The iFlight Nazgul ECO is probably going one of the vital inexpensive BNF (bind-and-fly) 5-inch FPV drones obtainable in 2024. At solely $199.99, it competes with DarwinFPV’s funds mannequin, however the Nazgul ECO presents higher {hardware}, making it a compelling selection for a lot of. We’re reaching some extent the place shopping for a prebuilt drone makes extra sense than constructing one from scratch, not solely as a result of it’s simpler but additionally as a result of it may be cheaper. Let’s discover out if the Nazgul ECO is the precise selection for you on this assessment.
Study extra about FPV Drones on this newbie’s information: https://oscarliang.com/fpv-drone-guide/
The place to Purchase?
You will get the iFlight Nazgul ECO right here:
It comes with the next equipment.
Be aware that batteries will not be included. You will want some 6S LiPo batteries; I like to recommend 1100mAh, 1200mAh, and 1300mAh sizes: https://oscarliang.com/lipo-battery-guide/#5percentE2percent80percentB3-Freestyle-and-Racing-Drones
For spare propellers, get them right here:
Specs
- Flight Controller: BLITZ ATF435
- ESC: BLITZ E55S 4-IN-1 ESC
- VTX: BLITZ 1.6W
- VTX Antenna: Albatross V2
- Motors: XING E Professional 2207 1800KV
- Propellers: Nazgul F5
- Receiver: iFlight ExpressLRS 2.4GHz RX
Nazgul ECO = Cheaper Nazgul V3?
At first look, the iFlight Nazgul ECO appears virtually equivalent to the favored Nazgul V3. It has the identical design, motors, body, and 3D-printed elements. Even the LED emblem on the underside is similar. Nevertheless, the ECO is nearly $40 cheaper than the V3. How is that potential?
The ECO makes use of a brand new FC/ESC stack with the extra inexpensive AT32 chip as a substitute of the STM32 F7. I consider that is the primary motive why iFlight is ready to provide this drone at such a low worth. As mentioned earlier than on this weblog, the AT32 chip helps to make FPV extra inexpensive, and I feel we’re lastly seeing that pattern take maintain.
Apparently, the default craft title within the Betaflight OSD is “Nazgul V3”, which additional confirms my suspicion that the ECO is simply the V3 with a extra budget-friendly FC/ESC stack. They in all probability simply copied all of the config over and forgot to alter the craft title.
Nearer Have a look at iFlight Nazgul ECO
The iFlight Nazgul ECO has an extended physique, designed primarily for freestyle and cinematic flying.
It comes with a GoPro mount for straightforward set up on prime.
And the highest plate presents loads of room for a big LiPo battery.
The construct high quality is spectacular for a drone that solely prices $200, with ample area between elements for cooling. The design is easy and minimalist, specializing in efficiency with out pointless aspect plates that add weight.
The Nazgul ECO features a buzzer, properly mounted within the entrance behind the digicam utilizing a 3D-printed holder, which is uncommon in RTF (ready-to-fly) quads, particularly on this low worth vary.
The motors are Xing E Professional 2207 1800KV, the identical as these within the Nazgul V3. These are a number of the greatest funds motors obtainable. The motor wires are protected with plastic tubes, which look tidy {and professional}. Whereas opinions differ on the effectiveness of those tubes in defending motor wires from prop strikes, they do add a clear look and solely weigh 2 to three grams.
The ECO options iFlight’s emblem with LED mild on the underside, just like the V3.
It comes with a robust 1.6W VTX, making it a potential candidate for long-range flying. This VTX can certainly ship the marketed 1.6W output energy, as examined right here: https://oscarliang.com/iflight-blitz-1600mw-vtx/
One distinction between the ECO and the V3 is the antenna. The ECO makes use of the most recent Albatross V2, which appears cool and has a suitable SWR, as examined right here: https://oscarliang.com/fpv-antenna-swr/#iFlight-Albatross-V2.
Based mostly on my antenna and VTX testing, channel 1 may be optimum for the perfect vary.
The FPV digicam is pretty uncovered to break in crashes. It could profit from extra safety from the entrance bumpers.
The flight controller stack makes use of AT32 chips that are supported in Betaflight 4.5. This flight controller presents 6 UARTs, with solely two getting used (for the receiver and VTX), leaving 4 spares.
Taking the Nazgul ECO aside is straightforward; simply take away the 8 screws on the highest plate.
I’m pleasantly shocked that it consists of an Anti Spark Filter, eliminating the spark if you join the LiPo battery. Initially it was a bizarre feeling when plugging within the battery as a result of I’d usually count on a spark, however it’s now utterly silent which makes me surprise if the drone has a difficulty, till I hear the ESC initialization beeps. It’s such a pleasant contact!
Solder high quality seems top-notch.
Enhancements I Need to Make
The ExpressLRS receiver is linked to the flight controller through a connector. The very first thing I’d do is take away the connector and solder the receiver on to the flight controller. I’ve had a few situations prior to now the place related connector failed on me, inflicting random failsafe mid-flight. We don’t usually unplug the receiver, so it’s fairly pointless to have the connector, it’s simply asking for hassle.
I’ll add my very own GPS to make use of Rescue Mode in Betaflight (just like return to residence). Though iFlight presents GPS as an possibility if you buy the drone, it prices $39 extra! I’m not certain what kind of premium GPS they’re utilizing, however it feels barely overpriced to me. If you’re not afraid of soldering and establishing GPS, you might save fairly a bit of cash by doing it your self. I’ve a information explaining tips on how to setup GPS and Rescue Mode: https://oscarliang.com/setup-gps-rescue-mode-betaflight/
The analog digicam “RACECAM” is mediocre. It’s flyable, however the subject of view is sort of small and the publicity adjustments are fairly gradual when lighting situation adjustments. I’d in all probability improve it to one thing higher just like the Ratel V2: https://oscarliang.com/fpv-camera/#Analog
If you happen to want to enhance vary, it’s best to think about mounting the receiver antenna vertically as defined on this information: https://oscarliang.com/antenna-positioning/
The present sensor is means off, and desires calibration.
The best way to Setup
The included manuals don’t present a lot element, so I’ve included the method I went via to set it up earlier than my maiden flight.
To begin with, connect the VTX antenna, battery pad, and battery strap, and get the propellers and nuts prepared for set up.
Binding Receiver
The guide doesn’t specify the receiver system goal, so I needed to discover out in WiFi mode. The receiver is the iFlight 2.4GHz RX, and it comes with ExpressLRS 3.3.0 firmware. I flashed the receiver with the most recent firmware, together with my bind phrase.
Study extra about binding ExpressLRS receiver right here: https://oscarliang.com/bind-expresslrs-receivers/
Betaflight Configuration
The iFlight Nazgul ECO runs Betaflight 4.5.0 out of the field, and the FC firmware goal is IFLIGHT_BLITZ_F435. You will discover the default CLI Diff right here. Listed here are the configuration adjustments I made:
- Preset: Apply the ExpressLRS Preset in accordance with your packet charge.
- PID Tuning, Charge Profile Settings: Apply your individual charges.
- Modes: Assign switches to Arm, Angle, Beeper, and Flip Over After Crash.
Remaining Ideas
I completely love the iFlight Nazgul and Evoque sequence. They’ve been my go-to pre-built 5″ FPV drones, and now with the Nazgul ECO, it’s much more inexpensive. It’s even cheaper than the “least expensive 5″ FPV drone elements record” I put collectively, very spectacular.
Some elements of this drone would possibly present indicators of a funds construct, such because the FPV digicam and lack of GPS, however many of the elements are stable with nice construct high quality, it’s arduous to beat the general worth of the Nazgul ECO.
If you happen to don’t wish to construct a drone from scratch and simply wish to fly, you may’t go unsuitable with this FPV drone. To not point out it’s well-tuned out of the field. Simply slap a GoPro on this factor and you will get some fairly superior footage.
You will get the iFlight Nazgul ECO right here:
