MJX Bugs 3 Mini Battery Mod & Flight

[@CoseCinesi]

I've do the same mod last week :)

[@RCEscape]

CoseCinesi Thanks for stopping by Cose :)

[@RCEscape]

I just checked it out :) We could almost swap videos!!! Lol 😳

[@CoseCinesi]

Thanks Pete! I'm honored! Cheers!

[@stf69lucky67]

Hy guys my b3 mini doesn’t work with 2s 1000 mah 30-40c , it’s starting up but after 1 min of flight the drone start to beeping and lights are flashing . Please help 😕

[@RCEscape]

Stf69 Lucky Is it a good battery?

[@GadgetInspector]

Brilliant bro. This just made my day because this bird is awesome and deserves to be flown a lot. I have some JST connectors in the toolbox as well as some Tarantula batteries so I don't need to buy anything extra. Pretty easy mod; thanks for sharing.

[@RCEscape]

Yup! Tarantula batts still kickin' :)

[@sleepingbearffg5008]

Hey guys done brain storming..bugs mini fpv mod done. Permanent mod. Mtx should pay attention lol will be posting.. thanks Peter for insight and advice and great vids!!

[@maxmax-xx7nw]

I just made this battery mod , but with xt30 , aio camera added , soldered new antenna to transmitter and put this drone antenna out , but also I have made the 2xsony vtc6 3100mah 7.4v battery that weights only 96grams (7.4v 850mah lipo weights near 62grams) and tested it only indoors for about 6-7 minutes of slow flying and the voltage on cell dropped from 4.11 to 3.95

[@wyrick6869]

Cool! Cool! Man, Thanks for all the info on this little awesome mjx mini. The extra flight footage was appreciated too ! And nice mods Great job.

[@RCEscape]

Kevin Wy Thanks for stopping by and checking out the video!!! :)

[@MaxartDesarrolloPersonal]

Hi friend nice video 😎 what batt do you recomendó for Bug6 I want to extend the flight time... and what adgrades could I do for extiende the antena range 😎

[@theresnobodyhere5778]

You done great mods to that little bug it's a must have quad a real flyers machine the fact it not got GPS to hold it back or restrict it excellent value for the money when I smash and wreck mine I have a carbon fibre frame waiting for it so could not be without it

[@MrMopar239]

I was just thinking about doing the same and already ordered a carbon frame for a swap. Should make a nice difference with less weight and just swapping hardware.

[@HaveFaithInGod]

The Jumper T8SG Plus Tx has the Bugs 3 Mini protocol built into its model files. Improves handling and distance. See Jay Drone vids for details.

[@tygger420]

I'm just trying to get some use out of batteries lost drone but still got the syma batteries

[@mpoerot8013]

these battery are tad heavier than the stock ones. did you not notice that the mini is a bit struggling with the additional weight?? I can hear that the propeller is rotating faster with this weight as well!

[@dronexfun8469]

I fly the Tarantula and Bugs mini almost everyday, I love'em.

[@gekkofragger]

Hi. I cant find those batteries any more. Can you help me?

[@torontorc4637]

Great mod man! Some nice flying too👍

[@RCEscape]

Elvis Campbell Thanks Elvis :) Appreciate that :)🍺🍺🍺

[@WildCaptures]

This is a great mod Pete, what a fun little quad!

[@RCEscape]

Steve B I actually bought these batts for the jumper remote and my teranis but it fits the bugs3 mini too so two birds with one stone :)

[@WildCaptures]

RC Escape I want to get these batteries, do they stick out further than the stock battery?

[@RCEscape]

they do stick out a little but no issues :)

[@WildCaptures]

RC Escape This guy just posted new Deviation release for the Mini kzbin.info/www/bejne/hmenamObh5l0i8U

[@RCEscape]

uh oh! :)

[@Hugeroost]

I think going to an xt30 gives you many more choices than the jst does on battery, mainly the Zippy compacts, or even a graphine...Roost

[@JoystickQuebradooficial]

How to increase the range of the transmitter?

[@droneredneck170]

Very nice mod Pete! Looks like she flies very good👍

[@RCEscape]

Drone Redneck Thanks for checking it out :) 🍺🍺🍺

[@haythamfpv]

The middle one is connected to a cell in the battery, if you take the battery apart you can see that the middle one is actually connected ans has a purpose

[@bytemuncher1]

What is the purpose?

[@haythamfpv]

@@bytemuncher1 i have eventually figured it out, it was obvious 😅, the third pin us used for charging, is the positive pin of one of the cells. But in the discharge phase you don't need it since it has the main output on the right and left most pins, so the mod in the video is perfect. Another suggestion, use 850mah batteries with at least 45c, i used 1500 mah batteries because i didn't really know what I was doing, and they where so heavy that it had less flight time than with the 850mah

[@MrMopar239]

@@bytemuncher1 it's to balance charge the original battery since it is 2s. Has no use when plugged into the quad only has use for balance charging.

[@HaveFaithInGod]

I like moding away from propriatary batteries, I've done it on several models. I do think the XT30 plug would be better than a JST for it's higher amp ability.

[@Frank44060]

Do you notice a big difference in the power of the drone when using those batteries compared to the stock battery? Curious because the stock batteries discharge rate is quite high at 45C and I'm guess in those generic ones are 25 or 30C.

[@RCEscape]

I don't think you can tell the difference in power per say, if there is any, it will be in the form of battery sag after pushing it hard especially on a 2s battery.

[@Frank44060]

@@RCEscape Thanks. Just picked up two of these on a flash sale and will do the mod. I've been agonizing over what batteries to purchase because of this though. Will probably try to match rates or at least come close.

[@Frank44060]

@@RCEscape This may be a lot to ask, but can you measure the interior of the battery compartment for me? I'd really appreciate it. I'd hate to order with slow boat shipping, and find out they are over-sized somehow.

[@juliusopiana8702]

What c rating of 1300mah batt sir?

[@tygger420]

Hey brother got a question.first I'm new to modding.I have 3 syma x8sw batteries 7.4 2200mh 30c other than changing plug on battery do you see any reason they wouldn't work other than maybe size? Would really apprec your help.

[@RCEscape]

Clinton Edwards I think maybe they might fit but you will have to change the connectors :)

[@RobbyRCPROBE]

Although I do not fly the B3 mini, great idea, good mod brother. Happy Easter!

[@RCEscape]

Robby BUGS3 CH Happy Easter to you and your family :)

[@robertkelly5515]

My Bugs 6 failed and I looking out for another compact racer, this looks like the drone for the job, Iwas put off by the battery, but now I seen this simple MOD, I might get one. Rob

[@RCEscape]

It's really cheap too :)

[@AutoBodyEverything]

Does this cam fit the origins bugs3?

[@RCEscape]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/hXvWfGl3ed-Zo6s

[@RobertGlazier]

Great video and info. Please keep keeping us up with your mods, Thanks.

[@RCEscape]

Thanks I will :)

[@johnm.7769]

Is there a way to increase the flight range? Mine drops around the 80 meters . Thanks, John

[@RCEscape]

get a booster like I did

[@BigAlFPV17]

Great mod & excellent flight Pete!! :)

[@RCEscape]

Alan Thanks Alan :) Cheers!!🍺🍺🍺

[@PERTHWESTOZRC]

Great video Pete, good battery mod, it's a shame most of these companies have gone all proprietary lipos these days.

[@PERTHWESTOZRC]

Nice flying too man, thumbs up from me 😎👍 I might have to get a bugs 3 mini some day :)

[@RCEscape]

Thanks Dave :) It would be nice to have been given at least two out da box or have them available as spare parts but never is the case...

[@PERTHWESTOZRC]

RC Escape yes you're right, I don't get why these companies only give 1 battery with nearly every product they release then let their consumers be stuck with no availability when it comes to spare ones at release date of said product.

[@robertkelly5515]

It flies great, but the proprietary battery is quite difficult to get out, I gonna MOD mine eventually - you got to have a screwdriver in your pocket to get the battery out.

[@JohnCuppi]

It's nice that the MJX Bugs 3 mini can be "liberated" from a proprietary battery, nice find. I really think using a red JST connector and 1300mah 7.4v batteries is a poor choice though. Better off with XT30 + some nice quality 850mah 2s compared to the cheap-o mjx one. It does not look like the 1300mah batteries yielded a flight time gain on this model at all.

[@RCEscape]

John Cuppi I was gonna do the xt30 but since these cheap batts came with jst I tested it out first with a jst and got great results and no problems. I'm getting 9:40 flight times now with the 1300mah where as I was getting 5:37 with the 850's :) Now, this is with the FPV mod. m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/pomQgaytbL-GncU

[@JohnCuppi]

Hmm that doesn't sound right at all to be getting almost less than half the advertised time. I've got a couple friends with this quad and they told me it flies around 9 to 10 minutes on their stock battery. I wonder if your stock battery is either no good, or the cheap included charger by MJX is not balancing it correctly. MJX doesn't make the best chargers... when I received my MJX Bugs 3 the stock charger was horrendous. The JST is definitely enough to push the current needed I just hate how tightly coupled they can get, and they have a tendency to wear out quicker.

[@RCEscape]

John Cuppi I was getting 9-10 minute flight times without the FPV mod too but since the FPV mod, flight time has been reduced.

[@JohnCuppi]

The camera + vtx combo you're using is only 25mw... it should not have dropped your flight time that badly. In that one video you were flying pretty aggressively though compared to this one. I'm just really curious what a quality 850mah 2s battery + xt30 would do for this, especially since it would probably fit better. But I don't have the Bugs 3 mini, heh. Anyway, thanks, if I get one I'll know where to solder it up!

[@airpic5253]

Why create extra work by changing the connectors, your onto it bro Pete...

[@xaltx1]

Can you tell what are the internal dimensions of the battery bay in that little beast?

[@RCEscape]

Łukasz Ciesielski Off hand no, but check the link to my Facebook on my banner and there I have measurements for the battery.

[@xaltx1]

@@RCEscape OH. MY. Thank you! Those do worry me a bit though, it's just a bit short of fitting two 18650 cells in a solid cell holder. Looks like some dremel work will be needed, but doubling the flight time (or even tripling it) should be worth it.

[@chenrapoport1720]

Have you succeeded 18650 battery???

[@twrecks116]

You Did it Again Escape......Another Awesome Video!! I Gave Up Hope for the Bugs Mini,Until I Saw This!! Great Mod!! Definitely Buying One Now!! LOL Thanks for Sharing Another Great Mod!!

[@RCEscape]

twrecks116 Thanks :) I really like how it performs. Quick and it has agility and now I can scope out the surroundings more than once :)🍺🍺🍺

[@thliaw]

Does this quadcopter has altitude hold function?

[@RCEscape]

thliaw This one does not have altitude hold. If you want alt hold, try the bugs 3h :)

[@gdhall5311]

Good mod and flight video Pete.

[@RCEscape]

Gregory Hall Thanks Greg!!🍺🍺🍺

[@RonaldBrown59]

Your still 'King of Mods', great job Pete. I wish I could buy your modded version of the mini, LOL. I haven't gotten the the mini yet, still holding out for the BUGS 3 Pro or BUGS 5w. I hope you get a chance to review both of these models on the channel, when they finally get released. Happy Easter.

[@RCEscape]

Ron Brown Thanks Ron :) King of mods...lol I think they're sending me the bugs8pro for now but I hope to get the other ones when they come out :)

[@RonaldBrown59]

Good, I'd love to see you review the B8P. And I'll be first one in line to watch you review of the B3P and B5W.

[@RCEscape]

Ron Brown I would very much like to see configurable products from MJX in betaflight but come with pre set tune that we all can manage properly. B3P should kick some ass!!!

[@RonaldBrown59]

Does the BUGS 8 Pro fly in acro? I'm guessing that tuning your MJX FPV racing drones in beta flight is not coming this year.

[@RCEscape]

Looks like it does from the info provided in the email. They should make a betaflight version where it is limited to what can be changed.

[@md95tsi]

Thank You So much Pete for that Huge Shout out Brother really means alot Brother nice Battery's Thanks again

[@RCEscape]

Anytime bro :) Thanks for the video that was the inspiration :)

[@md95tsi]

Thank You Brother We have a mutal Brother Rc Fun's aka John i love that dude lol He is one hech of a Guy

[@joeshmo5399]

Interesting I will probably be doing something similar with the XK X150 it has a proprietary battery that seems to be unavailable.

[@RCEscape]

Joe Shmo Isn't it a shame? Proprietary batts? That should all go standard!!🤞

[@RCEscape]

check out these coupon codes. They will expire soon. goo.gl/3CmZf3

[@k.d.r.ckevind.6855]

hey bro, if i decided to go with XT30s rather than the JST connectors, would that be fine, or would that allow for to much amp/power being fed to the fc, and then escs? Lemme me know anyone, a nd RC, luv your rewiews, never dull, and vey informative!

[@RCEscape]

The xt30 should be better than the jst connectors. The only thing is the batteries available with xt30 in 2s but if you change them out also it is the way to go :)

[@fpvdreams8190]

Pete. Quick question. Will this similar set up work with a higher C rated battery ? Say 75C same 7.4v ? I see it comes with a 45c right out of the box. I shouldn’t be a problem do you think?

[@RCEscape]

I don't see any issue with a 75c rated battery except mo powah!!! :)

[@fpvdreams8190]

RC Escape haha :)

[@joshlink34]

Will the bugs 3 batteries work for the bugs 6?? The batteries like you upgraded too here i found 7.4 volt 35c 2300mah with the right connectors tht fit the bugs 6 but it says they are for bugs 3 and a few other quads. I found them on amazon everything looks like it will work but I'm not a pro like you so thts why I'm asking. Thanks in advance

[@RCEscape]

Joshua Link Awe man...I'm not sure. I have gotten rid of all my bugs6 and 8 but as I recall, on one of my videos on the bugs 6 I might have mentioned about it being able to fit.

[@chenrapoport1720]

Just bought it for 35$!!! What battery would you recommend? Please give a new link as the old one is not there anymore What fpv wifi camera would you recommend me buying to see at my iPhone? Will an 18650 battery work?

[@RCEscape]

these batteries are now hard to find. google search tarnatula batteries :)

[@josevargasrd]

awesome flight time. awesome video

[@RCEscape]

Jose Benjamin Vargas Terrero Thanks :)

[@fpvdreams8190]

Hi Pete. Any spare props that maybe would work for the mini ? Maybe a good vid on the subject and how to with a few prop versions.

[@RCEscape]

I don't know...I kind of like the stock props :)

[@fpvdreams8190]

RC Escape Im sure you do. It flies pretty sweet. I heard it only comes with one set of props. And that mjx still does not offer spare parts. If this is true then what alternative except have a backup plan and have other bullnose props. Can u confirm only one set included ? Thank you

[@HaveFaithInGod]

Walkera 150 props are the same size and available everywhere at good prices.

[@donniethacker7886]

Thanks for your time and great vids

[@RCEscape]

Donnie Thacker Thanks for checking them out :) 🍺🍺🍺

[@teolive19]

With the 1200mha battery Did your controller and drone beep only After 2/3 minutes ?

[@RCEscape]

Matteo Plebani nope, is yours?

[@teolive19]

RC Escape Yes, It beep After about 3 minutes but i can fly with It for 12 minutes But i can't use the flip and the beeping annoying me to much maybe because I soldered the connector on the pins and not on the board like you?

[@RCEscape]

Matteo Plebani Have you balance charged the batts and where have you attached the jst cable?

[@teolive19]

i charged the battery with the original charger of the bugs 3 mini today i attached the jst cable in your same place but the problem remains

[@MALNTV]

Fantastic video! I really want one of these

[@ariszer0k1d88]

How long it can fly

[@garyflowers5569]

Great video. Will the Bugs 3 mini handle 2000 ma????

[@md95tsi]

Shared all over Facebook and copied to My Playlist Thanks again Brother

[@RCEscape]

Thank yoOOUUuu!! You deserve all the credit!

[@DroneOn]

Awesome md95tsi! Woot woot!

[@wildbillo68]

So my 7.4 900 mah batteries with a "C" rating of 10 won't work so well cause of the "C" rating huh? C10 seems weird for a 7.4 volt Lipo... It doesn't work well in my Bugs 6 either...dunno where I got them from but....been sitting in my battery drawer for a while lol.. would have been nyce to use on a 3 Mini when i get one. (i really want one)

[@RCEscape]

lol :) 10c must have been while back. I think most come 25c at least now and they work good with no sag.

[@wildbillo68]

Will a 10C cause any damage to motors or ECU board?

[@RCEscape]

I do not think so since it is just a discharge rating and not the voltage. You should do yourself a favor and get some new batts!

[@xaltx1]

@@wildbillo68 that lipo pac of yours should be capable of 8 amps output. Considering that the quad has four 4A motor controllers, you might able to get it up in the air, but I would not expect it to fly well. New ones have much better discharge rates, so you might be better off saving this one for a less power-hungry device. You won't damage the quad (electrically) by using that battery, but it might cut out on you if you push the throttle to hard.

[@BIGDRONEFLYER77RC]

Nice mod Pete

[@RCEscape]

Big drone flyer77 Hey you get them arms yet?

[@AutoBodyEverything]

By the way the battery case can be opened man, there’s a regular battery in there

[@savedbygrace5943]

What is the best AIO camera to add to the bugs 3 mini? Love your channel. Great videos.

[@RCEscape]

I've done a mod on it and used the AKK A5 ensemble that comes with the 25mW vtx but if you get a more powerful vtx, you can go further :)

[@budrocket6702]

You can buy replacement batteries now for $22.07 for two of them on eBay

[@perldog07]

You owe it to yourself to jump this baby with your T12 plus if you haven't already. Jumper-tx firmware 2.2.3 is needed, and your jp 4n1 module needs an upgrade too. Pascallenger's DIY module code can be compiled on your computer with the arduino IDE ( all free) and that gives you the executable which should upgrade your module by usb cable, mine didn't work until I turned the tx off and let the usb power the module from the computer.

[@summerplumber]

Maybe I can do something like this with the Bugs 5W ?

[@RCEscape]

quicksawscott Go for it!!

[@summerplumber]

I already had it all apart to solder my FPV wires on. @@RCEscape

[@samuelruben8726]

My bugs 3 mini start beeping at 3.9v why is that? So annoying

[@RCEscape]

somebody else had an issue like it. balance charge the batts maybe one cell is low.

[@samuelruben8726]

Def not the battery tho. I charge them using my digital charger and i measure each cell and both are indeed the same voltage

[@BobElgin]

with the stock battery im getting 10 minutes. That includes after the low battery beep. I cant Imagine thei MINI with more power. WOW :) Thanx fer sharin

[@RCEscape]

BobElgin I was getting about the same flight time before installing the FPV gear so i would imagine about a 13 minute flight time with the 1300mah or more?👍👍

[@tiger1775]

After watching your videos and beginning to get into FPV flying. ( I have a Bugs 3 now). Do you recommend a Bugs 3 or Bugs 3 MINI to learn fpv flying? I only ask since the frame on the Bugs 3 seems a bit big to maneuver more quickly then a mini... Keep up the great videos

[@RCEscape]

Tiger P Either one is fine :) Check my bugs3 FPV Escape video :)

[@k4d0lf0]

Should I use a 7.4 with 2300 mha on bugs 3 mini? The link in the description says to buy that battery. Is that right?

[@DroneOn]

Your bugs mini is like officially "pimped" to the max. Now you have to add GPS with OSD. Just joking. Lol great mod video!

[@RCEscape]

Drone On Lol!!!😂 yup!! Pimp it baby!!

[@vrle933]

Have anyone tried 3s lipo on the mjx mini?

[@rogerpenndorf5221]

GREAT CHANNEL Thanks

[@moonmanmigz]

I am really thinking about getting this

[@roadstar499]

so how long was flight? over 15 mins/ thax

[@RCEscape]

The flight time was the length of the flight video and the flight time is posted at the end of the video.

[@RCEscape]

@8:47

[@valentinalvaranjr2104]

Have anybody tried using 1600mah on bug 3 mini tia.

[@Stoney_Valentine]

Additional batteries can be bought in bulk on ali express

[@rccincy]

👍👍

[@RCEscape]

Thanks :)

[@billhowes5871]

Thanks.

[@RCEscape]

Welcome!

[@fpvdreams8190]

That’s a sweet mod ! I like the fact that you didn’t have to disrupt the original pins and still can use the original mjx battery if need to. Hey do you think a higher c rating can increase some performance? 50-70c for example

[@RCEscape]

Thanks :) The higher c rated batts should give more performance but may need to do a xt30 instead of the jst connector. These cheap batts work just fine though. I had enough speed and power from them :)

[@md95tsi]

I can still use My stock Battery also with sodering to the Pins it does not effect it at all

[@ch3w3yfpv42]

bro....you sound like Paul Rodriguez lol....gread vid btw

[@RCEscape]

That's what I've been told :) haha!! Thanks :)

[@robertkelly5515]

Classic!!!

[@roadstar499]

when you have lower c rating and more mah you still have good power...if you were using 850 30c that may of may not matter much depending on the quads setup... mod is great idea... screw those other over priced batteries..

[@trevorc6793]

Typical Pete - we do this mod then gearbest make the lipos available!! - at a price though, yikes....... I added a T81 so I have voltage readoit... Now I need to stop the low lipo alarm - it never ends eh!!

[@RCEscape]

Trevor Crouch Lol!! Put a piece of tape on that alarm and poke a hole so not so loud :)

[@sleepingbearffg5008]

Set of two original.. Amazon 45 bucks.

[@RCEscape]

$20 each!? Man...I gotta start selling BATTS!!! 💲💲💲

[@MrMopar239]

It's a great way to make money off people who are afraid to open it up and solder but also a bad practice for the DIYers as it is an extra step to go through.

[@MrMopar239]

@@RCEscape do 6ou still happen to have the b3mini and happen to know the dimensions of the battery tray? I have one on the way and trying to get some batteries before it gets here and see how big I can go. I'm to anxious of a person to order anything from China but only place to buy this amazing quad at a great price.

[@sleepingbearffg5008]

@@MrMopar239 exactly...

[@ilfotocane]

le batterie non dirano piu di 1 o 2 minuti.

[@robertkelly5515]

larger capacity battery always better, longer flight time obviously!!! I got mine today It's a sensitive little bugger ain't it, took me ages to work the thing out!!! Don't like the proprietary battery at all, bad idea whoever designed dat at Zhenzen ching ching, MJX bugger whatever, I just cut my own finger oFF OUCH!!!!

[@tadeuszwojcik4748]

👍👍👍👍👍