Featured in the November 2013 issue of Electric Flight, we reviewed the newest version of the popular Heli-Max 1SQ Quad Copter, the V-Cam. With a built in video camera, this is the perfect RC vehicle for aerial surveillance and fun!
On-demand Video
The bonus feature of this quad copter is of course the built-in micro digital video camera system. Included with the 1SQ V-Cam is a removable 2GB Micro SD Card and a USB card reader. The card fits into a slot in the side of the camera case and it clicks into place. A neat feature is that the lens is adjustable up and down so you can adjust the point of view. On the transmitter, there are two buttons on the back, one for video and one for still photos. You have to press the button for the mode you want and then press it again to start the video or take a photo. Pressing the button again stops the video. While in the picture mode the LED will flash momentarily as a photo is being taken. You can switch between the modes.
The video camera specs are:
Memory: will work with up to a 32GB Micro SD card
Size: 40mm x 20mm x 8mm
Codec Video: Motion JPEG, 1280 x 720, 30 fps, file extension .avi
Codec Audio: PCM S16 LE, mono
Still image : 1280 x 720, 96 dpi, file extension .jpg
The quality of the video is very good and the camera makes a separate video file every time you click the button. To download your video footage, simply remove the SD card from the camera, inset it into the USB reader and plug it into your PC. The file folder will pop up and you can drag and drop your video files to your desktop ready for editing with a vid/edit program. During our review, Windows Movie Maker worked great. Some sample videos are available for viewing at modelairplanenews.com.
Highlights
- Sturdy design
- Easy to fly
- Easy to use push-button video and still photos
Gear Used
Radio: SLT TX460 Transmitter (RTF version only)
Motors: 20×7 Brushed Coreless (installed)
Battery: 3.7V 250mAh Lipo (included)
Charger: 1S Lipo USB-powered (included)
Memory: 2GB Micro SD Card and USB converter (included)
Specifications:
Model: 1SQ V-Cam
Manufacturer: Heli-Max (XHeli.com)
Distributor: Hobbico (Hobbico.com)
Rotor blade Dia.: 2.16 in.
Length: 5.62 in.
Width/Length: 5.7 in.
Weight: 1.43 oz.
Price: $129.99 RTF
In the Air—
General Flight Characteristics
The 1SQ V-Cam from Heli-Max flies great. Only very slightly heavier in weight than the non-video equipped 1SQ quadcopters, the model has plenty of power to lift off quickly and settle into a stable hover. Indoors or outside, you can have a lot of fun shooting Air-drone videos of your family and friends. When it comes to maneuvering you can use high rates or low rates to suit your piloting skill level and the model is very rugged in case you bump into something unexpectedly. Depending on the amount of maneuvering you do, the included 1S 250mAh Lipo battery will give you 8 to 10 minutes of flight duration. Plenty of time to impress the in-laws if you buzz them while at the dinner table.
Aerobatics: Slow or fast Pirouettes are very easy and while flying with the video camera going makes for an interesting panoramic view of your flying area. Side to side and fore/aft response is very good and you can really get a good head of steam built up while flying in a large area. Hit the Flip Switch and the quadcopters responds with a great side of forward flip depending on your stick input. Be sure to try this with plenty of altitude until you get the hang of it. With practice you can combine multiple flips at will.
Pilot Debriefing
When it comes to flight duration, keep an eye on the amount of power needed for hover. As the battery becomes depleted it will take more power to maintain altitude. You will know when it is time to land. Do not try to fly again or drain the battery more after you land. Recharge the battery or switch to a new pack. Be sure to let the motors and controller unit cool for about 10 minutes before flying again.
The 1 sq is awesome! VERY easy to control. A lot easier to fly than the proto x nano