SoloGood F405 BLS 55A Stack

SoloGood F405 BLS 55A Stack Flight Controller User Manual

Model: F405 BLS 55A Stack

Introduction

This manual provides detailed instructions for the SoloGood F405 BLS 55A Stack Flight Controller, a high-performance integrated solution for FPV drones and other RC aircraft. It combines an F405 Flight Controller and a 55A 4-in-1 Electronic Speed Controller (ESC) into a compact stack design. Please read this manual thoroughly before installation and operation to ensure proper functionality and safety.

Specifications

The SoloGood F405 BLS 55A Stack offers the following technical specifications:

General Stack Specifications:

  • Input Voltage: 3-6S Lipo (11V-26V max for FC, 3-6S for ESC)
  • Mounting Hole: 30.5 x 30.5mm, M3
  • Support Protocols: DShot600/300
  • Total Weight: Approximately 23g (FC + ESC)

Flight Controller (FC) Specifications:

  • Main Control Unit: STM32F405
  • Gyroscope: ICM42688P
  • Barometer: Support SPL-06
  • OSD: Support (AT7456E)
  • BEC Output: 10V/2A, 5V/2A
  • UART Ports: 6
  • Black Box: Onboard 16M flash memory
  • Supported Motors: M1-M8
  • Firmware Name: BETAFLIGHT: SOLOGOODF405
  • Input Voltage: 3-6S lithium battery (11-30V MAX)
  • Output Voltage: VBAT
  • Flight Control Size: 38.5 x 38.5mm
  • Weight: 8.1 grams
  • LED Status Indicators:
    • Blue: Gyroscope status
    • Green: 3V3 indication
    • Red: 5V BEC indication
    • White: 10V BEC indication
  • DJI/Vista Support: 6-pin connector

55A 4-in-1 Electronic Speed Controller (ESC) Specifications:

  • Firmware: BLHELI-S: J-H-30-16.7
  • Continuous Current: 55A
  • Maximum Current: 65A
  • ESC Protocol Support: DSHOT300/600
  • Input Voltage: 3-6S Lipo
  • Galvanometer (Current Sensor): Yes
  • TVS Diode Protection: Yes
  • External Capacitor: 1000uF high-frequency electrolytic capacitor (included)
  • Installation Hole: 30.5 x 30.5mm (4mm hole)
  • Size: 41.5mm x 42mm
  • Weight: 15g
SoloGood F405 55A Stack components including flight controller, ESC, capacitor, and wiring.
Image: SoloGood F405 55A Stack components. This image shows the flight controller, 4-in-1 ESC, power cable with XT60 connector, capacitor, mounting hardware, and signal wires.
Dimensions of the SoloGood F405 Flight Controller and 55A ESC.
Image: Dimensions of the F405 Flight Controller (38.5mm x 38.5mm) and 55A ESC (41mm x 42mm). Both boards feature 30.5x30.5mm mounting patterns.

Package Contents

The SoloGood F405 BLS 55A Stack package typically includes:

  • 1x SoloGood F405 Flight Controller
  • 1x SoloGood BLS 55A 4-in-1 ESC
  • 1x 1000uF High-Frequency Low Resistance Capacitor
  • 1x XT60 Power Cable
  • Mounting Hardware (screws, nuts, silicone grommets)
  • Signal Wires/Harnesses
Contents of the SoloGood F405 55A Stack package.
Image: The complete package contents, including the FC, ESC, capacitor, power cable, and mounting hardware.

Setup and Wiring

Careful wiring is crucial for the proper function and longevity of your flight controller stack. Refer to the wiring diagram below for connections to your camera, GPS, VTX, and receiver.

Detailed wiring diagram for SoloGood F405 Flight Controller.
Image: Wiring diagram for the SoloGood F405 Flight Controller. This diagram illustrates connections for Camera, GPS, VTX (Video Transmitter), ELRS/TBS receiver, and SBUS receiver. Key connections include 5V, GND, TX/RX pads, and VBAT.

General Wiring Guidelines:

  • Power Input: Connect your Lipo battery (3-6S) to the main power pads on the ESC. Ensure correct polarity (red to positive, black to negative). Solder the included 1000uF capacitor across the main battery pads for noise filtering.
  • FC to ESC Connection: The FC and ESC are designed to stack directly, typically using a ribbon cable or pin headers for signal and power transfer. Ensure all pins are correctly aligned and seated.
  • Receiver (RX):
    • SBUS: Connect the SBUS signal wire from your receiver to the SBUS pad on the FC. Provide 5V and GND from the FC to the receiver.
    • ELRS/TBS (Crossfire/Tracer): Connect the TX/RX pads of your receiver to a free UART on the FC (e.g., TX2/RX2). Provide 5V and GND.
  • Video Transmitter (VTX): Connect the VTX's video input to the VTX pad on the FC. Power the VTX from the 9V or 5V BEC output, depending on VTX requirements, and connect its GND to the FC's GND.
  • Camera: Connect the camera's video output to the CAM pad on the FC. Power the camera from the 5V BEC output and connect its GND to the FC's GND.
  • GPS Module: Connect the GPS module's TX/RX to a free UART on the FC (e.g., TX3/RX3). Provide 5V and GND.
  • Motors: Connect your motors to the corresponding motor pads (M1-M4 or M1-M8) on the 4-in-1 ESC. Ensure correct motor rotation direction during initial setup in Betaflight/iNAV.

Software Configuration (Betaflight/iNAV):

  1. Install Drivers: Before connecting, ensure you have the necessary DFU drivers installed for your computer to recognize the flight controller.
  2. Connect to PC: Connect the FC to your computer using a USB-C cable.
  3. Open Configurator: Launch the Betaflight Configurator (or iNAV Configurator, depending on your chosen firmware).
  4. Flash Firmware: If necessary, flash the appropriate firmware (BETAFLIGHT: SOLOGOODF405) to the FC. Always back up your configuration before flashing.
  5. Initial Setup:
    • Calibrate Accelerometer.
    • Configure UARTs for your receiver, VTX, GPS, etc.
    • Set up your receiver protocol (e.g., SBUS, CRSF).
    • Configure ESC protocols (DShot600 is recommended).
    • Perform motor direction testing and calibration.
    • Adjust PID settings and rates as desired.
  6. Save and Disconnect: Save your configuration and disconnect the FC.

Operating Instructions

Once the SoloGood F405 BLS 55A Stack is correctly installed and configured, follow these general operating procedures:

  1. Pre-Flight Check:
    • Ensure all connections are secure and free from shorts.
    • Verify battery is fully charged.
    • Check propeller attachment and direction.
    • Confirm radio transmitter is powered on and linked to the receiver.
  2. Power On: Connect the Lipo battery to the XT60 connector. The FC LEDs will illuminate, indicating power and initialization status (Blue for gyroscope, Green for 3V3, Red for 5V BEC, White for 10V BEC).
  3. Arming: Arm your drone using the configured switch on your radio transmitter. Ensure you are in a safe environment with sufficient space.
  4. Flight: Operate your drone according to standard FPV flight practices. Monitor battery voltage and flight characteristics.
  5. Disarming: Disarm your drone using the configured switch before landing or if any issues arise.
  6. Power Off: Disconnect the Lipo battery immediately after flight.

Maintenance

Regular maintenance helps ensure the longevity and reliable performance of your SoloGood F405 BLS 55A Stack:

  • Visual Inspection: Periodically inspect the boards for any signs of physical damage, loose connections, or burnt components.
  • Cleaning: Gently clean the boards with isopropyl alcohol and a soft brush to remove dust, dirt, or debris. Ensure no liquid enters connectors.
  • Firmware Updates: Keep your Betaflight/iNAV firmware updated to the latest stable version to benefit from bug fixes and new features. Always back up your configuration before updating.
  • Component Check: Ensure all mounting screws and nuts are secure. Check the capacitor for any bulging or damage.
  • Storage: Store the stack in a dry, anti-static environment when not in use.

Troubleshooting

Here are some common issues and their potential solutions:

Problem Possible Cause / Solution
No power to FC/ESC
  • Check battery connection and voltage.
  • Inspect main power leads for shorts or breaks.
  • Verify correct polarity.
FC not recognized by PC
  • Install correct DFU drivers.
  • Try a different USB cable or port.
  • Ensure Betaflight/iNAV Configurator is up to date.
Motors not spinning / ESC beeping
  • Check motor connections to ESC.
  • Verify ESC protocol (DShot) is correctly configured in Betaflight.
  • Ensure ESC firmware is compatible and updated.
  • Calibrate ESCs if necessary (though DShot usually doesn't require it).
  • Check for continuity on motor pads.
No receiver signal in Betaflight
  • Check receiver wiring (signal, 5V, GND).
  • Verify UART configuration for the receiver in Betaflight.
  • Ensure receiver protocol (e.g., SBUS, CRSF) is correctly selected.
  • Confirm receiver is bound to the transmitter.
OSD not displaying information
  • Check camera and VTX connections.
  • Verify OSD settings in Betaflight (enable OSD, select elements).
  • Ensure video format (PAL/NTSC) matches your camera/VTX.

User Tips

  • Soldering Best Practices: Use a good quality soldering iron with appropriate tip size. Ensure clean, strong solder joints to prevent intermittent issues. Use flux for better adhesion.
  • Insulation: Always insulate exposed solder pads or wires with heat shrink tubing or electrical tape to prevent shorts, especially in tight builds.
  • Mounting: Use the provided silicone grommets to soft-mount the flight controller to reduce vibrations, which can affect gyroscope performance.
  • Testing: Before maiden flight, always perform bench testing of motors, receiver, and FPV system to ensure everything is functioning as expected.
  • Backup Configuration: Regularly back up your Betaflight/iNAV configuration using the "Diff All" or "Dump" command in the CLI, or by saving a full backup. This saves time if you need to re-flash or replace the FC.

Warranty and Support

For warranty claims or technical support, please contact the retailer or manufacturer directly. Keep your proof of purchase for any warranty-related inquiries. Detailed support resources, including firmware guides and community forums, are often available online for Betaflight and iNAV flight controllers.

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