When constructing or modifying an FPV drone, one query that usually comes up is: Can I mount my motors the other way up? The quick reply is sure, and this setup is named a pusher configuration. This implies the motors and propellers are flipped, pushing air downward slightly than pulling it.
Whereas this configuration has some benefits, notably for cinematic FPV drones, it additionally comes with just a few downsides. On this information, I’ll break down how the pusher setup works, what you have to think about when switching to it, and the way it impacts flight efficiency and sturdiness.
Additional Readings:
What Is a Pusher Configuration?
In a standard FPV drone setup, motors are mounted on high of the arms with the propellers (props) pulling air downward.
In a pusher configuration, the motors are mounted the other way up, with propellers beneath the arms pushing air downward as a substitute.
This setup is usually utilized in cinematic FPV drones to maintain the props out of the digital camera’s view. It’s additionally seen in some specialty drones the place aerodynamics or part placement advantages from this structure.
Execs and Cons of a Pusher Configuration
Execs:
- Improved Aerodynamics and Effectivity – Some argue that having the arms above the propeller permits extra air to be moved for a similar energy, resulting in barely extra environment friendly flight.
- Higher Digicam Visibility – Because the propellers are mounted additional away from the digital camera, the props grow to be much less more likely to seem in footage, making it a pretty possibility for cinematic FPV drones.
- Extra Part House – With the props beneath, there’s typically extra room on the highest plate for mounting parts like batteries, motion cameras, or different FPV gear.
Cons:
- Touchdown Challenges – Many drone frames are designed to land on their backside plate. With upside-down motors, the motors and props grow to be touchdown factors, which isn’t preferrred for sturdiness. Subsequently you’ll most likely want touchdown gear or taller prop guards to land on.
- Vulnerability to Particles – In a crash, props in a pusher setup are nearer to the bottom, growing the possibility of getting obstructed by grime, grass, small rocks or carpet. That is particularly problematic for freestyle, racing, or tiny whoop drones that crash regularly.
- Reversing Motor Instructions – Switching to a pusher setup means reversing the motor spin course in Betaflight (or no matter flight controller software program you employ), which provides further complexity throughout setup. Not very newbie pleasant.
The best way to Convert Your Drone to a Pusher Configuration
If you wish to swap to a pusher setup, comply with these steps:
1. Flip the Motors
- Unscrew and mount the motors the other way up.
2. Reverse Motor Rotation in Betaflight
- Because the motors at the moment are the other way up, they are going to spin in the other way, and it is best to reverse it.
- To do that, change motor course within the ESC settings by following this information: https://oscarliang.com/change-motor-spin-direction-quadcopter/
- Then inform Betaflight the motors are spinning the other way by going to Betaflight Configurator → Motors Tab and allow “Motor Course is Reversed”.
3. Flip Over Propellers
- Take away and flip the props the other way up when reinstalling them.
- The vanguard ought to nonetheless be going through ahead within the course of journey, although the props at the moment are under the arms.
4. Take a look at Motor Course
- Use the Sliders within the Motors tab in Betaflight to verify all motors are spinning the proper method earlier than arming the drone.
Is a Pusher Setup Proper for You?
The pusher configuration isn’t for everybody. Freestyle, racing and tiny whoop pilots who regularly crash could discover it impractical as a consequence of propeller obstructions and tough landings. Then again, cinematic drone pilots on the lookout for a cleaner digital camera view could profit from the setup.
Would you strive a pusher setup in your drone? Let me know your ideas!