If you want to dig more deeply into the RF side of things, this is the only option that won't completely break the bank:



The RFExplorer spectrum analyser and signal generator combo. With these, and a good directional coupler for the frequencies you are interested in, you can tune antennas, make power level measurements, check for interference and harmonics, see what the centre frequency of a signal is and many other things.

JST crimping tool, if you like to work with connectors, and of course the connectors.

For desoldering purposes:

- Desoldering Pump
- Desordering Braid

(14-Mar-2017, 11:10 PM)KonradS Wrote: If you have a dedicated workbench, a SMD rework station AKA soldering station with a hot air gun is definately a "level up" when compared to a standard soldering iron and hot air gun. Mostly because it is more convenient, since you can still do all basic work with a normal tool.

Also:

Watching tutorials is more convenient on the smartphone/tablet, but a monitor to test FPV gear not having to fiddle with the goggles is a good thing.

Lab/bench power supply like https://oscarliang.com/diy-psu-lipo-charger-workbench/ . I actually power everything I need from it, including the charger, led lights over the desk, fume extractor fan and stuff I test.

Don't think it's a level up one but a standard one, things go bust, good quality tools prevent bad solder work.

Years ago I bought a really cheap (under AUD50) wet table saw for cutting ceramic tiles.

Ironically I never ended up using it for tiles, but it does great with carbon fiber sheet. So much safer and easier than any of the alternatives.

I would stress the value of having two or even three of the same or similar tools. Ie I have side cutters for cutting general stuff and another pair for cutting wire/electronic components etc.

I use a cheap set of "safety" (or craft) scissors for cutting heat shrink, packaging and light plastics etc, at $1 to $5 a pair I just replace them every year or so.

Safety blades - like a single sided razor blade - I alway have these around - great for shaving and shaping plastic and carbon. Hobby knives etc are great too but make sure you have a supply of blades at hand.

Actually that's a good point, keep your workbench supplied, always have spare blades, plenty of solder, and desolder wick, buy a kit of heatshrink and then top up with the cheaper lengths of what you use more frequently, buy some multi packs of standoffs and screws etc and restock as needed.

Running out of heatshrink at the start of a 4-day weekend over Easter reminded me just how annoying it is as your build grinds to a halt!

If you have heaps of cash and no crimping tools Hobbyking sell the Engineer branded (Japanese tool maker) kit with jaws for pretty much everything you'll ever want. It's around USD100 from then which is one of the better prices I've seen online.

Otherwise you'll be buying a lot of $10-$30 crimping tools over time.

Good hand/mechanical tools (or sets of good tools) are an investment.

If you're based in Europe, you can pick up the Engineer PA-09 crimp tool on ebay from a UK seller called 'precisehandtools' for £40 plus (in my case) £8 shipping to Sweden.

This model will crimp JR Servo connectors, JST-RCY, JST-SH and Molex Picoblade connectors.

Worth every penny!

(22-Mar-2017, 06:24 PM)EchoBravo Wrote: Should some method to verify the frequency being emitted by your FPV TX be on this list? I know some folks can do it with their Googles but mine only list a 1-40 channel like a TV. Would be good to verify if flying with other pilots or around other radio equipment. What do folks use for that?

Since I fly at a park I like that I have to ask what frequencies people are on. It's a great icebreaker for strangers and even better a chance to get engaged in helping first timers.

They gave a frequency board on the fixed wing side but I'm glad that they don't have one on the multirotor/heli side because it's a great way to start. Second question asked: whatcha flyin'

I have to admit a scanner would be safer but I'd probably still ask folks what frequencies they were on anyway.

That's a great listing from y'all...........but you forgot two things............hot glue gun.........................and whiskey(for disenfectant of course)!

(22-May-2017, 01:58 PM)dragger201 Wrote: That's a great listing from y'all...........but you forgot two things............hot glue gun.........................and whiskey(for disenfectant of course)!

Vodka's better (for cleaning) 

(22-May-2017, 02:03 PM)sloscotty Wrote: Vodka's better (for cleaning) 

True, very true.........but sometimes I need to be internally disenfected..........

One necessity for me is M3 screws for fixing and replacing frames.

Useful guides!

(24-Mar-2017, 10:18 PM)Dutch Drone Builder Wrote: JST crimping tool, if you like to work with connectors, and of course the connectors.

Yes, but also use silicon (with multi stranded wires) wire, otherwise it fails too easy, without extra counter measures.

(13-Nov-2017, 03:58 PM)raspberrypi33 Wrote: One necessity for me is M3 screws for fixing and replacing frames.

Maybe also aluminium ones ? or will these go bust sooner ? so it outweighs that ?