Happymodel Mobula6 2024 edition might be the best BNF Tiny Whoop of the year. As someone who has tested many micros, including previous versions of the Mobula, I was interested to see how this one stacked up, especially in terms of flight performance and durability.
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Where to buy?
Buy Mobula6 2024 Edition from the following vendors:
Specification
Photo Frame
- size: 81mm x 81mm x 37mm
- Brand Name: happy model
- Wheelbase: 65mm
flight controller
- Built-in ammeter sensor: ammeter scale 1175
- Built-in voltmeter sensor: voltmeter scale 110
- Power supply: 1-2S battery input (DC 2.9V-4.35V)
- MCU: STM32F411CEU6 (100MHz, 512K Flash)
- Built-in 5A (each): Blheli_S 4in1 ESC
- Mount hole size: 25.5mm x 25.5mm
- Built-in UART ExpressLRS: V3.0.0
Onboard 4-in-1 ESC
- Current: 12A continuous, 6A peak (3 seconds)
- Factory Firmware: Bluejay ESC V0.19.2
- Support: BLHeli_S programmable
- Power supply: 1-2S LiPo/LiPo HV
- Default Protocol: DSHOT300
motor
- Motor size (diameter x length): 9.5mm x 14mm
- Model: SE0702 KV28000
- Stator diameter: 7mm
- Configuration: 9N12P
- Shaft diameter: 1mm
- Number of cells (Lipo): 1S
- Stator length: 2mm
- Weight: 1.46g
Design and Durability
Mobula6 2024 is surprisingly light. It weighs just over 17.8g. It is more than 10% lighter than the existing Mobula 6, which weighs 20.2g. This weight reduction may raise concerns about durability, but is primarily due to the new lightweight frame design.
Personally, I like the idea of using a more simple canopy. This is what the hardcore Tiny Whoop community has wanted for a long time.
Because minimal plastic was used in the canopy that protects the camera, we expected the 2024 edition to be less durable than the original. But it held up surprisingly well, even after numerous crashes during test flights. This resilience is likely due to its overall lightweight design.
However, there are weak stress points around the camera mount base. After a few days of flying and crashing, the camera mount had become slightly deformed, causing the camera to lean slightly to one side. It's still flyable, but this issue is noticeable and a bit annoying when flying, but thankfully it comes with an extra canopy in the box.
Nonetheless, the overall build quality and construction are solid, with a thoughtful component layout that makes maintenance and repair simple.
Component Upgrade
Mobula6 2024 Edition brings some notable upgrades in electronics and cameras. The new SuperX 5in1 AIO FC board is streamlined and appears to be well suited for future frame designs due to its compact size. It has a built-in ExpressLRS receiver with a copper antenna, which offers better range and durability compared to ceramic antennas.
The camera is another highlight, offering a wider field of view than the previous Nano 3 camera. The Nano 3 provided sharp images, but was limited by its narrow field of view. The new camera's wider FOV is a welcome improvement that improves the flying experience by giving you a better sense of the drone's surroundings.
flight performance
Mobula6 2024 Edition surprised me with its agility and responsiveness right out of the box. It handles beautifully even when navigating tight spaces and being close to obstacles. The basic PID and filter adjustments seemed to require further tuning to reduce prop cleaning and vibration, but overall flight performance was solid.
One of the biggest selling points of Mobula6 is its versatility. Its compact size and quiet operation make it suitable for indoor flights, as well as outdoor flights in quiet conditions. You don't need a lot of space to enjoy flying this drone.
final thoughts
Happymodel's Mobula6 2024 edition sets a high bar for what Tiny Whoop is all about. Its sturdy construction, lightweight construction, improved cameras, and improved electronics make it an outstanding model that will attract the attention of every micro drone enthusiast.
Buy Mobula6 2024 Edition from the following vendors:
However, weak canopies and camera vulnerability are concerns that potential buyers should be aware of. There is also room for improvement in PID tuning.
For everyone, from beginners to experienced pilots looking to jump in or upgrade their small whoop collection, Mobula 6 2024 Edition offers a powerful blend of performance and fun. Although it has a few drawbacks, its advantages make it worth considering for anyone passionate about drone flying.