Building a from scratch fpv fixed wing with diy components under 50$

[threeonethree]

This is my first time building a fixed wing. I would like to build something that has the following specifications.

1. Diy flight controller using ESP / arduino or any other cheap microcontroller.
2. Diy ESC
3. Diy ESP/ arduino TX / RX
4. 1 or 2 , 2212 brushless motor / cheap.
5. Diy servo with dc motors.
6. Fpv camera / VTX
7. 1s / 2s / 3s/ 4s li ion 18650 batteries that plug in directly into a battery holder.

From scratch and cheap appropriate size frame that has a pusher configuration so the fpv camera is not hindered by the prop/s. Should be stable for good fpv feed.

How do you think i should go about this and where do i start from the basics? replace a part with already available cheap component where building one from scratch wont be feasible absolutely (cost wise not time wise).

 

[Mr NCT]

This is my first time building a fixed wing. I would like to build something that has the following specifications.

1. Diy flight controller using ESP / arduino or any other cheap microcontroller.
2. Diy ESC
3. Diy ESP/ arduino TX / RX
4. 1 or 2 , 2212 brushless motor / cheap.
5. Diy servo with dc motors.
6. Fpv camera / VTX
7. 1s / 2s / 3s/ 4s li ion 18650 batteries that plug in directly into a battery holder.

From scratch and cheap appropriate size frame that has a pusher configuration so the fpv camera is not hindered by the prop/s. Should be stable for good fpv feed.

How do you think i should go about this and where do i start from the basics? replace a part with already available cheap component where building one from scratch wont be feasible absolutely (cost wise not time wise).

That's an ambitious project to build diy electronics but should be interesting. Can't wait to see how it comes out.

 

[Piotrsko]

The learning curve is gonna be spectacular. Back in the '70s you could get an OS Max digital radio kit with 4? Servos ready to assemble/build for like a Benjamin. So for starters, need transmitter theory, receiver theory, how proportional servos work, gps, power electronics to name a few.

Don't want to put you off, but when you're done, you are hire-able by any electronic manufacturer in the world as an advanced post doctorate graduate.

Really hope you succeed

 

[bisco]

what else have you built?

 

[Shurik-1960]

I take my hat off to your ambitions. I have 2 degrees with honors, but to set such tasks for myself means to be a genius. I sign up for the sequel and go get some popcorn.

 

[JasonK]

This is my first time building a fixed wing. I would like to build something that has the following specifications.

1. Diy flight controller using ESP / arduino or any other cheap microcontroller.
2. Diy ESC
3. Diy ESP/ arduino TX / RX
4. 1 or 2 , 2212 brushless motor / cheap.
5. Diy servo with dc motors.
6. Fpv camera / VTX
7. 1s / 2s / 3s/ 4s li ion 18650 batteries that plug in directly into a battery holder.

From scratch and cheap appropriate size frame that has a pusher configuration so the fpv camera is not hindered by the prop/s. Should be stable for good fpv feed.

How do you think i should go about this and where do i start from the basics? replace a part with already available cheap component where building one from scratch wont be feasible absolutely (cost wise not time wise).

1. I think you might be mistaking that you can part out many of those things cheaper then purchasing them out right. (many parts are available so cheaply that there is basically no way to make them yourself cheaper)
2. I don't see you indicate any type of RX control link, the built in bluetooth/wifi that you might get from an ESP/arduino board isn't going to have the range for a fixed wing craft.
3. for a fixed wing you don't _need_ a flight controller (multi-rotors need them because they are are not inherently stable, a fixed wing will fly straight/level when built/trimmed correctly with no inputs), so you could drop that to save some money
4. again - analog FPV gear - it is unlikely you can build it cheaper then you can get the base line parts off the shelf.
5. as to the li-ion battery choice, many of them don't have the C rating to handle the load the craft needs to handle.
   

 

[Crash Test RC]

This is my first time building a fixed wing. I would like to build something that has the following specifications.

1. Diy flight controller using ESP / arduino or any other cheap microcontroller.
2. Diy ESC
3. Diy ESP/ arduino TX / RX
4. 1 or 2 , 2212 brushless motor / cheap.
5. Diy servo with dc motors.
6. Fpv camera / VTX
7. 1s / 2s / 3s/ 4s li ion 18650 batteries that plug in directly into a battery holder.

From scratch and cheap appropriate size frame that has a pusher configuration so the fpv camera is not hindered by the prop/s. Should be stable for good fpv feed.

How do you think i should go about this and where do i start from the basics? replace a part with already available cheap component where building one from scratch wont be feasible absolutely (cost wise not time wise).

I would recommend trying used parts to save money. No FC is necessary, as the plane should be inherently stable. I don't know much about a DIY TX/RX, but I would recommend just looking for an inexpensive used TX/RX, of a common brand on FB marketplace. Just make sure it is credible brand, and make sure to check with the seller that any used components still work before buying. DIY servos are so cheep I would recommend buying rather than building if your goal is purely to save money. lion batteries tend to have limited draw, so LIPO batteries are used in most RC applications, except for specialized long-range aircraft.

 

[clolsonus]

If you DIY all your components down to the lowest level you'll probably have a full time 10 year, $100k project on your hands. To me it makes the most sense just picking components that have a reasonable balance between cost and quality and put the system together as quickly and simply as possible. Then, once you have your baseline working, you will have a much better idea if there are any of the components or subcomponents you really really want to DIY, and from there you have a much more manageable project ... and your DIY component can drop into the larger complete system and you can immediately fly and test it.
For example, maybe you want to look at Drehm Flight for a DIY (teensy-based) flight controller. I have never heard of anyone DIY'ing their servos ... that would score you some pretty good geek points if you did that. I think there are some DIY esc designs/projects floating around out there, but I haven't ever looked into them myself. Why not also DIY the camera and FPV encoding/transmission system while you are at it?
Anyway, always start with a low cost build using off the shelf components and get the system together as quickly as possible (even if it is only 60% of what you really want.) Otherwise your first flight will be 5-10 years from now ... if ever.

 

[bisco]

has anyone heard from the op lately?

 

[AIRFORGE]

has anyone heard from the op lately?

He hasn't been back to the site since his one post.

 

[Shurik-1960]

He has not disappeared anywhere: he has received so much information that will be enough for him to think for another 10 years.)))