Lesson 1Motor and prop mounting: motor orientation, thread lockers, torque guidelines, propeller balancingFit motors and props correctly with right direction, fixings, and tightness, using lock compound and balancing to cut shakes, 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 maps, part tags, software versions, and pics to ease fixes, upgrades, and upkeep over time.
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 wiringSet ESCs and power gear with good spots, strong solders, and tidy data wires, minding cooling, cable strain, noise, and access for service or changes.
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 stepsReady the frame for a firm, clean build by picking mount patterns, adding spacers, strengthening weak spots, and fitting guards while keeping air flow and easy reach.
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 powering up, check safety, motor spin, and controls without props, confirm data links, and ensure arming blocks unwanted 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 controller with shake protection, right angle, and plug access for true sensors, neat wires, 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, area, and parts first by listing stock, ratings, software fit, and sorting to skip redo, bad mixes, or setup shocks 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 safely with short checks, draw tests, and stoppers, then tune ESCs, motion sensors, compass, radio, and backups for steady 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 managementWire power and signals in order to cut noise, heat, mess by planning lengths, gaps, ties for power, motors, ESC lines, receiver, GPS, data.
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
