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gunny_jeeves · 05-11-2017, 12:43 PM

So I am digging around in this side of the hobby finally.

If any of you know me, I tend to tippie-toe in if something is cheap enough to possibly suck, but learn from before I go deeper without feeling "ripped off". My early plan is to not ever feel ripped off, Learn something useful (mainly if I like it or not) and finally decide to go all ahead full or to retreat back and look for another opportunity to learn.

Well, I found just such a killer FPV Racer. The Ares Crossfire.

Welcome to "Glitch Town" population 1.

Crossfire History - Really was a top notch ready to fly or PNF option that was to be competitive and well tuned out the gate. It is, and based on its age, having OneShot capable ESC's, a modern FBL, but flashed with an old version of Cleanflight... There's the rub.

So why is it noteworthy? At its sticker price, $399, even at the time of release, it would have disappointed. That's a lot of dough for what is not quite sturdy enough to run with the big dogs. It seems they got all the parts right (like a heli with Xnova motor, HobbywingESC, BK servos...) the frame can't quite take as much punishment as expected of a true racer. Again, why noteworthy? It's $79 today.

Score one for the glitch. Pre-Programmed, set up on Cleanflight 1.10 and actually expertly tuned for a novice. Its got it all.

So your options:
1. My Path - Download and install cleanflight UI 1.24 (see instructions here) and keep it as a race trainer til the inevitable breakage... Then keep the parts and plop on a new frame for a beast!
http://intofpv.com/t-keeping-older-v...of-cleanflight

2. Just rip out the guts and consider it a $79 package price for a killer 3-4s 250 electronics. (Includes camera, aerial, motors, esc's, FC ready for Betaflight...)

Look on ebay. They are letting these go cheap. I think from Amain too.

Nick_P · 05-11-2017, 02:04 PM

I think the 79 buck price is appropriate. Its using years old tech and not close to todays flight controllers/motors/ escs. I think it will be fine for a learning machine but when you are finished learning the basic I think you will find yourself wanting more. Lighter frames, more power, greater tun-ability, etc.

05-11-2017, 12:43 PM	#1 (permalink)
gunny_jeeves Registered Users Join Date: Mar 2013	Couple of sick deals IMHO... So I am digging around in this side of the hobby finally. If any of you know me, I tend to tippie-toe in if something is cheap enough to possibly suck, but learn from before I go deeper without feeling "ripped off". My early plan is to not ever feel ripped off, Learn something useful (mainly if I like it or not) and finally decide to go all ahead full or to retreat back and look for another opportunity to learn. Well, I found just such a killer FPV Racer. The Ares Crossfire. Welcome to "Glitch Town" population 1. Crossfire History - Really was a top notch ready to fly or PNF option that was to be competitive and well tuned out the gate. It is, and based on its age, having OneShot capable ESC's, a modern FBL, but flashed with an old version of Cleanflight... There's the rub. So why is it noteworthy? At its sticker price, $399, even at the time of release, it would have disappointed. That's a lot of dough for what is not quite sturdy enough to run with the big dogs. It seems they got all the parts right (like a heli with Xnova motor, HobbywingESC, BK servos...) the frame can't quite take as much punishment as expected of a true racer. Again, why noteworthy? It's $79 today. Score one for the glitch. Pre-Programmed, set up on Cleanflight 1.10 and actually expertly tuned for a novice. Its got it all. So your options: 1. My Path - Download and install cleanflight UI 1.24 (see instructions here) and keep it as a race trainer til the inevitable breakage... Then keep the parts and plop on a new frame for a beast! http://intofpv.com/t-keeping-older-v...of-cleanflight 2. Just rip out the guts and consider it a $79 package price for a killer 3-4s 250 electronics. (Includes camera, aerial, motors, esc's, FC ready for Betaflight...) Look on ebay. They are letting these go cheap. I think from Amain too.

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05-11-2017, 02:04 PM	#2 (permalink)
Nick_P Registered Users Join Date: Sep 2007	I think the 79 buck price is appropriate. Its using years old tech and not close to todays flight controllers/motors/ escs. I think it will be fine for a learning machine but when you are finished learning the basic I think you will find yourself wanting more. Lighter frames, more power, greater tun-ability, etc.

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