for charging and goes off when the battery is fully charged. While the capacity of the battery is not mentioned, it is safe to assume it is a 1s battery based on its size.
Accessories and Propellers
The drone comes with a handy accessory bag that includes extra propellers, a flip screwdriver, USB cables, and prop guards. The prop guards are recommended for indoor flying to protect the propellers and prevent any damage caused by collisions. However, using prop guards may slightly reduce the flight time due to the added weight.
Controller
The drone comes with a compact and easy-to-use controller. The batteries are inserted on the sides of the controller, ensuring a balanced weight distribution. Although the batteries are not included, they are readily available in most stores. The controller features various controls, and it is essential to familiarize yourself with them before flying the drone.
Flight Controls
The controls of the 4DRC 4D-V30 Mini Drone are straightforward and user-friendly. On the controller, you will find trims for pitch and roll adjustments, allowing you to fine-tune the drone’s movements. These trims are located on the side of the controller, making it convenient to adjust while flying.
In addition to the trims, the drone also features obstacle avoidance mode, which is especially useful for indoor flying. This mode helps the drone detect and navigate around obstacles, minimizing the risk of collisions. However, it is important to note that using obstacle avoidance mode may not require the installation of prop guards, as the drone is designed to avoid obstacles automatically.
Altitude Hold Feature
Altitude hold is an important feature in drones, as it allows you to maintain a specific altitude without manually adjusting the controls. The 4DRC 4D-V30 Mini Drone comes equipped with altitude hold, making it easier for users to control the drone and focus on capturing footage or taking photos.
Speed Rates
The drone offers three different speed rates that you can cycle through by pressing a button on the side. This allows you to adjust the drone’s speed according to your preferences and the environment you are flying in. Whether you want to fly at a slower pace for precise maneuvering or at a faster speed for more thrilling flights, the 4DRC 4D-V30 Mini Drone has got you covered.
360 Flips
For those seeking an extra fun factor, the drone is capable of performing 360 flips. By pressing a designated button and indicating the desired direction, you can make the drone execute a full 360-degree flip and then automatically return to its level position. This feature adds excitement and entertainment value to your drone flying experience.
Headless Mode
The drone offers a headless mode, which eliminates the need to worry about the direction the drone is facing. In headless mode, the controls remain the same regardless of the drone’s orientation. This mode is particularly useful for beginners who might find it challenging to control the drone based on its direction. However, it is worth noting that relying too heavily on headless mode may hinder the development of flying skills.
Obstacle Avoidance Mode
The 4DRC 4D-V30 Mini Drone also includes an obstacle avoidance mode. By utilizing a button, you can turn this feature on and off. This mode helps prevent the drone from colliding with obstacles during flights, offering a greater level of safety and protection for both the drone and its surroundings. It is a useful feature for pilots of all skill levels, as it minimizes the risks of accidents and damage to the drone.
The 4DRC 4D-V30 Mini Drone is equipped with various features that enhance the user’s flying experience. From altitude hold and speed rates to 360 flips and obstacle avoidance mode, this drone offers versatility and a range of functionalities. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced pilot, this drone provides a reliable and enjoyable flying experience.
Design and Features
The 4DRC 4D-V30 mini drone is equipped with obstacle avoidance technology, setting it apart from other toy-grade drones. This feature allows the drone to enter a mode where it flies at a slow pace with minimal pitch, ensuring that the obstacle avoidance system works effectively.
Flight Performance
Since I have not flown this drone yet, it remains to be seen whether it behaves similarly to other drones in obstacle avoidance mode. One way to determine this would be to test if it automatically adjusts its rates or settings when in obstacle avoidance mode.
Obstacle Avoidance Mode Activation
The drone provides a dedicated button to activate obstacle avoidance mode, located conveniently on the controller. This mode helps to prevent the drone from colliding with any obstacles in its path.
Emergency Stop Function
The drone also includes an emergency stop feature, available with a short press of a specific button. It is quite unusual that a short press is required for emergency stop since accidental bumping of the button can turn off the drone’s motors, causing it to freefall. Generally, a long press is preferred to avoid accidents. However, if the drone is at risk of crashing or flying away, a short press may be necessary to immediately stop the props.
Gyro Calibration
Interestingly, a long press of the emergency stop button initiates gyro calibration. This process is necessary if the drone crashes or appears to be tilting or flying incorrectly. By performing the one-key calibration, the drone can realign its gyroscope for stable flight.
Overall, the 4DRC 4D-V30 mini drone with obstacle avoidance features various functions that enhance its flight performance and safety. However, further testing and evaluation are required to determine how well it performs in real-life scenarios.
One Key Takeoff and Landing
The 4DRC 4D-V30 Mini Drone comes equipped with a convenient one key takeoff and landing feature. To initiate the takeoff, simply place the drone on a level surface and press the designated button. The propellers will spring into action and the drone will ascend into the air. If the propellers are locked, unlock them before pressing the button to ensure a smooth takeoff. To land the drone, press the same button again and the drone will gently descend and touch down.
Power Button
Located on the right side of the drone, the power button allows for easy control of the device. The batteries required for this drone are two AAA batteries, not double A as previously mentioned. Despite its small size, this drone is expected to provide an enjoyable flying experience, especially indoors, thanks to its obstacle avoidance capabilities.
Testing the Drone
Now it’s time to test the 4DRC 4D-V30 Mini Drone and see how it performs in flight, as well as how well its obstacle avoidance system works. Without further delay, let’s take this drone to the basement and put it through its paces.
Flight Performance and Obstacle Avoidance
After a gyro calibration, the drone is ready to take to the skies. How does it perform? Does it maintain stability and maneuverability? The flight characteristics of the 4DRC 4D-V30 Mini Drone will be put to the test to see if it meets expectations.
Additionally, the obstacle avoidance feature will be scrutinized for its effectiveness. Can the drone accurately detect and avoid obstacles in its flight path? Flying indoors can present various challenges, and this feature aims to provide a smooth and safe flying experience.
Design and Features
The 4DRC 4D-V30 Mini Drone with Obstacle Avoidance is equipped with a sleek and compact design that catches the eyes with its vibrant red light. The rear of the drone showcases a flashing red light, adding a touch of style and visibility during flights.
Calibration and Takeoff
To ensure smooth flights, it is essential to calibrate the gyros. Once calibrated, the drone supports one-key takeoff, making it effortless to launch into the air. Observing the drone in action, it exhibits minimal pitch, maintaining stable flight conditions. Although there may be slight drift, it is easily manageable with trimming adjustments.
Testing Flight Maneuverability
Before enabling obstacle avoidance, it is vital to test the drone’s hovering, yaw, and pitch capabilities. The drone impresses with its decent yaw performance, while the pitch remains minimal. However, on higher rates, the pitch becomes more dynamic, bringing a sportier feel to the flight.
Indoor and Outdoor Performance
Indoor flights require a more controlled approach, and the middle rate on the drone proves to be suitable in such conditions. However, it is worth trying the higher rate outdoors for a thrilling experience. Taking the drone outdoors, it showcases its agility and speed, giving the pilot a sense of freedom to go higher and execute complex maneuvers.
360 Flips
The drone’s sufficient battery power allows for captivating 360 flips. Performing flips is a delight as the drone responds swiftly to commands. It is important to note that executing flips indoors requires precise low-level control. While it may pose a challenge, the drone still manages to deliver impressive flips in a limited space.
The 4DRC 4D-V30 Mini Drone with Obstacle Avoidance proves to be a reliable and exciting drone for both indoor and outdoor flights. Its sleek design, stable flight performance, and maneuverability make it a favorable choice for drone enthusiasts. With its ability to execute flips and the option to enable obstacle avoidance, this drone provides a thrilling and safe flying experience. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced pilot, this mini drone is worth considering.
Scooting it Out of View
Let’s start off by testing the maneuverability of the 4DRC 4D-V30 Mini Drone with obstacle avoidance. It can do a backwards flip, which works perfectly. We also tested the auto landing feature, which works well. But before that, let’s test the obstacle avoidance capabilities. Upon testing, it flies very well and maneuvered easily.
Takeoff and LED Indicators
We performed a manual takeoff by giving it some throttle and then giving it more throttle. This prevents the drone from taking off too high. The auto takeoff feature, on the other hand, launches the drone at a very high altitude. The front of the drone has white LEDs, while the rear has a red LED. These lights greatly assist with orientation during flight.
Flying Funnel Maneuvers
In terms of aerobatics, the 4DRC 4D-V30 Mini Drone performs exceptionally well. We were able to do some funnels, a maneuver where the drone rotates around a vertical axis. With the drone’s good yaw, we were able to easily execute the funnels. It flies smoothly and is very stable in the air.
Direct Drive for Quieter and More Efficient Flight
The 4DRC 4D-V30 Mini Drone is equipped with direct drive technology, meaning that its propellers are directly driven by the motors without the use of gears. This not only makes the drone quieter during flight but also improves its overall efficiency. With direct drive, you can enjoy a better flight time and an enhanced flying experience.
Testing Obstacle Avoidance Feature
To test the obstacle avoidance feature of the drone, I decided to fly it towards a fake brick wall. Due to limited space and my desire to maintain a clear view from the camera, I couldn’t fly too fast. However, I wanted to see how well the drone would detect and avoid obstacles.
A Minor Crash and Quick Recovery
During the test, I misjudged the edge of the table and the drone crashed. Fortunately, the 4D-V30 Mini Drone is designed with foldable arms that can easily be folded back into place after a crash. In this case, one of the arms was slightly bent, but I quickly adjusted it to ensure proper flight performance.
Putting the Drone to the Obstacle Avoidance Test
With the drone back in working order, I positioned it in front of the obstacle and activated the obstacle avoidance mode by pressing the designated button. This should enable the drone to detect and avoid any obstacles in its path.
Verifying the Obstacle Avoidance Capability
I carefully flew the drone towards the brick wall, keeping an eye on the camera’s feed. The obstacle avoidance feature proved to be effective as the drone skillfully avoided colliding with the wall. The camera tilted up slightly to capture the obstacle, allowing me to evaluate the drone’s performance.
Performance in Highest Rate
When testing the 4DRC 4D-V30 Mini Drone with Obstacle Avoidance, it was evident that the drone performed well in the highest rate. Even without powering it off, the pitch was still minimal, allowing for a smooth flight. However, it is important to note that the obstacle avoidance feature seemed a bit oversensitive, causing the drone to pitch and fly off to the side when it detected an obstacle or movement.
Obstacle Detection and Avoidance
Despite the sensitivity issue, the obstacle avoidance feature of this drone is effective. It was able to detect objects and avoid them during flight. This adds an extra layer of safety and prevents collisions, which is especially useful for beginners or those flying in confined spaces.
Gyro Calibration
After experiencing a crash, it is recommended to perform a gyro calibration. This helps to reset and stabilize the drone’s flight controls, ensuring accurate and precise movements. By recalibrating the gyro, the drone is better equipped to maintain stability and avoid any erratic behavior.
Challenges with Obstacle Avoidance
Although the obstacle avoidance feature generally works well, it does have some limitations. The sensitivity can be a bit too high, causing the drone to react even to minor obstacles or movements. This can be frustrating, especially in environments with a lot of external distractions like lights. It is important to find a balance between sensitivity and reliability when utilizing the obstacle avoidance mode.
Testing Against Walls
To get a better understanding of the obstacle avoidance capabilities, a test was conducted by flying the drone against a wall. It was observed that as the drone detected the wall, it attempted to fly back, indicating that it recognized the obstacle. However, there were instances where the drone still flew into the wall, suggesting that the obstacle avoidance feature may need further improvements.
Overall Impression
While the 4DRC 4D-V30 Mini Drone with Obstacle Avoidance shows potential, there is room for improvement in its obstacle avoidance capabilities. The sensitivity should be fine-tuned to avoid overly cautious flights, and the detection accuracy could be enhanced to prevent collisions with obstacles. Despite these challenges, the drone performs well in terms of flight stability and responsiveness, making it a suitable choice for aerial photography enthusiasts and drone hobbyists.
Obstacle Avoidance Mode
One of the main features of the 4DRC 4D-V30 Mini Drone is its obstacle avoidance mode. This mode is designed to detect obstacles and maneuver the drone away from them to prevent collisions. However, during testing, it became evident that the drone’s obstacle avoidance mode did not perform as expected.
Unreliable Performance
In several instances, the drone detected an obstacle and abruptly changed its course, only to crash into another object. This inconsistency in performance raises doubts about the reliability of the obstacle avoidance feature. It is essential for a drone to protect itself and avoid collisions, especially when flying in confined spaces.
Disappointing Results
Despite its promising features, the 4DRC 4D-V30 Mini Drone’s obstacle avoidance mode left much to be desired. It would often tilt in arbitrary directions, seemingly detecting obstacles that were not present. This behavior led to unnecessary crashes and damaged the overall flying experience.
Alternative Options
When compared to other drones on the market, the obstacle avoidance capabilities of the 4DRC 4D-V30 Mini Drone fall short. Many other models offer more reliable and accurate obstacle detection, ensuring a safer flying experience. It is crucial for drone enthusiasts to consider alternative options that prioritize obstacle avoidance.
Gyro Calibration
In an attempt to rectify the issue, gyro calibration was performed to ensure accurate readings and smooth flight. However, even after calibration, the drone still exhibited erratic behavior when faced with obstacles. This further highlights the limitations of its obstacle avoidance mode.
Overview of the 4DRC 4D-V30 Mini Drone
The 4DRC 4D-V30 Mini Drone is a compact and portable drone that offers various features, including obstacle avoidance technology. However, upon testing the obstacle avoidance mode, it became evident that there were some drawbacks to its functionality. This review will delve into the details of the obstacle avoidance feature and its limitations.
The Issue of Sensitivity
During the test flight, the drone displayed an overly sensitive obstacle avoidance system. It detected objects that were quite far away from its flight path, causing it to react unexpectedly. At times, it even failed to detect closer objects, which created a level of inconsistency in its performance. These findings indicate that the obstacle avoidance mode may not be reliable in certain scenarios.
Limited Indoor Use
It was anticipated that the drone could be a useful tool for indoor flying, especially with its obstacle avoidance capability. However, the reality proved otherwise. The drone struggled to maintain control and stability indoors, often drifting away or tilting unexpectedly. This lack of precision impaired the overall experience and made the obstacle avoidance mode somewhat impractical for indoor use.
Anomalies in Controls
Another concerning aspect observed during the test flight was the anomaly in drone controls. When attempting to regain control of the drone after a sudden tilt or drift, the controls seemed to reverse, leading to further confusion. For instance, when trying to move the drone forward, it would move backward instead. This unintended reversal in controls added to the frustration and made it difficult to navigate effectively.
Lack of Consistency
In addition to the sensitivity issues and control anomalies, the drone also displayed inconsistency in its behavior. There were instances when the obstacle avoidance mode worked relatively well, and the drone was able to regain stability and continue flying smoothly. However, it was unfortunate that these instances were not consistent enough to rely on.
Obstacle Avoidance Performance
One major drawback of the 4DRC 4D-V30 Mini Drone is its obstacle avoidance feature. It is not that the feature doesn’t work; in fact, it is too sensitive. The drone ends up becoming erratic and nearly impossible to fly when the obstacle mode is turned on. Due to this issue, it is recommended to turn off the obstacle mode and simply fly the drone in its normal mode.
Overall Drone Performance
Despite the obstacle avoidance problem, the 4DRC 4D-V30 Mini Drone is not a bad choice for drone enthusiasts. If you are interested in this drone, do not expect much from its obstacle avoidance capabilities. However, if there is a version of this drone available without the obstacle avoidance feature, it would be wise to opt for that model.
Flying Experience
When the obstacle avoidance feature is turned off, the drone performs well during flights. It is agile, smooth, and offers an enjoyable flying experience. This drone is a great option for those who want a small and fun flyer. Additionally, it can serve as a practice drone to keep your skills sharp, especially during the winter months when flying outdoors may not be feasible.
Suitability for Beginners
The obstacle avoidance feature may not be suitable for beginners, as it can make the drone unpredictable and difficult to control. It is recommended that beginners focus on mastering basic flying maneuvers before attempting to utilize obstacle avoidance technology.
Battery Life and Alert
It is worth noting that the drone’s battery life may be indicated by flashing lights on the aircraft. If the lights are flashing, it is likely that the battery is low and may need to be recharged. Additionally, when the battery is low, certain advanced maneuvers, like 360 flips, may be inaccessible as the drone may disable such features to preserve power.
Crashes and Obstacle Avoidance
During our testing of the 4DRC 4D-V30 Mini Drone with Obstacle Avoidance, we encountered several crashes due to low battery levels. Unfortunately, the drone’s low battery made it unable to recover from a flip, resulting in these accidents. It became apparent that the crashes occurred mainly when the obstacle avoidance mode was activated.
Impressive Flying Performance
Aside from the crashes caused by obstacle avoidance, the 4DRC 4D-V30 Mini Drone performed exceptionally well in flight. We would still recommend this drone considering its overall flying capabilities. However, if you do not require obstacle avoidance, we suggest disabling it to avoid potential mishaps.
The Peculiar Auto Landing Issue
While testing the auto landing feature of the drone, we encountered a strange incident. After hitting a table, the drone inexplicably flew back up and landed again. We were puzzled by this unexpected behavior, as the auto landing feature had been functioning perfectly before. We decided to take off once more to investigate further.
Finding a Solution
As we attempted another auto landing, the feature worked seamlessly, leading us to conclude that the previous incident was just a fluke. Despite this odd occurrence, we still hold a positive opinion of the 4DRC 4D-V30 Mini Drone.
The 4DRC 4D-V30 Mini Drone is a compact and foldable drone that offers a 360-degree obstacle avoidance feature. This non-camera version is perfect for those who simply want to enjoy flying a drone without the need for a camera. While it may not have the image quality of professional drones, it provides a fun and accessible option for beginners and hobbyists. So, if you’re in the market for a budget-friendly drone with obstacle avoidance, the 4DRC 4D-V30 Mini Drone is definitely worth considering.
Overall, the 4DRC 4D-V30 Mini Drone with Obstacle Avoidance proves to be a reliable and cost-effective option for drone enthusiasts. While it may lack a camera, the obstacle avoidance feature more than makes up for it, ensuring a smooth and obstacle-free flight experience. With the option to turn the obstacle avoidance mode on and off, users have the flexibility to fly the drone both indoors and outdoors. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced drone pilot, this mini drone is worth considering for its compact design and impressive obstacle detection capabilities.
After thoroughly testing the 4DRC 4D-V30 Mini Drone, it is clear that this compact device offers an enjoyable flying experience. The one key takeoff and landing feature simplifies the control process, and the obstacle avoidance system provides added reassurance when navigating tight spaces indoors.
While it may not have the advanced features of larger drones, the 4DRC 4D-V30 Mini Drone is well-suited for hobbyists and beginners looking to explore the world of drones. Its small size and obstacle avoidance capabilities make it an excellent choice for indoor flying.
The 4DRC 4D-V30 Mini Drone with obstacle avoidance is a reliable and fun device that is worth considering for drone enthusiasts of all levels. Its compact design and user-friendly features make it an excellent entry point into the world of drones.
The 4DRC 4D-V30 Mini Drone with obstacle avoidance is a great option for those looking for a small and maneuverable drone. It performs well in terms of flight stability and obstacle avoidance capabilities. The LED lights help with orientation and the overall flying experience. The drone also exhibits great aerobatic capabilities, allowing users to perform fun and exciting maneuvers. Overall, it’s a fantastic drone for both beginners and experienced flyers.
Overall, the 4DRC 4D-V30 Mini Drone with Obstacle Avoidance impressed me with its direct drive system, which provided a quieter flight experience and improved efficiency. The obstacle avoidance feature successfully detected and avoided obstacles, ensuring a safer flying experience. Despite a minor crash, the drone quickly recovered and continued to perform well. This drone is definitely worth considering for those seeking a reliable and capable drone with obstacle avoidance capabilities.
The 4DRC 4D-V30 Mini Drone with Obstacle Avoidance fails to live up to its promise of reliable and effective obstacle detection. The inconsistent performance and frequent collisions make it a less appealing option for those seeking a drone with advanced obstacle avoidance capabilities. It is recommended to explore alternative options on the market that offer more dependable obstacle avoidance systems for a smoother flying experience.
The 4DRC 4D-V30 Mini Drone’s obstacle avoidance feature falls short in terms of reliability and consistency. The overly sensitive detection of objects, lack of precision indoors, anomalies in controls, and overall inconsistency make this mode less practical to use. While the drone may have other appealing features, it is advised to approach the obstacle avoidance function with caution and explore alternative options for a more reliable experience.
The 4DRC 4D-V30 Mini Drone with Obstacle Avoidance is a decent little drone. It delivers satisfactory flight capabilities and meets expectations, provided the obstacle avoidance feature is not your primary concern. While the crashes due to low battery levels were an unfortunate setback, the drone has redeeming qualities that make it worth considering. It may not boast exceptional obstacle avoidance capabilities, but it still performs well in other aspects.
