1. Introduction
This manual provides detailed instructions for the GEPRC TAKER F405/F722 BLS 80A V2 Stack, a high-performance Flight Controller (FC) and Electronic Speed Controller (ESC) combination designed for FPV drones. The stack is available in two main versions: the F405-based stack and the F722-based stack, along with an option for the F722 Flight Controller only. Each version offers robust features for optimal flight performance and reliability.
Please read this manual thoroughly before installation and operation to ensure correct usage and to maximize the lifespan of your components.
2. Safety Information
- Always disconnect the battery before performing any installation, maintenance, or repair work.
- Ensure correct polarity when connecting power. Incorrect wiring can cause permanent damage to the components.
- Avoid short circuits. Double-check all connections before applying power.
- Handle electronic components with care to prevent electrostatic discharge (ESD) damage.
- Keep components away from water, moisture, and extreme temperatures.
- Soldering should be performed by experienced individuals. Use appropriate safety gear.
- Ensure proper ventilation during operation, especially for the ESC, to prevent overheating.
3. Product Overview
The GEPRC TAKER Stack integrates a Flight Controller and a 4-in-1 ESC into a compact unit, designed for high-performance FPV drone applications. The stack is built with quality components to ensure stable and responsive flight characteristics.
Figure 1: Assembled GEPRC TAKER F405/F722 BLS 80A V2 Stack
3.1. Available Versions
- TAKER F405 BLS 80A V2 STACK: Includes GEP-F405-HD V3 Flight Controller and TAKER H80_BLS 80A 4IN1 ESC.
- TAKER F722 BLS 80A V2 STACK: Includes GEP-F722-HD V2 Flight Controller and TAKER H80_BLS 80A 4IN1 ESC.
- GEP-F722-HD V2 Flight Controller: Flight Controller only option.
4. Specifications
4.1. GEP-F405-HD V3 Flight Controller
Figure 2: GEP-F405-HD V3 Flight Controller
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| MCU | STM32F405 |
| IMU | ICM42688-P (SPI) |
| Air Unit Connection | Direct plugging into D-J-I Air Unit |
| Black Box | 16M onboard |
| Barometer | BMP280 |
| Motor Outputs | M1-M6 |
| USB Interface | Type-C |
| OSD | BetaFlight OSD w/ AT7456E chip |
| BEC | 5V@3A, 12V@2.5A dual BEC |
| Firmware Target | GEPRCF405 |
| Mounting | 30.5×30.5mm, φ4mm hole (becomes φ3mm with silicone shock-absorbing circle) |
| Input Voltage | 3-6S LiPo |
| UART | 6 UARTs |
| Power Filter | Integrated LC filter |
| Weight | 7.3g |
4.2. GEP-F722-HD V2 Flight Controller
Figure 3: GEP-F722-HD V2 Flight Controller
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| MCU | STM32F722 |
| IMU | ICM42688-P (SPI) |
| Air Unit Connection | Direct plugging into D-J-I Air Unit |
| Black Box | 16M onboard |
| USB Interface | Type-C |
| OSD | BetaFlight OSD w/ AT7456E chip |
| BEC | 5V@3A, 9V@2.5A dual BEC |
| Firmware Target | GEPRCF722 |
| Size | 36.85×36.85mm, hole 30.5×30.5mm (becomes φ3mm with silicone shock-absorbing circle) |
| Input Voltage | 3-6S LiPo |
| UART | 5 UARTs |
| Power Filter | Integrated LC filter |
| Weight | 8.1g |
4.3. TAKER H80_BLS 80A 4IN1 ESC
Figure 4: TAKER H80_BLS 80A 4IN1 ESC
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Input Voltage | 3-6S Lipo |
| Ammeter | Support |
| Continuous Current | 80A |
| Burst Current | 85A (5 seconds) |
| Support Protocol | Dshot 150/300/600 |
| Size | 56.3*61.1mm, hole 30.5×30.5mm (becomes φ3mm with silicone shock-absorbing ring) |
| Weight | 28.1g |
| Target | B_X_30 |
5. Setup and Installation
5.1. Mounting the Stack
- The Flight Controller and ESC are designed to be stacked. Ensure the correct orientation of both boards as per the markings.
- The mounting holes are 30.5×30.5mm. Use the provided silicone shock-absorbing circles to reduce vibrations to the gyroscope. These circles will reduce the φ4mm holes to φ3mm for standard mounting screws.
- Secure the stack firmly but do not overtighten the screws, as this can damage the boards.
5.2. Wiring Connections
The stack is designed for easy integration. Refer to the specific wiring diagrams for your drone frame and components. Key connections include:
- Power Input: Connect your LiPo battery (3-6S) to the main battery pads on the ESC. Ensure correct polarity.
- Motor Connections: Connect your motors to the M1-M6 pads on the ESC. The order typically corresponds to the motor layout in BetaFlight.
- D-J-I Air Unit: The FC supports direct plugging into the D-J-I Air Unit for simplified digital FPV setup. Consult the FC diagram for the dedicated port.
- Receiver: Connect your receiver (e.g., SBUS, CRSF, ELRS) to the appropriate UART on the FC.
- GPS/Other Peripherals: Utilize the available UARTs for additional peripherals like GPS, VTX, or camera control.
Figure 5: Example of connection points on the stack
6. Operating Instructions
6.1. Firmware Flashing (BetaFlight)
- Download and install the latest BetaFlight Configurator software on your computer.
- Connect the Flight Controller to your computer using a Type-C USB cable.
- In BetaFlight Configurator, select the correct firmware target:
- For F405 FC:
GEPRCF405 - For F722 FC:
GEPRCF722
- For F405 FC:
- Flash the latest stable firmware version.
- After flashing, perform a full chip erase and restore your configuration.
6.2. Configuration
- ESC Protocol: The ESC supports Dshot 150/300/600. Configure this in BetaFlight's 'Motors' tab. Dshot600 is generally recommended for optimal performance.
- OSD: The FC features an AT7456E OSD chip. Configure your desired on-screen display elements in BetaFlight's 'OSD' tab.
- UARTs: Enable the correct serial protocols for your receiver, VTX, GPS, etc., on the respective UARTs in BetaFlight's 'Ports' tab.
- Gyroscope: The ICM42688-P gyroscope is highly stable. Ensure proper soft-mounting with the silicone rings to fully utilize its vibration dampening capabilities.
7. Maintenance
- Regularly inspect all solder joints for cracks or cold joints.
- Check for any loose wires or damaged components after crashes or hard landings.
- Keep the boards clean from dust, dirt, and debris. Use compressed air or a soft brush.
- Ensure adequate airflow around the ESC, especially during aggressive flying, to prevent thermal throttling.
- Periodically check for firmware updates for both the FC (BetaFlight) and ESC (BLHeli_S/BLHeli_32 if applicable) to benefit from performance improvements and bug fixes.
8. Troubleshooting
- No Power: Check battery connection, main power lead, and ensure no short circuits. Verify BEC output voltages.
- Motors Not Spinning: Verify ESC connections to motors and FC. Check motor direction in BetaFlight. Ensure ESC protocol is correctly set. Calibrate ESCs if necessary.
- No FC Connection to BetaFlight: Ensure correct USB cable and drivers are installed. Try a different USB port. Re-flash firmware if necessary.
- Unstable Flight: Check for vibrations (ensure soft mounting is effective). Verify PID tuning. Ensure propellers are balanced and undamaged.
- OSD Issues: Check OSD settings in BetaFlight. Ensure video signal is correctly routed.
- D-J-I Air Unit Connection Problems: Verify the direct plug connection is secure. Check wiring if not using direct plug. Ensure correct UART is enabled for the Air Unit in BetaFlight.
9. User Tips
- Utilize the 16M black box storage for flight log analysis. This can be invaluable for diagnosing flight performance issues and fine-tuning PIDs.
- Take advantage of the dual independent BECs to power different components (e.g., 5V for receiver/GPS, 9V/12V for VTX/camera) without overloading a single rail.
- Always test motor direction and arming behavior on a test bench with propellers removed before actual flight.
- Consider using conformal coating on the FC and ESC for added protection against moisture and dust, especially for outdoor flying.
10. Warranty and Support
GEPRC products are designed for high performance and reliability. For technical support, troubleshooting assistance, or warranty claims, please contact your retailer or GEPRC directly through their official support channels. Keep your proof of purchase for warranty validation.
