What Is It?

This is the Early Builder Edition (limited batch) of our μBee ("Micro Bee") Drone Kit. This kit includes all of the parts necessary to build a fully functional 3D-printed/printable micro drone that you can assemble, tweak, and fly, with the exception of the LiPo battery (see below).

Note: No Battery Included

At this time, air shipping restrictions prevent us from supplying the drone LiPo battery to any locations outside of the United States. If you are not in the US, you will need to source your battery from one of our suggested distributors. It is a relatively common and available battery and is easy to procure. It is the only thing you need to source yourself for this kit to build a working drone.

If you are in the US, you will probably want the version of the kit with the battery included.

Specifications

• Drone weight (with 9g battery): 32g
• Drone weight (no battery): 23g
• Drone frame size: 85mm x 85mm
• Flight time: >6 minutes
• Radio: 915MHz

What's Included?

This kit includes all the parts you need to build a complete, flying drone out of the box (with the exception of the LiPo), plus some extra spare parts.

• 2 x μBee drone frames
• 1 x remote control case top + bottom
• 1 x remote control battery cover
• 1 x remote control battery spacer
• 1 x μBee flight controller printed circuit board (PCB)
• 1 x μBee remote control printed circuit board (PCB)
• 1 x 3xAAA battery holder
• 1 x 3mm red LED
• 2 x thumb joysticks
• 4 x micro DC motors (2 CW, 2 CCW)
• 8 x propellers (4 CW, 4 CCW)
  
• Complete set of fasteners + spacers

Note that the 3.7V 300mAh LiPo battery and USB charger are NOT included in this international version of the kit. This is due to international air shipping restrictions on batteries and not something we can easily work around at this time. Fortunately, sourcing your own battery is quite easy.

Note that the 3 x AAA batteries required for the remote control are not included.

Detailed assembly instructions are available here! Assembly takes about 1 hour.

Who Is This Kit For?

This kit is meant for makers who want to understand how drones really work, students learning robotics or control systems, builders who enjoy tuning or experimenting, or anyone wanting to go beyond off-the-shelf drones.

As with all drones, flight performance depends on build quality and tuning. The μBee is designed to be stable and predictable, while still giving you room to experiment or tweak. Please note that you cannot currently fly multiple μBees at the same time.

How Long Does It Fly?

From day 1 of our design process, we took special care to optimize power usage. With the recommended 300mAh LiPo, the μBee flies for over six minutes on a single charge, which is considered excellent for drones of this weight class.

What About Spare Parts?

This kit includes 2 sets of propellers (twice the number you'll need), and 2 drone frames. With the exception of the custom PCBs (the white circuit boards), all of the components are standard and easy to replace. You can also 3D print replacement parts. We've tested the kit thoroughly to ensure we've provided you with everything you'll need, even if you make a few mistakes or crashes!

What Can I Customize?

The μBee flight controller and remote control PCBs come pre-flashed with the required firmware, and is ready to fly. A programming module and wireless tuning base station are currently in development to expand what you can do, including fine-tuning your flight parameters or writing your own firmware.

What Skills Do I Need?

This kit is designed to be approachable: only some basic through-hole soldering is required. You will have to solder an LED, battery wires, an antenna wire, and two thumb joysticks. These are all easily solderable by a beginner. No other electronics experience or coding knowledge are required.

Where Are the Instructions, STLs, and Source Code, Again?

Assembly instructions are available here.

Flying and tuning instructions are available here.

STL files and source code are available here.

Battery sourcing guide is available here.