How to Build a 5-Inch FPV Drone: Parts List & Step-by-Step Guide
Build a 5-inch FPV drone from parts: a matched parts list, tools, wiring and assembly steps, Betaflight setup, thrust-to-weight and flight-time maths, and battery and flying rules.
- Frame: 5-inch propellers, roughly 200–230 mm motor to motor, 30.5 × 30.5 mm stack mounting.
- Power: 6S LiPo with 1,600–2,100KV motors, or 4S LiPo with 2,300–2,800KV motors.
- Electronics: F405 or F722 flight controller running Betaflight, 50–60A 4-in-1 ESC, ExpressLRS 2.4 GHz receiver.
- Weight and flight time: about 600 g ready to fly in the example build below, and roughly 3–6 minutes per battery.
- Budget tiers: analog video for the lowest cost, Walksnail Avatar for mid-range HD, DJI O3 for the highest image quality.
A 5-inch FPV drone is the standard size for freestyle and racing quadcopters. Building one yourself means choosing parts that agree with each other on battery voltage, current and mounting size, then soldering and configuring them in the right order. This guide covers a complete 6S build with a 4S alternative, from the parts list to the first hover.
FPV drone parts list
The table lists every part the build needs, what to check before you buy, and matching products. The example build uses 6S power and DJI O3 digital video; swap the video rows for the analog option to cut cost.
| Part | What to look for | Matching products |
|---|---|---|
| Frame× 1Drone frames → | 5-inch, about 225 mm motor to motor, 5 mm arms, 30.5 × 30.5 mm stack holes, 19 mm camera bay | |
| Motors× 4Drone motors → | 2207 or 2306 stator, 1,700–2,050KV for 6S (about 2,400KV for 4S), 16 × 16 mm M3 mount, M5 shaft | |
| Flight controller× 1Flight controllers → | F405 or F722, Betaflight target, 30.5 mm mounting, 5+ UARTs, BEC output that suits your video system | |
| 4-in-1 ESC× 1Drone ESCs → | 50–60A continuous, 3–6S input, 30.5 mm mounting, DShot600, BLHeli_S/Bluejay or AM32 firmware | |
| Receiver× 1Datalinks, video & radio → | ExpressLRS 2.4 GHz, CRSF over UART, 5 V input | |
| Digital video system× 1Datalinks, video & radio → | Air unit and camera that match your goggles | |
| Analog VTX (budget option)× 1Datalinks, video & radio → | 5.8 GHz, switchable power, MMCX or UFL antenna socket | |
| Analog FPV camera (budget option)× 1 | 19 × 19 mm micro size, 1200TVL class, wide input voltage | |
| Propellers× 3+ setsDrone propellers → | 5.1-inch tri-blade, M5 hub, matched to 2207/2306 motors | |
| Batteries× 4–6Drone batteries → | 6S 1,100–1,300 mAh (or 4S 1,300–1,550 mAh), XT60 | |
| VTX antenna (analog or Walksnail)× 1 | 5.8 GHz circular polarization, same hand (RHCP or LHCP) as the goggles | |
| Radio transmitter× 1 | Built-in ExpressLRS, EdgeTX firmware | |
| FPV goggles× 1FPV goggles → | Same system as the video transmitter | |
| Charger× 1 | LiPo balance charger covering 6S, storage mode | |
| Small parts | XT60 lead (12 AWG), 35 V 1,000 µF low-ESR capacitor, battery strap and pad, M3 hardware, heat shrink |
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Quote the full parts list →Tools you need
- Temperature-controlled soldering iron with a chisel tip, 63/37 rosin-core solder and flux.
- Digital multimeter and a smoke stopper (a current-limiting fuse for the first power-up).
- Hex drivers (1.5, 2.0 and 2.5 mm), an 8 mm nut driver or prop tool for M5 prop nuts, side cutters and wire strippers.
- Heat shrink, zip ties, double-sided foam tape and blue thread locker.
- A computer with Betaflight Configurator and the ExpressLRS Configurator installed.
Step-by-step assembly
1. Check that the parts fit together
Before soldering anything, confirm four things on paper: the stack and frame both use 30.5 × 30.5 mm holes; the motors use the 16 × 16 mm pattern that the arms are drilled for; the camera width matches the camera bay (19 mm for micro cameras); and the ESC, flight controller, video system and motors are all rated for your battery cell count.
2. Build the frame and mount the motors
Assemble the bottom plate and arms. Mount each motor with M3 screws that are short enough to stay clear of the stator windings: a screw that touches the windings shorts the motor as soon as it is powered. Put a small drop of blue thread locker on metal screws, but keep it away from plastic propellers. Route the motor wires along the arms toward the stack.
3. Mount the ESC and solder the motors
Fit the 4-in-1 ESC on the soft grommets supplied with it, arrow forward. Cut each motor's wires to length and solder all twelve to the motor pads. The order of the three wires on each motor does not matter; rotation direction is set later in software.
4. Solder the battery lead and capacitor
Solder the XT60 lead to the main battery pads, red to positive. Add the low-ESR capacitor across the same pads, observing polarity; 35 V 1,000 µF is the usual choice for 6S. Cover the capacitor legs with heat shrink so they cannot touch the carbon frame.
5. Test before the first power-up
With a multimeter, check that there is no short between the XT60 positive and negative pins, and none between either pin and the frame. For the first connection to a battery, plug in through a smoke stopper so a wiring mistake trips the stopper instead of burning a board.
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6. Fit the flight controller and receiver
Mount the flight controller above the ESC and connect the supplied ESC harness. Solder the ExpressLRS receiver to a free UART: receiver TX to flight controller RX, receiver RX to flight controller TX, plus 5 V and ground. Keep the receiver antenna away from carbon and out of the propeller arc.
7. Install the video system
For digital video, plug the air unit's cable into the flight controller's HD connector; it carries power and the MSP DisplayPort data that draws the on-screen display. For analog, run the camera signal to the flight controller's camera input and the VTX to its video output, and connect the VTX control wire (SmartAudio or Tramp) to a spare UART TX pad.
8. Finish the build
Mount the camera and antennas, fit the top plate, and attach the battery strap and grip pad. Leave the propellers off until the setup below is complete.
Betaflight setup and first tests
Connect the flight controller to Betaflight Configurator and flash the firmware target listed for your board. Then work through these settings:
- Ports: enable Serial RX on the receiver's UART; for digital video select VTX (MSP + DisplayPort), for analog select SmartAudio or IRC Tramp.
- Receiver: choose Serial (via UART) and the CRSF provider, bind the receiver to the radio, and check that every stick moves the right channel.
- Motors: set DShot600 (or DShot300), turn on bidirectional DShot for RPM filtering, and leave motor poles at 14, the default for typical 5-inch motors.
- Motor direction: with propellers off, spin each motor from the Motors tab and confirm the order and direction match the diagram, including the "motor direction is reversed" option if you fly props-out.
- Modes and failsafe: put ARM on a switch, add Angle mode for your first hovers if you want self-levelling, then arm with props off and switch the radio off to confirm the motors stop.
- OSD: show battery voltage, average cell voltage, a flight timer and link quality.
For the first flight, fit propellers to the corners shown in Betaflight, choose an open field, hover low for thirty seconds and land. Touch each motor: one that is much hotter than the others points to a bent shaft, a damaged propeller or a filter problem worth checking before flying further.
Calculations: weight, thrust-to-weight ratio and flight time
The example build uses figures from the product pages linked in the parts list.
- Frame 130 g, four motors at 35.2 g (140.8 g), flight controller 8.1 g, ESC 14.9 g, DJI O3 air unit with camera 36.4 g plus 3 g antenna, four 51466 propellers at 4.2 g (16.8 g), receiver 0.6 g, and an allowance of 35 g for wires, XT60 lead, capacitor, screws and strap.
- Dry weight: about 386 g. With the 207 g Storm 6S 1300mAh battery, all-up weight is about 593 g.
- Thrust-to-weight ratio = total maximum thrust ÷ all-up weight. The motor page lists 1,703 g maximum load per motor, so 4 × 1,703 g = 6,812 g, and 6,812 ÷ 593 ≈ 11.5:1. Freestyle needs at least about 5:1; racers often run 10:1 to 14:1.
- Flight time (minutes) = battery capacity (Ah) × usable fraction ÷ average current (A) × 60. Using 80% of 1.3 Ah: at 11 A average cruising, 1.04 ÷ 11 × 60 ≈ 5.7 minutes; at 18 A average freestyle, 1.04 ÷ 18 × 60 ≈ 3.5 minutes.
Building more than one drone, or a whole fleet for a team or school? Request a quote for frames, motors, stacks and batteries in bulk →
Battery safety and flying rules
- LiPo cells are full at 4.20 V (4.35 V for LiHV), are stored at about 3.80–3.85 V, and should be landed at about 3.5–3.6 V per cell. Charge on a balance charger, in a fire-resistant bag, and never leave charging batteries unattended.
- Battery energy in watt-hours = nominal voltage × capacity in Ah. A 6S 1,300 mAh pack is 22.2 V × 1.3 Ah = 28.86 Wh. For air travel in the US, spare lithium-ion batteries go in carry-on baggage only, packs up to 100 Wh need no approval, and up to two spares of 101–160 Wh need airline approval; airlines can be stricter.
- In the US, recreational drones of 250 g or more must be registered, recreational pilots must pass the free TRUST test, and the drone must stay within visual line of sight or be watched by a visual observer next to the pilot. Every 5-inch build in this guide is over 250 g.
- In the EU, privately built drones under 25 kg fly in the A3 subcategory: operator registration, at least 150 m from uninvolved people and urban areas, and below 120 m above ground.
- Video transmitters use regulated radio bands. Check the permitted frequencies and power in your country before transmitting; in some countries, higher-power analog video needs an amateur radio licence.
Frequently asked questions
Should I build a 4S or 6S 5-inch FPV drone?
Most new 5-inch builds use 6S. The higher voltage delivers the same power at lower current, so the battery sags less and the ESC and motors run cooler. 4S packs cost less and still fly well. Whichever you choose, match the motor KV to it: about 1,600–2,100KV for 6S and 2,300–2,800KV for 4S. Compare 6S and 4S batteries.
Should a beginner choose analog or digital FPV video?
Analog costs the least, weighs the least and has very low latency, but the picture is standard definition. Digital systems such as the DJI O3 Air Unit and Walksnail Avatar HD Pro Kit show an HD image that makes branches and wires easier to see, at a higher price for both the air unit and the goggles. The air unit and goggles must be from the same system.
How much does it cost to build a 5-inch FPV drone?
The video system and goggles decide most of the cost: a digital air unit and digital goggles cost several times more than an analog camera, VTX and analog goggles. Batteries are a recurring cost, and most pilots run four to six. Prices change often, so the most reliable figure is a quote for your exact parts list.
Do I need to solder to build an FPV drone?
Yes, for almost every 5-inch build. You will solder twelve motor wires, the XT60 battery lead and capacitor, and usually the receiver. Some flight controllers, such as the BrotherHobby Returner F405 V3, accept plug-in cables for digital video, which reduces the soldering but does not remove it.
How long does a 5-inch FPV drone fly on one battery?
Roughly 3 to 6 minutes on a 6S 1,100–1,300 mAh or 4S 1,300–1,550 mAh pack. Flight time = capacity (Ah) × 0.8 ÷ average current (A) × 60. With a 1.3 Ah pack such as the GEPRC Storm 6S 1300mAh, 11 A of cruising gives about 5.7 minutes and 18 A of freestyle about 3.5 minutes.
How do I choose motor size and KV for a 5-inch drone?
Use a 2207 or 2306 stator with an M5 shaft and the 16 × 16 mm mount. Pick KV by battery: about 1,600–2,100KV on 6S and 2,300–2,800KV on 4S. Lower KV in each range is smoother and more efficient; higher KV is more aggressive and draws more current. The EMAX ECO II 2207 comes in 1,700/1,900KV for 6S and 2,400KV for 4S. Browse drone motors.
Why do new FPV drones crash or flip on the first flight?
The most common causes are propellers on the wrong corners, motor direction not matching the Betaflight setting, wrong motor order, and the flight controller mounted at a different angle than configured. Check all four with propellers off in the Motors and Setup tabs. Pilot inexperience in Acro mode is the other big cause, which is why many pilots practise in a simulator first, using a radio such as the Jumper T14.
Do I need a licence or registration to fly a 5-inch FPV drone?
Usually registration, and sometimes more. In the US, recreational drones of 250 g or more must be registered, pilots must pass the free TRUST test, and an FPV pilot needs a visual observer next to them. In the EU, privately built drones under 25 kg fly in the A3 subcategory with operator registration. Rules differ by country, so check your national aviation authority.
Is it cheaper to build an FPV drone or buy a ready-made one?
Not always. A bind-and-fly drone can cost about the same as the same parts bought one by one. Building pays off when you want to choose each part, and because you learn the wiring you can repair crash damage yourself. Compare ready-built FPV drones with a quote for the parts list.
What battery should I use for a 5-inch FPV drone?
A 6S 1,100–1,300 mAh LiPo or a 4S 1,300–1,550 mAh LiPo with an XT60 plug, such as the GEPRC Storm 6S 1300mAh (207 g) or GEPRC Storm 4S 1550mAh (178 g). Very high C ratings matter less than a pack's internal resistance and condition. Browse drone batteries.
What ESC current rating does a 5-inch drone need?
Most 5-inch 4-in-1 ESCs are sold in the 45–65A range, and 50–60A continuous leaves headroom for 2207 and 2306 motors on 6S, for example the GEPRC TAKER H60 60A. Make sure the ESC is rated for your cell count and uses the same 30.5 × 30.5 mm mounting as the flight controller.
What is a smoke stopper and do I need the capacitor?
A smoke stopper limits current the first time you plug in a battery, so a short circuit trips it instead of burning the electronics. The low-ESR capacitor on the ESC battery pads absorbs voltage spikes; a 35 V 1,000 µF capacitor is the usual choice for 6S, and some ESCs include one, such as the BrotherHobby Returner AM32 60A. Fit both.
What thrust-to-weight ratio should a 5-inch FPV drone have?
At least about 5:1 for freestyle; racing drones often run 10:1 to 14:1. Divide the total maximum thrust of the four motors by the all-up weight. The example build in this guide, with four Axisflying AE2207 V2 motors, is 6,812 g ÷ 593 g ≈ 11.5:1.
Which radio transmitter should I buy for my first FPV drone?
Choose a radio with built-in ExpressLRS so it binds to the receiver without an external module, and EdgeTX firmware for easy setup, such as the Jumper T14 or Jumper T15 PRO. Compact options include the GEPRC TinyRadio ELRS. Most radios also work as a USB controller for FPV simulators.