Nano size quad fun with the Estes Proto X
Can’t make it to the flying field? Not a problem with the Estes Proto X (above left) as it can fly easily in an office cubicle or living room. The packaging (above right) is small and presents itself well, so making it a gift to someone who wants to try RC is an easy choice. With the exception of two
AAA batteries for the transmitter, the Proto X (below left) is a complete package that will get you flying in minutes. Compared to a U.S. quarter (below right), the Proto Xis tiny, yet its size doesn’t affect the quad’s ability to fly easily within a constrained area.
PHOTOS: JIM WIGGIN Q
uadcopters have certainly gone from relative obscurity to mainstream in just a few short years. At first these machines were exotic, sometimes scratchbuilt and were usually expensive. Now most quads are within the price range of just about anyone. Case in point, the Estes Proto X Nano Quadcopter. Yes, that’s right, Estes. The same people who may have brought you many a summer day’s joy, launching and recovering model rockets. Estes, like NASA, has diversified into other arial plat- forms such as the subject reviewed here. With a street price of just under $40.00, those who have wanted to try a quad now have no excuse not to try this fun form of RC. The Proto X Nano is small, real small, so taking it anywhere is an easy task. Inside a box which measures a scant 5.5×2.5×4 inches is everything you need to start flying around the living room. The Proto X itself measures 13
4⁄ square and weighs only 11.5 grams. Com-
pared to a U.S. quarter, this is one small machine. Included is a simple 2.4GHz controller with digital trims, charge cord with a USB lead, four extra props (two white for the front and two black for the rear) and a set of instructions. Getting ready to fly the Proto X is simple as there is nothing to build. Do be careful however while removing the Proto X from its cardboard carrier. There are two twist ties that hold the frame down and keep the Proto X safe while in the box. Don’t be too ram- bunctious removing it as you could damage the frame. The con- troller requires two AAA batteries that are inserted in the back of the transmitter case. A small Phillips head screwdriver is re- quired to remove the screw that holds the battery door. The charge cord for the Proto X simply plugs into your desktop com- puter or laptop thanks to the USB lead, while the other end is keyed and plugs into the back of the Proto X. A steady red LED will illuminate on the charge lead on the end of the USB lead. Once the LED goes out, it is time to fly. Flying the Proto X is like flying any other quad, however be- cause of its size, it is susceptible to even mild turbulence created by a home’s heating and cooling system. For visual reference, the front of the model has white props while the rear has black. Should you need to replace them, keep in mind they are rotation based. The motors on the left spin counter-clockwise, while the motors on the right spin clockwise. The Proto X also has four LED lights for visual orientation in low light settings with the front lights blue and the rear lights red. Should the Proto X be switched on before the transmitter, the rear red lights will remain solid and
FLYING MODELS
the front blue lights will blink alternately. Switch the transmitter on first then the Proto X and the transmitter’s blinking red LED will change to a solid green and produce a beep. You’re now ready to fly.
For my first few flights, I set the Proto X on my workbench in my shop and slowly applied throttle to gain altitude. My Proto X required a bit of trim which is easy to adjust with the digital trim tabs. After getting it to hover easily without a lot of input, I set off for the living room.
Flying off a hard surface is no problem with any quad, but some of the smaller ones like the Proto X have a bit of trouble with car- pet. The little motor pods or gear can get stuck easily within the carpet fibers and cause the machine to flip. The engineers at Estes knew this however and designed a neat way to keep the Proto X shiny side up! Much like a cat, this little quad will always remain upright thanks to its Auto Upright System. I think I had more fun simply tossing the Proto X into the air with the power off, letting it tumble a bit then applying power and flying it like any other quad. The Proto X, small as it is, flies very well. My only problem was the small transmitter. I’m used to flying with my fingers on a full size transmitter so flying with thumbs took a little getting used to once again. Once that was accomplished, I was able to move about from room to room and hover wherever I wanted. Should you wish to be humbled with your flying abilities, simply hand the Proto X to your nearest teenager. They will master the Proto X in mere seconds thanks to the game-like transmitter and the teen’s expe- rience with video games.
While I did not test it as such, the Proto X will fly outdoors, but it must be dead calm. The little quad is so light that even a gentle breeze would push it off course. The model really shines on those days when you cannot get to the flying field or even to your fa- vorite indoor flying site. The charge time takes about 20 minutes and the flight duration on my Proto X was about 6 minutes. The Proto X will give you a warning of its low battery by rapidly blink- ing all four of its red and blue LED lights letting you know it’s time for a charge. The Proto X is a great way to introduce a youngster into the hob- by. With its completeness, low price and parts support, this little quad is the perfect introduction to RC. In fact, go ahead and pick up two—you’ll want to get in on the action as well. For the price point and cool factor, the Proto X is the go-to little machine for get- ting into the fun of quadcopters.
–JIMWIGGIN 43
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