Bulky Yuneec Typhoon G problem list grows

Yuneec Typhoon G effort to accommodate a GoPro camera falls short.

Getting a Yuneec Typhoon G to use for a GoPro camera raises a host of operational issues that on a comparison with the DJI Phantom vs Yuneec makes a purchase a risky bet even if a bit less expensive.

The main complaints by reviewers of the Yuneec Typhoon G, a Yuneec Q500 4K derivative, are the short video transmission range, its bulky shape and the fact that the Yuneec Typhoon G comes with just one battery pack that gets hot and dies quickly.

But the main reason for buying the Yuneec Typhoon G, mounting a GoPro on the three-axis gimbal, is also worrying as the gimbal is slow to adjust in flight and can be affected by other connectivity issues related to the internal WiFi card and GPS.

The Yuneec Typhoon G runs 8.3 inches by 16.5 inches by 16.5 inches – not measuring the rotors – and comes in at two-and-a-half pounds, making the Yuneec Typhoon G a close cousin to the Yuneec Q500. The camera attachment of the Yuneec Typhoon G usually requires removing the struts to attach the unit onto the gimbal just below the undercarriage by using the Yuneec SteadyGrip.

While not the most complicated setup in the world, the Yuneec Typhoon G takes some tweaking and it is important not to interfere with the transmitter to the ST10+ remote control, which has weak resolution for its 5.5-inch size.

The controller of the Yuneec Typhoon G is also a bit misleading because the photo and movie buttons do not work with the GoPro camera, meaning that before takeoff users need to press record on the camera. Adding another layer of complexity, the gimbal AA NiMH battery system on the Yuneec Typhoon G does not charge the camera via USB and blocks the memory card slot.

The battery issue compared to DJI’s proprietary LiPo battery rechargeable unit that eases worries over power supply and monitoring and takes one more item of a checklist that in the case of the Yuneec Typhoon G seems to grow longer as users get familiar with the Yuneec drone.

Here it is important to note that GoPro has attempted to block use of its unit on the UAV drone manufacturer’s craft via a software update–users of the Yuneec Typhoon G are advised to avoid the update.

If you make it through that checklist and get into the air, ensure the GPS has a lock the Yuneec Typhoon G or you may find the GoPro video feed cutting out and the drone even losing connectivity as soon as it is out of range of the controller or if the user does not have a line of sight. Even if you re-acquire GPS in mid-air and get into range, restoring the video feed is not guaranteed.

All of these quirks to use a drone for your GoPro however raise a bigger question. Why?

According to PC Mag the answer is you probably don’t have to.

“If you want the best, spend a bit more on our Editors’ Choice DJI Phantom 3 Professional, which has an excellent integrated 4K camera, although one that isn’t quite as wide as a GoPro in angle of view,” the Editor’s review said.

“I prefer the tighter view offered by the Phantom.”

 

 

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