You’re about to embark on an exciting journey into the world of quadcopter assembly with the Sector150, a lightweight drone designed to carry a GoPro and capture stunning, stabilized footage. This guide focuses on assembling this nimble 3″ drone frame, making it an ideal choice for newcomers eager to dive into drone building. With its blend of simplicity and functionality, the Sector150 provides a perfect introduction to DIY drone construction.
Throughout your build process, you’ll work with essential components like the HD LRC Sector 150 frame, Emacs eco motors, and a reliable flight controller. Carefully follow steps such as temporarily mounting motors, soldering connections, and securing various parts with precision. By paying attention to crucial details—such as the correct mounting of the ESC board—you’ll transform a collection of parts into a fully functioning drone capable of taking your aerial adventures to new heights. Whether it’s tweaking settings to enhance performance or testing the video feed, every step brings you closer to mastering the art of lightweight drone assembly.
The Sector150 is a lightweight 3″ frame that can carry a GoPro through tight spaces.
Written Guide: https://rotorbuilds.com/build/22334
=========== Part List ===========
Frame: https://bit.ly/3c1c259 (Alternate: https://bit.ly/2ZzLci1)
Stack: https://bit.ly/2TBHWyG (Alternate: https://bit.ly/2zlX64y)
Motors (4100kv): https://bit.ly/2Ma0IcJ
Props: https://bit.ly/2AaDqkc
Camera: https://bit.ly/2Tzt83W
VTX: http://bit.ly/33fPrOw (Shrink tube: https://bit.ly/2AakOjX)
Antenna: https://bit.ly/2ASCwJc
Receiver: https://bit.ly/2AaDsZm
Hardware: https://bit.ly/3ef3oBC
Battery: http://bit.ly/2OrnkYt
=========== Gear ===========
Radio: https://bit.ly/3ellJgz
Goggles: https://bit.ly/2Zz3G25
GoPro: https://amzn.to/2zjUDrm
Soldering Iron: https://amzn.to/2XsFrA3
Electric Screwdriver: https://bit.ly/3gpyKYm
FPV builds, photos and part lists:
Some links in this description are affiliate links and purchasing these products will help support this channel as well as Rotorbuilds.com
Understanding the Sector150 Drone
Diving into the world of quadcopters can be both exciting and overwhelming, especially for beginners. The Sector150 drone is a fantastic starting point for those looking to get a taste of building and piloting their own quadcopter. We’ll explore the Sector150 frame, its purposes and capabilities, and why it’s particularly suited for newcomers.
Overview of the Sector150 Frame
The Sector150 is a lightweight 3-inch frame specifically designed to carry a GoPro, making it perfect for capturing stabilized footage in tight spaces. It’s not a ducted frame but does come equipped with four prop guards to enhance protection. The frame consists of a bottom plate that is three millimeters thick with chamfered edges, and a top plate that is two millimeters thick. This design balances durability with weight, making it an ideal choice for cinematic flights.
Purpose and Capabilities
The main purpose of the Sector150 drone is cinematic and freestyle flying. Its lightweight design allows for steady, smooth shots, making it ideal for videographers or hobbyists looking to capture stunning aerial footage. The drone is capable of nimbly navigating through tight spaces, thanks to its compact size. However, despite its small stature, it packs a surprising amount of power, offering a delightful flying experience for those who appreciate agility and speed.
Simplicity for Beginners
The Sector150 serves as an excellent introduction to quadcopter building due to its straightforward assembly process and forgiving nature – aspects that are crucial for beginners. The build is designed to offer a hands-on learning experience without overwhelming you with complexity. You’ll gain essential skills in mounting motors, soldering connections, and making software adjustments, all while building a fun and functional piece of equipment.
Gathering Essential Components
Before embarking on the assembly journey, it’s important to gather all the necessary components. This will streamline the building process, allowing you to focus on learning and enjoying each step.
HD LRC Sector150 Frame
The foundation of your build is the HD LRC Sector150 frame. Its lightweight design and compatibility with numerous accessories make it a popular choice among enthusiasts. Be sure to unpack the frame kit, which should include prop guards, various screws, and a TPU antenna mount.
Emacs Eco Motors
Choosing the right motors is crucial for achieving optimal performance. For the Sector150, the Emacs Eco 1407 4100KV motors strike a balance between power and efficiency, ensuring a powerful yet efficient flight. These motors are specifically chosen to complement the frame’s design and intended flying style.
Flight Controller and ESC Board
A flight controller and ESC board are like the brain and the nervous system of your drone, respectively. The FD 435 stack, equipped with a 35A ESC and a 20mm F4 flight controller, is ideal for this build. Together, these components control the motor speeds and interpret your flying inputs, translating them into precise maneuvers.
Battery and Accessories
For optimal flight time and performance, an 850mAh 4S battery is recommended. This choice offers around 3 to 4 minutes of flight time per charge, which is reasonable given the frame’s size and capabilities. Don’t forget additional accessories such as a suitable battery charger and any necessary connectors to ensure a seamless integration with the rest of the build.
Preparing Your Workspace
Creating a dedicated workspace is an important step in ensuring a smooth and enjoyable building process. Here’s how you can set yourself up for success.
Safety Precautions
Safety should always be a top priority. Ensure that your workspace is well-ventilated to prevent inhaling fumes from soldering. It’s also a good idea to wear protective eyewear and work gloves to avoid injury when using tools or dealing with sharp components.
Necessary Tools and Equipment
Assemble the necessary tools before you begin. You’ll need a soldering iron, solder, flux, a screwdriver set, tweezers, wire cutters, and a multimeter. Having each tool within arm’s reach helps maintain your workflow and minimizes disruptions.
Creating an Efficient Workflow
Organizing your workspace efficiently will contribute to a smoother building process. Arrange your tools on one side and layout all the components on the other side in the order you plan to assemble them. This setup mimics an assembly line, helping you tackle each step methodically and with minimal distraction.
Temporarily Mounting Motors
Successfully mounting motors is key to ensuring reliable flight performance. Begin by securing the motors temporarily.
Positioning Motors on the Frame
Place each motor on the designated mounting points on the frame. The orientation of the motors is crucial; ensure the wires face inwards toward the center of the drone for optimal connectivity.
Using Screws and Spacers for Alignment
Use the provided screws and spacers to secure the motors temporarily. This temporary setup allows you to make adjustments later on if needed. Make sure the screws are snug but not overly tight, as you might need to realign or reposition them as you build.
Adjustments for Larger Motors
If you opt for larger motors than those recommended, adjustments may be required. This could involve drilling larger holes in the prop guards or tweaking the spacers. It’s essential that motors spin freely without any obstruction to ensure a stable and efficient flight.
Soldering Connections
Soldering is a critical skill in drone building, as it ensures that all electronic components are securely connected.
Attaching Motor Wires to ESC Board
Begin by tinning the motor pads on the ESC board with solder. This prepares them for the motor wires. Carefully attach each motor wire to its respective pad, ensuring they sit securely. Double-check that wires are correctly soldered to avoid any functional issues later on.
Connecting the Battery Lead
The battery lead requires a secure connection for consistent power supply. Solder the lead to the designated pads on the ESC board, making sure to apply extra solder for a strong bond. A properly soldered battery lead is crucial for maintaining flight integrity.
Importance of Securing the Capacitor
A capacitor dampens voltage spikes and reduces electrical noise, protecting your electronics from potential damage. Secure the capacitor by soldering it in place just before the battery lead. Ensure the connection is tight and shielded, as it helps maintain consistent performance during flight.
Mounting the Flight Controller
Properly securing the flight controller ensures stable operation and reduces vibrations during flight.
Ensuring Level and Secure Attachment
Align the flight controller over the ESC board, using spacers to maintain a gap. Secure it with the provided screws and nuts, ensuring that it lies level. This minimizes any potential for skewed readings that could affect flight stability.
Avoiding Over-tightening
It’s important not to over-tighten when attaching the flight controller. Overly tight screws can crush mounting hardware, leading to shifts in the controller’s position and introducing unnecessary vibrations during flight.
Installation of Standoffs
Install the standoffs carefully as they create necessary separation between the flight controller and ESC board. This separation is intended to minimize electrical interference and protect the components from physical impacts.
Binding the Receiver to the Radio
Connecting and binding the receiver to your radio is a vital step in controlling your drone.
Connecting the Receiver
Identify and connect the receiver to the appropriate pads on the flight controller. Secure the connection with solder, checking to make sure wires are attached to their corresponding pads appropriately.
Binding Process with the Radio
To bind the receiver to the radio, hold down the receiver’s bind button while powering it on. This puts it in bind mode. Then, initiate the bind process on your radio following your radio’s specific instructions. Successful binding is usually indicated by a change in LED signals on the receiver.
Securely Attaching Antennas
Once bound, securely attach the receiver’s antennas to ensure good signal reception. Use zip ties or adhesive to minimize movement while maintaining optimal positioning, which can help improve signal reliability during flight.
Installing the Camera
Proper camera installation is crucial for capturing quality footage while ensuring the camera’s stability during flight.
Mounting the Camera Correctly
Position the camera between the side brackets and secure it with screws. Ensure it stays level and is able to tilt within its range for different shooting angles.
Ensuring Secure Connections
Attach the camera wires to their corresponding pads on the flight controller with precision. This will often include connections for power, ground, and video signal. Ensure all connections are tight to prevent any mid-flight disconnections.
Stabilization Tips
Make sure the camera mount is stable and doesn’t have any undue play, as shaky footage can detract from the quality of your captured material. Additionally, using components like rubber grommets can further dampen vibrations.
Software Configuration and Tests
The final steps involve configuring the software and ensuring that all systems function correctly before your maiden flight.
Testing the Video Feed
After physically installing the camera, test the video feed by powering the system and checking for a clear and stable signal. Ensuring that video is properly transmitted will guarantee that you can frame shots correctly during flight.
Making Software Adjustments
Using flight software, make necessary adjustments like calibrating the flight controller, setting up the radio controls, and ensuring that motor directions are correctly configured. This is crucial for achieving stable and responsive flight behavior.
Configuring RPM Filtering and Settings
Configure RPM filtering in the software to manage motor efficiencies and heat buildup. Optimal settings can prevent motor overheating and prolong their lifespan, enhancing the overall performance and reliability of your drone.
Conclusion
Summary of Steps
Building the Sector150 drone involves the careful assembly of a lightweight frame, motors, a flight controller, and integrating electronic components seamlessly through soldering and software configuration. These steps culminate in a functional drone capable of capturing stunning aerial footage.
Encouragement for Beginners
For beginners, this may seem like a daunting task, but the Sector150’s simple design makes it an approachable and rewarding project. The knowledge and skills gained through building this drone lay the groundwork for more complex projects in the future.
Additional Resources for Assistance
While this guide provides a comprehensive overview, additional resources can provide deeper insights and troubleshoot specific issues. Experimenting and engaging with the broader quadcopter community can further enhance your understanding and enjoyment of the hobby. Happy flying!