Info

build

indx parts cost RMB cost USD/7 eg. common select
1 frame-dat 22.5 3 mobula8-dat
2 flight-controller-dat 383 55 X12-dat
3 motor-FPV-dat x4 54 8 x4 = 32 EX1103-dat
4 propeller-dat x4 1.6 0.23 x4 = 0.92 乾丰2023三叶
5 VTX-dat 81 11.6 Caddx ANT 1200TVL
PCB vibration absorber 0 0
XT30-dat cable 4 0.6
battery-dat x2 55 7.9 x2 = 15.8
mobula8-dat 100

popular whoops

FPV by purposes

  • indoor-fly-dat

  • Tinywhoop = indoor fun.

  • Cinewhoop = cinematic close shots.
  • Racing = pure speed.
  • Freestyle = tricks & acro.
  • Long-range = exploration.
  • Heavy-lift = pro filmmaking.

1. Tiny Whoop

  • tinywhoop-dat

  • Size: 65–85 mm wheelbase, 1S battery

  • Purpose: Indoor flying, safe around people/pets, practice
  • Features: Ducted props, very light, low risk

2. Cinewhoop

  • cinewhoop-dat

  • Size: 85–150 mm wheelbase, 2.5–3.5 inch props

  • Purpose: Smooth, stable cinematic footage (close proximity / indoors)
  • Features: Ducted props for safety, carries small action camera (GoPro, Naked GoPro, Insta360)

3. Racing Drones

  • racing-drones-dat

  • Size: 3–5 inch props (120–250 mm wheelbase)

  • Purpose: Maximum speed and agility for competition
  • Features: Lightweight, optimized for acceleration, high thrust-to-weight ratio

4. Freestyle Quads

  • freestyle-drones-dat

  • Size: Typically 5 inch props

  • Purpose: Acrobatics, tricks, expressive flying outdoors
  • Features: Durable frame, strong motors, smooth response

5. Long-Range FPV

  • long-range-drones-dat

  • Size: 4–7 inch props

  • Purpose: Extended range flights (kilometers away), exploration
  • Features: Larger battery, GPS, efficient motors, sometimes wings

6. Micro / Toothpick

  • toothpick-drones-dat

  • Size: 2.5–4 inch props, very light frame

  • Purpose: Outdoor fun flying, mix of agility and portability
  • Features: No ducts, higher power-to-weight than Tiny Whoop, still safe-ish

7. Heavy-Lift / Cinematic

  • heavy-lift-drones-dat

  • Size: 6–12 inch props (custom builds)

  • Purpose: Professional film-making, carrying big cinema cameras (RED, Blackmagic)
  • Features: Very stable, high payload, expensive

The best overall FPV drone Starting Kit

RC configurator

whoop by size

FPV Drone Categories Comparison

Category Size (Wheelbase / Prop) Weight (approx) Features Best Use Case Example Models
TinyWhoop 65–75mm / 31–40mm props 20–30g Ducted, safe, brushed/brushless Indoor, beginner, safe around people Mobula6, BetaFPV Meteor65
MicroWhoop 75–100mm / 40–50mm props 30–60g Brushless, small ducts, more power Indoor & small outdoor Mobula7, Meteor85
CineWhoop 3 inch / 120–150mm 200–400g Ducted, smooth flight, carries camera Cinematic filming (GoPro/naked GoPro) GEPRC CineLog 30, iFlight Protek35
Toothpick 2.5–4 inch / 90–160mm 40–120g Very light, no ducts, carbon frame Outdoor freestyle, nimble flying Happymodel Sailfly-X, HX115
Micro Quad 100–150mm / 2–3 inch 70–150g Small frame, not always ducted Small park freestyle & racing Emax Babyhawk II, iFlight Alpha A85
5-inch Quad 210–250mm / 5 inch 250–600g Most common, powerful, versatile Freestyle, racing, cinematic w/ GoPro ImpulseRC Apex, iFlight Nazgul5
Long Range 6–7 inch 400–800g+ Large props, GPS, big batteries Long-distance cruising, mountains iFlight Chimera7, Flywoo Explorer LR
X-Class 10–13 inch+ >2kg Huge, heavy lift, pro cameras Professional filming, commercial work Shendrones Siccario, custom builds
  • Whoop:
    • Smallest class, typically 65mm–85mm frames.
    • Ducted props (prop guards).
    • Prop size: ~31–40 mm.
  • Micro (2"–4"):
    • Larger, 90mm–150mm frames.
    • Open props (no ducts, usually).
    • Prop size: 2"–4".

parts of the FPV drones

  • flight-controller-dat

  • ESC-dat

  • Motors: Provide the thrust needed for flight. Brushless motors are commonly used in FPV drones due to their efficiency and power.

  • Propellers: Generate lift by spinning rapidly. The size and pitch of the propellers can significantly affect the drone's performance and flight characteristics.

  • SCU1059-dat - propeller-dat

  • Camera: Captures real-time video for FPV flying. FPV cameras are designed to provide low-latency video transmission to the pilot's goggles or screen.

  • VTX-dat: Video Transmitters are commonly referred to as VTX units. They are responsible for transmitting the video signal from the camera to the pilot's goggles or screen. VTX units come in various power levels and frequencies, allowing pilots to choose the best option for their flying environment.

  • Antenna: Enhances the signal strength and range of the VTX. Different antenna types (e.g., dipole, patch, circular polarized) can be used to optimize performance.

  • ExpressLRS: A long-range radio control link for FPV drones, known for its low latency and high refresh rates. It is an open-source project that competes with other systems like Crossfire and ELRS.

  • Goggles: Wearable displays that allow pilots to see the live video feed from the drone's camera. They often include features like head tracking and DVR (Digital Video Recorder) capabilities.

Bee35

version price description
Bee35 Pro O3 Air Unit TBS 480 O3 Air Unit, TBS radio
Bee35 Pro O3 Air Unit ELRS 470 O3 Air Unit, ELRS radio
Bee35 Pro O3 Air Unit PNP 460 O3 Air Unit, no receiver
Bee35 Pro 270 Standard analog version
Bee35 Pro LINK WASP TBS 430 LINK WASP digital system, TBS radio
Bee35 Pro LINK WASP ELRS 420 LINK WASP digital system, ELRS radio
Bee35 Pro LINK WASP PNP 400 LINK WASP digital system, no receiver
Bee35 Analog TBS 306 Analog FPV system, TBS radio
Bee35 Analog ELRS 296 Analog FPV system, ELRS radio

commerialized FPV

1. SpeedyBee Flight Controllers & Stacks

  • Brand: SpeedyBee
  • Description: Budget-friendly, Betaflight-supported flight controllers with easy app-based tuning.
  • Example Products:
    • SpeedyBee F405 V4 Stack (F4-based, affordable)
    • SpeedyBee F7 V3 Stack (F7-based, powerful & feature-rich)
  • Commercial Features:
    • Wireless Bluetooth & Wi-Fi tuning via SpeedyBee app.
    • Fully compatible with Betaflight Configurator.
  • Website: speedybee.com

2. TBS Tango 2 (Crossfire-Integrated Radio Controller)

  • Brand: Team BlackSheep (TBS)
  • Description: A high-performance FPV radio transmitter designed for Betaflight-based drones with built-in Crossfire.
  • Commercial Features:
    • Fully optimized for Betaflight & Crossfire.
    • Compact, ergonomic design for FPV pilots.
  • Website: team-blacksheep.com

opensource control projects

Most Famous Open-Source FPV GitHub Projects

If you're looking for open-source FPV (First-Person View) projects on GitHub, here are some of the most famous ones:

1. Betaflight

  • Description: One of the most widely used open-source flight control firmware for FPV drones.
  • Features:
    • Highly optimized for acrobatic and racing drones.
    • Supports a wide range of flight controllers.
    • Advanced tuning options for PID, filters, and motor control.
  • GitHub: github.com/betaflight/betaflight

2. iNavFlight

  • Description: A fork of Betaflight, but optimized for GPS and long-range FPV.
  • Features:
    • Supports GPS waypoint navigation, return-to-home (RTH), and mission planning.
    • Designed for freestyle and long-range cruising rather than racing.
  • GitHub: github.com/iNavFlight/inav

3. ArduPilot

  • Description: A professional-grade open-source autopilot for drones, including FPV quadcopters, planes, and rovers.
  • Features:
    • Highly autonomous with advanced mission planning.
    • Works with multiple types of vehicles (planes, multirotors, helicopters).
    • Compatible with Mission Planner and QGroundControl.
  • GitHub: github.com/ArduPilot/ardupilot

4. PX4

  • Description: A powerful open-source flight control software used in drones and FPV systems.
  • Features:
    • Supports both FPV racing drones and autonomous UAVs.
    • Works with Pixhawk flight controllers and supports ROS (Robot Operating System).
  • GitHub: github.com/PX4/PX4-Autopilot

5. FalcoX

  • Description: An alternative FPV flight control firmware focusing on ease of use and smooth flight performance.
  • Features:
    • Intuitive configuration interface.
    • Aimed at both freestyle pilots and racers.
  • GitHub: github.com/FlightOne/FalcoX

6. ExpressLRS

  • Description: Open-source long-range radio control link for FPV drones, competing with Crossfire and ELRS.
  • Features:
    • Low latency and high refresh rates (great for FPV racing).
    • Compatible with many radio transmitters (TBS, Jumper, Radiomaster).
  • GitHub: github.com/ExpressLRS/ExpressLRS

7. OpenHD

  • Description: Open-source HD video transmission for FPV drones (alternative to DJI HD systems).
  • Features:
    • Uses Raspberry Pi + WiFi for HD FPV video streaming.
    • Supports OSD (On-Screen Display) and telemetry data.
  • GitHub: github.com/OpenHD/OpenHD

🔥 Which One Should You Choose?

Purpose Best Open-Source Project
Racing/Freestyle FPV Betaflight
GPS & Long-Range FPV iNav
Full Autopilot (Drones, Planes, Rovers) ArduPilot
Professional UAVs & Research PX4
HD FPV Video Streaming OpenHD
Long-Range Radio Links ExpressLRS

standards

PNP stands for "Plug and Play."

In the context of FPV drones, a PNP version means that the drone comes mostly assembled but does not include a radio receiver.

Here's why it doesn't include a receiver:

Flexibility: PNP versions cater to experienced FPV pilots who already have their preferred radio transmitter and receiver. This allows them to use their existing equipment and avoid paying for redundant components. Customization: Pilots might have specific receiver requirements based on their radio system (e.g., TBS Crossfire, ELRS, FrSky). Offering a PNP version lets them choose the exact receiver that's compatible with their setup. Cost Savings: By excluding the receiver, the manufacturer can offer the PNP version at a lower price point, making it attractive to those who don't need the included receiver. In short, PNP versions are designed for users who want to use their own radio gear and prefer to avoid unnecessary costs or compatibility issues.

popular products

DJI

BetaFPV

SpeedyBee Frame

BEE25

Propeller Size: 2.5 inches

The SpeedyBee Bee25 is a compact 2.5-inch cinewhoop drone designed for agility and portability, especially suited for indoor and tight-space flying.

wheelbase

In FPV drones, the wheelbase refers to the diagonal distance between the centers of the two furthest-apart motors, usually measured in millimeters (mm). It’s a standard way to classify the size of a drone frame.

🧩 Why Wheelbase Matters

  • Determines Propeller Size: Larger wheelbase = larger props supported.
  • Affects Maneuverability: Smaller wheelbase = more agile, Larger = more stable.
  • Influences Payload: Bigger wheelbase frames can carry heavier gear (e.g., action cameras, larger batteries).

📏 Common FPV Drone Wheelbase Categories

Size Category Typical Wheelbase Prop Size Usage
Tiny Whoop 65–75 mm 31–40 mm Indoor, safe micro flying Meteor75, Aquila16
Micro 85–120 mm 2"–2.5" Indoor/outdoor, cinewhoop BEE25, Pavo25, Pavo20 = 90mm
Mini 130–180 mm 3"–4" Freestyle, racing
Standard 200–250 mm 5" Freestyle, long-range, cinematic
Large 250+ mm 6"+ Long-range, heavy payloads

📌 Examples

  • Meteor75 → 75mm wheelbase → Tiny Whoop class

  • SpeedyBee Bee25 → 120mm wheelbase → Micro/Cinewhoop class

  • cinelog-25

  • FPV-load-dat

  • drone-maker-dat

FPV tech

Multi-Sensor Fusion

  • IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit): Detects acceleration and angular velocity changes.
  • GPS / GLONASS / Galileo: Provides precise global positioning for drift correction.
  • Barometer: Measures altitude changes due to vertical wind.
  • Vision Positioning System (VPS): Assists in holding position when GPS is weak or unavailable.

All sensor data are fused together for real-time position and attitude correction.

Drones estimate wind speed using GPS drift and IMU feedback.

If it exceeds safe thresholds (e.g., >12 m/s), the system:

  • Limits tilt angles.
  • Warns the pilot.
  • Plans energy-efficient return routes considering wind direction.

🧰 How to Improve Betaflight Wind Handling

If you want DJI-like stability in a Betaflight-based drone, you can try:

  • Use “Angle” or “Horizon” mode — these self-level automatically.
  • Tune PID properly — higher D-term helps fight oscillations caused by gusts.
  • Use a heavier frame — more mass = less effect from wind.
  • Add GPS + switch to iNav or Ardupilot — they support position hold and altitude hold.
  • Use high-quality ESCs and motors for faster response.

DJI VS betaflight

DJI vs Betaflight Comparison Table

Feature / Capability DJI Drones Betaflight (Typical FPV Quad) Explanation
Main Purpose Aerial photography, autonomous flight FPV racing, freestyle acrobatics DJI focuses on automation and stability, Betaflight on agility and control.
Flight Control Algorithm PID + MPC (Model Predictive Control) + Sensor Fusion PID only DJI uses predictive and adaptive control; Betaflight uses classic PID.
Sensor Fusion Yes (IMU + GPS + Barometer + Vision Sensors) Limited (IMU only) DJI fuses multiple sensors for precision control; Betaflight relies mainly on IMU.
GPS Position Hold ✅ Built-in ⚠️ Requires external GPS + iNav/Ardupilot Betaflight doesn’t handle position hold natively.
Vision Positioning (VPS) ✅ Yes ❌ No DJI uses downward cameras for indoor stability.
Altitude Hold ✅ Precise (barometer + GPS + VPS) ⚠️ Basic (Angle mode only) DJI maintains accurate height even in wind; Betaflight does not.
Wind Resistance / Compensation ✅ Automatic ❌ Manual (pilot controlled) DJI detects and corrects wind drift automatically.
Return to Home (RTH) ✅ Smart, automatic ⚠️ Only with GPS add-ons DJI calculates safe routes; Betaflight doesn’t.
Wind Estimation & Feedforward Control ✅ Yes ❌ No DJI predicts wind disturbance and adjusts preemptively.
IMU Attitude Stabilization ✅ Yes ✅ Yes Both can stabilize attitude, but DJI integrates more sensors.
Motor Control Response High-speed ESCs with adaptive algorithms High-speed ESCs (pilot-driven) DJI adjusts motor speeds automatically; Betaflight follows pilot commands.
User Control Focus Semi/fully autonomous Fully manual DJI reduces workload; Betaflight gives full manual control.
System Complexity High (proprietary flight controller, AI algorithms) Moderate (open-source firmware) DJI uses closed systems with advanced computation.
Tuning Requirement Minimal (auto-calibration) Manual PID tuning needed DJI tunes itself; Betaflight requires user tuning.
Firmware Platform Proprietary DJI Flight Controller Open-source Betaflight DJI closed system vs Betaflight open community.
Use Case Summary Stable, cinematic, automated Fast, agile, pilot-skill-based Different design goals and priorities.

🧭 Summary

  • DJI = Stability, automation, wind resistance, and ease of use.
  • Betaflight = Agility, manual control, and racing performance.

If you want DJI-like wind compensation on a custom drone, use iNav or Ardupilot instead of Betaflight — they support GPS position hold, altitude hold, and auto-leveling with similar logic to DJI.

ref

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https://www.electrodragon.com