Lesson 1Power systems: battery types, C-rating, wiring, voltage sag, and power distributionGet to grips with FPV power systems, covering LiPo and Li-ion batteries, C-ratings, wiring, and how to spread power. Learn how to pick the right battery size, dodge voltage drops, build safe wiring setups, and shield parts from power cuts, shorts, and overloads common in field flying.
LiPo vs Li‑ion chemistry, risks, and handlingCapacity, C‑rating, and current draw estimatesVoltage sag, IR, and log analysis in flightsXT60, wiring gauge, and soldering standardsPDB, BEC, and regulator layout best practicesLesson 2Peripheral hardware: VTX/VRX, antenna types, OSD, DVR/HD recorders, and SD card workflowsDive into key FPV add-ons like VTX and VRX gear, antenna choices, OSD displays, DVR, and SD card handling. Learn wiring, setup, and upkeep for solid recording, sharp video, and easy data management after flights in Zambian conditions.
VTX power levels, channels, and wiring layoutsVRX modules, diversity, and ground station setupsAntenna polarization, gain, and placement basicsOSD wiring, voltage sensing, and layout designDVR settings, SD card care, and file managementLesson 3FPV frame types, sizes, and trade-offs (5" freestyle/racing vs cine frames)Check out FPV frame types and sizes, from 5-inch freestyle and racing frames to cinewhoops and long-range builds. See how wheelbase, design, and materials impact toughness, handling, noise, and load capacity for various flying goals.
Wheelbase, motor spacing, and prop size limitsFreestyle vs racing frame geometry and stiffnessCinewhoop ducts, guards, and camera isolationLong‑range and cruiser frame design prioritiesMounting stacks, arm design, and repairabilityLesson 4Analog vs digital video systems: latency, range, image quality, and use casesBreak down analogue and digital FPV video by delay, distance, signal strength, and picture sharpness. Match your choice to racing, freestyle, cinematic, or long-range flying, and plan upgrades that fit your budget.
Analog video basics, channels, and modulationDigital HD systems, codecs, and link behaviorLatency measurement and racing implicationsRange, penetration, and environment factorsEcosystem costs, upgrades, and compatibilityLesson 5FPV goggles and ground station choices, latency implications, and spectator monitoring optionsWeigh up FPV goggles and ground stations for comfort, lens quality, and receiver types. Grasp delay effects, recording tools, spectator views, and how to set up dependable watching systems for pilots, spotters, and crowds.
Box vs slim goggles, optics, and IPD fittingReceiver modules, diversity, and power optionsHDMI input, DVR, and external display useLatency, resolution, and comfort trade‑offsSpectator screens, relays, and event setupsLesson 6Onboard camera selection and lens/FOV choices for racing vs cinematicPick FPV cameras and lenses for racing or cinematic work. Compare sensor sizes, delay, light handling, and field of view, and see how lenses shape picture quality, speed feel, and framing in different spots.
Sensor size, resolution, and low‑light performanceLatency, WDR, and image processing trade‑offsLens focal length, FOV, and distortion choicesND filters, shutter control, and motion blurMounting, vibration isolation, and protectionLesson 7Radio transmitters and receivers: protocols (CRSF, SBUS, DSM), antenna placement, and redundancyMaster radio connections for FPV drones with CRSF, SBUS, DSM, and long-range options. Learn receiver wiring, antenna spots, and backup plans to cut failsafes and hold control in tough conditions.
CRSF, SBUS, DSM, and ELRS protocol overviewBinding, failsafe setup, and range testingReceiver wiring, power, and UART assignmentAntenna orientation, diversity, and mountingRedundant receivers and link health monitoringLesson 8Motors, ESCs, propellers: KV, thrust, efficiency, and durability considerationsLook at motors, ESCs, and props as one thrust setup. Understand KV, stator size, prop pitch links, ESC limits, and balancing power use, toughness, and quick response for racing, freestyle, and cine drones.
Motor KV, stator size, and torque behaviorESC current rating, firmware, and coolingProp diameter, pitch, and blade count effectsMatching motor, ESC, and prop to batteryDurability, crash tolerance, and spare planningLesson 9Flight controllers and firmware: Betaflight/INAV/Cleanflight basics and tuning rolesSee how flight controllers and firmware control drone behaviour. Compare Betaflight, INAV, and others, plus sensor jobs, noise filters, PID tweaks, and setup tips for steady, sharp flying.
MCU, gyro, and barometer hardware selectionBetaflight, INAV, and Ardu‑based stack overviewPorts, mixers, and channel mapping setupFilters, PID gains, and preset usageBlackbox logging and iterative tune changesLesson 10Required safety gear: failsafe beacons, kill switches, propellers guards, PPE, and toolkits for field repairsGo over must-have FPV safety kit and field tools. Set up beacons, kill switches, prop guards, personal gear, and repair packs to cut injury risks, bounce back from crashes, and keep drones flying all day.
Buzzers, GPS beacons, and recovery workflowsRadio kill switches and arming logic setupProp guards, ducts, and safe testing methodsPPE: eye, hand, and hearing protectionField repair kits, spares, and checklists
