Review: NewBeeDrone BeeID GPS Module with RemoteID & Drone Tracker

When NewBeeDrone asked me to review the BeeID module, I hesitated at first because I’m not particularly interested in this RemoteID stuff. But when they explained that the BeeID doubles as a GPS module and a drone tracker to help you find your quad when you crash, I was intrigued. That sounded like a pretty cool idea, so I wanted to find out how it actually works. In this review, I’ll walk you through what the BeeID does, how I set it up, and how it performs.

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Learn more about GPS Rescue mode in Betaflight: https://oscarliang.com/setup-gps-rescue-mode-betaflight/

Where to Buy

Get the BeeID GPS Module from NewBeeDrone: https://oscarliang.com/product-hvyt

What Is the NewBeeDrone BeeID?

The BeeID is a lightweight GPS module that combines FAA Remote ID functionality with a built-in Bluetooth beacon.

If you’re in the US, Remote ID compliance is a consideration when flying FPV drones. If you’re outside the US, you don’t — but that doesn’t mean this module isn’t useful.

Even if you don’t care about Remote ID, the BeeID doubles as a drone tracker. If you lose video or control link, it can help you locate your quad. On top of that, you can use it just as a standard GPS module for Betaflight’s GPS Rescue mode, or with iNav and Ardupilot. Internally, it’s basically an M10 GPS module.

In terms of size and weight, it’s somewhere between the HGLRC M100 Mini and the BN220:

• HGLRC M100 Mini: 3.3 g
• BeeID: 5.3 g
• BN220: 5.7 g
• GOKU GM10 Pro V3: 7.4 g

Why This Matters: GPS Rescue Isn’t Always Enough

Betaflight’s GPS Rescue is a great safety net — but it’s not foolproof. I’ve personally had cases where GPS Rescue didn’t work after I lost video, and the drone never came back. Maybe the battery died before it made the return trip, maybe it hit a tree, or maybe it just went off course. There are countless possibilities, and you’ll never really know.

The BeeID gives you an extra layer of safety. If your quad goes down, you can rely on:

• The last known GPS coordinates from your radio’s telemetry.
• Real-time Bluetooth-based tracking via a smartphone app, showing you exactly where the drone is on a map.

How Does Drone Tracking Work?

When your drone goes down, you can check its location using the Drone Scanner app on your phone. You can download it from Play Store for free.

Bluetooth naturally has limited range, but I was impressed — in my tests with a Google Pixel 8 Pro, I was able to pick up the BeeID from more than 150m away, which is surprisingly far. Once in range, the module popped up on screen on the map.

The app isn’t perfect, though. It tends to crash when I lose Bluetooth signal, forcing me to reopen it — likely a software bug. Still, when it works, it’s very convenient, as it can show your drone’s exact location.

But what if the drone is too far for Bluetooth? In that case, you can fall back to your radio’s telemetry. Just grab the last GPS coordinates, plug them into a site like “gps-coordinate.org”, and you’ll get a pin on a map. Once you get closer and Bluetooth is in range, it can take over and guide you the rest of the way.

Connecting BeeID to a Flight Controller

Connecting the BeeID is the same as wiring any GPS module to a flight controller. You only need four connections:

• 5V
• GND
• TX
• RX

That’s it.

Here’s the manual that comes with the module for reference:

This is the first time I connected the module to my phone and the Drone Scanner app automatically found it via bluetooth. To configure BeeID (setup model, class, weight, region etc) you need to connect via WiFi.

Setting It Up

For detailed instructions on configuring GPS in Betaflight, see my tutorial: https://oscarliang.com/setup-gps-rescue-mode-betaflight/.

To get GPS coordinates on your EdgeTX radio:

1. Power on your drone.
2. Go to the telemetry screen on your radio (Page 11 in the model setup).
3. Click “Discover New Sensors” and make sure you see GPS coordinates.
4. Before flying, always confirm satellite lock. As recommended by Betaflight, you’ll need 8 satellites for reliable GPS location.
5. Once done, your radio will show real-time GPS coordinates throughout the flight.

If you don’t see telemetry data on your radio, open Betaflight Configurator, go to the Receiver tab, and make sure the Telemetry option is enabled.

GPS Performance

I can confirm the BeeID GPS Performance is on par with top tier M10 GPS modules I tested in the past.

• Cold start: Acquires 8 satellites within 1 minute
• After 5 minutes: Up to 17 satellites locked
• Hot start: 3D fix within 15 seconds

Very solid performance overall.

The module also has a handy LED indicator: When it’s flashing slowly means it’s searching for satellites; And when it turns solid green, it means a 3D fix has been acquired.

Conclusion

✅ Pros:

• Performs like a top-tier M10 GPS, while also functioning as an FAA-compliant Remote ID device and drone tracker
• Simple Betaflight setup
• Lightweight and compact—ideal for most FPV builds
• Pairs easily with any phone (Drone Scanner app is free)

❌ Cons:

• Bluetooth tracking range is limited (up to 150 meters in my testing)
• Requires external power (e.g. from the drone) — if the LiPo disconnects, tracking stops
• GPS accuracy depends on satellite lock; if the quad is upside down in a ditch, it may not work reliably
• Wires use heat resistant PVC insulation — durable and easy to solder, but stiff and not flexible. Silicone wires would be a better choice.