As my first solo project, I designed and built a fully functional analog FPV racing drone that combined electrical, mechanical, and software systems into a single integrated platform.
The drone used a 5.8 GHz analog video transmission link for real-time first-person view (FPV) piloting and a 2.4 GHz ELRS receiver for control and telemetry.
The project began with extensive component research and planning. I studied datasheets, pinouts, and wiring diagrams for the flight controller, ESC, motors, and RF modules, ensuring compatibility before purchasing and integrating hardware. To stay organized, I created a project timeline that broke the build into clear stages, helping me manage research, assembly, and testing in a structured way.
I mapped the communication architecture to understand how the 2.4 GHz control signals and 5.8 GHz video feed interacted. This guided my wiring layout and antenna placement to minimize interference and improve range.
Once the hardware was assembled, I configured the flight controller firmware, calibrating the gyroscope and tuning PID feedback loops for stability and responsiveness.
I iteratively tested and refined the setup, troubleshooting issues such as motor synchronization, ESC timing, and noise coupling in the video feed. Throughout, I balanced electrical integration with mechanical frame constraints, ensuring that cable routing, vibration damping, and antenna orientation supported reliable operation.
The finished drone achieved stable flight, smooth video transmission, and reliable control responsiveness. By following the project timeline I had created, I was able to manage integration and testing in a structured way, which made refinement more efficient.
I also replaced the original Li-Po battery with a Li-ion power system, reducing weight by 100 g and extending flight time by 12%, ultimately achieving a sub-30 minute flight time.
