Review: SpeedyBee F405 WING APP Stack – Cheapest Fixed Wing Flight Controller in 2023

Ardupilot and iNav for $40? Let's dive into the details!

by Oscar
Speedybee F405 Wing Flight Controller Fc Stack

SpeedyBee has recently introduced their first flight controller (FC) designed specifically for the fixed-wing community: the SpeedyBee F405 Wing APP. It’s currently the cheapest wing FC you can get. In this review, we’ll delve into the details of this affordable flight controller, walk you through its features and capabilities, and I’ll offer my final thoughts on the product.

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Where to Buy?

Get your F045 Wing APP FC from the following vendors:

Speedybee F405 Wing Flight Controller Stack Height

The F405 Wing APP FC stack comes in three separate boards: a power distribution board (PDB), the flight controller board, and a wireless communications board.

Speedybee F405 Wing Flight Controller Unbox Accessories Parts

The package also includes a variety of wires, assembly hardware, pin headers, and a comprehensive manual featuring full-color diagrams and wiring schematics. In addition, you’ll receive an assortment of cables for various connections, ensuring a seamless integration into your fixed wing setup.

Speedybee F405 Wing App Fixed Wing Flight Controller Package Unbox Items Accessories

Key Features and Specifications

The F405 Wing APP Flight Controller is SpeedyBee’s first flight controller specifically designed for fixed-wing applications. It is built on the STM32 F405 chipset with 168MHz and 1MB of storage. This versatile flight controller works with both iNav and Ardupilot, making it suitable for a variety of fixed-wing models.

The F405 Wing FC has several unique features, including a built-in battery voltage checker with LEDs, four separate LED ports with an inbuilt LED driver, and built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity. The Wi-Fi and Bluetooth features allow you to connect the flight controller to your phone or computer wirelessly, making it easier to make crucial firmware changes while out in the field.

The SpeedyBee F405 Wing flight controller consists of separate boards, including:

  • TOP Board: SpeedyBee F405 WING Wireless Board
  • Middle Board: SpeedyBee F405 WING FC Board
  • Bottom Board: SpeedyBee F405 WING PDB Board
  • Additional Board: SpeedyBee F405 WING USB extender

Speedybee F405 Wing App Fixed Wing Flight Controller Boards Assembly

Assembling the flight controller is straightforward, thanks to header pin connectors on each board that stack on top of one another. Once the boards are connected, the stack is reinforced with four metal standoffs and screws.

Here are the dimensions of the SpeedyBee F405 Wing FC Stack:

  • Dimension: 52 (L) x 32 (W) x 19 (H) mm
  • Weight: 35g (with USB dongle)

Speedybee F405 Wing App Fixed Wing Flight Controller Size Dimension Measurement Height Width Thickness

Here’s the detailed specifications of the SpeedyBee F405 WING APP FC Stack.

SpeedyBee F405 WING APP FC Stack:

  • Supports Wireless configuration
  • Supports RGB LED strip
  • Supports Battery level indicator
  • Compatible FC Firmware: INAV / Ardupilot
  • Power Input: 2-6S LiPo
  • Dimension: 52(L) x 32(W) x 19(H) mm
  • Weight: 35g(with USB extender)

SpeedyBee F405 WING FC board:

  • MCU: STM32F405,168MHz,1MB Flash
  • IMU(Gyro&Accelerometer): ICM-42688-P
  • Barometer: SPL006-001
  • OSD Chip: AT7456E
  • Blackbox: MicroSD Card Slot
  • 6x UART’s
  • 1x I2C for magnetometer, digital airspeed sensor
  • 4x ADC for VBAT, Current, RSSI, Analog AirSpeed Sensor
  • 12x PWM 12x (11 PWM output + 1 LED pad)
  • ExpressLRS (ELRS) and Crossfire (CRSF) Receivers Supported (UART1)
  • Built in inverter for SBUS input (UART2-RX pad)
  • 3x LEDs for FC STATUS (Blue, Green) and 3.3V indicator (Red) 1x RGB
  • RSSI Supported (RS pad)
  • Supported FC Firmware
    • INAV FC target:SpeedyBeeF405WING (default)
    • ArduPilot FC target: SpeedyBeeF405WING

SpeedyBee F405 WING PDB board:

  • Input voltage range 7~36V (2~6S LiPo)
  • Battery Voltage Sensor Connect to FC board VBAT, 1K:10K (Scale 1100 in iNav, BATT_VOLT_MULT 11.0 in ArduPilot)
  • Battery Current Sensor 90A continuous, 215A peak Connect to FC board Current (Scale 195 in iNav, 50 A/V in ArduPilot)
  • TVS Protective diode Yes
  • FC BEC output Output 5.2V +/- 0.1V DC Continuous current 2.4 Amps, 3A Peak Designed for FC, Receiver, GPS module, AirSpeed module, Telemetry module, WS2812 LED_Strip
  • VTX BEC output Output 9V +/- 0.1V DC Continuous current 1.8 Amps, 2.3A Peak Voltage adjustable, 9V Default, 12V or 5V via jumper Designed for Analog Video Transmitter,Digital Video Transmitter, Camera.
  • Servo BEC output Output 4.9V +/- 0.1V DC Continuous current 4.5 Amps, 5.5A Peak Voltage adjustable, 4.9V Default, 6V or 7.2V via jumper Designed for Servos.

SpeedyBee F405 WING Wireless board:

  • Wireless Configuration (long press BOOT button for 6 seconds to switch modes) BLE mode, connect to Speedybee APP
    Wi-Fi mode, connect to QGroundControl APP, Speedybee APP, MissionPlanner, etc.
  • Classic Bluetooth SPP mode, connect to QGroundControl APP, MissionPlanner
  • LED strip controller (short press BOOT button to switch effects, long press 2 seconds to switch modes) 4x WS2812 LED strip connectors, adjustable colors and flashing modes
  • Max 5.2V 1.3A, supports around 70pcs 5050 WS2812 LED beads
  • On-board battery level indicator 4x RGB indicator LED for battery level display by number of lights

Closer Look at The Speedybee F405 Wing FC

The F405-Wing Flight Controller stack consists of three boards: the main flight controller board, a power distribution board, and a I/O board with wireless capability. In the following sections, we’ll go deeper into the functions of each board.

Speedybee F405 Wing Flight Controller Pcb Top

Speedybee F405 Wing Flight Controller Pcb Bottom

FC Board

Speedybee F405 Wing App Fixed Wing Flight Controller Fc Board Pinout Diagram

The F405 Wing APP flight controller board offers a combination of connectors and a cluster of solder pads with through-holes, providing flexibility in connecting motors, servos, and receivers (via connectors or direct soldering).

Most peripheral connections, such as GPS, airspeed sensor, video transmitter, and camera, can be made using plugs. While SpeedyBee designed this controller to minimize soldering, it might not always be practical. As a workaround, they’ve also provided a series of solder pads for these devices.

The flight controller doesn’t have a USB connector directly soldered to the board. Instead, it uses an extension board, similar to some Matek FCs. The USB extension board also has a beeper which makes it a versatile tool.

Speedybee F405 Wing Flight Controller Usb Dongle Module Buzzer Beeper

PDB Board

Speedybee F405 Wing App Fixed Wing Flight Controller Pdb Board Pinout Diagram

The PDB, located at the bottom of the stack, features large solder pads for easy XT60 lead and two-motor wire connections. This power board includes three onboard BECs (voltage regulators) that supply different voltages for various components.

PDB board features include:

  • A voltage range of 2-6S battery input
  • Separate BEC outputs for the flight controller, VTX, and servos
  • Continuous 90A current sensing (with 215A peak bursts)

Wireless Board

Speedybee F405 Wing App Fixed Wing Flight Controller Wireless Board Pinout Diagram

The optional top board offers Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, with features including:

  • Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity
  • LED strip controller and support for WS2812 LED strips
  • Onboard battery level indicator

The boards are connected by header pins.

Speedybee F405 Wing Flight Controller Header Pin Connector

The stacks are held together by aluminium standoffs, with some rubber grommets isolating the board with the Gyro sensor to reduce vibration.

Speedybee F405 Wing Flight Controller Rubber Grommet Soft Mount Standoff

Setting Up and Configuration

The F405-Wing Flight Controller comes pre-loaded with INAV Version 6, but you’ll need to ensure you have the latest INAV configurator to use it. The controller is also compatible with Ardupilot.

One of the standout features of SpeedyBee controllers is their built-in wireless capability. It allows you to connect the FC to the SpeedyBee App on your smartphone via WiFi or Bluetooth.

Speedybee F405 Wing App Fixed Wing Flight Controller Android Smartphone App

Wirelessly Connecting to Speedybee APP for INAV

Check the color of the wireless status indicator. If it’s slow flashing green, open the SpeedyBee app and follow the instructions within the app to connect.

Wirelessly Connecting to QGroundControl APP for Ardupilot

Check the color of the wireless status indicator. If it’s not flashing white, press and hold the BOOT button for 6 seconds to switch it to white. Then, connect to the “SpeedyBee F405Wing” Wi-Fi and open QGroundControl. The app should automatically connect.

Firmware Flashing

The SpeedyBee F405 WING APP does not support wireless firmware flashing. To update the firmware, you’ll need to use a computer. Follow these steps:

Flashing Firmware with INAV Configurator

  1. Press and hold the BOOT button, and connect the FC to your computer using a USB cable.
  2. Open the INAV Configurator on your computer, navigate to the “Firmware Flasher” page, and select the flight controller target as “SPEEDYBEEF405WING”.
  3. Click the “Flash Firmware” button to begin the flashing process.

Flashing Ardupilot Firmware

  1. Follow the same steps as above to connect the FC to your computer.
  2. In the INAV Configurator’s “Firmware Flasher” page, click on “Load Firmware [local]” and select the downloaded Ardupilot firmware file.
  3. Click the “Flash Firmware” button to flash the Ardupilot firmware.

Wiring Diagrams

Here’s the wiring diagram using mainly connectors from the official manual.

Speedybee F405 Wing App Fixed Wing Flight Controller Wiring Diagram Connectors

Here’s the wiring diagram using direct solder.

Speedybee F405 Wing App Fixed Wing Flight Controller Wiring Diagram Solder

Final Thoughts

The SpeedyBee F405 Wing flight controller has made a strong first impression with its thoughtful design, ease of use, and competitive price point, expected to be just under $40. This makes it an excellent value for fixed-wing pilots seeking a high-quality, feature-packed FC.

Get your F045 Wing APP FC from the following vendors:

Notable features like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth set it apart from more expensive products by competitors like Matek.

Speedybee F405 Wing Flight Controller Fc Stack

However, there are a few areas where the SpeedyBee F405 Wing flight controller could improve:

  1. The board’s thickness and size might not be suitable for small models.
  2. A slightly longer USB cable would be beneficial.
  3. The SD card slot becomes inaccessible when the wireless board is installed.

If you’re in search of a wing flight controller that minimizes soldering, provides wireless connection, and is highly customizable, the SpeedyBee F405 Wing might be the perfect fit for you.

Edit History

  • Apr 2023 – post created
  • Dec 2023 – added some more images

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20 comments

Sebastian 13th March 2024 - 10:07 am

Hi Oscar, thank you so much for your informative review.
I found this article looking for a stabilizer for my MPX Easy Star 3 (Trainer airplane). I have been considering options like HobbyEagle, Sparrow, etc. All the options are easily above 60 EUR. However, there is this fantastic full flight controller with tons of features around 40 EUR? This seems to be no brainer! Am I missing something?
Thanks again!

Reply
Oscar 13th March 2024 - 6:39 pm

it is one of the best deals out there in 2024.

Reply
Douglas Fenton 8th March 2024 - 8:02 pm

When you configure your transmitter for a flying wing with the f405 controller – do you setup the transmitter for a wing or just a basic airplane ? I am trying to help my 92 year old Dad who is a long time r/c flyer but new to flight controllers. His transmitter has flying wing options but only with a tail (futaba 16SX). I would appreciate any help. I am thinking the FC does the mixing so the radio maybe should be a generic airplane ? or not ?

Reply
Christopher 12th February 2024 - 12:51 am

I am using the f 405 wing fc with a 03 air unit. I can’t it to work as a receiver.. no movement in receiver tab! How do i set it up in receiver tab? Any help will be awesome.. i wanna get this thing flying

Reply
Theo 7th February 2024 - 1:35 pm

Hello,
Just connected my speedybee f405 wing app. via usb to my pc.
Installed the app on my mobile and connected it. Nice.
Next day connected the speedybee to my pc not pushing the boot button.
Green led on the usb extender board.
After this it is not possible to make contact to the speedyee. Not wi-fi not usb via the pc and mobile app.
I would like to change to ardupilot.
Howe to proceed ?
On the app. I get the notice “Initialize failed” please ensure the uart6 has MSP(boud Rate: 115200) enabled.
Howe to set this?

Like to hear.
Regards,
Theo

Reply
Paulo Ribeiro de Albuquerque Uchoa 12th December 2023 - 2:05 pm

INAV 7 doesn t been acept by speedbee app

Reply
Ben 30th November 2023 - 8:54 am

Hi, I setup fully my FC. All the plane servos and throttle are working. But I created 2 more servos, 1 for my buzzer and 1 for the reverse function of my ESC. Unfortunately I can’t make them working. Do you have any tips from your side?

Reply
Trey 6th October 2023 - 2:32 am

can this be coinfigured for a quad? similar to the matek f405 wing which could be?

Reply
Trey 8th October 2023 - 1:31 am

it can be setup for a quad. i went ahead and ordered it

Reply
Anup 27th September 2023 - 6:40 pm

Can I use speedybee f405 v3 drone fc to fix wing

Reply
Oscar 28th September 2023 - 6:15 pm

Not the most practical use, but sure you can.

Reply
Trey 9th October 2023 - 5:12 am

Yea, i configured the FC for a quad/ardupilot no problem but it seems the PDB with the FC isnt powering the FC properly. It works thru the USB. I’m thinking i might rewire the FC off the other PDB i was using to power my ESC’s. Returning the FC is a pain in butt. It looks like i got a defective stack. Thanks for the response. The reason i wanted to use try this one it is a less expensive than a Pixhawk to use with Missionplanner/qgroundcontrol. I was able to connect the FC to my phone which i couldn’t do before with my Pixhawk. Thats a great feature.

Reply
Dom 14th October 2023 - 7:47 am

Hi Oscar,
Do you know how to wire the FC for a VTOL?
There are only two solder pads for two esc’s
And furthermore how to make the proper Ardupilot setup?
Thanks and have a great day.

Dom

Reply
Anthony 9th December 2023 - 1:02 am

How do you hook this up to a drone

Reply
Yüce 12th August 2023 - 9:25 am

Hello.
I installed 405 Wing. I tried different tabletops as rover and airplane. I can’t get output from S3. I did a solder check, everything seems normal. Thanks (google translate translation :( )

Reply
Kres 10th July 2023 - 8:30 am

Well, it works. However, the LED battery indicator stopped working as expected (after flashing iNav 6.1.1) and now all the 4 LEDs are flashing in forth and back sequence all the time. Not a big deal, but it would be nice to work again.

But the bigger problem for me, is huge power consumption at idle. It consumes 0.8-0.9A at idle (!): ESC disconnected, GPS disconnected, Camera disconnected, VTX at 25mW. I don’t know how to troubleshoot it further.

Reply
Kogler Anthony 16th May 2023 - 8:43 pm

SpeedyBee F405 Wing.Hi Oscar can you tell me where I connect for Frsky Smatport.Thanks in advance.

Reply
Peter 7th March 2024 - 7:01 am

Same way as sbus but using only tx (s.port and f.port has 3 wires). But the uart on f4 must be inverted or use s.bus inverter or made it by your own. There is a diagram on ardupilot and px4 page.

Reply
BaTTaN 12th May 2023 - 6:22 am

I had some reward points at one of the shops and was able to get two including shipping for a grand total of $50. Great deal I was thinking until I mentioned my newest purchase on a couple of discord servers only to get told my multiple people :Ohhh I’ve heard there are some issues with them” yet not having any specifics at all. So I’m going to just take it with a gain of salt because there is no way they could be worse than the the FC Jumper made for the Xiake 800 which is what one of the Speedybee’s is earmarked to replace..

Reply
Ajax 27th April 2023 - 2:01 pm

I’m looking forward to trying these out.

Reply