Nick Burns tests a pocket-sized quad that aims to be useful rather than heroic. The DarkStar16 targets pilots who need a tidy indoor and light outdoor flyer.
The DarkStar16 matters because it packages quality hardware into a tiny, protected frame. TL DR: solid build, quiet props, good slow flight, poor aggressive freestyle in wind.
What the DarkStar16 is
Nick describes the craft as a Neo sized tiny FPV flyer with prop protection and soft-mounted electronics. It uses a Taker F411 flight controller with a micro USB port and a 12 amp ESC rated for 1 and 2S batteries.
Power system and configuration
The motors are Speedix 1003 units at 14,800 KV. The props are JimFan quad-bladed 1636s. Nick runs the quad on 2S for his flights and testing. That setup biases thrust and efficiency for calm-air cruising rather than aggressive punch-outs.
Battery mounting and practicalities
Battery fit is handled by a 3D printed TPU holder with an XT30 connector. The TPU flexes to accept different cell sizes and then springs back. That keeps balance leads clear of props and avoids having to twist and tuck wires before every flight.
Canopy, dampening and extras
The entire top assembly, including VTX and camera, mounts on rubber grommets. The package ships with extra grommets, a spare grey canopy, spare quad props, and spare micro linear antennas. A micro USB cable, nuts, bolts and a small toolkit round out the box.
Frame, carbon and dimensions
GepRC uses beefy 3 millimetre carbon fibre. Motor post to motor post measures 91 millimetres. The empty frame weight sits at 83.8 grams. That thickness should help longevity compared with thinner micro frames.
Mass with popular batteries
Nick measured the total mass with a range of cells. Tattoo 850 made the quad 123.6 grams. Tattoo 550 was 115.95 grams. BetaFPV Lava 550 and 450 gave 113.17 and 109.84 grams respectively. GNB 550 read 112.5 grams. Those numbers help estimate handling and flight time.
Slow flight and camera stabilization
Slow flight performs well for its scale. The DarkStar16 produces a little wobble in raw DVR footage. Gyro-based rock steady processing smooths that wobble for recorded video. For pilots, the DVR still shows throttle, voltage and runtime useful for troubleshooting.
Flight HUD and telemetry
On-screen telemetry displays throttle percent, battery voltage and runtime. Nick cruises in the upper 20s to low 30s throttle during calm slow flight. That gives a predictable feel and helps plan landings around desired end voltage.
Wind sensitivity and gyro performance
Light winds of three to ten miles per hour affect the video more than the craft. The soft-mounted canopy and grommets reduce vibration feeding into the camera. Still, rock steady stabilisation cleans the image better than the raw DVR during gusty moments.
Freestyle testing and prop wash
Freestyle is where limits show. The quad-bladed props and small 2S setup drag the craft through turns. Power loops around trees reveal prop wash and video chop. Feathering throttle to avoid wash proved tricky across multiple flights.
Canopy separation and crash test
A hard impact caused canopy separation and pulled the VTX wiring harness out of its connector. The connector housing fractured but the VTX still functioned when reconnected. Threading grommets through the canopy slots is fiddly; reassembly requires patience.
Measured flight times
Nick recorded flight times under realistic conditions. On an 850 2S cell he got four minutes and fifty seconds for slow cruise. Tattoo 550 and Lava 550 delivered about three minutes and fifty seconds. The Lava 450 gave roughly two minutes and fifty-five seconds.
Indoor flying and sound profile
The quad is quiet thanks to quad-bladed props and prop protection. It handles tight indoor corridors well when a pilot already has decent stick skills. Nick flew parts of the house to demonstrate how compact the craft is for indoor sessions.
Build quality and maintenance access
Metal standoffs secure the stack to the carbon fibre. Motor wires get taped down to prevent contact with props. Most screws sit recessed except the motor screws. The USB port, bind button and micro SD slot are all easily accessible under the canopy.
Prop protection and rigidity
Prop protection is stiffer than early micro frames. The guards flex at the ends but resist at inner sections. There is no cross-bracing under the guards; strength depends on stress distribution. For light bumps it works well; hard impacts can separate the canopy through the grommets.
Battery holder behaviour and fitting range
The TPU holder clips in with what appears to be reinforced clips. The 850 battery fits tightly but still inserts. Smaller 550 cells feel sloppier but the TPU reclaims its shape. That gives a useful range of compatible packs without extra straps.
Versions, compatibility and price
GepRC sells the DarkStar16 with and without an O4 video module. The non-O4 version still ships with ExpressLRS. There is a roughly 129 to 139 price point for the basic build. A full O4 and ExpressLRS-equipped model can approach 399.99.
Practical verdict and recommended use
The DarkStar16 suits pilots who want compact, protected FPV for cruising and indoor flights. It does not suit aggressive outdoor freestyle or windy descents. Nick recommends modest exploratory flights rather than attempting hard tricks.
FAQ
What battery chemistries and sizes fit the DarkStar16?
It fits a wide range of 2S batteries. The TPU holder accommodates 850 and 550 sizes. Expect tight fit with 850 and looser fit with 550 cells. Nick tested Tattoo 850, Tattoo 550, BetaFPV Lava 550, GNB 550 and Lava 450.
Is the DarkStar16 good for freestyle?
No. It handles casual manoeuvres and power loops poorly in prop wash. Quad-bladed props and 2S power reduce crispness in turns. It is better as a calm flyer for close quarters and light outdoor cruising.
Can pilots swap the O4 for an O3 or use DJI gear?
The canopy leaves about 4 millimetres clearance below the O4. An O3 might fit but was not dry fitted by Nick. A DJI compatibility chart is provided by the seller. Double-check compatibility before buying.
How repair friendly is the DarkStar16 after a crash?
Repairs are possible but fiddly. Grommets need threading through canopy slots. VTX connector housings can fracture on hard impacts. The thick carbon and metal standoffs reduce frame damage in many crashes.
Takeaway
Small, solid and polite: DarkStar16 excels at calm slow flight with tidy video after rock steady processing.
Not a freestyle machine: prop wash and quad-blades blunt aggressive moves and hard turns.
Flight time varies by pack; expect about four to five minutes with an 850 at slow cruise.
User friendly for maintenance: accessible ports, taped motor wires and metal standoffs reduce common failure points.
This article was based from the video Neo Sized // DarkStar16 // Tiny FPV flyer
