Here at FirstQuadcopter, we start 2024 with a flight controller review. The MEPS SZ F7 HD is the company’s second FC we tested. Both have similar features, mainly just the mounting pattern difference. The smaller 20x20mm is suitable for compact 3-5″ CineWhoop drones, and the bigger 30x30mm for 5-9″ freestyling and long-range FPV drones.
The flight controller is one of the most important parts of a drone, being responsible for processing data from the pilots’ inputs (remote controller) and various sensors (like gyro and barometer) to generate motor signals. The MEPS SZ F7 HD FC has 16MB onboard storage (black box) to log all the data for further analysis and fine-tuning.
The “HD” word in the product name means it has an onboard digital VTX connector that allows solder-free wiring of DJI Air Unit (all generation) and other digital VTXs. Thanks to the 10V\2A BEC, it can power the VTX directly.
MEPS Space F7 HD flight controller review
Disclosure: I received this HD digital F722 flight controller for a product review collaboration with MEPS. Although the FC was offered for free, all opinions in this article remain mine, and the sponsor did not influence me. They had no special requirements for writing or accessing my review before publishing.
The MEPS F7 HD flight controller comes packed in a matchbox-style cardboard box with included ESC and digital FPV cables. Two sets of silicone rubber grommets are also provided for soft mounting.
The MEPS Space F7 flight controller measures 37x37mm and weighs 7.2 grams. It has a 30.5×30.5 (Φ4mm) mounting pattern, so it is more suitable for larger 5-9″ builds. The board has two connectors (ESC and DJI FPV) and a USB Type-C port. It can be interfaced with four ESCs (motor drivers). Both sides of the PCB have a clean layout. On the back are only the ESC solder pads if you prefer hard wiring instead of connectors. On the front, there is a “boot” micro push button, two status LEDs, and the rest of the solder pads (UARTs, Buzzer, LED strip, etc).
Out of the box, it comes with BetaFlight V4.3.1 software (Target TMOTORF7). After I did a configuration backup, I updated to the latest version, v4.4.3 firmware.
Key features
- [Lower Latency] Smoother operating, faster calculation, and sensitive response with STM32 F7 MCU and BMI270 gyro sensor.
- [Rigorous PCB Layout] Clear layout with easy-to-read labels for each port, minimizing wiring difficulties and electrical interference.
- [Less Heat Generation] – VTX switch function and better thermal performance reduce heat generation and interference.
- [Multi-Peripheral Friendly] With 5V/2A BEC outputs for different peripherals such as GPS, LED strip, buzzer, etc.
- [16MB Black Box] Store tens of minutes of flight data for professionals’ tuning and troubleshooting needs.
MEPS Space F7: Pinout and wiring diagram
The Space F7 flight controller has five UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver-Transmitter) ports, allowing you to connect peripherals such as Radio receivers, GPS modules, Ultrasonic sensors, and telemetry systems. It also has dedicated pins for the Buzzer and LEDs. All the decently sized soldering tabs are nicely labeled, which is helpful in the soldering and debugging process.
Uart 1 (TX1/RX1) is used for the DJI HD digital FPV systems, and these signal ports are available only through the dedicated onboard connector (no solder pads). UART 2 is recommended for the SBUS\CRSF radio receiver, and UART 3 for the GPS module (it includes SDA and SCL pins). UART 4 is reserved for compatible ESC boards, and UART 5 is available for further extensions.
MEPS SZ F7 technical specifications
| MCU | STM32F722 |
| Gyro | BMI270 |
| BLACKBOX | 16MB FLASH |
| BEC | 5V 2A and 10V 2A |
| PORT | 5 UART |
| Other outputs | LED and Buzzer |
| OSD Chip | AT7456E |
| Software | BetaFlight ???? |
| Firmware target | TMTR/TMOTORF7 (STM32F7X22) |
| VTX remote control | Smartaudio / IRC Tramp |
| Size | 37*37*7mm |
| Mounting holes | 30.5*30.5mm ⌀4mm |
| Weight | 7.2 grams (without cables) |
Pricing, availability, and other options
The Space SZ F7 HD flight controller is priced at $56.90 on the MEPS website. This price includes ESC and DJI VTX cables. The non-HD version is 2$ cheaper. If you prefer a smaller 20x20mm mounting pattern, MEPS has a “MINI” flight controller priced at US$59.9.
MEPS SZ F7: ESC compatibility
Flight controllers work with ESCs to control the speed of each motor independently. This FC has four motor signals and can be used with four individual ESCs or a 4in1 module. It is compatible with BLHeli and Blheli_32 MCUs. The flight controller and ESC wiring can be done through the onboard connector or direct soldering. MEPS provides two types of ESC cables with the SZ F7 FC for broader compatibility. It has RX and Current pins for ESC telemetry.
The Space F7 flight controller is compatible with both MEPS ESC boards (SZ60A and Mini SZ45A). When using ESCs and FCs from different brands, the pinout between these boards might be incompatible, so it’s essential to double-check the wiring before connecting the LIPO battery!
MEPS SZ F7: Best alternatives for your money
Featuring an enclosed design and solder-free wiring, RushFPV Blade F722 is, by far, my favorite F7 flight controller, but it is about twice as expensive as the Mepsz SZ F7. If you are on a tight budget, for just $27, the GF30F722-ICM is probably the most affordable MEPS SZ F7 alternative. JHEMCU’s FC also features an STM32F722 CPU and onboard DJI Air Unit connector.