You’re all set to embark on an exciting journey of building your very own freestyle FPV drone with the help of Joshua Bardwell’s beginner-friendly video guide. This comprehensive tutorial uses a DIY kit perfect for those new to FPV drones. It’s packed with essential steps, starting from assembling the bottom plate and arms, to installing key components like motors, ESC, and flight controllers. You’ll be introduced to both analog and digital FPV systems, ensuring a well-rounded experience tailored to your preferences and budget.
This DIY adventure goes beyond merely following instructions; it’s an excellent opportunity to understand the mechanics of FPV drones. You’ll acquire crucial soldering tips and learn to configure your drone for optimal performance. Through assembling the JB Xylo budget build kit, you will not only craft a durable and high-performing quadcopter but also gain the skills needed to maintain and repair it after those inevitable crashes. With every step, you’ll feel more confident in the world of FPV, ready for high-flying action.
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Purchase your FPV Drone DIY Kit at GetFPV:
Analog version – https://bit.ly/3I0T6oH
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Recommended parts, tools, and accessories are linked on the GetFPV product page.
Thingiverse album of 3D prints for this frame:
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:487…
All videos in this playlist can be found at:
• 2022 Freestyle FPV Drone Build For To…
— TABLE OF CONTENTS —
My “how to solder” tutorial – • Most FPV pilots need to watch this so…
How do you know which wires go where on the FC? – • How to make your own Betaflight fligh…
Acquiring the Necessary Parts and Tools
Building a freestyle FPV drone is an exciting adventure, and setting out with the right parts and tools is key to success. Luckily, Joshua Bardwell’s 2022 Freestyle FPV Drone Build Kit offers a straightforward approach for beginners to embark on this journey without breaking the bank.
Sourcing the Drone Kit Components
The first step is to source your components, and in this case, the JB Xylo budget build kit includes most of what you need. This kit is available at GetFPV, which carefully curates components to ensure you receive quality parts without overspending. Key parts include the QAVS Joshua Bardwell Edition frame, a flight controller (FC), an electronic speed controller (ESC), Xylo Stealth motors, and JB Gemfan propellers. Depending on your video transmission preference, you’ll either use the DJI Nebula Pro Vista kit for HD video or a more budget-friendly analog system with a Caddx Ratel camera.
Essential Tools Required for the Build
Having the correct tools is crucial. Essential tools include a soldering iron with a fine tip, solder for making electrical connections, a set of hex screwdrivers, wire cutters, and pliers. A multimeter will also prove indispensable in testing electrical connections and ensuring everything runs smoothly. When assembling, a clean, organized workspace will help prevent any mix-ups or loss of small components.
Additional Accessories and Upgrades
While the basic kit covers the essential elements, some additional accessories can enhance your build. You might consider extra sets of propellers or an upgraded battery for extended flight time. For digital enthusiasts, investing in a better antenna or alternative propellers can customize performance to your liking. These adjustments can personalize your drone experience, catering to your specific needs and preferences.
Understanding the Drone’s Structure
Embarking on this build requires familiarity with the framework of your drone. Understanding the layout of your components will give you insights into the practical functionality and design of your FPV quadcopter.
Overview of the QAVS Joshua Bardwell Edition Frame
Central to your drone is the QAVS Joshua Bardwell Edition frame. This frame is designed to balance durability and weight, crucial for freestyle maneuvers and resilience in crashes. Not only does it promise lightness, but it also ensures easy access for repairs, which is inevitable in FPV flying.
Importance of Weight, Durability, and Maintenance
Weight plays a pivotal role in a drone’s performance; lighter drones are more agile and have better battery efficiency. Meanwhile, durability ensures that crashes won’t mean immediate replacement, simply maintenance which you’ll become adept at over time. Ease of maintenance is what sets this frame apart, allowing for straightforward repairs, making it a favorable choice for beginners.
Getting Familiar with the Frame Parts
Before you dive into assembly, becoming acquainted with the frame parts is advantageous. This includes recognizing the bottom plate and arms which form the skeleton, as well as the top plate and standoffs which provide structural integrity. Understanding how these components connect provides insight into drone assembly and future alterations or repairs.
Starting the Build: Assembling the Frame
With the necessary components and frame understanding, it’s time to begin the build by assembling your drone’s frame.
Putting Together the Bottom Plate and Arms
Start by identifying the bottom plate with pre-installed press nuts. This piece will serve as the foundation where the arms are connected. Each arm should be aligned and neatly attached, forming a solid base for your drone. Positioning them correctly will simplify the rest of the assembly and contribute to overall stability.
Securing Using Proper Tools and Techniques
Using the correct tools, secure the arms and plates with the designated screws. Ensure the press nuts engage properly, and everything’s seated flush. Using tools like hex keys correctly will prevent stripping screws or causing damage that may impair your assembly.
3D Printing Options for the Frame
Some builders opt for 3D-printed parts to enhance or personalize their frames. This could include bumpers, camera mounts, or even antenna holders. 3D printing provides customization options, allowing you to adapt parts to better suit your equipment or preferences.
Installing Motors on the Arms
Motors are the powerhouse of your drone, dictating its performance harmoniously with the ESC and FC.
Introduction to Xylo Stealth Motors
The Xylo Stealth motors included in this kit are 2207, 1800KV motors optimized for 6-cell batteries. They promise a balance of power and efficiency, making them ideal for freestyle flying. These motors are robust and designed to handle vigorous movement characteristic of FPV drones.
Securing Motors to the Arms
Secure each motor onto the drone arms using the provided screws. Make sure they’re tightened appropriately but not overly so to prevent damage. Proper alignment will prevent unnecessary vibrations that could affect flight stability.
Handling Motor Wires for Installation
Handling motor wires is intricate work. You’ll need to route the wires neatly to minimize clutter and ensure effective connectivity. This organization is crucial for both aesthetics and function, reducing the risk of wires tangling with moving parts.
Connecting the Electronic Speed Controller (ESC)
The ESC acts as the intermediary between your FC and motors, controlling the power delivered for movement.
Placing the ESC on the Frame
Begin by placing your ESC on the center of the frame, ensuring it’s aligned for optimal connectivity with both the FC and the motors. Use mounting hardware or double-sided tape for a secure hold.
Soldering Motor Wires to the ESC
Solder the motor wires onto the ESC pads carefully. Precision in soldering prevents short circuits and ensures robust connectivity. This stage is crucial for the reliability of your motor function during flights.
Tips for Effective Soldering
When soldering, heating up both the pad and the wire simultaneously ensures strong joints. Use flux to maintain cleanliness and enhance solder flow. Allowing the joint to cool without movement ensures a strong bond.
Setting Up the Flight Controller
Your FC serves as the brain of the drone, interpreting signals and controlling various components.
Functions and Importance of the FC
The flight controller processes input from your radio receiver and onboard sensors, stabilizing and directing the drone as required. This control is essential for accurate flight and maneuverability.
Mounting the FC on the Frame
Mount your FC above the ESC with the provided hardware. Using vibration dampening mounts, such as rubber standoffs, will ensure flight stability by isolating the FC from frame vibrations.
Ensuring Isolation for Optimal Performance
Proper installation of damping measures minimizes vibrations that could cause drift or instability. Accurate placement and securing of the FC are vital for maintaining this isolation.
Installing Power Components
Ensuring reliable power supply involves correctly installing the XT60 connector and capacitor to your powertrain setup.
Soldering the XT60 Connector
Begin by soldering your XT60 connector wires to the PDB. The polarity must be adhered to strictly to prevent circuitry issues. A solid solder joint is crucial to guarantee there are no disconnections in flight.
Adding and Securing the Capacitor
Adding a capacitor helps filter voltage spikes, enhancing the power system’s smoothness. Solder it parallel to the power wires near the ESC to ensure effectiveness and fasten it securely, preventing damage from vibrations.
Avoiding Common Power Issues
Check your soldering for cold joints or debris that could cause a short circuit. Monitoring and testing voltage levels with a multimeter post-assembly ensures all connections are precise and secure, avoiding unnecessary risks.
FPV System Selection and Setup
Choosing and installing an appropriate FPV system is critical for an immersive flying experience.
Comparing ANALOG vs. DJI Systems
The DJI system offers HD video for clearer visuals, ideal for detailed navigation and professional engagements, while the analog system, although less visually sharp, is more budget-friendly and has lower latency.
Installing the Caddx Ratel and Xylo Stax (Analog)
The Caddx Ratel camera and Xylo Stax video transmitter are paired for analog setups. Install the camera in the designated mount, ensuring clear front views, and secure the transmitter while connecting the necessary wires precisely.
Setting Up DJI Nebula Pro Vista Kit
For the DJI system, mount the camera and Vista module securely within the frame as recommended, ensuring robust connections and airflow isn’t obstructed to prevent overheating.
Final Assembly and Configuration
Once parts are installed, verifying the assembly and configuring the software come next.
Performing a Smoke-Check
A smoke-check involves connecting the battery for the first time to ensure no plumes indicate short circuits. This precautionary measure prevents damage from unseen errors during assembly.
Connecting the ExpressLRS Receiver
Connect your ExpressLRS receiver for radio control, ensuring the wiring adheres to data in/out standards and is firmly secured to minimize disconnections from impacts.
Software Configuration and Calibration
After physically completing the build, configure your software through platforms like Betaflight to ensure all inputs are correctly interpreted, calibrate your sensors, and ensure responsiveness aligns with controller commands.
Conclusion
Reflections on Building Experience
Building your own FPV drone from a kit like the JB Xylo provides not only a rewarding sense of accomplishment but also a deep understanding of how your craft operates. This knowledge is invaluable when it comes to future repairs or upgrades.
Benefits and Skills Gained
Through this process, you gain critical drone-building skills, from soldering and electronics connections to an increased understanding of mechanical assemblies. These competencies are essential in effectively maintaining your drone over its lifespan.
Encouragement for Beginning Pilots
Beginner pilots should embrace the learning curve of building, as it equips you for successful FPV adventures. Take pride in constructing something from the ground up, and enjoy the sky’s limit with your personalized freestyle quadcopter. Embrace the challenges and watch your skills soar alongside your newly crafted drone.