Author Topic: TBS discovery !!?? (Read 1892 times)

Ant · « **on:** October 16, 2012, 01:44:27 PM »

Whats all this about ?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/REPTILE-MWC-X-Mode-2mm-Carbon-Fiber-Alien-Multicopter-450mm-Wheelbase-Quadcopter-/280977903410?pt=UK_ToysGames_RadioControlled_JN&hash=item416b968f32

They say that all great things are copied but im a bit suprised at the lack of time it took. There are all sorts of variants on ebay.

Cupid Stunt · « **Reply #1 on:** October 16, 2012, 02:08:10 PM »

Actually it's all a bit suspect as one of the pics on the TBS site is clearly identical (and probably from the same source as) one on Goodluckbuy where this frame has been available for a fairly long time
TBS did not invent the spider style frames nor did they invent the flying wing nor did they invent the TBS69 camera (Pixim Seawolf) nor did they invent the use of a power distribution board as part of the framework

Don't get me wrong, they are a great and inspirational fpv flying team but from what I've seen of thier products they just buy stuf available elsewhere and add a chunk of cash on top, maybe with a tweak here and there (maybe)

Dusty · « **Reply #2 on:** October 16, 2012, 02:23:57 PM »

i hear you there Cupid,

the "recommended" motor/esc setup for the TBS Discovery (when not upgrading from the stock DJI gear) is available from RCTimer for around $110 with free delivery

Team black sheep have blatantly bought a shed load of these items (albeit they've sourced them direct form the factory and now have the TBS logo on the side) and are selling them on their own website for $170.

wow, $60 for some TBS logos, what a rip off.

dont even get me started on their "TBS 69" cam, $180 for what is effectively a $90 camera with some "custom firmware", but without a case.

When challenged they claim research and development costs.... whatever

Cupid Stunt · « **Reply #3 on:** October 16, 2012, 03:02:56 PM »

LOL
Yes I did challenge thier "specially written firmware" claim by asking what exactly thiers does that the standard version doen't and never got any answer despite asking numerous times whenever they claimed it as being special

Dusty · « **Reply #4 on:** October 16, 2012, 03:29:21 PM »

hehe, special (says it all)

I think someone tried to defend them on here once, claiming that it cost people time and money to find out what the best setup was.... but they neglected to mention that this research is done by the public... the FPV community on the various forums, then suggestions are considered by others and then there's a general concensus as to what works well. TBS then jump on this bandwagon, claiming it was them who did the development. I mean, sheesh, come on... I figured out over a year ago that the best 450 quad setup for 3S is 1000kv motors with 10" props.... that wasnt difficult OR expensive to figure out.

I'll give them one thing, their videos are pretty awesome (most of them) and their TBS Discovery plates are pretty good too, well thought out and I really do like the end product (even with my own sourced parts lol) the best value item available for purchase from TBS right now is the Discovery plates.

Ant · « **Reply #5 on:** October 16, 2012, 03:51:34 PM »

Ahh i see i got it the wrong way around

Still i wish i had the TBS guys working in our marketing department !!

Dusty · « **Reply #6 on:** October 16, 2012, 04:20:22 PM »

they did design and develop the Discovery plates.... but were not the first people to use the "spider" configuration for FPV quads.

that's all the others are doing, taking a good idea and changing it slightly to make their own money.