FPV (first person view) drones are an exciting way to get into aerial photography and videography. Unlike the more common camera drones like DJI that have lots of automated flight modes, FPV drones put you fully in control with an immersive first-person flight experience.
However, FPV drones have traditionally required a lot of specialized gear and know-how to get off the ground. Thankfully, ready-to-fly FPV drone kits are making the hobby much more accessible for beginners.
In this in-depth review, we’ll be taking a close look at one such kit – the GEPRC TinyGo. This kit claims to provide everything a newcomer needs to start flying FPV in one convenient package. We’ll assess if it delivers on that promise as we run through all the included components and take it out for some test flights.
Does the TinyGo earn its wings as a beginner-friendly FPV platform? Read on to find out!
Table Of Contents
Overview of the TinyGo’s Features and Components
The TinyGo kit includes:
- TinyGo FPV quadcopter
- GR8 radio controller
- 5.8G FPV goggles
- Battery charger
- 4 batteries
- Spare props and other accessories
It comes fully pre-configured and ready to fly straight out of the box. For about $280, the version we tested comes with Caddx Loris camera that can record stabilized 4K/60fps video. There is also a slightly cheaper $220 analog version without the hi-def camera.
So how does all this compare against other ready-to-fly FPV packages? Let’s break it down piece by piece:
The Quadcopter: More Power and Stability Than a Tiny Whoop
The TinyGo stands out from other kits because it is not a traditional tiny whoop style micro-drone. At 102mm motor-to-motor, it’s considerably larger than the tiny 65mm whoops that are common starter platforms. This increased size makes it more stable and better able handle wind, at the cost of some agility.
It is equipped with 1102/10000kv brushless motors. Compared to a powerful acro/racing whoop like the Mobula6 (2206/26000 motors), the TinyGo lacks thrust and is not a speed demon. However, this makes it smoother and less twitchy, which could suit inexperienced pilots better.
While not as zippy indoors, its larger profile and 2S power system actually make it viable for flying outdoors. So despite its diminutive dimensions, it offers some flexibility beyond just indoor flights. This could allow a newcomer to start experiencing outdoor flying and some light wind earlier in their progression.
The Kit Goggles – Surprisingly Decent with Upgradable Diversity
The included box-style goggles are equipped with an 800×600 display that fills most of your field of vision when you put them on. The face padding is reasonably comfortable, though some light leak is noticeable around the edges.
As an upgrade over the goggles that come with most kits though, the TinyGo’s feature a diversity receiver system. This employs two separate antennas/receivers in the goggles, allowing them to automatically use whichever antenna has a better signal. This improves reception and reduces static/breakups.
The GR8 Radio Controller
The GR8 controller that comes bundled with the TinyGo is usable, but hardly impressive. The gimbals offering basic control, but lack the precision of higher-end radios. And the ergonomics are not fantastic in terms of accessing the switches while pinching the sticks.
However, it does include a handy three-position switch to easily change between different flight modes. This is valuable for beginners still learning how to fly in Acro or Angle mode. An integrated haptic feedback system also alerts you if connectivity issues arise.
The most unusual characteristic of the GR8 though is its proprietary communication protocol. Rather than using a common system like FrSky D8/D16 or FlySky, it only works with the custom receiver included with GEPRC quads. This limits future flexibility if you wanted to fly other drones with this transmitter down the line.
Flight Footage and Performance
Alright, enough talk! Let’s see this quad in action. Here is some flight footage showcasing the TinyGo’s smooth cruising abilities, as well as its limitations when pushed into faster acro maneuvers:
As you can see, the TinyGo handles cleanly with a very manageable level of power. Flying it feels extremely unintimidating and relaxed – perfect for getting airtime as a beginner without worrying about lightning-fast maneuvers. Be aware though that its mild motor/power combo don’t provide tons of punch-out acceleration for serious acro antics.
The HD footage direct from the Caddx Loris camera reveals very minimal distortions though. It looks to be an excellent camera for capturing hi-def FPV footage with barely any jello or stabilization artifacts. Just expect that the live view in the goggles will never look quite as crisp!
Pros and Cons of the TinyGo
Pros:
- Truly ready to fly with everything included
- Nice large display goggles with diversity
- Smooth, confidence-inspiring flight characteristics
- 4K-capable camera option
- Outdoor flight ready
Cons:
- Mediocre radio transmitter
- Not very powerful or nimble
- Proprietary receiver protocol limits future flexibility
- Short 3-4 minute flight times
Who Should Buy the TinyGo FPV Kit?
The TinyGo makes the most sense for:
1) True beginners looking for an all-inclusive way to start experiencing FPV flights.
2) Pilots focused on smooth cruising and scenic flying rather than aggressive acrobatics.
Its limited agility won’t satisfy experienced pilots looking to rip freely. But its simplicity and gentle behavior are perfect for an absolute newcomer who wants to shortcut the complexity of picking components and just get airborne with no build required.
While not the only ready-to-fly kit on the market, the TinyGo is decidedly one of the better options out there currently when it comes to components and capability. Just be aware of its proprietary radio link and lack of upgrade headroom constraining things down the road.
Conclusion
The excitement and immersion of seeing a first-person view from an FPV drone is an amazing experience. Unfortunately, the complexity of getting into the hobby has traditionally created a steep barrier to entry. The TinyGo FPV kit by GEPRC aims to eliminate that pain point with an all-inclusive package containing everything a newcomer needs.
After closely evaluating and flight testing all the pieces, we can comfortably recommend the TinyGo as great starter kit. For around $280, nothing else out there packs in as much value, especially useful touches like the HD recording camera and diversity goggles.
Yes, you are making some compromises versus picking individual components. But for pure simplicity and an easy on-ramp for new pilots, the TinyGo delivers a smooth flying experience that lives up to its promise as a frustration-free gateway into FPV.
