Lesson 1Motor and prop mounting: motor orientation, thread lockers, torque guidelines, propeller balancingFit motors and propellers 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 in Nigerian builds.
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, part IDs, firmware versions, and photos, for easier fixing, upgrades, and upkeep over the drone’s life in Nigeria.
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 with safe spots, strong solder joints, and neat telemetry wiring, ensuring good cooling, strain relief, and noise control while thinking of service and upgrades in Nigeria.
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, and easy-to-service build by picking right mounting patterns, fitting standoffs, strengthening weak points, and adding prop guards while keeping airflow and access in Nigerian conditions.
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 that safety features, motor directions, and control responses are right, testing without props, confirming telemetry, and ensuring arming stops accidental throttle in Nigerian safety standards.
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 proper vibration damping, orientation, and connector access, for accurate sensors, neat wiring, and space for USB, receiver, and add-ons in Nigerian assemblies.
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 assembly by reviewing stock, confirming electrical specs, validating firmware fit, and sorting items to avoid redo, unsafe mixes, and build surprises in Nigeria.
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 the first power-on safely by checking shorts, current draw, and smoke-stopper, then calibrate ESCs, accelerometer, compass, radio, and failsafe for a steady base config in Nigerian setups.
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 wires in a smart order to reduce noise, heat, and mess by planning lengths, separation, and bundling for power, motors, ESC signals, receiver, GPS, and telemetry in Nigeria.
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
