F450 Drone Building Project – Summary (By Explotech)

✈️ Introduction – F450 Quadcopter Drone Project

In today’s fast-evolving world of unmanned aerial systems, building a drone from scratch is more than just assembling hardware—it's about understanding aerodynamics, electronics, and embedded systems working together in harmony.

This project features a custom-built quadcopter using the F450 frame kit, powered by A2212 1000KV motors, controlled via the APM flight controller, and supported by GPS navigation and FlySky FS-i6 RC system. With a 4S LiPo battery, this drone offers stable flight performance, ideal for beginners, FPV enthusiasts, and research-level testing.

Developed under Explotech, this project is not only a demonstration of drone technology but also an educational step toward empowering students and innovators in India to dive into the world of UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles).

Whether you are a hobbyist, a student, or an educator, this guide will walk you through the complete process of assembling, wiring, configuring, and flying a fully functional quadcopter.

Let’s take flight into innovation 🚁

Supplies & Components Used

Component Description

Frame

F450 Quadcopter Frame with Integrated PCB and Landing Skid Gear – stable and ideal for DIY builds

Motors

A2212 1000KV Brushless Motors (x4) – efficient and balanced thrust output

ESCs

30A Brushless ESCs (x4) – compatible with 2–4S LiPo; controls motor RPMs

Propellers

1045 Propeller (10x4.5 inch) – 2 CW and 2 CCW props for balanced lift

Flight Controller

APM with Pixhawk Power Module – central brain for flight control and stability

Anti-Vibration Mount

3D Printed Shock Absorber – reduces vibrations for accurate sensor data

Transmitter + Receiver

FlySky FS-i6 2.4GHz 6CH with FS-iA6B – reliable RC control with telemetry support

Battery

4S LiPo Battery – provides high current for stable flight (2200–3000mAh recommended)

GPS Module

Ublox NEO-7M with Compass – for GPS hold, RTL, and waypoint navigation

Telemetry Module (optional)

433MHz / 915MHz Radio Telemetry – real-time flight data via Mission Planner

Connectors & Others

XT60 Connectors, power wires, zip ties, screws, and power distribution board

Pro Tip:

"Always verify voltage compatibility before soldering. Use a smoke stopper for first boot to avoid component burnouts."

1. Begin by assembling the F450 frame kit, attaching the four arms to the main base using the provided screws.
2. Mount the A2212 1000KV brushless motors at the end of each arm. Place CW and CCW motors diagonally opposite.
3. Fix the landing skid gear at the bottom of the frame for smooth landing and clearance for electronics.
4. Attach the 3D printed anti-vibration mount on the top plate where the flight controller will sit.

📌 Tip: Use thread lock on motor screws to prevent vibrations from loosening them during flight.

1. Solder the 30A ESCs to each motor, and connect their power leads to the integrated PCB of the F450 frame.
2. Connect ESC signal wires to the APM flight controller.
3. Attach the Ublox NEO-7M GPS Module to the GPS port on APM.
4. Mount the Pixhawk power module between the battery and flight controller to measure voltage and current.
5. Connect the FlySky FS-iA6B receiver to APM via PPM/SBUS, depending on your setup.
6. Secure all connections with zip ties and heat shrink where necessary.

📌 Tip: Double-check polarity and voltage ratings before plugging in the battery.

1. Connect APM to Mission Planner software on your laptop using USB.
2. Load firmware for your specific drone (Quadcopter – X configuration).
3. Go through all calibrations in order:
4. Accelerometer Calibration
5. Compass Calibration (rotate drone in all axes)
6. Radio Calibration (set endpoints from transmitter)
7. ESC Calibration (match throttle range)
8. Configure Flight Modes (Stabilize, AltHold, Loiter, RTL).
9. If using telemetry module, connect the ground radio to laptop and test live data stream.

📌 Tip: Enable failsafe options like RTL (Return to Launch) on signal loss or low battery.

1. Attach 1045 propellers—make sure correct orientation (CW and CCW) is followed as per motor direction.
2. Perform a dry run without propellers to check if motors spin correctly using Mission Planner motor test.
3. Recheck:
4. GPS lock status (3D Fix)
5. Compass interference level
6. Receiver signal range
7. Battery voltage and current
8. Flight modes toggle via transmitter

📌 Tip: Never work with mounted propellers while the battery is connected—risk of injury.

1. Move to an open field for flight testing.
2. Power on the transmitter first, then connect drone battery.
3. Wait for GPS lock, arm the drone by holding the left stick down + right.
4. Perform short hover flights and test all flight modes one by one.
5. Adjust PID values from Mission Planner if drone wobbles or drifts.
6. Log flight data to analyze temperature, voltage, throttle levels, and GPS position.

📌 Tip: Carry extra props, zip ties, and tools in case of minor crashes during test flights.

📜 Terms & Conditions – Explotech Drone Project

🔐 Intellectual Property:

1. All content, instructions, diagrams, design methods, and documentation related to this drone project are the intellectual property of Explotech®.
2. This guide is created strictly for educational and training purposes.
3. Unauthorized commercial use, distribution, or reproduction without written permission from Explotech is strictly prohibited.

⚙️ Usage Disclaimer:

1. The drone build and its usage are the responsibility of the user.
2. This guide is designed for research, educational, and hobbyist purposes only.
3. Explotech and Vishal Sharnagat will not be liable for any damage, injury, or legal consequences resulting from incorrect usage of the drone.
4. Users must adhere to local drone laws (e.g., DGCA rules in India) and fly safely in open and authorized areas only.

⚠️ Safety Guidelines:

1. Always disconnect battery when not in use.
2. Avoid flying near people, airports, wildlife, and restricted zones.
3. Use a smoke stopper for initial power testing to prevent short circuits.
4. Wear safety glasses and gloves while soldering or handling motors.

🤝 Connect with Explotech

Have questions, need guidance, or want to learn more? Join the Explotech community and stay connected!

👨‍💻 Project Creator:

Vishal Sharnagat

from – Explotech

📷 Instagram: @vishal_sharnagatt

📡 Telegram Channel: t.me/explotech25

🌐 GitHub: github.com/vishu25802580

✉️ Email: vishalsharnagat35@gmail.com

💬 WhatsApp Group (Official): Join He