The 3D printed FPV quad
Recently, I have had the opportunity to construct a quadcopter drone using the most economical components available on the market. After careful consideration and research, I was able to assemble a set of components for a total cost of 57.01€, excluding the price of the frame and battery. It is worth noting that this price point is significantly lower than the current market value for similar components, making it an excellent option for those on a budget.
One of the key components of the drone was the frame, which I decided to 3D print using PLA plastic. 3D printing allowed me to create a frame that was tailored to my specific needs and preferences, and it also allowed me to keep the cost down by avoiding the need to purchase a pre-made frame. Additionally, 3D printing allowed me to experiment with different designs and iterate on my ideas until I was satisfied with the final result. One of the major benefits of using 3D printing for the frame was that it allowed me to significantly reduce the weight of the drone.
Price tags for other parts at the moment of purchase (last year mostly):
- Flight controller - 12.56 €
- ESC - 12.06 €
- Motors - 9.60 €
- Propellers - 3.75 €
- Camera + VTX - 12.43 €
- Receiver - 6.61 €
In terms of the physical characteristics of the drone, it has a dry weight of 77 grams, making it highly portable and maneuverable. This is an important factor to consider when choosing a drone, as a lightweight design is easier to control and allows for more agile flight. Additionally, the flight time of the drone, when equipped with a 3s 650mAh battery, is approximately 14 minutes. While this may not be the longest flight duration available, it is more than sufficient for flying for fun.
I am pleased to report that the overall performance of the drone has exceeded my expectations. It has flown smoothly and responded well to my input, making it a joy to fly. To demonstrate the capabilities of the quadcopter, I have recorded and uploaded a video of a flight test to YouTube for interested parties to view. In the video, you can see the drone in action, as well as some of the impressive maneuvers it is capable of.
Overall, I am very happy with the results of my drone build, and I hope that this information is helpful to others who are interested in building their own budget drone. If you are considering building a drone of your own, I highly recommend considering the components and strategies outlined in this report. With some careful planning and a little bit of elbow grease, it is entirely possible to build a high-performing drone at a fraction of the cost of a pre-built model. So, I encourage anyone interested in building their own budget drone to give it a try!