When NewBeeDrone requested me to evaluation the BeeID module, I hesitated at first as a result of I’m not significantly on this RemoteID stuff. However once they defined that the BeeID doubles as a GPS module and a drone tracker that can assist you discover your quad whenever you crash, I used to be intrigued. That appeared like a reasonably cool thought, so I needed to learn the way it really works. On this evaluation, I’ll stroll you thru what the BeeID does, how I set it up, and the way it performs.
Be taught extra about GPS Rescue mode in Betaflight: https://oscarliang.com/setup-gps-rescue-mode-betaflight/
The place to Purchase
Get the BeeID GPS Module from NewBeeDrone: https://oscarliang.com/product-hvyt
What Is the NewBeeDrone BeeID?
The BeeID is a light-weight GPS module that mixes FAA Distant ID performance with a built-in Bluetooth beacon.
When you’re within the US, Distant ID compliance is a consideration when flying FPV drones. When you’re exterior the US, you don’t — however that doesn’t imply this module isn’t helpful.
Even if you happen to don’t care about Distant ID, the BeeID doubles as a drone tracker. When you lose video or management hyperlink, it might make it easier to find your quad. On high of that, you should use it simply as a regular GPS module for Betaflight’s GPS Rescue mode, or with iNav and Ardupilot. Internally, it’s mainly an M10 GPS module.
By way of dimension and weight, it’s someplace between the HGLRC M100 Mini and the BN220:
- HGLRC M100 Mini: 3.3 g
- BeeID: 5.3 g
- BN220: 5.7 g
- GOKU GM10 Professional V3: 7.4 g
Why This Issues: GPS Rescue Isn’t At all times Sufficient
Betaflight’s GPS Rescue is a good security internet — but it surely’s not foolproof. I’ve personally had circumstances the place GPS Rescue didn’t work after I misplaced video, and the drone by no means got here again. Perhaps the battery died earlier than it made the return journey, perhaps it hit a tree, or perhaps it simply went off target. There are numerous potentialities, and also you’ll by no means actually know.
The BeeID offers you an additional layer of security. In case your quad goes down, you may depend on:
- The final recognized GPS coordinates out of your radio’s telemetry.
- Actual-time Bluetooth-based monitoring through a smartphone app, displaying you precisely the place the drone is on a map.
How Does Drone Monitoring Work?
When your drone goes down, you may examine its location utilizing the Drone Scanner app in your cellphone. You may obtain it from Play Retailer totally free.
Bluetooth naturally has restricted vary, however I used to be impressed — in my assessments with a Google Pixel 8 Professional, I used to be capable of decide up the BeeID from greater than 150m away, which is surprisingly far. As soon as in vary, the module popped up on display screen on the map.
The app isn’t good, although. It tends to crash after I lose Bluetooth sign, forcing me to reopen it — seemingly a software program bug. Nonetheless, when it really works, it’s very handy, as it might present your drone’s precise location.
However what if the drone is just too far for Bluetooth? In that case, you may fall again to your radio’s telemetry. Simply seize the final GPS coordinates, plug them right into a website like “gps-coordinate.org”, and also you’ll get a pin on a map. When you get nearer and Bluetooth is in vary, it might take over and information you the remainder of the best way.
Connecting BeeID to a Flight Controller
Connecting the BeeID is similar as wiring any GPS module to a flight controller. You solely want 4 connections:
That’s it.
Right here’s the handbook that comes with the module for reference:
That is the primary time I linked the module to my cellphone and the Drone Scanner app mechanically discovered it through bluetooth. To configure BeeID (setup mannequin, class, weight, area and so forth) you could join through WiFi.
Setting It Up
For detailed directions on configuring GPS in Betaflight, see my tutorial: https://oscarliang.com/setup-gps-rescue-mode-betaflight/.
To get GPS coordinates in your EdgeTX radio:
- Energy in your drone.
- Go to the telemetry display screen in your radio (Web page 11 within the mannequin setup).
- Click on “Uncover New Sensors” and be sure to see GPS coordinates.
- Earlier than flying, at all times affirm satellite tv for pc lock. As beneficial by Betaflight, you’ll want 8 satellites for dependable GPS location.
- As soon as performed, your radio will present real-time GPS coordinates all through the flight.
When you don’t see telemetry information in your radio, open Betaflight Configurator, go to the Receiver tab, and ensure the Telemetry possibility is enabled.
GPS Efficiency
I can affirm the BeeID GPS Efficiency is on par with high tier M10 GPS modules I examined up to now.
- Chilly begin: Acquires 8 satellites inside 1 minute
- After 5 minutes: As much as 17 satellites locked
- Sizzling begin: 3D repair inside 15 seconds
Very stable efficiency general.
The module additionally has a useful LED indicator: When it’s flashing slowly means it’s looking for satellites; And when it turns stable inexperienced, it means a 3D repair has been acquired.
Conclusion
✅ Execs:
- Performs like a top-tier M10 GPS, whereas additionally functioning as an FAA-compliant Distant ID system and drone tracker
- Easy Betaflight setup
- Light-weight and compact—best for many FPV builds
- Pairs simply with any cellphone (Drone Scanner app is free)
❌ Cons:
- Bluetooth monitoring vary is restricted (as much as 150 meters in my testing)
- Requires exterior energy (e.g. from the drone) — if the LiPo disconnects, monitoring stops
- GPS accuracy is determined by satellite tv for pc lock; if the quad is the other way up in a ditch, it might not work reliably
- Wires use warmth resistant PVC insulation — sturdy and straightforward to solder, however stiff and never versatile. Silicone wires can be a more sensible choice.
