Evaluate: BetaFPV Air 5in1 FC (F4 1S 5A Flight Controller for Tiny Whoop | Built-in RX and VTX)

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The BetaFPV Air 5in1 FC is designed for many who need to simplify their Tiny Whoop builds with out sacrificing efficiency. It integrates FC, ESC, OSD, VTX and RX all into the identical board. On this evaluate, I’ll dive into the specifics of the BetaFPV Air 5in1 FC, discover its options and efficiency, and talk about whether or not it’s definitely worth the improve.

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The place to Purchase

You should buy the BetaFPV Air 5in1 FC from:

Equipment included:

• 1 * Air Brushless Flight Controller
• 1 * 2.4g Antenna (Just for the 5in1 Model)
• 1 * Sort-C to SH1.0 Adapter
• 1 * SH1.0 4-Pin Adapter Cable
• 1 * 5.8g VTX Antenna
• 1 * BT2.0 U Whoop Cable Pigtail | 40mm
• 4 * M1.4*4 Self-tapping Screws
• 4 * Rubber Grommets

What Makes the BetaFPV Air 5in1 FC Particular?

The BetaFPV Air 5in1 FC is extremely light-weight, making it excellent for the newest ultralight Air65 and Air75 Tiny Whoops from BetaFPV. Not like the earlier 4in1 board, which required an extra exterior receiver, the brand new 5in1 FC integrates the receiver straight on the board. This integration simplifies the construct course of, reduces the quantity of wiring, and makes repairs simpler.

Whereas the 5in1 FC doesn’t supply a weight benefit over utilizing the 4in1 FC with an exterior receiver, the general value is $5 much less since you don’t have to purchase a separate receiver. The 5in1 board’s integration is especially interesting for these seeking to streamline their builds with out compromising performance.

Specs

4in1/5in1 FC Specs:

• 4in1 Model: FC + ESC + OSD + VTX
• 5in1 Model: FC + ESC + OSD + VTX + RX
• Processor MCU: STM32G473CEU6
• Gyro: ICM42688P (SPI connection)
• Blackbox Reminiscence: 16MB
• Sensor: Voltage & Present
• BEC: 5V 3A
• USB Adapter Connector: JST SH1.0 4-Pin
• Constructed-in 4in1 5A ESC
• FC Firmware: Betaflight_4.5.0_BETAFPVG473
• Mounting Gap Dimension: 26mm x 26mm
• Weight: 2.9g (4in1 Model) / 3.6g (5in1 Model)

ESC Specs:

• Enter Voltage: 1S
• ESC Firmware: Bluejay A_X_5_96KHz_V0.19
• ESC Protocol Help: Dshot300, Dshot600

VTX Specs:

• Output Energy: 25/100/200/400/PIT
• Frequency: 5.8GHz, 48 channels, with Raceband: 5658~5917MHz
• Channel SEL: SmartAudio2.0
• Modulation Sort: FM
• Frequency Management: PLL
• Antenna Port: 50 Ω
• Working Temperature: -10℃~+80℃

RX Specs (5in1):

• RC Hyperlink: ExpressLRS 2.4GHz V3.3
• FC/RX Connection: Serial UART
• Firmware Goal: BETAFPV 2.4GHz AIO RX

VTX Energy Testing

Utilizing the ImmersionRC Energy Meter V2, I examined the VTX RF energy output of the BetaFPV Air 5in1 FC. Listed below are the outcomes:

For comparability, listed below are the measurements for the earlier Air 4in1 FC:

There have been issues concerning the BetaFPV Air F4 FC having extreme RF energy output at its 25mW setting, which isn’t excellent for Tiny Whoop racing occasions with strict RF energy guidelines. It appears the 5in1 FC nonetheless has this difficulty, however I’ve solely examined one unit, so I can’t affirm if this can be a basic downside.

For these taking part in races, this might be a deal-breaker. It’s necessary to test the RF output of your Air FC earlier than attending a type of occasions. Nonetheless, for many who fly casually at dwelling or with mates, this shouldn’t be a problem. In actual fact, the 5in1 FC outputs as much as 550mW, which is larger than the 4in1 model, offering higher penetration and vary.

Tiny Whoop Construct

I swapped out the 4in1 FC in my Air65 for the brand new 5in1 FC, and it match completely with none modifications. The digital camera and VTX antenna connectors are in the identical places, making certain that the setup stays unchanged.

Pinout diagram:

Conclusion

The BetaFPV Air 5in1 FC is a superb improve for Tiny Whoop fans who desire a streamlined, built-in answer with out the trouble of additional wiring. It gives all of the core options wanted for high-performance FPV flights in a light-weight, compact type. With the added comfort of an onboard receiver, it’s a wonderful selection for these seeking to simplify their builds whereas nonetheless having fun with top-notch efficiency.

Buy the BetaFPV Air 5in1 FC right here:

When you plan to race in occasions, be sure to concentrate to the VTX RF energy although as it would exceed the 25mW restrict. The slight worth enhance over the 4in1 FC is justified by the added performance, making it a powerful contender within the Tiny Whoop flight controller marketplace for informal pilots.