Syma X5C-1 Modifications

[Doc Kazoo]

I have several quads a little more sophisticated than the X5 but it is absolutely one of my favorites and the one I go to if there's significant wind above. I use it as a camera platform for my Mobius #16 Key Chain Cameras, standard and wide angle. I was ordering some batteries the other day and came across some Apex Battery Straps. I had been using the double sided velcro to strap the camera's to the X5 and had only had the camera pop off once crashing in to an orange tree a long time ago. I thought these Apex straps would work better and they do. I did have to use two straps together and cut an inch or so off one to so it fit on securely and was easy to remove. Which it does both much better than my old velcro strap.

Another thing is not so much a modification but it sure improves the flight range immensely and the action of the controls and the response from the quad are way much better. You can use the X8 series Syma Quad controller in place of the X5 controller. The mechanics are the same on both. The only thing is that when you bind the quad to the controller you have to hold the left stick down to not get power to the motors. The X8 controller levers both return to center if released in any other position power is applied to the motors and up she goes ready or not. Likewise when you land keep the left controller down or up she goes again. LOL Other than that I can find no problems at all. Also with a fully charged battery if you the left stick stay in center it will keep climbing and potentially out of range.

 

[Jeff Neese]

Lots of people fly the Syma X5C-1 with an X8C transmitter, including me, and I don't have that throttle problem. Are you checking your trims, and calibrating the quad after you bind? I have two X5C-1s, an X8C, and a Syma X11 and I fly all three with the X8C transmitter. It works perfectly with all three - no glitches whatsoever.

 

[Rick M]

This is a difference between the X8C/G/W transmitter and the one for the X8H* versions with altitude hold. The H version has the spring-loaded return to center on the left stick.

 

[Doc Kazoo]

Yes I did calibrate but as Rick mentioned which I forgot to mention is that left stick is spring loaded to return to center. I have just come up with a way to hold the joystick down comfortably with my left middle finger after binding and after landing until I power the controller off. Love it with the X5. I still gotta replace another two motors on the X8. Battery died at a pretty high altitude and the X8 doesn't crash land as gently as the X5 does. Big weight difference between the two. For takeoffs it's great! Just let left stick to return to center and it takes off smoothly at a very comfortable climb rate and is easy to level off when the desired altitude is reached.

 

[Jeff Neese]

My Syma X8C transmitters do NOT have a return-to-center throttle. The left stick returns to center in the left-right direction (yaw/rudder) but up and down throttle stays where I leave it. Both of my transmitters are white with red trim, where I noticed yours is white with orange. One of mine came with my original X8C, and the other I ordered from Amazon or eBay, and it's identical.

It seems you have a transmitter for one of the altitude-hold models. That would explain the return-to-center throttle. You may want to get a regular X8C transmitter - they're only $14.

 

[Doc Kazoo]

Thanks for the info on the controllers. I just ordered me one. I would prefer to have one without auto return the to center. Plus the price is right. I had thought it's cost would be more. Appreciate the tip.

 

[flier61]

Are the X8C transmitter suitable for mode 1 throttle right.

 

[Rick M]

No, unfortunately the X8C Tx doesn't support actual mode 1. What that transmitter calls Mode 1 isn't. Both the stick options have the throttle on the left stick.

 

[flier61]

Thanks, will look for another option. Enjoy flying the X5C just want something similar on mode 1.