The problem is that we all know that build and component quality can vary greatly from batch to batch. That's part of the reason why finding a realistic MTBF can be is a huge endeavor. Especially with mixed component systems like this.
It's a great test though of the top to bottom reliability. I've actually wanted to do this myself for quite a while although I was also thinking to do it outside.
It's great for RTF copter manufacturers to do this because it'll very likely highlight where things go wrong whether it's poor quality ESCs, mistakes in the build, etc. As the software gets more reliable (whether we're talking DJI, ArduCopter or whatever) the percentages of crashes due to hardware failures is rising.
A 72h flight sounds impressive at first. But since this is done with external power, once the motors and electronics reach a temperature equilibrium (notice there is no payload) there is not much difference between a 30 minutes or a 72 hours flight. In real flight time this is the same as 200-300 flights. Something you would expect as a bare minimum from a flagship >$4000 professional solution.
The one thing of worth this test shows, is that there are no problems with autopilot internals (variable overflow, counter wraps etc.) during long operations.
For this test to have real value in the industrial sense, it would have to be extended until failure and repeated over and over again to calculate a somewhat realistic MTBF.
I noticed the S1000 is tethered, and the cables are under tension. Why not let it hover by itself? It'll be less strain for a start, and a more real world test. I'm assuming it can get GPS lock, of course.
typical marketing stunt, because an endurance test based on an external power supply is totally useless. It does not event puts to the test the "DJI" copter, but rather the lifetime of the motor's bearings (and/or ESCs).
if it is to test life duration of motors, you can do this with a motor on a bench...
Comments
The problem is that we all know that build and component quality can vary greatly from batch to batch. That's part of the reason why finding a realistic MTBF can be is a huge endeavor. Especially with mixed component systems like this.
It's a great test though of the top to bottom reliability. I've actually wanted to do this myself for quite a while although I was also thinking to do it outside.
It's great for RTF copter manufacturers to do this because it'll very likely highlight where things go wrong whether it's poor quality ESCs, mistakes in the build, etc. As the software gets more reliable (whether we're talking DJI, ArduCopter or whatever) the percentages of crashes due to hardware failures is rising.
A 72h flight sounds impressive at first. But since this is done with external power, once the motors and electronics reach a temperature equilibrium (notice there is no payload) there is not much difference between a 30 minutes or a 72 hours flight. In real flight time this is the same as 200-300 flights. Something you would expect as a bare minimum from a flagship >$4000 professional solution.
The one thing of worth this test shows, is that there are no problems with autopilot internals (variable overflow, counter wraps etc.) during long operations.
For this test to have real value in the industrial sense, it would have to be extended until failure and repeated over and over again to calculate a somewhat realistic MTBF.
I noticed the S1000 is tethered, and the cables are under tension. Why not let it hover by itself? It'll be less strain for a start, and a more real world test. I'm assuming it can get GPS lock, of course.
You guys have weekends? I have kids instead...my flight time is measured in minutes, quite literally.
You have to start on Friday, and it might spill over into Monday...
After 72 hours, they've proved their point. That's a full weekend of flying, non-stop.
typical marketing stunt, because an endurance test based on an external power supply is totally useless. It does not event puts to the test the "DJI" copter, but rather the lifetime of the motor's bearings (and/or ESCs).
if it is to test life duration of motors, you can do this with a motor on a bench...
@John- Great question...:)
-
1
-
2
-
3
of 3 Next