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.

Note that due to battery air shipping restrictions, this product is currently only available in the US. If you are not in the US, only the version of the kit without the battery is currently available.

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, 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)
• 2 x 3.7V 300mAh LiPo battery + USB charger
• Complete set of fasteners + spacers
  

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 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 300mAh LiPo in this kit, the μBee flies for over six minutes on a single charge, which is considered excellent for drones of this weight class.

We include 2 of these LiPos, so you can fly for over 12 minutes before recharging the batteries again.

What About Spare Parts?

The kit includes 2 sets of propellers (twice the number you'll need), 2 LiPo batteries, 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 is 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.