What’s the Best-Performing FC/ESC Combo for Your Drone in 2024? iFlight BLITZ ATF435 Takes On SpeedyBee F405 V4

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Discovering one of the most impressive budget-friendly flight controller (FC) and digital velocity controller (ESC) stacks for first-person view (FPV) drones is a thrilling experience, especially when you come across top-notch options like the SpeedyBee F405 V4 and iFlight BLITZ ATF435. Which supply delivers exceptional value at a magnificent price, ultimately making it the top pick? Let’s dive into the main points and explore what we can discover.

New to FPV? Explore Our Comprehensive Flight Controller Buyer’s Guide:

Can I help you with your F405 V4 purchase from SpeedyBee?

While the iFlight BLITZ ATF435 may cost $9 less than the SpeedyBee F405 V4, this price difference alone does not reveal the full narrative of their relative value and performance. Let’s compare the two stacks to determine which one offers the greatest value for your money.

To gain a more comprehensive understanding of the SpeedyBee F405 V4’s capabilities, I recommend reviewing my detailed analysis.

Processor and Sensors

The iFlight BLITZ ATF435 leverages the AT32 chip to effectively contain costs. Study extra about AT32: .

The Atmel AT32F435 microcontroller (MCU) offers power efficiency comparable to that of the STMicroelectronics STM32F722, but at a significantly lower cost point. While the AT32F435 boasts impressive specifications with 8K loop times and DShot600 support, similarly the SpeedyBee F405 excels with 4K loop times and DShot300 capabilities; however, the practical difference in flight performance between these two offerings proves surprisingly negligible.

The ICM42688 gyro is used in each stack, enabling a direct comparison of their noise performance and tunability.

Each stack’s characteristic is built around in-barometers and includes I2C connections (SDA and SCL) facilitating a compass function, which are all compatible with Betaflight and iNav firmware.

Options and Specs

Each stack supplies six UARTs, more than enough for most FPV pilots. Typically, you’ll need only two to four Universal Asynchronous Receiver-Transmitters (UARTs) to support common peripherals such as radio receivers, GPS modules, digital video transmitters with onboard screens, and SmartAudio components.

The Blitz FC features a 32MB onboard memory chip, allowing for approximately 20 minutes of flight data storage. Unlike some models, the SpeedyBee features a micro SD card slot for storing flight data on its built-in Blackbox, a valuable addition that comes at an additional cost of around $10.

While the SpeedyBee F405 V4 boasts 8 motor outputs, the iFlight BLITZ is limited to just 4. This added versatility to SpeedyBee enables it to tackle complex builds such as hexacopters and octocopters with ease.

The SpeedyBee boasts an integrated Bluetooth module, allowing seamless wireless configuration of Betaflight settings through the SpeedyBee App on your smartphone, a feature uniquely available to this device, distinguishing it from the BLITZ. You can still use an OTG (On-The-Go) cable to connect your Android smartphone directly.

Solder Pads and Connectors

The BLITZ’s notable feature lies in its carefully designed solder pad dimensions and spacings. These components are substantial, boasting numerous spacings that facilitate seamless soldering, even for those without extensive experience. The silk-screen labels are crystal-clear, rendering the printed circuit board’s design effortlessly legible; meanwhile, the intuitive structure ensures seamless navigation, as pads are neatly organized into two parallel rows along every edge. While the SpeedyBee pads are slightly smaller and more compact when grouped together, they remain relatively easy to handle.

While most FC models typically feature a single LED pad, the Speedybee stands out with its strategically placed LED strip pads at every corner, ensuring seamless LED light connections.

On the BLITZ FC, located beneath the board, are various JST connectors designed to facilitate connections with peripherals such as receivers, LEDs, and buzzers. Without a conventional port, this board necessitates either a custom-cut connector or direct soldering for compatibility with standard digital VTXs. However, the Speedybee typically provides a standard connector for digital VTX, but for various devices, you would need to directly solder connections. Each stack has an onboard AT7456E chip, typically supporting analog FPV systems.

BEC

The majority of flight controllers feature the integration of two vital components: 5-volt and 9-volt voltage regulators, commonly referred to as BECs. The Blitz power supply delivers up to 2.5 amps of current at 5 volts and 2 amps at 9 volts. The 5V output provides more than sufficient power for a range of devices, including ExpressLRS receivers and LED strips. While a standard 9V regulator typically suffices for most VTXs, it may struggle to handle the higher demands of the DJI O3 Air Unit, which can consume up to 16W (1.8A at 9V) and approach its capacity limits. When faced with these situations, connecting the VTX directly to the battery may be a more viable option. Within the Speedybee, the two onboard BECs – a 5V and a 9V unit – boast a impressive current rating of 3A each, thereby rendering them exceptionally reliable and capable of powering even the most power-hungry devices with ease.

Manufacturers typically utilize a 55A BLHeli_S ESC for each stack. Efficiency and options are intertwined, as each is suitable for deployment and integration with onboard present sensors.

While sharing an identical current score, the Speedybee 4in1 ESC boasts a dedicated heatsink for enhanced thermal management, ensuring optimal performance and reliability. Notwithstanding its modest contribution of approximately 10 grams, this factor won’t pose a significant concern for most 5-inch FPV freestyle and racing drones; nonetheless, it may assume greater importance in the context of building an ultralight drone where every gram counts?

Notably, the Speedybee accommodates a broader range of enter voltages, supporting configurations from 3S to 6S, whereas the Blitz is compatible with 2S to 6S setups. For most customers running 4S or 6S configurations, individual stacks typically operate seamlessly.

The Blitz ESC features options tabs strategically placed around the unit for secure soldering of motor wires, enhancing overall organization and neatness – albeit potentially posing a challenge when accommodating the ESC within compact frames.

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Typically, each stack configuration will serve most individuals well when building a standard FPV drone, regardless of whether it’s a 5-inch or 7-inch quadcopter operating on a 4S or 6S LiPo/Li-ion battery – setups that are currently common for freestyle, racing, cinematic, or long-range applications. Ultimately, the distinction between these piles may hinge on model selection and value fluctuations.

While certain circumstances may arise that justify choosing one stack over its alternative,

• Looking for the most budget-friendly FC/ESC combination? The iFlight BLITZ ATF435 offers a more affordable option at $9 less, with no need to invest in an additional SD card for Blackbox logging.
• The Blitz stack weighs around 10 grams less than the Speedybee F405 V4 if your goal is to create the most lightweight build possible.
• If you intend to power your quadcopter with a 2-cell lithium-polymer (LiPo) battery.
• For those seeking a solder-free configuration, the JST connectors on the underside of the Blitz stack could prove extremely valuable.

• If you seek enhanced adaptability and flexibility in your configuration?
• The eight motor outputs enable flexible configuration options for both hexacopter and octocopter designs.
• If you plan to integrate servo-controlled head tracking into your application, having extra motor outputs available could prove extremely beneficial.
• When installing LED light strips on each arm, the Speedybee’s strategically placed LED and 5V pads simplify wiring, while the 5V, 3A BEC supports additional LEDs.
• The built-in Bluetooth enables wireless betaflight configuration via your smartphone.

Flywoo and GEPRC also offer affordable FC/ESC bundles, with their own advantages and disadvantages; however, I believe Speedybee and BLITZ have a distinct advantage over theirs.

While the Flywoo stack costs $15 more than the Speedybee, its inclusion of the premium MPU6000 gyro makes it an attractive option for those seeking superior performance. Despite the JST connectors and solder pads requiring more effort to assemble and repair, my enthusiasm is dampened as a result. In most instances, it’s a solid strategy. To review my evaluation

While the GEPRC Taker’s price point is comparable to that of the Speedybee, its compact design presents a challenge for even the most skilled users due to the tiny solder pads and connector placement. While it lacks varied options, the Speedybee F405 V4 still excels with its numerous features. What insights do you seek to uncover through your assessment?

Both the SpeedyBee F405 V4 and the iFlight BLITZ ATF435 make excellent choices for price-range FPV builds, each boasting its unique advantages. The ideal resolution should be tailored to individual needs and priorities, considering factors such as cost, portability, and adaptability. You’re investing in a premium stack that yields excellent performance without compromising your budget.