I was recently given the opportunity to play around with the world's smallest production quadcopter, the Cheerson CX-10. While the title is certainly not given by Guinness, this quadcopter does unofficially measure in slightly smaller than the previous self-proclaimed title holder, the Estes Proto-X.
This quadcopter is also CHEAPER than the Proto-X, coming in at under $25 US. The protocol for the radio controller has already been discovered. It uses a one of the standard RC model protocols, meaning modules and programming to get it working with Devo radios running Deviation firmware has already been completed. As a result, full-size controllers, capable of receiving PPM input through a trainer port, can control this quadcopter. This opens the possibility of a cellphone, tablet, or computer being used as an input device. Ultimately, the control module could be hacked to run direct from a computer, and, "replacement," bind and fly versions of this little multi without transmitter could come in just over $15 US according to an email I received in response to that query. With quads this cheap, and a potential easy interface to a computer, I could see people setting up their own miniature version of the Flying Machine Arena in basements and spare bedrooms. In fact, as I flew this quad into and out of the indoor trampoline, with a safety netting around it several feet high, this idea popped into my head! Maybe someday little swarms of robots will be computer guided around my kid's basement playroom. I am sure they would love that. The wife...maybe not.
Comments
A good copter for people to learn how to fly in manual (i.e stabilize mode) with perhaps.
Gary, pretty sure we have discussed this before. I agree on all points. The new Parrot Bebop looks like it could be a good glimpse of future types of tech of this sort.
Hi Helistorm,
I think that especially these tiny little copters are very important for the future of UAS especially in the US.
It is truly impossible for the FAA to regulate or prohibit (or pretty much have anything at all to say about) little copters like this or the Hubsan X4s for that matter and they will pretty much be laughed at if they even try.
Miniaturization really favors these little things, Cell phone technology is driving more and more powerful cameras to fit in tiny spaces and they weigh almost nothing.
Although LiPo batteries are a bit light for this kind of thing real lithium ion batteries can nearly double your flight times.
And these little lightweight copters can easily be designed to operate within the C rating of Lithium Ion batteries.
Given a couple more years of development, I think you will see quite serious sub 1 pound and possibly even sub 8 ounce copters with stabilized cameras and 15+ minute flight times which a are capable of professional and commercial photo and video work.
And like you said, these tiny quadcopters go a long way towards creating a favorable impression in a public that has unfortunately been led to fear and mistrust "drones".
Tim: The technology keeps getting smaller. If you look at the one user SeByDocKy on RCG who figured out the protocol, he has turned this one's sister quad (the CX-11 which is the same internals, with shell similar to the Proto-X) into a nano sized FPV quad. Granted, it only gets 45 seconds to a minute of flight. While the tech keeps getting smaller and lighter, and more compact, the batteries are the limiting factor on any type of near-future usefulness of these smaller quads.
Gary: Thank you! I appreciate you sharing the link and video! I think these smaller, "friendlier," quads can help with outreach. They are not threatening, and everyone I have shown this to loves it, and calls it cute. Even some people who questioned me on my need for the bigger multirotors find this to be something they can relate to on a, "that looks really fun, I want one," level. The playpen/trampoline protection net flying area is what made me think, hmm...maybe I could have a small version of a flying arena. It is one of my favorite places to fly into with smaller quads to test my skills. If I screw up, I hit the net and its caught. If not, well, its been a fun test of skill to fly in such a small area. My Hubsan's, HeliMax's, WLToys quads, and even up to my Eye ONE Xtreme have flown down into the, "net, " to test their ability to handle in a steady hover, or close piros and now even figure 8's with this little quad.
Hi HeliStorm,
Great review, especially like the playpen copter protection net.
I'll be linking to your Blog here and your video on my Drones Are Fun site.
Best Regards,
Gary