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Naza-M V2 Review

naza-m v2
Product Review

The NAZA M has always been a very attractive controller for hobbyists all over the world. With its easy to use and setup computer interface and simple all in one design, it's still a successful controller for multirotor enthusiasts.

DJI noticed the attractive power of the NAZA and revamped the controller into the V2 version, which includes a few more items: a separate PMU and a remote LED. In addition to the new hardware, DJI have also improved the software, making it even easier to setup. They have also included a few updated and new programming features, together with an advanced and improved stabilization algorithm.

When it comes to flight control systems for multi-rotor helicopters, there are many separate choices with various performance abilities, complexities and cost levels. NAZA combines them all - good control, at a reasonable price, and without a lot of set-up and configuration headaches.

Wookong was the first flight stabilization system for multi-rotor helicopters. There were many for single-rotor helicopters, but not for multi-rotors. Wookong was the first multi-rotor flight control (FC) system to come fully enclosed which gave it a more finished appearance and a certain amount of protection from damage. After presenting the Wookong, DJI introduced the NAZA-M V1. The NAZA-M has the ability to hold a position over the ground very accurately using the GPS add-on.

The main controller hardware structure has been optimized and the expandability and performance of the flight control system has been enhanced further with new attitude stabilization algorithms, these provide better flight performance / manoeuvrability and a new level of flight control performance which provides a better flight experience; (flight control is smoother, take-off is easier). The Naza M V2 has support for OctoCopter and has the added safety feature on HexaCopter and OctoCopter should a motor stop working it can still be landed safely.

The Naza M V2 has automatic course deviation compensation, this reduces the effects of magnetic disturbance and interference around the compass, there is a warning on detection of magnetic disturbance. The IMU advanced calibration; error identification and warning reduce the impact of sensor errors in flight so increasing the overall performance.

The GPS unit added to the Naza M V2 will see great position holding and RTL features for additional safety. The V2 Naza with the GPS unit will have IOC to help new and experienced pilots gain the most from their systems with easy orientation assistance while flying at greater distances.

The NAZA package's contents are well protected and in removing everything from the box it all appears well made and ready to go. To get started you need an RC system (Transmitter and Receiver), a Windows based computer with the latest NAZA Assistant software installed, a copy of the NAZA-M V2 Quick Start Guide, a two to six cell Lipo and a battery connector that can be temporarily attached to the NAZA's PMU battery wires.

Prior to your first flight you'd better disable the NAZA's advanced functions. Especially if this is your first attempt at building and flying a multi-rotor helicopter, or your first experience with a flight control system.

Initial flights should be kept short in duration, not too high above the ground, and relatively close to where they started from. For new pilots it can be very hard to maintain situational awareness because most multi-rotor helicopters look basically the same front to back and side to side. Once they are too high or too far it can be impossible to tell which way is up, back, left, right making it very likely you will lose control and crash. Start out slow, learn to see the helicopter in the sky and to always know where it's going and in which direction it's pointing.

The NAZA has three flight control modes. Manual means that the helicopter will do what you tell it to do and won't try to level itself once you release any stick inputs. If you lean it to the left for example, it will keep this position and fly on until you do something to bring it back. This is great for sport flying and a great skill to have as a pilot.

With the ATTI mode, the helicopter will try to level itself anytime you release the sticks to neutral. So you might roll into a 45 degree bank to the right but when you release the sticks the heli will return to level, generally causing it to slow to a slight drift.

With the GPS option installed you'll also have GPS mode which is another way to say position-hold where the helicopter will use GPS signals to stay over a position on the ground until it is moved via stick inputs or the mode is deselected. This can be an aid when learning if it's set up properly.

In general the NAZA-M V2 is easy to install and setup and its features are very capable in keeping the helicopter both stable and safe. You may not use all of the advanced functions because they may be difficult for first time users, but the fact that there is a very capable GPS option as well as IOC and an advanced FailSafe means it's a real bargain for its price.

Take your creative enthusiasm to the skies!

Order your new Naza-M V2 and get ready for an experience of a life time

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