Miniature Arduino-Based FPV Drone Project

Overview

• Objective: Build a small Arduino-based FPV drone for DIY learning and racing.
• Options for frame: Popsicle sticks or 3D printed design.
• Budget-friendly components.

Parts Required

• Motors and Propellers:
  • Brushed coreless motors with propellers.
• Electronic Components:
  • Motor driver board.
  • Flight controller.
  • 3G FPV camera.
  • Lipo cell with connectors.
  • Receiver module.
• Frame Materials:
  • Popsicle sticks or PLA filament for 3D printing.
• Tools:
  • Hobby knife, PVC glue, super glue, sandpaper.

Building the Frame

• Cutting and Gluing:
  • Print blueprint for the wooden frame.
  • Cut out wood pieces and glue onto popsicle sticks.
• Sanding:
  • Sand down pieces to reduce weight.
• Assembly:
  • Assemble the frame to resemble a larger FPV drone.
  • Add wood piece for the camera mount, poke holes for connectors.
  • Add rubber bumper guard for protection.

Motor Driver Board

• Components Needed:
  • MOSFETs, Schottky diodes, pull-down resistors.
• Assembly Steps:
  • Solder components onto a perforated board.
  • Connect signal wires and power lines.

Installing Motors

• Secure 6mm coreless motors with super glue.
• Wiring Motors:
  • Connect motors to flyback diodes according to the wiring diagram.
  • Test motor operation with power supply.

Flight Controller Setup

• Components:
  • Arduino Pro Mini (3.3V version)
  • MPU 6050 gyro/accelerometer sensor.
• Installation:
  • Mount and connect the flight controller using wires for power and communication.
• Wiring for Power:
  • Power the radio module and motor driver from the battery.

Transmitter Design

• 3D Printed Transmitter:
  • Based on existing designs with custom modifications, including toggle switches and a charging port.
• Transmitter Code:
  • Code for controlling the drone available in the description.

Software Setup

• Connect the drone to the computer using FTDI converter.
• Open the drone code and make necessary adjustments for hardware setup.
• Use Multi-E software for PID tuning and to ensure proper motor control.

Troubleshooting Issues

Initial Problems:

• Motors lacked thrust and caused resets.
• Weak motors only provided 6G of thrust.

Solutions:

• Replaced with stronger motors providing 14G thrust.
• Addressed electrical noise issues causing resets.
• Adjusted PWM frequency of Arduino to 2kHz.
• Added EMF shielding and improved positioning of components.

Final Assembly

• Install FPV camera and secure wiring.
• Powering Up:
  • Power on the drone and transmitter, calibrate the gyro, and arm the drone.

Flight Testing

• Conducted indoor flight tests, followed by outdoor FPV testing in a natural setting.

Conclusion

• Project completed with successful flights.
• Resources:
  • Links for parts, software, and design files available in the description.
• Community Engagement:
  • Thanking viewers for support and encouraging DIY projects.

Additional Projects

• Reference to a video on building a high-speed 5-inch FPV freestyle drone.