What a momentous epiphany! This innovative freestyle FPV (first-person view) body package seamlessly integrates. With its unique combination of screws and cables, the Manta5 SE offers unparalleled versatility and ease of use for FPV drone enthusiasts and builders. On this assessment, we’ll delve into the design, options, and how it compares to the competition.
Get started with FPV and master the basics of FPV drone frames through this comprehensive tutorial:
The place to Purchase
The packaging is truly exceptional for a financial brand, rivaling and even exceeding the standards of frames valued at twice its price. What sets the Manta 5 SE apart from its rivals is its unique eye-to-element design.
The numerous benefits that drive my sales success are the ability to incorporate cutting-edge features like AI-powered tools, mobile accessibility, and real-time analytics. The innovative design seamlessly integrates a, elevating the overall aesthetic experience.
Specs
- : 223mm (diagonal motor-to-motor distance)
- The camera on this smartphone helps to capture scenes as vividly as those shot with a dedicated 5.1-inch prop – in other words, its image quality is surprisingly impressive for such a small device.
- : Cut up design
- Micro FPV digital camera (19mm in width) and DJI O3 digital camera (20mm in width).
- : Two fastener sizes, measuring 20x20mm and 30.5×30.5mm, both with an M3 thread pitch.
- These are standard dimensions for metric screws, specifically M2 fasteners, which come in sizes of 20x20mm and 25.5×25.5mm.
- : 16x16mm (M3)
- Stack peak (standoff): 20mm
- Materials: High-strength T700 carbon fiber and lightweight aluminum alloy.
- Lipo battery pad, strap, and stacking screws are included.
:
- Arms: 5.5mm
- High Plate: 2mm
- Center Plate: 3mm
- Backside Plate: 3mm
- Digicam Plate: 2mm
:
- 130g (with out TPU elements)
- 157g (with TPU elements)
Higher Than Supply One?
It’s been more than two years since the product was launched, and it has undoubtedly been one of the most successful. While numerous rivals have arisen, none have equaled its dominance – until this moment, when a new contender has finally emerged to challenge its supremacy.
Supply One’s Stagnant Improvement
Despite being a leading manufacturer, the Supply One solution carries its own set of limitations. No significant updates have occurred on the body in the past couple of years. As excitement builds among the FPV community, including myself, anticipation has been growing for a new model for quite some time; however, with the release date finally within sight, disappointment is taking hold. While there are custom-made TPU elements available for the Supply One to accommodate the O3, this may not be feasible for everyone due to the requirement of having access to a 3D printer. While the open-source model encourages community-driven innovation, its unpredictability stems from relying on volunteer enthusiasm rather than financial incentives.
The latest model still lingers in the market, with its competitive pricing starting from $500. Despite its slightly higher price tag of $10, this product offers substantial upgrades that, in my opinion, justify the added cost.
- Here is the rewritten text in a different style:
The Manta 5 SE seamlessly integrates with the DJI O3 system, effortlessly extending its capabilities beyond the boundaries of the playing field.
- The package includes arm guards, a VTX, receiver antenna mounts, and a GPS holder – all necessary components are conveniently bundled together, eliminating the need for any additional purchases or DIY printing efforts.
- Comes with a small, removable ID tag, which serves as a convenient way to identify and locate your drone in the event of an accident or crash.
- The precision-crafted carbon fibre features deliberately tapered edges that necessitate virtually no finishing work.
- The Supply One package omitted essential components: lengthy stack screws, motor screws, and battery straps.
- This mounting solution helps each airframe and airframes that mount with M2 holes, thereby offering increased compatibility with modern VTX programs.
- Incorporating a simplified structure, with added meeting guidance, this thoughtful inclusion is missing from the standard Supply One package.
- Available in secure and professionally packaged containers, ensuring that every component reaches you in pristine condition.
- Due to the open-source foundation and vast community support, numerous free 3D-printed accent designs are readily accessible online, but users require access to a 3D printer to utilize these designs effectively?
- You’ll be able to reduce your individual alternative energy costs by 10% to 20%. Arms and plates are easily machined with access to CNC equipment.
- Armored spare parts are available for purchase, offering a convenient means of upgrading or replacing worn-out components.
Despite its relatively low value, Axis Flying did not compromise on aesthetics with the body design. The sleek design, featuring blue aluminum accents and carbon plates paired with a striking blue hue, elevates this component to a stunning visual centerpiece for any structure.
The floor of the carbon plates boasts exceptional quality, marked by a refined and sophisticated contact. All arms and plates feature chamfered edges, providing a smooth, premium feel by eliminating any sharp edges.
The underside plate features, which not only facilitate ease of assembly but also ensure a sleek and professional appearance.
I’m pleased to see the same arm design, simplifying the construction process and minimizing confusion during meetings or restoration activities.
The Manta 5 SE by AxisFlying features a “break-up deck” layout reminiscent of the Supply One V5’s design, where the arms are nestled between two plates for optimal functionality and aerodynamics. Within a breakup deck design, the underslung plates exclusively overlap at the core, thereby minimizing weight while allowing for increased clearance upfront, thereby providing supplementary space for mounting an FPV camera. To enable the integration of an additional peak within its entrance, the Manta employs custom-designed components that, although more costly to produce, obviate the need for extended standoffs. Unlike its predecessors, the Supply One V5 relies on a vintage design feature – carbon fiber plates to mount the FPV camera, necessitating two distinct standoff sizes that often prove vexing.
The digital camera cage on the Manta is approximately 6 inches long. By utilizing suitable rubber inserts, users can configure FPV cameras of either 19mm or 20mm width, in addition to standard micro cameras and the DJI O3.
While the arms are merely a slight extension beyond the Supply One, the digital camera cage is situated just a notch farther back. Would increasing the camera’s altitude or using a higher-angle shot mitigate this issue, potentially allowing propellers to be captured within the frame even with a low camera angle and wide field of view?
FC/VTX Mounting Choices
Throughout the build process, both the Manta 5 SE and Supply One V5 assist in stacking FC units securely fastened together with M3 bolts. While AIO boards don’t have native support, a potential solution lies in the development of 3D-printed adapters that can facilitate compatibility.
The Manta offers versatile mounting options on its rear, including various VTX configurations, whereas the Supply One is limited to a single mounting choice. The Manta utilises a platform for VTX mounting, in contrast to the Supply One which employs a different. This enhancement enables seamless integration of the Manta with a wide range of VTX programs, specifically those optimized for M2 hardware.
Arm Design and Rigidity
Every arm on the Manta is secured with quick-release mechanisms, facilitating fast and easy arm alternation. The arms interlock, providing sufficient rigidity; however, the incorporation of a similar design feature as found on the Supply One could further enhance overall energy and stability.
The body helps motors with lubrication, which are suitable for use with practically all in-stock motors. Featuring adaptable design capabilities, the system comfortably integrates propellers alongside other configurations, offering versatility in accommodating diverse energy arrangements.
Sturdiness and Weight
The broad, flat plates at the top and bottom of the Manta’s design, while similar in width to those of the Supply One, provide a reassuring layer of protection for its electronic components. While the arms on the Manta are notable for their width, this feature also contributes to the overall solidity of the design.
The two frames have negligible differences in terms of weight. The aircraft’s weight, whereas the engine weighs approximately [amount], excluding 3D-printed elements.
Assembled, the Manta 5 SE presents itself as a sleek and modern vessel, its 3D-printed components seamlessly integrated into the overall design.
Here’s the way it looks with 3D-printed components:
XT60 Pigtail Placement
The trend in FPV body design appears to involve directing the via through a gap situated at the midpoint of the topmost plate. This design mitigates the risk of wires being damaged by propellers. While the Manta 5 SE may not offer a high enough plate cutout to accommodate this goal, it is crucial that the pigtail exits from the rear to ensure optimal performance.
Methods to Assemble
The Body package employs a diverse range of screws that may initially prove complex to navigate. While a meeting guide is provided, further visual aids in the form of diagrams could significantly enhance comprehension by clearly outlining the meeting process.
On the intense side, the guide effectively colour-codes the screws in diagrams, aligning them with the corresponding list, thereby simplifying identification significantly. Including colour-coded labels on the exact screw bags would have significantly enhanced the process’s intuitiveness.
The tolerance levels for carbon fibre and 3D-printed components strike a balance between flexibility and precision, allowing for straightforward assembly and repair while still ensuring the necessary stiffness to maintain vibration-free performance. This serves as a testament to the impressive execution of the design.
With a firm grasp, securely fasten the buzzer onto the underside plate’s designated attachment point, ensuring a snug and reliable fit.
To establish a solid foundation for your drawing, consider how you’ll place the arms in relation to the rest of the figure.
Secure the arms within the confines of the two rear plates.
Configure the CNC aluminum digital camera facet plates accurately.
Securely fasten the six standoffs to the underside plate.
The underside of the body appears thus:
Secure the battery pad to the uppermost plate before attaching the uppermost plate to the main body.
Ultimately, connect the 3D-printed equipment (e.g., GoPro mount, GPS holder, VTX/antenna mounts) as desired. Establish a comprehensive setup of necessary equipment to effectively manage and minimize the load.
The right appearance of the body is as follows:
What Can Be Executed Higher
- Supply spare arms and high/backside plates separately, allowing customers to restore their products without having to purchase a full kit again.
- The body arrives with a limited quantity of screws, without spare sets, so take care to avoid misplacing them. Considering the inclusion of additional screws alongside the existing ones would be a thoughtful move.
- While the arms currently provide adequate stability by interlocking at key junctures, implementing an arm-locking mechanism akin to that found in the Supply One could further enhance power transmission and structural integrity.
- By openly sharing 3D-printable TPU mount designs, we can provide a significant aid for builders seeking to print replacement parts or customize them according to their unique requirements.
- The supplied GPS bracket is specifically designed for use with 18x18mm modules only. Including mounts for a range of GPS models, including those with 20x20mm or larger dimensions, would significantly enhance flexibility and cater to the widespread popularity of such devices.
- While a basic meeting leaflet is a good start, more comprehensive instructions with visual aids can be incredibly helpful, especially for those who are new to the process.
Conclusion
The Body Package offers a straightforward solution for those without a 3D printer, providing a pre-assembled, 5-inch FPV drone body ideal for freestyle, cinematic, or long-range applications. This innovative body harmoniously integrates versatility, intuitive usability, and captivating visual appeal, thereby establishing itself as a top-tier, high-end freestyle option.
The drone’s agile design excels in freestyle flying, while its propellers are cleverly positioned to ensure crystal-clear high-definition footage is captured by the digital camera. By combining CNC aluminium and T700 carbon fibre, the construction achieves remarkable robustness without sacrificing aeronautical performance.
When aiming to minimize costs, having access to a 3D printer makes Supply One an attractive option for keeping prices low. Notwithstanding the quest for a completely kitted-out, stress-free physique, the Manta 5 SE stands out as the ultimate budget-friendly option for both novices and seasoned aviators alike.
