Lesson 1Motor and prop mounting: motor orientation, thread lockers, torque guidelines, propeller balancingFit motors and blades with right direction, fittings, and tightness, using lock compound as needed and balancing blades to cut shaking, 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 records and tags for your build, with wire maps, part IDs, software versions, and pictures, to ease fixing, upgrades, and upkeep over the drone's working 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 setup with safe spots, strong solder joins, and neat telemetry wires, ensuring good cooling, wire protection, and noise control 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 fixable build by picking right mounting ways, fitting spacers, strengthening weak spots, and adding blade guards while keeping air flow, access, and shake 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 starting, check safety features, motor turns, and control replies are right, testing without blades, confirming monitoring, and ensuring start logic stops sudden 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 placementFit the flight controller with good shake protection, right direction, and easy connector reach, ensuring true sensor reads, neat wire paths, and space for USB, receiver, and add-on links.
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, work area, and parts before building by reviewing stock, confirming power ratings, checking software fit, and sorting items to avoid redo, unsafe mixes, and surprise setups 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 the first power-up safely by checking for shorts, power use, and safety stops, then adjust ESCs, motion sensors, direction finders, radio, and backups for a 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 managementDirect power and signal wires in a smart order to cut noise, heat, and mess by planning lengths, spacing, and grouping for power, motors, ESC signals, receiver, GPS, and monitoring links.
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
