Unleashing the Power of Whoop Drones: A Comprehensive Review

Dive into the world of FPV racing with the Whoop drone! In this detailed review, we explore the NewBeeDrone Hummingbird V3.1 and its RaceSpec counterpart, highlighting their features, specifications, and potential racing applications.

The Whoop Drone Chronicles: Hummingbird V3.1 and RaceSpec – A Tale of Two Tiny Titans

Specs and Key Features

The NewBeeDrone Hummingbird V3.1 and RaceSpec are designed with distinct philosophies that cater to both novice pilots and seasoned racers. The Hummingbird V3.1 boasts a robust polycarbonate canopy, while the RaceSpec focuses on weight reduction for enhanced agility. Both drones share a common flight controller and camera, but their specifications diverge significantly.

Hummingbird V3.1: 802 motors with 25,000 KV, durable frame, pluggable components for easy repair.
RaceSpec: 0702 motors with 30,000 KV, lightweight frame, direct soldered motors for optimal performance.

Hummingbird V3.1

The Hummingbird V3.1 is engineered for durability. Its thick plastic frame can withstand crashes, making it an ideal choice for beginners. With pluggable motors, replacing damaged components is straightforward, encouraging new pilots to push their limits without fear of breaking their drone.

Weighing in at 21.49 grams without a battery, this drone offers a solid balance of weight and durability. When paired with a 300mAh battery, it reaches a total weight of 29.8 grams, making it a competitive option in the whoop racing scene.

Hummingbird V3.1 RaceSpec

The RaceSpec variant is all about speed. It features a lighter frame and smaller motors, which allow it to achieve impressive agility on the track. Weighing just 16.4 grams without a battery, it is designed to give pilots an edge in competitive environments.

Notably, the RaceSpec is equipped with direct soldered motors, which help minimize weight and resistance, further enhancing performance. However, this design choice sacrifices some durability, making it less forgiving during crashes.

Use Cases for Each Drone

Hummingbird V3.1: Perfect for beginners and those looking to practice flying techniques without the worry of damaging their drone.
RaceSpec: Tailored for competitive racing, allowing experienced pilots to achieve maximum performance on the track.

Different Battery Connectors?

One peculiar aspect of these drones is their use of different battery connectors. The Hummingbird V3.1 utilizes a PH 2.0 solid pin connector, while the RaceSpec opts for a GNB A30 connector. This inconsistency can be inconvenient for pilots who wish to use the same battery across both drones. To streamline operations, it is advisable to swap the Hummingbird's connector to match the RaceSpec's for a unified battery setup.

Weights

Weight plays a crucial role in drone performance, especially in racing scenarios. The Hummingbird V3.1 weighs 21.49 grams, while the RaceSpec is significantly lighter at 16.4 grams. When considering battery weight, the Hummingbird reaches 29.8 grams, compared to the RaceSpec's total of 24.7 grams with a 300mAh battery. This weight difference can impact flight dynamics and maneuverability, making the RaceSpec the preferred choice for competitive racing.

Micro USB and Awesome LEDs

Another feature worth mentioning is the micro USB connection on both models, which allows for easy configuration and firmware updates. The Hummingbird V3.1 also features vibrant LEDs that illuminate upon powering up, adding a visually striking element to the drone. Unfortunately, the RaceSpec lacks this feature, which some may view as a missed opportunity for aesthetic appeal.

Betaflight Config and FC Spec

Both drones utilize the NewBeeDrone flight controller, equipped with two free UARTs for potential external receiver connections. The Hummingbird V3.1 is built around a BMI270 gyro with a 3.2 kHz sample rate, making it suitable for the TinyWhoop architecture. However, users are encouraged to tweak the Betaflight configuration to optimize performance, particularly regarding PID tuning and DShot beacon settings.

BMI270 Gyro

The BMI270 gyro is a crucial component in both drones, providing stability and responsiveness during flight. It operates well within the parameters of the F4 TinyWhoop boards, supporting a maximum PID loop of 4k. This configuration is optimal for maintaining flight stability, especially in racing scenarios where precision is key.

Turn on Dshot Beacon!

Setting up the DShot beacon is essential for both models. This feature allows the motors to beep, providing crucial feedback during flight, such as indicating connection status and location. It is recommended to enable this feature in Betaflight to enhance the piloting experience.

Bonkers PID Tune

Out of the box, the PID tuning on the Hummingbird V3.1 is less than ideal. With high D gains and peculiar slider positions, it is advisable for pilots to apply a preset tuning profile to achieve better performance. The RaceSpec, however, has a more sensible pitch tune, indicating that it has been calibrated with racing performance in mind.

Issues with the Tune

Both drones suffer from tuning issues, especially the Hummingbird V3.1, which lacks black box logging. This absence makes it challenging to dial in the perfect tune, a critical aspect for serious pilots looking to improve their performance. The RaceSpec's tuning is better, but it still requires careful adjustments for optimal results.

Too Many Filters!

When examining the filter settings, it becomes apparent that both drones have more filters than necessary. For the Hummingbird V3.1, two gyro filters are excessive, and a single RPM filter would suffice. Simplifying these settings can lead to improved flight performance and responsiveness.

SPI Receiver

Both models come equipped with an SPI receiver, which is compatible with ExpressLRS. However, this setup has limitations, as it ties the receiver's firmware updates to the flight controller firmware. This can lead to complications if updates are required, making a serial receiver a more desirable option for future iterations of these drones.

SerialRx ELRS is Better

Switching to a serial receiver for ExpressLRS would provide greater flexibility in firmware updates. This change would allow pilots to update their receiver independently of the flight controller, eliminating the risks associated with firmware mismatches and ensuring a more seamless experience.

No Beeper Mode

Lastly, one frustrating oversight is the absence of a beeper mode in both drones. This feature is crucial for pilots to confirm their connection with the drone and aid in locating it after a crash. Setting up a beeper mode should be a priority for future versions to enhance usability and pilot confidence.

Whoop Drone Racing: The Hummingbird V3.1 and RaceSpec – Propellers, PID Tuning, and Other Misadventures

Prop Direction is Wrong

One of the glaring issues with the Hummingbird V3.1 and RaceSpec is the incorrect prop direction configuration. For optimal flight performance, especially in racing, the propellers should be oriented outward. However, both models come preconfigured with props-in settings, which can lead to reduced efficiency and maneuverability.

To rectify this, pilots must manually adjust the motor directions in Betaflight. This oversight is a common pitfall for many whoop drones, and it's crucial for Newbie Drone to address it in future iterations. Ensuring the default motor direction is set to props-out would save users time and enhance the overall flying experience.

No Blackbox

Another significant drawback is the absence of Blackbox logging in both the Hummingbird V3.1 and RaceSpec. This feature is vital for serious FPV pilots who need to analyze flight data for tuning and troubleshooting. Without it, pilots are left guessing when it comes to optimizing their drones' performance.

In the competitive world of drone racing, being unable to log flight data means missing out on crucial insights that could shave valuable seconds off lap times. Newbie Drone must prioritize the inclusion of Blackbox in their future models to remain competitive and support pilots in achieving the best possible flight performance.

Hummingbird V3.1 RaceSpec

The Hummingbird V3.1 RaceSpec is designed with speed and agility in mind. Featuring lightweight components and a well-thought-out design, it aims to provide an edge in competitive racing. However, as mentioned earlier, the tuning and configuration issues hold it back from reaching its full potential.

Among the standout features of the RaceSpec are its smaller 0702 motors with a high KV rating of 30,000. This setup allows for rapid acceleration and nimble maneuverability, making it an ideal choice for racing enthusiasts. Yet, the lack of Blackbox logging and the incorrect prop direction detract from its overall performance.

Much Better PID Tune

When it comes to PID tuning, the RaceSpec generally fares better than the Hummingbird V3.1. The factory tuning on the RaceSpec is more sensible, featuring a better pitch tune and dynamic idle settings. This indicates that the tuning was likely performed by someone with racing experience, making it a more viable option for competitive pilots.

However, even with these improvements, there are still areas that require attention. The filter settings need adjustments, particularly in reducing the number of gyro filters, which can adversely affect performance. A cleaner filter setup will enhance flight responsiveness and overall agility.

Filters Are Still Too Much

Both drones are plagued by excessive filtering settings. The Hummingbird V3.1 uses two gyro filters, which is unnecessary for a drone of this size. Instead, a single RPM filter would suffice, allowing for a more responsive flight experience.

Similarly, the RaceSpec also suffers from over-filtering. Eliminating redundant filters will help streamline performance and reduce latency, allowing pilots to fully utilize the agility of these whoop drones. Newbie Drone should consider revising their filtering approach in future firmware updates.

Flight Test and Image Quality

During flight tests, the image quality of the cameras on both drones was acceptable but not stellar. The wide dynamic range capabilities seem to lag behind some competitors, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. While the cameras perform adequately in bright environments, they struggle with transitions from dark to light, resulting in washed-out colors and loss of detail.

Despite these limitations, the overall flight experience remains enjoyable. Both drones provide a solid foundation for new pilots to hone their skills and for experienced racers to compete at a high level. However, enhancing camera performance should be a priority for Newbie Drone in future models.

Only 25mW VTX

The VTX output is capped at a mere 25mW, which can be limiting for pilots looking to push the boundaries of their racing capabilities. While this power level is adequate for racing in controlled environments, it falls short compared to competitors that offer higher output options, such as 200mW or even 400mW.

This limitation can hinder pilots in more expansive racing environments or those who desire better penetration through obstacles. Newbie Drone could benefit from providing multiple power settings in future iterations, allowing pilots to choose the optimal power level for their specific racing conditions.

VTX Output Power Measurement

Upon reviewing the conducted output power of the VTX, it's clear that while the Hummingbird V3.1 achieves close to its 25mW maximum output, there are inconsistencies across channels. The output ranges from approximately 12mW to just over 20mW, with lower race bands performing worse than expected.

This inconsistency can be problematic for pilots who rely on stable video feeds during races. Newbie Drone may want to consider fine-tuning the VTX power amplifier settings to ensure more consistent performance across all channels.

VTX Output Could Be Retuned

Considering the variability in output power, there's a strong case for retuning the VTX settings. Enhancing the power output, especially on lower race bands, would improve the overall user experience and ensure that pilots have a reliable video feed during races.

Additionally, providing an option for manual power tuning could empower pilots to adjust their VTX settings according to their specific racing needs, further enhancing the competitive edge of the Hummingbird series.

Rosser's Thoughts on the Hummingbird V3.1

The Hummingbird V3.1 is a solid entry-level whoop drone, especially for those seeking durability and ease of repair. Its robust frame and pluggable components make it an excellent choice for beginners who anticipate crashing while they learn.

However, the tuning issues, lack of Blackbox logging, and limited VTX output power are significant drawbacks that Newbie Drone must address in future versions. Despite these challenges, the Hummingbird V3.1 remains a reliable option for new pilots looking to dive into the world of FPV racing.

ESC Should Be Updated to 96kHz PWM

Another area for improvement lies in the ESC configuration. Currently, the ESC firmware operates at 48kHz, which is not optimal for the performance of these whoop drones. Upgrading to 96kHz PWM would enhance efficiency and flight times, allowing pilots to enjoy longer sessions without sacrificing performance.

Implementing this upgrade could significantly improve the overall flying experience and make the Hummingbird series more competitive in the crowded whoop market.

Rosser's Thoughts on the Hummingbird V3.1 RaceSpec

As for the Hummingbird V3.1 RaceSpec, it stands out as a competitive option for serious racing pilots. Its lightweight design, agile performance, and thoughtful tuning make it a capable contender on the racing circuit. However, the same limitations regarding Blackbox logging and VTX output power apply here as well.

To truly excel, the RaceSpec needs to address these shortcomings while maintaining its focus on lightweight performance and agility. With the right adjustments, it has the potential to be a top choice for those looking to compete at high levels in FPV racing.

Only BNF Competitive for Racing!

In conclusion, both the Hummingbird V3.1 and RaceSpec serve as viable options for those entering the world of FPV racing. However, the RaceSpec stands out as the only Bind and Fly (BNF) option that can truly compete in racing environments. Its focus on weight reduction and improved tuning makes it a compelling choice for serious racers.

For those looking to push their racing skills to the next level, the RaceSpec is undoubtedly the better option, provided that Newbie Drone addresses the existing limitations in future updates.

Upgrade ESC Firmware to 96kHz

Finally, as a recommendation for both models, upgrading the ESC firmware to support 96kHz PWM is essential. This enhancement would provide better control and efficiency, ultimately leading to improved flight performance. Pilots seeking a competitive edge should prioritize this upgrade to maximize their racing potential.

No Blackbox is a Miss

In summary, the absence of Blackbox logging is a glaring oversight in both the Hummingbird V3.1 and RaceSpec. For serious pilots, this feature is non-negotiable. It allows for fine-tuning and adjustments that are critical for competitive racing. Newbie Drone must prioritize the inclusion of Blackbox in future iterations to ensure their drones meet the demands of serious racers.

FAQ

What is the main difference between the Hummingbird V3.1 and RaceSpec?
The RaceSpec is designed for racing with a lightweight build and optimized tuning, while the Hummingbird V3.1 focuses on durability and ease of repair.
Can I use the same battery for both drones?
No, the Hummingbird V3.1 uses a PH 2.0 connector, while the RaceSpec uses a GNB A30 connector. It's advisable to swap connectors for compatibility.
Is the camera quality good for both models?
The cameras provide acceptable quality but struggle with dynamic lighting situations, which may impact overall performance during races.

This article was created from the video Get into FPV Drone racing for under $100! NewBeeDrone Hummingbird