You can build this micro long range quadcopter | QAV-S Mini full build tutorial

[@JoshuaBardwell]

CORRECTION. The Matek SAM8Q has an on board 3.3v regulator. It is designed to be powered from 5v power. Mine appears to be working. But you should solder the GPS power to a 5v pad not the 3.3v pad like I did.

[@FreeDrone-n9w]

Can you tell me whats the quad version for 4s lipos? thank you! in get Fpv only see KV 28000 for 4"

[@alexspera3116]

*Flashbacks to putting the RDQ M8N on 5v*

[@GetFPV]

Thank you for your excellent overview and build guide Joshua! Hope everyone enjoys this DIY kit as much as we do!!

[@michaelwblade]

I’m actually building mine now woohoo

[@BigAlFPV17]

Just about finished with mine

[@MrDrivesafe]

Any idea when spare frame parts will be available?

[@adrianrenner2574]

i really enjoy your content, but i think a short flight with the new build quad would contribute these videos very well

[@artply]

I built the QAV-s mini 4" a few months ago when the frame first came out. I'm using Dave-C 1404 2750kv and a JHEMCU ghf420 f//c. using vista with nebula pro and I love how this thing flies. it is a fantastic sub 250 build. great video Joshua Keep'em coming

[@GabrielPass]

Thanks for pointing out the weight. sub 250 is an important deciding point.

[@jackmaddox4960]

Take about a foot of dental floss, wrap it a couple of times around the middle part of the gummy, the skinny part, then feed both ends of the floss thru the hole in the FC. Get the gummy started in the hole, then carefully pull the floss thru, it will perfectly pull it into the hole. Then just unwrap the floss and repeat 3 more times! Works like a charm, and I've saved myself a LOT of grief since I learned that one...

[@rcpete7055]

I've built over 50 quads since 2017 😀 and everytime is just like the first it never gets dull and is always exciting😜 thanks Joshua 🤘🇬🇧 I split my time&funds between Scale trucks, eflite planes and drones.. P. S have the Indians been round your way? Because they scalped you pretty good 😀💛

[@baggszilla]

I want those motors now! But the only way to get them is to buy the FPVCrate. And removing the screw is really the best way to install the Vista antenna. If you try to leave the screw in and swing the metal holder it's a pain to get the pin in the hole. Thanks JB!

[@AndyPorter79]

To instal gummies easier, do the floss trick. Take a length of floss, wrap around the gummy twice then put the ends of the floss through the hole and pull. It'll insert the gummy. Then remove the floss.

[@Bryan-tm6kd]

I saw another video. To install those rubber standoffs you can tie a piece of floss around it, and then just pull it through. I have not tried this method but it looked pretty convenient.

[@Rene200Y]

Where was the maiden flight? 😄 Thats the most satisfying part of building a quad and you should show it! 🤩

[@hubieh3374]

Watching you install that gummy was pushing my anxiety button something fierce!!

[@AndyPorter79]

someone has gotta show him how to do the floss trick. Take a length of floss, wrap around the gummy twice then put the ends of the floss through the hole and pull. It'll insert the gummy. Then remove the floss.

[@minkorrh]

@@AndyPorter79 I could have used that trick while I was busy destroying the antenna grommets on my Chameleon

[@lezartvert]

What kind if Man are you Joshua ??? I discover FPV in may last year...and next i discover you ! What a amazing story the hobbys FPV ! Thanks a lot from a little frenchi 👍👍👍 🦎✌️🎈

[@vinanderson2535]

Nice. My 4" Roma running 4s 18650 is the best fun for long range. Bought it as a bnf complete but I've completely rebuilt it over the past few weeks.

[@Interceptor3000]

I plan to do something like that with my 5" roma. Do you use 3 or 2 blade props?

[@vinanderson2535]

@@Interceptor3000 currently running two blades but I've been looking at going higher... Especially after Nurks video of 8 blade props 😂

[@Interceptor3000]

@@vinanderson2535 yes, those sound amasing.

[@vinanderson2535]

@@Interceptor3000 I'm just getting started but if you want to see I'm tehmagicnumber on ig

[@jlarson42]

You have the best build videos. Not even building this and I still watched. 🤓

[@minkorrh]

Tip......if using lead-free solder, crank your iron up about 20C higher, and use gobs of flux. Stuff is a pain. I never use it but some may have to.

[@ZtowhyA]

my fav builder.

[@crashflowfpv4841]

Ahhh another build video!! Can’t wait to be able to start my first one!

[@FLMan180]

Build it dude! I build my first one 2 moths ago watching JB it was a tyro 119 I been ripping ever since !

[@crashflowfpv4841]

I’m getting a list of parts together now that I’m hearing good things about, going to start ordering a part a week or somthing until it’s all here on the bench haha

[@Moonsauc3]

@@crashflowfpv4841 try and keep it simple. For your first build it's best to pick a kit with pre-determined components. And follow a JB tutorial down to the pennies. Or be absolutely sure your fc and esc are compatible/repinnable and that you know how to do all that. Personally chose JBs xilo build and there was still quite a bit of a learning curve. (frsky was the biggest) but i have been amazed of the performance and durability.

[@crashflowfpv4841]

@@Moonsauc3 thanks brother I appreciate the input!, it’s funny that 6 months ago I had never flown a quad of any sorts, ended up getting hooked after picking up a nano drone from target haha, I progressed through the toy grade drones pretty quick to my bugs 3, that was my first brushless motor drone. After awhile I was fighting stability mode because I wanted to dive and turn sharper, thats when I picked up my tinyhawk 2 and learned to fly acro!!, about a week or two later I got the freestyle 2, works great around the house but, Nowadays I’m flying my 6s PNP diatone f5 Roma for ripping and my flywoo explorer for just cruising around. But there’s always something different I would have done to these builds, that’s why I want to build my own and make it just how I’d like it!

[@crashflowfpv4841]

@@FLMan180 hows that 119 holding up?, I actually considered that as my first build but was talked out of it.

[@Boostedsn95992]

Great video very detail for new builders!!!!

[@markcloudchaser874]

I'm not doing any part, But I do love to learn from you JB so Good Job on that, i saw NURK flying 20mins on the baby hawk 2 HD... awesome. I'm still waiting to pick my first racing quad.💯

[@fleabiter]

Tip from me (noob)... dont try to over tighten that vista screw once you have attached the antenna. It strips the thread really easy.

[@parker1ray]

I always add flux with a pen to every solder joint!

[@toboldygo5823]

Joshua Bardwell composes or build’s his drones the way Shakespeare composed a story, Poetry. Thank you Joshua. You explain everything clearly 😌👍🏻✨ 🦅 When it comes to entertaining Ken is in the building🕺🏼🤴🏻🥴😎👍🏻

[@garrettglass8854]

Sharing is tough. Thanks for sharing.

[@coreyh.3557]

A good way to mount the receiver is to use Velcro cut to size that way you don't need a zip tie or the tape. I do this with all my builds but either way works.

[@KCQuadTronX]

lhank you for another great build video I am learning sso so much more

[@Bill14886]

Great video, definitely thinking about buying the new DJI FPV drone and upgrading my freestyle quads to HD. One step at a time. Then build my 4th QUADCOPTER WITH DJI HD . The future plan is in the making. Thanks for the awesome videos

[@MCsCreations]

Beautiful build, Joshua! Really nice! 😃 Looking forward to the maiden flight! Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

[@phildawe7172]

we appreciate your legacy, deadcat

[@ftank603_fpv7]

Well I got my DSMX receiver to work once I bought a new 4 pin connector and used the tx pad and proper SRXL2 setting. Thanks for the help on that. Unfortunately when I went to push the antenna onto the vtx the side pushed out of the mounting board and it broke I can’t get power out of it. I ordered a new one. I may try this one without the mounting board. My first build, it’s not going smooth at all.

[@blakewallo2201]

Waiting for that updated ultimate freestyle build video before I buy a BNF!

[@ChadKovac]

I could, but then I'd end up setting it free like I did my Tinyhawk II. Good luck out there little fella.

[@Rene200Y]

Where has it landed? 😄

[@slowvova]

If you add some flux on wires you will get better infusion. Don't mean to be rude or something. Just a tip

[@Charles-Darwin]

Great video this time. It almost has an asmr feel to it. Either way, it was at a good pace and in depth 👍

[@MCsCreations]

Hey Joshua... The guy with the dead cat quad... Was he relative to Erwin Schrödinger? He must've been. I can't believe anyone else would do that. 😐

[@friendlyfireentertainment]

But, then wouldn't the cat technically still be alive when it is flying around? Lol

[@MCsCreations]

@@friendlyfireentertainment No, actually he would be both dead and alive. 😕

[@silverhammer1992]

The explenation of "deadcat" could not have been more enlightening AND disturbing at the same time 🙈

[@zoltan9760]

Right! How do you accidentally taxidermy your cat? Sounds like a prodigy to me?

[@noforyoutubepremium3108]

No Shit! 😖

[@spearshaker7974]

Now this poor cat who just wanted to die had to be immortalized as dead cat flying.

[@wrstew1272]

Saw the video when it came out. Now I love my cat, but when he gets to his expire date, I am going to respectfully place him in the the cat burial ground in the back yard.

[@blackterminal]

@@wrstew1272 he's not going to fly?

[@Pilot_Films]

Nice build Joshua!

[@sailingminx6199]

The bloody gummys are the hardest part to the build. So when are you going to release a JB frame would be interesting to see what you come up with

[@wippo76]

Nice build Joshua But come on that red tape....:( :( looking forward to the maiden and curious how long it flies

[@MadDragon75]

I was looking at your BYO kit from RDQ but I can't tell if my lite radio 2 receiver will work with it. That's the only reason I didn't. (Yes, I used the link in the description.)

[@Afiso]

I'm going for the 3D print quad

[@MadDragon75]

He loved that cat.

[@Vanblade1692]

Have you had a chance to review the flight, interested to see how this flies and if there is any good endurance possible - I was been following your 4” shoot out and would be good to see how it compares against iflight quad.

[@bluhammer06]

Is there a reason I never see quads using the DJI air unit VTX? I have them to use and like the built in DVR. I plan on using Crossfire.

[@hongk0ngfu3y]

eagerly awaiting a range test

[@tmacnuke]

I recently purchased this kit but I’m have an issue. I’m trying to set it up to use the cadix vista for video tx and a radio master tx16s remote. I have dji goggles v2. Can’t get crossfire or frsky xm plus mini to work. It’s probably in betaflight if I had to guess but I just don’t have enough experience to figure it out. I can get the v2 goggles to pare but the receivers never pair to my 16s.

[@shagam00]

Which would be “better” for a noob...the BabyHawk II HD BNF or this kit for a 4”?

[@shagam00]

The price is nearly identical...I know one is 3.5” and the other is 4”...and the kit has GPS where the BNF leaves GPS out. Any opinions on the other components that would push me one way or the other?

[@JoshuaBardwell]

The question is whether you want to build it yourself or not. I think building your own quad is the best way to learn how to repair it. Otherwise, once it breaks you're just buying a new one.

[@shagam00]

@@JoshuaBardwell that’s fair. Thanks for the response!

[@xymaryai8283]

@@shagam00 for the first time I'd recommend buying instead of building, then learning to take it apart and repair it. it teaches you a lot without banging your head trying to figure out what you're missing or why components keep smoking ^-^

[@CharlyDuesentrieb]

One comment about BetaFpv products, both complete drones and just electronic components: Keep in mind that their product life cycle is very short and quite soon you won't find documentation for an outdated product on their site any longer. So download any documentation for your product as soon as you have bought it to be on the safe side to be able to maintain it later.

[@noforyoutubepremium3108]

I found that to be the case with a lot of products. Here's what I do: I have a folder on my PC named "RC STUFF". In it a have sub folders for all of the main products I purchase. If I bought this quad, I'd go to the link JB supplies and I'd use the screen shot feature in Windows (snip) and grab a picture of every picture on the site. Also, if all of the included parts. I also find the pin out for the FC, ESC, VTX, etc and snip pics of each of those. Any other wiring or pin outs get pics and are saved in this folder. Then, 2 years from now, when all that is hard or impossible to find, I have EVERYTHING! Simple to find too. Need to rebuild, all the pin outs are there! Just don't wait long to do this and don't forget because it's so easy with this info and pics, but so hard when you can't find anything anymore! 🤔😎🤘

[@brookelevin324]

What batteries does this take? Recommendations? How do you test that the connections are good before you put the top of the frame on?

[@JoshuaBardwell]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/nZfQYWigbKt3i8k

[@stoiczfpv]

Would it be possible to buy two extra rear arms and place in front for a true-x? Flies really good with dead cat tho!

[@JoshuaBardwell]

You can just buy it in an x configuration. They sell both.

[@orangure]

Great video as always ... no flight footage to see how it flies ? “Should I buy it ....?”

[@carlperkins1812]

Do you think it would even be on the channel if it flew badly? Of course how a quad flies is down to who is moving the sticks really.

[@explodingevo]

Not a review, he's building stuff he got and affiliate links generate money. If a review doesn't come out, then probably wouldn't show very well in comparison to other choices in this category.

[@rgilroy1909]

is this compatible unit with the new DJI V2 goggle and controller?

[@Interceptor3000]

the digital version (caddx) is compatible to the googles v2. I dont know about the new DJI controller, the old one will work.

[@3gypt1an]

12:30 .. just add a dab of flux paste to the pad and that solder would flow deep into it all!

[@henryknox4511]

I'm surprised you took the impulse rc frames off your knowitall page, I bought a reverb using that as a reference 3~ years ago and STILL haven't managed to even break an arm.

[@Freak0id]

Any idea of the flight time? Always good to know for a long distance quad.

[@travot3k]

I placed an order for one of these today, and I noticed on the getfpv product page, it says that the analog 4 inch version comes with a TBS Unify EVO. Can you confirm whether it actually comes with the EVO or the Unify nano? Thanks for the build vid as well.

[@rickybritton7212]

Thank you Brother, your awsome, to take your valuable time and effort to help everyone, is off the Hook Cool, That's what makes you invaluable. Sincerely your freind from Mo Rick and God bless you and your family and are Great Country

[@richardwebb8729]

Thank you for the video.

[@timj5847]

Josh when are you releasing your latest ultimate freestyles build video's?!

[@509FUN]

What motors would be ideal for the tri blade 4” prop? Wouldn’t that be too much prop for the 1404 motor?

[@claymclendon]

What’s the weight with the Vista setup? GetFPV site says 160g, but I would love to hear confirmation. Also are the arms thicker than the Explorer LR?

[@beargrillz613]

i got the same fc on my beta 95x v3. why do you use dshot 300? i have it on dshot 600 and it works perfect. some thing that i don't see here? thx for all your great vids!

[@ttonAb2]

What are your thoughts on the insta360 go2, I was hoping for a video from you on this?

[@Gbmaster137]

So, is the 4" a freestyle or a long range? Cause the frame style is the one commonly used on long range, but it's being called freestyle on the product site

[@QuadMcFlyFlies]

Yeah that's kind of weird. I'd say it's a long range for sure. The arms are thin and light, not really tough for a 4". The 3" is more a freestyle, and my guess is they just copied the title over and didn't really think about it.

[@blackterminal]

Leaded soldier is the best.

[@Girtthquake]

Are capacitors not needed for HD setups?

[@chrisyoung8062]

Was there a maiden flight somewhere that I missed?

[@MrMartinRome]

Is this a better value than just buying the parts? Can you order it without a receiver and without the Vista (I might want to move a Vista from another quad)?

[@JoshuaBardwell]

You should email customer service to ask if you can get a no-Vista version. I bet they could sell you a box without one.

[@MrMartinRome]

Thanks, but it would be more effective if you would ask them.

[@Clif_Brown]

Nice video!

[@gyfflyl5949]

I‘m about to build my first drone... what would you recommend me? (Money dosn‘t matter) So i just want to say that i don‘t want a cheap quad or a very tiny quad

[@Jaloman90]

Build a cheap quad first, crash the fuck out of it while learing to fly, then move on to something else once you learned the basics. You'll also get a better idea what you really want and how to best spend your money.

[@johnnytech0309]

The cidora is a hell of a first quad. Although you do need to buy a decent charger and a few 4s packs Also if you dont have a transmitter you should get one first. This hobby can be pretty expencive to start in but theres always people to help

[@noforyoutubepremium3108]

What is the all up weight of the Digital 3", ready to fly, with everything but the battery?

[@cowboyfpv2464]

Hahaha don't bend down that's all my 3inch props do 🤣🤣🤣👌👌👌

[@windybuns2929]

I put on a 4s liion battery and smoked a motor. Not sure what happened. It flew ok the first few flights. This should be able to handle a 4s no problem.

[@hickscorp]

Is it possible to find a longrabge kit lime this one? I use DJI googles and tracer. It seems discontinued...

[@blackterminal]

Are there cheaper 4 inch frames?

[@joelewandowski8232]

Nice solder joints . I can see it's not your first rodeo.

[@parker1ray]

I would love to convert my 30 racing quads to digital, but do not want to part with the three grand! Hopefully someone will come out with goggles that don't cost so darn much!

[@GeorgeCooper_LoneWolf]

Hi Joshua, do you know where I could buy one of those GPS mounts ?

[@JoshuaBardwell]

That exact one only seems to be available for this kit on fpvcrate. I can't find it individually.

[@GeorgeCooper_LoneWolf]

@@JoshuaBardwell That's a shame, but thank you for checking

[@crgamer3839]

Hii Love your videos

[@ftank603_fpv7]

I had a few bumps in the road, but I finally finished the drone. Yesterday when I plugged everything in, I noticed things had a pinkish tint to them. When I took the drone out to fly, the image is really clear. My problem is grass trees pretty much half of the things I look at are pink , have a pinkish tone . I’ve gone over all my soldered connections, and camera settings. I do not see where the problem is coming from. Any ideas? Thank you so much

[@JoshuaBardwell]

It sounds like a camera issue. I would ask FPV crate support about it.

[@infosec1812]

I want to make a Back To The Future DeLorean drone.

[@claude736]

Hey I just bought this set and I'm still wondering what kind of batteries I should be using. I'm still pretty new to building and stuff so if someone could help me out, that would be great!

[@509FUN]

Dude I have a basher build that literally has my crsf nano rx hot glued to the top of the fc

[@divingfalconfpv4602]

So running 6S?

[@keepfly5771]

Funny I was just thinking about how the dead cat guy should re do it with a "proper" DC layout. But the lore update has me confused now. Horse ahead of the cart situation here...

[@kray97]

I remember the taxidermy cat copter. I thought it was grotesque.

[@TbbDroneTechCybervibes]

Awesome!

[@lukasmohr97]

1h review lets gooooo

[@B3NSipodtouch]

Kinda pricey?

[@zahimo]

Joshua, do you have a tutorial on how to build a cute baby like yours ? i will subscribe ...

[@ftank603_fpv7]

Im building the 4” kit, I have tried two different dsmx receivers. Neither worked, they bound but nothing in the receiver tab. I am looking at the dsmx configuration on the beta fpv website for the FC. They tell you to use the wires 2,3,4 from the connector. If you look at the breakdown of the flight controller number two is an RX not a TX pad. Wondering if that’s my problem? I need to use wires 1,3,4. Also it said to use Spektrum 2048, the receiver instructions (4065) say to use SRLX2. Any help appreciated. Im stuck !!

[@JoshuaBardwell]

DSM receiver goes to rx. Did you solder the solder bridge? But srxl2 receiver goes to rx not rx. And you have to type set serialrx_halfduplex = on save In the CLI

[@ftank603_fpv7]

@@JoshuaBardwell it’s the Spektrum 4650 receiver so I would need to use the TX pin correct ? The diagram shows it coming from the RX pin which is how I did it. Also I did solder the bridge and I typed that command in the CLI - nothing. My problem is I can’t try it with the other wire from tx instead of the rx as I cut it off. The diagram showed it as not needed. Can you help me find the correct 4pin connector to replace it ?

[@jaxonfpv]

Heck yeah I wanna 3d print a frame I can make a 18650 1s long range setup

[@PhelixHerrArse]

Been watching you put gummys in boards wrong for years now...do the DENTAL FLOSS method! Make your life easier!

[@JoshuaBardwell]

Dental floss is a pain in the ass. I don't even have string floss in the house. There's nothing wrong with the way I do it and it uses tools that I have right next to me on the bench.

[@saurabhvaishkiyar1407]

Hey i want to enable all the pin from 5 to 8 for aux channel in naze32 f3 using betaflight how can i do it?basically i want to use 4 servo but in my board at pin 7 only it is available (servo tilt).

[@ItzSkullii]

Where can I get that tee?

[@moek]

The 4inch “long range” is priced at $339 and you have to build it.... The other Bind N Fly brands are selling for cheaper and come pre-built! Not that building is a big deal but you have to put a value on everything..

[@JoshuaBardwell]

The ability to build this yourself is a benefit. If you don't value it definitely get a bind n fly. The point is that you want to learn by doing.

[@Pijawek]

@@JoshuaBardwell or buy all the parts separatly, build tlit yourself and still save a lot of money.

[@JoshuaBardwell]

Do the math.... Frame is $45. FC is $62. Motors are about $60 for a set. You're already at $167 before you then add a Nebula for $150. Now you're at $317. Plus $30 for the GPS = $347. Plus three sets of props $12. Plus an extra-long XT30 pigtail. Plus a bunch of spare screws, heat shrink and zip ties. $339 for the kit is a discount, as it should be.

[@charliejenkins7977]

Can I have digital but then also put a different receiver? Pls help

[@JoshuaBardwell]

Yes you can. I build this quad with TBS Tracer.

[@thfpv4974]

Iv been through 2 fc both went up in smoke i have a smoke stopper that works..iv watched this vid 20 times and can't figure out what's going on ??????

[@chrisyoung8062]

I'd like to know the all up weight of this?

[@JoshuaBardwell]

About 260g with an 850 mAh 4s.

[@chrisyoung8062]

@@JoshuaBardwell That's close enough for government work.

[@mrstubbs1227]

That's the kwad I just built

[@mrstubbs1227]

But not in HD I made mine with all the tiny trainer parts

[@friendlyfireentertainment]

LOL! I always wondered why it was called dead cat...

[@mariossofokleous6075]

Can someone explain to me why people design deadcat-style frames when you can build a true-x frame without the props in view like the HGLRC Sector 150.

[@QuadMcFlyFlies]

Weight would be the primary reason. The only way you can get in the target weight range with a 4" quad without props in view us this type of geometry. You're looking at about 1/3 less total carbon compared to something like the sector 150. The sector 150 is also 3" not 4" like this one. That extra inch on the props makes a big difference. Basically on these smaller quads, if you want decent flight time you have to go as light as possible.

[@mariossofokleous6075]

@@QuadMcFlyFlies That makes sense. Thanks.