Hello All, 

I'm just starting into the hobby and I thought I would see if I could get some feedback on the parts I had landed on for my build. I don't have the most in-depth understanding quite yet, so I'm hoping I hadn't made any mistakes in regard to compatibility. Here is a list of parts I'm working with, all purchased from Amazon:

Flysky FS-I6X Transmitter:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07Z8VCB45?psc...ct_details

Fat Shark Scout FPV Goggles:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07V7Y3WX3?psc...ct_details

3" 'Apex clone' Frame:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09K3XFR9H?psc...ct_details

SpeedyBee F7 Mini Flight Controller Stack 3-6S 20x20mm Built-in Bluetooth Drone Stack with 35A BLHeli_S 4 in 1 ESC Support Wireless Tuning for 2-4 Inch FPV Drone
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09NY2K95G?psc...ct_details

SpeedyBee TX800 VTX:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08NT5YYJ4?psc...ct_details

Fli14+ 2.4G 14CH AFHDS 2A IBUS Micro FPV Receiver:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07VF8KX3L?psc...ct_details

35V 1000uf Low Impedance Capacitor:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073YR6LVK?psc...ct_details

Run Cam Phoenix 2:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B084FSDY5D?psc...ct_details

2pcs GNB GANENG 4S 15.2V 650mAh 120C XT30 RC Drone LiPo Battery Packs China Factory Wholesale
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09X3Y...UTF8&psc=1

iFlight 4pcs XING2 1404 Unibell Motors for FPV Toothpick Ultralight Build Drone Motor (XING2 1404 4600KV)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08TG2...UTF8&psc=1

iFlight 12pcs Nazgul Cine 3040 Tri-Blade Propeller 3 Inch
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B086LB5LNT?psc...ct_details

I'm working on getting my soldering cleaned up, hoping to be in the air someday soon. Please let me know what you think of my build


EDIT:
Swapped motors, batteries from these below to the ones updated above:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0978ZL3PC?psc...ct_details

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B5QMCHJN?psc...ct_details

If you haven’t bought anything yet, I would suggest reconsidering your transmitter and receiver. There is much better options for a similar price than afhds. ELRS is dirt cheap and awesome, with much better range. That flysky transmitter will limit you in the future.

Those props are too big for the frame, they won’t fit. They are 3.5” props, you need 3” props. Try a 3x3x3 prop.

Those motors are way too big for a 3” build. You want something like a 1404, 1408, 1507. 2205 is more suitable for a 5”. Take a look at the Diatone mamba 1408, 2900kv if you want to run 6s.

Those batteries are too big as well. You chose a 3” frame- on 6s you probably want to be around 650mah or lower for this size. 1300mah is more suitable for a larger quad.

More weight, from the batteries, motors, or whatever, is gonna mean more power is wasted just to make it hover.

If you’ve already bought stuff, you’re gonna want to look for a larger frame, probably a 5”.

Those 3200kv motors might be a bit too fast for 6s, but I dunno. I’d probably run them on 4s or 5s max.

(28-Feb-2023, 05:57 AM)Lemonyleprosy Wrote: If you’ve already bought stuff, you’re gonna want to look for a larger frame, probably a 5”.

Ah, I did want to build a larger drone initially but had found some videos of others running smaller drones with similar setups so I thought I could possibly get away with it. I have fully committed to all the parts, having already bought them all.

(28-Feb-2023, 05:54 AM)Lemonyleprosy Wrote: If you haven’t bought anything yet, I would suggest reconsidering your transmitter and receiver. There is much better options for a similar price than afhds. ELRS is dirt cheap and awesome, with much better range. That flysky transmitter will limit you in the future.

Those props are too big for the frame, they won’t fit. They are 3.5” props, you need 3” props. Try a 3x3x3 prop.

Those motors are way too big for a 3” build. You want something like a 1404, 1408, 1507. 2205 is more suitable for a 5”. Take a look at the Diatone mamba 1408, 2900kv if you want to run 6s.

Those batteries are too big as well. You chose a 3” frame- on 6s you probably want to be around 650mah or lower for this size. 1300mah is more suitable for a larger quad.

More weight, from the batteries, motors, or whatever, is gonna mean more power is wasted just to make it hover.

I was looking at the props today thinking the same, but they look like they just barely clear the frame unimpeded. Is there a certain amount of gap space needed?  I have a 3d printer, I suppose as a worst case, I could fall back to a 3d printed frame. I had wanted to work up to that after doing this project anyway.

(28-Feb-2023, 06:02 AM)LoganFPV Wrote: Ah, I did want to build a larger drone initially, but had found some videos of others running smaller drones with similar setups so I thought I could possibly get away with it.

I’m often wrong, but, anyone running 2205 motors on a 3” frame is building something heavier than need be with no upside.

I have 3” builds that are overpowered on 1408 and 1506.

Don’t 3d print a frame!

If you do, be aware that you are likely to introduce a whole bunch of problems. Print something boxy with multiple areas of support, and use some stiff filament. It still might fly away on arming.

Regarding props, there’s not a certain amount of gap needed- as long as it doesn’t hit a standoff or wiring you’re good, so if you can manage to fit those 3.5”, go for it.

(28-Feb-2023, 06:10 AM)Lemonyleprosy Wrote: I’m often wrong, but, anyone running 2205 motors on a 3” frame is building something heavier than need be with no upside.

I have 3” builds that are overpowered on 1408 and 1506.

No worries, I am too! I appreciate your input and feedback nonetheless

Heres a video with someone using the same frame and I believe very similar props, looks like same clearance anyway:


Not the same video I had found before that kind of pushed me this direction, but at least looks like same props/frame combo ?

I’m not trying to knock in your build- if that’s what you’ve got, and you can make it work, awesome.

(28-Feb-2023, 06:14 AM)Lemonyleprosy Wrote: Don’t 3d print a frame!

If you do, be aware that you are likely to introduce a whole bunch of problems. Print something boxy with multiple areas of support, and use some stiff filament. It still might fly away on arming.

Regarding props, there’s not a certain amount of gap needed- as long as it doesn’t hit a standoff or wiring you’re good, so if you can manage to fit those 3.5”, go for it.

Yeah, I kind of figured it'd add an extra layer of complications by 3d printing one. I thought it would be best to try building the first on a bought frame and maybe work up to the printed one later, sounds like that was a good direction to take at least.

I'll see how it goes once I have the frame completed, hoping they are still clear then. I decided to wait til tomorrow to take another run at soldering, waiting for flux pens and solder wick.

(28-Feb-2023, 06:17 AM)Lemonyleprosy Wrote: I’m not trying to knock in your build- if that’s what you’ve got, and you can make it work, awesome.

Oh no, I didn't take it that way. I definitely appreciate your feedback. I was just sharing a visual to help convey what it looks like with them on, clearance wise.

(28-Feb-2023, 06:24 AM)LoganFPV Wrote: ....

Tolerance often makes it difficult to tell the truth, but the combination of your components seems unfortunate. A 3" frame needs different motors. Your motors need a different frame. A 3D printed frame will perform worse than a carbon frame. Today ELRS is the best solution. You can look at the websites of online stores, what components quadrocopters are made of, and focus on this.

The Apex has a 4inch version as well, which is the same body as the 3 with longer arms. Maybe a compromise would be to get the longer arms in case your 3.5 inch prop doesn't fit. But keep in mind that there is a relation between motor and prop size. If we go outside of their compatibility range we can easily burn out the motor, esc or both. You can always try to cap the motor on BF when its more powerful, but its and added complexity to your build which comes with risks..

Any particular reason you're doing this on a 3icnh frame?
Since you're not going for sub 250 an alternative would be to keep this frame for a second build and getting a 5 inch one for this set of components. You would just be buying the new frame with a set of 5inch props..

Isn't the main perk on Amazon to be able to return items at will? As Lemony said, maybe you should reconsider your choices. FPV builds can be a little tricky there are a lot of parts that aren't good anywhere or certain combinations that can ruin the whole experience. The correct size prop barely fit at times by the time you've got the battery on there so you definitely want to avoid a slightly longer prop than the frame was meant for. You're just asking for the props to shred the battery and or the battery wiring.

If not using Amazon for the ability to return I've often found them to be more expensive nearly every time I've looked there for specific FPV gear when compared to Racedayquads, GetFPV and Pyrodrone though you need to spend closer to $100 to get "free" shipping at those sites. Particularly when you consider you've already paid a fee for Prime.

Hi Logan,

I would strongly suggest returning the FlySky transmitter and receiver.
Since you bought from AMAZON, returns are NO hassle.

If I were just starting out, then I would likely go with ELRS as the RC protocol.

I realize that a decent transmitter is a bit costly, however, getting something
similar to the RadioMaster TX16S MKII is full featured and will last almost
forever so you won't need to buy another one anytime soon. 

I totally agree with Lemony in that the motors are heavy for a 3 inch or even
a 4 inch and don't really get you anything. Also, have you considered the motor
mount hole spacing? Those big motors have a wider spacing and use thicker
mounting bolts than the frame is likely drilled for. 

What do you expect from this build?  Racing? Super Freestyle? Other?

It is always better to define the purpose and then build something that is 
specific to the intended use. Especially at first, you might want to follow
the specs from others or even factory BNF builds for the type of quad that
you want to build.

Bigger is better, until it isn't. 

With all the heavy gear, I suppose that you are not concerned about the weight
as this beast will likely be over 250 grams. If so, do you plan to register the
drone, install remote ID, use commercially {leading question here}, and do you
have or plan to get a Part 107 pilot's license? Basically, have you reviewed and
considered the FAA regulations?  While this might sound silly, it is REAL nonetheless.
As the saying goes: Ignorance of the law is no excuse.