When NewBeeDrone requested me to evaluation the BeeID module, I hesitated at first as a result of I’m not significantly on this RemoteID stuff. However after they defined that the BeeID doubles as a GPS module and a drone tracker that can assist you discover your quad whenever you crash, I used to be intrigued. That seemed like a reasonably cool concept, so I needed to learn how it really works. On this evaluation, I’ll stroll you thru what the BeeID does, how I set it up, and the way it performs.
Study extra about GPS Rescue mode in Betaflight: https://oscarliang.com/setup-gps-rescue-mode-betaflight/
The place to Purchase
Get the BeeID GPS Module from NewBeeDrone: https://oscarliang.com/product-hvyt
What Is the NewBeeDrone BeeID?
The BeeID is a light-weight GPS module that mixes FAA Distant ID performance with a built-in Bluetooth beacon.
Should you’re within the US, Distant ID compliance is a consideration when flying FPV drones. Should you’re exterior the US, you don’t — however that doesn’t imply this module isn’t helpful.
Even when you don’t care about Distant ID, the BeeID doubles as a drone tracker. Should you lose video or management hyperlink, it may assist you to find your quad. On high of that, you should use it simply as a normal GPS module for Betaflight’s GPS Rescue mode, or with iNav and Ardupilot. Internally, it’s principally an M10 GPS module.
By way of dimension and weight, it’s someplace between the HGLRC M100 Mini and the BN220:
- HGLRC M100 Mini: 3.3 g
- BeeID: 5.3 g
- BN220: 5.7 g
- GOKU GM10 Professional V3: 7.4 g
Why This Issues: GPS Rescue Isn’t At all times Sufficient
Betaflight’s GPS Rescue is a superb security web — but it surely’s not foolproof. I’ve personally had circumstances the place GPS Rescue didn’t work after I misplaced video, and the drone by no means got here again. Perhaps the battery died earlier than it made the return journey, possibly it hit a tree, or possibly it simply went off beam. There are numerous prospects, and also you’ll by no means actually know.
The BeeID offers you an additional layer of security. In case your quad goes down, you’ll be able to depend on:
- The final identified GPS coordinates out of your radio’s telemetry.
- Actual-time Bluetooth-based monitoring by way of a smartphone app, displaying you precisely the place the drone is on a map.
How Does Drone Monitoring Work?
When your drone goes down, you’ll be able to examine its location utilizing the Drone Scanner app in your cellphone. You may obtain it from Play Retailer free of charge.
Bluetooth naturally has restricted vary, however I used to be impressed — in my checks with a Google Pixel 8 Professional, I used to be capable of decide up the BeeID from greater than 150m away, which is surprisingly far. As soon as in vary, the module popped up on display screen on the map.
The app isn’t excellent, although. It tends to crash once I lose Bluetooth sign, forcing me to reopen it — possible a software program bug. Nonetheless, when it really works, it’s very handy, as it may present your drone’s actual location.
However what if the drone is just too far for Bluetooth? In that case, you’ll be able to fall again to your radio’s telemetry. Simply seize the final GPS coordinates, plug them right into a web site like “gps-coordinate.org”, and also you’ll get a pin on a map. When you get nearer and Bluetooth is in vary, it may take over and information you the remainder of the way in which.
Connecting BeeID to a Flight Controller
Connecting the BeeID is similar as wiring any GPS module to a flight controller. You solely want 4 connections:
That’s it.
Right here’s the handbook that comes with the module for reference:
That is the primary time I related the module to my cellphone and the Drone Scanner app robotically discovered it by way of bluetooth. To configure BeeID (setup mannequin, class, weight, area and so on) you could join by way of WiFi.
Setting It Up
For detailed directions on configuring GPS in Betaflight, see my tutorial: https://oscarliang.com/setup-gps-rescue-mode-betaflight/.
To get GPS coordinates in your EdgeTX radio:
- Energy in your drone.
- Go to the telemetry display screen in your radio (Web page 11 within the mannequin setup).
- Click on “Uncover New Sensors” and ensure you see GPS coordinates.
- Earlier than flying, at all times verify satellite tv for pc lock. As advisable by Betaflight, you’ll want 8 satellites for dependable GPS location.
- As soon as carried out, your radio will present real-time GPS coordinates all through the flight.
Should you don’t see telemetry knowledge in your radio, open Betaflight Configurator, go to the Receiver tab, and ensure the Telemetry choice is enabled.
GPS Efficiency
I can verify the BeeID GPS Efficiency is on par with high tier M10 GPS modules I examined up to now.
- Chilly begin: Acquires 8 satellites inside 1 minute
- After 5 minutes: As much as 17 satellites locked
- Scorching begin: 3D repair inside 15 seconds
Very stable efficiency general.
The module additionally has a helpful LED indicator: When it’s flashing slowly means it’s trying to find satellites; And when it turns stable inexperienced, it means a 3D repair has been acquired.
Conclusion
✅ Execs:
- Performs like a top-tier M10 GPS, whereas additionally functioning as an FAA-compliant Distant ID gadget and drone tracker
- Easy Betaflight setup
- Light-weight and compact—supreme for many FPV builds
- Pairs simply with any cellphone (Drone Scanner app is free)
❌ Cons:
- Bluetooth monitoring vary is proscribed (as much as 150 meters in my testing)
- Requires exterior energy (e.g. from the drone) — if the LiPo disconnects, monitoring stops
- GPS accuracy is dependent upon satellite tv for pc lock; if the quad is the other way up in a ditch, it might not work reliably
- Wires use warmth resistant PVC insulation — sturdy and straightforward to solder, however stiff and never versatile. Silicone wires can be a more sensible choice.