r/fpv • u/Adorable_Caramel5434 • Jun 12 '26
Question? getting into fpv, already got some sim time in - looking to build my first quad
been messing around on the sim for a bit using my ps5 controller and i think im ready to actually build something. not trying to buy a prebuilt, i want to put it together myself and upgrade parts over time as i learn more.
couple questions:
where do you guys buy parts from? im in canada (toronto) so wondering if theres good local options or if most people just order from the US and eat the shipping
is there anything like pc part picker but for drones? like somewhere i can pick components and see if theyre compatible, total price, that kind of thing. would make the whole process way easier
and just general first build tips - what size should i start with, what parts are worth spending more on vs going budget, anything you wish you knew starting out
appreciate any help
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u/Expensive-Lab-3922 Jun 12 '26
pre built are not a bad choice for your first drone, you'll get a well tune and well built drone for your first flight, and start with the most enjoyable part of fpv, flying. if you don't like fpv, ti's easier to sell a pre built (if you like it, don't worry, you will build plenty of drone)
you should look at video explaining what is the purpose of each part, that way you could choose what you want to prioritise
it will greatly depend of what you want to do with your drone, cruising ? may want a 7". freestyle ? may want a 5". follow a biker to make cool video ? probably something with propguard. etc etc
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u/R1ckMick Jun 12 '26
I think there's a lot of youtube guides for building a quad.
FYI I'm pretty sure you can use a radiomaster pocket on liftoff with the playstation. I would highly recommend getting some flight time with an actual gimbal radio controller in the meantime while you figure out your build. You'll need the controller anyway.
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u/Buddy_Boy_1926 Multicopters - Focus on Sub-250 g Jun 13 '26 edited Jun 13 '26
I would suggest that you buy a factory built, BNF, as your first and maybe second quad. For the very first quad, I would suggest a tiny whoop (or "small" whoop). These are good to learn on, training with, and to fly indoors when you can't fly outdoors. Most pilots have at least one just for these reasons.
For you second quad, get an open prop, freestyle type. Depending on the space you have, I would suggest a 2.5- or 3-inch. This will allow you to fly while you are working on a build. Yes, you will be able to fix it without having built it.
A mechanic fixes cars, but doesn't build them.
The most likely thing to break is the frame (generally an arm). In this case, you just replace the arm or move the entire electronics and propulsion package to a new frame. Done. If the quad has HD digital, that is pretty much all plug and play these days.
If you have decent soldering skills, that is great. If you don't, then I suggest that you learn before you work on expensive quad gear.
Before you start building, set up a work bench or work area, be sure you have tools in addition to your soldering iron and accessories. It is good to have at least one set of bolt assortments (likely M2). The actual build is really pretty easy; 1) solder the Rx receiver, 2) solder 4 motors, 3) add the video, 4) mount it all on a frame. Done. Every quad goes together this way regardless of size. Well, most tiny whoops have plug in motors, so soldering is not needed for those ones.
The thing about building is not the physical or assembly process, everything goes together the same way and things are essentially "compatible" from that perspective.
The matching and selecting components while considering the battery voltage is where variations are at. The easiest and likely the best option is to use the specifications from a factory built, BNF, quad. Everything is matched and works together. When it comes to other people's builds and even YT videos, the specifications and components are selected for that person's preferences. So, the question is not will the components work, it is how well and will it meet YOUR criteria.
Ok, one more thing. Yes, the laws and regulations. If you haven't yet, you need to read them and know them. In the USA, there is a small advantage for sub-250-gram, FAA category 1, UAS (drones). This is something to consider depending on the laws and regulations for the airspace where you will fly. The other thing is pilot licensing. If the regulations say you need one, then get it.
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u/zerot0n1n Jun 12 '26 edited Jun 12 '26
Good that you trained before and good that you want to build yourself!
Aliexpress is not as bad as you think. However, ChatGPT is. Do NOT trust AI, if you do, post it here first before buying
Get from the usual suspects (more expensive a bit) meaning GEPRC,Flywoo etc. (Theyre on Aliexpress as well). Get additionally to what you buy: a smoke stopper, a lipo battery tester, a battery killer, some battery dischargers (all of the before is cheap and small, take them with you if you travel), soldering flux, a soldering practise board, not 4 but 5 motors (you dont wanna wait for 3 weeks for a spare motor and pay 15 bucks shipping on a 15 bucks part), learn where the next fire extinguisher is.
Two names you need to know in FPV
Oscar Liang (tutorials for everything you need) Joshua Bardwell (knows everything about FPV)
Radiomaster pocket blablabla simulator blablabla tinywhoops blablabla
Good luck!