Immerse yourself in the exciting world of FPV drones! Build your own drone with our step-by-step guide. Detailed step-by-step guides walk you through every part of the process, from connecting the flight controller and motors to installing cameras and receivers.
Building a first-person view (FPV) drone is an exciting and rewarding project that allows you to delve deeper into the world of drones, electronics, and aviation. Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or new to the hobby, building your own drone provides hands-on experience that increases your understanding of how drones work. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of assembling an FPV drone.
This build uses the following parts:
tools needed
- soldering iron and solder
- Hex key (M2) and driver
- electrical tape or heat shrink tubing
- Zip code
- tweezers
- Double-sided tape or foam pad
Step 1: Prepare the Flight Controller (FC) and ESC Stack
- stack opening: Start by unboxing the SpeedyBee F405 Mini BLS 35A 20×20 stack. Lay out all the components to make sure you have everything you need.
- FC preparation: Place FC on a non-conductive surface. Make sure all pads are clearly visible.
Step 2: Install the FPV camera
- camera wire connection: RunCam Nano 2 FPV camera usually has three wires.
- Power 5V (red): Solder to the 5V pad on the flight controller.
- Ground (black): Solder to the GND pad of the flight controller.
- Video (yellow): Solder to the CAM pad of the flight controller.
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camera security: Temporarily fix the camera to prevent the solder joint from being deformed. Mounting can be completed later.
Step 3: Install VTX
VTX wire connection: RUSH TINY TANK Nano VTX usually has several wires.
- Power 5V (red): Solder to the 5V pad on the flight controller.
- Ground (black): Solder to the GND pad of the flight controller.
- VTX (yellow): Solder to the VTX pad of the flight controller.
- Data – SmartAudio (white): Solder to the T1 pad on the UART port of the flight controller for VTX control.
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After completing the wiring, it is important not to overlook the antenna connections.
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Secure VTX: Temporarily fix the VTX to prevent deformation of the solder joint. Mounting can be completed later.
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To make soldering to your VTX easier you can use the expansion board shown in the picture above.
Step 4: Receiver Installation
Receiver wire connection: The SpeedyBee Nano 2.4G ExpressLRS ELRS receiver has several wires.
- Power 5V (red): Solder to the 5V pad on the flight controller.
- Ground (black): Solder to the GND pad of the flight controller.
- Texas (yellow): Solder to the R2 pad on the UART port of the flight controller (usually UART2).
- RX (white): Solder to the T2 pad on the UART port of the flight controller (usually UART2).
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After completing the wiring, it is important not to overlook the antenna connections.
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receiver security: Temporarily fix the receiver to prevent the solder joint from being deformed. Mounting can be completed later.
Step 5: Solder Battery Leads and Capacitors
ESC preparation: Place the ESC on a non-conductive surface. Make sure all pads are clearly visible.
- Capacitor Installation: Install the capacitor through both holes. + and – A pad that helps filter out voltage spikes and noise.
- soldering battery leads: Solder the battery leads to the ESC pad. Here, the positive wire (red) + Pad and cathode wire (black) – pad. To ensure a strong connection, use higher temperatures and a generous amount of solder.
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Pay attention to capacitor polarity. You can identify the negative side by the “-” symbol marked on the side of the capacitor.
Step 6: Solder the Motor to the ESC
Connect the motor to the ESC: Solder the motor wires to the ESC pads on the flight controller board. Each motor has three wires that need to be connected to the corresponding pads on the ESC.
- motor 1: Connect to M1 pad.
- motor 2: Connect to M2 pad.
- motor 3: Connect to M3 pad.
- motor 4: Connect to M4 pad.
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securing the motor: Temporarily fix the motor to avoid putting any strain on the solder joint. Mounting can be completed later.
Step 7: Assemble components into frame
- frame opening: Start by unboxing the HappyModel Crux35 3.5-inch frame. Lay out all the components to make sure you have everything you need. First, pass the battery strap through the backplate.
- ESC installation: Use the provided M2 screws of appropriate length. Place the ESC in the center of the frame and pass the M2 screw through the hole in the center of the frame. Make sure the arrows on FC and ESC are pointing upward and forward, toward the camera. This orientation is very important for proper functioning.
- Add flight controller (FC): Place the FC on the ESC by aligning the mounting holes. Secure the FC with the nuts provided. Tighten the nut snugly but not overtightened. Make sure the arrows on FC and ESC are pointing up and forward, towards the camera. This orientation is very important for proper functioning.
- motor mounting: Attach the Happymodel EX1404 motor to the designated motor mount on the frame using the provided screws. Make sure the motor is securely fastened.
- FPV camera installation: Hold the camera bracket and securely mount the camera to the bracket using the M2 screws provided. Attach the brackets to the designated locations on the front frame.
- VTX Installation: VTX can be mounted on the frame top. Use M2 screws, cable ties, or double-sided tape to secure the VTX in place.
- Install the receiver: Mount the receiver on the back of the drone. Secure the receiver using cable ties or double-sided tape. For optimal signal reception, slide the antenna vertically through the TPU section.
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The placement of specific components is largely determined by personal preference and aesthetic preference. Feel free to adjust the location or get inspiration from online sources. Typically the VTX and receiver are rear mounted to utilize the TPU antenna holder. This is especially true if you use a custom antenna.
Step 8: Assemble the frame
- Add spacers: Insert spacers into designated slots in the frame. Secure the spacer using the M2x6 screws provided.
- Attach the TPU parts: Place the TPU parts in the designated locations on the top plate. Secure the TPU parts using the provided M2x6 screws and M2 nuts.
- Install the top plate. Place the top plate over the spacer. Secure the top plate to the spacer using the M2x8 screws provided, making sure they are securely fastened.
- Battery pad installation: Attach the battery pad sticker to the bottom of the drone.
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Please refer to the diagram below for detailed placement of each component and ensure all parts are positioned correctly and securely fastened.
Step 9: Bench Testing
- Initial power check: Connect the battery and turn on the drone. using a smoke stopper Without propeller. Make sure all components are powered on properly.
- Check motor direction: Check motor direction using Betaflight. Make sure each motor rotates in the correct direction. If the motor is spinning in the wrong direction, Betaflight can help you change direction.
- UART settings: In Betaflight, go to the Ports tab. Set the peripheral to VTX (TBS SmartAudio) for UART1 and enable serial RX for UART2.
- Apply preset: Search for “Rush Tiny Tank” in Betaflight’s Presets tab. Click on it, select “Rush Tiny Tank” from the drop-down list, and apply the preset. Do the same for ExpressLRS 250Hz or 500Hz depending on your transmitter (controller) settings.
- Check camera and VTX: Verify that the camera feed is being transmitted correctly and that the VTX is set to the correct channel and power level.
- receiver binding: Bind the transmitter (controller) to the SpeedyBee Nano 2.4G ExpressLRS ELRS receiver according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Make sure all controls are working properly.
Step 10: Propeller and final inspection
- Propeller attachment: Fix the propeller to the motor. Make sure the propeller is oriented correctly according to the direction of motor rotation (clockwise or counterclockwise).
- final confirmation: Double check all connections, screws and settings. Make sure everything is secure and there are no loose wires.
Step 11: Test Flight
- safety check: Double-check all screws, connections and settings before first flight.
- Power on: Connect the battery and turn on the drone without a smoke blocker. Make sure all components are working properly.
- maiden flight: Perform the maiden flight in a safe and open space. Start by gently manipulating it to make sure everything is working properly.
conclusion
congratulation! You have successfully assembled your FPV drone. Building your own drone can be a complex but incredibly rewarding experience, giving you a deeper understanding of how drones work and the satisfaction of flying something you’ve built. Enjoy your flight and always keep safety as your top priority. Have a nice flight!
If you have any questions or need further help, please feel free to ask us in the comments.
