How to Build a 5-Inch FPV Drone

      How to Build a 5-Inch FPV Drone: The Ultimate Beginner's Guide (2026 Edition)

Welcome to the world of FPV (First Person View). If you are reading this, you are probably ready to graduate from simulators or tiny whoops and step into the big league: the 5-inch Freestyle Drone.

Building your own drone is a rite of passage. It is technical, challenging, but incredibly rewarding. In this guide, provided by the FPVPart Team, we will take you from a pile of parts to your first flight.

1. Who is a 5" FPV Drone For?

A 5-inch drone is not a toy. It is a high-performance aircraft capable of reaching speeds over 100mph (160km/h) in seconds. This build is recommended for:

  • Sim Pilots: You have logged 10+ hours in a simulator (Velocidrone, Liftoff) and can fly in Acro mode.
  • Hobbyists: You enjoy DIY electronics, soldering, and tinkering.
  • Action Seekers: You want to capture cinematic footage or experience the adrenaline of freestyle flying.

⚠️ Pro Tip: Never flown before? We highly recommend starting with a [LINK: Tiny Whoop / Beginner Kit] before building a 5-inch beast.

2. Why Build Instead of Buy? (BNF vs. DIY)

You can buy "Bind-N-Fly" (BNF) drones that come pre-assembled. So why build?

  1. Repairability: In FPV, it’s not if you crash, but when. If you built it, you know exactly how to fix it when a motor breaks.
  2. Customization: You choose the best components for your style rather than accepting generic parts.
  3. Confidence: Understanding the electronics stack gives you the confidence to tune and tweak your drone for peak performance.

3. The Parts List (The Essentials)

Here is a solid "Bang for Buck" build list currated by our experts. These components offer the best balance of performance and price.

  • The Frame: You need something that can take a beating.
    • Our Pick: [LINK: Your 5-Inch Frame Name] (Durable carbon fiber, easy to build).
  • The Stack (FC + ESC): The brain and heart of your drone.
    • Our Pick: [LINK: SpeedyBee F405 V3 Stack] (Best value, Bluetooth configuration).
  • Motors: For a 5-inch freestyle build on 6S battery, look for ~1700KV to 1800KV.
    • Our Pick: [LINK: Your Motor Name 2207/2306].
  • Video System (VTX & Camera):
    • Analog: [LINK: Your VTX Name] + [LINK: Foxeer/Caddx Camera].
    • Digital: [LINK: DJI O3 Air Unit] (For HD experience).
  • Receiver (RX):
    • Standard: [LINK: ELRS Nano Receiver 2.4GHz]. ExpressLRS is the current industry standard for range and speed.
  • Batteries:
    • Recommended: [LINK: 6S 1100mAh - 1300mAh LiPo]. Don't forget a [LINK: LiPo Charger]!

4. The Toolkit

You cannot build a drone without the right tools. Do not skip these essentials:

  • Soldering Iron: A smart iron (TS100/Pinecil) or a decent station.
  • High-Quality Solder & Flux: Flux makes soldering much easier!
  • Hex Drivers: 1.5mm, 2.0mm, and 2.5mm.
  • Multimeter: To check for short circuits.
  • Smoke Stopper: A vital safety fuse. [LINK: Get a Smoke Stopper Here] – it saves your electronics!

5. The Build Sequence

Step 1: Frame Assembly

Start by assembling the carbon fiber frame. Attach the arms to the bottom plate. Do not tighten the screws 100% yet; keep them loose until the top plate is on to ensure alignment.

Step 2: Motor Mounting

Mount your 4 motors to the arms.

  • Tip: Use Blue Loctite on motor screws to prevent vibrations from loosening them.
  • Cut the motor wires to length so they reach the center, but leave a little slack.

Step 3: The ESC (Electronic Speed Controller)

Mount the ESC (bottom board) using rubber grommets.

  • Soldering: Tin the pads on the ESC first. Then solder motor wires to the motor pads.
  • Power: Solder the XT60 pigtail and Capacitor. Pay attention to Positive (+) and Negative (-).

Step 4: The Flight Controller (FC)

Place the FC on top of the ESC. Connect them using the provided ribbon cable. This is where you solder your Receiver, Camera, and VTX.

Need Help? Confused about where the wires go? Check our [LINK: Wiring Diagrams Database] to find the exact pinout for your Flight Controller.

Step 5: Finishing Touches

  • Secure the VTX and Receiver to the rear using zip ties or 3D printed mounts.
  • Mount the FPV Camera at the front.
  • Put on the top plate and strap everything down.

6. Betaflight Configuration

Once built, do not plug in the battery yet. Plug the FC into your computer via USB and open Betaflight Configurator.

  1. Ports Tab: Turn on "Serial RX" for your Receiver's UART.
  2. Configuration Tab: Select "DSHOT600" for ESC and "Serial-based receiver (CRSF/ELRS)".
  3. Modes Tab: Set up an ARM switch (AUX 1). This is your safety switch.
  4. Motors Tab: Plug in the battery (PROPS OFF!). Use the "Motor Direction" wizard to ensure motors spin correctly.

7. Safety Checks & Pre-Flight

Before you go to the field, perform the "Bench Test":

  1. The Smoke Stopper Test: Plug the battery in via a Smoke Stopper. If the light implies a short, disconnect immediately!
  2. Failsafe Check: Crucial! Arm the drone (props off), spin motors, then turn off your Radio. Motors must stop immediately.
  3. Prop Direction: Double-check your props are on the right way (writing faces up).

Congratulations! You have built your first FPV drone. Go find a large, open grass field, stay safe, and enjoy the flight!

Ready to start your build? Check out our [LINK: All-In-One DIY Bundles] to get everything you need in one box.

 

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