1. Introduction
The HGLRC Petrel 85Whoop is a four-axis 2S brushless motor indoor FPV drone frame, designed for beginners and suitable for both indoor and outdoor light flying. This ultra-light frame is engineered for FPV freestyle tinywhoop builds, offering a robust yet agile platform for your drone components.
Key features include:
- Integrated SPECTER 10A 5-in-1 flight control (ESC, flight control, image transmission, ELRS receiver).
- Support for RunCam Nano4 lens for clear and sharp imaging.
- Onboard 400mw analog video transmission with up to 48 channels.
- Designed for 1202.5-11000kv brushless motors and Gemfan 1610 two-blade propellers.
- Lightweight design, approximately 50g (ELRS version) or 50g (TBS version).
- In-line motor connections for convenient assembly without welding.
- Optional onboard SPI ELRS3.0 receiver with built-in antenna or external TBS receiver support.
2. Product List (What's in the Box)
The following items are included in your HGLRC Petrel 85Whoop package:
- 1x Petrel 85Whoop frame
- 8x Gemfan2015 two-bladed propellers
- 1x Accessory pack (includes screws, straps, etc.)
3. Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model | Petrel 85Whoop Indoor Frame |
| Material | Composite Material (Transparent gray) |
| Frame Wheelbase | 85mm |
| Frame Size | 120mm x 120mm |
| Flight Control Mounting Hole | 25.5mm x 25.5mm (M2) |
| Motor Mounting Hole | Φ6x3 / Φ9x4 M2 |
| Supported Camera Size | 14mm |
| Single Frame Weight | 12.3g |
| Frame Plus Hood Weight | 13.51g |
| Flight Controller | SPECTER 10A AIO (MCU: STM32F411, GYRO: ICM42688) |
| Built-in Receiver | SPI ExpressLRS2.4G (optional) |
| Built-in Image Transmission | 0-RCE-25-100-400mW (adjustable) |
| Onboard ESC | Continuous current: 10A, Peak current: 13A (10s) |
| ESC Protocol | Dshot600, Oneshot, Multishot |
| ESC Firmware | Z_H_30/(Bluejay) |
| Flight Control Firmware | HGLRCF411SX1280 V2 |
| Flight Control Input Voltage | 1S-2S 3.7v-7.4v (Lipo) |
| Motor | SPECTER 1202.5-11000kv motor |
| Propeller | Gemfan2015 two-blade propeller |
| ELRS Version Weight | 48 ± 1g |
| TBS Version Weight | 50 ± 1g |
| Recommended Battery | 2S: 450mAh-550mAh high-voltage battery (XT30 plug) |
4. Setup and Assembly
The HGLRC Petrel 85Whoop frame is designed for easy assembly, with in-line motor connections that do not require welding. The following components are recommended for a complete build (not included with the frame):
- Flight controller: SPECTER 10A AIO
- Motor: SPECTER 1202.5-11000KV
- Camera: Runcam Nano4
- Propeller: Gemfan2015 2inches
Assembly Steps:
- Prepare Components: Unpack all components, including the frame, motors, flight controller, camera, receiver, and propellers.
- Mount Motors: Securely attach the SPECTER 1202.5-11000KV motors to the designated motor mounting holes on the frame (Φ6x3 / Φ9x4 M2).
- Install Flight Controller: Mount the SPECTER 10A AIO flight controller onto the central mounting holes (25.5mm x 25.5mm, M2) using appropriate standoffs and screws.
- Connect Motors: Connect the motor wires to the corresponding ESC pads on the flight controller. The in-line design simplifies this process, often requiring no soldering.
- Install Camera: Mount the RunCam Nano4 camera (or a compatible 14mm camera) into the camera slot on the frame. Connect the camera to the flight controller's video input.
- Connect Receiver: If using the optional onboard SPI ELRS3.0 receiver, ensure it is configured. If using an external TBS receiver, connect it to the appropriate UART on the flight controller.
- Attach Propellers: Carefully attach the Gemfan2015 two-blade propellers to the motor shafts. Ensure they are oriented correctly for proper thrust direction.
- Connect Battery: The drone is designed for a 2S: 450mAh-550mAh high-voltage battery with an XT30 plug. Connect the battery to the flight controller's power lead.
5. Operation
Pre-Flight Checks:
- Ensure all components are securely fastened.
- Check propeller orientation and ensure they are free from damage.
- Verify battery is fully charged and securely connected.
- Confirm your FPV goggles/monitor are receiving a clear video feed from the drone's 400mw analog video transmission.
- Perform a radio check to ensure your transmitter is bound and communicating with the drone's receiver.
Flying the Petrel 85Whoop:
The Petrel 85Whoop is designed for light and silky flight, making it ideal for indoor environments or calm outdoor conditions. Start with gentle throttle inputs and gradually increase as you become comfortable with its handling. Its lightweight nature and durable frame make it forgiving for beginners.
6. Maintenance
Regular maintenance will ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your HGLRC Petrel 85Whoop frame and components:
- Frame Inspection: After each flight, inspect the frame for any cracks, bends, or signs of stress, especially after crashes.
- Propeller Check: Examine propellers for chips, cracks, or deformities. Replace damaged propellers immediately as they can cause vibrations and affect flight performance.
- Component Security: Periodically check all screws and connections to ensure they are tight. Loose components can lead to unexpected failures during flight.
- Cleaning: Keep the frame and electronic components free from dust, dirt, and debris. Use a soft brush or compressed air for cleaning.
- Battery Care: Follow manufacturer guidelines for charging, discharging, and storing your LiPo batteries to maximize their lifespan and safety.
7. Troubleshooting
If you encounter issues with your HGLRC Petrel 85Whoop, refer to the following common troubleshooting tips:
Receiver Issues:
- SPI Receiver Frequency: The SPI receiver does not support D (D250, D500), F (F500, F1000), Full Res (100Hz Full Res, 333Hz Full Res) modes. If you are using an ELRS TX module and cannot achieve frequency synchronization, set the Tx module PacketRate option to 50HZ-500HZ. Avoid modes starting with D/F.
General Issues:
- No Power: Check battery connection, ensure battery is charged, and inspect power leads for damage.
- No Video Feed: Verify camera connection to the flight controller and ensure FPV goggles/monitor are on the correct frequency/channel.
- Unstable Flight/Vibrations: Check for damaged or unbalanced propellers. Ensure motors are securely mounted and free from debris.
- Motors Not Spinning: Check motor connections to the ESC. Ensure ESCs are armed correctly via your transmitter.
8. User Tips
- Durability for Learning: The frame is noted for its good durability during falls, making it an excellent choice for beginners who are still learning to fly FPV drones.
- Indoor Practice: Utilize its ultra-light design for extensive indoor practice to hone your flying skills before moving to more challenging outdoor environments.
- Propeller Spares: Always keep spare propellers on hand, as they are the most common component to be damaged during crashes.
9. Warranty and Support
For specific warranty information, technical support, or service inquiries, please refer to the documentation provided by your retailer or the manufacturer, HGLRC. Keep your proof of purchase for any warranty claims.