A Unique Angle on FPV Exploration

Introduction:

Diving into the world of FPV (First Person View) drone flying is a mix of excitement and challenge, especially for those new to the experience. In this exploration, we take a close look at the HISINGY Stargazer RTF (Ready-to-Fly) Drone Kit, a promising FPV quadcopter designed to make the learning process smoother and more enjoyable. Follow Joshua Bardwell, an experienced FPV drone pilot, as he unpacks, sets up, and takes the Stargazer for a spin, uncovering the distinctive features that set it apart.

Unboxing and Initial Impressions:

Joshua Bardwell opens the box, immediately noting the Stargazer’s unconventional packaging. Unlike typical hobbyist drones, it exudes a consumer product vibe, showcasing attention to design detail. Noteworthy is the engaging setup video led by HISINGY’s flight assistant Sierra, simplifying the learning curve even for beginners.

Altitude Hold and Learning Ease:

The Stargazer’s standout feature, demonstrated by Bardwell, is its altitude hold capability. With a centered throttle, it utilizes altitude control akin to higher-end drones, offering a significant advantage for newcomers. This feature minimizes the complexities of throttle control, allowing beginners to focus on steering and navigation without constant altitude adjustments.

Flight Experience for Beginners:

Putting the Stargazer to the test, Bardwell hands the controls to his four-year-old son, Quinn, a novice in quadcopter flight. The results are impressive, showcasing the drone’s stability and ease of control, even for young and inexperienced pilots. This positions the Stargazer as an excellent choice for those seeking a user-friendly introduction to FPV flying.

App Integration and Configuration:

The HISINGY app plays a pivotal role in the Stargazer experience, creating a seamless connection between the pilot and the drone. Bardwell praises the app for its user-friendly interface, tutorial videos, and essential information on safe flying practices. It also serves as a hub for managing the quadcopter’s settings, including firmware updates, video channel selection, and tuning adjustments.

Gamification and Skill Progression:

The Stargazer introduces a unique approach to skill progression through gamification. Bardwell introduces “performance points” (PP), earned through flight time, allowing pilots to unlock additional features and modes as they gain experience. While this approach may limit immediate access to certain capabilities, it adds an element of engagement and achievement for users.

FPV Experience and Limitations:

Transitioning to FPV mode, Bardwell showcases the immersive experience provided by the Stargazer’s onboard camera and goggles. The on-screen display (OSD) enhances the overall flying experience, but limitations become apparent in terms of video transmission range and wind resistance, especially in the drone’s initial modes.

Comparison with Alternatives:

In his review, Bardwell acknowledges competition from other RTF drone kits, such as the emacs easy pilot and beta fpv cetus series. While these alternatives may come at a lower price point, they lack certain features, build quality, and the comprehensive app integration found in the Stargazer.

Conclusion:

The HISINGY Stargazer RTF Drone Kit stands out as a well-crafted, user-friendly entry into the world of FPV drone flying. Its emphasis on ease of learning, altitude hold, and gamification provides a unique and engaging experience for beginners. While its price point may be higher compared to some alternatives, the Stargazer’s thoughtful design, quality build, and comprehensive app integration make it a compelling choice for those seeking a smooth introduction to FPV drone piloting.

Specifications:

Let’s delve into the technical specifications of the HISINGY Stargazer RTF Drone Kit:

Drone:

• Propellers: 3B0101 45mm 17-3 Tri-Blade Propeller – 1mm Smoke Gray
• Drone Batteries: 600mAh 3.8V 2.28Wh LiHV
• Vertical Speed: 1.5m/s (Altitude assist mode)
• Max Endurance: ~5min
• Wind Resistance: 3m/s
• Weight: 78g
• App: HISINGY App
• Max Speed: 6m/s

Goggles (ARX-500 FPV):

• Frequency: 5.658-5.917GHz
• Display: 4.3 inch
• Endurance: 2hr
• Weight: 345g
• FOV: 55°

Radio Controller (TX-100):

• Frequency: 2.400-2.4835GHz
• Endurance: 2hr
• Weight: 280g
• Range: 150m

Flight Battery (ES600):

• Capacity: 600mAh, 2.28wh
• Max Charging Power: 5W
• Discharge Rate: 40c
• Weight: 17.5g

Charging Hub (ES600CH):

• Power Consumption: 30W
• INPUT: 5V, 3A MAX
• Ports: 4

Pros & Cons:

Pros:

• Impressive Packaging and Clear Instructions
• Effortless Setup
• High-Quality App
• Excellent Self-Stabilization
• Engaging Gamification Features and Comprehensive Accessories

Cons:

• The Price May Be a Deal Killer
• Goggles Comfort Issue