You’re about to embark on a thrilling journey into the world of freestyle FPV drone building and flying. Joshua Bardwell, a renowned expert in the field, takes you through a 2022 drone build and its maiden flight, right from affixing the propellers to ensuring a perfect first hover. This video is a part of his comprehensive series, guiding you step-by-step from selecting the right DIY kits, tools, and parts from GetFPV to understanding the essentials of using nylock nuts for securing propellers effectively.
Throughout the video, you’ll find invaluable insights on conducting failsafe checks, safely mounting batteries, and even using turtle mode to recover your drone post-crash. Joshua also shares practical tips like securing balance connectors and explains the importance of having dual battery straps for enhanced security. By the end of the tutorial, you’ll feel empowered to perform your first test flight, equipped with knowledge that promotes safety and confidence in your FPV flying endeavors.
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Get your FPV Drone DIY Kit at GetFPV:
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Analog version – https://bit.ly/3aMRx1l
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Suggested parts, tools, and other accessories are linked on the GetFPV product page.
Thingiverse album of 3D prints for this frame:
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:487…
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• 2022 Freestyle FPV Drone Build For To…
— TABLE OF CONTENTS —
Introduction to the 2022 Freestyle FPV Drone Build
Welcome to the exhilarating world of Freestyle FPV (First Person View) drone building! If you’re intrigued by the notion of soaring through the skies, performing acrobatics, and capturing breathtaking aerial views, Joshua Bardwell’s video guide provides an insightful journey.
Overview of Joshua Bardwell’s video guide
In 2022, seasoned drone enthusiast Joshua Bardwell released an expansive video guide dedicated to building a freestyle FPV drone, introducing enthusiasts to a hands-on experience in creating and flying their very own drone. His series is comprehensive, walking you through each step of the build and culminating in the thrilling maiden flight of these precision-engineered marvels. A part of this video guide not only details the assembly process but also educates you, the viewer, on the intricacies of drone flying and maintenance, making it an ideal starting point for both beginners and seasoned pilots alike.
Introduction to freestyle FPV drones
Freestyle FPV drones are unique flying machines designed for agility, speed, and acrobatic maneuvers. Unlike standard drones, freestyle FPV drones let you engage in exciting flying sessions, performing loops, rolls, and spins with precision. The excitement of piloting these drones is augmented by the first-person perspective where you get a bird’s-eye view from the drone’s camera, streamed live to your goggles. This immersive experience makes freestyle FPV flying a captivating hobby and a rewarding challenge.
Objectives of the video series and build guide
The video series by Joshua Bardwell aims to empower you with the skills and confidence needed to build, fly, and maintain your freestyle FPV drone. The objectives are clear: to educate you on selecting the right components, to guide you through the building process, and to provide you with practical advice for safe and enjoyable flying. By the end of the series, you should not only have your own custom-built drone ready to soar but also have a solid understanding of its mechanics and operation.
Selecting Your FPV Drone Components
Embarking on your FPV drone building journey involves crucial decisions about the components you select. The success of your build hinges on these choices.
Options for DIY Kits vs. Ready-to-Fly Quadcopters
The market offers a plethora of options ranging from DIY kits to ready-to-fly (RTF) quadcopters. A DIY kit is perfect if you’re keen on learning the intricacies of drone assembly and are willing to invest the time to understand each component’s role. These kits typically include all the necessary parts along with a manual, giving you a sense of ownership and satisfaction once the build is complete. On the other hand, ready-to-fly quadcopters come pre-assembled, allowing you to begin flying immediately. RTF drones are ideal for those who prefer to skip the assembly process and jump straight into the piloting experience.
Suggested parts linked on GetFPV product page
To simplify the assembly process, Joshua provides a list of suggested parts available on the GetFPV product page. This curated selection ensures that you choose compatible and high-performance components, ranging from motors to flight controllers, which are integral for a smooth and responsive flying experience. These suggested parts are tried and tested, providing you a reliable starting point for your build.
Importance of choosing the right components for performance
Selecting the right components is pivotal to the performance and longevity of your drone. Each element, from the motors and ESCs to the frame and flight controller, plays a vital role in how your drone flies and responds to commands. Prioritizing quality components not only enhances flight reliability but also offers room for upgrades as you become more proficient. Your choice will impact everything from flight time and speed to stability and maneuverability, so invest time in understanding what each part contributes to your build.
3D Printing Accessories for Your Drone
Personalizing your drone goes beyond the basic components. 3D printing offers a world of customization options, making your drone uniquely yours.
Availability of a Thingiverse album for 3D prints
Joshua Bardwell provides access to a curated Thingiverse album loaded with designs for 3D printed parts specific to your drone’s frame. These downloadable designs allow you to print specialized accessories that can enhance both aesthetics and functionality. Whether you have your own 3D printer or access to one via a service, these printed parts can provide significant enhancements to your quadcopter.
How 3D printed parts enhance the drone frame
3D printed parts can bolster your drone’s structure, add additional features, and even improve flight dynamics. From landing gear and camera mounts to decorative elements, these accessories not only protect critical components but also optimize the aerodynamics of your drone. This customization offers both practical and cosmetic benefits, tailoring your quadcopter to better suit your personal flying style and the specific environmental conditions you frequent.
Choosing the right 3D printed accessories
When choosing 3D printed accessories, consider your drone’s needs first. Do you need reinforced parts for durability, or light additions that minimize weight? What about additional mounts for cameras or sensors? By determining your priorities for these additions, you can decide on the most effective enhancements to print. Also, choose sturdy, high-quality filament to ensure your customized parts withstand the rigors of flight.
Completing the Quadcopter Build
Building a quadcopter is a rewarding process that culminates in a device that is entirely your own. Joshua Bardwell’s video guide provides comprehensive instructions to ensure your build is successful.
Step-by-step guide by Joshua Bardwell
Joshua Bardwell meticulously walks you through the assembly process, as seen in his step-by-step guide. From integrating the motors and electronic speed controllers (ESCs) to installing the flight controller, each phase of the build is covered with detailed instructions. The guide emphasizes the importance of secure connections and proper wiring—essentials for ensuring your drone’s reliability in flight.
Common challenges and solutions during the build
Building a quadcopter is an intricate task where each step requires attention to detail. Common challenges include ensuring all components are securely fastened, correctly aligning the flight controller, and managing a complex web of wires. Joshua’s guide anticipates these issues, offering practical solutions and preventative measures to help you navigate these potential pitfalls with ease.
Video timestamp reference for completing the build – 00:00:00
For those following along with Joshua’s series, the timestamp 00:00:00 marks the completion of the build phase, where you’ll perform final checks and prepare the drone for propeller installation. This section is crucial, as it ensures everything is correctly connected and securely in place before moving on to the next phase.
Installing the Propellers Correctly
Propeller installation is a crucial step that influences the drone’s ability to fly safely and efficiently.
Types of propellers and their applications
Understanding the types of propellers and their applications is key to selecting the right ones for your drone. Propellers vary in size, pitch, and design, each affecting the flight’s lift and stability. Specific propeller types are better suited for freestyle flying, providing responsive control and the ability to perform acrobatic maneuvers effortlessly.
Correct installation for optimal performance
Installing the propellers correctly is essential for achieving optimal performance. Follow Bardwell’s advice by identifying the propeller types: 51477r for the front left and back right positions, and 51477 for the front right and back left. Ensuring they are mounted in the correct orientation prevents imbalances that could lead to inefficient flight or even drone crashes.
Video timestamp reference for propeller installation – 00:00:26
At timestamp 00:00:26 in the video guide, you’ll find detailed instructions on how to properly install the propellers. Paying close attention during this section will help prevent common errors and ensure that your drone flies smoothly and safely.
Securing the Battery for Safe Flight
Proper battery installation is crucial for not only performance but also safety.
Using proper battery mounts and straps
Securing your battery with durable mounts and straps is imperative. Bardwell suggests using two battery straps for added security, despite many kits including just one. The extra strap offers better hold, reducing flight risk due to battery movement.
Techniques to prevent battery damage
Preventing battery damage involves ensuring that leads and connectors are properly managed to avoid interaction with the propellers. Joshua recommends looping the balance connector through the primary connector to keep it secure. Additionally, strategically positioning the battery prevents its wires from being severed and safeguards the battery during rough landings or crashes.
Video timestamp reference for battery installation – 00:03:22 & 00:04:11
Key details are found at timestamps 00:03:22 for installing battery straps and 00:04:11 for optimal battery mounting techniques. These sections outline essential practices for preserving your battery’s condition and ensuring your quadcopter maintains its balance during flights.
Propeller Security and Safety Measures
After installing the propellers, securing them properly is the next vital step to ensure safety.
Using nylock nuts to secure propellers
Nylock nuts are critical for securing propellers in place effectively. These nuts have a nylon insert that safely grips the motor shaft, preventing the propellers from accidentally spinning off during flight. Bardwell emphasizes the importance of using these nuts due to their reliability in resisting vibrations that could otherwise loosen the propeller mounts.
Demonstration of correct tightening techniques
Proper tightening techniques are imperative for propeller security. It’s vital to apply the right amount of force without over-tightening. Over-tightening can damage the propellers or motor shafts, whereas insufficient tightening can lead to mid-air detachments. Bardwell demonstrates this tightening technique effectively, ensuring you understand how to apply just the right pressure for each propeller.
Importance of securing propellers for flight safety
By securing your propellers carefully, you significantly enhance the operational safety of your drone, reducing the likelihood of mid-air failures. Properly attached propellers ensure your drone responds accurately to control inputs, provides a smoother flight experience, and minimizes maintenance issues caused by vibrations or mechanical failures.
Conducting a Failsafe Check
Ensuring your drone’s failsafe mechanism is functional is crucial for preventing accidents.
Steps to perform a failsafe check
To conduct a failsafe check, start by ensuring your transmitter and drone are on and connected. Arm the drone momentarily before turning off the transmitter to simulate signal loss. Observe whether the drone stops immediately. This simulates a real-world scenario where signal is lost, verifying the failsafe system responds correctly.
Reasons why a failsafe check is critical
Failsafe checks are pivotal as they ensure that the drone halts when communication is lost, preventing it from flying away uncontrollably and posing a danger to itself and others. This measure is especially crucial during the initial flight tests and in environments where signal disruptions are possible.
Ensuring immediate drone stop upon signal loss
Immediate response to signal loss, as confirmed by a failsafe check, means that your drone will execute a controlled shutdown—either by gently landing or ceasing all propeller rotation. This feature is underscored by Bardwell as essential for maintaining control and safety during unexpected signal disruptions.
Performing the First Hover Test
The first hover test is an exciting milestone that assesses the drone’s basic flight capabilities.
Guidelines for outdoor hover testing
When conducting your first hover test, choose an open outdoor area free of obstacles. Make sure weather conditions are stable—wind and rain can disrupt hover tests. Hover at a low altitude, allowing you to land safely if anything seems amiss, and continually monitor your drone’s stability.
Checking roll, pitch, and yaw axes
During hover tests, observe how well the drone maintains its position. This stability check includes assessing roll (tilting side to side), pitch (tilting forward or backward), and yaw (rotating left to right). Adjust your drone as necessary to ensure it responds correctly to inputs.
Video guidance on safe hover testing
Bardwell offers critical video guidance on safe hover testing, ensuring you recognize and rectify any movement discrepancies. Understanding these controls is essential for mastering flight precision and building confidence for more advanced maneuvers.
Conclusion
Encouragement and tips for beginner FPV pilots
As you embark on your journey as an FPV pilot, take pride in mastering the essential skills required to build and fly your drone confidently. Keep practicing, stay patient, and embrace the learning curve. Every flight brings new insights and reinforces your skills.
Acknowledging the challenges and rewards of FPV flying
FPV flying is as challenging as it is rewarding. You’ll face mishaps and repairs, but with each experience comes growth. Building technical knowledge and honing flying skills culminate in a gratifying feeling of accomplishment, knowing your drone is your creation.
Joshua Bardwell’s final thoughts and happy flying wishes
Joshua Bardwell concludes his guide with words of encouragement, acknowledging your accomplishments and offering well wishes for future flights. As Bardwell aptly emphasizes, every flight is a learning experience, leading to more confident and exhilarating adventures in the skies. Happy flying!