My two Yuneec Typhoon G crashed for no reason

I do not want to write negative reviews to be honest. I do understand that it do effect the way you make a decision. But this is the reason we need to write the truth here.

Every time I see the drone fly free in the sky, I dream of having my own drone and flying it proudly. I read a lot of reviews online and watched a lot of videos. The Yuneec Typhoon G came to my choice finally based on the strong recommendations from my one of friend who owned a Yuneec Typhoon H. He convinced me of purchasing the Yuneec Typhoon G as it is easy to start with and can fly with my Gopro 4.That’s great! I made the choice happily.

I unboxed the Yuneec Typhoon G carefully, checked the parts I received and I started my first flight after everything was great. I turned on the Typhoon G and remote controller. I was studying and tried to get to know more about this unit. Then I smelt something uncomfortable. I looked around but couldn’t find anything wrong. I then touched the Typhoon G accidently and was shocked. The Typhoon G was badly overheated and emitted a burning smell when I hadn’t even flown it at all. I turned it off and called the support immediately. I was recommended to send it back for test. I was not so happy about that but still looking forward to receiving it very soon with my friend’s comfort.

A week later, I heard from Yuneec support and they agreed to exchange a brand new Yuneec Typhoon G for me. I was so happy and thought that’s why my friend recommended Yuneec.

The exchanged unit worked great at first. I thought I got the hang of it and purchased a lot of accessories from Yuneec just to have my Gopro 4 fly with it. However, that was when the nightmare began.

With the live video feed, I could see that the gimbal shaking like crazy. I was afraid that it might be too loose that it just dropped off my GoPro 4. I landed it immediately and try to reinstall my GoPro. It worked better later after I reinstalled but the footage was still shaky. However, when it was about 100 meters away from me, I received a warning that the WIFI signal is weak. It lost the signal after that and the screen went to black. I landed it, checked all the connections and rebooted later. Everything worked correctly at first even the live HD video was not that clear. However, 7 minutes later, it started to float when I did nothing to it. Shouldn’t it hover there? I tried to stop it but my trials were in vain. It floated towards a tree, stroke to the tree and hanged there finally. My Gopro 4 got broken. The gimbal wasn’t able to hold it firmly and it just dropped off from the tree.

I was requested to send it to Yuneec support. However, I’m hesitating as I didn’t just want to fly it at all, I hope to do aerial photography.

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Yuneec Typhoon G wifi comparing the DJI Phantom 4’s Lightbridge

“I have been losing Yuneec Typhoon G wifi connectivity as of late. I look down and the display as saying it is trying to reconnect. This was a short flight. I was at 55 feet and 267 feet away. One flight I lost connectivity and it never re-connected. I hit home, landed craft, and had to cycle power to Typhoon to re-establish connection to camera. Any ideas??”

“I have had the exact same issue three times now…..but it displays the last connected still video frame instead of plain black….have to land, power down and wait for a new connection to get rid of the still frame video image stuck on the st10. …will test again to see if i was not keeping the st10 pointed directly at the Q500 within a 30¤ window.”

These are some cases from Yuneec forum, Yuneec Typhoon G wifi issues still bother some pilots.

Compared to Yuneec Typhoon G wifi, DJI’lightbridge is a great work. Lightbridge is a DJI proprietary communication link technology used to broadcast 720P live “near real time” video from a drone to the ground, over a mile, often 2+ miles. Lightbridge uses the same 2.4Ghz frequency band that Yuneec Typhoon G WiFi uses, however Lightbridge is much different than the standard WiFi communications other drone manufactures use (think Yuneec, Blade, 3DR). Lightbridge is a one way stream of data with no two way handshaking. It’s literally a broadcast of data, like TV broadcasters use from the top of hills. This is very different than Yuneec Typhoon G WiFi that requires constant two way “hand shake” communications with every packet of data. With WiFi, each data packet has to confirm a packet was received, and all 512 bytes in the packet was received intact. If one byte is lost, the whole 512 byte packet is sent again! This is where latency occurs. Resending data for one byte loss is a waste of time in the wireless video world of drone flying. Although wifi is very fast from a data point of view, the two way handshaking of the TCP/IP protocol WiFi hinders the goal of “real time” video, which everyone needs to fly drones FPV. There is NO TIME for resending packets when real time video is the goal.

When you reach the distance limits with Lightbridge the screen will typically show streaks and you’ll get a warning of connection weakness. Most of the time reconnecting is generally fairly quick, because there’s NO requirement for two-way handshaking to re-establish connection, like Yuneec Typhoon G Wifi. Lightbridge is much faster at re-establishing a connection when it reaches it’s distance limit.

Another weakness of Yuneec Typhoon G WiFi is wooded flight locations. Briefly going behind a tree with leaves can disrupt Yuneec Typhoon G WiFi signals and affect video a lot easier than Lightbridge. Wifi is more sensitive to lockups and disconnects with tree/leaf interferance. Trees contain moisture, a signal blocker, and will trigger Yuneec Typhoon G WiFi will lose a few bytes, triggering re-sending of large packets, impacting the latency and video consistency. Lightbridge reacts a little different with slight data is lost from trees. This looks more like video streaks or static, but you’ll always see an image, with a low latency of 100 to 200ms.

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I would suggest Yuneec Typhoon G for a first time drone buyer

It’s hard to shop drone among drone bands like DJI, Parrot, Yuneec?As far as I am concerned, Yuneec is one of the most outstanding drone manufacturers in the world now. And its Yuneec typhoon is representative quadcopter drones.

Yuneec offers a number of high level drones for those looking to take their aerial photography / videography needs, whether in real estate, agriculture, 3D mapping/modeling, etc. to the next level:

In this post, we’ll be taking a closer look at the Yuneec Typhoon G, their only model that’s fit specifically for a GoPro action camera.

In that regard, the Typhoon G could be compared to the DJI Phantom 2,which is built specifically to house a GoPro. An effort to make the Yuneec Typhoon G compatible with a GoPro camera that appeared to work just fine for many users at first brought hope that the company had matched the DJI Phantom 2 and its three-axis gimbal.

The Yuneec Typhoon G came in a padded box, each accessory bagged and organized. Once I had charged the battery for about 30 minutes, I took it outside, powered on the aircraft first, then the transmitter, and then was airborne less than a few minutes later.

If you’re looking to purchase your first serious aerial platform, either for recreational or business purposes, and you already own or like working with the GoPro cameras, then I’d highly recommend taking a look at the Yuneec Typhoon G. Their customer support is top-notch, and their products, at least the ones I’ve flown / tested, are impressive.

If you don’t have a GoPro or are not particularly married to using a GoPro in the air, then I’d take a look at either the Yuneec Q500 4K or the Yuneec Q500+.

If you haven’t choose Yuneec,especially Yuneec typhoon G, you’re missing out on some high-quality aerial platforms that may very well be the perfect fit for your recreational (or business) needs.

 

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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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Yuneec Typhoon G disappoints on camera utility

As more Yuneec Typhoon G users attempt to flex their video and camera options, glitches with the gimbal operations of the RC quadzopter and communication issues between the controller and camera options have led to disappointing results.

The Yuneec Typhoon G is a Yuneec drone that is often compared to the DJI Phantom 3, even though any DJI vs Yuneec comparison is often skewed.

DJI Phantom drones are generally more expensive but do have much more powerful technology, such as Lightbridge or Lightbridge 2, which has a clearer edge in term of transmission distance. In the Phantom 3, that means 2,000 meters compared to 600 meters for the Typhoon class.

The distance metric captures the attention of first-time users in particular because of concerns about losing control and damaging a drone. That problem surfaces more with Yuneec models such as the Yuneec Typhoon G because of an internal WiFi card that pales in data links to the controller compared to Lightbridge 2. As well, a poor solder job for the antenna on the Yuneec internal WiFi card means users have to send it back to the factory for repairs.

Those problems on the Yuneec Typhoon G and other models manifest themselves even more as drone operators gain control confidence. Many want to focus on camera action either for good aerial shots, or for work-related projects that become possible with higher-end drones. Businesses such as roof repair contractors, for example, have taken to the skies to drum up business by surveying houses, office building and garages for patchy cover.

DEW2 said that one big problem in finding out problems with Yuneec drones and camera operations, which would include the Yuneec Typhoon G, is when the warranty is over.

“It took me calling six times about an issue I was having with the gimbal,” DEW 2 said in a review. “After being ran through several ‘trouble shoots’ they wanted me to send it in for ‘testing’. $80 an hour plus whatever needs to be fixed. Purchased in the winter, past its six-month warranty.”

That’s a big problem for the Yuneec Typhoon G, a drone designed to accommodate mounting a GoPro on the three-axis gimbal. Other problems with the Yuneec Typhoon G in that area include the neec to remove the struts to attach the unit onto the gimbal just below the undercarriage by using the Yuneec SteadyGrip. The fit can be awkward and the drone unsteady, according to several Yuneec Typhoon G reviewers as the SteadyGrip is made of weak plastic and sits uneasily on the bulky Yuneec drone.

A separate, but apparently larger issue for most Yuneec Typhoon G buyers is that the controller that comes with the unit does not communicate directly to the GoPro camera, requiring users to turn the camera on separately.

“I returned the product because the buttons that are on the controller to be used to do snapshots and videos could not be used with the GoPro hero 4 camera,” Skip writes. “ITS really stupid to have to buy a separate camera for the Typhoon G and not be able to use it.”

Even once the camera on the Yuneec Typhoon G is operating however, the short video transmission range and need to be ready to quickly switch to line-of-sight flying if the GPS drops, or the battery gets hot and dies faster than expected, grate on users.

 

 

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Does Yuneec drone confuse you?

Maybe the Yuneec Typhoon series confuse you as the Typhoon quadcopter from Yuneec may sound familiar.Don’t worry, we’ve got an opportunity to review Yuneec Typhoon G.

Yuneec just has made the announcement of their Typhoon G for some time. In the previous Q500, the 4K meant that the drone featured a 4K video camera. But in the G version, the Typhoon will now seamlessly integrate with a GoPro camera!

For other drones, a very common platform is to take the drone and mount a GoPro to it.  Most would agree that when it comes to compact video recording, the GoPro is the leader for the smoothest and clearest video and putting one on a drone is the best way to get aerial video without a full DSLR.  However using a GoPro on a drone comes with the tradeoff that a live video link often takes extra 3rd party video transmitters and even more 3rd party parts if you would like to see live telemetry data of your flight.  Traditionally making a flying GoPro not an “out of the box” option.

Yuneec Typhoon G is able to integrate directly with the GoPro and provide the same integrated flight experience that the Typhoon 4K is able to provide.  This means an easy to control drone paired with a top-quality camera that can be viewed live directly on the 5.5″ ST10+ Android touchscreen flight controller straight out of the box from just over 1/4 mile away.

Just like its predecessor, the new Typhoon G and GB203 gimbal will also include the same SteadyGrip device that now will give you a mobile, handheld gimbal for your GoPro that can be viewed live using your mobile phone and the CGO app.  Gone are the days of shaky footage.  That buttery smooth image that makes a drone so special can now be achieved safely in close range on the ground.

The most benefit of the Typhoon G is that if you are already a GoPro enthusiast and already own a GoPro Hero 3, 3+, 4 Black or 4 Silver, you can bring your own camera to the GB203 gimbal.

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Should you buy Yuneec Typhoon G?

Yuneec Typhoon G is a first class drone with an inbuilt HD camera, belonging to the Yuneec drone Typhoon series of quadcopters. In this article a detailed review about the product, its features, so that you are aware of all of its functions before you buy it.

Let us take a look at some of the functions of the Yuneec Typhoon G Quadcopter drone.

Headless Mode

The headless mode of the Yuneec Typhoon G makes it an excellent drone for flying. The Yuneec drone comes without an optical head and that is why it can fly easily. Turning the headless mode on is quite easy; make sure the drone is pointing away from you. There is a button on the left shoulder of the transmitter which you have to hold for a few seconds. The headless mode is finally turned on after you hear four beeps. Now you have total control of Yuneec Typhoon G and will move only in the direction you want it to with 25 minutes of additional flight time till the battery lasts.

Camera

The USP of the Yuneec Typhoon G is its camera. The “G” actually stands for the GoPro mode. The quadcopter has an integrated 3-axis precision gimbal camera with a resolution of 12 megapixels and a personal ground station. The video quality is excellent with 1080 pixel and 120 fps when any slow motioned video is captured. You can control the brightness, video resolution, and white balance while shooting a video with its built-in touchscreen mode. The ultra high definition video has a resolution of 4k/30fps. The Handheld SteadyGrip helps you to have total control over capturing videos.

Controlling feature

The Yuneec Typhoon G enables you to have full control of the drone. The standalone remote control helps you to keep a track on the altitude and the direction of the quadcopter. It can fly up to 400 feet from the ground. The transmitter doesn’t let you go out of your control and notifies you in the case of a No Fly Zone. The in-built GPS tracker establishes a circle of a diameter of 8 ft before the final take off. The Geo-Fence mode keeps the aircraft within a distance of 300 ft from the pilot. The transmitter helps you to switch between the high and low speed with ease.

No Yuneec drone are perfect, not excepting Yuneec Typhoon G.However, if you are willing to buy something cheaper from a reputed brand, then Yuneec Typhoon G is perfect for you.

 

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An analysis of Yuneec Typhoon G

With technology advancing, photographers nowadays are equipped with the latest devices to make their pictures look authentic. One such technology is the drone camera and while we speak of it, one of the popular names which come to our mind is the Yuneec Typhoon G.

Special Features of Yuneec Typhoon G Quadcopter drone

• The dimension of the product is 20×16.5×8.3 inches and weigh up to 2.5lb.
• The pack includes 1 Lithium Polymer Batteries.
• The plastic body of the drone is complete with gunmetal gray and black.
• While you are recording videos, you will find a telemetry data being displayed alongside. It lets you know what the camera is actually recording.

Pros of Yuneec Typhoon G

• The GPS tracking device works really well.
• Yuneec Typhoon G can fly for 25 minutes nonstop which is quite high in compared to the other drone.
• The estimated time of the battery charging is 1 hour 45 minutes with the help of a stock charger
• The gimbal camera is its USP and makes the Yuneec Typhoon G stand out from the rest.
• You can connect it to your PC for transferring video files and image
• It is water and weather proof.

Cons of Yuneec Typhoon G

• One of the major setbacks is that it is not WiFi or Bluetooth enabled unlike the modern drones. So you have to put hard labor from transferring the data to the computer for storing or sharing.
• The battery life is not very large as per your expectation.
• The photo and the movie button on the camera often fail to sync with the GoPro. So, you need to press the record button on the camera for video recording before taking off. You often have to dismount the gimbal as it blocks the slot of the memory card

Although there are certain drawbacks which Yuneec Typhoon G should rectify soon,its simple designs and features at cheap price are perfect for  beginners.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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