Meet DYS’s New 230-size FPV Racer

China-based Dong Yang Model Technology (popularly known as DYS) have been quite busy this year, releasing a number of enthusiast-level 250-size quadcopter racers and an entire line of multirotor platforms and kits aimed at the professional aerial photography market.

One of its more recent models is the X230 QuadCam — a Ready-to-Fly (RTF) 230-size quadcopter racer with built-in 5.8GHz FPV camera and transmitter. The X230 appears to be the only true RTF kit in DYS’s multicopter lineup which feature mostly ARTF (Almost-Ready-To-Fly) kits such as the BG-250 and X160. This means the X230 is ready to fly out of the box with no other extra accessories needed. The only thing that’s missing is a dedicated FPV monitor — the X230 uses your smartphone to display the FPV feed.

Unlike other DYS drones, the X230 comes with its own body which neatly encloses all its electronics components including the FPV camera. It even comes with its own “smart” battery which includes a power button and battery level LEDs. The X230’s body may not win awards when it comes to aesthetics but it certainly gives it a well-rounded finished product look — something which other DYS drone kits seem to seriously lack.

Key Features

  • 230mm diagonal motor distance
  • Weight: 500g (including battery)
  • Camera: 1920 x 1080P video and 5MP stills with 120 degrees FOV (supports up to 32GB micro SD cards)
  • FPV transmitter: 200mW 5.8GHz
  • Propellers: 5030
  • Max. take-off weight: 800g
  • Flight time: approximately 10 minutes
  • Battery: 11.1V 2200mAh 3S LiPo
  • Transmitter battery: 1800mAh 3S LiPo (built-in)
  • Control range: 1000m
  • Max. flight altitude: 500m

One thing peculiar about the X230 is the design of its transmitter which has a striking resemblance to DJI’s Phantom 3 transmitter. The only difference is the placement of certain buttons and dials.

With such a complete RTF package, DYS is obviously planning to take on more established models in the 250 racer segment such as the highly popular Walkera Runner 250. Whether the X230 can gain a following remains to be seen.

One thing’s for sure is that the X230 appears to be a more well-rounded package compared to the Runner 250. With the X230, there are no manually-inserted batteries and no exposed wires and plugs that give it a hobbyist DIY look. There are even dedicated buttons for you to select your FPV transmission channel. However, the X230 fails to impress when it comes to looks for it simply looks like a toy. The Runner 250, on the other hand, looks like a bad ass racing machine.

DYS can certainly make the X230 more appealing if it could improve on its aesthetics and appearance. Overall, the X230 is still an impressive kit for those looking for a complete RTF 250 racer.

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