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Relating to discovering the very best 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 provide glorious efficiency at an amazing worth, however which one stands out as the best choice? Let’s dive into the main points and discover out.
New to FPV? Try 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 gives the very best 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 maintain prices down. Be taught extra about AT32: https://oscarliang.com/at32-flight-controllers/.
The AT32F435 MCU gives 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 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. Usually, 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 will value one other $10.
The SpeedyBee F405 V4 has 8 motor outputs, whereas the iFlight BLITZ has solely 4. This offers 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 by way of the SpeedyBee App in your cellphone—a characteristic not accessible on the BLITZ. You’ll be able to nevertheless use an OTG cable to connect with your Android cellphone.
Solder Pads and Connectors
One of many standout options of the BLITZ is the scale 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. Nonetheless, the board lacks a regular connector for digital VTXs, requiring both a break up connector or direct soldering. However, the Speedybee gives a regular connector for digital VTX such because the DJI O3, however for all different gadgets you’d must 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 ample to energy numerous gadgets, 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 may draw as much as 16W (1.8A at 9V), is near the restrict. In such circumstances, powering the VTX immediately from the battery is perhaps 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 gadgets.
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 outfitted with onboard present sensors.
Regardless of having an identical present ranking, the Speedybee 4in1 ESC features a heatsink for cooling and safety. Nonetheless, this provides about 10 grams of weight, which might not be a major problem for typical 5″ FPV freestyle and racing drones, however could possibly 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 fantastic.
The BLITZ ESC options tabs at every nook for soldering motor wires, which may 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 properly 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 immediately for freestyle, racing, cinematic, or long-range functions. Your alternative between these stacks might in the end come all the way down to model choice and worth variations.
Nonetheless, sure eventualities might name for selecting one stack over the opposite:
Who Ought to Select the iFlight BLITZ ATF435:
- For those who’re searching for the most cost effective attainable FC/ESC stack, the iFlight BLITZ ATF435 is $9 cheaper, and also you received’t must spend additional on an SD card for Blackbox logging.
- For those who’re aiming for the lightest attainable construct, the Blitz stack is about 10g lighter than the Speedybee F405 V4.
- For those who plan to energy your quad with a 2S LiPo battery.
- For those who choose a solderless setup, the JST connectors on the underside of the Blitz stack will be very useful.
Get the iFlight BLITZ ATF435 right here:
Who Ought to Select the Speedybee F405 V4:
- For those who 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 will be very helpful.
- For those who 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 finances FC/ESC stacks, and whereas they’ve their professionals and cons, I personally assume Speedybee and BLITZ have an edge over them.
As an illustration, the Flywoo stack is $15 dearer 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 tougher to construct and restore, which places me off. In any other case, it’s an honest 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 affect the consumer expertise. It additionally lacks numerous options that the Speedybee F405 V4 gives. 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 finances FPV builds, every with its strengths. Your determination must be primarily based in your particular wants and preferences, whether or not you prioritize value, weight, or versatility. Both approach, you’re getting a high quality stack that delivers nice efficiency with out breaking the financial institution.
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