Hey drone enthusiasts! Ever dreamt of building your own FPV drone from scratch? Well, you're in the right place! This guide is all about diving into the nitty-gritty of an OSD drone FPV scratch build in 2022. We're going to break down everything you need to know, from picking the right components to getting that awesome first flight. We’ll be discussing how to choose the right components, ensuring they are compatible with each other, covering how to build the drone, and finally, how to set up the OSD and tune the drone to fly properly. So, grab your tools, and let's get started on this exciting journey! Building your own drone is an amazing experience. You get to understand every aspect of how your drone works, making troubleshooting and repairs way easier down the line. Plus, there's a unique sense of accomplishment when you finally lift off something you've built with your own hands. And trust me, the community is super helpful; there are tons of forums and groups where you can get advice and share your progress. We will cover the topics in an order that makes sense for the beginner builder. So even if you are totally new to this you should be able to follow along. By the end of this guide, you should be able to build your own drone from scratch. You should have a better understanding of how a drone works, how to choose components, and how to set up your drone for flight.

Choosing the Right Components for your FPV Drone

The Frame

First things first: the frame. Think of the frame as the skeleton of your drone. It holds everything together and protects all the delicate electronics from crashes. Frames come in various sizes, usually measured by the diagonal distance between motor mounts. The most popular sizes are 5 inches, which are great all-arounders for both freestyle and racing. Then there are smaller ones like 3 inches for more agile flying and longer flight times, or bigger ones for carrying heavier payloads, like action cameras. Choosing the right frame is important and it's best to know the intended use case for the drone. When selecting a frame, you need to consider the style of flying you want to do. If you plan to do freestyle flying, where you are going to be doing flips and tricks, you will want to choose a strong frame to avoid damaging the drone. Also, the weight of the frame is an important factor. Lighter frames are usually more agile, but they are also more prone to damage. Make sure the frame can accommodate all the components you've chosen, specifically the flight controller, the electronic speed controllers (ESCs), and the video transmitter (VTX). Also, ensure that the frame has enough space to mount your battery securely. Look for features like motor protection and camera mounts, as these can make your build easier. The material of the frame is important, too. Carbon fiber is the go-to material for its strength and lightweight properties, but it can be brittle and prone to shattering upon impact. There are also frames made of plastic or other materials, which may be more durable but also heavier.

The Flight Controller

The brain of the operation, the flight controller (FC), is where all the magic happens. It's responsible for processing input from your receiver and sensors, and controlling the motors to keep your drone stable and responsive. Look for an FC that is compatible with your frame and other components. It has to have enough UART ports for your receiver, VTX, and any other accessories you might want to add, like GPS. The FC comes with an onboard gyro, accelerometer, and barometer to know where the drone is in space. It takes the information from these sensors and uses it to keep the drone flying straight. There are several popular flight controller firmwares, the most common is Betaflight. Betaflight is open source software. It offers tons of features and customization options. Think about what features are important to you; do you want GPS capabilities for return-to-home functionality? Do you need a black box for recording flight data? This will influence the FC you choose. Be sure the FC has the correct mounting pattern to fit your chosen frame. Most FCs use a 20x20mm or 30.5x30.5mm mounting pattern. Make sure the FC is compatible with the ESCs you choose. FCs use different protocols to communicate with the ESCs such as DSHOT or PWM. Be sure that the FC is compatible with the other components you choose. Otherwise, you might run into compatibility issues later on. The flight controller is arguably the most important component in your drone. Choosing the right flight controller is essential for ensuring your drone flies well and has all the features you need. There are many flight controllers available on the market and the choice can be overwhelming at first. Take your time to research and choose the one that's right for you.

Electronic Speed Controllers (ESC)

Now, let's talk about the ESCs. These are the gatekeepers of power to your motors. They take signals from the flight controller and regulate the speed of the motors. When choosing ESCs, ensure they can handle the current draw of your motors. Each motor on the drone has an amp draw, and you need to ensure the ESC is rated higher than the motor's max amp draw. Otherwise, the ESCs can burn out. The ESCs you select need to be compatible with the FC. They use different protocols to communicate such as DSHOT, or PWM. The ESC also determines your drone's maximum speed and responsiveness. The ESCs also handle the voltage of the battery. Different ESCs are compatible with different battery voltages. Make sure that the ESCs are compatible with the battery you are planning to use. Also, the ESCs need to be able to fit on your frame. They usually mount on the arms of the frame, near the motors. The size of the ESC depends on the size of the drone and the motors you plan to use. Most ESCs these days are BLHeli_S or BLHeli_32, which are excellent for performance and control. These firmwares offer features like RPM filtering, which smooths out the video feed and reduces the amount of noise in your flight video. You can purchase ESCs as a single unit, or as a 4-in-1 ESC. The 4-in-1 ESC can save space, but if one fails you have to replace all four. ESCs play a crucial role in the performance of your drone. Taking the time to understand their specifications and choosing the right ones can significantly impact your drone's performance and longevity. Consider the quality and reliability of the ESCs. Cheaper ESCs may be prone to failure, which can lead to expensive repairs and a frustrating flight experience. Invest in quality components to save money and frustration in the long run.

Motors

Next, the motors! These are what make the propellers spin and your drone fly. Motor size and KV (kV is revolutions per minute per volt) determine how powerful and fast your drone will be. The size of the motor is usually determined by the frame. The size of the motor and the frame go hand in hand. If you have a larger frame, you will usually want larger motors. If you have a smaller frame you will want to use smaller motors. The KV value determines the maximum speed of the drone. Motors with higher KV values will spin faster, but they will draw more power. For FPV drones, you're looking at motors with a KV range suited to your prop size and battery voltage. Higher KV motors work well on lighter drones with smaller props. Motors with lower KV are suitable for larger props and higher voltage batteries. Consider the type of flying you're going to be doing, and choose the motors accordingly. For freestyle, you may want higher KV motors. For racing, you may want lower KV motors. Consider the motor size when choosing your propellers. The propellers and the motors need to work together to produce lift. Check the specifications of the motors and propellers and make sure that they are compatible. Look at the build quality of the motor. Motors with high-quality bearings and windings will last longer. Make sure that the motors are suitable for the environment you will be flying in. If you fly in wet or dusty conditions, choose motors that are water-resistant and dust-proof. The motors are critical for your drone's performance. The motor needs to be compatible with the battery, the ESCs and the propellers. By carefully considering all of these factors, you can make the right choice when buying your drone motors.

Propellers

Propellers are the wings of your drone, they generate the lift needed for flight. The size, shape, and pitch of your propellers affect how your drone handles and performs. Common propeller sizes are 5 inches, but this depends on the frame size and the motors. They have different pitches. The pitch is the distance the propeller travels in one revolution. This affects how fast the drone can accelerate. Choose propellers made of durable material to withstand crashes. The propellers are exposed, and can be damaged when the drone crashes. Make sure that you have spares on hand. You can find propellers made of different materials, such as plastic, carbon fiber, and polycarbonate. Choose propellers made of durable material to withstand crashes. The propellers are exposed, and can be damaged when the drone crashes. Make sure that you have spares on hand. Propellers are a critical part of the drone, and can affect the performance, so it is important to choose the right ones. Make sure you have the right propellers for the motors and the frame you are using.

Battery

Batteries are the fuel of your drone. The battery's voltage and capacity determine how long your drone can fly. The voltage of the battery is the potential difference between the positive and negative terminals. The capacity is measured in milliamp hours (mAh) and indicates how much energy the battery can store. Most FPV drones use Lithium Polymer (LiPo) batteries. These batteries are known for their high power density. The voltage of the battery should match the voltage of the ESC. You also need to know the discharge rating (C rating) of the battery. The C rating tells you how much current the battery can safely deliver. Higher C ratings mean you can draw more power. It is important to know the battery capacity of the drone. It is measured in mAh, and the higher the mAh the longer the flight time will be. The weight of the battery can also affect the flight time. The lighter the battery the longer the flight time. Also, you should know the size of the battery to see if it will fit in the drone. Ensure that the battery is compatible with your drone's charger. You should also consider the battery connector type, such as XT60. Always follow safety precautions. When using LiPo batteries, always use a LiPo charger, and never overcharge or over-discharge them. Never leave a LiPo battery unattended while charging. If a LiPo battery starts to swell or shows any signs of damage, stop using it immediately. Proper battery care can prevent fires and extend the life of your batteries. Batteries are one of the most important components of your drone. Buying the right battery can make or break your drone's performance. When choosing a battery for your drone, there are a number of factors that you must consider.

Radio Receiver and Transmitter

The radio receiver and transmitter allow you to control your drone. The receiver is mounted on the drone, and receives signals from the transmitter, which is held by the pilot. The receiver and transmitter communicate using radio frequencies. There are several different radio protocols, such as FrSky, Crossfire, and Flysky. Make sure that your receiver and transmitter are compatible with each other. If your radio transmitter and receiver are not compatible, they will not work. Consider the range of your receiver and transmitter. If you plan to fly long distances, choose a receiver and transmitter with a long range. Consider the latency of the system, that is how long it takes for the drone to respond to the commands. You should also consider the features you want. Do you want telemetry data to be displayed on your transmitter screen, or do you want to have the ability to change flight modes. Make sure that the receiver and transmitter are easy to set up. Also, make sure that the system is compatible with the flight controller. Consider the radio protocol when choosing a radio transmitter and receiver. Your radio protocol needs to be compatible with your flight controller. There are several different radio protocols available, so it's important to choose one that works with your equipment. The receiver is usually small and lightweight, so it can be mounted inside the frame of the drone. The transmitter is usually larger and more complex, and contains the controls you will use to fly the drone.

FPV Camera and Video Transmitter (VTX)

For the FPV experience, you need a camera and a video transmitter (VTX). The camera captures the video, and the VTX transmits it to your FPV goggles or screen. The camera should have good low-light performance. This way you can see clearly when you fly in dim conditions. It needs to have a good field of view. This gives you a better sense of your surroundings while you are flying. It needs to be compatible with the VTX. Make sure your camera and VTX have the correct connectors and are compatible with each other. There are two main types of video transmission systems: analog and digital. Analog systems are the most common and affordable. Digital systems offer higher quality video and greater range. Make sure that you choose a VTX that is legal in your area. In many areas, there are restrictions on the power output of VTXs. The VTX needs to be mounted securely on your frame. It can easily get damaged, especially during a crash. Make sure that the VTX has the correct frequency and power for your needs. The frequency of your VTX needs to be compatible with your goggles or screen. The power of the VTX determines the range of your video signal. The camera and VTX are essential for your FPV experience. You will want to choose a camera with a good field of view, and a VTX that is compatible with your goggles or screen. You must also consider the legal requirements for your area.

Building Your FPV Drone: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Preparation is Key

Before you start, gather all your components and make sure you have all the necessary tools. This includes soldering iron, solder, wire strippers, heat shrink tubing, zip ties, and a screwdriver set. A good workspace is crucial. Clear your desk, organize your components, and have everything within reach. It is best to take your time and read the manuals for all the components. Read them and understand them before you start the build. This can prevent costly mistakes and will save you some time. Make sure you have enough space to work. The more organized you are, the easier the build will be. The manual should also provide details on how to use each component. This will provide you with valuable information about the different functions of each component. This way you know what to expect when you start the build. It's also a good idea to have a multimeter on hand for testing connections and checking for shorts. Taking your time during this preparation stage will make the build go much smoother and more enjoyable. It will save you time and money. Preparation is the key to a successful drone build. Make sure you have everything you need, and you have read the instructions.

Step 2: Assemble the Frame

Start with the frame. Refer to the frame's manual. Mount the arms and other structural pieces according to the manual. Tighten the screws, but don't over-tighten them, as you could damage the carbon fiber or strip the threads. Place the motors on the arms of the frame. Attach the motors with the screws provided. Make sure they are oriented correctly, as they have a specific direction of rotation. Some frames also have vibration dampeners. Assemble the frame properly and this will prevent problems later on. Check the frame's manual and make sure you understand how to assemble the frame. Tighten the screws securely. But, do not over-tighten them. If you do you could strip the threads. Make sure to double-check that all the components are aligned properly. Assemble the frame carefully, this is the foundation of your drone build. If you don't build the frame correctly, it can affect the overall performance of the drone.

Step 3: Mount the Flight Controller (FC)

Next, mount the FC on the frame. The FC usually has mounting holes that align with the frame. This will allow the FC to be mounted directly to the frame. The FC should be mounted with vibration-dampening standoffs. These absorb vibrations, which improves the performance of the drone. Make sure that the FC is oriented in the correct direction. Usually, there's an arrow on the FC indicating the front of the drone. Refer to your frame's manual to find out how the flight controller mounts to the frame. Use screws that are the correct size to mount the FC. Using the wrong size screws can damage the FC. Check the manual of the FC to see which side is the top of the FC. If the flight controller is not mounted correctly, it will be hard to tune. Make sure that the flight controller is mounted correctly. This will prevent problems later on. Mounting the FC properly will ensure your drone's stability and responsiveness. Double-check all connections, and make sure that everything is secure.

Step 4: Wire the Motors and ESCs

Now, it's time to connect the motors to the ESCs. The ESCs go on the arms of the frame, near the motors. Solder the motor wires to the ESC pads. Make sure to use the correct polarity. Then connect the ESCs to the flight controller. Connect the ESCs to the FC using the correct wiring configuration. Most FCs and ESCs use a plug-and-play configuration. Make sure you are using the correct wiring configuration for your FC and ESCs. Double-check all your connections. Use heat shrink tubing to insulate the solder joints. Take your time, and do a good job on the solder joints. Solder joints that are poorly done can cause problems later on. A bad solder joint can lead to a crash. Secure the wires with zip ties or cable ties. Route the wires so they don't interfere with the propellers. Make sure there is enough space around the wires, and that they will not be damaged by the propellers. Wiring the motors and ESCs is a critical step in building your drone. Proper wiring ensures that your motors get the power and control they need to fly.

Step 5: Connect the Receiver, VTX, and Camera

Next, connect the receiver, VTX, and camera to the flight controller. Consult the manuals for each component to determine the correct wiring. Make sure to use the right UART ports on the FC. The VTX and camera are usually powered by the battery. Connect the receiver to the FC. Also, connect the video camera to the VTX. Make sure you use the right connectors and that everything is plugged in correctly. Take your time and make sure that you are using the correct wiring diagram. Wrong wiring can damage the components. Double-check your connections to ensure everything is secure. Make sure that the camera is positioned correctly on the frame. Use zip ties or tape to secure the wires. Correctly wiring the receiver, VTX, and camera is essential to make sure your drone can be controlled, and you can see the video feed. Proper wiring ensures that you have control over the drone and can see what the drone is seeing.

Step 6: Power Up and Configure Betaflight

Plug in the battery and connect your drone to your computer. Open Betaflight and connect to your flight controller. In the configuration tab, select the correct motor direction, and configure your receiver settings. Also, configure the failsafe settings. You can calibrate the accelerometer. Now, you can set up the OSD. Make sure everything is configured properly. Ensure that the motors spin in the correct direction. If the motors are not spinning in the right direction, you will need to reverse the motor direction in Betaflight. Also, make sure that the flight modes are set up correctly. Take your time and make sure that everything is configured correctly. If you're using an OSD, configure what information you want to see displayed on your screen. The Betaflight configuration is one of the most important parts of the build. Use this software to configure and test everything. Powering up your drone and configuring Betaflight is an exciting step. Following the instructions carefully and taking your time will ensure that your drone flies properly. Once the drone is connected, you can start configuring all of the flight parameters. The setup is essential to get the drone ready for its first flight.

Step 7: Final Checks and Testing

Before you take your drone up for its first flight, do a thorough check. Double-check all connections, and make sure everything is secure. Make sure that the propellers are on correctly and that they are not damaged. Check the motors to make sure that they are not obstructed. Before you fly, make sure that you have bound your receiver to your transmitter. Test all the controls to make sure they are working. Make sure that you have done all the safety checks. If you are flying in a group, make sure that you have clear communication with the group. Inspect your drone one last time. Make sure that you have a clear area to fly. Check the video feed to make sure that you have a good video signal. Inspect all the parts to make sure that they are in good condition. Perform a test flight in a safe area. This will give you an opportunity to test the controls and make sure that everything is working properly. Proper testing is essential to ensure that your drone is safe to fly. Thorough checks can help identify any potential issues before you take to the skies. These steps will help you ensure a safe and successful flight.

Setting up OSD on Your FPV Drone

Understanding OSD Basics

OSD, or On-Screen Display, overlays important flight information onto your FPV feed. This gives you critical data like battery voltage, flight timer, and even the drone's attitude directly in your goggles or on your monitor. This information is generated by the flight controller and transmitted along with the video signal from the camera to the VTX, and then to your goggles. Knowing this information makes flying safer and more enjoyable. OSD information can also include warnings such as low battery or loss of signal. This allows you to fly with confidence, and make it easier to fly. The information that is displayed on the screen is extremely important for a safe and enjoyable flight experience. The data is usually displayed in a corner of your screen and does not obstruct the video feed. The information can be customized to display the information that is important to you. The basics include a good understanding of what data is shown on the screen and how it's generated. Understanding the OSD basics will allow you to make better choices about what information is displayed on the screen. Also, you will be able to diagnose any issues you might have. OSD is essential for FPV flying. If you have an understanding of the basics you can use it to help you fly more safely.

Configuring OSD in Betaflight

Betaflight is your go-to software for OSD configuration. Connect your drone to your computer, and open Betaflight. In the OSD tab, you can enable the OSD and customize what information is displayed. You can move the elements around the screen to arrange them as you want. Select the elements you want to see, such as battery voltage, flight time, and more. Use the slider to adjust the position of the information on the screen. There are also advanced options where you can fine-tune the display settings. The settings are easy to use, and you can change them easily. You can customize the OSD to display the information that you need. You can also change the font and size of the information. Betaflight offers a high degree of customization when it comes to the OSD. Take your time, and customize the OSD to display the information that is important to you. Take a few minutes and get familiar with the settings. This way you can easily find the OSD settings you are looking for. Customizing your OSD in Betaflight is easy, and you can tailor it to your needs. Take some time to customize the OSD, and you will greatly improve your FPV experience.

Troubleshooting OSD Issues

If your OSD isn't working, here's a checklist. Make sure that the OSD is enabled in Betaflight. Also, make sure that the wiring connections are correct. Check the wiring between the flight controller and the VTX. Make sure your VTX is compatible with your camera and your goggles. If it is still not working, then there might be a hardware problem. There may be damage to the flight controller or the VTX. Start by checking the wiring connections. Make sure that the wires are properly connected, and that they are not damaged. If the wiring is correct, then check the settings in Betaflight. Make sure that the OSD is enabled, and that the elements are configured properly. If the settings are correct, then try resetting the flight controller. If all else fails, then you may have a hardware problem. You may need to replace the flight controller or the VTX. Properly troubleshooting OSD issues will ensure your FPV experience is better. Troubleshooting can be a frustrating experience. Start by checking the simple things first. Troubleshooting is a process of elimination. Going through these steps can help solve any problems you might have.

Tuning Your FPV Drone for Optimal Flight

Understanding PID and Rate Tuning

PID and rate tuning is all about making your drone respond perfectly to your inputs. PID controllers are responsible for the drone's stability. Rate tuning controls how quickly the drone responds to your control inputs. PID stands for Proportional, Integral, and Derivative, and these three values determine how the flight controller reacts to your commands and external disturbances. The P term corrects for immediate errors. The I term corrects for sustained errors, and the D term dampens oscillations. Rate tuning involves adjusting the responsiveness of the drone to your stick inputs. These settings determine how quickly your drone rolls, pitches, and yaws. Proper tuning enhances flight performance and improves the overall flying experience. Understanding the basics of PID and rate tuning can seem intimidating. But, with some practice and experimentation, you can greatly improve your drone's flight performance. PID tuning is essential to achieve a stable and responsive drone. Knowing the basics of PID and rate tuning is crucial for fine-tuning your drone. The settings need to be tuned to achieve the desired flight characteristics. Spend time experimenting with the settings, and you can achieve the best possible performance.

Tuning in Betaflight: Step-by-Step

To tune your drone in Betaflight, connect to your flight controller. Go to the PID tuning tab. Start by adjusting the PIDs, focusing on the P term first. Increase it slowly until your drone starts to oscillate. Then, decrease it until the oscillations stop. Next, adjust the I term to help your drone hold its position. Then, adjust the D term to help dampen the oscillations. You can adjust the rates in the Rate Profiles tab. Start with the roll and pitch rates, then adjust the yaw rates. You can test your settings in a safe area. There is a lot of trial and error in tuning the drone. Betaflight allows you to save the settings. If you don't like the changes you can revert them. Take your time and make small adjustments. Use the Betaflight configuration to configure and test the settings. By taking your time and making small adjustments, you can get a great-flying drone. Tuning your drone in Betaflight is a process. Betaflight makes the process easier by providing the necessary tools. It will also help you to test your settings. Take your time and be patient, and you will eventually find the perfect settings. It is a process that requires patience and practice. Fine-tuning your drone ensures smooth, responsive flights.

Common Tuning Issues and Solutions

Some common issues and solutions include oscillations, which can be caused by the PIDs being too high. Decrease the PIDs until the oscillations stop. If your drone is drifting, increase the I term. If your drone is twitchy, try increasing the D term. Vibrations can cause problems with the tuning. You can fix it by using soft mounting and filtering. Always check your props to ensure they are balanced. If your drone is not responding to your commands, there might be a problem with the rates. Make sure the rates are properly configured. Always use the black box to record your flight data. You can then use the data to analyze the issues you are having. Take your time and experiment with the settings. There is a learning curve in tuning. Tuning the drone correctly can significantly improve its flight performance. You may encounter a variety of problems when tuning your drone. There are also solutions to these problems. Troubleshooting and fine-tuning are vital to achieve great flight characteristics. Proper tuning will enhance your FPV experience.

Conclusion: Your FPV Drone Adventure Begins!

Congratulations, you've made it through the basics of building an OSD drone FPV from scratch! This is just the beginning. The world of FPV drones is full of exciting possibilities. Keep practicing, experimenting, and most importantly, have fun. Building a drone and flying it is an exciting experience. This guide will help you build your own drone. Keep practicing to improve your flying skills. The community is supportive and can help you with anything. Take what you have learned and go build your own drone! It is an awesome experience, and will teach you a lot. FPV drone is a rewarding hobby. Continue to learn and grow, and enjoy the journey! You are now ready to embark on your FPV adventure. There is always something new to learn, so embrace the journey.