In terms of discovering the most effective budget-friendly flight controller (FC) and digital velocity controller (ESC) stack for FPV drones, the SpeedyBee F405 V4 and the iFlight BLITZ ATF435 are prime contenders. Each provide wonderful efficiency at an excellent worth, however which one stands out as the best choice? Let’s dive into the main points and discover out.
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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 gives the most effective worth to your cash.
For a deeper dive into the SpeedyBee F405 V4, try my full overview: 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. Study extra about AT32: https://oscarliang.com/at32-flight-controllers/.
The AT32F435 MCU gives efficiency near the STM32F722 at a a lot lower cost. 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 when it comes to noise efficiency and ease of tuning.
Each stacks characteristic built-in barometers and help i2c connections (SDA and SCL) for a compass, And they’re each suitable with Betaflight and iNav firmware.
Options and Specs
Each stacks provide 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 digicam 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 information. In distinction, the SpeedyBee makes use of a micro SD card slot for Blackbox, which requires an micro SD card that might value 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 advanced builds like hexacopters or octocopters.
The SpeedyBee additionally has a built-in Bluetooth module, permitting you to wirelessly configure Betaflight settings by way of the SpeedyBee App in your cellphone—a characteristic not accessible on the BLITZ. You possibly can nevertheless use an OTG cable to hook up 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 giant with loads of separations, making soldering a breeze even for learners. The silkscreen labels are clear, and the structure 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 mild connection tremendous simple.
On the BLITZ FC, there are some JST connectors on the underside of the board for numerous peripherals like receiver, GPS and LED/Buzzer and many others. Nevertheless, the board lacks a typical connector for digital VTXs, requiring both a cut up connector or direct soldering. However, the Speedybee gives a typical connector for digital VTX such because the DJI O3, however for all different units you’d should direct solder. Each stacks have onboard AT7456E chip, and so they help analog FPV system.
BEC
Each flight controllers embody two voltage regulators (BEC): 5V and 9V. The Blitz gives 5V at as much as 2.5A and 9V at 2A. The 5V output is greater than enough to energy numerous 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 circumstances, powering the VTX straight from the battery is perhaps a greater choice. The 5V and 9V BECs within the Speedybee have a better score 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 related, with each being suitable with Bluejay firmware and geared up with onboard present sensors.
Regardless of having an identical present score, the Speedybee 4in1 ESC features a heatsink for cooling and safety. Nevertheless, this provides about 10 grams of weight, which will not be a major problem for typical 5″ FPV freestyle and racing drones, however may very well be a consideration if you happen to’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 working 4S or 6S setups, each stacks will work completely advantageous.
The BLITZ ESC options tabs at every nook for soldering motor wires, which might make for a tidier setup, although it is perhaps difficult to suit the ESC into some tight frames.
Which Stack Ought to You Get?
Each stacks will serve most individuals effectively if you happen to’re constructing a typical FPV drone—whether or not it’s a 5″ or 7″ quadcopter working on a 4S or 6S LiPo/Li-ion battery, that are the commonest setups as we speak for freestyle, racing, cinematic, or long-range purposes. Your alternative between these stacks might in the end come right down to model desire and worth variations.
Nevertheless, sure situations might name for selecting one stack over the opposite:
Who Ought to Select the iFlight BLITZ ATF435:
- Should you’re in search of the most affordable attainable FC/ESC stack, the iFlight BLITZ ATF435 is $9 cheaper, and also you gained’t have to spend further on an SD card for Blackbox logging.
- Should you’re aiming for the lightest attainable construct, the Blitz stack is about 10g lighter than the Speedybee F405 V4.
- Should you plan to energy your quad with a 2S LiPo battery.
- Should 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:
- Should you want extra versatility and suppleness in your setup.
- The 8 motor outputs permit for hexacopter and octocopter configurations.
- If you wish to join servos for head monitoring, the additional motor outputs could be very helpful.
- Should you plan to put in LED mild strips on every arm, the Speedybee’s LED and 5V pads at every nook make wiring simpler, and the 5V 3A BEC can help extra LEDs.
- The built-in Bluetooth permits for wi-fi Betaflight configuration by way of your cellphone.
Get the Speedybee F405 V4 right here:
How About Flywoo F722 V2 and GEPRC Taker Stacks?
Flywoo and GEPRC additionally provide funds FC/ESC stacks, and whereas they’ve their execs and cons, I personally assume Speedybee and BLITZ have an edge over them.
As an illustration, the Flywoo stack is $15 costlier than the Speedybee, however it options the great previous MPU6000 gyro, which can be a compelling promoting level for some. Nevertheless, the JST connectors and solder pads make it tougher to construct and restore, which places me off. In any other case, it’s a good stack. For extra particulars, try my overview: 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 numerous options that the Speedybee F405 V4 gives. See my overview for more information: https://oscarliang.com/geprc-taker-f405/
Conclusion
Each the SpeedyBee F405 V4 and the iFlight BLITZ ATF435 are wonderful decisions for funds FPV builds, every with its strengths. Your resolution must be primarily based in your particular wants and preferences, whether or not you prioritize value, weight, or versatility. Both means, you’re getting a top quality stack that delivers nice efficiency with out breaking the financial institution.
