Complete TBS Discovery Quadcopter Discovery Specs and Features Guide for FPV Enthusiasts

Overview of TBS Discovery

The TBS Discovery Quadcopter is renowned for its durability and crash resistance, making it an excellent choice for those new to flying drones as well as seasoned FPV (First-Person View) enthusiasts. This multirotor drone features a robust design with reinforced fiberglass airframe, optimized specifically for dynamic FPV flights. The TBS Discovery utilizes an asymmetric spider quadrotor layout, which not only improves stability but also enhances its overall performance in challenging flying environments.

The drone comes with specifications that appeal to both hobbyists and professionals. It can accommodate various battery configurations, including 3S (11.1V) and 4S (14.8V) LiPo packs, ensuring flexibility in flight times and power output. The propellers, motors, and speed controllers are all designed to work harmoniously, providing efficient and reliable performance across various applications.

Importance and Applications of FPV Flight

FPV flight is a game-changer in the world of drones. It allows pilots to experience the flight as if they were actually onboard the drone, providing a thrilling and immersive experience. The TBS Discovery excels in this area with its purpose-built design for superior FPV performance. With its reinforced fiberglass frame, the quadcopter can withstand crashes and rough landings, which is particularly beneficial for beginners who are still mastering the art of drone piloting.

The TBS Discovery's design includes an ideal mount for GoPro and FPV cameras, eliminating the common issue of propellers appearing in the field of view. This ensures that users can capture clear and unobstructed footage, making it a favorite among aerial photographers and videographers.

Moreover, the drone's customizable nature allows users to tailor it to their specific needs, whether it’s for leisurely flights, advanced FPV racing, or professional aerial photography. With a range of up to 5 kilometers and an altitude capability of up to 2 kilometers, the TBS Discovery ensures that users can explore vast areas without limitations.

In essence, the TBS Discovery Quadcopter serves as a versatile platform for anyone looking to delve into FPV flying or elevate their drone piloting skills. Its durability, high integration, and user-friendly features make it a standout choice in the market.

Airframe and Design

The TBS Discovery stands out with its unique and sturdy build. Its airframe is made from reinforced black fiberglass, ensuring both durability and resistance to crashes. The design is an asymmetric spider quadrotor, which enhances stability and performance during flight. This configuration also contributes to its overall dynamic FPV capabilities. The top section of the airframe is RF transparent, which is crucial for maintaining signal integrity during FPV flights. The bottom part serves as a power distribution board (PDB), adding to its integrated design.

Battery and Power Specs

Powering the TBS Discovery are LiPo battery packs, offering flexibility depending on your flight needs. You can choose between a 3S (11.1V) battery with 5000 to 6000mAh capacity or a 4S (14.8V) battery with 2500 to 4500mAh capacity. This range provides options for longer flight durations or higher power output. The setup ensures that you can customize the quadcopter to match your desired performance and flight time.

Propellers and Motors

The drone's propellers measure either 9x5-inch or 10x5-inch, available in both clockwise (CW) and counterclockwise (CCW) versions, which enhance thrust and efficiency. These pairs of propellers are driven by motors in the 2212 or 2216 class, with a kV rating between 700 and 900, and power ranging from 150W to 220W. The motors mount using a standardized 16x19 mm pattern, making it easier to replace or upgrade components if needed.

Speed Controllers and Flight Controllers

In terms of speed controllers, the TBS Discovery uses 18 to 30A 400Hz Multirotor ESCs. These ensure smooth and responsive control of the motors, which is critical for maintaining stability and precision during flight. The flight controller is a standard quadcopter controller, with room for an optional GPS module, adding advanced navigational capabilities for more experienced users.

Receivers and Sensors

To operate the TBS Discovery, you'll need a receiver with 5 channels or more. This allows for sufficient control inputs to manage various functions and flight modes. The drone comes equipped with a current sensor, available in two versions: v1.1 (100A) and v1.2 or later (50A). These sensors help monitor power usage, ensuring efficient energy management and preventing overloading.

The Center of Gravity (CoG) is precisely positioned for optimal flight performance, located 15mm in front of the Center of Thrust mark. This careful balance is key to the drone's stability and maneuverability.

The TBS Discovery is designed to impress both beginners and seasoned drone pilots with its robust specifications and reliable performance.

Flight Duration and Range

When it comes to flight duration, the TBS Discovery doesn't disappoint. Depending on the drive train and battery system, the drone can stay airborne for 8 to 15 minutes. This flexibility allows pilots to customize their setup to prioritize flight time or performance. The range is equally impressive, capable of reaching distances up to 5 kilometers. This means you can confidently send your quadcopter on long-range missions knowing it can make the trip back.

Weight and Load Capacity

The total weight of the TBS Discovery is between 1400 to 2000 grams. This includes all necessary components such as the motors, ESCs, flight controller, and battery. The weight capacity ensures the drone remains agile and stable in the air while carrying optional extras like a GoPro or other FPV equipment. The precise balance facilitated by the Center of Gravity positioned 15mm in front of the Center of Thrust mark plays a significant role in maintaining this stability and maneuverability.

Altitude and Stability

One of the standout features of the TBS Discovery is its ability to reach altitudes of up to 2000 meters (approximately 6000 feet). This altitude capability, combined with the drone's robust build and design, means it excels in providing a stable flight experience even at higher elevations. The asymmetric spider quadrotor design and reinforced fiberglass airframe contribute significantly to this stability, making it a solid choice for both novice and experienced pilots aiming for high-performance FPV flights.

Customization Options

Customization is a key aspect of the TBS Discovery's appeal. The drone offers extensive options for modification, ensuring it can meet various pilot preferences and requirements. From choosing between different LiPo battery packs for desired flight times to selecting the appropriate motors and propellers, there is plenty of room to tailor the drone to your specific needs. Optional components like the TBS CORE can be directly integrated onto the frame or installed by the manufacturer, adding to its adaptability.

The TBS Discovery provides not just flight but a customizable and high-performing flight experience, making it a preferred choice among FPV enthusiasts and professionals.

Durability and Crash Resistance

The TBS Discovery is well-known for its exceptional durability and crash resistance. The reinforced black fiberglass airframe offers a solid construction, making it tough enough to withstand the occasional bump or crash. This durability stems from the use of high-quality fiberglass which adds strength without significantly increasing the drone's weight. Novice pilots as well as experienced users can benefit from this robust design, offering confidence and peace of mind during intense or exploratory FPV flights.

Integration and FPV Capability

What truly sets the TBS Discovery apart is its outstanding integration and FPV capability. It comes optimized for dynamic FPV flight right out of the box. The TBS CORE, an optional component, integrates seamlessly into the frame, simplifying the build process and ensuring you get the best performance from your FPV setup. The asymmetric spider quadrotor design is not just for looks—it enhances flight dynamics, providing a stable and agile platform that handles well in various flying conditions. Pilots can enjoy a cohesive and reliable flying experience, making it suitable for both recreational flying and more serious professional applications.

Ideal Camera Mounting Position

A practical feature of the TBS Discovery is its ideal camera mounting position. The GoPro and FPV camera mounts are placed to ensure no-prop-in-view pictures and videos, allowing for a clearer and more immersive FPV experience. This thoughtful design eliminates the common annoyance of capturing propeller blades in your footage, resulting in cleaner, more professional-looking videos. Whether you're documenting breathtaking landscapes or participating in an FPV race, this feature enhances your visual output without additional hassle.

Popularity among FPV Enthusiasts and Professionals

The TBS Discovery has garnered significant recognition among FPV enthusiasts and professionals for good reasons. Its customization options cater to various preferences and flying styles. You can start with basic components and upgrade as your skills improve or as your flying requirements evolve. Additionally, its great flying stability and dynamic FPV characteristics make it a reliable choice for serious pilots. The flexibility in power options, ranging from 3S to 4S LiPo packs, further allows users to tailor the drone to their specific needs, balancing between power and flight duration.

This combination of durability, integration, camera capabilities, and community approval makes the TBS Discovery an advanced, yet approachable, option for anyone looking to break into or excel in the FPV flight space.