GOFly-RC Scorpion review: Initial setup, Test flight & Ratings

The GOFly Scorpion is, with out query, the Best FPV Drone that GOFly-RC has ever produced (but). Let’s uncover in our overview how good generally is a $200 racing drone!Besides FPV drones, GOFly offers a variety of associated equipment for RC fans. On their web site yow will discover virtually any half you’ll want to construct your individual racing quadcopter, from frames to flight controllers.Sponosored ADTargeting skilled drone racing pilots, the GOFly-RC Scorpion is construct on a stable 3K carbon fiber body with 230mm wheelbase. It is designed for use with 5″ propellers. All the digital elements are suitable with 4s in addition to with 5s LiPo batteries.The lifting energy is generated by 4 items of GoFly 2500KV brushless motors. For those that are new within the discipline, the quantity earlier than “KV” refers back to the fixed velocity of the motor and it’s measured by the variety of revolutions per minute (rpm) motor turns when 1 volt is utilized to it. So, theoretically, utilizing a 5s LiPo (18.5V) ought to provide energy enhance of 25% over a 4s one (14.8V).GOFly Scorpion 5″ FPV drone reviewDisclosure: I obtained this FPV quadcopter from GoFly-RC so as to take a look at it and make an in-depth overview. Although the drone was provided at no cost, all opinions on this overview stay my very own and I used to be on no account influenced by my associate.The bundle arrived fast and clean, with out further taxes. By default, the Scorpion drone is available in a fundamental black field. In order to keep away from any dangerous factor throughout abroad supply, it was moreover packed in a hand crafted heavy-duty cardboard field I may’ve step on with out damaging something.Box content material could be very minimalist. Besides the plane, I discovered the next equipment: 5.8G FPV antenna, further velcro band (for battery or digicam), receiver servo cable, 4 items of zip-ties, 35V/330μF capacitor and one set of GemFan WinDancer 5042-3 propellers. Instead of an in depth consumer guide, there may be solely a flyer with FC, ESC, VTX and digicam pin-out.At a glanceOpening the field, I used to be pleasantly stunned. The GOFly 5″ Scorpion body incorporates carbon fiber and aluminium elements into a lovely design. The body construction could be very stable, you may’t bend it in any course. It adopts horizontal “X” design as an alternative of a vertical one, like most racing quads (it’s extra wider than longer). It weights 333 grams with out battery and propellers.The battery is secured with two pre-installed Velcros. The XT60 connector comes out from the highest plate by means of a protecting rubber ring. Both, prime and backside, plates have 10cm size. Above the RunCam digicam’s aluminium body construction, there’s a third 4x3cm plate which permits to put in a second digicam. I attempted to mount my Foxeer Legend 3 and Xiaomi Yi 4K, however no luck. It appears that’s appropriate for cubic formed drone cameras solely (GoPro Session & RunCam 3 alike).At the top of every 6mm thick arm, there’s a 2500KV GoFly FPV Sport brushless motor. Wires are properly organized utilizing GOFLY-RC motor wire clips.While the F4 flight controller and 40A ESC are stacked, the VTX is simply bonded to the underside board. Being onerous to entry the VTX’s management button, CH/Power settings could be performed by means of VTX telemetry solely. The Pagoda-2 RHCP antenna is linked to the TBS VTX by means of a brief pigtail. Both, micro USB and SBUS, connectors are simply accessible.The RGB standing lights on the again are simple to see, so it’s nice for orientation. Also means that you can know whether or not the motors are armed (inexperienced colour) or disarmed (blue colour). At no radio sign, the LEDs will flash.Key FeaturesRobust 230mm sized 3K carbon fiber body (6mm arms);7075 Aluminum Alloy body reinforcement;Horizontal X design (wider than longer);Versatile F4 flight controller w/ BetaFlight OSD (FW 3.5.2);2306 2500KV brushless motors;40A BLheli_32 32bits DShot1200 4in1 ESC;RunCam 600TVL digicam with 1/3″ SONY Super HAD II CCD picture sensor;TBS 5.8G/48CH 25-200mw video transmitter (VTX);On-board buzzer;4-5S LiPo compatibility.GOFly Scorpion overview: Camera, FPV and OSDGoFly opted to mount a RunCam cam in entrance of the Scorpion quadcopter, which is among the hottest FPV digicam model amongst racing pilots. The digicam is paired with a 5.8G/48CH video transmitter. Both, digicam and VTX, settings could be accessed remotely by means of transmitter. By default, broadcast energy is about to 200mW.The angle of the digicam could be conveniently adjusted based on your flight type. As crashes are inevitable, it’s good to know that the digicam is nicely protected by a classy aluminium body. The 2.3mm lens offers about 150° discipline of view (FOV).By default, elapsed flight time, flight mode and battery voltage OSD values are displayed on the FPV monitor. Of course, you may add extra OSD information like digital horizon and on the spot present.The picture high quality is nice, as we count on to get from a Runcam product. The digicam options broad dynamic vary (WDR), supreme for FPV.Parts and issues you’ll want to completeFirst off all: Do not energy ON the GoFly Scopio 5 with put in propellers until all the pieces is configured correctly and double checked. Those GemFan props are rattling sharp! Also, previous to connecting the battery, it’s extremely really helpful to connect the FPV antenna.In order to get it within the air, PNP model requires radio receiver, transmitter and battery. For FPV flights, additionally, you will want a FPV monitor or headset, as nicely.I opted to make use of a FrSky radio receiver. There is included a radio servo cable, however sadly it was not suitable with my radio board. Anyway, for a greater reliability I recommend soldering strategy versus connectors. You don’t wish to free the video contact or management throughout an extended vary flight, attributable to some unplugged connector.The communication between the radio receiver and flight controller requires solely 3 wires (+5V, GND and SBUS). Luckily, so as to have entry to the solder pads, you’ll want to take away the highest plate solely.Binding the Scorpio5 with Taranis Q X7Firstly, I created a brand new mannequin on my RC and named it “Scorpion 5”. Secondly, beneath the “Model setup” display screen, I set “Internal RF” and operation mode to “D8”. After these two steps you may chosen the “Bind” choice. When the FrSky Q X7 enters into “Bind” state, it makes a high-pitched beeping. Last step is to energy on the receiver whilst you maintain the “F/S” button. Successful bind might be confirmed by stable blue mild (in fact this will differ based on your receiver mannequin).BetaFlight configurator necessary settingsIf you’re fully new within the discipline, I recommend you to edit solely the next settings:Un-check “Don’t spin motors when armed“;Channel mapping & change project. Here you’ll want to assign switches to arm/disarm motors so as to toggle between flight modes and to activate the buzzer;OSD values: You can add extra telemetry information to your OSD display screen.BetaFlight OSD menu could be activated by following stick mixture: Throttle Mid + YAW Left + Pitch UP.Flight efficiencyAs security measurements, the motors can’t be unlocked in manufacturing unit defaults. You can disable this function by powering on the drone with the throttle stick at lowest proper place.For the exams I used the not too long ago reviewed Tattu FunFly batteries (4s – 100C rated). I like these LIPOs as a result of they’ve glorious energy/weight ratio.From the primary throttle I can inform if I’m coping with a racing quad or only a toy. Even with a 4S LiPo, the GOFly-RC Scorpion5 is SUPER FAST and AGILE!On Angle mode, it is extremely steady and simple to manage. Switching to Horizon mode I carried out simply some cool flips.Frankly, flying with such a strong drone is comparable with the sensation of driving a Tesla automotive.Both LIPOs (1300mAh & 1500mAh) provided greater than 4 minutes of flight time.Price and AvailabilityThe GOFly Scorpion 5 started to be obtainable starting with the top of August 2018. In addition to a frame-only model, GoFly-RC sells the Scorpion 5 in a able to fly PNP model (no receiver, transmitter and battery) for US$219. This worth consists of one set of GemFan 5042-3 WinDancer propellers. You can order it as nicely from Banggood, now with 23% off.Editor’s rankings Price/efficiency ratio Build high quality Camera & FPV & OSD Flight performanceOverall scoreIf you have an interest in drone racing however don’t have the time or potential to construct your individual plane, the GOFly Scorpion 5″ quadcopter will in all probability suit you.From packaging to maiden flight, I used to be presently stunned by this GoFly Scorpion. Initial setup is straightforward and flying it brings lots of enjoyable. The sturdy carbon fiber body will survive many crashes permitting you to follow extra.User Review 3.5 (2 votes) ProsFriendly price ticket;Very sturdy body;Rear standing LED bar;Excellent (RunCam digicam, F4 Flight controller & 40A ESC);Detailed OSD (Flight time & battery voltage) & VTX telemetry;Great flight efficiency (speedy & agile).ConsLack of documentation;Only one kind of receiver cable included;No barometer air-pressure sensor (for altitude monitoring);Only PNP bundle obtainable.Photo galleryThe rivalsIn its worth vary yow will discover numerous comparable FPV drones, however frankly, solely few of them are that includes a stable body. In phrases of options and specs, the HOBBYMATE 5″ COMET may very well be its direct competitor. For the next price range you possibly can verify the HolyBro Kopis 2 SE, which is my private favourite when it comes to flight efficiency.Banggood AD