3dr x8
- Thread starter Jubz
- Start date
Old Man
Active Member
Probably a case of not too many flying the X-8 since many in this forum are flying heavy lifter for cinema type work while others are overly enamored by the advertising dollars being spent by DJI that try to compensate for a lack of reliability. OTH, I fly one and have found it to be a very capable "medium lift" copter with a lot of features that can be pretty useful given the interface between Pixhawk and Mission Planner. To date Pixhawk has functioned perfectly in the X-8 and another home built quad, blowing an A2 out the door where flight performance is concerned. Then again, the A2 elected to crash itself so that may not be a fair comparison. Having 6 flight modes available at any given time, that can be interchanged with any of several other flight modes after connecting to Mission Planner and performing simple mode selections, is quite versatile. Even those can be customized a little further to simplify how things work but be advised using the "simple" and "super simple" flight modes comes at a price. One can become much too complacent in their flying since the Pixhawk system provides for a lot more ease of flying than many other systems.
Flight times using the 6000mA battery supplied by 3dR runs about 10 minutes or so depending on how you load up the copter. That time might be extended a bit using better propellers than the APC's provided with the copter but I haven't had the time to experiment with that yet. I run an FPV camera and carry a Go Pro on a Tarot 2D gimble with mine. I power the FPV and minimOSD using a 900mA battery to take the load off of the flight battery. You can run both the FPV and gimbal off the flight battery if you want and eliminate the second battery, I've done it both ways. Flight time drops to about 9-1/2 minutes or so doing that. "Factory" equipment wise the only complaint I had was with the stock video antennas. In a word they suck but changing them out for Blue beam stuff correct that. Moving the video TX to a landing gear leg to re-orient the antenna helps the broadcast range as well.
I really don't know what the maximum lift capability is with the X-8 but I do know it's a lot more than I'm carrying. It's not a light copter in and of itself but it can do a lot more than I'm asking of it. I know of two others that are flying the X-8 and neither of them has had any complaints. They are flying the copter with considerably different payloads, with one of them actually fitting a Black Magic pocket cam and custom 3 axis gimbal to his while the other has slightly modified the FPV system to get out there quite a ways using 433mHz. The system has a lot of failsafes the user can set up to protect from fly aways or low voltages, etc., but the user MUST take the time to learn about them and how to set them up within the system. It's a very intelligent system but the user cannot be "dumb" about it and expect to make full use of its capabilities. There's a lot of reading that needs be done to truly exploit what the flight controller can do, but all that info is easily accessible, along with the software that drives the systems if one is both inclined and has the ability to make use of an open source code.
At least for me and the two other people I mentioned the X-8 has turned out to be several things I like very much. Capable, reliable, flexible, and robust. It doesn't hurt that 3D Robotics has been extremely responsive to info inquiries and after sale support with some accessory product issues I had early on. Even better is the info available at APM Copter and through the Wiki pages provided as learning tools. I don't know that anyone could ask for more from a company or their products than what they have thus far provided. I would absolutely buy another.
Flight times using the 6000mA battery supplied by 3dR runs about 10 minutes or so depending on how you load up the copter. That time might be extended a bit using better propellers than the APC's provided with the copter but I haven't had the time to experiment with that yet. I run an FPV camera and carry a Go Pro on a Tarot 2D gimble with mine. I power the FPV and minimOSD using a 900mA battery to take the load off of the flight battery. You can run both the FPV and gimbal off the flight battery if you want and eliminate the second battery, I've done it both ways. Flight time drops to about 9-1/2 minutes or so doing that. "Factory" equipment wise the only complaint I had was with the stock video antennas. In a word they suck but changing them out for Blue beam stuff correct that. Moving the video TX to a landing gear leg to re-orient the antenna helps the broadcast range as well.
I really don't know what the maximum lift capability is with the X-8 but I do know it's a lot more than I'm carrying. It's not a light copter in and of itself but it can do a lot more than I'm asking of it. I know of two others that are flying the X-8 and neither of them has had any complaints. They are flying the copter with considerably different payloads, with one of them actually fitting a Black Magic pocket cam and custom 3 axis gimbal to his while the other has slightly modified the FPV system to get out there quite a ways using 433mHz. The system has a lot of failsafes the user can set up to protect from fly aways or low voltages, etc., but the user MUST take the time to learn about them and how to set them up within the system. It's a very intelligent system but the user cannot be "dumb" about it and expect to make full use of its capabilities. There's a lot of reading that needs be done to truly exploit what the flight controller can do, but all that info is easily accessible, along with the software that drives the systems if one is both inclined and has the ability to make use of an open source code.
At least for me and the two other people I mentioned the X-8 has turned out to be several things I like very much. Capable, reliable, flexible, and robust. It doesn't hurt that 3D Robotics has been extremely responsive to info inquiries and after sale support with some accessory product issues I had early on. Even better is the info available at APM Copter and through the Wiki pages provided as learning tools. I don't know that anyone could ask for more from a company or their products than what they have thus far provided. I would absolutely buy another.
Jubz
New Member
@Old Man, thanks for all of the f/b; great info. I'm about to pull the trigger on one with the Tarot gimbal option, and modify it with a 433 MHz Rx and 2G4 vTx to do longer range FPV flights. I really like the redundancy of the X8 config and the smaller overall size compared to my existing Turbo Ace Matrix (~725mm). But, the main point is to get into the Pixhawk and all the features you mentioned; been playing with Mission Planner on a Win Tablet and looking forward to setting up a LRS ground station with it.
The other person with the 433 MHz system, how is that one configured (Tarot gimbal?) and what kind of distances is the person getting on what size battery? Any f/b on that X8 would be great since I'm going that direction with my config. Thanks!
The other person with the 433 MHz system, how is that one configured (Tarot gimbal?) and what kind of distances is the person getting on what size battery? Any f/b on that X8 would be great since I'm going that direction with my config. Thanks!
R_Lefebvre
Arducopter Developer
Did I see Colin Quinn and a few of the other 3DR video crew there?
Old Man
Active Member
The 433 version of the X8 was essentially a mistake. It was supposed to have been a 2.4 and 5.8 arrangement ( I know this because I was the one that laid out the order for the end user) but it somehow got out the door in 433 and 2.4. The only changes from the box stock config has been an upgrade in antennas and the range/video quality has been quite good. The owner was complaining that he wanted to go out a few more miles with the unit but perhaps he'll remember the one time he went out so far he couldn't get back on the battery with what he already has
That would not have been all that bad had he set up the voltage failsafe to land instead of return home. It flew back until it had nothing left to fly with, lol. Crash damage wasn't that bad. Tarot and Go Pro on that one. The Pixhawk is getting used quite a lot on another but longer duration bird for agricultural mapping in various formats. Absolutely outstanding for this purpose due in part to it's grid capabilities and number of way points. For those that are extremely discerning the ability to use MGRS for location work provides a functionality that is usually not found with civilian products.
We should be seeing a lot more from 3dR pretty soon since the guy that used to run DJI USA, Colin Quinn, has moved into 3dR in sales and marketing. Pull the trigger. I don't believe there to be another controller on the market in an affordable price range with anything close to the Pixhawk's capabilities. It works on big birds too but you have to go slow and work a little harder in the setting up.
Kloner,
An earlier wind tunnel video showing the X-Aircraft FC in action was quite impressive. At this point in time I think the X-Aircraft and Pixhawk are probably two of the best controllers available for those that want a reliable M/R flight system. They hit opposite ends of the spectrum for ease of set up and use but that kind of works out well in the long run.
That would not have been all that bad had he set up the voltage failsafe to land instead of return home. It flew back until it had nothing left to fly with, lol. Crash damage wasn't that bad. Tarot and Go Pro on that one. The Pixhawk is getting used quite a lot on another but longer duration bird for agricultural mapping in various formats. Absolutely outstanding for this purpose due in part to it's grid capabilities and number of way points. For those that are extremely discerning the ability to use MGRS for location work provides a functionality that is usually not found with civilian products.We should be seeing a lot more from 3dR pretty soon since the guy that used to run DJI USA, Colin Quinn, has moved into 3dR in sales and marketing. Pull the trigger. I don't believe there to be another controller on the market in an affordable price range with anything close to the Pixhawk's capabilities. It works on big birds too but you have to go slow and work a little harder in the setting up.
Kloner,
An earlier wind tunnel video showing the X-Aircraft FC in action was quite impressive. At this point in time I think the X-Aircraft and Pixhawk are probably two of the best controllers available for those that want a reliable M/R flight system. They hit opposite ends of the spectrum for ease of set up and use but that kind of works out well in the long run.
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Old Man
Active Member
He works for 3dR now.
kloner
Aerial DP
It was really weird, i was setting up all stressed out and his back was to my hex so i kept warning him about it back there..... an hour later i saw him flying and kept trying to remember who it was..... then somebody said Colin and it all came together. He's in all there latest footage on the tube
Jubz
New Member
Thanks for this info. I don't see the options on 3DR's website, but does 3DR allow an out the door config with 433 (EzUHF?) and a 2.4 vTx with perhaps a phone call?
I was thinking of swapping out the 3DR stock config of 2.4/5.8 on my own and using my Fut 14SG or a new Taranis Plus.
R_Lefebvre
Arducopter Developer
Have you tried 3.2 yet? If not, you really should get a beater quad and give it a shot. I'm absolutely loving the acceleration damping. It makes it so much smoother.
Yep, well aware. He wasn't at AVC this year, but most of the other video guys were.
I give him the benefit of the doubt. It's not like DJI has gotten better after he left. I talked with some of the other guys who also came out of the Texas office, and the situation is pretty clear to me.
Old Man
Active Member
Jubz,
I'd place a call to 3dR and ask those questions direct. I do not have an answer.
Rob,
I've had a bit over 20 years direct experience with the Chinese and Thailand where hobby grade products are concerned and to date not one of the makers I've dealt with has demonstrated one iota of difference in the way they view the customer and vendors. The balance is always heavily skewed in favor of the manufacturer and if the road becomes rocky and tough they'll either cut off the re-seller, try to deal with their debt in trade at some wildly inflated price, or abandon everyone and close up shop to re-open under a different name. The term "unscrupulous" is an across the board understatement. Note the efforts extended to find a way to work around the import restrictions, cutting off their previously established dealers and prime importer instead of dealing with the legal matters as they were laid out.
So with those experiences and acquired knowledge alone I tend to take the side of Quinn. I know what the Chinese do when they owe a debt. For them funding is a one way street and they'll do any and everything possible to assure the flow only comes in, never out. DJI has followed the long established Chinese hobby business model to the letter so far, but that's nothing more than what I would expect of them. Predictable is an easy word to apply if you have a history of dealing with the region. Unfortunately far too many have never dealt with them directly on a large scale basis so they are have a very false sense the manufacturer cares something about them. What's in your wallet and how to extract it is the only thing they care about. The makers are really all pretty much the same in most ways.
OTH, I expect to see our government taking steps to significantly restrict/curtail imports of hobby grade/level UAV products to occur quite soon so none of the above may matter in the long run.
I'd place a call to 3dR and ask those questions direct. I do not have an answer.
Rob,
I've had a bit over 20 years direct experience with the Chinese and Thailand where hobby grade products are concerned and to date not one of the makers I've dealt with has demonstrated one iota of difference in the way they view the customer and vendors. The balance is always heavily skewed in favor of the manufacturer and if the road becomes rocky and tough they'll either cut off the re-seller, try to deal with their debt in trade at some wildly inflated price, or abandon everyone and close up shop to re-open under a different name. The term "unscrupulous" is an across the board understatement. Note the efforts extended to find a way to work around the import restrictions, cutting off their previously established dealers and prime importer instead of dealing with the legal matters as they were laid out.
So with those experiences and acquired knowledge alone I tend to take the side of Quinn. I know what the Chinese do when they owe a debt. For them funding is a one way street and they'll do any and everything possible to assure the flow only comes in, never out. DJI has followed the long established Chinese hobby business model to the letter so far, but that's nothing more than what I would expect of them. Predictable is an easy word to apply if you have a history of dealing with the region. Unfortunately far too many have never dealt with them directly on a large scale basis so they are have a very false sense the manufacturer cares something about them. What's in your wallet and how to extract it is the only thing they care about. The makers are really all pretty much the same in most ways.
OTH, I expect to see our government taking steps to significantly restrict/curtail imports of hobby grade/level UAV products to occur quite soon so none of the above may matter in the long run.