iFlight Borg Mini F7 Mini Flight Stack Instruction Manual

1. Introduction

This manual provides detailed instructions for the iFlight Borg Mini F7 Mini Flight Stack, which includes the Borg Mini F7 Flight Controller and the Borg Mini 60A Electronic Speed Controller (ESC). This high-performance stack is designed for FPV quadcopters, offering advanced flight control and power management capabilities. Please read this manual thoroughly before installation and operation to ensure proper functionality and safety.

2. Product Overview

The iFlight Borg Mini F7 Mini Flight Stack combines a powerful F7 Flight Controller with a robust 60A ESC, optimized for compact FPV drone builds. Key features include:

• Precise Flight Control: Equipped with a high-precision STM32F722 main control chip and ICM42688 gyroscope for stable and responsive flight.
• Integrated Black Box: Features an on-board 32MB black box for detailed flight data recording, essential for parameter tuning and optimization.
• Dual Independent BEC: Provides stable power supply with 12V 2A and 5V 2.5A outputs, including a 12V output for image transmission and a 5V output for receiver, GPS, and other peripherals.
• Full Plug Design: Utilizes plug-and-play interfaces for receivers, GPS, image transmission, camera, buzzer, and LED modules, simplifying installation and maintenance by reducing welding requirements.
• Enhanced Protection: Incorporates an on-board anti-ignition module and Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) to prevent electrical sparks and protect components from voltage spikes.
• Onboard Polymer Capacitors: Designed with polymer capacitors, potentially eliminating the need for external capacitors on 5-inch models, reducing weight and simplifying setup.
• Robust ESC Design: The Borg Mini 60A ESC features an 8-layer high-resistance PCB, supporting continuous current of 60A and a peak of 65A for reliable power delivery.

3. Specifications

3.1 Borg Mini F7 Flight Controller

3.2 Borg Mini 60A Electronic Speed Controller (ESC)

4. Setup and Installation

The Borg Mini F7 Mini Flight Stack is designed for ease of installation with its full plug design and standard 20x20mm mounting pattern. Follow these general steps for installation:

1. Mounting: Securely mount the flight stack to your FPV frame using the provided hardware. Ensure proper orientation as indicated by markings on the boards. The stack height is approximately 17mm (from base of ESC to top of FC).

   

2. FPC Connection: Connect the Flight Controller and ESC using the Flexible Printed Circuit (FPC) cable. Ensure the connection is firm and correctly aligned to prevent signal issues.

   

3. Power Connection: Connect your LIHV battery (4-8S for FC, 2-6S for ESC) to the main power pads on the ESC. The flight controller receives power from the ESC via the FPC connection.
4. Peripheral Connections:
   • Receiver: Connect your receiver to UART2.
   • GPS: Connect your GPS module to UART4 or UART5.
   • Image Transmission (VTX): Connect your VTX to UART1. The 12V BEC output can power your VTX.
   • Other Devices: Utilize remaining UARTs (UART3, UART5, UART6) for other serial devices as needed. UART6 is designated for electrical adjustment (ESC telemetry).
   • Buzzer/LED: Connect buzzer and LED strips to their respective pads if desired.

   

   

5. Firmware Flashing: Before first use, it is recommended to flash the latest stable firmware for both the Flight Controller (Betaflight/INAV: IFLIGHT_BLITZ_F722) and the ESC (IFLIGHT_BLITZ_G3 32.9).
6. VTX Switch Code: If using the VTX switch function, configure it using the following Betaflight CLI commands:

   resource PINIO 1 PC0
   set pinio_config = 1,1,1,1
   set pinio_box = 40,41,255,255
   set box_user_1_name = VTX_ON_OFF
   aux 0 40 8 900 2100 0 0
   save

5. Operating Instructions

Once installed and configured, the iFlight Borg Mini F7 Mini Flight Stack operates as the central control unit for your FPV quadcopter.

• Flight Controller Software: Use Betaflight Configurator or INAV Configurator to configure flight modes, PID settings, OSD, and other parameters.
• Black Box Data: The 32MB black box records flight data, which can be downloaded and analyzed using Betaflight Blackbox Explorer for tuning and diagnostics.
• ESC Operation: The 60A ESC controls the speed of your motors based on signals from the flight controller. Ensure your motor direction and ESC protocol (DShot150/300/600, MultiShot, OneShot) are correctly configured in Betaflight/INAV.
• Power Management: The dual BEC system provides regulated power for your peripherals. Monitor battery voltage and current draw through the OSD or telemetry to ensure safe operation.

6. Maintenance

Regular maintenance helps ensure the longevity and reliable performance of your flight stack.

• Visual Inspection: Periodically inspect the boards for any signs of damage, loose connections, or debris.
• Cleaning: Keep the boards clean and free from dust, dirt, or moisture. Use compressed air or a soft brush for cleaning.
• Connection Integrity: Verify that all plug connections (FPC, UARTs) are secure.
• Firmware Updates: Keep your flight controller and ESC firmware updated to benefit from performance improvements and bug fixes.
• Protection Features: The anti-ignition module and TVS provide protection against voltage spikes. While these features enhance durability, always handle power connections carefully to avoid short circuits.

7. Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with your iFlight Borg Mini F7 Mini Flight Stack, consider the following:

• No Power:
  • Check main battery connection to the ESC.
  • Verify FPC connection between ESC and FC.
  • Ensure battery voltage is within the supported range (2-6S for ESC, 4-8S for FC).
• No Motor Response:
  • Confirm ESC firmware is correct and motors are properly connected.
  • Check motor direction and ESC protocol settings in Betaflight/INAV.
  • Calibrate ESCs if necessary (refer to ESC documentation or Betaflight/INAV guides).
• Flight Instability:
  • Ensure flight controller is securely mounted and isolated from vibrations.
  • Verify gyroscope and accelerometer calibration in Betaflight/INAV.
  • Review PID settings and black box logs for tuning adjustments.
• Peripheral Issues (e.g., VTX, GPS, Receiver):
  • Check UART connections and ensure correct UART is enabled and configured in Betaflight/INAV.
  • Verify power supply from BEC outputs.
  • Consult specific peripheral manuals for their troubleshooting steps.

8. User Tips

Here are some general tips for optimizing your experience with the iFlight Borg Mini F7 Mini Flight Stack:

• Always double-check wiring before applying power to prevent damage.
• Utilize the black box feature extensively for fine-tuning your drone's performance.
• When updating firmware, back up your current configuration settings.
• Consider using a smoke stopper during initial power-up after assembly or modifications to prevent damage from short circuits.

9. Warranty and Support

For warranty claims or technical support, please contact the seller or iFlight directly. Keep your proof of purchase for any warranty-related inquiries. Specific warranty terms and conditions may vary by region and retailer.