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Is an HOURGLASS a good first drone?
We do not recommend HOURGLASS as your first FPV drone. We highly recomend being a proficient 5" pilot before flying our 10" HOURGLASS drones. If you have never flown FPV, we recommend starting on an FPV simulator and purchasing a small Mini-whoop or 5" drone to begin. You will crash at first, and you want to learn on something that is small, light, and entry level cost. Learn more about in-person training options at fpvwarrior.com.
What do I actually need to fly one?
Pilots will need four things: the HOURGLASS aircraft, a Crossfire radio controller, Analog FPV goggles, and 6S XT90 batteries (at least 5200mah) with a charger.
If you order an HOURGLASS drone and one of our kits, we will bind the drone to the controller so it is Ready-To-Fly. (RTF)
If ordering an HOURGLASS drone by itself, you will need to bind your own Crossfire controller to it when you receive it. (Bind-N-Fly, BNF)
Can I fly it straight out of the box?
Only if you are purchasing a kit to go with it. If you are only ordering a drone it will arrive as a Bind-N-Fly. Bind-N-Fly means built and tuned, but with no radio controller, goggles, or batteries included.
How much does a complete setup cost?
Aircraft plus kit. The aircraft prices are listed on each product page and the kits are priced separately, so budget for both.
Will my existing radio work?
How long can it fly?
This depends on a number of factors including battery size, weight of payload, and how the pilot is flying. Please refer to our flight time chart to get a better understanding of these tradeoffs.
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What is the difference between HOURGLASS Alpha, Bravo and Bravo Thermal?
HOURGLASS Alpha is the entry point into the platform and is the most capable for full-ACRO mode flight while running on Betaflight.
HOURGLASS Bravo adds the ability to look down with a rotating camera gimbal, and more controlled flight modes running Ardupilot.
HOURGLASS Bravo Thermal adds the ability to switch between a day-light FPV camera, and a US-made Thermal camera.
All three models share the ability to attach and detach payloads up to 6lbs.
Why 10 inch and not 5 inch?
A 10" drone will allow pilots to fly longer and farther, while carrying more weight.
What propeller does it use?
HQProp Macroquad 10x5x3 — a three-blade 10" with a 5" pitch.
What flight controller and ESC are fitted?
A Triumph Lucid H7 flight controller and a Triumph Lucid 8S 4-in-1 ESC, both NDAA-compliant
Can I add a thermal camera to an Alpha or a Bravo later?
While we do not currently sell our thermal FPV cameras separately, we did design HOURGLASS using standardized sizes for camera mounting. This is a more advanced part change that requires soldering. While this is a common type of repair/upgrade in the FPV drone world, it is more than unplugging and re-plugging a camera.
Is it waterproof?
No, HOURGLASS is not waterproof. However, we do conformal coat internal electronics to help prevent any shorts potentially caused from moisture exposure.
Can I fly in the rain?
No. This is not advisable for a few reasons. FAA requires pilots to have a minimum weather visibility of 3 statute miles and stay at least 500 feet below clouds.
Additionally, rain drops on the FPV camera lens reduces visibility further for the pilot in command.
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Does any kit include a drone?
No. Every kit is the ground equipment that goes around an aircraft — transmitter, goggles, batteries, spares and tools. The airframe is a separate purchase.
How many kits are there, and how do they rank?
Three tiers, lowest to highest: Ready to Fly is the entry kit, Tactical is the middle tier, and FPV Warrior is the full loadout with NDAA compliant FPV Goggles, FPV monitor, and Radio Controller Transmitter.
What is the difference between the kits?
Ready to Fly gets you airborne with all the basics and required items to fly.
The Tactical Kit and FPV Warrior kit are very similar and include more batteries, an FPV monitor, repair parts and tools. They include the spare frame, motor, propellers and the soldering iron, so a crash costs you an afternoon instead of a shipping cycle.
FPV Warrior adds premium NDAA compliant FPV Goggles and monitor, as well as a long range Li-Ion battery pack.
Which kit should I buy with my first airframe?
If you will be flying close to home, Ready to Fly is enough — your spares and tools are already on the bench. If you will be flying far from it, the repair capability in Tactical is the whole point of the tier. If you need NDAA compliance, then get the FPV Warrior Kit.
Are the kits NDAA compliant?
Only the FPV Warrior kit includes an NDAA compliant FPV Goggle Video Receiver, FPV Video Monitor, and Radio Controller Transmitter.
Do the kits include batteries and a charger?
Yes. Every kit ships with at least one flight battery and a charger. The exact quantity varies by tier.
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How long does an order take?
Due to current high demand, drones may take up to 12 weeks to ship. Other items will ship in 3-6 weeks. We are working hard to shorted lead times, and will always ship sooner when we are able.
When am I charged?
Payment is taken when placing an order.
Do you ship internationally?
No. We do not currently ship internationally from our website.
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What happens if I crash it?
We sell replacement electronics, radios, motors, ESCs, propellers, and landing legs. Printable accessory files — mounts, covers, attachment plates — are published free. Contact us if you are in need of a replacement frame.
If you purchase a Tactical Kit or FPV Warrior Kit you will already have a replacement frame, and some additional replacement parts.
What is the warranty?
TER Drones issues a Limited and Conditional Warranty against incorrect shipment, as well as material and/or manufacturing defects for all drone sales.
In order to be eligible for the warranty, you must conduct an initial inspection of your drone within 30 days of receiving it. You must use the TER Drones Pre-Flight Checklist for your initial inspection and your first flight, and you must log the results of this inspection on the Pre-Flight Checklist.
If you note any material or manufacturing defects during your initial inspection, cease operation of your drone, photograph the defect, document it on your TER Drone Pre-Flight Checklist, and email all of this information to contact@TER-drones.com.
Please check our Policies to read the entire agreement.
Can I send it in for repair?
Yes, please take photos and write a detailed description of the status of your drone and send to contact@ter-drones.com. Our team will evaluate and provide you with next steps for a repair.
Who do I talk to for technical help?
The same team that assembles the aircraft. Support is not a separate ticket queue staffed by people who have never built one.
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Do I need a licence to fly one?
In the United States it depends on the purpose. Commercial operation requires a Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate; recreational flying follows a separate pathway. Most drones must also broadcast Remote ID while airborne under 14 CFR Part 89.
Rules change. Confirm current requirements with the FAA before flying. Nothing here is legal advice.
Does it have Remote ID?
The requirement is satisfied either by a Standard Remote ID aircraft or by a broadcast module. Confirm the fitment for your configuration before you fly.
Can I fly beyond visual line of sight?
Not without specific authorization. Part 108, the proposed BVLOS rule, is a proposed rule and not current permission. Treat BVLOS as requiring a waiver until the FAA says otherwise.
Are there places I cannot fly?
Yes, and they vary by state as well as federally. Restrictions differ across all fifty states and the District of Columbia, and controlled airspace requires authorisation regardless of your certificate.
The state restrictions reference covers each jurisdiction with a review date on every entry.
Where can I learn to fly?
Training, including build and repair instruction, is handled at fpvwarrior.com
How far can it fly?
Control link range and legal range are different questions. Whatever the radio is capable of, you must keep the aircraft within visual line of sight unless you hold an authorization that says otherwise.