The Ultimate Drone Building Guide

Welcome to Paper Plane, your ultimate destination for all things DIY. If you've ever dreamed of taking to the skies with your very own self-built drone, you're in for an exhilarating adventure. In this tutorial, we will guide you through the process of creating a high-flying marvel using the APM 2.8 flight controller board. Don't worry if you're new to drone building – our step-by-step instructions and simple-to-follow steps will ensure that even beginners can embark on this exciting journey. So, grab your tools, ignite your curiosity, and let's set sail into the world of drone creation. Get ready to witness your Paper Plane take flight!

Supplies

1. Drone Frame
2. APM 2.8 Flight Controller
3. 4 x (1000 KV Brushless DC Motor + Esc)
4. Radio Transmitter and Receiver
5. 3300 mAh Battery
6. XT60 connector
7. Soldering Iron
8. Battery Charger
9. Wire Cutter
10. Micro USB Cable
11. Zip Ties
12. Propellers (10x4.5 Inch)

Step 1: Soldering the ESCs

Soldering the ESCs (Electronic Speed Controllers) with the power distribution board is a crucial step in assembling your drone. The ESCs are responsible for controlling the speed and direction of the motors, while the power distribution board ensures efficient power delivery to each ESC.

To begin, ensure that you have stripped the ends of the ESC wires, exposing the bare copper strands. Then, carefully solder each ESC wire to the designated pads on the power distribution board. It's important to apply the right amount of heat and solder to create a secure connection. Take care to avoid any solder bridges or shorts between adjacent pads.

Once soldered, double-check each connection to ensure they are solid and free from any loose strands. This step ensures reliable power transmission and smooth motor operation during flight. Remember to follow proper safety precautions while working with soldering irons and hot components.

Step 2: Assembling the Frame

Assembling and screwing the frame parts of your drone is essential for creating a sturdy and well-structured aerial platform. Gather all the frame components and necessary screws. Align the arms and main body as instructed, using appropriate screws to securely attach them. Avoid overtightening to prevent damage or stripped threads. Tighten screws in a diagonal pattern for balanced tension. Double-check alignment and stability, ensuring no wobbling. A rigid frame enables stable flight and better control. Follow any specific guidelines for your frame model. With attention to detail, this step brings you closer to completing your drone, setting the stage for exciting progress ahead.

Step 3: Screwing the Motors

Screwing the 1000KV brushless DC motors onto the frame is a critical step in assembling your drone. Start by identifying the motor mounting holes on the frame and aligning them with the corresponding holes on the motor. Insert the screws through the frame and screw them into the motor using a screwdriver or hex key, ensuring a secure fit. Be careful not to overtighten the screws, as it may damage the motor or strip the threads. Repeat this process for each motor, ensuring they are all firmly attached to the frame. Properly mounted motors provide the necessary thrust and stability for your drone during flight.

Step 4: Download Mission Planner

Download mission planner from the given link -

https://firmware.ardupilot.org/Tools/MissionPlanner/archive/

Use any of the latest versions.

Step 5: Connecting

To connect the APM 2.8 flight controller to Mission Planner, follow these steps:

1. Install Mission Planner on your computer and connect the APM 2.8 via a micro USB cable.
2. Launch Mission Planner and select the appropriate COM port.
3. Confirm the baud rate, typically set to 115200, based on the manufacturer's specifications.
4. Ensure the flight controller receives power from the USB cable or an external source.
5. In Mission Planner, navigate to the Firmware section and select the correct firmware.
6. Click "Load custom firmware" and locate the firmware file on your computer.
7. Double-check the stable connection and avoid interruptions during the firmware upload.
8. After a successful upload, proceed with calibrating and configuring the flight controller for your drone.

Following these steps will help you establish a reliable connection, upload the firmware correctly, and prepare your APM 2.8 flight controller for optimal drone performance.

Firmware Link –

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YxEi3cu60x91F_8AaJEOsm8dmh0ekePb/view?usp=sharing

Step 6: Accelerometer Calibration

Accelerometer calibration is a crucial step to ensure accurate flight control with your APM 2.8 flight controller on Mission Planner. Here's a concise guide:

1. Connect your APM 2.8 to Mission Planner and power on your drone.
2. Go to the Initial Setup tab and select Mandatory Hardware -> Accel Calibration.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to place your drone on a stable surface.
4. Move the APM 2.8 board according to the prompts.
5. Make sure the drone remains still during calibration to obtain accurate readings.
6. Once calibration is complete, Mission Planner will notify you, and the accelerometer data will be saved.

Step 7: Compass Calibration

1. Connect your APM 2.8 flight controller to Mission Planner and power on your drone.
2. Go to the Initial Setup tab and select Mandatory Hardware -> Compass Calibration.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to rotate your drone in various orientations.
4. Ensure the drone is level and away from any magnetic interference during calibration.
5. Complete the calibration process as guided by Mission Planner.

Step 8: Radio Connection

Connect the jumper to the first channel of the receiver module carefully. Then connect the other side of the wire to the 1st input pin of your APM 2.8 board. Make sure that the connections are tight and as per the instructions. Now we will be heading towards the radio calibration

Step 9: Radio Calibration

1. Connect your APM 2.8 flight controller to Mission Planner and power on your drone.
2. Go to the Initial Setup tab and select Mandatory Hardware -> Radio Calibration.
3. Ensure your transmitter is turned on and set to the desired flight mode.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to move each control stick and switch through their full range of motion.
5. Confirm that the corresponding bars in Mission Planner move smoothly and reach their maximum and minimum values without any interruptions.
6. Once all controls have been calibrated, click on the "Save" button to apply the settings.

Radio calibration allows the APM 2.8 flight controller to accurately interpret and respond to the commands from your transmitter. It ensures precise control of your drone during flight, enhancing maneuverability and overall performance. Performing radio calibration is essential when setting up your drone or when you encounter issues with control responsiveness.

Step 10: Flight Modes

Understanding the flight modes of the APM 2.8 flight controller is essential for controlling and maneuvering your drone effectively. Here's a concise overview of the flight modes:

1. Stabilize: This mode provides basic stabilization, keeping the drone level and maintaining its attitude. The pilot retains control over the drone's roll and pitch angles, while the APM 2.8 assists with stabilization.
2. Altitude Hold: In this mode, the APM 2.8 utilizes a barometric sensor to maintain a consistent altitude. The pilot controls the drone's roll and pitch angles, while the flight controller automatically adjusts throttle to maintain the selected altitude.
3. Loiter: This mode combines GPS functionality with altitude hold, allowing the drone to maintain a specific position and altitude. The APM 2.8 uses GPS data to hold the drone's position while the pilot controls its orientation.
4. Auto: Auto mode enables autonomous mission planning. The drone follows a pre-programmed flight plan, including waypoints and actions. The APM 2.8 controls the drone's navigation, maintaining the desired flight path.
5. Return-to-Launch (RTL): When activated, the APM 2.8 autonomously navigates the drone back to its takeoff location and lands safely. This mode is useful in case of signal loss or emergency situations.
6. Acro: Acro mode provides full manual control over the drone, allowing experienced pilots to perform aerobatic maneuvers. The APM 2.8 provides no stabilization assistance in this mode.

Step 11: Installing the APM 2.8 Board on the Frame

Using double sided tape install the APM 2.8 board on the frame. Make sure that you place it in the center and it heads straight.

Step 12: Wiring the Motors

Wiring the brushless motors with ESCs (Electronic Speed Controllers) and the APM 2.8 flight controller is a crucial step in setting up your drone's power system. Here's a concise guide for wiring:

1. Start by identifying the motor signal wires from the ESCs. They are usually color-coded, with three wires: red, black, and white or yellow.
2. Connect each motor's signal wires to the corresponding motor output pins on the APM 2.8 board. The board will have designated outputs labeled M1, M2, M3, and M4.
3. Match the motor wires with the appropriate pins, ensuring that the order is consistent across all motors. For example, the white or yellow wire can be connected to the signal pin of M1 on both the ESC and the APM 2.8 board.
4. Connect the ESC power leads to the APM 2.8 board. The ESCs typically have a power lead with a red and black wire. Connect the red wire to the board's positive (+) power input and the black wire to the negative (-) power input.
5. Ensure that the ESCs receive power from an appropriate power source, such as a battery or power distribution board. Be mindful of the correct voltage and current ratings for your setup.
6. Double-check all connections, ensuring they are secure and free from loose strands or short circuits.
7. Make Sure that you follow the diagram attached above.

Step 13: Installing Adapters and Propellers

1. Start by identifying the "R" and regular propellers. "R" propellers are specifically designed for clockwise (CW) rotation, while regular propellers are for counterclockwise (CCW) rotation.
2. Determine the appropriate propeller for each motor. For a quadcopter, motors diagonally opposite each other should have opposite rotating propellers (CW and CCW) to maintain balanced thrust.
3. Ensure that the propeller's size matches the motor's specifications. The propeller size is typically indicated in inches and represents its diameter.
4. Place the propeller onto the motor shaft, ensuring it sits flush against the motor bell. Align the propeller's mounting holes with the motor's screw holes.
5. Insert the propeller screws through the mounting holes and screw them into the motor shaft. Tighten the screws firmly, but avoid overtightening to prevent damage to the propeller or motor.
6. Repeat the process for each motor, ensuring that the appropriate propellers are installed on CW and CCW rotating motors.

Step 14: Drone Is Ready to Fly

Congratulations on completing your drone-making tutorial! We hope this guide has been informative and helpful in your journey of building your own drone using the APM 2.8 flight controller. Remember, the sky's the limit when it comes to exploring the endless possibilities of drone technology.

If you enjoyed this tutorial and found it useful, we kindly ask you to like and comment on Instructables. Your feedback is invaluable and encourages us to create more content like this in the future. Feel free to share your completed drone or ask any questions you may have in the comments section. We love hearing from our community and are here to support you on your drone-building adventure.

Don't forget to share this tutorial with your friends, family, and fellow DIY enthusiasts who might be interested in drone making. Let's spread the joy of creating and inspire others to embark on their own exciting projects.

Thank you for joining me on this drone-making journey. We wish you many thrilling flights and countless opportunities for exploration with your newly built drone. Keep innovating, keep flying, and keep pushing the boundaries of what's possible. Happy flying!

Make sure that you share the images once you are done with building your drone.

Thanks Again !

~Paper Plane