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

FPV drones mix high-speed flying with fast course adjustments. A key drone configuration choice is the propeller spin course, often known as “Props In” and “Props Out.” Understanding these configurations can considerably influence 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 (often known 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 referred to as “props in”.

Props out (often known 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 often known 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 drawbacks of every configuration will aid you make an knowledgeable choice.

Props in Professionals:

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

Props in Cons:

1. Particles on Lens: There’s the next likelihood 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 Professionals:

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 likelihood 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 likelihood of particles and grime being thrown in the direction of the FC stack
2. Adjustment Interval: Pilots accustomed to the usual rotation might require time to adapt to the props out configuration.
3. Turtle Mode Difficulty: Once you use turtle mode, the props runs the wrong way if you end up up facet down, and so that you usually tend to get your lens soiled.

Making the Alternative

The choice will depend on private choice and necessities.

For tiny whoops and micro quads, props out is really helpful.

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

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

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

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 unit.

To configure your drone to run “props out”, you should go to Betaflight Configurator, Configurations, below Mixer, allow “Motor course is reversed”.

Then comply with this tutorial to reverse the motor spin course: 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 vital to optimizing your FPV drone’s efficiency. Each configurations have their deserves and could be efficient in several eventualities. Finally, it’s about discovering the steadiness that works greatest on your fashion and wishes.

Edit Historical past

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