While the NewBeeDrone Hummingbird V3 may be one of the most affordable tiny whoops currently available, it still offers impressive performance and durability for its price point. Despite its modest price tag, this diminutive Whoop boasts impressive durability and an array of features that render it an excellent starting point for newcomers to the FPV realm. Despite its benefits, however, the tool also presents certain constraints that will be explored in this assessment.
I’ll walk you through its specifications, performance, and how it stacks up against other popular tiny whoops currently available in the market.
The Hummingbird V3 package deal, available for $89.99, comprises:
- The Hummingbird V3 drone
- A spare set of high-performance Triblade helicopter props.
- A propeller elimination device
- A high-performance 1S 300mAh lithium-ion battery, designed specifically for the demands of a Nitro Nector model.
- Binding Guidelines for Quick Start:
1. Initial setup: Ensure you have the necessary software and hardware installed before proceeding.
2. Installation procedure: Follow the on-screen instructions to install any required apps or programs.
3. Data configuration: Input your login credentials, user ID, and password as prompted.
4. Connection establishment: Connect to the network using the provided Wi-Fi settings or Ethernet cable.
5. System initialization: Allow the system to complete its startup sequence before proceeding further.Please note that this is a basic setup guide. For more detailed information, please refer to the product documentation or manufacturer’s support resources.
- NewBeeDrone Azi 31mm Tri-Blade with 1.0mm Shaft
- What’s the Hottest Way to Fly with Hummingbird V3 ELRS AIO FC?
The Hummingbird V3 ELRS All-In-One (AIO) flight controller is a game-changer for anyone seeking seamless integration of features in their drone build.
- : Cockroach65 V3 Body
- :Cockroach65 body; weight: 21.6 g (PP materials)
- : Hummingbird 0802 25000KV
- : Goober Cover v1
- : BeeEye Digicam
- : 65mm
- : STM32F411
- : BMI270
- A reliable wireless system starts with a strong signal. With our BeeTX 5.8GHz antenna and 25mW transmitter, you can count on a consistent connection for all your aerial applications.
- Here is the rewritten text in a different style:
“Pre-configured 12A BLHeliS ESCs featuring Bluejay’s latest firmware, version 0.19.2, optimized for high-performance applications and compatible with O-H-10 motor controllers running at 48 kHz.”
- : JST-1.0 3Pin
- The graphical overlay for NBD7456 on Betaflight’s On- Screen Display (OSD) is designed to provide a seamless integration of the flight controller’s performance data onto the video feed, allowing pilots to easily monitor and adjust settings in real-time.
- : 2.4GHz ExpressLRS (SPI)
- : 1S Solely
- What is your audio cable’s pin type?
The Hummingbird V3 makes a lasting impression with its robust construction and alluring white physique adorned with striking black and pink accents. Built around NewBeeDrone’s iconic Cockroach-inspired body design, renowned for its exceptional durability and ruggedness.
Unlike many other drones on the market, this one boasts a significantly enhanced build quality, with a robust body and cover that provides an added layer of durability and stability, making it an ideal choice for newcomers to the world of drone flying. Notwithstanding the augmentation in size, the additional mass results in a substantial increase in weight.
At a robust 21.6 grams, the Hummingbird V3 tips the scales 20% above its predecessor, which weighed a mere 17.1 grams. This excess weight significantly affects flight efficiency, which I will discuss in more detail.
While the larger polycarbonate cover provides comprehensive protection to the internal components, its primary benefit lies in imparting a sleek and polished appearance to the drone. With a crystal-clear focus on the component, this design features miniature foam pads underfoot for a silky-smooth descent and conveniently located solder contacts on the motor’s foundation for hassle-free upgrades. The stunning RGB LEDs situated at each corner of the flight controller provide a delightful visual indication, configurable within Betaflight settings.
Aside from weight, another significant drawback is the use of outdated PH2.0 battery connectors, rather than the newer BT2.0 or A30 connectors that offer increased flight times and reduced voltage sag? While the PH2.0 connector may not be a crucial consideration, it’s an aspect worth evaluating if you aim to harmonize your battery connectors across all vehicles in your fleet.
Using the 1S 300mAh Nitro Nectar LiHV battery, I was able to achieve approximately three minutes of flight time with the Hummingbird V3. Compared to the BetaFPV Air65, the Hummingbird V3 can achieve over four minutes of flight time, showcasing the significant impact of added weight on endurance. To offset this increased weight, NewBeeDrone has upgraded the drone with larger 0802 25000KV motors, which provide a boost in power at the expense of efficiency.
You may undoubtedly sense the added weight, most noticeably during turns. The innovative design emulates the thrill of flying a powerful 75mm whoop, yet boasts the agility and maneuverability of a 65mm model. The additional weight and momentum necessitate a prompter reaction time and more forceful control inputs, rendering the aircraft less agile and more challenging to maneuver compared to its lighter counterpart, the Air65. Despite its humble beginnings, the drone takes to the skies with effortless ease, boasting a seamless performance that attests to NewBeeDrone’s impressive calibration skills, rendering the stock whoop an exemplary proposition.
The ESCs arrive pre-configured with Bluejay 0.19 firmware, featuring a 48 kHz pulse width modulation frequency and an RPM filter activated by default in Betaflight, thereby optimizing flight performance. While ESC settings may provide additional optimization, it’s worth noting that some motors can be finicky when armed, potentially causing the drone to flip during takeoff unless adjustments are made to ensure a smooth and controlled startup. This straightforward repair will be covered in the “How to Set Up” section of this guide.
Another persistent frustration stems from the unpredictable and seemingly arbitrary adjustments made to the RGB LED lights. While the reflective props may appear sleek, their glare poses a significant hazard to pilots operating under reduced visibility conditions, compromising their ability to focus on the task at hand. Fortunately, users can easily disable these features within the application’s settings.
While the BeeEye camera’s picture quality is decent and comparable to other budget-friendly options such as Happymodel or BetaFPV, it’s a straightforward description that lacks flair.
Although the Hummingbird V3 was an excellent tiny whoop just three years ago, its specifications now appear significantly outmoded by the end of 2024. Here are several opportunities for NewBeeDrone to upgrade this drone and boost its performance:
- The existing design of our device’s power source can be upgraded to utilize a more advanced and efficient battery connector, such as the BT2.0 or A30 connectors. By implementing this change, we can improve the overall performance and reliability of our product while also enhancing user experience.
- We’re seeking to reduce the frame’s overall weight while maintaining structural integrity by employing a lighter material for the body and covering it with an equally lightweight yet robust covering, aiming to achieve a total weight of approximately 17-18 grams.
- Instantly solder motors to the ESC pads to minimize resistance and reduce overall weight.
- By shedding pounds, consider upgrading to slightly higher KV ratings, such as 27,000 or 28,000KV, to optimize performance.
- Upgrade to a UART receiver to ensure compatibility with emerging technologies and prevent potential obsolescence.
While we’ve discussed various limitations of our technology, one crucial aspect that remains unexplored is the constraint imposed by the video transmitter’s RF power output, specifically its maximum transmission capacity of 25 milliwatts. While suitable for shorter indoor and range applications, the device’s power output is substantially limited compared to more modern mini drones, typically featuring up to 350 milliwatts or 400 milliwatts of power. Boosting energy efficiency is crucial for seamless navigation through various rooms or outdoor spaces where diverse layouts and signage can significantly impact one’s journey.
The Hummingbird V3 leverages the robust and reliable platform of its predecessor, the Cockroach V3 body. NewBeeDrone recently introduced a lightweight “LiteAF” body crafted from polypropylene materials, featuring a slender profile that reduces its overall weight by approximately 0.5 grams. Although initially intended for racing purposes, many pilots can still benefit from flying a lighter aircraft. Please find the revised text below:
Take a closer look at the LiteAF body design here:
The flight controller ships with Betaflight 4.4.0, an established version released approximately one year ago, targeting a firmware goal of BETAFPVG473. The `diff` command provides a simple way to compare the differences between two files.
To prepare your Hummingbird V3 for its inaugural takeoff:
- Please enter your bind phrase within the receiver’s secure input field.
- Are you arranging your modes?
- Boost startup energy to 1070 units and adjust ESC (Emergency Shutdown Control) energy settings to 1 second. Given the default setting of 1020 may prove insufficient, potentially causing certain motors to cease spinning upon arming.
To be utterly trustworthy, it’s challenging to advocate for anything at this level after experiencing the thrill of flight. Despite the Hummingbird V3’s thoughtful features and design elements, its substantial weight and reliance on the antiquated PH2.0 connector seem jarringly outmoded. The Air 65 boasts exceptional agility, delivering extended flight times, elevated specifications – including an advanced next-gen VTX and a reliable UART receiver – all while offering greater value at a more affordable price point?
Despite some reservations about the Hummingbird V3, it still has its merits. While it might not be the top pick for enthusiasts, this toy drone can still offer a fun and compact flying experience for casual users, thanks to its robust construction ensuring durability in normal use. The appeal of a U.S.-manufactured product may resonate with pilots seeking to support American companies.
You should consider purchasing the Hummingbird V3 from a reputable seller:
