XK Detect X380 Drone Review

The X380 is very similar to the V303, with mostly the same components, except the battery, and "possibly" the GPS system. Its GPS seems greatly improved over the V303, with MUCH faster lock-on (seconds X380, vice minutes of the V303). Main flight capabilities include GPS or altitude hold flight (if no GPS lock), along with headless mode (heading lock), and return to landing capability.

Improvement in flight time is achieved through inclusion of a battery with twice the power (5400mah) of the original 2700mah V303 battery. The battery bay of the X380 has been lowered to accommodate this larger battery. The landing gear legs have also been increased in length. However, even with these longer legs, the available clearance beneath the quadcopter is unchanged from the V303 (about 105mm for both).

Improvement in range may have been achieved by increasing the battery power of the transmitter. The X380 transmitter uses six AA batteries, vice four of the original V303. It also includes a new capability of one button takeoff and landing. By pressing this button, the quadcopter automatically starts and achieves 5 foot hover. The button can also be used for automatic landing. This button is more for emergency use though, as it does NOT return to home when this button is pressed. Pressing it again while in flight will cause the quadcopter to land immediately beneath its current position.

Overall Quadcopter 101 assessment, I like it. Thumbs up! :-)

[YouOriginal]

I have had three of these one flew to space, if ya need any help let me know the blades are crap for start buy 3DR ones makes the drone fly so much better.

[MangoTheMerciless]

Hey 101, My x380 just arrived today and due to the cold temperatures (16 F.) i was hesitant to perform a maiden flight. the manual is helpful but from watching other YouTube videos they seemed to have left a lot out of it. do you know of a website that has a more in-depth manual and or a minimum operating temp. specs for it? i am eager to take it out for its first flight.

[dheller]

You can change the parameters on your computer to have the quad turn towards you when you hit the return to home switch. You can also change the RTH height it will climb to before it returns to home.

[dagdernit]

Nice review Q101! Your the one that got me back I to flying again :) I started with the Syma X5c then went to the X8c, and at the beginning of Summer got a Cheerson Cx-20. The Cheerson is awesome but you do need to adjust a few parameters in Mission Planner to really make it fly right. Changing the "Angle Max" setting to 35 will increase the quad's speed and really help it out in the wind. Also, to increase the flight times to 25+ minutes, use a 3dr 5100 mah battery. For getting distances of 2 miles plus, there is a 2watt booster that you can install in the radio for under $40.00. You of course need fpv. I found the 5.8ghz 600mw rx with a clover antenna on the quad works the best. For fpv goggles, the new Quanum V2 HDs connected to a diversity tx that is using a patch/helical antenna. Inexpensive upgrades and you will have the time of your life ;) Just make sure you are flying away from the neighborhoods like you do and you shouldn't get into trouble.... Thank you for all you do and keep those vids coming!!!

[rubicon]

I like how as soon as you posted this review the prices went up.

[dheller]

She looks like a very nice flyer. I was impressed by the accuracy of the GPS which was as good if not better than many of the high dollar quads out there. The jello was quite a bit more than I am used to seeing with the mount you are using, not sure why that's the case. Thanks for the flight.

[billsomrak]

This is the 2nd review of this quadcopter I've seen now, and both reviews have been very impressive.  Your home made mount for the RunCam was a bit shaky.  The other review actually had some video with a gimbal mounted, and it was SUPER steady. I've seen gimbals made for the RunCam/Mobius, but most of them are made for the GoPro (or its clones).  This is one I'm definitely interested in. (yeah, and I still want to get a 33041 too!) Cheers!

[flyercan]

This may be enough to bring me back to V303(XK Detect X380)
Thanks for the review.

[sunaJH]

Pretty amazing,
sounds kinda loud-if you are viewing an area with people is it obvious where the drone is?

[leconwoo]

Great video as usual, Quadcopter 101.
One question, since you have both V303 and X380, do their
transmitters control each other- in other words, do they share
the same RF protocol?
My WLtoys 2X2 transmitters by an large do this, plus JJRC H8c, Syma X11 as
you have demonstrated.

[UnixDZN]

I'm kind of late, but can the transmitter and the receiver on the quadcopter be used for an rc plane??

[MihaiTrica]

Thank you for this video. I had doubts about my first professional quadcopter and I could not decide between the XK Detect X380 and the V303 Seeker. Now I know I want the X380, even if it is a little more expensive. The battery time alone is worth it.

[chriswhiteman]

Hello, I've just purchased the XK Detect basic version. Two questions, first is how much WiFi FPV range do you get off the EKEN cameras on gearbest? I'm hoping to hook it up to my phone. Also, I want to get a little more flight time (I know I'm greedy). So what's the best option for this? as high MAH as possible please. I've just thougt of another less important question, I have a 20000 MAH power bank, which can charge my cheap drone batteries for the JS X300. Is there an option to charge the battery of the XK detect off my power bank "in the field"? FINAL question, what is the stock range on these things? I'm hearing people are going 2000m + Great job on your videos, top job....from the UK

[brianevans]

That looks very fun to fly! Excellent runcam footage. What flight times can you expect with the runcam attached?

[DuaneMorrisPhotosByDuane]

When I tried one of these for the first time today (1/7/17) I didn't know it had an auto start thingy, I just took it up like my toy quad (V686G). The guy that owns it was sorta surprised I did that and even landed it without the auto land. I guess when you never had it, you never miss it.

Wonderful quadcopter this X380, I could get spoiled with this thing! I did notice I missed the excitement of a quad with no technology but for the leveling, I am beginning to think I may need a 250 racing drone after flying this for 15 or so minutes. I missed trying to miss the ground, trees, fences and cars.

[AKtA]

Thank you for the great videos and ton's of awesome information. I have been doing well with the syma x5c and x8c and ready to move up. I really like the flying 3d x8 and the xk Detect x380 and was wondering which one handled the wind better? I live in the mountains and wind here varies alot. Also which one can carry the bigger payload? Which is easier to work/mod on as I would like to make it function with an spectrum 7. I have been using my x8c for exterior home inspection with good results so I do more precision flying than sport, which bird would you recommend or is there another in this price bracket?

Thanks and God Bless

[budgetdroneguy]

Considering that the CX-20 is about $100 cheaper.. what are your thoughts? Should I spend more and get the X380? Which one is better? (FYI - been flying Syma X8C for 2 months now)

[JCVD]

I bought a V303 that came with 3500 mAh Battery instead of 2700, Flight time is over 20 mn & am pretty satisfied with such duration

[LockRockRCs]

Well I finally have enough money to buy this quad, the base model. Do you still consider this one as a keeper?

[whipit]

I bought this years ago thanks to your vids and others. Put a 2 axis gimbal and my GoPro on it and never looked back. Do you still fly yours? I'm still on my original battery.