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How to assemble a quadcopter from spare parts. Do-it-yourself quadrocopter (drone) from modules. About falls and what to do while waiting for the package


The desire to rise into the sky, probably never left a person. In this instruction, we will take a step towards the dream and make a quadrocopter with our own hands.

Step 1: Building the Frame




We look at the picture and model the frame of the quadrocopter according to the layout. This device will be based on wooden frame. To make it you will need wooden slats the following sizes: 60x3x2.4 cm and 57x3x2.4 cm, as well as a rectangular board 15x6x0.2 cm. Next, using glue and nails, we make a “cross” design, which will serve as a frame.

Step 2. Prepare the motor


On the this stage it's time to install the motor, propeller and speed control device (all items can be purchased online).
To make the quadcopter from this manual, I used the EMAX MT2213 935kv engine, 24 cm propellers, EMAX 4in1 ESC.

Step 3 Installing the Engine








Having resorted to a caliper and a pencil, we mark the base and drill it with a drill, then we fix the motor with the appropriate screws.

Step 4: Installing the Speed ​​Controller


After the stage with installing the engine on the lower part of the frame, we install the speed controller ties and wires, after that - the battery.

Step 5: Attaching the Chassis


For the manufacture of the chassis, it is possible to cut the rings 2 cm wide from a pipe with a diameter of 15 cm, in the amount of 4 pieces, and fasten them to the frame with adhesive tape. This step is for the quadcopter to land smoothly on the surface.

Step 6: Mounting the Quadcopter Controller
It is he who stabilizes the flight of the device and is the main element of this process. Leaders of sells:
"ArduPilot" - based on Arduino, it has high performance.
"DJI Naza" - "advanced" controller, in price segment, more expensive than the above, but with a set of different functions.
"OpenPilot CC3D" - based on STM32 and MPU6000 and six channels. It can also be reflashed.
"NAZE32" is an intricate device that experienced professionals work with.
"KK2.1" - the most popular on the Internet, equipped with an AVR microcontroller, has a liquid crystal display.
"KKMulticontroller" - based on Atmel AVR, considered to be a slightly outdated model.

Step 7: Installing the Remote
In general, the models are varied from expensive - Futaba, Spektrum, to low-cost - Turnigy and Flysky. To make this quadcopter, you will need a 4-channel remote control.

Step 8: Installing and configuring the electronic "stuffing"
According to the video instructions, we install all the available electronics.

Step 9: Test Time
Before launching the quadcopter, you need to try out the first flight, which is what we are doing.

Step 10: Launch

The desire to have your own quadcopter is quite understandable, because today is a time when the world is experiencing a real boom. The cost of a “good” drone equipped with a high-resolution camera for video recording is not affordable for everyone.

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But, there is a way out - a quadrocopter with your own hands. Step by step assembly seems complicated at first glance.

The entire stage of manufacturing with your own hands consists of:

  • frame assembly;
  • purchase of necessary spare parts;
  • assemblies;
  • wiring.
  • Frame manufacturing

It can be made with your own hands from plywood 150x150 mm in size or aluminum profile 14x14 mm in size. The rays are screwed diagonally with screws, the length of which is 300 mm. Motor holes can be drilled after the quadcopter is assembled.

For landing "skis" a thin aluminum tape is suitable. It can also be selected for the manufacture of a battery holder.

Required spare parts

  • drone battery - 8 pcs.;
  • battery for equipment;
  • charging - 1;
  • propellers 10 inches;
  • control board (HK multi-rotor control board 2.1);
  • Turnigy 9x hardware.

All together will set you back about $120. But, it will take about 20 days to wait for a package from Hong Kong. Plus, 5 days until you can get the import. To the specified amount, you need to add 3-15 bucks for delivery.

It is necessary to place the control board as accurately as possible in the center of the platform. Holes for it are drilled through beams and plywood. The board is attached to the beams with metal screws.

A receiver is glued to the board next to it using dusk mega-glue. They can also glue the antenna to the rays. If the purpose of the channels for it and the board are the same, they are allowed by three-wire loops.

The next step in assembling a quadrocopter with your own hands is drilling holes for the motor. It is necessary to put a mark on the rays at the same distance, taken “by eye”. The motor will fit with a hole center distance of 19mm and an internal M3 conventional thread.

For the motor shaft, you need to drill a hole. It is recommended to make it through and over the entire width of the square, so as not to cling to the edges of the stand:

We fasten the motors to the platform with the leads, using M3 screws with a length of no more than 4 mm, since this size has a profile. They do this so as not to spoil the winding, not to contribute to the interturn circuit in case of damage to the varnish on the wire.

Wiring

Now it's time to move on to wiring. Of the four speed controllers, you need to solder the "spider" by soldering the wires directly into the sockets of the adapters.

Detachable connections are used in a single place - when connecting the "spider" to the battery. All other connections are soldered and tightened into a heat-shrinkable cord so that the wires do not fall out during vibration.

According to the numbers of the motors on the board, we connect the signal wires of the drivers. If you use a "plus" flight scheme, you need to connect them to the M1-M4 pins (when you learn how to control, the firmware can be changed).

The connection diagram is shown below:

The result is a do-it-yourself quadrocopter weighing one kilogram. You can conduct a test flight.

But, first, you need to charge the battery, connect it and the transmitter. Now it's time to push the throttle to the right and down. The LED on the board should turn red. The next moment - the throttle stick is moved forward. The engines should start working, and the quadcopter should “go” into flight.

It was a simple do-it-yourself quadcopter. If you need to assemble a quadrocopter yourself, and even with a camera, which would be distinguished by good performance and good flight qualities, there is another option. The assembly depends on the specific model, the features of the electronics and the number of structural elements.

DIY parts for a drone with a camera

These include:

  • engine D2822/14 - 4 pcs.;
  • turnover regulator - the same;
  • rotation rotors - left and right;
  • power splitter, or 3.5 mm connector for connecting speed controllers.

You can’t do without a do-it-yourself quadrocopter adjustment board connected to a computer via USB - MultiWii ATmega32U4. For the launch to take place, Nano Tech 2200 30C batteries are needed - 4 pieces, since when using one drive, the flight time will be short.

Charging is needed to restore energy in them. You will also need a controller for DIY assembly, with the help of which flight adjustment is carried out. A Turnigy 9x device will work for the remote control. You can pick up signals with it at a distance of 800-900 meters. The signal transmitter is included with the remote control.

Assembly

As in the first case, it begins with the manufacture of a frame for which you can take plastic pipes. Since their weight is small, the quadrocopter will be mobile, and the speed it develops will be high. In addition, such a frame is easy to repair in the event of an "accident".

Rotors are attached to the corners of the rectangular frame. The structure must be equipped with "legs" to which the camera is attached.

Silicone wires will help connect the motors to each propeller. It is a good idea to mount the battery with electronics on a platform installed in the center of the frame. Before proceeding with the installation of the electronic filling, you should download the connection diagram, which is easy to find on the forums. If necessary, the remote control can be reflashed with the latest updates. In the same place, on the forums, they tell how to reflash the remote control.

It is not for everyone to assemble a quadrocopter with their own hands, since it requires engineering skills. But, if there is an instruction and a diagram, the process of creating a flying device is simplified.

Step by step assembly

People who want to assemble a quadrocopter with their own hands are trying to save money, which is quite understandable. But this is not the only reason: many people are interested in the question because their hobby of driving a drone has grown into a desire to participate in races and, if possible, become a winner in them. And for this, it is necessary to refine the design.

Assembly from a kit

By acquiring the appropriate kit, you can greatly simplify the process of assembling an aircraft with your own hands.

It costs several times cheaper than a ready-made quadcopter, since the user will be involved in the assembly, firmware, calibration and fine tuning. The main advantage of the kits is that there is no need to select chips, engine power, or case weight.

There is no need to worry about the balance that affects the behavior of the quadcopter in flight either - it will have all the necessary parameters, including the planned speed and time spent in flight.

Kits allow you to assemble collapsible and monolithic drones with your own hands. It is up to the pilot to decide what he wants to have a design. Collapsible are interested in those who prefer overall models, but at the same time easily portable.

But, for a note: such models do not have an attractive design, since there is no external case that performs a decorative and protective function.

How to assemble such a structure with your own hands is described in detail in the attached instructions.

As a rule, everything starts with installation on a plastic, carbon or metal exoskeleton of motors. The PIN cables are then placed to control the power of the motors. Later, a signal receiver and a control module, a think tank, are attached to the body.

At the final stage, LEDs, clamps, batteries are installed.

The assembly ends here, but the fun begins - firmware, device calibration and fine-tuning, which takes from 30 minutes to 3 hours (depending on the manufacturer of the parts included in the kit). By this time, the battery should be fully charged.

Assembling a quadrocopter from improvised materials

Although it is popular among those who like to "fly" on drones, it is worth admitting that it does not allow you to get a full-fledged copter. You will definitely have to buy parts, just take not the whole set, but the most necessary ones: screws, motors, battery, control board and receiver, control equipment, without which it is impossible to control the device.

So that the components do not fall apart in the air, they must be fixed on a light, but strong frame. Everything can be suitable for making this: ice cream sticks, plastic bottles and covers.

When creating the hull, one should not forget about the stability of the self-assembled structure, balance, flight qualities, and lightness.

If knowledge allows, you can come up with your own scheme, if not, you can find it on the Internet.

The first build is usually just the beginning. In the future, it will be improved many times.

There is one trick that helps to avoid complex balancing calculations - you need to choose a specific model, and order components from the basic list for it.

The main thing is to specify the details correctly. For example, there must be in the list two motors of left and right rotation and their corresponding propellers. Otherwise, the device will not function.

If possible, it is worth ordering more parts - in case of replacing defective ones (this happens). Unlike kits for sale, you won’t be able to assemble a quadcopter with your own hands (naked).

You will need:

  • glue gun;
  • screwdriver;
  • soldering iron;
  • Double-sided tape;
  • insulating tape.

When the working model is ready, it will be time to upgrade, as a result of which the quadrocopter may have LEDs, an antenna, tweeters (beepers), etc., which increase functionality.

Video: DIY quadrocopter

The first quadrocopter, as you know, appeared in 2006. The drone was assembled by the German developers Busker and Buss, and they did it themselves. And so it began: many engineers around the world got excited about the idea of ​​creating their own quadrocopter models. There are such craftsmen today. Want to assemble your quadrocopter and you. Otherwise, would you read this material now?

Where to start to make a quadrocopter with your own hands?

1. Frame. It can be made without much difficulty plastic pipes small diameter, used in laying sewer and other communications. You can make a frame from a piece of plywood. You will need a square 110 by 110 mm. In addition, you will need aluminum profile(square). The beams (495 mm long) are attached with screws along both diagonals of the resulting square. It is possible to purchase a finished frame (fig. below).\


Low-profile aluminum can be used to make copter landing skis. From it you can build a holder for the battery.

2 . Further equipment is required, for example Turnigy 9XR, control board and battery for equipment. Plus, you need to purchase a power Li - Po battery (for the quadrocopter itself), propellers, and a device for recharging batteries.

3 . First of all, the control board is installed - in the central part of the platform from the resulting piece of plywood or carbon fiber. This is done in grooves directly drilled into the aluminum base through plywood.

4 . A receiver is installed next to the board (you can do this with superglue). Next, holes are drilled for mounting the engine. In this case, it must be taken into account that the distance from the edge to the axis in all four cases is equal.

5 . Then you need to make a "spider" of wires - from speed controllers. The wiring must be connected in parallel using appropriate adapters. In this case, the connectors can be used in the place where the battery is connected to the "spider".

6 . Everything needs to be soldered, heat shrinked, connected wires (signal). For beginners, this will be a big problem.

7 . You can test the resulting quadcopter.
Craftsmen who have already successfully assembled quadrocopters are advised not to save on components. This remark is especially important now, when there are many different microdevices on the market, including controllers and sensors. Everyone can be used in DIY drone production, but not everyone can live up to the developer's expectations.

The easiest option is to purchase a ready-made board with already installed sensors(gyroscope, accelerometer, barometer, magnetometer).

What are they needed for?

The gyroscope is necessary to control the angular acceleration, the accelerometer measures gravity, the barometer is responsible for the climbed altitude, and the magnetometer is responsible for the direction of movement. Today, there are boards on the market that also have GPS receivers.

Before assembling a quadrocopter with your own hands, we advise you to read the advice of professionals (those who have made drones themselves more than once), because for beginners it will not be so easy:

  • The first "drone" should not be with a camera for photo or video shooting, it is your first job, the task of which is to take off, stay in the air with confidence and not break down on the first flight;
  • Don't go for scale. It is better to build a smaller and bulkier, but working quadcopter;
  • Try to use a minimum of connections and additional elements. A lot of sensors and controllers is not justified in all cases,
  • If you still decide to make a do-it-yourself quadcopter with a camera, then you should know that for a high quality picture, you will need a larger base. It is much more difficult to “seat” it on the device, and in general, the design with it becomes less stable and strong.

If you do not have time to assemble or just patience, we advise you to read how to save money and where it is more profitable to buy a quadcopter .

Now on the Internet you can find several useful tutorials (all links at the end of the article) on how to assemble a drone on a 250 frame yourself. But, while collecting my first quadric for these articles, I ran into problems that were not covered in any way. Namely: I did not find a complete list of parts and additional equipment that I need, the price of a complete assembly, as well as some practical and theoretical questions. That is why it was decided to make this article as a summary of my personal experience and other people's experiences to help beginners (like me) build their first drone as productively as possible.

Part 1 will be devoted to the selection of parts, equipment, assembly and connection of all components of the copter. The software side will be discussed in 2 parts.

Immediately report what I got:


It is noticeable in the video that the legs of the drone disappeared during the flight, but more on that later

FAQ List:

AT: Isn't it easier to buy a ready-made quadric and fly?
O: Easier, only if you are not going to keep improving your drone and building others. That is, you just want to fly, and not rack your brains and waste precious time. A store drone is in any case easier to learn and easier to operate. As an alternative, I can offer MJX Bugs 3. Review on it. Price from ~120$.

AT Q: Do I need to solder?
O: Yes need!

AT: Is it cheaper to assemble a quadric yourself than to buy in a store?
O: Not! I consider this a delusion. If you are a beginner, and since you are reading this article, most likely you are, then in addition to parts for a quadcopter, you will need a lot of other things. I am attaching a list below.

List to buy:

In order not to bother with the selection of the main components, I see great alternative in the purchase of a ready-made set. Without wasting time on the selection of parts, you will get everything you need.

Everything you get in the kit. On the picture not shown connecting wires from controller to transmitter

3) At least 2 additional sets of propellers (4 pcs included: 2 left, 2 right) ~0-100 rub.

Propellers really consumable during the first flights, so it is better to take with a margin. Oddly enough, but ordering from China is more expensive, and the wait is long. Maximum diameter 5 inches. I bought .


Batteries from Aliexpress. Both are out of order. The second jar failed for the left one, the third jar for the right one.


Left: battery for radio remote control with JR connector (black head). Right: Quadcopter battery

I highly advise against purchasing batteries from China: both batteries ordered by me failed, that is, they stopped producing the required voltage (one bank failed). Yes, perhaps it was a matter of chance, but there were no such problems with other batteries, and a savings of 150 rubles. not worth the risk.


Turnigy 9X with battery. Sits very tight, the lid closes

10) Soldering iron by itself.

Total cost ~ 11878 - 13217 rubles.

If you are surprised by the list, then it is worth noting that most of everything that you buy will serve you more than once.

I also want to note that prices are constantly changing, so I cannot guarantee the minimum cost for links. I'm sure you can find cheaper. I just shared sources one to one coinciding with mine.

Assembly

Frame assembly

There is a chance that a kit of parts will come to you without instructions for assembling the frame. So it was with me. If this happened, then we collect the picture or video. At this stage, you should not tighten all the screws in the "combat mode", you may have to disassemble the frame more than once. At this stage, it is not worth screwing the upper part at all; without it, it is more convenient to work with the insides of the copter. Also, do not forget about the washers, which I wrote about above.




Let's not forget the pucks. Of course, you don’t have a white plate - these are the very remnants of 3D printed legs

Motor installation

A very simple operation, if you remember about the direction of rotation of the motors. Decide where you will have the front. Motors with a black nut, rotating clockwise, we put in the front left and rear right places.


Pay attention to the location of the engines


Motor mount

Soldering

Distribution board soldering

So, you have already tried on and decided how everything will be installed for you. Solder time. When soldering the board The most important thing is to observe the polarity! It doesn't matter which places to solder the wires to, it all depends on how you are going to install the board.


Solder the regulators and power wires. We observe polarity. (My version)


Solder the regulators and power wires. We observe polarity. (Another variant)

Solder regulators to motors

First of all, we remove the standard red heat shrink from the regulators. In order for the motors to rotate in the direction we need, the regulators to the motors should be soldered like this:


Connecting regulators to motors

I think that you have a question: where to put the long wires from the regulators. They can be soldered and removed completely, or they can be cut to the desired length. The second method is preferable for beginners, as there is less chance of overheating the regulator when soldering.


Fully soldered standard wires of the regulator. I don’t advise you to do this, it’s better to just shorten the wires (don’t pay attention to the location of the wires, the picture was taken to show something else. Correct scheme above )

Solder the T-connector. Polarity matters!

We fix the power board, speed controllers

Time to fasten. Remember that the frame of the quad is conductive, so the board must be insulated from it. I put it on two layers of double-sided tape, pulled it from one end with a clamp, and then secured it with an elastic band.


We fix the fee. Two layers of double-sided tape + clamp + elastic band

I hid the speed controllers in heat shrink, put them on double-sided tape, tightened them with clamps and, to be sure, tightened them with an elastic band. Looks more than safe


We fix the regulators. Heat shrink + double-sided tape + clamps + elastic band

We fix the flight controller, receiver

Double-sided tape and rubber bands come into play again. Again, the tighter you fasten, the better.

I have it done like this:


Fasten the flight controller (1). Grass left after the crash


Attaching the flight controller (2)


Fix the receiver. Butt he also sits on double-sided tape

We connect everything with wires

Flight controller controls

From each of the regulators we have 3 wires. You need to do the following: on three of the four regulators, you need to pull the red wire out of the connector. You need to connect the wires to the controller in a certain order, this will be discussed in the next part.


On three of the four regulators, you need to pull the red wire out of the connector

Receiver to flight controller

And here the order of connecting the wires to each channel is not important. You just need to connect the power wire correctly - the white wire is closer to the side with the sticker.


Connect the receiver to the flight controller. The power wire should be located white closer to the side with the sticker

We fasten the upper part of the frame, look what happened

I also added a "camera mount".


"Camera mount"

Total:


About falls and what to do while waiting for the package

Be prepared for some falls first. And this: broken propellers, legs and camera in my case.


broken legs


Broken camera. By the way, I advise you to additionally seal the connector with a flash drive with adhesive tape, there is a chance of loss if it falls

Here is a video from my very first flight.

In this article, you will learn how to assemble a quadcopter with your own hands and get all the necessary drawings.

Sooner or later, the idea creeps into the head of a fan of radio-controlled models that building your own quadrocopter is not only profitable, it is also interesting. This is especially suitable for those who have involved their children or friends in the circle of radio amateurs.

Well, let's move from words to deeds!

The first thing to start with is to decide on the configuration of the future quadcopter. The most popular of all possible is Quadro-X. Selecting this type will allow the aircraft to fly forward on the side that the 1st and 3rd motors are on.

The second, without which any design and construction is impossible, is the development of drawings. Those who have already decided to use a ready-made frame in their copter will not need this step. Those who are ready to assemble their quadcopter from start to finish on their own, we tell you: the construction of the frame begins with a drawing. We offer you the simplest option below.

After the drawing is printed, it is worth making an estimate of materials specifically for the frame. So, its central part is recommended to be made of glass sheet, the thickness of which will be no more than 1.5 millimeters. You can also use plywood for this element.

The arms or "legs" of the quadcopter are best made of aluminum for maximum rigidity and strength, but a wooden rail will also be acceptable.


In addition to the basic materials, consumables are also required - bolts, nuts, washers.

At this stage, the tools you will need are a hacksaw, a drill and a file.

After all the materials are prepared, we proceed to the process:

  • Any convenient way transfer the drawing to the textolite blank and cut off the unnecessary material along the contour.
  • Connect all the resulting parts, securing them.
  • Prepare the holes for the screws (they are red in the drawing) with a 3 mm drill.
  • After the beams are fixed on the frame, make holes to facilitate the construction (these are white circles in the drawing).
  • On the beams, prepare holes for mounting the engine.
  • On the last step degrease the frame and glue it with double-sided tape to dampen vibrations.


In subsequent stages, you will need the following elements: board, motor controllers, propellers, motors, battery and charger for it, transmitter and receiver.

In order to fix the controllers on the adapter board, you should use copper wire without isolation. After that, the power wires, bus wires, a toggle switch for turning the power on and off are soldered.

When placing the controllers on the board, it is worth remembering that they must all be directed to the corresponding motors.

The next step is the installation of engines. It begins with soldering the wires to the motor terminals of their insulation. Then the engines themselves are installed at the ends of the beams and bolted to the underside of the "leg".

After that comes the crucial moment of fastening the "brain" of the quadrocopter - the adapter board. It is better to install it on small rubber dampers. It is important to protect the board from moisture and dust, so immediately close it with any plastic cap. Its shape and transparency depends solely on your preferences and does not affect the safety of the board.

A battery is attached to the prepared compartment, which is also better fixed on a rubber layer.

At the last stage, we fix the screws on the engines, connect the transmitter and LED backlight. Everything is ready!

More detailed instructions you can watch the video below.