SimonK Firmware (released in 2011)

SimonK firmware was developed by Simon Kirby in the early days of multirotor drones (2011).

It aimed to improve the response time of ESCs compared to the stock firmware.

SimonK’s firmware featured optimizations that reduced delay, allowing for more precise control and smoother motor response.

The firmware was popular among early drone enthusiasts for its performance benefits.

While SimonK was a significant step forward, it had limitations in terms of compatibility and the range of features it offered and its capabilities are now surpassed by more recent firmware.

BLHeli Firmware (2013)

BLHeli firmware was created as an evolution of SimonK to address its limitations.

It was developed by the BLHeli open-source project and offered a more extensive feature set.

BLHeli introduced features like Active Braking and improved compatibility with a wider range of ESC hardware.

It became a popular choice for users who wanted more control and customization options for their ESCs.

BLHeli firmware was regularly updated to support new hardware and provide new features.

BLHeli firmware has special configuration program called BLHeli Suite. Read more about the BLHeli Configurator here: BLHeli Suite and BLHeli Configurator How To

KISS ESC Firmware (2014)

KISS ESCs came with their proprietary firmware, developed by Flyduino. KISS firmware is known for its simplicity and reliability.

KISS firmware is ideal for those who prefer a straightforward and stable option, particularly for racing drones.

KISS firmware is proprietary and closed source. This firmware is mostly popular between KISS enthusiasts. The choice of the KISS enabled hardware is limited. Manufacturers must obtain license from Flyduino.

BLHeli_S Firmware (2016)

BLHeli_S, often referred to as simply BLHeli (without the “S”), is an improved version of the original BLHeli firmware.

It introduced significant advancements in terms of performance and support for modern hardware.

BLHeli_S supports DShot communication protocol, offering more precise and faster digital communication between flight controllers and ESCs.

BLHeli_S has been widely adopted in the FPV drone community for its reliability, performance and price. it is the most popular ESC firmware, but is now rapidly replaced by more advanced alternatives like BLHeli_M, BlueJay, and others that support bidirectional DShot.

BLHeli_32 (2018)

BLHeli_32 is designed to work with 32-bit microcontrollers, which offer more processing power and capabilities compared to the 8-bit microcontrollers used in previous BLHeli versions. This allows for faster and more precise motor control.

BLHeli_32 fully supports the DShot protocol, which is a digital communication protocol known for its low latency and high precision

BLHeli_32 was the first ESC firmware that introduced bidirectional DShot. This allows for communication in both directions between the flight controller and ESC. This enables telemetry data to be sent from the ESC to the flight controller, providing information about motor RPM, current draw, and other parameters.

BLHeli_32 supports higher DShot baud rates, including DShot1200 or even DShot2400, which offers extremely fast communication.

JESC (2019)

JESC is an ESC firmware created by Joe Lucid for BLHeli_S ESCs. The main firmware advantage over BLHeli_S is ability of sending the RPM telemetry to the FC, enabling the RPM Filtering for reduced motor noise, enhanced performance, and smoother flight characteristics. JESC also supports higher PWM frequencies like 48 kHz providing improved battery life and other benefits.

The JESC firmware is based on the open source project BLHeli_S and is also?open source. To enable dshot RPM Telemetry you need to license the optional Telemetry Service.?Each ESC requires one license. You need to purchase 4 licenses for a 4in1 ESC (price is about $5 for a 4in1 ESC).

In the year 2020 JESC was definitely popular cheaper option for having ESC firmware with RPM Telemetry features. Only BLHeli_32 and JESC had DShot RPM telemetry at the time.

BLHeli_M (JazzMaveric) (2020)

BLHeli_M, often referred to as JazzMaverick or simply “JazzM,” is a specialized firmware based on the BLHeli_S, designed for electronic speed controllers (ESCs) that were compatible with BLHeli_S and is primarily used for micro-sized drones. Unlike BLHeli_S or BLHeli_32, which are widely known and used, BLHeli_M is a less common. BLHeli_M was the first firmware to introduce Bidirectional DSHOT (RPM Telemetry) for free – users could flash the JazzMaveric’s firmware into BLHeli_s ESC and enjoy RPM Filtering something what could be done only with more costly BLHeli_32 hardware before.

JazzMaverick firmware allows users to adjust the PWM frequency to suit their specific needs and flight preferences. This is another key feature that sets it apart from other ESC firmwares.

BLHeli_M firmware was last updated on Sep 28, 2019, so the development is stalled.

Source code repository: https://github.com/JazzMaverick/BLHeli

AM32 (AlkaMotors) (2021)

AM32 is an open-source firmware created by Peter Smith, also known as AlkaMotors, for BLHeli_32 compatible ESCs.

AM32 supports features like firmware upgrades, various ESC protocols, bidirectional communication like the BHeli_32 and efficient motor startup.

It’s compatible with STM32, GDS32, AT32 family MCUs. However it supports only limited number of the ESCs. Some manufacturers are releasing ESCs with AM32 firmware (Skystars, NeutronRC).

BlueJay (2022)

Bluejay is the open source successor to BLHeli_S adding several improvements to ESCs with Busy Bee MCUs (EFM8 BB21 and EFM8 BB51).

BlueJay is built on the base of BLHeli_S firmware version 16.7.

BlueJay firmware supports the DShot digital communication protocol with options for DShot150, DShot300, and DShot600.

One of the standout features of BlueJay is its support for bidirectional DShot, which enables RPM telemetry. This means that the ESCs can communicate motor RPM data back to the flight controller enabling the use of the RPM filtering.

BlueJay allows users to choose between different PWM frequencies, including 24 kHz, 48 kHz, and 96 kHz. This flexibility enables fine-tuning for specific flight characteristics and motor setups.

Other BlueJay features are: PWM dithering with 11-bit effective throttle resolution, startup power and RPM protection, Low commutation interference, smoother throttle to PWM conversion, user configurable startup tunes.

BlueJay Configurator (ESC configurator): https://esc-configurator.com/

Which is the fastest ESC protocol?

Below is the list of the ESC protocols and their main features. You can compare the speed by the packet update Time and Refresh Frequency.

With a packet update time of approximately 6.67 μs, DShot2400 is the fastest protocol listed in the table. It offers the quickest communication between the flight controller and the ESCs. However it is specifically supported only by BLHeli_32 ESCs, and it requires both the ESCs and the flight controller to support this high-speed protocol.

DShot was coded in a way that will not use significantly more CPU resources going to higher communication speed. However, when using Bidirectional DShot, the higher the communication speed of the DShot protocol the more the MCU has to process thus increasing the total computational load. Flight controllers with the slower MCUs most probably are unable to support Bidirectional DShot2400 or even Bidirectional DShot1200.

Meantime most BLHeli_32 ESC will work with DShot2400. Only F3 based BLHeli_32 ESC will work with DShot4800

Glossary

DShot Bidirectional Telemetry: DShot Bidirectional Telemetry, often referred to as DShot Telemetry or ESC Telemetry, is a feature that allows the ESCs to send real-time telemetry data to the flight controller. This telemetry data includes information about motor RPM (Revolutions Per Minute), current consumption, voltage, and temperature. The flight controller can then process and display this data on the pilot’s OSD (On-Screen Display) or transmit it to a ground station or remote display device.

Key points about DShot Bidirectional Telemetry:

• RPM Data: One of the primary functions of DShot Telemetry is to provide RPM data for each motor. This telemetry is used primarily for the RPM filtering. This telemetry also allows pilots to monitor motor performance and detect potential issues like propeller strikes, motor damage, or out-of-balance props.
• Current and Voltage Monitoring: ESC telemetry also provides information about current draw and voltage levels, which are crucial for monitoring power consumption and battery health during a flight.
• Temperature Information: Telemetry can also report the temperature of the ESCs, which can help pilots keep an eye on the thermal performance and avoid overheating.
• Display on Flight Controller’s OSD: DShot Telemetry can be read by the flight controller software, allowing for real-time data processing and display. Some flight controllers and OSD systems are more compatible with this feature than others.

RPM Filter: The RPM filter is a feature available in BLHeli_32 firmware and some other firmwares like BLHeli_M, JESC, BlueJay, AM32, that utilizes motor RPM data to enhance filtering and noise reduction in the flight controller’s PID (Proportional-Integral-Derivative) control loop. By using the RPM data from each motor, the RPM filter can isolate and filter out noise generated by the motors, improving flight stability and reducing vibrations. This results in smoother and more precise control of the drone.

Key points about the RPM filter:

• Noise Reduction: The RPM filter helps to eliminate motor-related noise that can affect the drone’s flight performance and, in some cases, lead to instability.
• Improved Flight Characteristics: With less motor noise affecting the control system, the drone can respond more accurately to pilot inputs, making it easier to fly and providing better acrobatic performance.
• Compatibility: The RPM filter is typically used with BLHeli_32 ESCs and flight controllers that support this feature.

Read more about how to set up the RPM filtering here Guide: How to set up the RPM filtering

BLHeli_S, the most common ESC firmware, runs on the cheap 8bit MCU and has reached the edge of the hardware capabilities. The next ESC evolution was the development of the BLHeli32 firmware that runs on the 32bit based MCUs. The one major downside of this firmware – it is proprietary and is licensed for manufacturers.?Peter Smith (aka AlkaMotors) created the open source firmware for the BLHeli_32 compatible ESC’s called AM32 (AM stands for the AlkaMotors).

Features of the AM32 firmware

• Firmware upgradable via Betaflight passthrough – only support G4, F4 and F7 FCs, and make sure your Betaflight firmware is up to date when you try to use passthrough
• Servo PWM, DShot300, DShot600, DShot1200 and ProShot motor protocol support
• Bi-directional DShot
• KISS standard ESC telemetry
• Variable PWM frequency
• Sinusoidal startup mode, which is designed to get larger motors up to speed
• Ghost branch restart and stuck rotor protection
• Open Source firmware

The major problem with the AM32 firmware is the… absence the off shelf ESC’s with the preloaded AM32 firmware.? This can might be changed with the release of the?Skystars KM55A – the first in the market 4in1 ESC with AM32 preinstalled.

Flashing the AM32 firmware to the BLHeli32 ESC

AM32 firmware is compatible with the most 32bit BHLeli32 ESCs,? but the problem is the BLHeli32 ESCs are usually locked and cannot be updated with the AM32 firmware in the easy way. In order to write the AM32 to the BLHeli32 ESC you need to unlock the MCU and this means you need to erase all the MCU contents and this process is irreversible, so you cannot flash the BLHeli32 firmware back. Once you have erased the BLHeli32 firmware, you need to flash the bootloader with the STLink tool. After the bootloader is flashed you can use Betaflight passthrough to upload the AM32 firmware. You can use the online tool ESC-Configurator (https://esc-configurator.com/) or you can use the standalone ESC configuration tool, available for?downloaded for?WINDOWS, and?LINUX.

The AM32 firmware can be downloaded from here:?https://github.com/AlkaMotors/AM32-MultiRotor-ESC-firmware/releases

The list of the AM32 compatible ESCs is here:?https://github.com/AlkaMotors/AM32-MultiRotor-ESC-firmware/wiki/List-of-Supported-Hardware

Interview with the creator of AM32 firmware:

Double-sided custom aluminum heatsinks protects the board from the crash damage and provides more efficient cooling. All the components are covered by these heatsink shields. It is really built to last if not for the infinity then at least for long.

You can see the chip placing on the heatsink on the lower side of the ESC. Heatsinks also should provide additional protection from electromagnetic interferences.

The flight controller has 2 UARTs on the DJI Air Unit connector, UART 3 available on the solder pads. There is 16Mb Blackbox on board. The AIO has 4in1 ESC, capable of 45A continuous and up to 55A burst current output. Board can work with 3-6S batteries. There are 4pcs Betaflight addressable LEDs on the lower part of the PCB for even more cool look.

I wish this NewBeeDrone Infinity AIO could be available in Analog version also, as this AIO is designed to work with DJI digital FPV system only (does not have analog OSD).

Available @ 

NewBeeDrone: https://newbeedrone.com/collections/newbeedrone-flight-controllers-and-escs-1/products/newbeedrone-infinityaio

Specifications

• MCU: STM32F722RET6
• Gyro: MPU6000
• LED: 4x Betaflight Addressable LED’s
• Blackbox: 16MB
• 6-Pin DJI FPV Air Unit Connector
• Micro USB Connector
• UART1 – SBUS on DJI Connector (RX only)
• UART2 – DJI Connector
• UART3 – Free
• 4x STM32F0 BLHELI_32 ESC MCU
• 45A + 55A Burst ESC
• 3-6S Battery Input
• 9V 2A 18W Design for DJI FPV Air Unit
• 42.5x37mm with 30.5×30.5 Mounting Holes
• Weight: 21gr. without grommets
• IMPORTANT: This FC only works with DJI/Caddx HD Systems only

Includes

• 1x Infinity AIO Flight Controller + ESC
• 1x Infinity AIO to DJI Air Module Cable 40mm
• 1x Infinity AIO to DJI Air Module Cable 100mm
• 1x Infinity AIO to DJI Air Module Cable 150mm
• 13x Nylon Lock Nut
• 5x Steel Screw M3x14
• 4x Grommets Short 4x Grommets Long
• 1x 470uf 35v Electrolytic Capacitor
• 1x XT60 Cable

Diatone Mamba stacks don’t not have User Manuals, but instead Diatone provides detailed connection diagrams (see below).

Diatone Mamba F405

First Diatone Mamba F405 stack was released in 2018-08

F405 MK2

2019-05: Diatone released an updated, so called MK2 versions of the Mamba F405 stacks. The main differences between the F405  MK1 and F405 MK2: rearranged majority of the pads, added the 9V output for DJI digital FPV support, almost completely new FC.

Diatone Mamba F405 MK2 with F40 ESC connection diagram:

Diatone Mamba F405 MK2 with F50 ESC connection diagram:

There are 5 status LEDs on the Mamba F405  (MK1 and MK2) flight controller. They are the status indicators for the following:

1. Blue -> Betaflight (or other firmware) Status LED
2. Orange -> Betaflight (or other firmware) Status LED
3. Green -> 9V Power Rail Active
4. White -> 5V Power Rail Active
5. Red -> 3.3V Power Rail Active

Available @

Diatone: https://www.diatone.us/products/mamba-f405-mk%E2%85%B1-flight-controller-stack

Banggood: https://www.banggood.com/MAMBA-F405-MK2-Betaflight-Flight-Controller-F40-40A-3-6S-DSHOT600-FPV-Racing-Brushless-ESC-p-1345001.html

Mamba F405 Power Tower specifications:
Item name: F405 Betaflight Flight Controller
Input power: 12-25V (3-6S)
BEC: 5V/1.5A
MCU: STM32F405
Gyro: MPU6000
Flash: 16MB
OSD: AT7456
Mounting hole: 30.5*30.5mm
Weight: 6g

Mamba F40 Esc
Description:
Item name: Mamba F40HV ESC
Input voltage: 3-6S (12.4V~25V)
Continue current: 40A×4
Burst current: 40/50A (6S)
BEC: NO
Mounting: 30mm / φM3
Weight: 10g

MAMBA F405 MK3

2021-01: Diatone released the updated MK3 versions of the Mamba F405 stacks. The main FC now comes in two versions Mamba F405 MK3 and a bit cheaper Mamba F405 MK3 Lite.

What are the differences between MK2 and MK3:

Fixed
1. Add I2C function
2. When you connect the USB, the receiver and OSD settings can be saved
3. Increase the pad area
4. LED signal selection （when Mamba Led sys available）
5. BEC short circuit protection
6. TVS instant high voltage protection 30V

Update
1. F405 models support F.prot（Most）
2. Upgrade the anti-interference cable
3. Use USB Type-C （Most）

Added
1. Add self-recovery insurance to the receiver’s 5V power supply
2. Increase the camera VCC power supply pad
3. Standard flight controller (30.5×30.5) adds spare pad
4. Gyro uses an independent Low Dropout Regulator (Low Dropout Regulator) and reduces ripple interference

Mamba F405 MK3 has 6 UARTS, two independent 5V/3A BEC, LED controller, Barometer

Available @

Banggood: https://www.banggood.com/30_5x30_5mm-Mamba-F405-MK3-3~6S-F4-Flight-Controller-MPU6000-OSD-9V-BEC-for-RC-Drone-FPV-Racing-p-1811043.html

Specifications:
Name: Mamba Basic F405 MK3 FC
MCU: 168MHz STM32F405RGT6
IMU: MPU6000
Barometer: Yes
OSD: Yes
Blackbox: 16M Flash Memory
Uarts: 6 Set
ESC Soft: Dshot300/600/1200
ESC Telemetry: Yes
Power Led: Yes
LED Controller: BF LED/MB LED（ 4 Set 2812 LED）
F.Port: Yes
RSSI: Yes
Buzz: Yes
Input: 3~6S Lipo (12.6~25.2V)
TVS Protection: Yes
BEC: 3.3V/0.5A &  5V/3A  (System Power)) 5V/3A(LED) & 9V/3A
MOUNTING: 30.5mm,M3

Diatone Mamba Basic F405 MK3 Stack connection diagram.

Diatone Mamba F405 MK3 stack is available with 40A and 50A 4in1 BLHeli_S ESC

Available @ Banggood:

40A https://www.banggood.com/30_5x30_5mm-MAMBA-F405-MK3-F4-Flight-Controller-40A-BLHeli_S-3-6S-CH40-8Bit-DSHOT600-Brushless-ESC-for-RC-Drone-FPV-Racing-p-1810969.html

50A https://www.banggood.com/30_5x30_5mm-MAMBA-Stack-F405-MK3-F4-Flight-Controller-F50-50A-Blheli_S-3-6S-8BIT-DSHOT600-Brushless-ESC-for-RC-Drone-FPV-Racing-p-1811005.html

Mamba F405 MK3 Lite has less UARTS, no barometer, no separate BEC for LEDs and no on board LED controller.

Specifications:
Item name: Mamba Basic F405 MK3 Lite Flight Control
MCU: 168MHz STM32F405RGT6
IMU: MPU6000
Barometer: No
OSD: Yes
Blackbox: 16M Flash Memory
Uarts: 5 Set
ESC Soft: Dshot300/600/1200
ESC Telemetry: Yes
Power Led: Yes
LED Controller: BF LED（4 Set 2812 LED）
F.Port: Yes
RSSI: Yes
Buzz: Yes
Input: 3~6S Lipo (12.6~25.2V)
TVS Protection: Yes
BEC: 3.3V/0.5A &  5V/3A & 9V/3A
MOUNTING: 30.5mm,M3

Diatone Mamba F405 MK3 Lite stack connection diagram:

Diatone Mamba F405 MK3 Lite stack is available with 40A and 50A 4in1 BLHeli_S ESC

Available @ Banggood:

40A https://www.banggood.com/30_5x30_5mm-MAMBA-Stack-F405-MK3-Lite-F4-Flight-Controller-F40-40A-Blheli_S-3-6S-8BIT-DSHOT600-ESC-for-RC-Drone-FPV-Racing-p-1811008.html

50A https://www.banggood.com/30_5x30_5mm-MAMBA-Stack-F405-MK3-Lite-F4-Flight-Controller-F50-50A-Blheli_S-3-6S-8BIT-DSHOT600-Brushless-ESC-for-RC-Drone-FPV-Racing-p-1811010.html

Diatone Mamba F405 mini

Older revision of the Diatone F405 Mini MK2:

Current revision of the Diatone F405 Mini MK2:

Mamba F405 Mini MK2 connection diagram:

Available @

Diatone: https://www.diatone.us/collections/mamba-stack/products/mamba-f405-mini-mk%E2%85%B1-flight-controller-stack

Banggood: https://www.banggood.com/MAMBA-F405-Mini-MK2-Betaflight-Flight-Controller-F25-20A-3-4S-DSHOT600-FPV-Racing-Brushless-ESC-p-1345002.html

Mamba F405 Mini Power Tower Specification:
Item name: F405 Mini FC
INPUT: 2~4S LIPO (7.4V~16.8V)
BEC: 5V 1A
MCU: STM32F405
Gyro: MPU6000
FLASH: 16M
OSD: AT7456
MOUNTING: 20mm/M2
WEIGHT: 3.5g

Item name: Mamba F25HV ESC
Input voltage: 2~4S (7.4V~16.8V)
Continue current: 25A×4
Burst current: 30A (10S)
BEC: NO
Size: 30×30×5mm
Mounting: 20mm / φM2
Weight: 8g

Diatone Mamba F405US Mini MK3

2020-06 Diatone released MK3 version of the F405US Mini stack. This stack is available in two versions: standard FPV and DJI.

Mamba F405US Mini MK3 connection diagram with DJI FPV unit:

Available @

Diatone: https://www.diatone.us/collections/mamba-stack/products/mamba-f405us-mk3-mini-4-6s-flight-controller-stack

Diatone Mamba F405 Mini MK3 DJI

Mamba F405 Mini MK3 DJI connection diagram with GPS and TBS CRSF Nano:

Available @

Diatone: https://www.diatone.us/collections/mamba-stack/products/mamba-f405-mini-dji-f35-3-6s-flight-controller-stack

Banggood: https://www.banggood.com/20+20mm-MAMBA-F405-MINI-DJI-F35-3-6S-Flight-Controller-FPV-Combo-Stack-for-RC-Drone-p-1680020.html

F405 Mini MK3.5

2021-01 Diatone has upgraded the MK3 version and the new stack is called Mamba Basic F405 Mini MK3.5 stack. Pretty long name. The new version is available in two options: with 30A 4in1 BLHeli_S ESC and with 40A 4in1 BLHeli_s ESC. So the full name of the stack is… Diatone Mamba Basic F405 Mini MK3.5 F30 8bit stack. The 30A stack is capable to work with up to 5S battery and the 40A stack is up to 6S batery.

The full list of what was fixed/upgraded/added:

Fixed

1. Add I2C function
2. When you connect the USB, the receiver and OSD settings can be saved
3. Increased pad area
4. LED signal selection （when Mamba Led sys available）
5. BEC short circuit protection
6. TVS instant high voltage protection 30V

Update

1. F405 models support F.port
2. Upgrade the anti-interference cable
3. Uses Type-C USB socket
4. The pad area of Mini flight controller (20×20) increased by 140%

Added

1. Add self-recovery insurance to the receiver’s 5V power supply
2. Increased the camera VCC power supply pad
3. Standard flight controller (30.5×30.5) adds spare pad
4. Gyro uses an independent Low Dropout Regulator (Low Dropout Regulator) and reduces ripple interference

Diatone Mamba Basic F405 Mini MK3.5 connection diagram:

Diatone Mamba Basic F405 Mini MK3.5 User Manual: https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0027/2708/4144/files/MAMBA_Basic_F405_MINI_MK3.5.pdf

Available @ 

Diatone:

30A stack: https://www.diatone.us/collections/mamba-stack/products/mamba-stack-basic-f405-mini-mk3-5-30a-5s-8bit

40A stack: https://www.diatone.us/collections/mamba-stack/products/mamba-stack-basic-f405-mini-mk3-5-40a-6s-8bit

History: 2018-09-28 first published
2020-06-11 Mini MK3 was added
2021-01-10 F405 MK3 and F405 Mini MK3.5 were added

RunCam Racer 4 digital FPV Camera

Followup of the digital RunCam drama. Gal Kremer got his hands on the new RunCam Racer 4 camera and showed the actual footage recorded with DJI Air unit. So we know that RunCam Racer 4 actually works with the DJI system and even DJI can’t do anything about it. 

HGLRC AEOLUS 2207.5 motors

HGLRC announced the new AEOLUS 2207.5 motors with 1750KV, 1900KV and 2550KV options.

Kakute F7 mini V3 FC

Holybro released upgraded Kakute F7 mini V3. Redesigned layout, added port for connecting DJI Air or Caddx Vista digital unit. One of the best user manual’s in the market. 

Kakute F7 mini V3 FC User Manual: http://www.holybro.com/manual/Holybro_KakuteF7_Mini_V3_Manual_v1.0.pdf

Available @ Banggood: https://www.banggood.com/Upgrade-20x20mm-Holybro-KAKUTE-F7-Mini-V3-…-1449223.html

JHEMCU GHF411 Pro 35A ESC AIO

JHEMCU released updated GHF411 Pro AIO board with, redesigned layout, larger motor pads, added DJI Air unit support, 5V and 9V BEC, added blackbox, 2-6S battery input and 35A ESC. Killer specs for unbelievably low price (~ 34$).

Available @ Banggood: https://www.banggood.com/Upgrade-25_5x25_5mm-JHEMCU-GHF411AIO-Pro-F4-…-1652742.html

HQProp 76mm 6 blades cinewhoop prop

HQProp posted a photo of the upcoming 6 bladed 3 inch propeller for cinewhoops. This prop should make less noise than props with less blades.

https://www.banggood.com/HQProp-Duct-75MMX6-75mm-3-Pitch-6-Blades-…-1740462.html

Source: Facebook, web

Racerstar StarF7 has F722 MCU on board, ESCs run BLHeli_32 firmware, are rated for 40A continuous (45A burst) current and supports 2-6S battery input. 

AIO flight controller uses most popular MPU6000 Gyro connected via SPI interface. Board provides 5V/2A and 9V/3A regulated power source for DJI digital FPV system. There are special solder pads for connecting the DJI Air module on the bottom side of the FC.

You can also find Barometer, Current sensor, OSD and flash memory for black box on the board. There are two switchable camera inputs, so you can hook up two cameras on one quad. Total weight of the board is 30g.

Available @

Banggood: https://www.banggood.com/30_5x30_5mm-Racerstar-StarF7-F7-Flight-Controller-AIO-…-1706211.html

Specification:

Model: StarF7 Flight Controller AIO 40A 4in1 ESC Board
Input Voltage: Support 2-6S Lipo
Size: 51x43mm
Mounting Hole: 30.5×30.5mm ( M4)
Weight: 30g

F7+OSD+BEC+CURRENT+DJI+BLACK BOX (DUAL CAMERA)

Stack package includes FC, 4in1 ESC, connecting cables, XT30 pigtail, capacitor and the rubber grommets.

Available @:

Heli-Nation: https://www.heli-nation.com/tiny-talon-16×16-f7-stack-blheli-32-esc

GetFPV: https://www.getfpv.com/heli-nation-tiny-talon-f7-micro-stack.html

Flight Controller specifications:
First micro (16X16) STACK with F7 and 32bit ESC
MCU: STM32F722RET6 216MHz
6-Axis MPU6000 gyro
Build in Beta flight OSD
2-4S( 17V ) direct battery power
Build in Voltage monitoring resistor
Build in 5V/1.5A BEC and 3.3V/250mA for system
2 free FULL UARTS: UART1, UART5
VTX use UART3 TX3. for  VTX control
16×16 mounting pattern
Designed to use on 5V camera and VTX.

ESC specifications:
2-4s Battery Input.
First 16×16 mounting 32bit ESC, running BLHELI_32
15A continuous and 20A burst.
RPM filtering support
build in Current sensor

Specifications

HGLRC F722 mini FC

MPU: MPU6000
UARTS:5
CPU: STM32F722 RET6
Input Voltage: 2-6S Lipo battery
Built-in Betaflight OSD 
BEC Output: 5V/3A
BlackBox: 16M
Size: 23.7×26.6mm
Installing Hole: 20X20mm. M2
Weight:3.7g

HGLRC FD35A 4in1 ESC

CPU: STM32F051
Input Voltage: 3-6S Lipo battery
Steady Current: 35A
Peak Current: 40A (10 Sec）
Firmware: BLheli_32
Installing Hole: 20x20mm, M2
Weight: 6.5g

HGLRC FD45A 4in1 ESC

CPU: STM32F051
Input Voltage: 2-6S Lipo battery
Constant Current: 45A-4S / 35A-6S
Peak Current: 55A (5s)
BEC Ouput: NO
Firmware: BLheli_32
Size: 31.7×36.5mm
Installing Hole: 20x20mm, M2
Weight: 10.8g

HGLRC Zeus F735

Zeus F735 package contains F722 mini FC, FD35A 4in1 ESC, 1000uF 35V and 220uF 35V capacitors, XT30 pigtail with 18AWG silicon wire, XT60 plug with 14AWG wire, 8pin SH1.0mm connection cable, 25mm long 2mm diameter metal screws and nuts and dampening silicon rubber spacers. There is a 2.54mm pin headers included for direct soldering of the receivers to FC.

HGLRC F722 mini flight controller has F722 MCU with 5 UART ports available. However UART ports 3 and 6 are reserved for VTX control and ESC telemetry respectively, so in reality you have 3 full UART ports available. That’s enough for almost any configuration.

The F722 mini flight controller is covered with conformal coating. This adds some moisture resistance. Flight controller has really big solder pads that makes really easy to solder the wires to them. Most of the pads have vias (small through holes), these help to keep the pads from tearing away when they are overheated while soldering.

F722 mini FC has barometer installed on the board. 

HGLRC F722 mini and FD35 4in1 ESC have 20x20mm pattern M2 diameter mount holes.

Stack includes the FD35 4in1 ESC. The same ESC is used in the HGLRC FD435 stack .

Forward FD35A ESC has arc curved solder pads that are convenient for soldering the ESC wires vertically.

There are SH1.0mm 8pin sockets for connection cable between the FC and ESC. This should make the installation quick and easy.

However the included cable is more than 4cm long and even must be cross twisted thus takes up a lot of space and is challenging to make a clean build.

I wish HGLRC could make this cable only 1,5cm long and make it connect straight forward for the perfect fit. As an example how Diatone does with their stack wires.

The HGLRC F722 mini FC weights only 3.7 grams.

The HGLRC FD35A 4in1 ESC weights 7 grams.

Whole stack weights 14.7 grams including the wires and metal screws.

HGLRC Zeus F745

Zeus F745 package contains F722 mini FC, FD45A 4in1 ESC, 1000uF 35V and 220uF 35V capacitors, XT30 pigtail with 18AWG silicon wire, XT60 plug with 14AWG wire, 8pin SH1.0mm connection cable, 25mm long 2mm diameter metal screws and nuts and dampening silicon rubber spacers. There is a 2.54mm pin headers included for direct soldering of the receivers to FC.

Zeus F745 stack has the same F722 mini FC and the more powerful FD45A 4in1 ESC. The ESC size is 36.5×31.7mm, so it is bigger than usual 20x20mm board. Notice that ESC has double PCB style – the power switching part is on the one PCB and the FET commutation logic part is separated on the second PCB. This allows to make bigger power lines for larger currents and maximizes thermal dissipation.

ESC has two arrays of the ceramic capacitors for the filtering and voltage stabilization. 

However you can notice that FD45 ESC does not have current sensor, so you will need the special XT60 connector with integrated current sensor if you want to have the amp reading on your OSD or Blackbox logs.

The weight of the FD45 4in1 ESC is 10.9 grams. It obviously weights more than 35A version because of the thicker and bigger PCB.

The weight of the complete stack is 18.8 grams including the metal screws, nuts and cable. 

HGLRC Forward FD45 ESC has big motor pads on the top side of the ESC board.

Setting up the HGLRC F735 and F745

Both stacks use the same F722 mini flight controller, so the configuration procedures are the same for both stacks.

Port definitions:

UART1 is for receiver input (SBUS, iBUS)
UART2 is free
UART3 is for  VTX Betaflight control
UART4 is free (GPS or other peripherals)
UART6 is for ESC telemetry 

HGLRC F722 mini Flight controller user manual: https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2672/8290/files/F722_mini.pdf

HGLRC F722 mini connection diagram:

If you will need to upgrade firmware, then HGLRC F722 mini FC Betaflight target is HGLRCF722 or HGLRCF722(HGLRC) if using BF higher than 4.0. 

Conclusions and final thoughts

HGLRC Zeus F735 and F745 stacks are the combination of the already known and proven FD35A and FD45A 4in1 ESC and the newest HGRC F722 mini flight controller. F722 MCU, used in this FC, ensures that you will have a lot of room for the processing power and the MCU support will not be discontinued in the nearest future (as it was done with F3 MCU and F4 MCU days are going to the end inevitably). HGLRC F722 mini flight controller has no problems with the UART inversion (as F4 MCU has), so you can be sure that any receiver will work with this FC (FrSky, Flysky, TBS Crossfire & others). It even has header pins for direct soldering of the popular XM+ or TBS Crossfire Nano receivers. Flight controller also has big pads for easy soldering, conformal coating for moisture protection. HGLRC managed to fit the Barometer and 16Mb blackbox flash memory into this F722 mini flight controller. 

HGLRC Zeus F735 is the cheapest F7 mini stack on the market and the F745 stack is on sale for only $45.59 plus you’ll get 4pcs of free arm led strips!

HGLRC: 

Zeus F735: https://www.hglrc.com/collections/new-arrivals/products/hglrc-zeus-f735-stack-20×20-2-6s-f722-flight-controller-35a-bl32-4in1-esc

Zeus F745: https://www.hglrc.com/collections/new-arrivals/products/hglrc-zeus-f745-stack-20×20-2-6s-f7-flight-controller-45a-bl32-4in1-esc

Banggood: 

Zeus F735: https://www.banggood.com/search/hglrc-f735.html?from=nav

Zeus F745: https://www.banggood.com/search/hglrc-f745.html?from=nav

Disclaimer: This item was supplied by HGLRC for a fair and unbiased review. HGLRC never asked for a positive review and never influenced my opinion in any way. I’m trying my best to stay uninfluenced and give only my own opinion. All affiliate links if there are any help me purchase items for future reviews and tests.

DCL The Game Simulator

DCL oficially released their drone simulator that previously was available in the beta only. Now available on PC, PlayStation?4, and Xbox One platforms.

Available on Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/964570/DCL__The_Game    

BetaFPV LiteRadio 2

BetaFPV has released gamepad style radio controller. LiteRadio 2 has real gimbals, supports OpenTX firmware and works with Bayang, Frsky D8 and D16 protocols.

https://betafpv.com/products/literadio-2-radio-transmitter

FETtec 4in1 ESC 45A

Active current limiting @ 45A , Input voltage: 3S-6S, High quality 40V MOSFETs, STM32G071 @ 64MHz, Dshot 300-2400, OneWire BUS with up to 8kHz looptime (one cable for all motor signals and telemetry)

Available @ https://fettec.net/shop/fettec-4in1-esc-45a

Flywoo Chasers-138 Cinewhoop

Analog and HD Chasers-138 cinewhoop from Flywoo. Frame weights 128 grams, HD cinewhoop weight without battery – 307g, analog – 273g.

Available @ Flywoo: https://flywoo.net/products/chasers-138mm-hd , https://flywoo.net/products/chasers-138-analog

Bangggood: https://www.banggood.com/Flywoo-CHASERS-HD-138mm-…-DJI-FPV-Air-Unit-Goggles-p-1632669.html , https://www.banggood.com/FLYWOO-CHASERS-138mm-…-1632668.html

HGLRC Veyron 3 Cinewhoop

Veyron 3 is 3″ inch cinewhoop from HGLRC. Available in 4S and 6S options. Only analog version is available. I guess Caddx Vista system can be installed in this cinewhoop as HD mod.

Available @ HGLRC: https://www.hglrc.com/collections/new-arrivals/products/hglrc-veyron-3-cinewhoop-fpv-racing-drone

Banggood: 4S https://www.banggood.com/HGLRC-Veyron-3-Cinewhoop-4S-…-1639396.html & 6S https://www.banggood.com/HGLRC-Veyron-3-6S-…-1639395.html

HQProp 5X4.3X3V2S

A little stiffer and a little more power than V1S, but keep the same weight and same efficient! Weight 3.8 g.

https://www.hqprop.com/hq-freestyle-prop-5x43x3v2s-2cw2ccw-poly-carbonate-p0233.html