iFlight BLITZ F7 V1.1 flight controller: Is it good?

The flight controller (FC) is the mind of the FPV drone and might be essentially the most vital part, as it’s liable for stabilizing the drone. The FC generates the motors’ management indicators based mostly on the pilot’s and sensors’ inputs. In case you are beginning with this pastime, I strongly suggest utilizing BetaFlight-based flight controllers like this iFlight BLITZ F7 V1.1 -BF has the biggest neighborhood with many useful on-line assets.

The iFlight BLITZ F7 V1.1 makes use of the newest technology STM32 F722 high-performance microprocessor. Along with the onboard 32GB flash reminiscence and 6 UART ports, the board options BMI270 gyro and DPS310 barometer (air-pressure) sensors.

With a 30x30mm mounting sample, the BLITZ F7 V1.1 is meant for five-inch and bigger FPV drones. iFlight makes use of this FC in lots of ready-to-fly drones, such because the Nazgul 5, Chimera7, and Helion 10.

iFlight BLITZ F7 V1.1 overview

Disclosure: I acquired this digital F722 flight controller for a product overview collaboration with iFlight. Though the FC was provided at no cost, all opinions on this article stay mine, and the sponsor didn’t affect me. They didn’t have any particular necessities for writing or accessing my overview earlier than publishing.

The BLITZ F7 V1.1 flight controller is available in a plastic field with two kinds of ESC cables and tones of servo cables, together with DJI Air Unit cable. A set of silicone grommets for delicate mounting can be offered within the equipment. The manufacturing date on the field is 02 November 2023, and I acquired it by way of their EU warehouse on 03 December 2023.

With none cable linked, the FC weighs round 8 grams. It measures 36.5*35 mm and has a 30.5*30.5mm/4mm mounting sample. The unit has six connectors for extensions and a Kind-C socket for firmware improve. It has 4 standing LEDs: Bat, 5V, 3.3V, and Begin. Should you favor hardwiring, well-sized soldering pads and a 4-pin Buzzer/LED header are on the again.

To energy exterior units such because the VTX and FPV cameras, it has onboard 5V 2A and 10V 2A BECs (digital voltage regulators). It has 32MB onboard flash reminiscence for blackboxing.

Huge thumbs as much as the superb PCB structure and all of the clearly labeled solder pads and connectors. My solely criticism is that it could’t be used with unique DJI VTX cables as a result of sign pins are divided into two headers. Anyway, I hope it would work in addition to it seems to be.

iFlight BLITZ F7 V1.1 firmware

Although the label on the case says it comes with pre-installed Betaflight 4.4.0 firmware, connecting it to the BF configurator, I came upon it has an older model of v4.3.2 software program. Inventory configuration could be downloaded from right here. The board is suitable with the newest V4.4.3 BF and could be flashed with out subject.

Pricing, availability, and different choices

The BLITZ F7 V1.1 is priced at $59.99 on iFlight’s web site. This value contains tons of UART cables and rubber grommets. For $129.99, you too can discover it in a combo pack with 4in1 55ESC. Should you favor the 20x20mm mounting sample, iFlight additionally has the “Mini” model of this flight controller, priced at $63.99. Not too long ago, iFlight opened an EU warehouse the place you will get this FC for €92,99. iFlight merchandise are additionally obtainable on Amazon and different platforms.

iFlight BLITZ F7 V1.1: Technical parameters

Unique BLITZ F7 vs. V1.1 version: What’s improved?

Probably the most vital distinction between the unique (V1.0) and V1.1 is the gyro sensor (6-axis Movement Monitoring). Since February 2022, because of the lack of shares, iFlight switched from MPU6000 to the Bosch BMP280. Initially, the FPV neighborhood was skeptical of the brand new sensor’s efficiency. Later, the take a look at outcomes confirmed that the BM280 produced barely much less noise and had higher stability. The V1.1 additionally has improved circuit design, higher elements, and decrease electrical noise.

iFlight BLITZ F7 V1.1: ESC compatibility

Flight controllers work with ESCs (digital velocity controllers) to drive the motors in tandem. It’s suitable with BLHeli and Blheli_32 MCUs. The BLITZ F7 has 4 motor indicators and can be utilized with 4 particular person ESCs or a 4in1 module. The wiring between the FC and ESC could be achieved by way of the onboard connector or direct soldering. iFlight offers two kinds of ESC cables with the FC for wider compatibility. It has RX and Present pins for ESC telemetry. For my mission (a 9″ long-range), I paired it with the iFlight BLITZ E55 4-IN-1 ESC.

When Utilizing ESCs and FCs from totally different manufacturers, the pinout between these boards could be incompatible, so it’s important to double-check the wiring earlier than connecting the LIPO battery!

iFlight BLITZ F7 V1.1 alternate options

Most flight controller manufacturers supply comparable F722 flight controllers. Right here on FirstQuadcopter, we reviewed the RushFPV Blade F722 V2, SKYSTARS F722HD Professional, and JHEMCU GF30F722-ICM. The BLITZ F7 and Blade F722 characteristic many onboard connectors, permitting solder-free wiring. What I favored most concerning the Blade FC is the protecting cowl with a pinout diagram. The GF30F722 is barely cheaper than the BLITZ F7 V1.1 however is decrease high quality.

While you search for an F7 flight controller, in addition to the worth, contemplate the variety of UART ports your construct will want, in addition to the mounting sample. As talked about in the beginning of my overview, the BLITZ F7 V1.1 options six full UART ports, though a lot of the alternate options have solely 5. Whereas the BLITZ F7 makes use of high-quality BOSCH gyro, funds FCs use unbranded sensors with questionable performances.