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Here’s a checklist of important FPV instruments, tapes, glues and supplies for constructing and repairing FPV drones and stuck wings. I’ll make suggestions on what merchandise you need to get which can be helpful for constructing, repairs and troubleshooting.
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Getting the “important instruments” listed on this publish must be satisfactory to get you began with constructing and repairing an FPV drone and stuck wing. Having among the “Good-to-have instruments“ could make your builds extra skilled trying and will help restore/troubleshoot your drone, however by no imply needed.
All of the hyperlinks on this web page are affiliate hyperlinks. It doesn’t price you a dime extra, nevertheless it sends us just a few 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 house 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 fairly priced and embody respectable high quality instruments. This comfort eliminates the necessity to seek for every merchandise individually.
| Newbeedrone Package | RDQ Drone Instrument Package | Flywoo Instrument Package |
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| Discover this product right here: | Discover this product right here: | Discover this product right here: |
For informal FPV pilots, the RaceDayQuads equipment provides unbeatable worth. It’s the least costly and offers a flexible choice of instruments. However, the NewBeeDrone equipment features a full soldering suite, making it best for superior constructing and restore. These two kits are significantly geared in direction of the purposeful wants of significant FPV racers or freestyle pilots, and I extremely advocate them. In the end, the selection relies on your finances and the capabilities you want.
Important Instruments
These are the really helpful and must-have instruments for constructing and repairing your mini quad.
Soldering Instruments
You’ll need a soldering iron for constructing and repairing FPV drones. Listed below are my product suggestions, and on this publish I’ll clarify in additional particulars how to decide on an excellent 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 parts 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 parts 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. A very powerful sizes you need 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 may come in 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 device”. You possibly can simply get a generic 8mm hex nut wrench, however I’d advocate getting a device 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 permits it to show one course – one facet for eradicating the prop nuts whereas the opposite facet for fastening. It lets you principally tightening/loosen the nut with out lifting the device which is extra environment friendly.
- Some instruments even have 1.5mm, 2.0mm or 2.5mm hex bit that are helpful 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 the most effective follow nevertheless it will get the job achieved.
Wire Cutters
I exploit wire cutters for reducing zip ties, electrical wires, management rods and so forth, principally for issues which can be too onerous for scissors.
Pliers
For accessing onerous to achieve spots and gripping parts whereas working with different instruments (for instance when soldering a wire to an XT60 or ESC energy, the wire may develop into too scorching to carry by hand). It may also be used as a nut wrench.
For essentially the most half, a pair of needle nostril pliers can be your device of alternative right here, however a range wouldn’t damage both.
Forsep
This device is extraordinarily versatile. The lengthy, curved nostril lets you attain the tight areas widespread in FPV drones. The scissors-style deal with offers extra energy 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 how one can use a digital multimeter on an FPV drone.
A multimeter is a small funding that may probably prevent tons of of {dollars} in broken electrical elements by testing circuits earlier than plugging them in. An inexpensive multimeter can be wonderful 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 gadget that you just join between the FPV drone and LiPo battery. You employ it while you plug within the battery for the primary time to see if the drone has a brief circuit, which may probably harm your parts with out a smoke stopper.
I like to recommend the Vifly ShortSafer V2 (assessment), it really works and you should buy it off the shelf:
LiPo Voltage Checker
By merely connecting the steadiness 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 device 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 may learn numerous RC alerts. See my assessment on what it does right here: https://oscarliang.com/toolkitrc-mc8/
LiPo Protected Luggage
Whereas LiPo baggage is probably not the simplest answer at stopping or containing a battery hearth, they’re helpful for storing your batteries temporally and for transportation
Get your LiPo baggage from:
Ammo Field
Steel ammo packing containers are nice for storing your LiPo batteries throughout or after charging as they will stop hearth from spreading extra successfully than typical LiPo baggage.
Get your Ammo Field from:
Bat-Protected LiPo Field
The Bat-Protected field safely comprises battery fires, vents scorching gases, filters flame and soot, whereas guaranteeing straightforward battery charging and transportation. It’s just like the upgraded model of the Ammo field. See my full assessment right here: https://oscarliang.com/bat-safe-lipo-battery-charging-box/
You could find the Bat-Protected Field right here:
Good-to-have Instruments
Your FPV mates will certainly be impressed by these instruments 🙂
Electrical Screwdriver
Not needed 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 remainder 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.
Instrument Luggage
Means higher than utilizing Ziploc baggage. Can maintain small instruments and parts 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 parts, LiPo charger and so forth.
My favourite in the meanwhile 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 flexibility to shortly and simply exchange damaged elements or make modifications to current designs.
I’ve a tutorial that can assist you get began with 3D printing: https://oscarliang.com/3d-printer/
Tweezers
Tweezers are used to carry and transfer small parts and wires into place. Search for longer size tweezers to make it simpler to entry small parts. Cross-lock tweezers (or reverse tweezers) are most well-liked as a result of they apply strain while you launch them, they received’t let go of your work even when you set them down.
Wire Strippers
I’ve one however I not often use it (principally because of laziness), many of the instances I simply use scissors to strip wires. However wire strippers present extra constant and exact outcomes in case you are 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 offers extra constant warmth and don’t go away burn marks.
Rotary Instrument
Drills can be utilized to make modifications to even essentially the most cussed of supplies. They can be utilized for shaping framework or parts in addition to creating new gap placements for screws or different gear.
Most frames and parts bought from respected sellers ought to appropriately match from the get go. Nonetheless, generally small modifications might should be made in an effort to get every part to suit completely. A rotary device or drill is sweet to have round for working with troublesome to switch supplies like carbon fiber and aluminium.
Dremel rotary device equipment is a excessive finish, identify model that can be utilized with out a energy twine.
File Set
You’ll use these recordsdata to switch and clear up issues like carbon fiber body elements, to provide 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 device to weigh your quadcopter and parts is essential. Having 1g precision is nice sufficient typically, however 0.1g is good particularly for these micro quad parts. Ensure that most capability is over 1kg, when you plan to construct bigger fashions you may wish to select one with even increased weight restrict.
Clamp Meter
A clamp meter lets you 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 a complete quadcopter. It’s essential to get one with XT60 connectors or open wires so you’ll be able to solder your individual. Ranking as much as 60V and 200A can be fascinating for FPV drone use.
Soldering Fume Extractor
Solder fumes are very dangerous on your lung. Some folks 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 while you energy the VTX on the bench, it will possibly 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 inexpensive possibility although accuracy is just not assure, it’s higher than nothing.
Antenna SWR Meter
Understanding the SWR of your 5.8GHz antenna will help resolve which frequency or channel you need to use for optimum efficiency What’s antenna SWR: https://oscarliang.com/best-fpv-antenna/#SWR. Interested by 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, will be helpful for programming ESC, OSD, FC, configuring GPS and so forth. Within the occasions of broken USB port in your FC, you can too use it to attach your FC to your laptop through one of many UART.
ST-Hyperlink V2 Programmer
That is used to flash gadgets with STM32 processors, akin 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 helpful for FPV drones and RC planes, it’s additionally helpful to have for digital initiatives. 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 strange backpack, however they don’t seem to be going to be as environment friendly and handy to make use of for FPV stuff. They usually normally lack the required padding on the surface to guard your gear when you drop it.
Micro-fibre Fabric
Use a correct microfibre material to scrub your digicam lenses and goggles screens to keep away from scratching the glass!
Instruments for FPV Mounted Wings
Passion Knife / Utility Knife
Passion knife is nice for reducing and eradicating foam, tape and heatshrink. Field cutters would do too, however they are usually much less exact and fewer sharp.
Pearl Head Pins
For holding foam elements / carbon elements collectively in case you are 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 relies on 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 realize the specified end result.
Servo Tester
It’s helpful for testing servos, and centring them when organising elevons. Additionally helpful for troubleshooting and testing ESC and motor spin course. 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 steadiness CG. It’s not a nasty thought if you need one thing neat, however I usually simply use cash. Truly cash transform cheaper.
Servo Cable Crimping Instrument
that is used for crimping wires onto lugs. You don’t want to purchase one straight away when you’re simply moving into the pastime however ultimately the day will come when you’ll need one and can discover it helpful.
Servo connectors are Dupont 2.54mm, steadiness leads are JST-XH 2.54mm.
Scotch Heavy Obligation Packing Tape
The will need to have tape for basic functions – protecting, reinforcing hinges, laminating… Sellotape tape is okay, however I discover good high quality packing tape are usually thicker and stronger.
Colour Packing Tape
Generally known as wing tapes, shade packing tapes are nice for adorning your wings, and including some colours to it. It’s typically used for protecting and laminating.
Those I exploit are thinner than the heavy obligation packing tape and aren’t as sturdy. But it surely doesn’t add any noticeable weight to the plane which is what I like!
Fibre Tape
AKA Reinforce Packing Tape – it’s extraordinarily sturdy and sticky! Usually used to guard main edges and reinforcing weak foam elements and joints. It may also be used for protecting your servos within the wing.
Outside Vinyl Tape
It would really feel just like electrical tape, nevertheless it’s much less stretchy and has a shiny end and stick far more securely. It’s additionally twice as thick as packing tape. It conforms to irregularity nicely, nice for making use of on management surfaces, like on high of servos, it offers it a really clean end
Duct Tape
Stronger than packing tape and works significantly better on irregular surfaces, nevertheless it’s additionally a lot heavier; it’s simpler to take away and exchange; one other drawback is that they have an inclination to wrinkle up underneath the solar. it’s normally a alternative between this or outside vinyl tape
Tapes
You possibly can in all probability get 90% of the roles achieved utilizing 2-3 kinds of tapes, nevertheless it’s helpful to have the range for various purposes 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 parts contained in the construct. If you would like some actually sticker and robust 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 just a few hours to remedy, as soon as it’s safe it’s onerous to take away.
Kapton Tape
Kapton tape is principally non-stretchy translucent electrical tape. It could possibly stand up to excessive temperature and received’t soften simply, subsequently is nice for protecting PCB when soldering, and wrapping parts while you don’t have the fitting 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 when you simply wish to maintain one thing in place temporally through the construct. It may be eliminated simply with out leaving any mess behind. You too can write on it because it’s simply paper.
Fabric Tape
A.okay.a gaffer’s tape, it’s versatile like material, nice for wrapping issues round. It’s sticky but additionally straightforward to take away. I exploit these for wrapping the motor wires to the arms, offers sure safety to the wires from prop strikes too.
Glue
Any foam pleasant glues would do!
Scorching Glue
Scorching 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 sturdy bodily bond on the similar time.
The energy can be its draw back. The bond is so sturdy it’s close to inconceivable to take away with out ripping the froth aside. Generally you may want the froth to only disintegrate in a crash moderately 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 might have solely a short while to place the elements. That will get worse in chilly climate.
E6000 Glue
At the moment 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 talk about why I prefer it a lot.
UHU Por Glue
UHU POR glue is good for gluing onerous foam like styrofoam. It’s versatile, proof against growing old and waterproof. Takes 10-20 minutes to set, turns into clear when dried.
Gorilla Clear Glue
A extremely popular possibility for RC mannequin constructing. Sturdy stuff for a fantastic vary of supplies, however personally not a giant fan of Gorilla glue, as a result of getting it in your arms will be worse than epoxy!
Supplies and Provide
Zip Ties
Helpful sizes (width): 2mm and 3mm
Silicone Electrical Wires
Get your electrical wires in numerous gauges, generally used sizes for five″ FPV drones are 12AWG, 14AWG for energy, 20AWG for motors, and 28AWG for alerts. The scale requirement relies on the present going by the wire, try this information about electrical wires and connector for extra element.
Warmth-shrink Tubes
Get numerous sizes for various purposes, e.g. 2mm, 3mm for motor wires and XT60 pigtail, 20mm, 25mm for ESCs / RX, and so forth.
Battery Pads
An excellent 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. Usually 200-220mm size for 4S, and 240-260mm size for 6S, nevertheless it principally relies on your alternative of body.
Thread Locker
Details about thread locker, principally it prevents screws from coming free because of vibration.
{Hardware}
When choosing up steel screws and bolts, watch out for what materials they’re product of. My choice is to get 10-9 or 12-9 each time attainable. These numbers seek advice from the alloy of metal used within the screws. These are the good things, they don’t strip out simply and really sturdy.
M3 Stainless Metal Screws Assortment: https://amzn.to/3tOpPpA
M3 Nylon {Hardware} Package:
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 be taught extra in my tutorial.
Isopropyl Alcohol
Isopropyl alcohol can be utilized as a degreaser, solvent and cleansing agent. You should utilize it to scrub residue from burnt solder flux, in addition to simply basic cleansing of your electronics. It may also be used to take away sure kinds of glue, in addition to silicone conformal coating.
Edit Historical past
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- 2022 – Up to date product hyperlinks, added extra objects.
- 2023 – Up to date product hyperlinks, added FPV wing instruments.
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