DJI S800 RC Timer clone 'F800-R' buyers experience.

[chrischapman]

Greetings people of the internet! I thought I would share my experience so as to help others; I bought from RC Timer an F800-R, the DJI S800evo clone.

The model came with retractable landing gear (nice) but one servo was locked solid on unboxing. After replacing it, the control board calibration button literally fell off rendering the product pretty useless. RCT offered to send a replacement servo and 'button'... not sure the button alone will be much help but still.

Following this, after just a handful of flights (using the Naza M V2 GPS) one motor stopped mid-air. Landing safely, luckily, it became clear that the connection from boom arm to main body was not good and when pressure is applied, arcing can be heard indicating a poor electrical connection.

This, so far, is for your information if you are considering this as a purchase. RCT have been good at replying to E-mails but only seem to offer E-mail based help. I have requested a full refund on return of the product since I have no confidence in the reliability or safety of the aircraft. RCT have not directly answered me as to whether they accept this or not... watch this space.

Yes, the F800-R is significantly cheaper than the DJI counterpart. If you're looking for some over the fields fun and are handy and fixing things then it may well be a good shout. I would NOT advise this product based on my experience for anyone looking to fly anywhere near persons or property.

All that glitters is not gold.

 

[chrischapman]

Just to update any readers; RCT have been replying to mails but do not seem willing to refund on return. They do, however, assure me replacement parts will be sent out ASAP.

 

[deluge2]

Thanks for the perspectives and sorry to hear the bad result. While the s800 and DJI have their issues, your experiences are very similar to other reports for RCT clone gear, including the specific failure mode you encountered. While I have no direct RCT experience, your characterization of the kind of user for whom RCT is a good fit sounds right. There are certainly regular posters here who have RCT frames in continuing use.

It's too bad refund may not be an option, it would certainly seem justified in this case. I might have thought you'd fare better than a US-based purchaser because I have the impression that consumer protections are better in the EU (2 yr minimum warranty??), but perhaps that's not applicable in this case. Anyway best of luck with repair/re-work. Let us know what happens as this plays out. Also curious whether you'll consider an alternate platform in the future.

Cheers,
Steve

Greetings people of the internet! I thought I would share my experience so as to help others; I bought from RC Timer an F800-R, the DJI S800evo clone.

The model came with retractable landing gear (nice) but one servo was locked solid on unboxing. After replacing it, the control board calibration button literally fell off rendering the product pretty useless. RCT offered to send a replacement servo and 'button'... not sure the button alone will be much help but still.

Following this, after just a handful of flights (using the Naza M V2 GPS) one motor stopped mid-air. Landing safely, luckily, it became clear that the connection from boom arm to main body was not good and when pressure is applied, arcing can be heard indicating a poor electrical connection.

This, so far, is for your information if you are considering this as a purchase. RCT have been good at replying to E-mails but only seem to offer E-mail based help. I have requested a full refund on return of the product since I have no confidence in the reliability or safety of the aircraft. RCT have not directly answered me as to whether they accept this or not... watch this space.

Yes, the F800-R is significantly cheaper than the DJI counterpart. If you're looking for some over the fields fun and are handy and fixing things then it may well be a good shout. I would NOT advise this product based on my experience for anyone looking to fly anywhere near persons or property.

All that glitters is not gold.

 

[soler]

Unfortunately I have had a simliar experience with RCT, Button on the landing gear fell off and one arm would stop mid flight. They have sent me a replacement button and new connection block.

As far as the landing gear is concerned the new button easily fixed the issue, for the bad arm when I dis assembly the connection block this was down to bad soldering. I have since re-soldered each connection but currently I am very careful on each flight until I can be sure the problem has gone away for good.

Keep me updated on your progress.

 

[chrischapman]

Steve,

UK and EU consumer protection is good, but i'm unsure if it extends to products bought outside the UK and imported privately which is effectively what I have done. The parts will go on when they arrive and it will end up on Ebay no doubt.

In the mean time, I have ordered the T960 frame from Foxtech with a motor/ESC combo. Steering clear of 'quick release' in favour of good old fashion hard wiring; i'll report on that when it arrives.

 

[chrischapman]

Soler,

I've already bought the replacement but out of interest, have you had any further problems after the re-solder?

We all know buying cheap will land you with some repairs and mods... doesn't stop us though does it!

 

[soler]

So Far the resolder seams to have worked, However only a few flights so far and I have just changed the controller over so I plan on a good few flights first before making any firm conclusions.

Soler,

I've already bought the replacement but out of interest, have you had any further problems after the re-solder?

We all know buying cheap will land you with some repairs and mods... doesn't stop us though does it!

 

[chrischapman]

RCT have delivered the replacement parts as promised and they arrived very quickly too so they get kudos on that front.

It all seems to be good now but having already bought a new frame the RCT F800 will be up for sale. If you're interested or know anyone that would be i've got a Nava V2 GPS in it and the whole thing fits in a flight case. Not the one it comes in, a custom job that allows storage of the whole landing set with gimbal and the boom arms on top Pass it on!