How to build a Quadcopter!

Mission: To Build a Cheap Quadcopter.

Like a DJI Flame Wheel F450!

some quadcopter parts

Welcome to Matts guide on how to build a quadcopter. Have you ever wondered "How do you build a quadcopter" .... over the next few pages I will guide you through the necessary steps to make your very own quad.

I'm going to make a copy of a multirotor which is much loved by ariel photographers, the DJI flame wheel F450. It's 450cm in size and capable of carrying a GoPro camera mounted using a gimbal.

DJI F450 Quadcopter

DJI F450 Quad copter - available in kit form.

Back last year I started a quadcopter project to build a cheap Mini Quad, so if you want to know how to build a smaller mini quad see this article here. These smaller quads tend to be used for racing, FPV or acrobatics.

So this is Matts guide on how to build a quad. I will try and explain the process I went through, but if you've got any questions please don't hesitate - just send me over an email to "[email protected]" or add a comment at the bottom of the page, I will try answer the best I can...

Right, what do you need and what do you need to buy? The parts list.

If you don't already own a transmitter (hand controller) you will need to purchase one or borrow one. Other items you will need access too are; solder and a soldering iron,suitable wire, some XT60 connectors, heat shrink, insulation/electrical tape.

This Quad copter is made up from the following parts.

A Frame, the Diatone Q450 v3(similar to DJI flamewheel F450- its a cheap copy)
Flight controller, the thing that controls all the motors.
4x Multi-rotor Brushless Speed controllers , they supply the power to the motors.
Wire, XT60 Connectors.
Motors.
Receiver (to receive the signals from the transmitter)
Zip ties
Bullet connectors
Some male to male 10cm servo leads
4x Props (mine were included with the motors)

Now with this part list I opened up my web browser and went shopping, aiming to purchased each part as cheaply as possible using eBay or Hobbyking.

HobbyKing Order

Below is a guide on what each part is and its cost.

Diatone frame Q450v3 (eBay £9.85)
Naze32 flight controller (Hobbyking £11.96)
Afro 20Amp Brushless ESC (ebay, I paid £30 for six, some were used)
1m Wire, Nylon XT60 Connectors Male/Female (5 pairs)(eBay £0.98p,£2.42)
4x Turnigy Multistar Multi-rotor Brushless ESC Motors (Hobbyking £38.96)
Orange 620 RX receiver (ebay £14.98)
Zip ties (Cheap £1 shop)
2mm Gold Bullet Connectors 10 Pairs - Male Female Plug Socket with heat shrink (eBay, China ;) £3.88)
Male to male 10cm servo leads (eBay UK £3.06)
5030 Props CW/CCW (Included with the motors.. £FREE)

Once ordered, I sat back and waited for the parts to arrive...