If you are new to the world of unmanned aircraft, you may look to compare brushed vs brushless motor drones. Some of the best drones, after all, feature a brushed or brushless motor. So what do these terms mean and what are the differences between the two? Keep reading to find out.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Brushed motor drones tend to be cheaper than brushless drones, thanks to using familiar technology like motor windings.
- Brushed drones also excel with extreme temperatures and extreme weather scenarios.
- Brushless DC drones are known to be more durable, however, with a longer lifespan with regular use.
Differences Between Brushed and Brushless Motors
Looking for the top professional drone? After learning the definition of a drone, look into the motor, as these terms only refer to the engine that makes the drone move. Brushed and brushless designs show up often in quadcopters if you are looking for a great FPV racing drone.
Insider Tip
No matter which type of drone you choose, make sure it comes with a robust warranty.
Both of these motor types use electromagnetism, but that is where the similarities end. Brushed drone motors use a rotating stator, or wire coils, which act as an electromagnet with two poles. The shell is stationary, allowing for easy mounting. Brushless designs use a permanent magnet that switches polarities on the fly. These relatively minor design differences lead to many other disparities between the two.
Durability
As the name suggests, brushless motors lack brushes, which decreases contact between the motor and the rest of the drone. This makes brushless drones more durable and long-lasting than brushed drones. This also decreases maintenance issues, which leads to fewer repair calls, which, in turn, leads to fewer out-of-pocket costs.
Drone Size
Brushed motor designs are a tried-and-true formula, having been used in other vehicles for decades. This familiarity and simple design allows manufacturers to make portable and lightweight brushless drone motors when compared to their brushed counterparts. If you are looking at a drone motor size chart and want to go as small as possible, pick a brushed motor.
Price
For similar reasons, drones with brushed motors tend to be more budget-friendly than drones with brushless motors. If you want to buy a drone without emptying your bank account, look into a brushed motor drone.
Extreme Environments
Drones with brushed motors tend to excel during extreme weather conditions, extreme environments, and extreme temperature fluctuations. This is because brushed motors feature no active electronics. This makes them a go-to choice for those capturing aerial footage in remote locations.
F.A.Q.S
What to consider when you buy brushed and brushless motor drones?
You should consider the level of craftsmanship with the individual components, such as permanent magnets, DC motors, and more. You should also check out the necessary maintenance routines and purchase the correct power tools accordingly.
How do I choose a brushless drone?
If you are looking for a brushless DC motor drone, check out reputable companies and look into the flight time, battery life, and warranty, among other features commonly found in a wide range of electric vehicles.
How long do brushless motors last?
Brushless DC motors can last as long as 30,000 hours of use, as these DC motors are known for being an extremely durable type of motor, especially when compared to brushed motors which get 1,000 to 3,000 hours of use.
STAT: Brushed DC motors have been used since 1856, and are still often used for electrical propulsion, cranes, paper machines, and steel rolling mills. (source)
REFERENCES:
- https://www.kdedirect.com/blogs/news/brushless-vs-brushed-motors
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brushless_DC_electric_motor
- https://www.automate.org/blogs/brushed-dc-motors-vs-brushless-dc-motorsr
- https://www.tytorobotics.com/blogs/articles/what-is-a-brushless-motor
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unmanned_aerial_vehicle
