You’re about to embark on an exciting journey of assembling your very own long-range FPV drone, all without breaking the bank. Whether you’re a hobbyist or just curious about the world of drones, this guide is tailored to help you through every step. Using affordable components, primarily sourced from China, you can build a 7-inch FPV drone that performs impressively on a limited budget. From picking out the frame to carefully assembling the electronic components, you’ll have all the information needed for a successful build.
This guide walks you through the complete process, starting with the basics of assembling the frame using a cost-effective imitation of the GepRC Mark 4. As you move forward, you’ll delve into attaching the trusty SoloGood F405 flight controller and the 55A ESC. Carefully selecting budget-friendly components like the Caddex Ratel 2 camera and no-name motors, this tutorial ensures you achieve excellent performance without a hefty price tag. So, gather your tools and let’s bring this flying machine to life!
You’re going to learn how to assemble a budget 7-inch FPV drone.
In this video, we’ll explore all the parts and guide you through the step-by-step assembly process.
In the next video, you’ll upload the firmware and configure your drone.
This build includes one of the top VTX units for long-range flights.
For the other parts, you’ll use affordable copies from China. If you buy electronics with discounts (usually at the beginning of the month), the entire build will cost less than $150!
Components you’ve used:
Frame – Mark 4 here
Stack – SoloGood f405 here
Motors – Noname 2807 1300kv here
VTX – Rush Tank Max Solo 2.5w here
Antenna – Rush Cherry 160mm RHCP here
RX – Bayck ELRS 915Mhz: here
Props – HQProps 7040 here
Battery – 6s2p LiOn
Tools:
SmokeStopper – here
Soldering Iron – here
Screw Driver – here
Cutters – here
Multimeter – here
Choosing Budget-Friendly Components
When you embark on assembling a budget-friendly 7-inch FPV drone designed for long-range capabilities, the selection of components is crucial. With a strategy in mind, you can build an efficient and high-performing drone without breaking the bank.
Overview of Budget Components
Budget components are primarily sourced from less expensive or non-premium brands, often Chinese manufacturers. These components are priced lower but still offer a decent range of functionalities that are suitable for hobbyists or those new to FPV drones. By using discounted prices and identifying key budget parts, your entire build can remain under $150, particularly if you shop during discount periods such as the start of a month.
Cost-Effective Sources and Discounts
Look out for online marketplaces that specialize in electronics and drone parts, as these often feature affordable options and periodic discounts. Websites that offer flash sales or discounts at specific times of the month can significantly reduce your costs. Additionally, purchasing in bundles can sometimes offer more savings. Keep an eye on user reviews to ensure that you’re purchasing from a trustworthy source.
Ensuring Quality in Affordable Parts
Even though you’re selecting budget parts, quality should not be overlooked. Check for user reviews, technical specifications, and community recommendations to ensure the parts are reliable. Sometimes, clones or copies of more expensive models can offer a satisfactory alternative while sticking to the budget.
Frame Selection
Your drone’s frame is the foundation that holds every component together. Selecting the right frame is crucial.
Features of the GepRC Mark 4 Copy Frame
The GepRC Mark 4 clone frame stands out for its cost-effectiveness and its carbon material, which ensures durability. This frame supports configurations required for a 7-inch drone and maintains stability without being too heavy. It’s a solid budget option that offers a decent balance of robustness and flexibility for assembly.
Considerations for Professional Use
While the GepRC Mark 4 clone works well for most hobbyist applications, professionals might opt for the original GepRC frames or other premium options due to their finer engineering, which allows for less vibration and more precise control. Professional use requires materials that might withstand more aggressive flying maneuvers.
Carbon Material Benefits
Carbon fiber is favored for its light weight and high tensile strength, making it perfect for drone frames. Its resistance to external elements like wind while maintaining structural integrity allows for an optimized flying experience, essential for long-range drones.
Flight Controller and ESC
The flight controller (FC) and electronic speed controller (ESC) function as the brain and nerves of your FPV drone.
SoloGood F405 Specifications
The SoloGood F405 flight controller is a cost-effective option that offers features necessary for smooth drone operations. It comes with standard mounting holes, ensuring compatibility with most budget frames. This controller is responsible for processing data from the drone’s sensors and executing the control signals.
ESC Capabilities and Compatibility
The SoloGood F405 comes paired with a 55A ESC capable of supporting 3S to 6S batteries. It efficiently distributes power to the motors, controlling their speed and direction to manage the drone’s movement. With a capacity of handling up to 55 amperes per motor, it supports powerful motors without risk of overload.
Battery Requirements for Optimal Performance
For optimal performance, consider a 6s2p Li-Ion battery which provides steady power needed for long flights while being within the safe output for the SoloGood 55A ESC. This setup is particularly efficient in controlling power distribution, essential for effective long-range flight.
Motors and Propellers
Motors and propellers are critical components powering your drone to take off and maintain stable flight.
Overview of Cost-Effective Motors
Affordable, no-name brand motors offer a good balance for budget-conscious builds. While they might not match the performance and efficiency of premium brands, they are effective enough for basic FPV flying and small stunts.
Benefits of 7-inch HQProps 7040
The 7-inch HQProps 7040 is a budget-friendly propeller choice that offers reliable thrust, stability, and efficiency for longer flights. These propellers contribute to smoother flights and are simple to replace if damaged.
Comparing Performance with Premium Brands
Though budget motors and propellers might lack the refinement of premium brands like T-Motor or EMAX, they serve the purpose well for recreational use. High-end brands usually offer better durability and higher maximum RPM, providing slightly better performance metrics.
Camera and VTX
An efficient camera and VTX are essential for enjoying real-time FPV experiences.
Caddex Ratel 2 Image Quality
The Caddex Ratel 2 is an analog camera selected for its superior image quality and performance in low light, making it ideal for budget builds. This camera offers clear, vibrant visuals, crucial for piloting a drone effectively over long distances.
Rush Tank Max Solo VTX Details
The Rush Tank Max Solo VTX is notable for its reliable performance over long ranges, with up to 2.5 watts of power. It ensures a strong video transmission signal, which is vital for maintaining an uninterrupted FPV experience over distances.
Enhancing Long-Range Capabilities
Pairing the Caddex Ratel 2 with the Rush Tank Max Solo VTX significantly enhances your drone’s capacity to perform well in extended-range operations by ensuring consistent, high-quality video feedback from the drone to the pilot.
Receiver and Antenna
Choosing the right receiver and antenna setup is crucial for reception range and control reliability.
Choosing an ELRS Receiver
The ELRS receiver is cost-effective and customizable, offering a 915 MHz frequency, which extends the range for long-distance flights. This open-source receiver is a practical choice, providing flexibility and adaptability for various controller setups.
Frequency Considerations for Long Distance
Using the 915 MHz frequency rather than the standard 2.4 GHz allows for more extended range capabilities, making it more suitable for long-distance flights where maintaining a stable control link is critical.
Benefits of Right-Hand Polarization Antennas
Right-hand polarization antennas are designed to reduce signal interference, ensuring a clearer signal reception between your drone and controller. Selecting longer antennas helps in maintaining a better signal above obstacles such as trees or structures.
Step-by-Step Assembly Process
Assembling your drone requires attention to detail and proper sequencing of component installation.
Frame Assembly Instructions
Start by assembling the drone frame components, where a 2mm hex screwdriver will be your primary tool. Secure the base, attach the arms with long screws, and ensure every component fits snugly and securely before moving to the next step.
Soldering the ESC and Motors
Solder wires for the ESC starting with power wires, ensuring a solid connection. Mount the motors onto the frame arms and solder the motor wires to the ESC, keeping in mind wire management to avoid entanglements and shorts.
Installing the VTX and Antennas
Install the VTX onto its designated position within the frame and connect the antenna. Ensure that all connections are stable to prevent poor video transmission and ensure that antennas are securely mounted.
Soldering Tips and Tricks
Successful soldering requires a steady hand and some technical pointers for the best connections.
Reducing Heat for Efficient Soldering
Maintain your soldering iron just around 300°C to prevent excessive heat damage to the components. Apply heat quickly and remove the iron once the solder melts to minimize exposure.
Securing Wires and Avoiding Short Circuits
Utilize zip ties and heat shrink tubing to keep wires tidy and secure, preventing them from moving and ensuring they don’t come into contact with other conductive parts.
Properly Tinning and Preparing Wires
Always tin your wires and pads beforehand using a quality rosin-core solder. This will make it easier to form solid, clean joints, and ensure a reliable electrical connection.
Final Checks and Preparations
Before powering up your drone, it’s essential to conduct thorough checks.
Conducting a Continuity Test
Perform a continuity test with a multimeter to verify that there are no open circuits or unexpected connections that could lead to malfunctions or short circuits.
Testing Motor Functionality
Power the motors briefly to confirm they spin in the right direction and are responsive to controls. Listen for the start-up tones to verify proper ESC-motor communication.
Attaching the Video Antenna
Ensure your video antenna is attached to prevent damaging the VTX upon power-up. This helps protect against overheating and ensures effective video signal distribution.
Conclusion
Assembling a budget-friendly FPV drone is a rewarding endeavor that offers the thrill of flying a custom-built machine. By focusing on selecting cost-effective components without sacrificing too much on performance, you can achieve a perfectly functional 7-inch long-range drone for under $150. In the next video series, we will delve into programming and configuring your drone for flight, ensuring that everything is fine-tuned for safety and performance. Remember, careful assembly and thorough testing are critical to safe and enjoyable drone flying experiences.