With regards to discovering the perfect budget-friendly flight controller (FC) and digital pace controller (ESC) stack for FPV drones, the SpeedyBee F405 V4 and the iFlight BLITZ ATF435 are prime contenders. Each supply glorious efficiency at an incredible worth, however which one stands out as the most suitable choice? Let’s dive into the main points and discover out.
New to FPV? Take a look at our complete flight controller purchaser’s information: https://oscarliang.com/flight-controller/
The place to Purchase
Get the SpeedyBee F405 V4 right here:
Get the iFlight BLITZ ATF435 right here:
Variations and Similarities Between These Stacks
The iFlight BLITZ ATF435 is $9 cheaper than the SpeedyBee F405 V4, however worth alone doesn’t inform the entire story. Let’s evaluate the 2 to see which stack provides the perfect worth on your cash.
For a deeper dive into the SpeedyBee F405 V4, take a look at my full evaluate: https://oscarliang.com/speedybee-f405-v4/
Flight Controller
Processor and Sensors
The iFlight BLITZ ATF435 makes use of the AT32 chip, which helps preserve prices down. Be taught extra about AT32: https://oscarliang.com/at32-flight-controllers/.
The AT32F435 MCU provides efficiency near the STM32F722 at a a lot cheaper price. Whereas the AT32F435 helps 8K looptime and DShot600, and the SpeedyBee F405 helps 4K looptime and DShot300, the distinction in real-world flight efficiency is minimal.
Each stacks use the ICM42688 Gyro, so they’re comparable by way of noise efficiency and ease of tuning.
Each stacks characteristic built-in barometers and assist i2c connections (SDA and SCL) for a compass, And they’re each appropriate with Betaflight and iNav firmware.
Options and Specs
Each stacks supply 6 UARTs, greater than sufficient for many FPV pilots. Sometimes, you’ll solely want 2 to 4 UARTs for peripherals like a radio receiver, GPS, digital VTX OSD, and SmartAudio (and ESC telemetry and digital camera management however these are not often used these days).
The BLITZ FC options an onboard 32MB reminiscence chip for Blackbox logging, providing round 20 minutes of flight knowledge. In distinction, the SpeedyBee makes use of a micro SD card slot for Blackbox, which requires an micro SD card that may price one other $10.
The SpeedyBee F405 V4 has 8 motor outputs, whereas the iFlight BLITZ has solely 4. This provides the SpeedyBee extra versatility for complicated builds like hexacopters or octocopters.
The SpeedyBee additionally has a built-in Bluetooth module, permitting you to wirelessly configure Betaflight settings through the SpeedyBee App in your cellphone—a characteristic not accessible on the BLITZ. You’ll be able to nonetheless use an OTG cable to connect with your Android cellphone.
Solder Pads and Connectors
One of many standout options of the BLITZ is the dimensions and spacing of the solder pads. They’re massive with loads of separations, making soldering a breeze even for newbies. The silkscreen labels are clear, and the format is intuitive, with pads organized in two rows on every edge. The SpeedyBee pads are barely smaller and nearer collectively however nonetheless comparatively simple to work with.
Most FC solely has one single LED pad, however the Speedybee has LED strip pads at every nook, making LED gentle connection tremendous simple.
On the BLITZ FC, there are some JST connectors on the underside of the board for varied peripherals like receiver, GPS and LED/Buzzer and many others. Nonetheless, the board lacks a typical connector for digital VTXs, requiring both a break up connector or direct soldering. Then again, the Speedybee provides a typical connector for digital VTX such because the DJI O3, however for all different units you’d must direct solder. Each stacks have onboard AT7456E chip, and so they assist analog FPV system.
BEC
Each flight controllers embrace two voltage regulators (BEC): 5V and 9V. The Blitz provides 5V at as much as 2.5A and 9V at 2A. The 5V output is greater than ample to energy varied units, together with an ExpressLRS receiver and some LED strips. The 9V regulator ought to deal with most VTXs, although the DJI O3 Air Unit, which might draw as much as 16W (1.8A at 9V), is near the restrict. In such instances, powering the VTX instantly from the battery could be a greater possibility. The 5V and 9V BECs within the Speedybee have a better ranking at 3A every, making them extra dependable and able to supporting extra power-hungry units.
4in1 ESC
Each manufacturers use a 55A BLHeli_S ESC of their stacks. Efficiency and options are comparable, with each being appropriate with Bluejay firmware and geared up with onboard present sensors.
Regardless of having an analogous present ranking, the Speedybee 4in1 ESC features a heatsink for cooling and safety. Nonetheless, this provides about 10 grams of weight, which is probably not a major problem for typical 5″ FPV freestyle and racing drones, however might be a consideration should you’re constructing an ultralight drone the place saving weight is essential.
One other notable distinction is the enter voltage: the Speedybee helps 3S to 6S, whereas the Blitz helps 2S to 6S. For many customers operating 4S or 6S setups, each stacks will work completely effective.
The BLITZ ESC options tabs at every nook for soldering motor wires, which might make for a tidier setup, although it could be difficult to suit the ESC into some tight frames.
Which Stack Ought to You Get?
Each stacks will serve most individuals nicely should you’re constructing a typical FPV drone—whether or not it’s a 5″ or 7″ quadcopter operating on a 4S or 6S LiPo/Li-ion battery, that are the commonest setups at present for freestyle, racing, cinematic, or long-range functions. Your selection between these stacks might in the end come all the way down to model desire and worth variations.
Nonetheless, sure eventualities might name for selecting one stack over the opposite:
Who Ought to Select the iFlight BLITZ ATF435:
- When you’re in search of the most affordable potential FC/ESC stack, the iFlight BLITZ ATF435 is $9 cheaper, and also you received’t have to spend further on an SD card for Blackbox logging.
- When you’re aiming for the lightest potential construct, the Blitz stack is about 10g lighter than the Speedybee F405 V4.
- When you plan to energy your quad with a 2S LiPo battery.
- When you choose a solderless setup, the JST connectors on the underside of the Blitz stack could be very useful.
Get the iFlight BLITZ ATF435 right here:
Who Ought to Select the Speedybee F405 V4:
- When you want extra versatility and suppleness in your setup.
- The 8 motor outputs enable for hexacopter and octocopter configurations.
- If you wish to join servos for head monitoring, the additional motor outputs could be very helpful.
- When you plan to put in LED gentle strips on every arm, the Speedybee’s LED and 5V pads at every nook make wiring simpler, and the 5V 3A BEC can assist extra LEDs.
- The built-in Bluetooth permits for wi-fi Betaflight configuration through your cellphone.
Get the Speedybee F405 V4 right here:
How About Flywoo F722 V2 and GEPRC Taker Stacks?
Flywoo and GEPRC additionally supply funds FC/ESC stacks, and whereas they’ve their professionals and cons, I personally suppose Speedybee and BLITZ have an edge over them.
As an illustration, the Flywoo stack is $15 costlier than the Speedybee, but it surely options the great previous MPU6000 gyro, which can be a compelling promoting level for some. Nonetheless, the JST connectors and solder pads make it more durable to construct and restore, which places me off. In any other case, it’s a good stack. For extra particulars, take a look at my evaluate: https://oscarliang.com/flywoo-goku-f722-v2-fc-stack/
The GEPRC Taker stack is equally priced to the Speedybee, however its small solder pad and connector location influence the person expertise. It additionally lacks varied options that the Speedybee F405 V4 provides. See my evaluate for more information: https://oscarliang.com/geprc-taker-f405/
Conclusion
Each the SpeedyBee F405 V4 and the iFlight BLITZ ATF435 are glorious decisions for funds FPV builds, every with its strengths. Your resolution ought to be based mostly in your particular wants and preferences, whether or not you prioritize price, weight, or versatility. Both means, you’re getting a high quality stack that delivers nice efficiency with out breaking the financial institution.
