2017 Spec Build

Prerequisites
Complete parts list
Complete accessories list
Complete tools list
Wiring diagram
YouTube tutorial series
Test flights
Pictures of finished quadcopter

This tutorial is a step by step walk through of building an FPV racing quadcopter with the latest and greatest parts from 2017 (specifically for the Northwest Spec Class). It is geared towards those who have never built a quadcopter and does not assumes you already have anything.

 

Prerequisites

1) Learn the basics of soldering. Learning to solder isn’t hard and this can be your first soldering project, but plan to spend a little bit of time practicing to solder on some wires you don’t need before doing this build.

Quick soldering tutorial:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BLfXXRfRIzY&feature=youtu.be&t=1m14s

More detailed soldering tutorial:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fYz5nIHH0iY

 

2) Learn the basics of line of sight (LOS) flying. Before you fly a fast racing quadcopter you should practice with a small toy or on a simulator.

Here’s a cheep toy that you can learn the basics on:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01AADCNPQ

Also I recommend getting a protector for it:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00PGRNFE0

 

Quadcopter Parts ($418 + shipping):

Frame – $40
http://www.readymaderc.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=5004

4 35mm standoffs – $4
http://www.banggood.com/10pcs-M3-Black-Round-Aluminum-Alloy-Long-Nut-Studs-Standoffs-Fastener-8-35mm-p-1071462.html
or
https://www.hobbytown.com/3x35mm-aluminum-standoff-black-4-by-hq-prop-hq-p030135b/p456759

Flight controller – 39
http://www.RaceDayQuads.com/products/raceflight-revolt-v2-flight-controller?variant=37205051783
or
https://www.readymaderc.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=505_778_779&products_id=6042

4 ESCs – $40
http://www.banggood.com/DYS-XSD-20A-3-4S-ESC-BLHeli_S-Supports-Dshot600-Dshot300-For-High-KV-Motors-p-1108715.html

4 Motors – $74
http://www.banggood.com/4x-Emax-RS2205S-2300KV-Racing-Edition-Brushess-Motor-CW-CCW-for-FPV-Racing-p-1106170.html

Receiver (RX) – $29
http://www.banggood.com/FrSky-X4RSB-316-Channel-Telemetry-Receiver-p-955643.html

FPV camera (NTSC) -$35
http://www.banggood.com/Foxeer-HS1177-Sony-600TVL-CCD-2_8MM-IR-Mini-FPV-Camera-5-17v-with-Bracket-p-1047125.html

2.1 camera lens – $7
http://www.banggood.com/Replacement-2_1mm-2_5mm-2_8mm-IR-Sensitive-Camera-Lens-For-Foxeer-p-1069901.html

Video Transmitter (VTX) – $30
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01M0Z2BKG
or
http://www.team-blacksheep.com/products/prod:unify_pro_hv_race
or
https://quadrysteria.com/products/tbs-unify-pro-5g8-hv-race-sma?variant=34912212103

VTX antennas (right – SMA) – $40
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MY4L56K
or
http://www.team-blacksheep.com/products/prod:tbs_triumph_sma
or
https://quadrysteria.com/collections/video-antennas/products/tbs-triumph-stubby-2pcs-sma-rhcp

VTX antenna (left – SMA) – $20
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01FKW504I
or
http://www.team-blacksheep.com/products/product:924
or
https://quadrysteria.com/products/345?variant=27846991815

PDB and XT60 – $4
http://www.banggood.com/Matek-Systems-PDB-XT60-W-BEC-5V-12V-2oz-Copper-For-RC-Multirotors-p-1049051.html

Capacitor – $5
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00M1UFYPI
or
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004MCM49M

LEDs – $10
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LVWFM4B

5 sets of props – $15
http://www.progressiverc.com/racekraft-5040-tri-blade-propellers.html
or
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01NGTDG18

Battery strap – $2
http://www.banggood.com/5PCS-Banggood-Battery-Tie-Down-Strap-for-RC-Multirotor-p-1067255.html

Black and Red 12 AWG wire – $5
http://www.banggood.com/2M-AWG-Soft-Silicone-Flexible-Wire-Cable-12-20-AWG-1-Meter-Red-1-Meter-Black-p-985529.html

Plastic standoffs – $8
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01DXLS4SC
or
https://www.hobbytown.com/m3-assorted-nylon-hardware-kit-black-180-malefemale-by-racetek-gcs-a-030-b/p486676

Nuts – $2
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01GO4OK6A

Antenna tube – $4
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000BOKC2G
or
https://www.hobbytown.com/antenna-tube-w-caps-5-by-tekno-rc-tkr5126/p231772

JST connectors – $7
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B015A6ZOA4

Velcro – $3
http://www.amazon.com/VELCRO-Sticky-Back-Strips-Black/dp/B000TGSPV6

Zip ties – $2
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__17570__Cable_Ties_160_x_2_5mm_White_100pcs_.html
or
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00L2LGMO4

 

Accessories ($430 + shipping):

2 3s batteries – $46 (also see 4s battery in Optional Accessories)
http://www.getfpv.com/tattu-1300mah-3s-75c-lipo-battery.html

Battery charger – $28 (iMAX B6AC V2 Charger is a better charger and comes with an XT60 lead)
https://hobbyking.com/en_us/turnigy-p405-dual-input-ac-dc-45w-digital-balancing-charger.html

XT60 lead for charger – $2
https://hobbyking.com/en_us/xt30-charge-lead-with-4mm-banana-plugs.html

Controller – $207 (Taranis Q X7 is a cheaper alternative)
http://www.banggood.com/FrSky-2_4G-ACCST-Taranis-X9D-Plus-Transmitter-p-940819.html
or
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__67750__FrSky_2_4GHz_ACCST_TARANIS_X9D_PLUS_Digital_Telemetry_Radio_System_Mode_2_.html
or
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B014IYV8TK

Controller charger – $7 (if the one you choose doesn’t come with one)
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__45031__FrSky_AC_DC_Charge_Adapter_US_Version.html
or
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B010HDI4QG

Googles and video receiver (VRX) – $140
http://www.banggood.com/Eachine-Goggles-Two-5-Inches-5_8G-40CH-Raceband-HD-1080p-HDMI-FPV-Goggles-Video-Glasses-p-1094862.html

 

Optional Accessories:

4s battery – $30
http://www.RaceDayQuads.com/products/smc-extreme-1400mah-45a-4s-racing-battery-true-spec-extreme?variant=27824451527

Low battery buzzer – $5
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B013U1CP08

Rubber bands to secure low battery buzzer – $3
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00E7TKSWK

Recording camera – $100
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B016DDRA2S

Micro SD card – $14
SanDisk Ultra 32GB microSDHC Memory Card With Adapter (SDSDQUA-032G-U46A)

Thin battery strap for recording camera – $6
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01JYNZRB0
or
http://www.getfpv.com/lumenier-small-lipo-strap-3pcs.html

Recording camera mount – 3D printed (printing service)
http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1448108

Race transponder – Sold at races if required

 

Tools ($67 + shipping):

Soldering iron – $8
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0006NGZK0

Soldering wire – $2
http://www.banggood.com/0_8mm-Soldering-Wire-60-40-Tin-Resin-Flux-Dispenser-Tube-Rosin-Core-Solder-p-990164.html
or
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008OSBBI0

Soldering flux – $7
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0044SD3NU

Knife – $7
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006962HWI

Pliers – $7
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0001IW518

Electrical tape – $2
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001AXD0EY

Small screw driver – $4
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001CWMJHM

Hot glue gun – $13
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000J2D8QC

Hot glue – $3
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00114Q8NW

Zip ties – $2
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__17570__Cable_Ties_160_x_2_5mm_White_100pcs_.html
or
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00L2LGMO4

Tweezers – $7
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LKZKM7Y

Android cable – $5 (for connecting the flight board to your computer)
http://www.amazon.com/Micro-Charge-Techoland-Enhance-Experience/dp/B00W1VC2TS

Computer – I’m going to assume you have one (needed for running RaceFlight)

 

Optional Tools:

Wrench – $8
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001TIVESO

File – $5
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000NPT7A6

Steel wool – $5 (for cleaning soldering iron)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001JYVDSE

Welder glue – $6
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005UJNH7E

Multi-meter – $13
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01ISAMUA6

Wire strippers – $15
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000302WS

Hot air gun – $20
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00004TUCV

 

Wiring diagram:

 

Video tutorial series:

 

Test flights:

 

Pictures:

476 grams with battery and without bottom plate

493 grams with battery and bottom plate

383 grams without battery and with bottom plate