Painless360 pulls a compact Uav from AstroRC and pokes at it. The Carbonfly 80 promises HD flight on a 2S platform under $100 for the analog SKU.
This matters because tiny HD Uavs are finally practical, and AstroRC ships an O4-lite option preinstalled. You get something pocketable that actually records crisp footage.
TL:DR
Painless360 finds the Carbonfly 80 a tidy, well-tuned pocket Uav with an F411 flight controller, ExpressLRS, and optional DJI O4-lite. Flight times are short; camera mount and tune impress.
What it is — quick spec map
Carbonfly 80 uses an 80mm wheelbase with 45mm props and 1102 14,000KV motors. It targets 2S batteries and supports analog or DJI O4-lite HD video packs.
The flight controller is a GHE MCUs G474 stack with an F411 CPU and a 12A ESC. ExpressLRS 3.0 receiver is built into the bind-and-fly SKU.
Binding and software
Binding to ExpressLRS worked via the unit’s Wi‑Fi mode after powering the quad for about 60 seconds. The onboard bind button and power-cycle bind were fiddly for Painless360.
USB access sits under the battery bay. Betaflight firmware shipped at 4.5.2 with some dataflash entries, implying the unit left the factory armed or tested.
Betaflight notes
UART3 handles CRSF, UART2 routes MSP to the O4 unit. The setup uses 8k gyro and 4k PID loop. CPU load sits around 50 percent on the F411. That’s high but workable.
Modes need a quick user check. Channel 5 arms by default; beeper and rear addressable LEDs help orientation and recovery in long grass.
DJI O4 and maintenance
If you buy the O4-lite version, run DJI Assistant 2 to confirm activation and update firmware. The O4 USB‑C port is awkward to access—no adapter cable in the box.
Flight feel and battery life
The tune is quiet and responsive. On 2S 450–520mAh packs you’ll see three to five minutes when careful. Aggressive flying cuts that to two or three minutes.
Painless360 recommends fitting the largest battery that still clears the frame for better flight time. The frame tolerates extra weight without twitching.
What Pleased and What Peeved
Wins: unusual Batman-esque frame, vibration-isolated camera mount with zero jello, buzzer, LEDs, and an ExpressLRS receiver onboard. The O4 option arriving preinstalled is convenient.
Punches: outdated F411 CPU risks future software limits, awkward antenna angles, hard-to-reach O4 USB port, and a website/manual that reads like a Chinese-first export page.
Who should buy it
This Uav suits pilots moving up from whoops, and 5‑inch flyers wanting a pocket fun-quad. It’s not for racers or high‑end acro pilots chasing long flight times.
FAQs
Does the Carbonfly 80 come with the DJI O4 installed?
There are two SKUs. The bind-and-fly version can ship with the O4-lite unit installed; the analog SKU lacks the O4. Check the product listing before you buy.
How long will flight times be on 2S batteries?
Expect about three to five minutes on recommended 520mAh 2S packs during relaxed flight. Aggressive flying drops time to two or three minutes.
Is ExpressLRS supported out of the box?
Yes. The bind-and-fly model includes an ExpressLRS 3.0 receiver. Binding via Wi‑Fi worked reliably for the reviewer; the onboard button was less friendly.
Can I update the O4 module easily?
Technically yes, via DJI Assistant 2. Practically, opening access to the O4 USB‑C port is fiddly. An adapter cable in the box would help but is absent.
Summary
The Carbonfly 80 is a tidy pocket Uav that flies well for its size. It trades flight time for portability but wins on build, tune, and HD options.
Buy it if you want an easy-to-carry HD micro with modern radio support. Skip it if you need long flights, F7-level future-proofing, or neat documentation in English.
Takeaway box
- Uav-sized HD in your pocket — O4-lite available preinstalled.
- Short flight times: fit the biggest battery that fits the frame.
- F411 CPU works now but might bottleneck future updates.
- Great vibration isolation and tune — little to no jello on footage.
- Documentation and antenna layout need work; practical quirks exist.
This article was based from the video AstroRC Carbonfly 80: A little 2S HD FPV quad from a vendor I've not tried before...
