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Here’s a listing of important FPV instruments, tapes, glues and supplies for constructing and repairing FPV drones and glued wings. I’ll make suggestions on what merchandise it is best to get which are helpful for constructing, repairs and troubleshooting.
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Getting the “important instruments” listed on this submit must be enough to get you began with constructing and repairing an FPV drone and glued wing. Having a few of the “Good-to-have instruments“ could make your builds extra skilled trying and can assist restore/troubleshoot your drone, however by no imply obligatory.
All of the hyperlinks on this web page are affiliate hyperlinks. It doesn’t value you a dime extra, nevertheless it sends us a couple of cents each time a purchase order is made to maintain this weblog going. Thanks!
FPV Toolkits
These FPV toolkits include important instruments for constructing and repairing FPV drones at residence or within the discipline. They’re packaged in a neat carry case, making it simpler to pack for a day of flying. Designed particularly for FPV, these all-in-one toolkits are moderately priced and embody first rate high quality instruments. This comfort eliminates the necessity to seek for every merchandise individually.
| Newbeedrone Equipment | RDQ Drone Device Equipment | Flywoo Device Equipment |
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For informal FPV pilots, the RaceDayQuads equipment provides unbeatable worth. It’s the least costly and gives a flexible number of instruments. Alternatively, the NewBeeDrone equipment features a full soldering suite, making it best for superior constructing and restore. These two kits are notably geared in the direction of the purposeful wants of significant FPV racers or freestyle pilots, and I extremely advocate them. Finally, the selection is dependent upon your price range and the capabilities you want.
Important Instruments
These are the advisable and must-have instruments for constructing and repairing your mini quad.
Soldering Instruments
You have to a soldering iron for constructing and repairing FPV drones. Listed below are my product suggestions, and on this submit I’ll clarify in additional particulars how to decide on a great soldering iron and solder wires.
These are useful add-on for soldering.
| Solder Serving to Hand | Tip Cleaner | Mounting Putty |
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| For holding elements in place whereas soldering. | For cleansing the tip of soldering iron extra successfully than moist sponge. | Aka Blu Tack, putty can be utilized for holding small wires and elements in place shortly. |
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Hex Screwdriver Set
Hex screws are generally used to carry your FPV drone collectively, so getting a set of hex screwdrivers is extraordinarily essential. Crucial sizes it is best to have are:
Or search for metric units of 1.3-3mm sizes.
Listed below are some good choices:
Assorted Screwdriver Set
For the screw sizes sometimes discovered on RC planes and wings, each cross slotted and single slotted would possibly turn out to be useful. A few of these units on AliExpress include some hex screwdrivers too that may prevent some cash.
Prop Nut Instruments
For eradicating and securing propeller nuts requires a devoted “prop instrument”. You could possibly simply get a generic 8mm hex nut wrench, however I’d advocate getting a instrument that’s designed particularly for FPV that are simpler to make use of. There are a variety of choices:
- Some have one-way bearing that enables it to show one path – one facet for eradicating the prop nuts whereas the opposite facet for fastening. It permits you to principally tightening/loosen the nut with out lifting the instrument which is extra environment friendly.
- Some instruments even have 1.5mm, 2.0mm or 2.5mm hex bit that are useful to have
Discover this merchandise right here:
Scissors
For reducing tapes and small wires. When I’m being lazy I’d additionally use it for stripping wires earlier than soldering, maybe not one of the best apply nevertheless it will get the job carried out.
Wire Cutters
I take advantage of wire cutters for reducing zip ties, electrical wires, management rods and so on, principally for issues which are too arduous for scissors.
Pliers
For accessing arduous to achieve spots and gripping elements whereas working with different instruments (for instance when soldering a wire to an XT60 or ESC energy, the wire would possibly develop into too scorching to carry by hand). It may also be used as a nut wrench.
For probably the most half, a pair of needle nostril pliers might be your instrument of alternative right here, however a range wouldn’t harm both.
Forsep
This instrument is extraordinarily versatile. The lengthy, curved nostril permits you to attain the tight areas frequent in FPV drones. The scissors-style deal with gives extra power and precision than tweezers. Moreover, it locks in place, permitting you to set it down and free your hand for different duties if wanted.
Multimeter
A digital multimeter (DDM)is used to troubleshoot your quad’s electronics, measuring voltage, present, resistance, and take a look at for brief circuit. I’ve a complete tutorial explaining find out how to use a digital multimeter on an FPV drone.
A multimeter is a small funding that may probably prevent lots of of {dollars} in broken electrical elements by testing circuits earlier than plugging them in. An inexpensive multimeter might be effective for the needs of testing for shorts, discovering damaged wires and checking battery voltage.
Some good DDM buy choices are:
Smoke Stopper
A “smoke stopper” is a testing machine that you simply join between the FPV drone and LiPo battery. You utilize it once you plug within the battery for the primary time to see if the drone has a brief circuit, which may probably harm your elements and not using a smoke stopper.
I like to recommend the Vifly ShortSafer V2 (evaluate), it really works and you should purchase it off the shelf:
LiPo Voltage Checker
By merely connecting the stability lead of a LiPo battery to a LiPo checker, it tells you the voltage of the battery, in addition to the voltage of every cell. It’s an essential instrument to have to observe the state of your LiPo batteries on the go.
ToolkitRC MC8
It’s greater than only a battery checker, it’s additionally a servo and ESC tester and might learn varied RC indicators. See my evaluate on what it does right here: https://oscarliang.com/toolkitrc-mc8/
LiPo Secure Baggage
Whereas LiPo luggage will not be the best answer at stopping or containing a battery fireplace, they’re helpful for storing your batteries temporally and for transportation
Get your LiPo luggage from:
Ammo Field
Steel ammo packing containers are nice for storing your LiPo batteries throughout or after charging as they will forestall fireplace from spreading extra successfully than typical LiPo luggage.
Get your Ammo Field from:
Bat-Secure LiPo Field
The Bat-Secure field safely comprises battery fires, vents scorching gases, filters flame and soot, whereas making certain simple battery charging and transportation. It’s just like the upgraded model of the Ammo field. See my full evaluate right here: https://oscarliang.com/bat-safe-lipo-battery-charging-box/
You could find the Bat-Secure Field right here:
Good-to-have Instruments
Your FPV associates will certainly be impressed by these instruments 🙂
Electrical Screwdriver
Not obligatory however a godsend if it’s important to do a bunch of 20mm, 30mm lengthy screws typically. Merely press a button and the screwdriver will do the remaining for you. Additionally they include a big selection of screwdriver bits, which may prevent from shopping for these screwdrivers individually.
I like to recommend the ES126, it’s fairly highly effective and good high quality. One cost can final weeks.
Device Baggage
Manner higher than utilizing Ziploc luggage. Can maintain small instruments and elements when taking gear to the sphere.
Bench Energy Provide
A bench energy provide (PSU) has variable voltage output that may energy many issues, together with your soldering iron, take a look at your quad, FPV elements, LiPo charger and so forth.
My favourite for the time being is the ToolkitRC P200. It’s versatile and compact.
3D Printer
One of many greatest advantages of 3D printing for FPV drone lovers is the power to shortly and simply substitute damaged elements or make modifications to present designs.
I’ve a tutorial that will help you get began with 3D printing: https://oscarliang.com/3d-printer/
Tweezers
Tweezers are used to carry and transfer small elements and wires into place. Search for longer size tweezers to make it simpler to entry small elements. Cross-lock tweezers (or reverse tweezers) are most well-liked as a result of they apply strain once you launch them, they received’t let go of your work even in the event you set them down.
Wire Strippers
I’ve one however I hardly ever use it (largely as a consequence of laziness), many of the occasions I simply use scissors to strip wires. However wire strippers present extra constant and exact outcomes if you’re a perfectionist. Usually they solely cowl a sure vary of wire gauge, ensure that the pair you get meet your requirement.
Warmth Gun
Warmth gun, or hot-air gun, is especially used to shrink heat-shrink insulation tubes. Most individuals would simply use a lighter, scorching air gun is maybe an overkill, nevertheless it gives extra constant warmth and don’t depart burn marks.
Rotary Device
Drills can be utilized to make modifications to even probably the most cussed of supplies. They can be utilized for shaping framework or elements in addition to creating new gap placements for screws or different gear.
Most frames and elements bought from respected sellers ought to accurately match from the get go. Nonetheless, typically small modifications might should be made with the intention to get the whole lot to suit completely. A rotary instrument or drill is good to have round for working with troublesome to switch supplies like carbon fiber and aluminium.
Dremel rotary instrument equipment is a excessive finish, identify model that can be utilized and not using a energy wire.
File Set
You’ll use these recordsdata to switch and clear up issues like carbon fiber body elements, to present them a pleasant and clean end.
Digital Calliper
Helpful for exact measurement as much as 0.1mm.
Digital Scale
Each gram counts for RC fashions, so having an correct instrument to weigh your quadcopter and elements is essential. Having 1g precision is nice sufficient usually, however 0.1g is good particularly for these micro quad elements. Ensure most capability is over 1kg, in the event you plan to construct bigger fashions you would possibly wish to select one with even increased weight restrict.
Clamp Meter
A clamp meter permits you to measure present instantaneously by clamping the jaws round a wire with out the necessity to break into the circuit to take measurements. It’s able to measuring increased present than a multimeter, however the accuracy may be decrease and they’re pretty costly.
Watt Meter
A watt meter (or energy meter) can measure present drawn and energy consumption. It’s helpful for testing motor and even measuring the facility of an entire quadcopter. It’s essential to get one with XT60 connectors or open wires so you’ll be able to solder your personal. Score as much as 60V and 200A could be fascinating for FPV drone use.
Soldering Fume Extractor
Solder fumes are very unhealthy to your lung. Some individuals can develop into sensitized to flux fumes, particularly from the older rosin flux utilized in cored solder, and get respiratory issues.
Desktop Fan
Nice for cooling once you energy the VTX on the bench, it could double as soldering smoke fan (suck the fume away).
RF Energy Meter
For testing and measuring radio/video transmitter output energy. ImmersionRC Energy Meter V2 is an compact and reasonably priced possibility although accuracy just isn’t assure, it’s higher than nothing.
Antenna SWR Meter
Understanding the SWR of your 5.8GHz antenna can assist determine which frequency or channel it is best to use for optimum efficiency What’s antenna SWR: https://oscarliang.com/best-fpv-antenna/#SWR. Inquisitive about measuring antenna SWR? Try my tutorial for a deep dive into the method:: https://oscarliang.com/litevna-measure-antenna-swr/.
Get your LiteVNA from these distributors (IMPORTANT: guarantee it helps as much as 6.3GHz!):
FTDI Adapter
FTDI adapter, aka serial converter, could be helpful for programming ESC, OSD, FC, configuring GPS and so on. Within the occasions of broken USB port in your FC, it’s also possible to use it to attach your FC to your laptop through one of many UART.
ST-Hyperlink V2 Programmer
That is used to flash units with STM32 processors, comparable to ExpressLRS receivers, flight controllers and ESC.
Voltage Regulator
It’s helpful for powering VTX when there’s no BEC in your FC. It’s tiny and lightweight weight, which is beneficial for FPV drones and RC planes, it’s additionally useful to have for digital tasks. It helps a variety of enter voltage from 5V, or 2S all the best way as much as 6S, and the output is adjustable utilizing a screw driver (you’ll want a multimeter to confirm the output voltage).
Get this mini voltage regulator from these distributors:
FPV Backpack
FPV Backpacks are extraordinarily helpful as a result of they’re designed particularly for storing typical FPV gear. Certain, you’ll be able to simply use any extraordinary backpack, however they aren’t going to be as environment friendly and handy to make use of for FPV stuff. And so they often lack the mandatory padding on the surface to guard your gear in the event you drop it.
Micro-fibre Fabric
Use a correct microfibre fabric to scrub your digicam lenses and goggles screens to keep away from scratching the glass!
Instruments for FPV Fastened Wings
Pastime Knife / Utility Knife
Pastime knife is nice for reducing and eradicating foam, tape and heatshrink. Field cutters would do too, however they are typically much less exact and fewer sharp.
Pearl Head Pins
For holding foam elements / carbon elements collectively if you’re utilizing glue that takes some time to dry.
Sand Paper
You wish to sand the froth surfaces and carbon fibre spars earlier than apply glue to them, it makes them stick higher.
I’d say something between 40 grits to 240 grits is okay. It is dependent upon your choice actually, so long as you’re not ripping bubbles off the froth. I personally use 80 to 120 grit, I discover something much less will make the beads of froth come out, and something greater than 120 takes a very long time to attain the specified consequence.
Servo Tester
It’s helpful for testing servos, and centring them when organising elevons. Additionally helpful for troubleshooting and testing ESC and motor spin path. You might also use it for motor thrust testing.
Weight for CG
These are weight blocks you’ll be able to place in your wing to stability CG. It’s not a nasty thought if you would like one thing neat, however I usually simply use cash. Really cash become cheaper.
Servo Cable Crimping Device
that is used for crimping wires onto lugs. You don’t want to purchase one straight away in the event you’re simply moving into the passion however ultimately the day will come when you will have one and can discover it helpful.
Servo connectors are Dupont 2.54mm, stability leads are JST-XH 2.54mm.
Scotch Heavy Obligation Packing Tape
The should have tape for common functions – overlaying, reinforcing hinges, laminating… Sellotape tape is okay, however I discover good high quality packing tape are usually thicker and stronger.
Coloration Packing Tape
Typically known as wing tapes, shade packing tapes are nice for adorning your wings, and including some colours to it. It’s typically used for overlaying and laminating.
Those I take advantage of are thinner than the heavy responsibility packing tape and aren’t as robust. However it doesn’t add any noticeable weight to the plane which is what I like!
Fibre Tape
AKA Reinforce Packing Tape – it’s extraordinarily robust and sticky! Typically used to guard main edges and reinforcing weak foam elements and joints. It may also be used for overlaying your servos within the wing.
Out of doors Vinyl Tape
It would really feel just like electrical tape, nevertheless it’s much less stretchy and has a shiny end and stick rather more securely. It’s additionally twice as thick as packing tape. It conforms to irregularity effectively, nice for making use of on management surfaces, like on prime of servos, it offers it a really clean end
Duct Tape
Stronger than packing tape and works a lot better on irregular surfaces, nevertheless it’s additionally a lot heavier; it’s simpler to take away and substitute; one other drawback is that they have an inclination to wrinkle up underneath the solar. it’s often a alternative between this or outside vinyl tape
Tapes
You possibly can in all probability get 90% of the roles carried out utilizing 2-3 forms of tapes, nevertheless it’s helpful to have the range for various functions too.
Electrical Tape
Electrical tape is a must have each time working with electrical stuff. It’s nice for insulation and holding elements in place in your FPV drone construct. I additionally use it for masking when I’m soldering.
I solely use 3M Tremendous 35, it’s stretchy vinyl and fairly versatile, nice for wrapping motor wires or ESC on the drone arms too.
Double-sided Tape
Double sided tape is for sticking elements contained in the construct. If you need some actually sticker and powerful ones, get the 3M Scotch model, that’s the sh*t! 🙂 Nice for sticking two separate issues collectively, like a receiver to the body. It takes a couple of hours to treatment, as soon as it’s safe it’s arduous to take away.
Kapton Tape
Kapton tape is principally non-stretchy translucent electrical tape. It could possibly face up to excessive temperature and received’t soften simply, subsequently is nice for overlaying PCB when soldering, and wrapping elements once you don’t have the appropriate sized clear heatshrink.
Masking Tape
It’s principally simply sticky paper 🙂 You possibly can tear it off the reel together with your fingers, very handy to make use of in the event you simply wish to maintain one thing in place temporally throughout the construct. It may be eliminated simply with out leaving any mess behind. You may also write on it because it’s simply paper.
Fabric Tape
A.okay.a gaffer’s tape, it’s versatile like fabric, nice for wrapping issues round. It’s sticky but additionally simple to take away. I take advantage of these for wrapping the motor wires to the arms, gives sure safety to the wires from prop strikes too.
Glue
Any foam pleasant glues would do!
Sizzling Glue
Sizzling glue might be the preferred possibility for constructing/repairing foam fashions. As a result of they soften into the froth like a chemical glue, but additionally creates an especially robust bodily bond on the identical time.
The power can also be its draw back. The bond is so robust it’s close to inconceivable to take away with out ripping the froth aside. Typically you may want the froth to only disintegrate in a crash somewhat than utterly destroyed? It’s a private choice.
The opposite properties is that it units in a short time because it cools down. However that’s additionally the drawback, as a result of you may have solely a short while to place the elements. That will get worse in chilly climate.
E6000 Glue
At present my favorite glue, I’m utilizing this as a alternative to scorching glue and CA for constructing/fixing wings. I’ve a complete article to focus on why I prefer it a lot.
UHU Por Glue
UHU POR glue is good for gluing arduous foam like styrofoam. It’s versatile, immune to growing older and waterproof. Takes 10-20 minutes to set, turns into clear when dried.
Gorilla Clear Glue
A highly regarded possibility for RC mannequin constructing. Robust stuff for an awesome vary of supplies, however personally not a giant fan of Gorilla glue, as a result of getting it in your fingers could be worse than epoxy!
Supplies and Provide
Zip Ties
Helpful sizes (width): 2mm and 3mm
Silicone Electrical Wires
Get your electrical wires in varied gauges, generally used sizes for five″ FPV drones are 12AWG, 14AWG for energy, 20AWG for motors, and 28AWG for indicators. The dimensions requirement is dependent upon the present going via the wire, try this information about electrical wires and connector for extra element.
Warmth-shrink Tubes
Get varied sizes for various functions, e.g. 2mm, 3mm for motor wires and XT60 pigtail, 20mm, 25mm for ESCs / RX, and so on.
Battery Pads
A great battery pad will cease your battery from sliding, and stop it from being punctured by the screw heads on the body. Listed below are some nice sticky pads:
Ummagrip 3mm thick Model
Ummagrip 1.5mm thick Model
Battery Straps
For five-inch or bigger drones, 20mm width velcro straps are good selection. Sometimes 200-220mm size for 4S, and 240-260mm size for 6S, nevertheless it largely is dependent upon your alternative of body.
Thread Locker
Details about thread locker, principally it prevents screws from coming unfastened as a consequence of vibration.
{Hardware}
When choosing up steel screws and bolts, watch out for what materials they’re fabricated from. My choice is to get 10-9 or 12-9 each time potential. These numbers discuss with the alloy of metal used within the screws. These are the good things, they don’t strip out simply and really robust.
M3 Stainless Metal Screws Assortment: https://amzn.to/3tOpPpA
M3 Nylon {Hardware} Equipment:
AliExpress – https://s.click on.aliexpress.com/e/_DEvf1gl
Amazon – https://amzn.to/3xlFMph
Silicone Conformal Coating
By coating this in your electronics, it makes it water proof! You possibly can study extra in my tutorial.
Isopropyl Alcohol
Isopropyl alcohol can be utilized as a degreaser, solvent and cleansing agent. You should use it to scrub residue from burnt solder flux, in addition to simply common cleansing of your electronics. It may also be used to take away sure forms of glue, in addition to silicone conformal coating.
Edit Historical past
- 2015 – Put up created.
- 2017 – Added extra gadgets.
- 2021 – Shortened web page URL, added extra gadgets.
- 2022 – Up to date product hyperlinks, added extra gadgets.
- 2023 – Up to date product hyperlinks, added FPV wing instruments.
- Jun 2024 – Up to date product hyperlinks.