The EMAX TinyHawk Freestyle is an interesting entry into the micro quad scene. While not quite in the “toothpick” category, it does bridge the gap somewhat between a Tiny Whoop and a full size quad, without breaking the bank. Is this your next micro quad?[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_single_image image=”5372″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”link_image”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
EMAX TinyHawk Freestyle Specs
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Frame:
- Size: 115mm Motor-To-Motor L 90mm x W 104mm x H 19mm
- Dry Weight: 46g
- All Up Weight: 79g with 2x 450mAh 1S batteries
- Frame Material: 100% Carbon fiber with white printing
Propellers:
- Diameter: 2.5″
- Blades: 3
- Pitch: 1.9″
- Weight: 1.3 g
- Moment of Inertia: 1.24 g*cm^2
Batteries:
- Voltage: 1S 4.35v HV
- Capacity: 450mAh
- Discharge rating: 80C/160C
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AIO Flight Controller:
- Flight Controller: F4 (MATEKF411RX Firmware)
- ESC: 4-in-1 5A BlHeli_S
- Receiver: EMAX SPI Receiver (Compatible with FrSky D8 mode)
- Battery Connector: JST-PH2 Duo
Camera and VTX:
- VTX Power: 25mW
- Channels: FCC
- Camera Properties: 600TVL CMOS
- Smart Audio: Yes
Motors:
- Stator: 11mm x 3mm (1103)
- Kv: 7000kv
- Weight: 4.1g
- Shaft Diameter: 1.5mm
- Propeller Mount: T-mount
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What’s Included?
The EMAX TinyHawk Freestyle comes with everything you need to get started, minus the goggles and transmitter. It all comes in a hard sided, molded zipper case with the quad and the accessories all inside.
Accessories Include:[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]
- 2 450mAH HV 1S Batteries with PH2.0 connectors
- USB 6 Port Charging Puck for 1S PH2.0 batteries
- 2 Sets of EMAX Avan Rush 2.5×1.9.3 Props (Grey)
- XT30 Connector
- 1S Battery Jumper (for flight on 1S)
- 6mm M2 Propeller Screws
- 3mm M2 Motor Screws
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- 4mm M2 Frame Screws
- Rubber Grommets
- M2 Nylon Board Standoff
- M2 Nylon Nut
- 15mm Frame Standoff
- O-Ring
- Heat Shrink
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]As you can see not only are there the parts to get you up in the air flying as quickly as possible, but EMAX has also taken into consideration some repairs, as well as providing you the ability to mod your power pigtail to a permanent 2S configuration.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_single_image image=”5373″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”link_image”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
First Impressions
Frame Design
The EMAX TinyHawk Freestyle does make a really great first impression. Beyond having and flying a Tiny Whoop for a few year now, this is my first brushless micro quadcopter. It’s got great style, looks and feels durable despite the thin 2mm carbon fiber top and bottom plates. The top plate has partial depth milling, giving the top surface some variation that adds to it’s appeal. The carbon fiber itself has white screen printing on it, making it stand out.
The arms each have two thin spans, which both reduce the weight and give the area around the motor strength. There are only four nylon standoffs between the top and bottom plates. The bare frame, only coming in at XX grams, keeps the impact forces of a crash low.
Motors
It comes with 1103 7000kV brushless motors. The micro brushless has been around for a while now, but until you see them in person, you don’t realize how small these motors really are. They are push on prop motors, and don’t require screws. With the EMAX Avan Rush props, the motor shafts definitely do grip tight enough, but you can add screws if you want to be cautious. The mounting pattern of the motors are unique to this frame with a three hole triangular pattern. This makes it impossible at this point if you want to change out the motors for a different kV.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_single_image image=”5442″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”link_image”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Electronics
The main board one the EMAX TinyHawk Freestyle is an all-in-one, consisting of the flight controller, a 4-in-1 ESC, and the D8 FrSky radio receiver. Above that is the 25mW VTX, connected through four pins, two in each corner. A linear dipole antenna is attached to the VTX, held vertical by a thin zip tie. The radio receiver antenna is left to dangle from the flight controller, but is easily tucked between the arm struts to keep it out of the propellers.
There is also a 16v 100uF capacitor attached to the battery wires to help filter out any spikes. Be careful, as it hangs out the side along on front left arm.
FPV Camera
The FPV Camera is a board style, camera, and is sandwiched between the top and bottom plates. The top of the camera has a tab that locks into one of two slots to change the angle of the camera. Underneath the camera board, an o-ring sits under the camera along with another tab that slots into the bottom plate. To change the camera angle, the top plate must be removed. The camera tab must then be slotted into the other slot, and the top plate attached again.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”5371″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”link_image”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”5375″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”link_image”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
1S or 2S Power?
The EMAX TinyHawk Freestyle creates the ability for lower key flight with 1S, or higher powered flight with 2S. Is it an indoor flyer? It can be, however it does not come with prop guards, so do so at your own risk. The EMAX Avan props are pretty durable props, and while the motors aren’t powerful enough to cause a lot of damage, scuffing up the walls and furniture is possible.
On 1S, the EMAX TinyHawk Freestyle is tame, but it’s got some punch and can eat up the distance pretty quickly. In order to fly 1S, insert the jumper plug into one of the two PH2.0 connectors (It doesn’t matter which one). Then simply plug the battery into the other and off you go. The jumper plug completes the circuit; without it, you won’t get power. There is no battery pad on the top plate, so make sure you strap the battery tightly. I find it works best to put the battery on it’s edge.
With 2S, things get much more fun! It’s got speed and agility, similar to a much larger quad. I find myself performing many of the same maneuvers as my larger multirotors. However, there is an interesting side that takes some adjustment. Due to it’s low mass, the EMAX TinyHawk Freestyle lacks the ability to maintain inertia in the same way a 5″ multirotor does. This makes “flinging” the multirotor over objects less successful, instead I find myself having to power over those objects.
If you would like to use 2S exclusively, I highly recommend removing the PH2.0 connector and installing the XT30 that comes with it. This way, you don’t have to mess around with two different batteries.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”5438″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”link_image”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”5439″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”link_image”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
The FPV System
One area where the EMAX TinyHawk Freestyle suffers is the 25mw VTX. The range is extremely short, even with patch antennas on my googles. [Insert Range Test Results here]. With this being a freestyle oriented micro, I would like to see a 200mw vtx on this little guy. I know several people have done just that, mounting a TBS Unify Pro Nano as a replacement for the stock VTX. Keep in mind there are some soldering skills needed here.
Several other have had issues with the quality of the stock camera, and while not stellar, it isn’t horrible either. It does have some issues with adapting from shadows to bright areas, often with a lag. For what it is though, it gets the job done. There are several options for upgrading the FPV camera if you so choose. You can look at the Caddx Turbo EOS or the Runcam Racer Nano, There are several paths to mounting an upgraded camera, from getting taller standoffs, to 3D printing mounts. Explore your options if you go this route.
You can check out both the flight characteristics and the FPV system down below. Note: I was using a patch antenna and an omni for the flight. When the patch was picking up the quad, reception was much better due to it’s higher dB rating.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_video link=”https://youtu.be/uIjJG2zrKUc” align=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
The Firmware Side
The EMAX TinyHawk Freestyle does come with Betaflight 4.0.4 pre-flashed. EMAX has also thrown a tune onto the multirotor to get you started. Honestly, it’s not a bad tune! It also has Betaflight OSD and Smart Audio capability, so you can easily adjust your tune while out flying. The AIO board also has a Micro USB plug on it for messing with settings on the bench. I do recommend adjusting the tune to how you like to fly, you’ll get the most enjoyment out of it. If you want to keep a backup of the factory tune, don’t forget to perform a CLI dump. EMAX also has a backup on their website here.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Flight Experience
Flying the EMAX TinyHawk Freestyle seem natural when coming from 5″ freestyle quads. There’s a great power to weight ratio here, and while you’re not going to be challenging a Ferrari anytime soon with it, it’s got some speed. It also grips the air really well with the included EMAX Avan Rush propellers. However it did take me a few flights to take the lack of mass into account when trying to fling it over trees. I often found myself in the tree rather than over it! With some practice, I have been able to more accurately judge the throttle. While I haven’t run through the gamut of every trick in my book, I don’t doubt that eventually I will be able to do everything my 5″ quad is capable of doing.
The motors are more than adequate for this little guy, but just like their bigger counterparts, they can get sand particles stuck in them. The motors are not quite powerful enough to shake this as easily as some of the bigger mini quad motors, so take care to clean them out.
Out of the case, the power pigtail is a little long and is not secured. This could lead to chopping up your power lead in your props in a crash. I highly recommend putting a zip tie around of of the back standoffs to help mitigate this. Also, the camera lens comes focused from the factory, but in a crash I broke the epoxy that was holding it in place. You may want to add a little hot glue to reinforce the bond.
Side Notes
The travel case that it comes in is neat, however it doesn’t fit the quad with the propellers attached. Remove the foam, and the EMAX TinyHawk Freestyle fits nicely. I put the accessories and batteries in the netted area, and it makes for a great traveling package for ripping during lunch breaks.
I highly recommend putting a patch on your goggles, and keeping the quad out in front of you as much as possible. The stock VTX is under powered, but the patch can help make up for that somewhat.
I would really like to see a prop guard for this little guy, as on 1S it is fun to fly indoors. The exposed props due justify caution when it comes to your walls or the safety of your furry friends. There are a few files up on Thingiverse for 3D printed parts for the EMAX TinyHawk Freestyle, you can check those out here. Maybe we’ll see a prop guard soon![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_single_image image=”5440″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”link_image”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Pros & Cons
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Pros
- Out of the box functionality
- Exceptional flight characteristics
- 1S or 2S flight
- Great power to weight ratio
- Flight times are impressive
- Durable carbon fiber frame
- Potential to mod
- Travel sized
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Cons
- FPV VTX is under powered
- FPV camera isn’t great
- No prop guards make flying indoors questionable
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Final Thoughts on the EMAX TinyHawk Freestyle
Overall, I enjoy flying the TinyHawk Freestyle. It’s a great multirotor for taking with you when traveling, for flying while on lunch break, or just to zip around a small park. Does it have it’s weak points? Yes, it does, but they aren’t deal breakers. And at the $104.99 price point, it’s hard to go wrong here. It flies just like my larger freestyle quads. After adjusting to it’s low mass, I am able to pull off many of the same maneuvers. It is especially nice for the novice flyer, granting a cheap and manageable aircraft to get some practice on. I wish these were around when I started flying instead of my Hubsan H107![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][ultimate_spacer height=”20″][vc_separator][ultimate_spacer height=”20″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”5450″ img_size=”medium” alignment=”center”]
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