Props In vs. Props Out in FPV Drones: Why Propeller Spin Route Issues

FPV drones mix high-speed flying with speedy route adjustments. A key drone configuration determination is the propeller spin route, often called “Props In” and “Props Out.” Understanding these configurations can considerably impression your flying expertise. This text discusses the professionals and cons of every.

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What’s “Props In” and “Props Out”?

Props in (also referred to as “customary” rotation): That is the extra conventional configuration the place the propellers on the entrance left and rear proper spin clockwise, and the propellers on the entrance proper and rear left spin counterclockwise. It’s the default in most flight controller software program. And since entrance props spin in the direction of the lens, it’s additionally known as “props in”.

Props out (also referred to as “reverse” rotation): On this setup, the rotations of all of the propellers are reversed – the entrance proper and rear left propellers spin clockwise, whereas the entrance left and rear proper spin counterclockwise. Because the entrance props spin away from the digicam lens, It’s also referred to as “props out”.

Which Is Higher?

Each configurations will take your quad to the sky simply high quality, no configuration is inherently superior. However understanding the advantages and disadvantages of every configuration will assist you to make an knowledgeable determination.

Props in Execs:

1. Familiarity: Many pilots discover this setup extra intuitive, because it’s the standard and default configuration utilized in most drones and flight controller software program.

Props in Cons:

1. Particles on Lens: There’s the next probability of particles being thrown in the direction of the digicam lens, which makes the lens soiled over time
2. Prop Wash: Props in configuration can typically result in extra prop wash, the place the drone flies into its personal turbulent air, doubtlessly affecting stability.

Props Out Execs:

1. Enhanced Management: The reverse rotation can present higher management, particularly in tight turns. The profit and impact is very noticeable for smaller quadcopters, like tiny whoops and different micro quads with low toque motors.
2. Much less Obstruction: Decrease probability of obstruction by branches and racing gates, as it will simply bounce off obstacles in collisions.

Props Out Cons:

1. Particles on FC/ESC stack: There’s the next probability of particles and dust being thrown in the direction of the FC stack
2. Adjustment Interval: Pilots accustomed to the usual rotation could require time to adapt to the props out configuration.
3. Turtle Mode Subject: Once you use turtle mode, the props runs the wrong way when you find yourself up aspect down, and so that you usually tend to get your lens soiled.

Making the Selection

The choice is determined by private choice and necessities.

For tiny whoops and micro quads, props out is beneficial.

For something bigger than 3″, like a 5″, I’m completely satisfied to only run the default props in as a result of the advantages in flight traits are much less noticeable. And I don’t should consistently remind myself to re-configure the drone after updating Betaflight. Nonetheless different minor advantages nonetheless stay true akin to much less dust will get thrown on the lens and fewer prone to get obstructed by branches and racing gates.

In case your drone principally hovers on the identical spot, like a DJI Mavic does, then props in or props out make little distinction.

Nonetheless, in the event you encounter unusual flight behaviour and points, particularly in cinewhoops, it’s price experimenting with each props in and props out configurations, this usually is the repair.

Tips on how to Reverse Motor Rotation

By default, Betaflight runs “props in”. Some BNF (bind and fly) prebuilt drones would possibly come pre-configured as props out within the manufacturing facility.

To configure your drone to run “props out”, it is advisable to go to Betaflight Configurator, Configurations, beneath Mixer, allow “Motor route is reversed”.

Then observe this tutorial to reverse the motor spin route: https://oscarliang.com/change-motor-spin-direction-quadcopter/

Conclusion

Whether or not you select props in or props out, understanding the implications of every setup is essential to optimizing your FPV drone’s efficiency. Each configurations have their deserves and might be efficient in numerous situations. In the end, it’s about discovering the steadiness that works greatest to your model and desires.

Edit Historical past

• Jun 2017 – Article printed
• Could 2019 – Up to date information
• Jan 2024 – Up to date information