Lesson 1Motor and prop mounting: motor orientation, thread lockers, torque guidelines, propeller balancingFit motors and props with right orientation, hardware, and torque, using thread locker as needed and balancing props to cut vibration, noise, and early wear on bearings or frame.
Confirm motor rotation layout diagramMount motors and route phase wiresApply thread locker to metal fastenersTighten motor and prop nuts to specBalance propellers and check clearancesLesson 2Documentation and labeling: creating wiring diagrams, component UID, and build photos for maintenance recordsMake clear docs and labels for your build, with wiring diagrams, part IDs, firmware versions, and photos, to ease fixing, upgrades, and upkeep over the drone's life.
Draw final wiring and connection diagramLabel ESCs, motors, and signal leadsRecord component serials and firmwarePhotograph build stages and layoutsStore configs and notes in a logLesson 3ESC and power distribution installation: placement options, soldering tips, ESC telemetry wiringInstall ESCs and power distribution safely, with good placement, strong solder joints, and neat telemetry wiring, ensuring cooling, strain relief, and noise control while allowing easy access.
Choose ESC placement and cooling pathsMount PDB or power wiring harnessSolder battery leads and main connectorSolder ESC power pads and strain reliefWire ESC telemetry and ground referencesLesson 4Frame preparation: mounting patterns, standoffs, reinforcing, prop guard installation stepsPrep the frame for a neat, strong, serviceable build by picking right mounting patterns, fitting standoffs, strengthening weak spots, and adding prop guards without blocking airflow or access.
Identify frame type and mounting patternsInstall standoffs and stack hardwareReinforce arms and stress concentration pointsFit prop guards and verify clearancesDeburr edges and protect wire pass-throughsLesson 5Pre-arm safety verification: arming checks, motor spin direction, prop removal for bench testing, telemetry verificationBefore arming, check safety features, motor directions, and controls are right, test without props, confirm telemetry, and ensure arming stops accidental starts.
Remove propellers for bench testingCheck arming switches and logicVerify motor spin direction and orderConfirm receiver inputs and modesValidate telemetry and failsafe behaviorLesson 6Flight controller mounting: vibration isolation methods (damping pads, soft mounts), orientation and connector placementMount the flight controller with good vibration damping, right orientation, and easy connector access, for accurate sensors, tidy wiring, and space for USB, receiver, and extras.
Select damping pads or soft mountsAlign controller orientation axesPlan connector and USB accessibilityAvoid frame contact and hard couplingSecure mounting screws without warpingLesson 7Pre-assembly checks: tools, workspace, component verification and firmware compatibilityCheck tools, workspace, and parts before starting by reviewing stock, electrical specs, firmware matches, and organizing to avoid mistakes, unsafe mixes, or surprises mid-build.
Prepare ESD-safe, well-lit workspaceVerify tools, tips, and consumablesConfirm motor, ESC, and battery ratingsCheck firmware targets and versionsInspect components for damage or defectsLesson 8First power-on checklist and calibration steps: ESC calibration, accelerometer and compass calibration, radio and failsafe configurationDo first power-on safely by checking for shorts, current, and smoke stoppers, then calibrate ESCs, accelerometer, compass, radio, and failsafe for a solid base setup.
Inspect for shorts and loose hardwareUse smoke stopper for initial power-onCalibrate ESC endpoints or protocolsRun accelerometer and compass calibrationConfigure radio endpoints and failsafeLesson 9Wiring order and harness routing: recommended sequence (power, motors, ESC signal, receiver, GPS, telemetry), cable lengths and heat managementPlan wiring sequence for power, motors, ESC signals, receiver, GPS, and telemetry to reduce noise, heat, and mess, with right cable lengths, separation, and bundling.
Plan wiring order and harness layoutCut and measure cable lengths accuratelySeparate power and signal where possibleBundle and secure wires with strain reliefCheck airflow paths and heat buildup zones
