MEPS SZ F7 HD: Simple to wire high-performance flight controller

Right here at FirstQuadcopter, we begin 2024 with a flight controller evaluation. The MEPS SZ F7 HD is the corporate’s second FC we examined. Each have related options, primarily simply the mounting sample distinction. The smaller 20x20mm is appropriate for compact 3-5″ CineWhoop drones, and the larger 30x30mm for 5-9″ freestyling and long-range FPV drones.

The flight controller is among the most vital elements of a drone, being chargeable for processing information from the pilots’ inputs (distant controller) and varied sensors (like gyro and barometer) to generate motor indicators. The MEPS SZ F7 HD FC has 16MB onboard storage (black field) to log all the info for additional evaluation and fine-tuning.

The “HD” phrase within the product title means it has an onboard digital VTX connector that enables solder-free wiring of DJI Air Unit (all era) and different digital VTXs. Because of the 10V2A BEC, it may well energy the VTX immediately.

MEPS Area F7 HD flight controller evaluation

Disclosure: I acquired this HD digital F722 flight controller for a product evaluation collaboration with MEPS. Though the FC was supplied totally free, all opinions on this article stay mine, and the sponsor didn’t affect me. They’d no particular necessities for writing or accessing my evaluation earlier than publishing.

The MEPS F7 HD flight controller comes packed in a matchbox-style cardboard field with included ESC and digital FPV cables. Two units of silicone rubber grommets are additionally offered for gentle mounting.

The MEPS Area F7 flight controller measures 37x37mm and weighs 7.2 grams. It has a 30.5×30.5 (Φ4mm) mounting sample, so it’s extra appropriate for bigger 5-9″ builds. The board has two connectors (ESC and DJI FPV) and a USB Kind-C port. It may be interfaced with 4 ESCs (motor drivers). Either side of the PCB have a clear format. On the again are solely the ESC solder pads if you happen to want onerous wiring as an alternative of connectors. On the entrance, there’s a “boot” micro push button, two standing LEDs, and the remainder of the solder pads (UARTs, Buzzer, LED strip, and many others).

Out of the field, it comes with BetaFlight V4.3.1 software program (Goal TMOTORF7). After I did a configuration backup, I up to date to the most recent model, v4.4.3 firmware.

Key options

• [Lower Latency] Smoother working, quicker calculation, and delicate response with STM32 F7 MCU and BMI270 gyro sensor.
• [Rigorous PCB Layout] Clear format with easy-to-read labels for every port, minimizing wiring difficulties and electrical interference.
• [Less Heat Generation] – VTX swap operate and higher thermal efficiency cut back warmth era and interference.
• [Multi-Peripheral Friendly] With 5V/2A BEC outputs for various peripherals resembling GPS, LED strip, buzzer, and many others.
• [16MB Black Box] Retailer tens of minutes of flight information for professionals’ tuning and troubleshooting wants.

MEPS Area F7: Pinout and wiring diagram

The Area F7 flight controller has 5 UART (Common Asynchronous Receiver-Transmitter) ports, permitting you to attach peripherals resembling Radio receivers, GPS modules, Ultrasonic sensors, and telemetry programs. It additionally has devoted pins for the Buzzer and LEDs. All of the decently sized soldering tabs are properly labeled, which is useful within the soldering and debugging course of.

Uart 1 (TX1/RX1) is used for the DJI HD digital FPV programs, and these sign ports can be found solely by the devoted onboard connector (no solder pads). UART 2 is beneficial for the SBUSCRSF radio receiver, and UART 3 for the GPS module (it consists of SDA and SCL pins). UART 4 is reserved for suitable ESC boards, and UART 5 is accessible for additional extensions.

MEPS SZ F7 technical specs

Pricing, availability, and different choices

The Area SZ F7 HD flight controller is priced at $56.90 on the MEPS web site. This worth consists of ESC and DJI VTX cables. The non-HD model is 2$ cheaper. For those who want a smaller 20x20mm mounting sample, MEPS has a “MINI” flight controller priced at US$59.9.

MEPS SZ F7: ESC compatibility

Flight controllers work with ESCs to manage the velocity of every motor independently. This FC has 4 motor indicators and can be utilized with 4 particular person ESCs or a 4in1 module. It’s suitable with BLHeli and Blheli_32 MCUs. The flight controller and ESC wiring will be accomplished by the onboard connector or direct soldering. MEPS offers two varieties of ESC cables with the SZ F7 FC for broader compatibility. It has RX and Present pins for ESC telemetry.

The Area F7 flight controller is suitable with each MEPS ESC boards (SZ60A and Mini SZ45A). When utilizing ESCs and FCs from totally different manufacturers, the pinout between these boards may be incompatible, so it’s important to double-check the wiring earlier than connecting the LIPO battery!

MEPS SZ F7: Finest options to your cash

That includes an enclosed design and solder-free wiring, RushFPV Blade F722 is, by far, my favourite F7 flight controller, however it’s about twice as costly because the Mepsz SZ F7. If you’re on a decent price range, for simply $27, the GF30F722-ICM might be essentially the most reasonably priced MEPS SZ F7 different. JHEMCU’s FC additionally options an STM32F722 CPU and onboard DJI Air Unit connector.