Lesson 1Motor and prop mounting: motor orientation, thread lockers, torque guidelines, propeller balancingFit motors and blades with right positioning, fittings, and tightness, using lock compounds as needed and balancing blades to cut shaking, sound, and early wear on bearings or frames in Zambian 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 records and tags for your assembly, including wiring maps, part codes, software versions, and pictures, to ease fixing, upgrades, and upkeep over the drone's time in Zambia.
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 ESCs and power sharing with safe spots, strong solder links, and neat telemetry cables, providing good cooling, stress protection, and noise handling while thinking of access and future changes in Zambia.
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 right mounting setups, adding spacers, strengthening weak points, and attaching blade guards while keeping air flow, reach, and shake control in Zambian 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 starting, check that safety tools, motor turns, and control replies are right, testing without blades, confirming monitoring, and making sure start logic stops sudden power surges in Zambia.
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 angle, and connection access, ensuring true sensor data, clear cable routes, and space for USB, receiver, and extra links in Zambian 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, area, and parts before starting by reviewing stock, confirming power specs, checking software fit, and sorting items to avoid redoing, unsafe mixes, and surprise setups during build in Zambia.
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 looking for shorts, power use, and safety stops, then tune ESCs, motion sensors, direction finders, radio, and backups to set a steady base config in Zambian practice.
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 cables in a smart order to lessen noise, heat, and mess by planning lengths, spacing, and grouping for power, motors, ESC signals, receiver, GPS, and monitoring in Zambia.
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
