WHY SWATH TESTING IS CRUCIAL FOR EFFECTIVE DRONE SPRAYING

Our regional spray Hub teams recently tested two of the newest agricultural spray drones, the DJI T50 and the XAG P150. They aimed to compare their technologies, capabilities, and overall performance. Through swath testing and real-world applications, we aimed to determine how these two drones stack up against each other. Here’s what they noted. DJI T50: USER-FRIENDLY AND INTUITIVE DRONE ACTIVATION AND SETUP Compared to the P150, the T50 is still the easiest drone to use. The T50 is easier to set up and its software is more intuitive to learn for a new operator. In contrast, the P150 requires an operator to be bit more tech savvy. ACCESSIBILITY AND USABILITY The T50 excels in accessibility. You can import boundaries for application through the Agras website, an SD card, or a USB. Additionally, the T50 controller can be connected to an HDMI, allowing others to view the drone's operations on a larger monitor, enhancing the overall user experience. On the other hand, the P150 has made strides with the monitor on its controller, but it still lags behind the T50 in terms of accessibility. Boundaries must be imported via the P150's website, and while there is a USB-C port, it appears to be solely for charging the controller. SOFTWARE AND UPDATES The P150's update process is more fragmented, with settings and updates placed in multiple locations, making it challenging to navigate. Updates and data transfers for the P150 require SIM cards or Wi-Fi, with SIM cards generally providing a more reliable experience. However, the P150's updates and settings are scattered across different locations, which can be confusing for new users. The T50 simplifies the update process by consolidating all updates in one easy-to-find location. Connecting the T50 to a hotspot is usually all it takes to get the latest updates. REMOTE CONTROL The T50 remote control excels with its larger screen, making it easier to view and manage drone operations. It also features a handy strap, reducing the risk of dropping the controller. Programming specific functions to the controller buttons is straightforward, enhancing usability. The T50's external battery requires regular changes, but the connection between the remote and the drone is almost instant once both are powered on. The P150's remote control, while having fewer buttons, minimizes the risk of accidentally pushing the wrong buttons. This can sometimes occur with the DJI remote control. The P150’s built-in battery eliminates the need for constant battery changes, but it does require nightly charging and occasionally an additional charge during long days. The initial connection between the remote control and the drone takes about five minutes, but this isn't an issue as long as the drone or controller doesn't shut off for more than three minutes. CAMERA QUALITY, CONTROLLER TRANSMISSION DISTANCE The T50 boasts a 4K Ultra HD FPV camera, providing superior image quality. Its remote control has a maximum transmission distance of 7km, ensuring reliable connectivity over long distances. The gimbal on the T50 is particularly helpful for manual spraying, offering enhanced control and precision. The P150 features a 1080p HD FPV camera, which, while not as high-resolution as the T50, still delivers clear visuals. Its remote control has a maximum transmission distance of 2km. The P150 also includes an additional downward-facing camera, which is useful for landing but less so for manual spraying. The impact of the relay on the P150's transmission distance is still uncertain. XAG P150: A FOCUS ON DURABILITY AND PRODUCTIVITY MACHINE DURABILITY AND MAINTENANCE The P150 is built like a tank, offering robust durability. It's also easier to work on, with fewer parts to manage, making maintenance simpler. Additionally, the P150 is more portable, being easier to carry compared to the T50. The DJI T50, while not as rugged as the P150, has a more complex build with more parts. This can make it slightly more challenging to work on. However, the T50's design and features still offer significant advantages. TURNING SPEEDS, AGILE FLYING The P150 turns faster and seems to fly smoother than the T50. It excels in agility, being able to move in three different ways at once—turning compass direction, moving up, and moving forward. This multi-directional capability makes the P150 highly responsive and efficient in its movements. The T50, while capable, is not as agile as the P150. It tends to move in two ways at once—turning compass direction and moving forward. This makes the T50 slightly less responsive in comparison, but it still offers reliable performance for various applications. HIGHER GPAS, FASTER SPEEDS The P150 outperforms the T50 at higher GPA (gallons per acre) applications, maintaining faster speeds and longer flight times due to its larger tank and higher throughput pumps. The P150 can maintain a speed of 30 mph at 5 GPA. OVERALL REACTIONS FROM OUR OPERATORS The T50 is familiar and easier to use than the XAG P150, but XAG has made significant strides in its user experience. The extra time it takes to learn the P150 pays off in spades when you start spraying. We saw this even with the XAG P100 Pro, which has a smaller tank and lower pump speeds compared to the P150. Overall, the T50’s ease of use makes it ideal for operators who prioritize simplicity and quick setup. On the other hand, the P150 provides a higher capacity for covering large numbers of acres. Both spray drones have their own benefits and disadvantages, depending on the features you value most and how you plan to use your drone. Ready to see which spray drone is best for you? Give us a call at 319 201-3020 ext. 1 or email us at sales@rantizo.com. To learn more about the DJI T50, visit this link . To learn more about the XAG P150, visit this link . MORE RESOURCES: Blog: XAG Spray Drones: P150 vs. P100 Pro Blog: Comparing Agricultural Drones: XAG P100 Pro vs. DJI T40 Blog: DJI T40 vs T50: A Comprehensive Drone Comparison