You’re about to embark on an exciting journey into the world of drone building, where you’ll transform a box of intricate components into a technological marvel! This guide is tailored for beginners like you, eager to craft their own 5-inch digital 6S FPV drone. From unboxing the GEPRC Mark5 DC DJI O3 6S ELRS to assembling every piece with precision, you’ll learn how each part plays a crucial role in your drone’s performance. Along the way, there are tips to make the process smoother, ensuring your first foray into the skies is as smooth and thrilling as possible.
Starting from the very basics, you’ll understand everything from the choice of motors to the assembly of the frame, and even the nuances of soldering electronics. Whether it’s the thrill of seeing your creation come to life or the satisfaction of knowing how each component contributes to your drone’s flight, this guide has got you covered. Plus, with tips on enhancing your drone with extras like RGB LEDs, you’ll soon be ready to enjoy freestyle flying and capture breathtaking views. Your support and curiosity fuel this adventure, making every step a rewarding experience!
Join the complete build journey of the GEPRC Mark5 DC DJI O3 6S ELRS—from unboxing to full assembly! #fpvbuild #fpvdrone #fpv #diydrone
👉 Enhance your FPV Drone: • Add RGB LEDs to Your FPV Drone | Simp…
👉 Start building your first 3.5-INCH: • It Was WAY Harder Than I Thought!
In this guide, you’ll be taken through a detailed step-by-step process to build the GEPRC Mark5 DC DJI O3 6S ELRS. You’ll start from unboxing all the components, proceed to assemble the frame, mount the motors, and complete soldering the electronics, ensuring a fully supported experience.
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Parts utilized:
GEPRC Mark5 DC Pro O3: (https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_oEr…) (https://www.banggood.com/custlink/D33…)
T-Motor Velox V3 motors (2050KV): (https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_oFM…) (https://www.banggood.com/custlink/vGD…)
SpeedBee F405 V4 flight controller with 55A ESC: (https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_oma…) (https://www.banggood.com/custlink/vK3…)
DJI O3: https://amzn.to/3X8est9 *
CNHL 6S batteries (1100mAh): (https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_opd…) (https://www.banggood.com/custlink/KDK…)
Hurricane 51433 Galaxy props: (https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_olU…) (https://www.banggood.com/custlink/DGm…)
Receiver: (https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_omS…) (https://www.banggood.com/custlink/DDv…)
GEPRC O3 Antenna mount STL: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:625…
DJI Integra: https://amzn.to/42ZSAE7 *
👉 Ready-to-Fly: GEPRC Mark5: (https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_onZ…) (https://www.banggood.com/custlink/3KG…)
Accessories:
Remote Control: (https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_oCU…) (https://www.banggood.com/custlink/vvK…)
Best DJI Goggles Face Mask: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_onN… *
Battery Charger: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_onv… *
Electric Screwdriver: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_omF… *
Smoke Stopper: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_oF6… *
Soldering Station: https://amzn.to/42WmHfu *
Your Setup:
Macbook: https://amzn.to/40X5JuV *
Camera: https://amzn.to/3QkxM2E *
Monitor: https://amzn.to/4gGToRx *
Links might be affiliate links. By purchasing through these links, you earn me a small commission at no extra cost to you.
PID values:
+——–+———————-+———————-+———————-+———————-+———————-+
| Axis | Proportional | Integral | D max | Derivate | Feedforward |
+——–+———————-+———————-+———————-+———————-+———————-+
| Roll | 57 | 102 | 51 | 41 | 186 |
+——–+———————-+———————-+———————-+———————-+———————-+
| Pitch | 60 | 107 | 68 | 55 | 194 |
+——–+———————-+———————-+———————-+———————-+———————-+
| Yaw | 57 | 102 | 0 | 0 | 186 |
+——–+———————-+———————-+———————-+———————-+———————-+
✨ Enhance your FPV drone skills: • Add RGB LEDs to Your FPV Drone | Simp…
🛩️ Begin your first 3.5-INCH drone build: • It Was WAY Harder Than I Thought!
Music
Song: Venjent x Oktae – Calling For You
Music provided by NoCopyrightSounds
Free Download/Stream: http://ncs.io/CallingForYou
Watch: AT/youtube
About you:
Hey, you’re FPV Geek from Germany!
You build drones, capture cinematic views, and perform freestyle flying. Let’s geek out together!
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Choosing the Right Components
Embarking on the exhilarating journey of building your first FPV drone can be both thrilling and slightly overwhelming. With the right components selected, you’ll be well on your way to carving up the skies with your very own creation. Let’s dive into the essential parts needed for the GEPRC Mark5 DC DJI O3 6S ELRS build.
Selecting the GEPRC Mark5 DC Frame
The GEPRC Mark5 DC frame is a sturdy and reliable choice that offers a perfect blend of durability and functionality. As a beginner, you’ll appreciate its well-thought-out design that caters to both freestyle and cinematic flying styles. Assembling this frame is straightforward, providing you with the confidence you need to start on your FPV journey.
Choosing Motors: T-Motor Velox V3
Next up, you’ll need motors that pack both efficiency and power. The T-Motor Velox V3 motors with 2050 KV are an excellent choice. Known for their performance and reliability, these motors should cost you around €15 each. With such a solid reputation, you’ll find that these motors offer great performance, especially for someone new to the craft.
Opting for the DJI O3 Air Unit
For top-notch video quality and seamless capture, the DJI O3 Air Unit is a superb component. It’s still on the pricier side at around €250, but investing in quality ensures you have clear visuals and optimal footage. To protect this valuable unit, consider using ND filters, which also enhance video quality.
Choosing Suitable ESC and Flight Controller
Selecting the SpeedyBee F405 V4 flight controller paired with a 55 amps ESC is a wise choice for this build. This combo provides ample power for the motors and delivers excellent performance at a reasonable cost of approximately €77. This flight stack offers a good balance of price and performance, ideal for beginner drone builders.
Selecting the Right Batteries
The CNHL 6S batteries with an 1100 mAh capacity are suitable for your build, costing around €25 each. These batteries deliver reliable power, ensuring extended flight times and bringing your drone to life in the skies.
The Importance of Propeller Selection
Don’t overlook the propellers! They are crucial to your drone’s flight performance. The Hurricane 51433 props in Galaxy color add a touch of style while providing exceptional balance and thrust, perfect for dynamic maneuvers and smooth stabilization.
Unboxing and Preparing Your Workspace
Unboxing the Components
Once you’ve gathered all your parts, it’s time for the exciting moment: unboxing. Carefully open each box and lay out the components to ensure nothing’s missing. Familiarizing yourself with the parts allows for a smoother assembly process.
Organizing Your Workspace
Creating an organized workspace is vital. Lay down a large, clean surface where you can methodically organize your components. A tidy work area not only makes the assembly process more efficient but also helps prevent any misplacement of crucial parts.
Important Tools You’ll Need
Stock your workspace with essential tools such as a precision electric screwdriver, an 8mm nut driver for propellers, a craft scalpel for precise cuts, nut drivers with bit inserts, and tweezers for detailed work. With these tools, you’ll be prepared for any challenges that arise during the assembly.
Assembling the Frame
Preparing the Frame
Before you start attaching parts, examine your GEPRC Mark5 DC frame carefully. As you’re dealing with a multitude of screws and plates, attention to detail is key. Following the frame instructions, prepare each piece for assembly.
Assembling the Bottom Plate
The bottom plate serves as the foundation of your drone. Secure this plate firmly, ensuring every screw is tight. This sturdy base contributes to the overall robustness of your drone, laying the foundation for a well-built craft.
Attaching the Arms Securely
Next, it’s time to attach the arms. Their secure attachment is crucial, as they house your drone’s motors. Ensure each arm is firmly fastened, providing the necessary support for handling high-speed aerial maneuvers.
Mounting the Motors
Securing the TPU Piece to the Arm
Begin motor assembly by securing the TPU piece to the bottom of each arm. This acts as a buffer, adding protection and stability to your motors, essential for a smooth flight experience.
Properly Aligning and Securing the Motors
Carefully align your T-Motor Velox V3 motors on the arms. Proper alignment is vital for balanced flight. Fasten each motor tightly, preventing vibrations that can disrupt onboard electronics and reduce flight performance.
Threading Motor Wires Through Cable Channels
After securing the motors, thread the motor wires through the designated cable channels. This provides a clean look while protecting the wires from environmental elements and potential snags during flight.
Soldering Essentials
Soldering the Capacitor to the ESC
Soldering can seem daunting, but with patience, you’ll master it. Start by attaching the capacitor to the ESC. This helps smooth out voltage spikes, crucial for maintaining stable flight and protecting your components.
Attaching the XT60 Connector
Attach the XT60 connector, ensuring a strong and reliable solder joint. This connection is essential for powering your drone, so take your time to create a solid bond that won’t fail during flight.
Soldering Motor Wires to the ESC
Finally, solder the motor wires to the ESC. Trim each wire to the right length and solder them in place securely. This step requires attention to detail, as it’s fundamental for the drone’s proper functioning.
Installing the Receiver
Unboxing the ELRS Receiver
The ELRS receiver is a critical component for controlling your drone. Unbox it carefully, ensuring you have all necessary bits. This small yet powerful device is the link between your controller and your drone.
Soldering Tips and Tricks
Utilize a thin soldering tip for the receiver. This allows for precision, especially when dealing with small pads. Practice makes perfect, so take your time to ensure clean and secure connections.
Ensuring RX and TX Line Connections
When soldering the receiver, focus on swapping the RX and TX lines. RX on the receiver should connect to TX on the flight controller, and vice versa. This ensures accurate communication between your transmitter and drone.
Mounting the Camera and Air Unit
Installing the Standoffs and Camera Cage
Begin by installing the standoffs and camera cage. The robust aluminum cage not only provides a sturdy mount for your camera but also offers ample protection in the event of rough landings or crashes.
Mounting the DJI O3 Camera
Carefully mount the DJI O3 camera within the cage. Prioritize using dampeners here to reduce unwanted vibrations that can interfere with video quality, ensuring crisp and clear footage.
Securing the Air Unit
Position the O3 Air Unit towards the rear, securing it with 3D-printed TPU parts. Ensuring stability in this component is key to reliable video transmission and quality, providing you with great visuals as you fly.
Finalizing Setups and Adjustments
Re-orienting the XT60 Connector and Receiver
Revisit the orientation of your XT60 connector and receiver, ensuring they are facing upwards and securely placed. This helps in preventing them from becoming tangled or disconnected during flight.
Adjusting the Antenna Setup
A well-positioned antenna is crucial for maintaining a strong signal. Adjust your ELRS antenna, ensuring its length and position do not cause vibrations or disruptions to your drone’s balance.
Mounting the Top Plate and GoPro Adapter
Finally, mount the top plate and, if you’re capturing footage, the GoPro adapter. Ensure each component is secure, with enough room for additional accessories, completing your drone build.
Conducting the Smoke Test
Connecting the Flight Controller to ESC
With everything assembled, it’s time to connect your flight controller to the ESC. This first connection should power your entire setup, bringing your creation to life.
Ensuring Proper Power Flow
Conduct a smoke test to confirm that everything is connected correctly. This crucial step verifies proper power flow, alerting you to any missteps before your drone takes its first flight.
Conclusion
Reflecting on the Building Process
Building your first FPV drone is an exhilarating journey of discovery and accomplishment. Reflect on each step, appreciating the challenges and triumphs that come with bringing a complex machine to life.
Final Thoughts on Performance
Once your drone takes to the skies, all the careful planning and assembly will translate into exhilarating flight performance. Your attention to detail and component selection pays off in every maneuver and captured moment.
Inviting Feedback and Questions
Flying a drone you built from scratch is an incredible feeling. As you venture forward, welcome any feedback or questions from the community to enhance your skills and share your passion. Feel free to ask anything and share your own experiences—let’s learn and grow together in this amazing hobby!