Review: BetaFPV Air 5in1 FC (G4 1S 5A Flight Controller for Tiny Whoop | Integrated RX and VTX)

The BetaFPV Air 5in1 FC is designed for those who want to simplify their Tiny Whoop builds without sacrificing performance. It integrates FC, ESC, OSD, VTX and RX all into the same board. In this review, I’ll dive into the specifics of the BetaFPV Air 5in1 FC, explore its features and performance, and discuss whether it’s worth the upgrade.

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Check out my tiny whoop and related accessory recommendations: https://oscarliang.com/best-tiny-whoop/

Where to Buy

You can purchase the BetaFPV Air 5in1 FC from:

• BetaFPV: https://oscarliang.com/product-ox6b
• AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DF6jZPZ

Accessories included:

• 1 * Air Brushless Flight Controller
• 1 * 2.4g Antenna (Only for the 5in1 Version)
• 1 * Type-C to SH1.0 Adapter
• 1 * SH1.0 4-Pin Adapter Cable
• 1 * 5.8g VTX Antenna
• 1 * BT2.0 U Whoop Cable Pigtail | 40mm
• 4 * M1.4*4 Self-tapping Screws
• 4 * Rubber Grommets

What Makes the BetaFPV Air 5in1 FC Special?

The BetaFPV Air 5in1 FC is incredibly lightweight, making it perfect for the latest ultralight Air65 and Air75 Tiny Whoops from BetaFPV. Unlike the previous 4in1 board, which required an additional external receiver, the new 5in1 FC integrates the receiver directly on the board. This integration simplifies the build process, reduces the amount of wiring, and makes repairs easier.

While the 5in1 FC doesn’t offer a weight advantage over using the 4in1 FC with an external receiver, the overall cost is $5 less because you don’t have to buy a separate receiver. The 5in1 board’s integration is particularly appealing for those looking to streamline their builds without compromising functionality.

Specifications

4in1/5in1 FC Specs:

• 4in1 Version: FC + ESC + OSD + VTX
• 5in1 Version: FC + ESC + OSD + VTX + RX
• Processor MCU: STM32G473CEU6
• Gyro: ICM42688P (SPI connection)
• Blackbox Memory: 16MB
• Sensor: Voltage & Current
• BEC: 5V 3A
• USB Adapter Connector: JST SH1.0 4-Pin
• Built-in 4in1 5A ESC
• FC Firmware: Betaflight_4.5.0_BETAFPVG473
• Mounting Hole Size: 26mm x 26mm
• Weight: 2.9g (4in1 Version) / 3.6g (5in1 Version)

ESC Specs:

• Input Voltage: 1S
• ESC Firmware: Bluejay A_X_5_96KHz_V0.19
• ESC Protocol Support: Dshot300, Dshot600

VTX Specs:

• Output Power: 25/100/200/400/PIT
• Frequency: 5.8GHz, 48 channels, with Raceband: 5658~5917MHz
• Channel SEL: SmartAudio2.0
• Modulation Type: FM
• Frequency Control: PLL
• Antenna Port: 50 Ω
• Operating Temperature: -10℃~+80℃

RX Specs (5in1):

• RC Link: ExpressLRS 2.4GHz V3.3
• FC/RX Connection: Serial UART
• Firmware Target: BETAFPV 2.4GHz AIO RX

VTX Power Testing

Using the ImmersionRC Power Meter V2, I tested the VTX RF power output of the BetaFPV Air 5in1 FC. Here are the results:

For comparison, here are the measurements for the previous Air 4in1 FC:

There were concerns about the BetaFPV Air G4 FC having excessive RF power output at its 25mW setting, which isn’t ideal for Tiny Whoop racing events with strict RF power rules. It seems the 5in1 FC still has this issue, but I’ve only tested one unit, so I can’t confirm if this is a general problem.

This excessive RF output issue will only affect people who attend racing events, if you only fly casually at home or with friends, this shouldn’t be an issue. In fact, the 5in1 FC outputs up to 550mW, which is higher than the 4in1 version, providing better penetration and range.

Update (06/09/2024): BetaFPV saw the review and believe this could just be a faulty unit, they will send me a replacement so I can re-test it. I will post update in this review once this is complete.

Update (12/10/2024): I received a new 5in1 board, and retested VTX power output for 25mW. The result seems to be mostly correct this time on Raceband. Photos of the new tests have been uploaded to my Facebook page for reference.

Tiny Whoop Build

I swapped out the 4in1 FC in my Air65 for the new 5in1 FC, and it fit perfectly without any modifications. The camera and VTX antenna connectors are in the same locations, ensuring that the setup remains unchanged.

Pinout diagram:

Conclusion

The BetaFPV Air 5in1 FC is a great upgrade for Tiny Whoop enthusiasts who want a streamlined, integrated solution without the hassle of extra wiring. It provides all the core features needed for high-performance FPV flights in a lightweight, compact form. With the added convenience of an onboard receiver, it’s an excellent choice for those looking to simplify their builds while still enjoying top-notch performance.

Purchase the BetaFPV Air 5in1 FC here:

• BetaFPV: https://oscarliang.com/product-ox6b
• AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DF6jZPZ

The slight price increase over the 4in1 FC is justified by the added functionality, making it a strong contender in the Tiny Whoop flight controller market for casual pilots.