By technical editor Matt Allard:
Hong Kong based based company Yuneec have released the Q500 Typhoon ($1299US), yet another offering into the crowded quadcopter market. The Q500 includes Yuneec’s version of the CGO2-GB camera with integrated three-axis gimbal stabilization. The camera features Full HD 1080p video recording at up to 60 fps and can take 12MP still photos. Frame rates of 48p,50p and 60p are available. A rail attachment makes it very easy to remove the camera.
The Q500 Typhoon not only looks similar to the DJI Inspire 1 but it also shares another common feature. Just like the recently announced DJI hand-held stabilised mount, Yuneec makes an accessory called the CGO SteadyGrip. This grip powers the camera, and features a mount for mobile devices with screens up to 6.4″. It allows you to take advantage of three-axis gimbal stabilization while shooting hand-held. What also looks to be a nice feature is that the bottom of the CGO SteadyGrip is flat so you can easily put it down onto flat surfaces or potentially mount it in many different places. The ability to use your quadcopter camera and gimbal both hand-held and in the air is something I think we will see more and more manufacturers integrating into their designs.
Based on a GPS-based flight control system, the Q500 offers various control modes including a nearly autonomous beginner mode, called Smart Mode. Angle Mode enables full manual control and more diverse camera angles. In addition, a so-called “No-fly database” records the published locations of FAA restricted zones, and apparently instructs the autopilot to avoid them. This is a very important feature that can help you from flying somewhere that may land you in legal trouble. Whether this actually overrides your control in full manual mode I am unsure. In Smart Mode, the Q500 will stay within a 300′ radius enabling a trainee pilot to keep a visual eye on the quadcopter at all times.
There is also a Follow Me feature that can be enabled in Smart Mode, which allows the Q500 Typhoon to take off in any orientation (with the nose toward you, away from you or toward the right or left). It also allows the pilot to move position, while controlling the direction of the Q500 based on the direction of the right-hand control stick (always facing the aircraft).
A unique feature of the Q500 is the integration of a ground station solution that is built into the transmitter. The controller features a standard dual-joystick RC transmitter that operates on 2.4 GHz frequency. Underneath the transmitter is a 4.5″ touchscreen display that provides access to the ground station. The ground station supplies the pilot with a feed from the FPV (first-person view) camera along with flight telemetry data. There is also a CGO2 app if you want to control the camera from a mobile device, although the wi-fi range will be extremely limited.
The Q500 System includes the aircraft, a 1080P HD camera, a CGO2-GB 3 axis precision gimbal, the ST10 personal ground station, 2 batteries, a charger and an 8GB micro SD card. In addition, there are a number of accessories including a sunshade, car charger, USB adapter/charger and an extra set of 4 rotors. Yuneec claims a 25 minute flight time is possible.
The ST10 personal ground station is a 10-channel 2.4GHz RC transmitter that supports a 5.8GHz video downlink that delivers streaming video to the built-in screen of the transmitter. According to Yuneec, the Q500 not only offers a superior flying experience, but the quality of the video and still images is what sets it apart. The CGO2 GB combines the 12 megapixel, 1080p/60FPS camera and the 3-axis brushless gimbal into a single unit that captures smooth, steady aerial video and still images in vivid detail.
As with all quadcopters that include cameras, just how well the Q500 will perform and the quality of the images it can capture will determine its success.
