The NewBeeDrone AcroBee65 BLV4 Tiny Whoop comes with some impressive upgrades from the previous version. In this review, we’ll explore the AcroBee65 BLV4’s features, performance, and how it compares to other popular drones on the market. So, buckle up and let’s dive right in!
Table of Contents
Where to Buy?
You can purchase the AcroBee65 BLV4 whoop from these retailers:
Batteries are not included, get them here:
- AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DDIqHrr
- NBD: https://oscarliang.com/product-rc60
- RDQ: https://oscarliang.com/product-uwql
- GetFPV: https://oscarliang.com/product-8691
Features and Specifications
The AcroBee65 BLV4, a familiar Tiny Whoop from the well-established NewBeeDrone, continues their line of products with several notable improvements and unique features.
Key Features:
- New flow motors: 0802 27000 KV motors ensure top-end performance.
- Flight controller: 1-2S capable, use 1S with stock motors, you can also use lower KV motors with 2S
- Thermal controlled VTX: “SmartMax” adjusts output based on heat, up to 400 mW.
- High performance ESC: powerful 12A rating, comes with Bluejay firmware.
- ExpressLRS flight controller: Enhanced range with ExpressLRS and new diversity antennas.
Specifications:
- Frame: Cockroach65 Brushless Frame (Clear Purple)
- Flight Controller: BeeBrain BLv4 ELRS (STM32F411 MCU)
- VTX: Switchable output power (5mw-25mw for Racing, SmartMax up to 400mw) with BeeTX 5.8Ghz Antenna
- ESC: 12A BLHeliS with Bluejay 0.16 target (S-H-40 48kHz)
- ESC Connector: JST-1.0 3Pin
- Motors: Flow 0802
19000KV27000kv (new higher KV motor shipping from April 3rd) - Propeller: Azi Tri-blade 31mm 1.0 (Clear Purple)
- OSD: NBD7456 Graphical OSD compatible with Betaflight OSD
- Receiver: ELRS2.4 Diversity receiver with 2.4G T-Antenna (top) and normal 2.4G monopole antenna (bottom)
- Battery input: 1-2S (preset for 1S; 2S requires throttle cap at 50% or less)
- Uart2: Tx&Rx for ExpressLRS2.4G Receiver
- Uart1: Tx&Rx free
- Power Connector: NBD-PH2.0 connector
- Flight Controller Weight: 6.5g (including antennas and battery connector)
- Flight Controller Size: 29x29x7.6mm, holes at 25.5×25.5mm
- Recommended Battery: Nitro Nectar Gold 300mAh 1S HV LiPo Battery
Comparing the AcroBee65 BLV4 to the Previous BLV3
Previous BLV3
The previous version, AcroBee65 BLV3 was a great alternative to the popular Mobula6, especially for those who prioritized customer service over a low price. NewBeeDrone, a US-based company, provided better support for US customers than China-based Happymodel. The BLV3 also outperformed the Mobula6 in terms of flight characteristics out of the box, boasting greater durability and consistent quality.
However, the BLV3 had two main downsides: the lack of an ELRS variant (instead using the older FrSky D8 with higher latency, shorter range, and no telemetry) and a limited 120 mW VTX output.
The BLV4 addresses these issues, along with several other improvements such as increased motor KV (from 0802 18,000 to 0802 27,000), smart VTX temperature control, and enhanced range with ExpressLRS. Despite reports of inconsistent OSD, which may be resolved with a firmware update, and a slightly heavier weight, the BLV4’s overall performance and features surpass its predecessor, as we will explore in this review.
Closer Look at the AcroBee65 BLV4
Frame and Build
The AcroBee65 BLV4 features a purple translucent canopy, a Cockroach frame with increased flexibility, and weighs 25 grams without battery. The canopy features a three-position mount for camera stability.
Built-in ExpressLRS Receiver
The flight controller has an integrated ExpressLRS receiver, providing better range and eliminating Frsky failsafes issues, saving space and weight at the same time. It’s a UART based RX, not SPI so that’s excellent news since SPI receivers will not be supported by ExpressLRS in the future. It also features diversity receiver antennas with power amplification and a T-antenna for extended range. I think the radio link can go very far, but the range is likely limited by the video link, which is only about 500 meters according to the specs.
Here’s how to bind the receiver to your radio: https://oscarliang.com/setup-expresslrs-2-4ghz/#Binding-Receiver
12A ESC with Bluejay
The AcroBee65 BLV4 has a powerful 12A ESC pre-flashed with Bluejay firmware, offering excellent performance, saves you trouble from flashing Bluejay yourself.
400mW SmartMax VTX
It has a video transmitter output power of up to 400 mW, offering better signal and extended flight range. The SmartMax VTX system intelligently adjusts output power to prevent overheating. However, the OSD may occasionally disappear or display random characters during early testing. Some suggest firmware update may fix it, but you should confirm with NBD on that. Camera appears to be the same as previous models, though it’s not explicitly mentioned on the product page.
Battery and Connector
The drone is compatible with Nitro Nectar and Tattoo 1S batteries designed for tiny whoops, but still uses the folded-pin PH2.0 connector (solid pin), which some may consider outdated. It could be improved with a BT2.0 (or even GNB27) connector.
Flight Performance
The AcroBee65 BLV4 weighs around 25 grams without a battery, making it considerably heavier than competitors like the Mobula6 and Mobeetle. This additional weight can affect flight performance, particularly for racing. NewBeeDrone has opted for increased durability at the expense of performance, which some pilots may appreciate. With a Nitro Nectar gold battery (recommended by NBD), the total weight is around 32 grams.
Originally they released the BLV4 with 19000KV motors, but that is not the ideal choice for high speed and acrobatic flying, so they changed it to 27000KV motors in batches after April 2023 which provides a lot more power. Expect around two minutes of flight time for fast flying and racing, about 2.5 minutes for mixed flights, and up to three minutes for slow cruising.
Final Thoughts
The Newbeedrone AcroBee65 BLV4 is a feature-rich tiny whoop FPV drone with unique upgrades like ExpressLRS, BlueJay ESC, and a more durable frame, making it an appealing option. While it has drawbacks such as heavier weight and old PH2.0 battery connector, it provides a user-friendly experience backed by dedicated customer support. The AcroBee65 BLV4 may not be the best choice for racing, but it’s a solid choice for those seeking a general-purpose Tiny Whoop.