The SpeedyBee F405 FC/ESC stack was my favourite funds stack, however the newest V5 model launched some questionable adjustments that I’m personally not a fan of. Whereas looking for a brand new prime funds choice, I got here throughout the T-Passion VELOX F7 SE FC paired with the V70A 4in1 ESC. On paper, the specs look wonderful, the value is aggressive too, and it might be a viable various to SpeedyBee stacks. However can this actually be the brand new finest funds stack? Let’s discover out.
Find out about flight controllers in our purchaser’s information: https://oscarliang.com/flight-controller/
Additional Studying:
The place to Purchase
Get the VELOX F7 SE & V70A Stack from:
Specs: How Does It Examine to SpeedyBee F405 V5?
Flight Controller
| Specs | Speedybee F405 V5 | T-Passion Velox F7 SE |
| MCU | STM32F405 | STM32F722 |
| IMU (Gyro) | ICM-42688P | ICM-42688P |
| USB Port Sort | Sort-C | Sort-C |
| Barometer | SPA06-003 | DPS310 |
| OSD Chip | AT7456E | AT7456E |
| Bluetooth Tuning | Supported | Supported |
| Wi-fi FC Firmware Improve | Supported | Not supported |
| 6-pin DJI Air Unit Plug | YES | YES |
| Blackbox | 16MB Flash | 128MB Flash |
| Enter Voltage | 3S – 6S | 4S – 8S |
| Present Sensor Enter | Sure | Sure |
| 5V BEC | 1.5A | 3A |
| Different BEC | 9V 3A | 12V 3A |
| Motor Outputs | 4 | 8 |
| Analog Digital camera Management (CC) | Sure | Sure |
| I2C (SDA/SCL) | Sure | Sure |
| UART | 6 UART’s | 5 UART’s |
| LED Pads | Sure | Sure |
| Buzzer Pads | Sure | Sure |
| BOOT Button | Sure | Sure |
| RSSI Pads | Sure | Sure |
| Supported Firmware | Betaflight, INAV, Ardupilot | Betaflight |
| Betaflight Goal Identify | SPEEDYBEEF405V5 | TMOTORVELOXF7SE |
| Mounting Holes | 30.5 x 30.5mm( 4mm gap diameter) | 30.5 x 30.5mm( 4mm gap diameter) |
| Dimensions | 39mm (L) × 39mm (W) × 4.9mm (H) | 37(L) x 38.4(W) x 7(H)mm |
| Weight | 8.1g | 8.5g |
4in1 ESC
| SpeedyBee OX32 55A | T-Passion V70A | |
| Firmware | OX32 | AM32 |
| Steady Present | 55A * 4 | 70A * 4 |
| Burst Present | 70A * 4 | 75A * 4 |
| ESC/Motor Protocol | DSHOT300/600 | DSHOT300/600 |
| Enter Voltage | 3-6S LiPo | 4-8S LiPo |
| Mounting Holes | 30.5 x 30.5mm( 4mm gap diameter) | 30.5 x 30.5mm( 4mm gap diameter) |
| Dimensions | 40.9(L) × 44.9(W) × 8.0(H)mm | 41(L) * 44(W) *5(H)mm |
| Weight | 19.1g | 12.8g |
Design & Options
New Model Alert
The FC I’m reviewing is the newer revision. An older model of the VELOX F7 SE exists, rated just for 6S with a 10V BEC. The brand new model helps as much as 8S and supplies a 12V BEC.
Sadly, each variations share the identical identify and look practically similar externally, which can seemingly trigger confusion.
The best way to determine them:
- If the BEC solder bridge labels 5V / 10V → previous model
- If 5V / 12V → new model
FC Processor
The VELOX makes use of an STM32F722 processor, which is technically quicker than the F405 on the SpeedyBee. In real-world use, nonetheless, you most likely received’t discover a distinction.
The F405 really has extra reminiscence, which may make it extra future-proof as Betaflight options proceed to develop. That mentioned, Betaflight’s cloud construct system now means that you can embody solely the options you want, minimizing firmware measurement — so the F722 ought to stay completely usable for the foreseeable future.
Blackbox Reminiscence
That is one space the place the VELOX clearly wins.
It provides 128MB of onboard flash, 8 occasions greater than SpeedyBee’s 16MB. In the event you spend quite a lot of time tuning PIDs and filters, it is a big benefit — you may file much more flight logs earlier than needing to erase reminiscence.
Enter Voltage
The Velox stack helps as much as 8S, whereas SpeedyBee tops out at 6S.
Nonetheless, the minimal supported voltage is larger:
- Velox: 4S minimal
- SpeedyBee: 3S minimal
Maintain this in thoughts should you plan to make use of the stack in lower-voltage builds.
Noise Efficiency
T-Passion emphasizes clear energy supply to the gyro for improved noise efficiency. I plan to run direct noise comparisons between this stack and the SpeedyBee on similar builds and can replace this overview when outcomes can be found.
Solder Pads & Connector Structure
The board makes use of a standard sq. form.
The solder pads are properly sized and simple to work with. They’re additionally grouped logically by operate, which makes wiring simple.
There are connectors on the underside of the board as properly, for nearly all the pieces you want, permitting you to plug in peripherals as a substitute of soldering. This makes discipline repairs or part swaps a lot simpler when touring.
A boot button and barometer are included, that are commonplace options for contemporary flight controllers.
Bluetooth
There’s a small separate board soldered onto the FC, which is the Bluetooth module.
It permits wi-fi connection to Betaflight Configurator in your cellphone and in addition entry to Blackbox logs. Nonetheless, the antenna protrudes barely (about 2 mm), which shouldn’t be a problem for many frames, but it surely’s price mentioning. The USB-C port additionally extends roughly 2 mm on the other facet.
ESC
For me, the most important enchantment of the T-Passion stack is the 4in1 ESC.
It’s not solely extra highly effective — rated for 70A steady present and supporting as much as 8S enter — but it surely additionally runs the open-source AM32 firmware.
In contrast, the SpeedyBee ESC makes use of closed-source OX32 firmware, which is comparatively new to the interest. Given what occurred with BLHeli_32, I’m at present cautious about recommending closed-source ESC firmware and usually choose open-source options. Learn the complete story right here: https://oscarliang.com/end-of-blheli_32/.
One trade-off is that the T-Passion ESC has no heatsink. This retains it over 6g lighter — nice for ultralight builds — however you will need to guarantee enough airflow, particularly on heavier or high-power setups, to forestall overheating.
Firmware Help
In the meanwhile, the VELOX F7 SE FC helps Betaflight solely, whereas the SpeedyBee F405 V5 helps Betaflight, INAV, and ArduPilot.
Because of the F722 processor’s restricted reminiscence, ArduPilot help is unlikely. Nonetheless, INAV help could be a welcome addition, and hopefully T-Passion might take into account it sooner or later.
Waterproofing
The ESC comes conformal-coated from the manufacturing facility. Nonetheless, when you solder motor wires, these joints will likely be uncovered — you’ll want to use your personal coating if you would like full water resistance.
The flight controller itself isn’t coated, so it’s not waterproof out of the field. For most individuals you most likely don’t want to fret about water resistance, however should you anticipate to fly in moist setting it’s price doing. To be taught extra about conformal coating, see this information: https://oscarliang.com/waterproofing-drone-electronics.
Pinouts & Wiring Diagrams
Documentation is one space the place SpeedyBee clearly does higher.
T-Passion at present supplies only some blurry photographs displaying board pinouts and instance connections for receivers, GPS, and VTX — and there are a number of errors (incorrect wire colours, mislabeled pads, and so forth.). Skilled builders can work round this, however freshmen might discover it complicated.
I’ve tried to repair just a few errors right here, however I could publish a greater diagram sooner or later.
For wiring, listed here are my beneficial UART Assignments:
- UART1 (TX1/RX1): Serial receiver (e.g. Crossfire and ELRS)
- UART2 (TX2/RX2): Video transmitter / digital air unit
- UART3 (TX3/RX3): GPS or different peripherals
- UART4 (RX4): ESC telemetry
- UART5 (TX5/RX5): GPS or different peripherals
Conclusion: Is It Value Getting?
Whereas the SpeedyBee stack remains to be $10 cheaper, I consider the additional value of the VELOX stack is justified for the extra succesful FC and ESC.
With 8S help, larger amp score, and open-source firmware, the ESC provides considerably extra headroom. You’re not restricted to typical 5-inch freestyle FPV drone builds — this stack may additionally energy 8-inch and even 10-inch lengthy vary quads, in addition to hexacopters or octocopters due to the FC’s 8 motor outputs (you will have to buy an extra 4in1 ESC for these).
Get the VELOX F7 SE & V70A Stack from:
The product web page lists a reduced worth, and T-Passion has confirmed it is a everlasting worth.
Characteristic-packed at an inexpensive worth — what’s to not like? There are just a few limitations as said on this overview, however for many pilots, particularly these on a funds, it’s a really compelling choice.