Lesson 1Motor and prop mounting: motor orientation, thread lockers, torque guidelines, propeller balancingFit motors and blades correctly with right positioning, fittings, and tightening, using sealants as required and balancing blades to cut vibrations, sounds, and early wear on parts or frames.
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 recordsProduce clear records and tags for your assembly, with wiring maps, part codes, software details, and images, to simplify fixing, updates, and upkeep throughout the drone's service 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 wiringSet up speed controllers and power systems with secure spots, firm solder links, and neat data wiring, providing good cooling, cable protection, and noise reduction while allowing easy access and future 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 neat, strong, and easy-to-service build by picking fitting mount styles, adding spacers, strengthening weak spots, and attaching blade guards without blocking air flow 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 verificationPrior to activation, confirm safety systems, motor turns, and response accuracy, testing sans blades, validating data links, and ensuring activation prevents unintended power surges.
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 placementSecure the flight controller with vibration dampening, correct angle, and easy connector reach, for precise readings, orderly wiring, and space for links to computers, receivers, 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 before starting by reviewing stock, electrical specs, software matches, and sorting items to prevent errors, hazards, and surprises during the 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 configurationConduct initial power-up carefully by inspecting for shorts, power use, and safety stops, then tune controllers, motion sensors, direction tools, radio, and backups for a solid 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 managementOrganise power and signal cables in a planned order to lessen noise, heat, and mess by measuring lengths, keeping separations, and grouping for power, motors, signals, receivers, location, and 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
