Building your own FPV drone is one of the most satisfying experiences a drone enthusiast can have. If you’re in India, especially in Chennai or Hyderabad, this beginner-friendly guide walks you through the tools, parts, and steps needed to build a reliable FPV quadcopter for under ₹25,000.
Tools You’ll Need
Before you start, gather these essential tools:
- Soldering iron (₹800–₹1,200)
- Helping hands or PCB holder (₹500–₹700)
- Screwdriver set (₹300–₹500)
- Wire cutters & strippers (₹250–₹400)
- Heat shrink tubing & zip ties (₹150–₹250)
- Multimeter (optional but helpful for checking continuity)
Parts List (Available on Amazon India & Robu.in)
You can find most parts online at Robu.in or Amazon.in. Here’s a reliable list for a 5″ build:
- Frame: QAV250 Carbon Fiber Frame – ₹1,200
- Motors: Racerstar 2205 2300KV (Set of 4) – ₹2,500
- ESC: 4-in-1 30A ESC (BLHeli_S) – ₹2,000
- Flight Controller: Mamba F405 MK2 – ₹3,200
- Camera: Runcam Nano 2 – ₹1,800
- VTx: Eachine VTX03 (adjustable power) – ₹800
- Antenna: Pagoda RHCP – ₹400
- Receiver: Flysky FS-A8S – ₹850
- Transmitter: Flysky FS-i6 – ₹4,200
- FPV Goggles: Eachine EV800D – ₹5,500
- LiPo Battery: 3S 1500mAh – ₹900
- Charger: ISDT Mini – ₹1,800
Total Cost: ~₹24,500 (prices may vary slightly)
Assembly Tutorial (Video + Images)
A detailed YouTube video guide is recommended alongside this blog. Consider following channels like “RCWithPK” or “FPV India.”
Basic Steps:
- Mount motors to the frame arms with included screws.
- Solder ESC to motors and connect to flight controller.
- Install camera and VTx, secure with zip ties and heat shrink.
- Mount receiver and bind it to your transmitter.
- Install flight controller using soft mounts to reduce vibration.
- Connect LiPo and check for magic smoke (use a smoke stopper!).
- Assemble props and double-check orientation.
Include 3–4 images for soldering, camera mount, and final assembly (can be added from community or personal build logs).
Betaflight Configuration for Stable Flights
- Flash latest firmware for your FC from Betaflight Configurator.
- Assign modes: Arm, Angle, Horizon, and Beeper.
- Calibrate accelerometer and ESCs.
- Tune PIDs (beginner tip: start with default settings).
- Set failsafe: Cut throttle immediately to avoid flyaways.
- Check receiver tab: Ensure stick movements match inputs.
Cost Breakdown & Vendor Links
| Item | Vendor | Price (₹) |
|---|---|---|
| Frame | Robu.in | 1,200 |
| Motors (4x) | Amazon | 2,500 |
| ESC (4-in-1) | Robu.in | 2,000 |
| Flight Controller | Robu.in | 3,200 |
| Camera | Amazon | 1,800 |
| VTx | Robu.in | 800 |
| Receiver | Amazon | 850 |
| Transmitter (FS-i6) | Robu.in | 4,200 |
| Goggles (EV800D) | Amazon | 5,500 |
| Battery (3S 1500mAh) | Amazon | 900 |
| Charger | Robu.in | 1,800 |
Pro Tip: Buy during festive sales or club orders with friends to reduce shipping costs.
Final Thoughts
Building a DIY FPV drone in India under ₹25,000 is entirely doable and immensely rewarding. With patience, a little soldering practice, and smart budgeting, you can enter the world of FPV without breaking the bank. Happy flying—and don’t forget to register your drone on Digital Sky if it weighs more than 250g!