Pilot’s Choice Product Review
Estes Proto-Z Micro Drone RTF An excellent, low-cost beginner quadcopter
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I’m reviewing the Proto-Z beginner drone from Estes. I was really excited to try out
this model. Having already purchased and enjoyed flying the Proto-X, I was curious to see how the Proto-Z compared to its smaller sibling. It came out of the box preassembled, only needing charged and the batteries put into the transmitter. For a novice flier, this was a real plus. Using the provided USB cord, I plugged it into an empty USB slot on my home computer, and in no time it was charged and ready to fly. While charging, I checked out the
transmitter and manual so I wouldn’t have any surprises. The transmitter felt a little small in my hands—being used to regular transmitters—but not so small that my hands felt cramped. My two small children found it to be a perfect size, and with a recommended age of eight and older, it’s great for kids. Having watched the unboxing and charging process with much anticipation, my children couldn’t Photos by Ben Flesher and Matt Ruddick
SPECIFICATIONS: TYPE: RTF quadcopter SKILL LEVEL: Beginner to intermediate DIAMETER: 3.9 inches WEIGHT: .59 ounces FLIGHT DURATION: 4 to 5 minutes PRICE: $29.99 INFO:
towerhobbies.com
FEATURES:
>> Flips with a touch of the auto-flip button on the transmitter
>> Transmitter allows control in normal flight mode or True Direction mode
>> Four LEDs for easy orientation day or night >> Built-in 110 mAh LiPo flight battery
wait for the charging light to go out, signaling that the Proto-Z was ready to fly. We took our positions. I turned on the transmitter, then the Proto-Z, and placed it on the floor. Within seconds, it had bound with the transmitter and calibrated the gyro. I quickly discovered it had enough
power to rocket toward the ceiling at only half power, but within a few seconds I was able to get it under control as I started to get a feel for the controls. Overall, I found it to be very responsive to directional inputs and I
The Proto-Z has a built- in 110 mAh LiPo flight battery that charges through a USB port at the rear.
could maneuver it speedily around the room. I noticed that the throttle was
very twitchy and needed constant adjustment to keep it somewhat level
Here’s everything that comes with the Estes Proto-Z Micro Drone RTF.
30 PARK PILOT [Winter 2016]
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