Lesson 1Motor and prop mounting: motor orientation, thread lockers, torque guidelines, propeller balancingFit motors and propellers with right direction, hardware, and torque, using thread locker where needed and balancing props to cut vibration, noise, and early bearing or frame wear.
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, including wiring diagrams, component IDs, firmware versions, and photos, for easy fix, upgrades, and maintenance over de drone 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 wiringFit ESCs and power distribution with safe place, solid solder joints, and clean telemetry wiring, making sure good cooling, strain relief, and noise control while keeping fix access and future upgrades.
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 de frame for clean, strong, and fixable build by picking right mounting patterns, fitting standoffs, strengthening stress points, and putting prop guards while keeping airflow, access, and vibration control.
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 dat safety features, motor directions, and control responses are right, testing without props, confirming telemetry, and making sure arming logic stops accidental throttle-up.
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 de flight controller with proper vibration cut, direction, and connector access, making sure accurate sensor reads, clean wiring paths, and enough space for USB, receiver, and peripheral connections.
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 components before assembly by looking inventory, confirming electrical ratings, validating firmware fit, and organizing parts to avoid rework, unsafe mixes, and mid-build surprises.
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 de first power-on safe by checking shorts, current draw, and smoke-stopper work, den calibrate ESCs, accelerometer, compass, radio, and failsafe to set a steady base config.
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 managementRoute power and signal wiring in logical order to cut noise, overheating, and mess by planning cable lengths, separation, and bundling for power, motors, ESC signals, receiver, GPS, and telemetry.
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
