How to build a 8 inch FPV drone step by step

Tap each step when you finish it.

1. 🧰Step 1

   Get the parts and tools ready

   You need a temperature-controlled soldering iron, solder and flux, hex drivers (1.5, 2 and 2.5 mm), a multimeter and a smoke stopper. Work on a clear table with good light.

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2. ⚙️Step 2

   Mount the motors on the frame

   Use screws of the right length: if they are too long they can touch the motor windings and damage them. Point the wires towards the centre of the drone.

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3. 🧠Step 3

   Mount the flight controller and the ESC

   Screw them down with anti-vibration grommets on the 30.5x30.5 pattern. The arrow on the flight controller must point forward.

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4. 🔥Step 4

   Solder the motors and the battery lead

   Solder the 3 wires of each motor to the ESC and the battery lead (XT60 / XT90), minding + and −. Add the capacitor that comes with the ESC: it protects the electronics from voltage spikes.

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5. 📹Step 5

   Install the camera and video transmitter

   Always connect the video antenna before powering up: a transmitter without an antenna can burn out in seconds.

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6. 📡Step 6

   Connect and bind the receiver

   Solder the receiver to a free UART port (TX to RX and RX to TX). With ExpressLRS, set the same binding phrase on the radio and the receiver.

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7. 🛡️Step 7

   Safe first power-up

   Before plugging in the battery, check with the multimeter that there is no short between + and −. Power up the first time with the smoke stopper on.

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8. 💻Step 8

   Set up Betaflight

   Update the firmware, enable the receiver port, set up the modes (arm, acro/angle, beeper), check the motor spin direction and the failsafe. On big drones, also set up GPS Rescue.

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9. 🌀Step 9

   Fit the props (always last)

   Only fit the props once everything works. Respect each motor's spin direction and tighten them well.

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10. 🚀Step 10

    First flight

    Fly in an open area, away from people. In Spain and the EU, if your drone has a camera or weighs more than 250 g you normally have to register as an operator with your national aviation authority: check the current rules before flying.

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