Lesson 1Motor and prop mounting: motor direction, thread locks, torque guides, propeller balancingFit motors and propellers with right direction, hardware, and torque, using thread lock where needed and balancing props to cut shaking, noise, and early bearing or frame wear.
Confirm motor turn layout diagramMount motors and route phase wiresApply thread lock to metal fastenersTighten motor and prop nuts to specBalance propellers and check spacesLesson 2Records and labelling: making wiring diagrams, part IDs, and build photos for fix recordsMake clear records and labels for your build, including wiring diagrams, part identifiers, software versions, and photos, for easier fixing, upgrades, and care over the drone’s life.
Draw final wiring and connection diagramLabel ESCs, motors, and signal wiresRecord part serials and softwarePhotograph build stages and layoutsStore setups and notes in a logLesson 3ESC and power sharing fitting: placing choices, soldering tips, ESC monitoring wiringFit ESCs and power sharing with safe placing, strong solder joins, and clean monitoring wiring, ensuring good cooling, strain relief, and noise control while keeping fix access and future upgrades in mind.
Choose ESC placing and cooling pathsMount PDB or power wire harnessSolder battery wires and main connectorSolder ESC power pads and strain reliefWire ESC monitoring and ground linksLesson 4Frame prep: mounting patterns, spacers, strengthening, prop guard fitting stepsPrep the frame for a clean, firm, and fixable build by picking right mounting patterns, fitting spacers, strengthening stress points, and adding prop guards while keeping airflow, access, and shaking control.
Identify frame type and mounting patternsFit spacers and stack hardwareStrengthen arms and stress pointsFit prop guards and verify spacesSmooth edges and protect wire pass-throughsLesson 5Pre-arm safety check: arming checks, motor turn direction, prop removal for bench testing, monitoring checkBefore arming, check that safety features, motor directions, and control responses are right, testing without props, confirming monitoring, and ensuring arming logic stops accidental throttle-up.
Remove propellers for bench testingCheck arming switches and logicVerify motor turn direction and orderConfirm receiver inputs and modesValidate monitoring and backup behaviourLesson 6Flight controller mounting: shaking separation methods (damping pads, soft mounts), direction and connector placingMount the flight controller with proper shaking separation, direction, and connector access, ensuring accurate sensor readings, clean wiring paths, and enough space for USB, receiver, and add-on connections.
Pick damping pads or soft mountsAlign controller direction axesPlan connector and USB accessAvoid frame contact and hard linkingSecure mounting screws without bendingLesson 7Pre-assembly checks: tools, workspace, part check and software matchCheck tools, workspace, and parts before assembly by reviewing stock, confirming electrical ratings, validating software match, and organising parts to avoid redoing, unsafe mixes, and mid-build setup surprises.
Prep ESD-safe, well-lit workspaceVerify tools, tips, and suppliesConfirm motor, ESC, and battery ratingsCheck software targets and versionsInspect parts for damage or faultsLesson 8First power-on list and setting steps: ESC setting, accelerometer and compass setting, radio and backup setupDo the first power-on safely by checking shorts, current use, and smoke-stopper action, then set ESCs, accelerometer, compass, radio, and backup to set a stable base setup.
Inspect for shorts and loose hardwareUse smoke stopper for initial power-onSet ESC endpoints or protocolsRun accelerometer and compass settingSet radio endpoints and backupLesson 9Wiring order and harness routing: suggested sequence (power, motors, ESC signal, receiver, GPS, monitoring), wire lengths and heat handlingRoute power and signal wiring in a logical order to cut noise, overheating, and mess by planning wire lengths, separation, and bundling for power, motors, ESC signals, receiver, GPS, and monitoring links.
Plan wiring order and harness layoutCut and measure wire lengths rightSeparate power and signal where possibleBundle and secure wires with strain reliefCheck airflow paths and heat build zones
