DalRC XR215 Plus Racing Drone Mini Quad Frame

DalRc are best known for their class-leading racing drone props, but they also make some very nice frames, the XR215 being one of them. As frames go, the XR215 ticks a lot of boxes. It's well made, durable, looks the part, and best still feature packed.

Firstly we'll start with its construction. It's uses high quality 3K carbon fibre that gives it great stiffness and lightness. In comparison to lots of other frames, the XR215 uses slightly thicker 3.5mm carbon fibre arms which gives greater rigidity and crash resistance. Even if you do somehow break an arm, they are easily replaced; it's just a matter of removing three screws. The carbon parts are spaced using lightweight aluminium spacers. Aluminum components are also used to secure the arms and cleverly double up to provide a mounting point for a standard 36mm flight control boards such as the Naze32. For those planning to use the frame for FPV, there is a tilt adjustable camera mount and antenna cut out in the top plate for its neat installation. Lastly, the frame comes complete with tough plastic motor guards, which form the landing gear - these are optional and can be removed to save weight.

The XR215 is more than just a frame though; it also features a well-designed power distribution board (PDB) with integrated OSD (on-screen display). The PDB has to easy to solder pads for your ESCs and battery connections and neat plug type connections for flight controller and FPV inputs. As the wiring of it goes, this PDB really makes it so easy! It helps to keep everything neat and tidy too, which also saves weight by streamlining the wiring. The PDB has 12 and 5 volt BECs built-in ready to power your FC and FPV gear. There are auxiliary output connections should you need to power anything else from these regulated power supplies. The bonus feature of the PDB is its integrated OSD. With it you will be able to overlay telemetry data such as battery voltage and current consumption onto your FPV feed. Lastly, the XR215 also feature a rear LED light and buzzer, which can be programmed to display status updates, such as a low battery alert.

The Plus model is the upgraded version of the original XR215. Several parts have been optimised to make the frame even better. The top body plate has been made narrower to reduce the total frame weight – down to 115g from 135g. The PDB has been reduced in size also; this gives more room for mounting ESCs. The arms are now separate parts and so can be replaced individually for faster repairs. Current detection has been added to the PDB, meaning that the OSD can display mAh consumption. Voltage and current draw are now shown on the OSD without requiring a FC connection. Finally, the camera mount has been improved allowing a greater range of adjustment; a tilt angle of up to 50 degrees is possible.

Over all we can’t fault this frame. It's the perfect frame for a beginner or a serious racer alike. While it is more expensive than some frames on the market, the XR215 is not just a frame. If you were to buy a good frame, PDB and OSD separately you would probably end up spending even more. It even comes with the XT60 power wire and two nicely branded battery straps!

Features:

• 215mm frame
• High strength 3K carbon fibre construction with aluminium spacers
• Adjustable FPV camera mount (up to 50 degrees)
• Built in PDB, OSD and beeper
• OSD supports voltage, current consumption mAh, flight time, artificial horizon, flight mode (FC connection required)
• Built in dual way 12V/5V BEC low ripple power supply
• Programmable LED taillight
• XT60 battery wire included
• Nylon motor guards (landing gear)
• Antenna hole and power outlet with protective rings

Recommended:

• Flight Controller: Naze32 Rev 6
• Motors: 2204/2205/2306
• ESC: 20-30A
• Propeller: 5045BN/T5045
• Battery: 3S 1000 ~ 4S 2200mAh

Integrated PDB / OSD (supports voltage, current consumption mAh, flight time, artificial horizon, flight mode)

Includes low voltage beeper / lost model alarm and programmable LED taillight

Naze32 R6 FC installation made easy and neat with the PDB plug connectors

Complete kit, nicely packaged with assembly diagram included.

Specification:

• Model: XR215 Plus (V2)
• Material: Carbon Fibre
• Diagonal Wheelbase: 215mm
• Carbon Weight: 115g
• Support motors: 2204/2206/2208                  
• Support props: 4/5 inch
• Size: 166x130mm