You’re about to embark on an exciting journey of building your very own $120 FPV drone and experiencing your first flight. Joshua Bardwell guides you through each step in his video “Beginner Guide $120 FPV Drone How To Build – Part 13 – First Flight.” This beginner-friendly course not only breaks down the detailed construction process but also provides critical resources like propeller installation and how to build a handy smoke stopper box. By the end of it, you’ll feel the thrill of transforming a collection of random parts into a fully functional quadcopter ready for its maiden hover.
In this adventure, you’ll also gain insights on choosing the right battery, tweaking configuration settings, and making crucial safety checks. Joshua shares essential advice on securing your drone and ensuring a safe and flawless flight experience. From deciding between different motor types to managing your GoPro mounts with zip ties, every tip is geared toward making your quadcopter building experience seamless and enjoyable. As you edge closer to your first flight, the sense of achievement that comes with mastering these elements is bound to be both rewarding and addictively fun.
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You’re about to learn every single step to build a $120 FPV Drone. This complete beginner guide offers all the steps and crucial background information you need. Don’t view this as just a how-to guide; it’s a comprehensive introductory course to equip you with the knowledge required to build FPV drones.
Watch the full playlist at: • Beginner Guide $120 FPV Drone How To …
All about propellers and how to install them:
• How to install quadcopter props corre…
What’s the difference between props-in and props-out:
• Props-In (Standard) vs. Props-Out (Re…
How to build the smoke stopper box like mine:
• Ultimate Smoke Stopper Box! NERD HEAVEN.
Get a GoPro mount:
Official Eachine mount: https://bit.ly/3ef2qpG
Brain3D all “universal” mounts: https://bit.ly/2UXg8pO
RaceDayQuads: https://bit.ly/3b0Batg
Thingiverse all “universal” mounts: https://bit.ly/2JVPs2h
Only use the Thingiverse link if you intend to print your own. Thingiverse has print service, but it is slow and expensive and of poor quality compared to vendors like Brain3D, RDQ, and BMC3D.
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Purchase the Eachine Tyro119 at:
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Banggood – https://bit.ly/39czE5o
The Tyro129 is the exact same quad but with 7″ props. If you’re interested more in cruising and less in freestyle or racing, the 129 may be a better choice.
Banggood – https://bit.ly/3aQWKPO
Purchase the Jumper T16 MultiProtocol Radio Transmitter at:
Newbeedrone – http://bit.ly/2OeWulz
AliExpress – http://bit.ly/2MdrIaL
Hobbycool – http://bit.ly/2ULMnsO
Amazon – https://amzn.to/2D6v3EV
Pyro-Drone – http://bit.ly/2Ko2RmI
Grayson Hobby – http://bit.ly/324kNaF
Purchase the Jumper R1 receiver at:
GetFPV – https://bit.ly/394GDxi
Grayson Hobby – https://bit.ly/3alXhd2
Banggood – https://bit.ly/3alFR0x
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Understanding FPV Drones
What is an FPV Drone?
An FPV drone, or First Person View drone, is a type of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that allows you to see from the drone’s perspective in real-time, thanks to an onboard camera and video transmission system. These drones offer a thrilling user experience, as you get to pilot the drone as if you were inside it. FPV drones are highly popular among drone racing enthusiasts and photography professionals for their immersive capabilities.
The Appeal of FPV Drones for Beginners
FPV drones are particularly appealing to beginners due to the unique and engaging flying experience they offer. Flying an FPV drone is akin to being in the cockpit of a tiny aircraft, providing excitement and a steep learning curve. Beginners are often drawn to the challenge and skill development associated with flying FPV drones. They also offer a great introduction to drone technology, aerodynamics, and electronics, making them ideal for hobbyists eager to learn and innovate.
Basic Components of an FPV Drone
An FPV drone comprises several key components that work together to provide flight and video transmission. These include the frame, motors, propellers, an electronic speed controller (ESC), a flight controller, a video transmitter, a camera, and a battery. Each part serves a critical role in the build and flight of the drone, with the frame housing all components and the flight controller processing flight data to ensure a smooth flying experience.
Preparing for Your First Drone Build
Gathering Necessary Tools and Equipment
Before embarking on your first FPV drone build, you need to gather essential tools and equipment. Crucial tools include a soldering iron for electrical connections, screwdrivers for assembling components, and pliers for handling wires. Additionally, you will need materials like heat shrink tubing, electrical tape, and zip ties to secure components. Having a workspace with adequate lighting and organization will make the building process smoother and more enjoyable.
Researching and Selecting Parts
Selecting the right parts is the cornerstone of a successful drone build. Begin by researching each component, considering factors like compatibility, cost, and performance. Online forums, guides, and videos, such as Joshua Bardwell’s beginner series, can provide valuable insights. Consider purchasing recommended entry-level parts that balance performance and cost, ensuring your first experience is both educational and enjoyable.
The Importance of Safety Checks
Safety checks are paramount during and after your drone build. This includes verifying the integrity of soldered connections, ensuring there are no short circuits, and confirming that all components function correctly. Invest in tools like a smoke stopper to prevent potential electrical damage during initial power-ups. Conducting thorough safety checks before the first flight can save time and avoid costly errors.
Key Components of a $120 FPV Drone
Choosing the Right Frame
The frame of an FPV drone serves as the skeleton, providing structure and protection for all other components. When selecting a frame for a budget build, consider options like the Eachine Tyro119, known for its durability and affordability. A good frame should be lightweight yet sturdy enough to withstand crashes, as this is common during the early stages of piloting.
Understanding Motor KV and Its Impact on Performance
KV rating on motors is crucial to understanding performance; it indicates the number of revolutions per minute (RPM) per volt. Lower KV motors generate higher torque, suitable for larger propellers and heavier loads, ideal for beginners due to easier control. On the other hand, higher KV motors spin faster, providing greater speed, which can be overwhelming for novice pilots.
Selecting the Appropriate Flight Controller
The flight controller acts as the brain of the drone, processing data from sensors to stabilize flight. For a budget build, look for controllers that support popular firmware like Betaflight or iNav, which allow for customization and performance optimization. These provide user-friendly interfaces and comprehensive community support, ideal for beginners learning to configure their drone.
Building the FPV Drone
Step-by-Step Assembly Process
Begin assembling your drone by securely attaching the motors to the frame and wiring them to the electronic speed controllers (ESCs). Next, mount the flight controller, ensuring that it’s oriented correctly for accurate sensor readings. Attach the video transmitter and the camera, making sure to route the wires neatly to avoid interference. Lastly, secure the battery in place, ensuring that the weight is evenly distributed for balanced flight.
Installing and Configuring the Flight Controller Board
Once installed, configure the flight controller using software like Betaflight Configurator. This involves calibrating the accelerometer, setting up ports for communication with your transmitter and receiver, and programming flight modes. The configuration stage is vital to ensure the drone responds accurately to your inputs.
Importance of Using a Smoke Stopper
Before powering up your newly built drone, use a smoke stopper as a precaution. It acts as a circuit breaker, preventing electrical damage due to wiring errors during the initial power-up. This safety measure can save your components from irreversible harm.
Installing Propellers and Propeller Configurations
How to Correctly Install Drone Propellers
Propeller installation may seem simple, yet incorrect installation can lead to poor performance or crashes. Follow guidance on aligning the propellers with the correct motors, matching the orientation of the blades to rotate effectively against the airflow. This ensures efficient lift and thrust.
Understanding Different Propeller Configurations
There are key differences between standard (props-in) and reverse (props-out) configurations. Props-in typically offers more stability in windy conditions, whereas props-out can reduce turbulence for smoother flight. Experiment with these to find your preference, as each configuration provides different flying characteristics.
Safety Precautions During Installation
Always take safety precautions when handling propellers. Remove them when configuring electronics or performing maintenance to prevent accidental injuries. Additionally, ensure tools and fingers are clear of the propellers when making adjustments.
Configuring the Controller and Receiver
Setting Up the Jumper T16 MultiProtocol Radio Transmitter
The Jumper T16 is an excellent choice for beginners due to its multiprotocol capability, allowing you to connect to various receivers. Begin by binding it to your drone, then configure buttons and switches for easy control of flight modes. Regular practice with the transmitter improves your skill and comfort during flights.
Pairing the Jumper R1 Receiver
To achieve a seamless connection, bind the Jumper R1 receiver with your T16 transmitter. Ensure the transmitter and receiver are on compatible protocols and frequencies. This pairing process is essential to establish a reliable communication link for accurate control during your drone’s operation.
Fixing RSSI Scale Issues
In certain instances, the Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) scale might need adjustments. Adjust the RSSI scale to ensure it reads up to 100% for better signal monitoring. Proper RSSI calibration ensures you maintain a strong signal link between the drone and controller, crucial for safe flights.
Preparing for the First Flight
Securing Batteries and Managing Balance Leads
Securing batteries is crucial for maintaining the drone’s center of gravity. Use strategic placement to ensure balance and avoid disconnections during aggressive maneuvers. Properly manage balance leads to avoid tangling and damage, ensuring reliable performance throughout the flight.
Attaching GoPro Mounts and Adjusting with Zip Ties
For filming aerial views, attach a GoPro using recommended mounts that dampen vibrations. Use zip ties to adjust the mount’s positioning. This setup captures smooth footage and prevents the camera from detaching during unexpected landings.
Testing Fail-Safes
Testing fail-safes before your maiden flight is critical. Simulate loss of signal scenarios by turning off the transmitter. Ensure the drone responds by disarming and landing promptly. Effective fail-safe settings prevent flyaways and potential loss of the drone.
Performing the First Flight Experience
Conducting a Hover Maiden Flight
Begin with a hover maiden flight to test the drone’s basic functionalities. Focus on hovering at a low altitude to evaluate stability and responsiveness. This initial flight helps identify configurations that may need recalibration without risking high-altitude flight.
Handling Common In-Flight Issues
During flight, you might encounter issues such as drifting or oscillation. Address these by adjusting the PID settings in the flight controller’s software. Use the hover flight as an opportunity to troubleshoot and refine the drone’s control parameters for better performance.
Documenting the Experience for Improvement
Record your first flight to assess performance and areas for improvement. Analyzing footage allows you to evaluate flight characteristics and make necessary adjustments to the setup or technique for future flights. Learning from documented experiences accelerates your growth and proficiency in piloting FPV drones.
Exploring Firmware Options
Differences Between Betaflight and iNav Firmware
Betaflight and iNav offer distinct features catering to different flight styles. Betaflight is favored for acrobatics and racing due to its responsive tuning capabilities. In contrast, iNav offers enhanced GPS features, making it suitable for long-range flights. Understanding these differences helps you choose the firmware that aligns with your flying objectives.
Evaluating GPS Functionality and Reliability
Evaluating GPS functionality is essential, especially if using iNav. Reliable GPS capabilities enable advanced features like automated return-to-home functions and waypoint navigation. Ensuring your firmware is optimized for GPS enhances the safety and convenience of exploratory flights.
Future Benefits of Transitioning to iNav Firmware
While Betaflight excels in freestyle and racing, transitioning to iNav can unlock new possibilities for autonomous flight and precision. As you gain experience, exploring the capabilities of iNav improves your knowledge base and expands the range of flying activities you can engage in.
Conclusion
Encapsulating the First Build and Flight Experience
Building and flying your first FPV drone is an exhilarating journey from assembling individual parts to witnessing it take flight. This process not only enhances your technical skills but also unravels the intricacies of drone technology, leaving you eager for more learning and refining your creation.
Reflecting on Lessons Learned
Through this initial experience, you discover the importance of careful planning, soldering techniques, configuration adjustments, and safety protocols. These lessons learned provide a foundation for future projects, allowing for progressive improvement in both building and flying.
The Infinite Possibilities and Community in FPV Drone Flying
The world of FPV drone flying offers infinite possibilities, from racing to exploration and aerial cinematography. Engaging with the FPV community further enriches the experience, offering shared knowledge and camaraderie. Whether flying solo or participating in events, the journey is continually rewarding, fueled by the endless opportunities for innovation and connection.