Build a FPV Quadcopter
First person view (FPV) Quadcopters have become a popular thing, especially FPV Racing. This article will briefly go over the basic steps of how to build the quad.
Steps
- Assemble the frame. You'll have the main plate and four arms in an X shape. Be sure to tighten the screws so that no vibration occurs while flying.
- Tighten the motors to the frame. Make sure to tighten the screws so the motors don’t come loose while flying.
- Solder the end of each motor to the electric speed controller (ESC). There will be three wires coming out of the motor. The order does not matter since you will need to program the direction of rotation to the motors.
- Place the standoff. The standoff comes with a frame and should be placed in the middle. This is so that the flight controller can sit on it.
- Mount the flight controller (FC). Place the flight controller in the middle of the frame. Align all of the wires coming out of the ESC for soldering.
- Solder the ESCs. Begin soldering the positive and negative terminals coming out of the ESCs to the FC. Make sure to solder the right terminals, or the ESC will be fried.
- Mount the remote receiver. Each frame is different, so find a place to mount the remote receiver to the frame.
- Solder the remote receiver. There will be three wires: positive, negative, and signal. Use the SBUS output pin on the FC if you're using a FrSky receiver. There are over seven different types of receivers; make sure you have the right connection.
- Find a place on the quad to mount the video transmitter (VTX).
- Solder the VTX to the flight controller. There will be three wires coming out of the VTX: positive +5V, ground, and video signal. Make sure to solder the 5V to the right output on the FC - this is very important. The video signal should go onto the (video in) pin on the FC.
- Mount the camera. FPV Frames will come with an FPV camera mount that is usually on the top. Mount the camera and place it at the desired tilt degree. It is suggested it be mounted anywhere between 20-40 degrees for starters.
- Solder the camera cables. Just like the VTX, the camera has three wires: 5V, ground, and video signal. The video signal will connect to the (video out) pin on the FC.
- Set up the antenna with the prepared quad. Place the antenna in a place where it won’t come into contact with the propellers.
- Prepare for flying. Before flying, program the quad. Calibrate all the ESCs and motor direction, as well as the receiver and camera.
Things You'll Need
- Soldering iron
- Screwdriver
- Frame
- Flight controller (FC)
- Electric speed controller (ESC)
- Four motors
- Video transmitter (VTX)
- Remote receiver
- Antennas
- Propellers
- Li-Po battery
- Screws
