Are you ready to explore the exciting world of FPV drones? This article provides a review of the EACHINE Novice 3 (version 2) FPV Drone Kit, brought to you by Captain Drone. It’s a fantastic option for beginners, offering a well-equipped “fly more kit” with multiple batteries and a range of components to get you started. Notably, the kit includes sleek goggles, a robust jumper controller, and a drone crafted with brushless motors and a carbon fiber frame for enhanced performance.
The Novice 3 offers a more advanced experience compared to other beginner kits, even featuring capabilities that appeal to pros. While the drone allows video recording via a Micro SD card, the quality might not match that of external cameras like the INSTA360 GO. Tips for safeguarding the drone’s components are shared, ensuring you maximize your flying experience. Despite being fast, its design accommodates learning, making it a versatile choice for both new pilots and experienced flyers eager for a solid FPV experience.
Are you interested in getting into FPV drone flying? The EACHINE Novice 3 (ver 2) kit offers a more advanced drone than other beginner kits.
NOTE: You have the option to insert a Micro SD card into the drone to capture video via the front pilot camera. Although, in my opinion, the footage quality isn’t as high as that of the INSTA360 GO camera, so I opted to use the latter.
You can find it at the link below while supplies last:
-Use DISCOUNT CODE: BGUSNV3
-EACHINE NOVICE III: https://ban.ggood.vip/10Tbh
-INSTA360 GO CAMERA: https://www.insta360.com/sal/go?insrc…
-18650 Batteries: https://www.banggood.com/custlink/GmK…
(you charge the batteries in the remote controller… There’s a built-in charger)
BELOW IS THE GEAR YOU CAN USE TO CREATE VIDEOS:
SOFTWARE YOU CAN USE TO EDIT VIDEOS INCLUDES:
iMOVIE
FINAL CUT PRO X
DA VINCI RESOLVE
A-ROLL CAMERAS (without lenses):
Canon EOS R: https://amzn.to/2W0qPq9
Canon M6 MkII: https://amzn.to/2n0ISiO
Canon XC-10: https://amzn.to/3sb9YTV
B-ROLL CAMERAS:
DJI OSMO ACTION 2: https://click.dji.com/AMlY5d2ucYWP3HL…
INSTA360 ONE R: https://store.insta360.com/product/on…
INSTA360 GO2: https://www.insta360.com/sal/go_2?ins…
INSTA360 GO: https://www.insta360.com/sal/go?insrc…
GOPRO HERO 10 (USA): https://amzn.to/3zIvWxM
GOPRO HERO 10 (CANADA): https://amzn.to/3EUzXmn
GOPRO HERO 9 (USA): https://amzn.to/3dlZasS
GOPRO HERO 9 (CANADA): https://amzn.to/30Ttmq2
GOPRO HERO 8 (USA): https://amzn.to/31BWboJ
GOPRO HERO 8 (CANADA): https://amzn.to/2MYs5WX
GOPRO HERO 7 (USA): https://amzn.to/2XXqeWv
GOPRO HERO 7 (CANADA): https://amzn.to/2Xjq6Vr
MOBILE OSMO POCKET2: https://click.dji.com/ABIkCjLwufxszCw…
ACTION CAMERA 3 AXIS GIMBAL: https://amzn.to/2DCrTJj
SOUND AUDIO:
TASCAM MOBILE AUDIO RECORDER (USA): https://amzn.to/2IKMr6n
TASCAM MOBILE AUDIO RECORDER (CANADA): https://amzn.to/2p3mExN
ZOOM MOBILE AUDIO RECORDER (USA): https://amzn.to/3bHzh86
ZOOM MOBILE AUDIO RECORDER (CANADA): https://amzn.to/3sqFA5A
RODE STUDIO BOOM MIC (USA): https://amzn.to/2LqTzrL
RODE STUDIO BOOM MIC (CANADA): https://amzn.to/2XIX3s6
STUDIO VOICE OVER MIC: https://amzn.to/2TlTjJt
RODE WIRELESS: https://amzn.to/2LS2nqp
LIGHTING:
STUDIO LIGHTING (USA): GVM: https://amzn.to/35HcV2K
STUDIO LIGHTING (CANADA): GVM: https://amzn.to/3bG0kAD
STUDIO LIGHTING: FalconEyes SO-40TD: https://amzn.to/2N9pp7J
OTHER CAMERA GEAR:
Action Camera Hat (USA): https://amzn.to/2OFz5Hu
Action Camera Hat (CANADA): https://amzn.to/2NwT7Zh
Gorillapod 5K Tripod (AMAZON USA): https://amzn.to/368TFtH
Gorillapod 5K Tripod (AMAZON CANADA): https://amzn.to/2Tg3G39
Cool Orange Mini Tripod (AMAZON CANADA): https://amzn.to/2Xk5vNV
Cool Orange Mini Tripod (AMAZON USA): https://amzn.to/2X4JYsn
DRONE ACCESSORIES:
Lipo Batteries for most FPV Drones: https://genstattu.ositracker.com/1912…
Round Landing Pad: https://amzn.to/2HBqp2w
Square Landing Pad PRO SMALL (USA): https://amzn.to/3e9Us2c
Square Landing Pad PRO SMALL (CANADA): https://amzn.to/3BQou5Y
Square Landing Pad LARGE: https://amzn.to/2nukqqH
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Overview of the EACHINE Novice 3 (Version 2) FPV Drone Kit
Introduction to the Kit
Welcome to the exciting world of FPV drones, where the EACHINE Novice 3 (Version 2) FPV Drone Kit promises to be your companion in mastering the skies. This ready-to-fly kit has everything you need to dive into the thrilling realm of FPV racing and freestyle flying. With a professional touch, the Novice 3 has stunned enthusiasts by delivering a compelling balance of performance, ease of use, and value. Whether you’re a newcomer or a hobbyist transitioning to more advanced drone operations, this kit offers the tools you need to hone your skills.
Comparison with Other Beginner Kits
When compared to other beginner-level FPV drone kits, the EACHINE Novice 3 sets itself apart with its semi-professional specifications. While many starter kits focus on simplicity and bare essentials, the Novice 3 elevates your experience with robust features like brushless motors and a high-quality carbon fiber frame. Unlike some entry-level options that may compromise on quality, the Novice 3 brings a more sophisticated flying journey, ensuring an experience that grows with you as you advance in your FPV endeavors. This kit is particularly notable because of its availability amidst supply chain challenges, making it a sought-after option for new pilots.
Key Features
Brushless Motors and Carbon Fiber Frame
The heart of the EACHINE Novice 3 lies in its use of brushless motors paired with a durable carbon fiber frame. This combination ensures not only enhanced performance but also longevity and reliability. Brushless motors are known for their efficiency and low maintenance, providing smooth and powerful thrust that is essential for dynamic flight responsiveness. Meanwhile, the carbon fiber frame offers a lightweight yet sturdy build, resisting impacts and harsh conditions. This duo endows the drone with agility and resilience, crucial for both beginner progress and more advanced aerobatic maneuvers.
Diverse Antennas for Signal Reception
A remarkable feature of the EACHINE Novice 3 is its diverse antenna system designed to optimize signal reception. By incorporating multiple antennas, the kit enhances your connection strength and stability, effectively minimizing interruptions during flight. Whether you’re racing or cruising through open spaces, maintaining a consistent signal ensures you can focus more on your flying technique and less on connectivity issues. This thoughtful integration underscores the kit’s readiness for both novices seeking stable control and experienced pilots pushing the envelope of FPV flying.
Recording Capabilities
Micro SD Card Slot for Video Recording
One useful aspect of the EACHINE Novice 3 is its provision for video recording via a Micro SD card slot. This feature allows you to capture your flights directly from the drone’s front-facing pilot camera. Recording your aerial adventures helps not only in preserving memories but also in analyzing and improving your flight skills over time. However, it’s important to note that while the built-in camera serves basic recording needs, the quality is considered more functional than cinematic.
Comparison with INSTA360 GO Camera
For those seeking higher-quality footage, the option to use an external camera like the INSTA360 GO significantly enhances recorded content. Indicated by reviews, including those from drone experts, the INSTA360 GO surpasses the built-in camera’s footage quality, providing crisp, stable, and vivid video. Although the internal camera suffices for situational awareness and basic recording, pairing the drone with an external camera elevates visual storytelling, allowing for creative freedom and professional-quality results.
Unboxing the Kit
Components Included in the Kit
When you unbox the EACHINE Novice 3 Kit, you’re greeted with a neatly arranged selection of all the essentials needed for FPV flying. Inside, you’ll find the Novice 3 drone, a powerful set of six batteries, a battery charger, and diverse spare components. Accessories like zip ties, elastic bands, and additional propellers are included for easy maintenance and quick replacements, ensuring that your flying sessions remain uninterrupted.
Goggles and Jumper Controller Details
The kit features an intuitive set of FPV goggles and a reliable jumper controller. The goggles are crafted to provide an immersive experience, drawing you into the world of FPV racing with a clear view that’s both comfortable and adaptable. Additionally, the jumper controller, a respected name in the RC hobby realm, offers precise control with customizable settings, catering to both beginners and seasoned pilots. Together, the goggles and controller form the cornerstone of your seamless control interface.
Flight Performance
Speed and Maneuverability
The EACHINE Novice 3 is known for its impressive speed and agile maneuverability. Despite its compact size, the drone showcases rapid acceleration and sharp turns, making it well-suited for both freestyle flying and racing. This level of performance is not typically expected from a beginner-oriented kit, making it a standout choice for those who are serious about improving their skills and enjoying a broader range of flying styles.
Acro Mode versus Stability Mode
The drone offers both Acro Mode and Stability Mode, catering to a range of experience levels. Stability Mode provides a more forgiving flight experience ideal for beginners, automatically leveling the drone out for smoother and easier control. In contrast, Acro Mode removes these automatically-correcting features, giving you full control over maneuvers, which is perfect for advanced pilots looking to perform complex tricks and practice high-speed racing. Switching between these modes helps pilots transition from learning to mastering FPV flying techniques.
Beginner-Friendly Aspects
Tips for Protecting Antennas and Battery Connections
For newcomers to the FPV drone world, safeguarding antennas and battery connections is crucial. The Novice 3 kit comes with advice on using zip ties and elastic bands to secure these vulnerable parts, preventing damage during crashes or unfavorable landings. Implementing these protective measures can greatly extend the lifespan of your components and is highly recommended for minimizing repair costs and downtime.
Considerations for New Pilots
While the EACHINE Novice 3 offers advanced capabilities, it’s also designed with beginner pilots in mind. The learning curve is eased with Stability Mode, while the comprehensive instructions and community support available online provide additional resources to new users. It’s wise for new pilots to start in open areas with minimal obstacles, allowing you to focus purely on controlling the drone without worrying about collisions. As proficiency increases, you can explore more challenging environments and fully appreciate the drone’s impressive capabilities.
Challenges During Operation
Fogging in FPV Goggles
One of the common challenges noted during operation, especially in cooler climates, is fogging within the FPV goggles. This can hinder visibility and affect the overall flying experience. To combat this, consider solutions like anti-fog sprays or inserts that can help keep the lenses clear. Proper ventilation and warming the goggles slightly before use are also effective strategies to ensure uninterrupted views during flights.
Controller Settings and Acro Mode Difficulties
Managing the controller settings and mastering Acro Mode can be challenging, particularly for those who aren’t familiar with manual drone controls. New pilots may find it beneficial to spend some time adjusting to the different sensitivities and reaction speeds of the jumper controller. Starting with Stability Mode to get comfortable before progressively introducing Acro Mode controls might ease this transition. As with any skill, practice is key, and taking it slow will eventually pay off as you become adept in handling the nuances of Acro Mode.
Battery and Flight Time
Impact of Cold Weather on Performance
Cold weather can significantly affect the performance and lifespan of the drone’s batteries, leading to reduced flight time. The decrease in temperature causes the chemical reactions within the battery to slow down, thereby delivering less power. During such conditions, it’s recommended to warm up the batteries before use and keep a close eye on remaining charge levels to avoid unexpected shutdowns.
Charging Options and Battery Management
The EACHINE Novice 3 kit comes with a convenient charging setup, allowing for easy management of its multiple batteries. Keep in mind that balanced charging not only ensures an even and complete charge but also extends battery life by preventing damage from overcharging. Proper awareness of charging habits, such as avoiding full discharges and storing batteries at a moderate charge level when not in use, promotes longevity and reliability in performance.
Versatility and Suitability
Recommendations for Beginners and Pros
One of the versatile benefits of the EACHINE Novice 3 is its adaptability for both beginners and experienced pilots. Beginners are encouraged to take advantage of the stability provided by this kit while honing their skills in safe and open environments. Meanwhile, professional users can utilize the advanced features and durable build to push the boundaries of FPV performance in more challenging and creative settings. This adaptability makes it a worthy investment for those looking to grow their capabilities in the FPV community.
Suitability for Freestyle Flying and Open Areas
The drone’s design and features make it particularly suitable for freestyle flying and open areas. Its fast, agile nature and robust connection capabilities support expansive flights, allowing you to explore wide-open spaces with ease and confidence. For freestyle enthusiasts, the high-speed capabilities paired with the responsive controls offer an excellent platform for practicing and executing complex tricks and maneuvers.
Conclusion
Overall Evaluation and Recommendations
In conclusion, the EACHINE Novice 3 (Version 2) FPV Drone Kit provides an exceptional entry point into the world of drone flying with professional-grade features that cater to both beginners and experienced hobbyists. The balance between ease-of-use and advanced flight capabilities makes it a versatile and valuable choice for anyone looking to expand their knowledge and skills in FPV flying. With robust construction, practical features, and thoughtful design, this kit receives high praises as a well-rounded package for anyone ready to take the plunge into FPV drones.
Encouragement to Explore More RC Hobby Content
As you embark on your journey with the EACHINE Novice 3, remember that exploration and practice are key to mastering FPV flying. There is an abundance of resources, communities, and content available to inspire and guide you. Engaging with this content not only enhances your learning but also connects you with others who share your passion. We encourage you to delve deeper into the RC hobby, experiment with new skills, and enjoy the endless potential that this exciting world has to offer.