Five years have elapsed since BetaFPV unveiled their crowning achievement, the Meteor65, a remarkable culmination of innovative design and engineering that marked the pinnacle of their Tiny Whoop series. Here is the rewritten text in a different style:
BetaFPV’s latest innovation is the Air65, a game-changing 1S 65mm tiny whoop that sets a new standard for miniature drone enthusiasts. Crafted for versatility, the Air65 offers two distinct configurations, both boasting an ultra-lightweight build and unique power delivery systems tailored to accommodate a variety of flying styles, from freestyle to racing. In this assessment, we will delve into the hardware and flight performance, examining how it stacks up against the highly-regarded DJI Mavic Air 2. I’ll gladly share my customised PID and filter tune for optimised flying expertise.
You can acquire the BetaFPV Air65 Tiny Whoop from:
There exist two distinct styles: freestyle and racing. Unsure which one to get? I will discuss this further in our evaluation to help address your concerns.
- What’s the advantage of pairing options 23,000kV motors with HQ 31mm Ultralight propellers?
- Equipped with 27,000 KV motors and high-performance GF 1219S-3B propellers.
Upon opening the BetaFPV Air65 package deal, you’ll find:
- The Air 65 1S 65mm Tiny Whoop Drone?
- A set of spare propellers
- What’s the power adapter’s compatibility with USB-C devices?
- Consumers can access a comprehensive handbook online via a quick-response (QR) code.
The battery should not be included? Discover the impressive BetaFPV LAVA 1S LiHV drone.
Here’s a comparison of the BetaFPV Air65 with its predecessor.
| Specification | Air65 | Meteor65 |
|---|---|---|
| 17.1g | 22.8g | |
| 65mm | 65mm | |
| Meteor65 Air Body | Meteor65 Body | |
| Micro Air Cover | Micro Cover 2022 | |
| G4 Air FC | F4 1S 5A AIO FC | |
| Built-in 5.8GHz VTX (400mw) | M03 VTX (25mW) | |
| C03 Digital camera | C03 Digital camera | |
| 0702SE 23000-27000kv | 0802SE 19500kv | |
| High-quality GF 1219S-3B/HQ 31mm Ultralight optics for discerning users. | GF 31mmx3 | |
| BT2.0 | BT2.0 | |
| LAVA 1S 260mAh/300mAh 75C | 1S 300mAh 30C | |
| 2.5 to 4 minutes | 4mins | |
| PNP/ELRS |
- MCU: STM32 G473
- Gyro: ICM42688-P
- Helps Betaflight OSD
- Flash memory upgrade for secure and reliable storage of Blackbox log data?
- 4 UARTs
- Built-in 5.8GHz 400mW Analog VTX
- Built-in 4-in-1 5A ESC
- Solder pads for motors
The Air65 features an exceptionally lightweight construction, tipping the scales at a mere 17.1 grams without battery, solidifying its position as one of the lightest BNF tiny whoops on the market today. This lightweight design optimizes agility and reaction time.
The drone comes in two distinct versions: Freestyle and Racing, both equipped with uniquely designed KV motors and propellers tailored to accommodate various flight styles.
| Freestyle | Racing | |
| Motors | 0702SE 23000kv | 0702SE 27000kv |
| Propellers | Gemfan 1219S-3 | HQ 31mmx3 Ultralight |
The decreased 23,000KV motor delivers prolonged flight times (approximately 30-40 seconds more on a standard 1S 300mAh battery), whereas the increased 27,000KV offers enhanced power and responsiveness. If you’re unable to decide between models, I recommend opting for the Racing Version. The 27,000kV motor has revolutionized tiny Whoop racing, imbuing the aircraft with an unprecedented level of agility and potency, transforming the flying experience. If you find that your device is functioning at an excessive pace, you can always adjust its performance by setting a reduced motor output limit or reducing your throttle input.
The C03 FPV digicam delivers exceptional performance in well-lit settings, but its capabilities may be compromised in low-light conditions.
With its cutting-edge G4 Air FC, boasting a robust G473 processor and reliable ICM42688P gyro, this flight controller has demonstrated exceptional dependability during my rigorous two-week testing period. This all-in-one flight controller (AIO FC) combines the FC, a 4-in-1 electronic speed controller (ESC), on-screen display (OSD), and a high-power 400 milliwatt video transmission module (VTX). Despite lacking a built-in ExpressLRS receiver, this Air65 flight controller features an exterior receiver mounted externally, allowing for seamless connectivity. The controller itself provides four UART ports, a pressure sensor, and a generous 16MB of memory dedicated to the Blackbox feature. These exceptional features truly set a Tiny Whoop apart and are remarkably rare in its class? This FC is an economical option to consider when building a miniature Whoop drone from the ground up. The flight controller is readily available right here.
What’s remarkable is that the USB port can power the VTX without the need for a separate battery. Having a spare battery at hand is invaluable when working on your drone, as it allows for seamless testing and calibration without having to worry about running out of power mid-task.
One major criticism surrounding the BetaFPV Air65 is its camera’s limited field of view. While I find even the lowest camera angle too steep, it becomes challenging to navigate indoor spaces with ease due to its restricted perspective.
The adjustable strap at the back of the cover is designed to be longer, with additional holes allowing for a more gradual angle adjustment – potentially beneficial for newcomers.
After experimenting with various workarounds, I successfully solved the issue by removing the screws from the rear and securing the cover using a clever combination of zippers and ties. This modification successfully adjusts the camera’s angle without inducing vibration or image blur, while also maintaining its structural integrity intact.
The e-scooter has been one of the most vital innovations in recent years since its launch earlier this year. Despite relying on cutting-edge {hardware} and a robust quality management framework, this solution’s innovative features and operational efficiency are truly transformative.
While the BetaFPV Air65 has its unique strengths discussed in this review, I must admit that I find its hardware quality control to be exceptionally superior from my perspective. There are pros and cons associated with these fashion trends, which I will now detail.
Unlike the BetaFPV, which only includes one set of spare props (eight total), the Mobula6 arrives with a generous supply of two sets, effectively doubling the number of replacement blades to 12. Here’s another exciting set of FPV racing drones from BetaFPV. 🙂
Solely weighing in at 17.1 grams, the Air65 is an astonishing 0.5 grams lighter than its predecessor, the Mobula6, largely due to the innovative lightweight FC design featuring an even more compact diamond structure. The BetaFPV design team further optimized the drone’s weight by replacing the traditional USB port with a compact JST connector made from lightweight plastic. While using a USB-C adapter can be a drawback, requiring a specific connection method can actually streamline the process; personally, I’ve found it to be a minor inconvenience. To ensure seamless setup and configuration of your Air65 drone during travel, remember to always pack the adapter alongside it; without this essential component, access to the Betaflight Configurator will be restricted.
While the body and cover designs share similarities between the BetaFPV Air65 and Mobula6 2024, a notable difference lies in the cover plastic employed by the Air65, whose increased width translates into enhanced sturdiness. The durability of the Mobula6 has been marred by issues with its cover, which fails to withstand prolonged use and succumbs to cracking under stress. So far, the screen protector on my Air65 has proved to be quite durable and reliable in my experience. The primary difference lies in the camera mounting system: the Air65 features a single-screw friction mount within its cover, whereas the Mobula6 utilises two screws affixed to the back of the camera. To be honest, this phrase lacks a significant impact.
You’ll have a wide range of distinct colors to choose from when selecting the body and cover.
Both the Air65 and Mobula6 employ 0702 motors, a standard choice for 65mm tiny whoops currently on the market. The MóBula 6 motors boast a 28,000 KV rating, similar to the Air65 Racing Version’s 27,000 KV, while BetaFPV also offers the Freestyle Version with a significantly lower 23,000 KV.
I’m thrilled with the motors in my DJI Mavic Air 2, which seem to offer enhanced traction while hovering and demonstrate marginally increased responsiveness. The subtle distinction is likely attributed to the unique design of the Mobula6’s curved magnets compared to the standard magnets used in the Air65.
While considering factors such as complexity and nuance, I would recommend employing an advanced KV paradigm to facilitate optimal results. While not the most environmentally friendly option, flying is undeniably more efficient and exhilarating than other methods of travel. Regardless of your aircraft’s flight type and capabilities, if you desire to descend to a lower altitude, you can always adjust the motor output or reduce the throttle setting in Betaflight or via your transmitter. I’ve a information right here:
I find that capping the motor output at around 85% on the 27,000 KV motor yields similar performance to the 23,000 KV unit, yet somehow I still sense the 27,000 KV motor to be more agile and responsive.
The BetaFPV’s 90-degree angled battery plug presents a uniquely pleasurable connection that significantly enhances user-friendliness. BetaFPV employs BT2.0 connectors, in contrast, the Mobula6 utilises A30 connectors. While the two connectors may appear distinct, they possess a certain degree of compatibility, requiring merely slightly more effort to connect and disconnect. The Mobula 6’s straight connector configuration can induce significant stress on the solder joints when used with extended 300mAh batteries, potentially compromising their reliability. Furthermore, the leads are too short to accommodate the battery in a centralized position, likely affecting overall weight distribution and stability.
Between the Lava 1S 260mAh and 1S 300mAh battery packs, we recommend opting for the higher-capacity 300mAh option. Although the 260mAh battery’s slight weight reduction is minimal, its noticeable power drop-off by the second half of its capacity compromises overall performance, rendering the trade-off against improved flight efficiency and reduced power consumption insufficient justification for my purposes. Examination of these batteries in my hands revealed.
The FPV camera on the Air65 functions exceptionally well in well-lit environments. When flying at night with lights engaged, the drone’s performance is notably enhanced, surpassing that of the Mobula6 in terms of brightness and image clarity. In low-light conditions, such as during the day when curtains are drawn, the Mobula 6’s camera produces a superior image quality compared to the Air 65. It’s challenging to declare a clear champion since they demonstrate exceptional performance across various lighting conditions.
While the Mobula6 2024 model excels in flight performance when taken outside its typical realm, its current inventory settings yield impressive results, albeit imperfect and open to further optimization. Despite receiving a customized PID/filter tune, the Air65 arrived feeling loose and lacking the typical sense of precision. Notwithstanding initial reservations, the Air65’s performance is refined to a level that rivals, if not exceeds, the Mobula6’s efficiency. I’ll outline my tuning and settings below so you can try them out. This aircraft takes to the skies with remarkable agility, its responsiveness a marked improvement over previous models.
Flight instances were examined utilizing their default settings, which included aggressive type flying at a fixed throttle setting of 50-60%, as well as their respective hover throttle levels.
| Freestyle Version | Racing Version | |
| 1S 260mAh | 4:00 | 3:40 |
| 1S 300mAh | 4:30 | 4:00 |
| Hover Throttle (300mAh absolutely charged) | 35% | 30% |
The F3 flight controller ships standard with Betaflight 4.5.0, its primary objective being to You’ll discover the default CLI diff tool.
Firstly, bind the receiver,
Receiver firmware goal is . In the event that you are unsure of the path ahead,
Initial Flight Settings for Maiden Flight: Betaflight Configurations
- Load ExpressLRS Preset
- Set Your Charges
- Allow Telemetry
- What are you trying to achieve with these commands? Are you attempting to reprogram a robotic arm or control the orientation of an object in 3D space?
To switch between different operating modes for your robotic arm, use the following commands: `arm swap`, `angle mode swap`, and `turtle mode swap`.
- Disable “Core Temperature” below warnings.
To optimise the Air65’s aerial performance and expand your piloting skills, consider the following recommendations:
- In Energy & Battery, set Minimal Cell Voltage to three.0V, Warning Cell Voltage to three.2V. Adjust Amperage Meter scale to read from 0 to 720 below.
- Adjusting the angle’s power to a more moderate setting of 75 or 90 allows for a greater range of flexibility and precision, whereas the maximum power of 100 can sometimes feel restrictive.
- Set the angle restrict to 60 degrees: This parameter primarily governs the responsiveness of your roll and pitch sticks.
- Motor idle 7%.
Although they come with Bluejay 0.19 flashed, the devices operate at a PWM frequency of 96 kHz instead. You can flash them to reduce the pulse-width modulation (PWM) frequency for additional motor braking energy, thereby making the quad more responsive at the cost of flight time? When encountering vibration points with a frequency of 24kHz, consider increasing to 48kHz or opting for the higher quality setting of 96kHz instead. .
When operating at a PWM frequency, you’ll experience significantly reduced flight time, yet the quad will exhibit heightened responsiveness and an increased sense of agility around turns. What’s driving a 48kHz sampling rate to achieve efficiency and stability?
The following flight instances exhibit distinct PWM frequency characteristics for a 1S 300mAh LiPo battery, with fixed 50-60% throttle settings optimized for aggressive flying.
- 96KHz: 4:00
- 48KHz: 3:40
- 24KHz – 2:50
PID Tuning
Observe: Ensure Motor Output Restrict is set to 100 for peak performance and optimal efficiency. I had forgotten to reset this value back to its default of 100 when I stopped running tests. 🙂
Filter Tuning:
Scale back RPM filtering:
Set rpm_filter_weights = [100, 60, 0]
save
My charges for Angle Mode:
Stay updated: Within the next 24-48 hours, I’ll be publishing my findings on the most effective Tiny Whoop settings – don’t miss it!
The BetaFPV Air65 1S 65mm tiny whoop is a potent force in the world of FPV, boasting impressive performance and capabilities. This ultra-lightweight drone boasts cutting-edge motors, an exceptional flight controller, and a versatile design, making it an ideal choice for pilots of every skill level to navigate with ease.
You can acquire the BetaFPV Air65 Tiny Whoop from:
It’s simplicity makes arrangement easy, and the result is visually appealing. While BetaFPV excels in high-quality management and hardware compared to the Mobula6, it’s still crucial to experiment with advanced settings and tuning to unlock this whoop’s full potential for optimal performance.
As of 2024, I firmly believe that this particular Tiny Whoop stands out as the most impressive model in terms of both its hardware and feature set, boasting unparalleled capabilities.
