The Orqa Dream X is Orqa’s first Bind-N-Fly (BNF) drone, designed and manufactured within the EU. This 5-inch FPV drone is marketed as a performance-oriented freestyle quad, combining Orqa’s in depth know-how and expertise right into a single package deal. On this evaluation, I’ll be diving into the analog model of the Dream X to see the way it stacks up in opposition to the competitors.
The place to Purchase
The Orqa Dream X is out there in two variations: analog and HD. The HD model doesn’t include any digicam/VTX, so you possibly can set up your individual. This evaluation focuses on the analog model.
You should purchase the Dream X BNF 5″ Drone from Orqa right here: https://oscarliang.com/product-pg2o
Orqa FPV.CTRL Radio: https://oscarliang.com/product-az53
Orqa FPV.One Pilot Goggles: https://oscarliang.com/product-n3mt
Notice: The LiPo battery shouldn’t be included. Orqa recommends utilizing a 6S 1000-1500mAh battery. You possibly can see my suggestions right here: https://oscarliang.com/lipo-battery-guide/#5percentE2percent80percentB3-Freestyle-and-Racing-Drones
Get some spare props
Promoting Factors
Orqa touts the Dream X as a high-performance freestyle FPV drone with the comfort of a real BNF (bind-and-fly) expertise. The drone is totally tuned on the manufacturing unit and able to fly proper out of the field. The package deal is designed for simplicity: take the quad out of the field, unfold the props, connect the battery, bind it to the radio, and also you’re able to fly.
What makes the Dream X significantly distinctive is its integration of Orqa’s full suite of expertise:
- Orqa FPV.One Pilot and Race analog goggles
- Orqa FPV.Ctrl radio controller
- Orqa Flight electronics (20×20 stacks, each digital and analog)
- ImmersionRC Ghost RF system (acquired by Orqa a few years in the past)
- ImmersionRC RapidFIRE VRX module for the Goggles
- Upcoming Orqa RTR motor line
Many of the electronics within the Dream X are designed by Orqa, with the notable exceptions of the “Toothless” FPV digicam and “Lollipop 4” antenna, that are rebranded by Orqa. The maker shouldn’t be explicitly said, however I believe we will all guess it’s.
Specs
Analog Model:
- FC/ESC: Orqa FC2020-F722 Analog + 60A 4in1 ESC2020 (20x20mm stack)
- VTX: ImmersionRC Ghost Final Hybrid
- FPV Digital camera: Orqa Toothless
- VTX Antenna: Orqa Lollipop 4
- Management Hyperlink: ImmersionRC Ghost
- Motor: Orqa RTR 6S
- Props: Gemfan Floppy Proppy
- Weight (with out battery):
360g371g - Weight (with a 6S 1100mAh): 565g
- Weight (with a 6S 1100mAh and GoPro 11): 719g
- Beneficial Battery: 6S 1000-1500mAh
HD Model:
- FC/ESC: Orqa FC2020-F722 HD + 60A 4in1 ESC2020 (20x20mm stack)
- Video Transmission: Appropriate with any present HD Video System
- Management Hyperlink: ImmersionRC Ghost
- Motor: Orqa RTR 6S
- Props: Gemfan Floppy Proppy
- Weight (with out battery and FPV system): 340g
- Beneficial Battery: 6S 1000-1500 mAh
Body Specs:
- A number of mounting choices for flight electronics
- 6mm arms
- 3mm backside plate
- 2mm mid plate
- 2mm high plate
- Designed for 5-inch propellers with a dry weight of 115g
Motor Specs:
- Dimension: 2207 stator
- KV: 1900KV
- Unibell design
- N55SH curved magnets
- Silver-plated copper wire for effectivity
- NSK684 (4x9x4) bearings
- Titanium TC4 hole shaft
- 4mm shaft diameter
- 2-6S rated enter voltage
- 20AWG silicone motor wires
- Weight: 31.5g (excluding wires)
Design and Construct High quality
Orqa has targeted on constructing a no-nonsense, performance-oriented quad. The body design avoids pointless options like facet plates and LEDs, which retains the burden down and improves flight efficiency. The body has a easy but efficient design, makes it simpler to assemble, restore, and keep.
There are 3 locations in your electronics: a 20×20 mount on the entrance, a 20×20 or 30×30 mount within the center, and a 20×20 or 25×25 mount on the rear.
Whereas many frames now include arm guards to guard the carbon fiber when crashing in opposition to concrete, Orqa has opted to not embody them, based mostly on their testing they imagine they don’t seem to be wanted for this body.
Each the digicam and VTX antenna are mounted utilizing 3D-printed TPU holders, and the quad comes with a common GoPro mount.
The radio receiver antenna is mounted underneath one of many rear arms utilizing a rubber band – a easy but efficient technique.
The construct high quality is superb; and the eye to particulars is admirable – all screws on the body and motors have threadlock (blue loctite). Nonetheless, the screws may very well be tightened a bit extra to make sure they don’t loosen over time.
Aesthetically, the Dream X is modern with its black body and crimson accents, sticking to Orqa’s trademark colours. Therefore the one crimson prop and three black props which is finished on function.
Taking it aside for restore is simple.
Motors and Props
The motors on the Dream X are spectacular, delivering loads of energy and responsiveness. These are Orqa’s new RTR 2207 1900KV motors, with single strand motor windings and unibell design.
The included foldable Gemfan Floppy Proppy F5135 tri-blade props are handy for transportation, however they aren’t your best option for efficiency.
They generate much less thrust, are much less environment friendly than commonplace props. The one benefit I can see is that the quad may be shipped with props put in, however actually it’s not that arduous to put in 4 propellers. For a drone marketed as performance-oriented, I might have most popular commonplace props out of the field.
They’re additionally much less sturdy – one of many props broke within the hub after a number of crashes.
In my evaluation unit, there have been no spare props included, though Orqa has said that the retail package deal will embody further propellers.
FC and ESC Stack
The Dream X comes with a well-built FC and ESC stack. Nonetheless, one draw back is that the USB port doesn’t energy the receiver, that means you’ll must plug within the battery to bind and configure the quad.
FPV Setup
You should use any analog goggles to fly the Dream X, together with Orqa’s FPV.One Pilot goggles. I reviewed these goggles some time a go: https://oscarliang.com/orqa-fpv-one-pilot-fpv-goggles/
The FPV setup is strong for brief vary freestyle flying and racing, however the digicam protrudes barely from the body, making it susceptible in crashes.
The VTX and receiver are mixed in a single board to cut back complexity of the construct, however it solely advantages Ghost customers who fly analog.
The VTX is able to as much as 1.5W of RF output energy, which is nice for lengthy vary. Nonetheless, the VTX antenna is kind of quick and might simply get blocked by the battery throughout flight. For brief vary that is normally not an issue, however it’s not ideally suited for longer vary. This may be resolved by utilizing an extended antenna, nonetheless the antenna shouldn’t be simply detachable, which may very well be a limitation for some pilots. This may very well be addressed by utilizing a UFL to SMA extension cable.
For these excited about digital FPV, the HD model of the Dream X comes with out digicam and VTX, so you possibly can set up any FPV system of your selection. In response to Orqa the HD model is appropriate with most present HD programs, though becoming a DJI O3 system could be a good match.
Radio Controller
The Dream X makes use of the ImmersionRC Ghost system, which is simple to make use of and arrange. Every part may be configured through Orqa’s cellular app (search FPV.CTRL in Play Retailer), permitting you to bind, replace firmware, and configure the radio with ease. Nonetheless, it’s essential to disconnect the radio out of your telephone after setup, as it might mess along with your telephone’s keyboard when linked.
The FPV.CTRL radio controller is fundamental however practical, making it ideally suited for learners. Nonetheless, superior pilots preferring open-source choices like ExpressLRS would possibly discover the dearth of receiver choices a draw back. The Ghost system is closed-source and never as versatile as another choices available on the market.
For newcomers, you possibly can both get the FPV.CTRL radio controller, which comes with a fundamental Ghost RF Lite module (put in on the again and detachable).
This radio is okay for learners, nonetheless, skilled pilots would possibly choose increased finish radios. Personally I discover the gimbals on the FPV.CTRL a bit unfastened across the heart sticks, affecting management really feel. And the tip factors and mid level are a bit off even after calibrations which impacts precision.
You should use the Ghost radio system by choosing their full-size Ghost RF module and use your individual radio with a JR module bay. Listed here are my radio suggestions: https://oscarliang.com/radio-transmitter/#Radio-Suggestions
Whereas it’s also possible to use ExpressLRS or TBS Crossfire by connecting a separate receiver within the drone, these receiver choices should not obtainable for buy instantly from Orqa, which is a limitation.
The receiver standing LED is an RGB one, regardless of being able to displaying a spread of colours, may be complicated for customers.
Flight Efficiency
The Dream X delivers a strong and clean flight expertise. It hovers at round 21% throttle when totally charged, the thrust to weight ratio is insane. It was so energy it made low throttle administration fairly laborious, it might certainly profit from some throttle expo. For learners, I believe placing a motor output restrict to cut back the facility could be a good suggestion earlier than you get good at flying 🙂 Flight instances are respectable, I received round 4:30 to five:00 minutes of freestyle flying.
Switching to straightforward props noticeably improves each energy and flight time, with the quad hovering at even decrease 19% throttle and 5:00 to five:half-hour of flight time after the change.
Listed here are the gyro/dterm noise graphs from PIDToolbox in your reference (inventory tune utilizing inventory props).
The inventory tune from Orqa is fairly good, with minimal vibrations or wobbles, even in windy situations. Nonetheless, there’s room for enchancment within the PID and filter settings. Maybe they have been being conservative, filters are mainly left at default. After spending simply half-hour optimizing these settings, I used to be in a position to additional improve the quad’s efficiency and propwash dealing with. Study PID/Filter tuning on this information: https://oscarliang.com/pid-filter-tuning-blackbox/
Consumer Expertise and Concerns
Whereas the FPV.Ctrl radio works advantageous, it lacks a few of the options and high quality discovered in additional superior radios. The dearth of a display means most configurations must be made by way of the cellular app.
For these closely invested in open-source software program resembling EdgeTX and ExpressLRS, the FPV.CTRL radio and ImmersionRC Ghost system would possibly really feel over simplified and restrictive. Nonetheless, for newcomers or these on the lookout for a extra plug-and-play expertise, the benefit of setup and use with the Ghost system is usually a important benefit, eliminating steep studying curve. Efficiency sensible it’s a very succesful system for freestyle and racing.
Just a few issues may very well be improved: the flexibility to vary VTX settings instantly from the OSD menu (proper now you possibly can solely do that within the android app), together with spare props within the package deal (at present it solely comes with 1 set), including a buzzer for misplaced drone restoration, and together with GPS for Rescue Mode.
Methods to Setup
Setting Up the Radio
Binding the radio to the drone is finished by way of the FPV.Ctrl telephone app. Observe the prompts to bind the radio and arrange your controls. The endpoints and midpoints may have slight changes in Betaflight, however this received’t stop you from flying the drone.
Setting Up Betaflight
Orqa has finished a strong job with the Betaflight configuration, and never a lot must be modified. Default CLI diff may be discovered right here.
- Configuration Tab:
- Set Arming Angle to 180
- Allow DShot Beacon is a should since there’s no beeper onboard
- PID Tuning Tab:
- Set your charges
- You possibly can attempt my customized PID/filter tune (make sure you again up the present config first in case you wish to return)
- Modes:
- Set your arm swap
- Take away Horizon mode if not wanted
- Energy:
- Present sensor scaling appears a bit low, setting it to 116 is extra correct for me
Conclusion
The Orqa Dream X 5″ FPV drone provides a compelling package deal for each learners and superior pilots. It comes optimized as a freestyle/racing drone and flies exceptionally effectively proper out of the field. The setup is easy with Orqa’s personal radio and FPV goggles, however you continue to have the pliability to make use of your individual radio and goggles for those who choose.
Nonetheless, the dearth of GPS, buzzer, and a brief non-removable VTX antenna makes it much less ideally suited for long-range and cinematic flying. The Dream X is a strong platform, and customers can add these lacking options to make it a extra versatile FPV drone. I do hope Orqa will provide a model with all these options in a extra superior BNF configuration sooner or later.
Whereas there are a number of areas for enchancment, the general expertise is constructive, and Orqa’s dedication to high quality and efficiency is clear. In the event you’re available in the market for a BNF drone that requires minimal setup and delivers sturdy efficiency, the Dream X is price contemplating.
