In this guide, you’ll embark on an exciting journey to build your very own 5-inch Freestyle FPV drone, perfect for 2022! You’ll discover the essential components needed for this project, from frames and motors to flight controllers and receivers. With helpful tips on utilizing 3D print files, you’ll learn how to customize your analog alternatives for the best performance. Plus, helpful discount codes are included so you can save on your drone-building journey.
You will be guided through a step-by-step process that covers everything from frame assembly to soldering, ensuring a smooth building experience. You’ll also receive tips on component installation, like securing antennas and managing cables neatly with 3D-printed parts. By the end, you’ll have your drone tuned in BetaFlight and ready for the skies. Don’t forget about the affiliate links provided that support the creator’s channel, ensuring you have access to the recommended parts for building your dream freestyle FPV drone.
This is your 2022 5” Freestyle FPV drone build guide.
TBS Source One V3 Frame: https://bit.ly/3QDDdaM
Xilo Stealth Motors: https://bit.ly/3L28mTZ
Mamba basic F405 Stack: https://bit.ly/3et71t0
Caddx Polar Vista: https://bit.ly/36ZPy8p
BetaFPV ELRS TX: https://bit.ly/3MWPUNc
BetaFPV ELRS RX: https://bit.ly/3CC661m
Ethix PB&J P3 props: https://bit.ly/3LTJayk
Lumenier Butter Cutter props: https://bit.ly/3LVn4ev
Analog alternatives:
Rush Tank Mini (One of your favorite analog VTX’s): https://bit.ly/3jEo1w1
Foxxeer Cat 3 Mini Camera: https://bit.ly/3LPPMO3
Micro to Mini Camera adapter: https://bit.ly/3v8RX8L
Tattu 1050mah 6s Batteries: https://www.banggood.com/custlink/vmD…
3D Print Files:
GoPro Mount: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:405…
Arm Bumpers: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:432…
Antenna Mount & Extras: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:306…
Banggood Discount Codes
https://www.banggood.com/custlink/v3G…
8% off FPV products – – – – Parts8
11% off For new customers – – – – – Toysho
10% off Eachine – – – – – BGEachine10
Support the channel by clicking these affiliate links when purchasing parts at these sites!
RDQ – https://www.racedayquads.com?aff=58
BetaFPV – https://betafpv.com?sca_ref=1435233.qFHxUmh5f2
Banggood – https://www.banggood.com/custlink/v3G…
DJI Avata: https://click.dji.com/AB1INXHhMDX0AWL…
Starter FPV Drone Kit with everything you need: https://www.banggood.com/custlink/3Dv…
Your Favorite Pre-Built Drones
Geprc Cinelog 25: https://bit.ly/3ikKDRa
BetaFPV Pavo 360: https://bit.ly/3IPimhT
iFlight Titan XL5: https://www.banggood.com/custlink/vvm…
Digital DJI System
DJI FPV Goggles V2: https://bit.ly/3qfTEzr
Caddx Polar Vista: https://bit.ly/3tsqTSp
Frames
iFlight XL5: https://bit.ly/3wfgwTr
Steele 5” Budget Frame (Apex Clone): https://www.banggood.com/custlink/mKG…
Flight Controllers
Mamba F722s: https://www.banggood.com/custlink/vGv…
HGLRC 60a Stack: https://www.banggood.com/custlink/vDv…
Motors
6s Xilo Stealth Motors – https://bit.ly/3fdnVqu
iFlight XING Motors – https://www.banggood.com/custlink/Gmv…
Emax ECO II Motors: https://bit.ly/34QovLv
Analog VTX/Camera:
Camera: https://bit.ly/3u2VJQl
TX/RX
TBS Crossfire:
ELRS rx: https://bit.ly/3CC661m
ELRS tx: https://bit.ly/3MWPUNc
R9M rx: https://bit.ly/3COm7Sb
R9M tx: https://bit.ly/3tst3Bv
Highly Recommended Tools:
Electric Multi-tool: https://www.banggood.com/custlink/GDK…
Soldering Iron: https://amzn.to/3q3pXku
Motor Grip Pliers: https://www.banggood.com/custlink/3Dv…
LiPo Battery Voltage Tester: https://bit.ly/3u97Ewc
Other Equipment:
Your Backpack: https://bit.ly/3IeyY12
Naked GoPro Hero 8 Case & BEC: https://bit.ly/3yuWjI5
Naked GoPro 6 Case & BEC: https://www.banggood.com/custlink/vKm…
Balance Lead GoPro power cable: https://www.banggood.com/custlink/KvD…
DJI Air 2 S: https://amzn.to/3wfAxcy
GPS Module: https://bit.ly/3u3VTqR
QX7 Controller: https://www.banggood.com/custlink/vDm…
GoPro Hero 9: https://amzn.to/349z9Ju
GoPro Hero 10: https://amzn.to/3ILPAyC
DISCLAIMER: This video and description contain affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I will receive a small commission. This helps support this channel and allows me to continue to make videos like this. Thank you for your support!
Selecting the Right Frame
Introduction to TBS Source 1 v3 Frame
When building a freestyle FPV drone, choosing the right frame is paramount to ensuring your drone has the desired balance between durability and performance. The TBS Source 1 v3 5-inch frame comes highly recommended for freestyle builds. It stands out for its robustness, providing a durable platform that can handle the rigors of intense flying and crashes. Its wide availability of modifications and spare parts, especially 3D printable ones, makes it a versatile choice for customizations and repairs, suiting both beginners and seasoned drone builders alike.
Durability and 3D Printable Parts
The TBS Source 1 v3 frame is well-regarded for its resilience due to its thick carbon fiber construction, which provides an ideal balance between weight and strength. What makes it even more appealing is the availability of numerous 3D printable parts. These allow you to modify your drone with custom accessories ranging from camera mounts to antenna holders, enhancing both functionality and aesthetics. Leveraging 3D printing not only reduces repair costs but also allows for easy customization to meet your specific needs.
Considerations for Frame Size and Weight
When selecting a frame, size and weight are important considerations that impact both performance and battery efficiency. The 5-inch frame size of the TBS Source 1 v3 is optimal for freestyle flying, offering a balance between maneuverability and stability. It’s essential to ensure that your frame’s weight aligns with your motor and battery choices to maintain peak performance and flight time. This balance is crucial for achieving the agile yet stable flight characteristics prized by freestyle pilots.
Choosing Your Motors
Overview of Xylo Stealth Motors
Motors are the powerhouse of your drone, and selecting the right ones is key to achieving the desired flight performance. The Xylo Stealth motors, particularly the 2206 1700 KV version, are an excellent choice for building a powerful yet efficient 5-inch freestyle drone. Known for their reliability and cost-effectiveness, these motors offer a great blend of power and efficiency, ensuring smooth and responsive flight characteristics essential for freestyle flying.
KV Rating and Its Implications
KV rating is a critical specification when choosing motors for your drone. The 1700 KV rating of the Xylo Stealth motors indicates their speed and torque capabilities, with a lower KV motor providing more torque at the expense of RPM. This makes the 1700 KV motors ideal for running on 6s setups, providing ample power for aggressive maneuvers while maintaining efficient battery usage. Understanding KV ratings helps in matching your motors to the battery voltage, ensuring optimal performance and longevity.
Motor Installation Guide
Installing your motors correctly is crucial for reliable performance and avoiding electrical shorts. Begin by mounting each motor onto the arms of the frame, ensuring secure attachment with appropriately sized screws. After mounting, solder the motor wires to the corresponding ESC pads, taking care to maintain a clean and tidy setup with the wires. Keeping wires short and neat reduces the chance of damage and ensures better aerodynamics.
Flight Controller and ESC Selection
Mamba Basic F405 MK2 Description
The flight controller (FC) is the brain of your drone, responsible for processing inputs and controlling outputs. The Mamba Basic F405 MK2 is a robust choice, offering excellent processing power to handle complex flight tasks. As a part of a stack with a 50 amp ESC, this flight controller ensures smooth operation and reliability, even under demanding flight conditions.
Integration with 50 Amp ESC
Pairing your flight controller with the right ESC is critical for handling the power demands of your motors. The Mamba Basic F405 MK2 comes integrated with a 50 amp ESC, which can handle up to 6s voltage setups. This integration simplifies the build process and ensures compatibility, making it a popular choice for 5-inch freestyle drones. The high amp rating provides headroom to handle aggressive flying without overheating or failure.
Soldering Guide for Flight Controller
Proper soldering technique is essential for a secure and reliable connection in your drone’s electronic components. Begin by tinning both the pads on the flight controller and the wires themselves. Use a steady hand and adequate flux to create strong solder joints and avoid cold solder joints, which can lead to connectivity issues. Double-check connections for any bridges and ensure all elements are firmly attached.
Video Transmission Systems
Digital vs Analog Systems
Choosing between digital and analog video transmission systems depends on your needs for image quality and latency. Digital systems, such as those from DJI, provide superior image clarity and range but at a higher cost and with increased latency. Analog systems, on the other hand, offer lower latency and are often preferred by competitive pilots for that reason. Each system has its pros and cons, and the right choice will depend on your priorities for your flying experience.
Utilizing the Caddx Polar Vista Kit
For those leaning towards digital, the Caddx Polar Vista Kit is a great option, combining a camera, VTX, and antenna in one package. This system simplifies the build process while ensuring high-quality video transmission. The integration is seamless, providing less clutter and easy setup, ideal for pilots who prefer digital over analog for their video feed due to its superior image clarity.
Alternative Analog Options
If you choose to go with an analog setup, there are plenty of options available that provide excellent performance at a lower cost. Systems from companies like TBS and Flysky offer reliable analog video transmission with good range and minimal latency, making them a favorite for many freestyle and racing pilots who require immediacy in their video feed.
Receiver and Remote Controller Protocols
Choosing the Right Communication Protocol
Selecting the right communication protocol for your receiver and remote controller is crucial for a responsive and reliable connection. Depending on your existing equipment, options like TBS Crossfire or ExpressLRS provide long-range capabilities and fast data rates, which are ideal for demanding flight scenarios. Understanding the compatibility between your controller and receiver is essential for optimal performance.
Using a BetaFPV ELRS Receiver
For those interested in using the ELRS protocol, the BetaFPV ELRS Receiver is a fantastic choice. This receiver offers outstanding range and low latency, providing a seamless flying experience. It’s also compact and lightweight, making it an excellent fit for smaller builds or those looking to minimize weight.
Binding Process with Controller
Binding your receiver to your controller is a crucial step in setting up your flight system. To start the binding process, ensure both the receiver and controller are in binding mode. Once in this mode, they’ll automatically pair, allowing you to configure the setup in BetaFlight, ensuring the correct channel mappings and modes.
Propeller Selection
PB J Fx 5-inch Props Overview
Propellers are integral to your drone’s flight dynamics, and selecting the right ones can greatly impact performance. The PB J Fx 5-inch props are popular for their excellent balance of thrust and efficiency. They provide smooth and responsive control, making them ideal for freestyle flying where precision is key.
Testing Lumineer Butter Cutters
The Lumineer Butter Cutter props are another viable option, known for their durability and smooth flight characteristics. They provide a slightly different flying experience with a design that emphasizes high thrust and minimal noise. Testing different propellers like these ensures you find the best match for your flying style and preferences.
Balancing and Installation Tips
Properly balancing and installing your props is crucial to avoid vibrations that can affect flight performance and video quality. Begin by ensuring each propeller is correctly balanced using a prop balancing tool. When installing, ensure the props are tight and double-check for correct orientation corresponding to motor direction to maintain smooth operation.
3D Printing for Customization
Benefits of 3D Printed Parts
3D printing offers unparalleled customization options for your drone build, allowing for tailored parts that fit your specific build requirements. This capability allows you to easily produce spare parts or unique components like camera mounts, landing gear, or protective covers, enhancing both the durability and functionality of your drone.
Securing Antennas and Cable Management
One significant advantage of 3D printing is the ability to create custom mounts and clips to secure antennas and manage cables. This not only keeps your build neat and organized but also ensures that sensitive components like antennas are protected against damage, enhancing the overall reliability of your drone in the field.
Files and Resources for Printing
Access to a wide range of STL files and community resources means you can readily find or create parts to suit every need. Online repositories make it easy to download and print parts, with a wealth of designs available for everything from basic mounts to complex integrated shell designs, allowing for endless customization options.
Assembly and Installation Guide
Step-by-Step Frame Assembly
Assembling the frame is the first step in your drone build. Begin by laying out all frame components and mounting the arms to the base plate using the provided hardware. Securely fasten each component, ensuring everything is square and aligned before moving on to installing the stack components on the frame.
Motor and ESC Mounting Instructions
After assembling the frame, mount the motors onto the arms, using screws that fit snugly without penetrating too deeply. Next, fit the ESCs, ensuring they are securely attached either with screws or double-sided tape to prevent movement during flight. Proper mounting ensures stability and reduces the risk of electrical failures during operation.
Receiver and Battery Lead Soldering
Next, solder the receiver wires to your flight controller, ensuring a clean connection with properly tinned wires. Follow by attaching the battery leads to the ESC, making sure they are strongly secured and insulated to prevent shorts. Proper soldering technique is key to ensuring reliable power delivery.
Initial Configuration and Testing
Setting Up BetaFlight for Initial Test
Once your hardware is assembled, it’s time to configure your drone using BetaFlight. Connect your flight controller to your computer and launch BetaFlight Configurator. Configure basic settings such as board alignment, motor protocol, and receiver type to prepare your drone for its maiden flight.
Motor Direction Validation
Validating motor direction is a critical step before flying. Access the motors tab in BetaFlight and use the on-screen tool to spin each motor, ensuring they rotate in the correct direction. Adjust any motors spinning the wrong way by switching any two wires or using software tools like BLHeli to adjust the firmware.
Configuring Receiver and OSD Settings
Proper receiver configuration is essential for ensuring that your controller inputs correspond correctly with your drone’s actions. Assign channel mappings and set up on-screen display (OSD) elements in BetaFlight to provide real-time data like battery voltage and flight time, allowing you full oversight while flying.
Conclusion
Summary of Key Building Steps
Building a freestyle FPV drone involves several key steps, from selecting the right frame and components to assembling them with care. Proper configuration and testing ensure a reliable and enjoyable flying experience. Emphasizing precision in each step enhances performance and prolongs the life of your drone.
Final Thoughts on Analog Alternatives
While digital systems offer superior image quality, analog alternatives remain viable for many pilots due to their lower cost and reduced latency. Exploring these options allows for more accessible entry points into the world of FPV drones, especially for those balancing budget considerations with performance needs.
Resources and Further Learning Opportunities
As technology evolves, staying updated with the latest systems and techniques in FPV drone building is valuable. Numerous resources, from community forums to tutorial videos, are available to help you refine your skills and customize your builds, ensuring your drone remains at the forefront of performance and innovation.