In the “Guide to Building a 100MPH FPV Racer Drone with Justin Davis,” you’ll embark on a thrilling adventure of constructing a high-speed drone that can reach the 100MPH mark. Collaborating with industry greats like Lumeneir, HGLRC, and Emax, this guide brings you detailed steps along with a comprehensive parts list to create a powerful FPV racer. Your journey in building this incredible machine will be supported by key components such as the Lumenier QAV-ULX frame and the HGLRC F4 Flame flight controller, all expertly demonstrated by Justin Davis from Drone Camps RC.
Get ready to dive into the world of FPV racing as Justin breaks down each aspect of the build with precision. From selecting the right motors and ESCs to integrating the Runcam Swift Mini camera, you’ll discover how to optimize performance while maintaining a lightweight design. With clear instructions and expert tips, you’ll gain the confidence to assemble your own speed demon, all while ensuring compliance with any local regulations in your area. So, prepare your toolkit and let’s unleash the thrill of FPV racing!
The 100MPH racer awaits! You craved speed. Now, it’s here. You’ll learn how to build your most powerful FPV racer with us. Collaborating with Lumeneir, HGLRC, and Emax, you’ll create a machine that outshines any FPV racing gate. Full tutorial video and parts links below for your assistance.
BUILD YOUR RACER – Parts and Links :
===================================
The Frame : Lumenier QAV-ULX : (now available at a reduced price $59)
http://www.getfpv.com/qav-ulx-ultra-l…
The Flight Controller : HGLRC F4 Flame :
http://www.gearbest.com/flight-contro…
Suggested Receiver : Frsky XSR SBUS Receiver : (more compact than X4R)
http://www.gearbest.com/multi-rotor-p…
The Fpv Camera : Runcam Swift Mini :
http://www.gearbest.com/runcam-swift-…
The Video Transmitter : Lumenier TX5G2R 200mw :
http://www.getfpv.com/lumenier-tx5g2r…
The Video Antenna : Emax Pagoda II Antenna RHCP :
http://www.gearbest.com/antenna/pp_62…
The Motors : Emax RS2306 White Red Bottom Motors :
http://www.gearbest.com/motor/pp_6142…
The Antenna : Emax Pagoda II 5.8Ghz RHCP Antenna (2 pack) :
http://www.gearbest.com/antenna/pp_62…
The ESCs : Emax 35A Bullet DShot 600 Escs : (Purchase 5 in case one gets misplaced):
http://www.gearbest.com/multi-rotor-p…
Or you can choose the 30A version of the Emax Bullet Escs here :
http://www.gearbest.com/multi-rotor-p…
ZOP Power 4S 1300mah Battery :
http://www.gearbest.com/multi-rotor-p…
F4 Flame Build Overview video :
• HGLRC F4 FLAME – Review & Overview
Review and build video by Justin Davis of
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Overview of the 100MPH FPV Racer Drone Build
Introduction to the FPV Racer Drone
Welcome to the exciting world of FPV (First-Person View) racing drones! In this article, we explore the journey of building a high-speed FPV racer drone, capable of reaching incredible speeds up to 100MPH. This guide is designed to help you, the drone enthusiast, in creating a powerful racing machine using carefully selected components. FPV racing drones offer an exhilarating experience, blending the thrill of speed with the artistry of engineering, and this setup promises to deliver just that.
Collaboration with Key Brands
Building a top-notch FPV racer drone requires more than just picking random parts—you need the right components from reliable brands. Our build collaborates with top-tier companies such as Lumenier, HGLRC, and Emax—each known for their quality and innovative products. This collaboration ensures that each part of the drone not only meets high-performance standards but also works smoothly with other components. These brands bring their expertise to the table, offering components that are durable, efficient, and designed to push performance to the extreme.
Key Features and Performance
The drone’s design prioritizes speed while ensuring stability and control, making it perfect for both experienced racers and ambitious newcomers. Key features include a robust Lumenier QAV-ULX frame known for its lightweight and durability, complemented by the precise HGLRC F4 Flame flight controller. Powering this beast are the Emax RS2306 White Red Bottom motors paired with Emax 35A Bullet DShot 600 ESCs, ensuring maximum thrust and responsiveness. The Runcam Swift Mini camera provides excellent visual feedback for the pilot. Together, these components create a harmonious balance between power, weight, and stability, achieving speeds that take FPV racing to the next level.
Essential Components for the Build
Frame: Lumenier QAV-ULX
The foundation of any drone is its frame, and the Lumenier QAV-ULX is nothing short of perfection for a high-speed racer. This frame is known for its ultra-lightweight and robust construction, making it the ideal choice for minimizing the overall weight while maintaining structural integrity. Designed to house all essential components seamlessly, the QAV-ULX offers ample space for motor and ESC installations. It ensures durability while absorbing the stresses of high-speed maneuvers and impacts, thus providing longevity to your build.
Flight Controller: HGLRC F4 Flame
The HGLRC F4 Flame, with its advanced processing power, acts as the brains of your drone. This flight controller simplifies the build process thanks to its intuitive design and comprehensive integration capabilities. It offers features like built-in OSD and beta flight integration, giving you full control to calibrate and monitor your drone’s performance in real-time. It excels in delivering quick response times, ensuring that your drone remains agile and responsive in high-speed races.
Motors: Emax RS2306 White Red Bottom
Motors are the heart of any drone, dictating how fast and nimble it can be. The Emax RS2306 White Red Bottom motors are renowned for their high thrust-to-weight ratio and robust performance. These motors are specifically engineered to handle high speed with precision and efficiency, allowing your drone to soar with unmatched velocity and control. The unique design of these motors enhances heat dissipation, which is crucial during intense racing sessions.
ESCs: Emax 35A Bullet DShot 600
Matched perfectly with the Emax motors, the Emax 35A Bullet DShot 600 ESCs provide smooth and powerful electronic speed control. These ESCs are compact, lightweight, and feature the latest DShot 600 protocol, offering faster and more reliable signal processing. This combination ensures that your drone can accelerate and maneuver swiftly while maintaining overall stability and efficiency.
Camera: Runcam Swift Mini
Visual clarity is paramount when you’re cruising at high speeds. The Runcam Swift Mini is an exceptional FPV camera, offering high-resolution feed and low latency, which are critical for precise and real-time navigation. Its compact size and durability make it an easy fit into the Lumenier frame, while its wide dynamic range adapts easily to various lighting conditions, ensuring clear visuals throughout your flight.
Step-by-Step Build Guide
Preparation and Tools Required
Before diving into the build, preparation is key. You’ll need a few tools and items to ensure a smooth assembly process. Essential tools include a soldering iron, heat shrink tubing, zip ties, screwdrivers, and a pair of wire cutters. Having a clean work area and a parts organizer will also help keep all components accessible and organized, minimizing the chances of losing small parts during the build.
Building the Frame
Begin with assembling the Lumenier QAV-ULX frame. Carefully follow the instructions that come with the frame kit, ensuring all screws and standoffs are securely fastened. Pay attention to the alignment and balance of the frame, as this forms the base upon which all other components will be mounted. Once assembled, the frame will provide a sturdy platform to start adding additional components.
Installing the Flight Controller
The next step involves mounting the HGLRC F4 Flame flight controller. Begin by connecting any necessary wires and sensors, ensuring that all connections are secure but flexible enough to adjust during the final tweaks. Once connected, securely mount the flight controller onto the frame, usually on vibration-dampening mounts to ensure stable flight performance.
Motor Mounting and Wiring
With the frame and flight controller secured, it’s time to attach the Emax RS2306 motors. Each motor is mounted on the designated points of the frame. Follow up by connecting each motor’s leads to their respective ESCs. Ensure that the wires are cut to the appropriate length to reduce clutter and optimize aerodynamics. Remember to secure all connections with zip ties to prevent loose wires from interfering during flight.
Setting Up the ESCs
The Emax 35A Bullet DShot 600 ESCs should now be soldered onto the power distribution board, which often integrates with your flight controller. Configure each ESC by connecting its signal wire to the flight controller, following the motor numbering you established. The DShot 600 protocol ensures that’s all you need for calibration, as these ESCs automatically adjust for optimal performance.
Integrating the Camera System
The final primary component is the Runcam Swift Mini camera. Install this camera on the front of the frame, ensuring it’s aligned correctly for the optimal field of view. Connect the camera feed to the flight controller, securing all cables and ensuring nothing blocks the camera’s field of vision. This integration allows for real-time video transmission, essential for FPV racing.
Advanced Build Tips from Justin Davis
Soldering Techniques
A clean, reliable solder is critical for drone performance. Justin Davis recommends using a fine-tip iron with high-quality solder to ensure solid connections without cold joints. Always pre-tin wires and contact points before soldering to improve the bond and electrical conductance.
Optimizing Component Layout
The arrangement of the drone’s internal components plays a significant role in its overall weight and performance. Aim for a compact layout that minimizes wire lengths and keeps the center of gravity balanced, which is particularly crucial for agility and control during high-speed maneuvers.
All-in-One Board Integration
Consider using an all-in-one board where possible, reducing the number of components and points of failure. This approach simplifies the overall build by consolidating several systems, leading to a cleaner look and more space within the frame to manage airflow and minimize weight.
Weight Optimization Strategies
Minimizing Overall Weight
To maximize speed, every gram counts. Opt for lightweight components and accessories, choosing parts made from durable but light materials, such as carbon fiber for the frame and aluminum or titanium for hardware.
Managing Takeoff Weight
Your drone’s takeoff weight includes the frame, components, and the battery. Balance this weight carefully to ensure optimal performance and avoid over-straining the motors, which can lead to reduced flight times and increased wear.
Impact on Flight Performance
A lighter drone accelerates faster, turns with more precision, and experiences less drag. This results in superior handling and top-end speeds, particularly noticeable in a competitive racing environment. However, it is essential to maintain sufficient mass to ensure stability during flight.
Electrical Noise Management
Using an LC Filter
Electrical noise can degrade the performance of your video feed and other electronic components. An LC filter is recommended to smooth out voltage spikes and other interference from the ESC to the flight controller.
Ensuring Stable Video Transmission
Ensure all video transmission components, such as the video transmitter and antenna, are properly shielded and have firm connections. This minimizes signal loss or interference, giving you a clean feed even over long distances.
Reducing Electrical Interference
Arrange high-current cables apart from signal and control wires. You can wrap high-current wires with additional insulation or shield them using conductive materials to prevent interference with your video signal.
Testing and Fine-Tuning the Drone
Initial Flight Tests
After construction, your drone will need thorough testing to ensure all systems function correctly. Begin with controlled checks, such as connecting your FPV goggles and testing motor and ESC outputs in a safe environment, preferably using a test stand.
Adjusting Flight Settings
Tweak your drone’s flight settings to match your style and racing conditions. Adjust PID settings, rates, and other flight parameters in beta flight until your drone handles smoothly and responsively.
Ensuring Optimal Speed and Maneuverability
After initial testing, focus on refining the setup for maximum speed. Fine-tune motor timings, calibration settings, and explore different propeller options to see what complements your build for top-end performance and swift maneuverability.
Recommended Best Practices and Maintenance
Keeping Spare Parts Handy
Always keep a stockpile of spare parts handy, especially propellers and motor mounts, as these are most prone to damage during intense races. Having these ready ensures minimal downtime and quick turn-around after mishaps.
Regular Maintenance Schedule
Establish a regular maintenance routine to conduct thorough checks of your drone’s components. Look out for signs of wear and fatigue, ensure components are securely fastened, and keep the flight controller settings up-to-date to prevent performance issues.
Ensuring Longevity of Components
Take care when disassembling parts for repair or upgrades. Use proper tools and techniques to avoid damaging sensitive electronics. Regularly cleaning the electronic boards and connectors of dust and debris is also essential for preventing deterioration.
Viewer Engagement and Community Building
Joining the Drone Camps Show
Engage with a community that shares your passion by joining the Drone Camps Show. This platform is a hub for drone enthusiasts, offering a wealth of tutorials and reviews that can expand your knowledge and skills in drone racing and building.
Connecting via Social Media
Engage with the drone community through social media outlets like Facebook and Instagram. Share your builds, seek advice, and stay informed about the latest developments in FPV racing through interactive communication with fellow enthusiasts.
Leaving Comments and Feedback
Your input is invaluable. Leave comments, ask questions, and provide feedback on tutorials to help the community grow. Your experiences might inspire others or bring forth new ideas that contribute to the collective learning environment.
Conclusion
Reflecting on the Building Experience
Building a 100MPH FPV racer drone is not just about assembling parts—it’s an enthralling journey of innovation, learning, and achievement. Each step offers opportunities to learn and perfect your craft, rewarding you with a speedy and responsive machine that’s truly your creation.
Appreciating the Engineering Feat
Every piece of your drone reflects cutting-edge technology and engineering marvel. Grasping the intricacies of how these components work together to reach impressive speeds is fulfilling and cultivates a deep appreciation for the innovation involved.
Invitation to Watch Future Videos
Stay tuned for more exciting content by subscribing to Future Videos featuring the latest in drone builds, tutorials, and tech gadgets. Your support and enthusiasm drive innovation and community growth, sparking endless possibilities in the world of FPV racing.