How to Build a 6S FPV Freestyle Drone - TBS Source One

[@MrHristoB]

I'm relatively new to the quad building hobby but not a stranger to electronics, as I started back in the days repairing TV's and other things. I've entered the hobby with F330 and F450 flamewheel frames with CC3D and so on... seen countless, countless build videos, kids waving soldering irons and hex drivers all over the place and I can say, this must be the cleanest, neatest and tidiest build I saw(without fancy cuts, camera angles and the drama)!!!! I can only congratulate you and wish you happy building and flying!!!! Well done!!!

[@whiffles]

Thank you! I really appreciate it.

[@markmarkov5616]

Lol i was building my first drone, practically, unknowingly identical to this one, got stuck and ran into this vid, man how many questions it answered was insane. Thx bro

[@flywithtb5005]

The length of the video, quality and cuts are amazing. Every beginners dream.

[@axiomproofs1028]

Man your cable management and builds are so clean. I look forward to seeing your next build video. Definitely copying some of your builds myself.

[@colinmeyer3678]

this may be the best build video on youtube, and trust me I've seen a LOT of build videos.

[@robmckennie4203]

I like the way you use a zip tie to support the antennas, very slick

[@detroxx56784]

Amazing build. It's incredible how you manage to get your builds this clean 🤯

[@ThePurplePupUwU]

oh my god that clamp and tweezers idea for holding down the button is AMAZING i also have trouble doing that (which is why i usually look for flight controllers that power the receiver from usb) ill be using that idea next time i have to bind a small receiver

[@skyweaver3199]

We all thank you for rotor builds!!!! I usually fly 6S HD (DJI) , and I am going to do this build , just to do it!! Only difference is my camera is newer, and I am going to use a TBS 69...

[@JThemelis]

AFTER i ordered my parts for my first 5” build, i come across this video and the parts list are almost identical, minus the flight controller (iflight succex e f407 stack) and powered by 4S… parts arrived today and ill be building soon, using this to follow along with. If it works out as expected, I owe it to the folks like yourself, and the heavy hitters in this hobby to document the effort as a true beginner 🤞🏼👍🏽

[@sluj49]

This video is so under viewed. I bought most of the components you used for my first build just today. I have an RTF arris x220 right now and I want a 6s for my first self built. I love how clean this is and your instructions are both easy to follow and dense with helpful information.

[@jtsoutdoorsandmore8136]

Ive been flying drones fot a few years now and im considering building my first drone . I also want to take my HS 150 Bolt Bee and put it on a different frame that way i can use normal lipo batterys instead of looking for battery packs for it

[@ronneilcamara5071]

The v3 is also wider on the other end. It always broke on the v2. So far, I had many crashes on the v3, I haven't broken any arms yet.

[@sleepyheadfpv1507]

Awesome! Building this frame almost exact parts just different motors, needed some help with camera mounting and you solved it. Also I’m running 4s batteries.

[@shaiz0077]

the best and clean built i ever saw

[@FattyFPV]

Well done...a full build vid in 13 minutes. And RotorBuilds???? Damn. Thanks!

[@dominikd2658]

nice and clear build! I did the same trick like you with receiver antennas using shrink tubes but for me it reduced range of my drone like a hell :/

[@whiffles]

What sort of range are you aiming for? I rarely fly more than 200m away.

[@dominikd2658]

@@whiffles So with shrinking tube 200m is my max I think but would be great to fly a little further around 400m. Without shrinking tubes it is possible but then I dont have protection on my antennas.

[@whiffles]

@@dominikd2658 I think you should be able to to 400m easily with the shrink tube. You'll lose signal due to trees or obstructions before those cause any issues.

[@nicothechico508]

I am building with the same motors and frame!! I just randomly stumbled on this vid lol

[@MitchArbee]

This is so clean. Nice job man. Will be building this in a 4s version asap :D

[@JThemelis]

Same here.. parts JUST arrived 🙌🏼

[@recfocus]

Dope video bro - appreciate you making this for everyone!

[@magiccarpet2416]

Watched this from beginning to end! Great job man.

[@OneOfTheRobs]

:-)

[@cbezanis]

Whiffles, thanks for this awesome resource. I have your video up in one tab and the RotorBuilds guide in another. I'm using some different components than what you have spec'ed but close enough for me to follow along!

[@bogdannikolakov2159]

Has someone tested the video feed range with this vtx/antenna setup? Anyways, awesome build with great selection of components!

[@whiffles]

It really depends on how clear your line of sight is. You can go a mile or two without any obstructions, but once you cross under the tree line you won't get very far.

[@williammanzie5446]

I would love to start getting into this hobby. Where should I start to begin understanding all that I need to start?

[@whiffles]

Just keep watching videos. You can check out rotorbuilds.com for more part lists and try to reach out to a local FPV groups on Facebook.

[@jonfharding9429]

very informative & easy to watch & understand thanks. Jon&Denise

[@duncan2403]

Are there any cheaper options for flight controllers/esc stacks that would work well with this?

[@whiffles]

Sure, take a look at the HGLRC FD435. I just used it on my latest build and it was pretty easy to solder to.

[@duncan2403]

@@whiffles Ok thank you

[@fcass]

Great video. I've built a bunch of drones before, but I came here hoping to find out where the Source One sandwich plate went (top/bottom) and you answered it! You have an excellent style in the way you present this build. Love it! And a great looking build that rivals or surpasses my Rotor Riot friends here in Orlando who I fly with sometimes (Drew let me fly his quad! What was he thinking lol). And I will think of Mr. Whiffles everytime I bind an XM+! Great tip. I paused at that tip to write this and subscribe immediately hehheh. Well done.

[@whiffles]

Awesome! Thank you for the support!

[@lostinayaland]

Awesome build! Do you think it could be modified a little bit for longer flight times and ranges?

[@whiffles]

You can add a Crossfire or R9 receiver to make it a long range rig, but there's not a whole lot you can do to increase flight time. Maybe a slightly larger battery, but 4-5 minutes is about as much as you can get on a 5" rig.

[@lostinayaland]

Whiffles Ok, thank you!

[@sluj49]

built this and fried my vtx on first plug in. one part melted right through the plastic shrink wrap it has on it. I have no idea what to do but I suppose these puzzles come with the hobby xD everything else went great and I love this set up. Just gotta get mine finished and working.

[@whiffles]

Oh no! Maybe double check the polarity. Did you get the HV version or the 5V version of the VTX?

[@sluj49]

@@whiffles upon a little research on how to find the polarity of a vtx just now... ive come to find that it is something I need to check and be familiar with so I bought a multimeter. I do have the hv version but I hadn't been thinking about polarity at all through this project. Noob mistake . I'm very much a beginner to rc and its been a confusing path to understand all this but worth it for sure. Any advice is very much appreciated. :)

[@sluj49]

@@whiffles also now im remembering there was a sticker on the vtx package that said "vtx 5v" so maybe I did have the wrong part. On my receipt though I bought the "TBS Unify Pro 5G8 V3 (SMA)"

[@sluj49]

@@whiffles one more thing. I did pay attention to polarity with the battery lead and capacitor I had no idea about checking it with the vtx and possibly other things

[@whiffles]

@@sluj49 Just checked the specs and it says "Operating Voltage: 4.5 - 5.5V" so you probably gave it too much voltage. You always want to double check the max input voltage to your components. I used the "HV" version which takes up to 26v so if you wired it the same way I did that would have certainly killed it. Sorry to hear, definitely a bummer!

[@dagget3417]

Nice Build. Made my own a Month ago with same Parts Exept motors and reciever. Took the r-xsr and the xing 1800kv

[@vollpfosten5249]

What is the difference between the Kakute stack and the diatone Mamba stack? Both have a 4 in 1 40 A ESC and an F4 FC but the Kakute is like double the price? What makes the Kakute that much more expensive?

[@whiffles]

It has a much more sensitive gyro which should perform better, but honestly I can't tell much difference. It also has 32 bit ESCs which offer some performance improvements as well. The Mamba stack should be just fine.

[@vollpfosten5249]

@@whiffles thanks.

[@jansenfromsg]

Thank you! I am building my first source one quad and I want to shout out to you for this diy video.

[@nigellaster2475]

Would you be able to use the Xilo stax combo for this build instead?

[@whiffles]

Yep, that'll work just fine. You can use just about anything on this frame as long as it's got the amps to power the motors.

[@nigellaster2475]

@@whiffles Thanks for the help

[@davidwallace1594]

Excellent! This will be my next build. Thanks for having the write-up on Rotor Builds also.

[@krishmehta6439]

Amazing build!! I had a question could I use the xing 2207 motors instead of these and would it work?

[@whiffles]

Certainly! Just be sure to choose the kv according to the batteries you plan to use. ~2400kv for 4S and ~1800kv for 6S.

[@krishmehta6439]

@@whiffles also the fc + esc is out of stock can you recommend something else that I could use

[@leonizze2147]

i have never seen a short but good review thanks for the helpful informtaions but can you please tell me how much do you spend and maybe make a video for a cheaper drone

[@Dogman21]

There is some youtube on this sub .look up 99 dollar drone build.

[@jorgeromero4680]

Where can i find these countersunk washers? They look awesome

[@whiffles]

I've got them linked in the part list on Rotorbuilds. I usually get them from Pyro Drone.

[@mikemichael8526]

can you build freestyle quad better than nazgul5 6s with almost same price range? Nice build and your site helps me a and my friends a lot

[@whiffles]

It really depends on whether or not you want to build. You have a lot more control over what parts you use and sometimes you can build cheaper and sometimes it costs more.

[@mikemichael8526]

@@whiffles thanks

[@christera2686]

I´ve just ordered a tbs source one bundle/kit. It has hobbywing xrotor fc and esc, and unify vtx. This will be my first build, and I find this video very helpful, thank you :) Even if its not the same components as you, I guess it will be about the same procedure. I am going to use the unify mounting board though :)

[@banjopadlock1]

Whiffles : I really liked your build video and decided to make one just like it. I ordered all he parts but made a mistake and got 1900 kw Motors. I have a lot of s4s , no s6s and my chargers won't do a s6.. The manufacturer says the motor is good for 3-6s. What adjustments do I have to make to the setup to use s4s and how will it effect the performance.

[@dirkmyers9375]

was following bardwells build video and sourced slightly cheaper components. ran across your video when putting together the tbs frame. we basically have the same build except for the motors. question. what does the capacitor do on the esc? some builds i have watched they do not include an extra capacitor. thanks for the info

[@whiffles]

The capacitor helps smooth out the video feed when you punch the motors. It can also help reduce electronic noise to the gyro. It's not necessarily required and a lot of newer boards have pretty good built-in capacitors, but it doesn't hurt.

[@michaelpetale6872]

great vid bro and I've subscribed! and I don't know why I haven't found you years ago? As I've found all the other guys that are popular? You are now in thwe popular list ...lol great to know your channel bro, and loved your step by step build wow!!...:)

[@adamcook8564]

Really helpful video, thanks... sorry if you've already been asked but where did you get the blue countersunk washers from? Really nice touch

[@whiffles]

I believe I bought them at Pyrodrone.

[@adamcook8564]

@@whiffles thanks for responding

[@Lucas-ck1po]

Why do drones have capacitors on the battery line? Is that to help managing power demand peaks?

[@whiffles]

It's more for suppressing some of the motor noise so lines don't show up in the video feed. It can also help filter the noise for the gyro on the FC.

[@Lucas-ck1po]

Thanks

[@daleduropapito]

Hey man! Great video. Can you share the PIDs you are using in the maiden flight or in case you made any changes the resulting ones? Thanks so much!

[@whiffles]

I just reduced P and D terms of pitch and roll by about 10. It was a very cursory tune, so there's still room for improvement. This was on 6S though. I you're flying 4S then you probably don't need to make any adjustments.

[@drethedroneguy]

So dope. Thank you so much! Building my first racequad and used this as a reference.

[@slashertechnology6688]

Dude, your builds beautiful. And WTH is that mini-screw driver called? I'm ordering one ASAP

[@whiffles]

It's the Xiaomi Wowstick 1F+

[@PhilVollhardt]

Was wondering exactly the same!

[@Laroi178]

Fantastic video mate, great editing also. :)

[@asher1368]

Can you get a GoPro session mount for this quad

[@whiffles]

I'm sure you can find one. There are plenty. It may not have screw holes to match the frame, but a universal mount with zip ties should do the trick. Check Thingiverse or Brain3d.co

[@lukin_io]

@Whiffles And where to get such auto screwdriver? :) Thx!

[@BigMac40k]

I think it's the Wowstick 1F+

[@danyel3901]

Great build.. But if I want to replace with the 7" arms, what motors would you recommend for long range cruising for about +10 mins.. Think the Kakute F7 combo is perfect, maybe a 2507 or .. Thanks

[@whiffles]

Sorry I'm not sure what motors to choose for 7" but check rotorbuilds.com for 7" builds to see what is a common choice.

[@airforceone1906]

What electric screwdriver are you using? Love the video!! Very informative sir!

[@whiffles]

Wowstick 1F+

[@oceano271]

What size paracord did you use for your motor wires and what size capacitor did you use? was it 1000uF Caps?

[@whiffles]

The cord is called Para-Max. It's listed on the part list on Rotorbuilds. I used a 35v 470uf capacitor.

[@themadhatter196]

Just bought this last night! How do I fit a mini camera in there without a 3d printer? I have a Hawkeye firefly split 4k cam for this build. Love to post to your site.

[@whiffles]

You may just be able to add some washers or nuts and use longer screws to get the cam in there tight.

[@whoisjat]

great build, what’s the cost and do you think i could make it with a longer range? i am newer to this so i don’t know what works together etc.

[@whiffles]

You can see the cost breakdown by following the link to rotorbuilds.com. You can use a Crossfire receiver on this if you've got a module or the Tango 2. Your biggest limitation is going to be battery life rather than radio signal.

[@pouria3132]

Thank you for this great video. Can I ask something? How can learn programming and design pro drones?

[@whiffles]

Watch lots of videos

[@pouria3132]

@@whiffles OK but in videos there in not about programming... Am I right?

[@pouria3132]

@@whiffles can you show some video?

[@whiffles]

@@pouria3132 Do you mean the Betaflight configuration? I have the written instructions on the guide at RotorBuilds.com

[@pouria3132]

@@whiffles no I mean c or c++ programming for a flight controller. There are some arduino codes but they aren't so good. I mean that about flight controller do it yourself. Pcb design programming and...

[@headmazta]

Wow I didn't know you're RotorBuilds dev! Question: Do you know if the props are visible on GoPro Session 5 with 25deg angle? Because it seems like the arms are a bit pointed towards the front.

[@whiffles]

I haven't tried 25 degrees, sorry. They may still be out of frame.

[@daniell6835]

Can this quad fly fast? Do you know what's the quad's max speed? I saw the flight footage and it was smooth, but I'm interested in high speeds. Thank you!

[@whiffles]

It's plenty fast. It's hard to say what the max speed is but with the right props I'm sure it'll do 80-100mph.

[@BB-mk1er]

Was there a reason why you didnt power the camera from the VTX? I understand that the FC has power pads for the cam, but is it filtered on the Kakute? I thought that the TBS unify had filtered power for the cam, but now Im not sure. I know that the Nano has an LC filter, but there isnt much info about the big boys.

[@whiffles]

I mainly did it for simplicity and wiring cleanliness. I've never had any issues powering the camera through the flight controller.

[@Brunmed]

Made myself a build 6S with the same frame 2 weeks ago :) Went with a black and red color scheme!

[@MarcelloScardi]

Are the longer screws used to fix the stack included in the frame?

[@whiffles]

Yes, the frame comes with the screws needed to mount the stack.

[@ufoofficial4520]

hello , I started making a DJI drone from the beginning, I bought a case from DJI mavic 2 zoom without electronics and motors, I don't use original electronics from dji mavic, I have problems calibrating some sensors with this Flight Controller , or you have an idea what flight control electronics to use, butmust having sensors proximity?

[@whiffles]

I don't think Betaflight supports proximity sensors. DJI uses very proprietary hardware and you'll likely need to use their own for those sensors.

[@donphobos]

Really enjoyed your build. Great!

[@Mygordo2110]

Hey, can I add a spektrum receiver in this instead? I only have a DX6e atm.

[@whiffles]

This flight controller isn't available anymore, so you'll need to find an alternative. Just make sure it has a 3.3v pad.

[@raffpv6473]

How you install the tbs unify antenna in the back?

[@Luigi_Banana]

Hi, would you find link of a GoPro mount? Looks nice soft and good protection of lens. I cant find it on Thingiverse :( Thank you

[@aaronwilsontd]

Where do I get that micro drill?

[@whiffles]

That's the Wowstick 1F+

[@HenriqueSilva-yy2fo]

Awesome video, very clean build and very didactic. thanks

[@sathish6601]

Superb video man. Din know you're the guy who made Rotor Builds until now. Really nice!! Ive been following it for quite few months now. And I'm planning to build the same one except for the vtx which im planning to use a dji air unit. Is is okay if i remove the middle-rear stand-offs to fit it in.

[@whiffles]

You'll need several 3D prints to fit the full DJI air unit. It's much better to use the Caddx Vista with the longer camera cable.

[@jameo624]

Great workmanship! Nice to see. How are you liking that screwdriver?

[@whiffles]

It's great!

[@bwasfpv]

will this be efficient if i use it in long range flying?i mean mid range?

[@whiffles]

If you don't fly very aggressively you might be able to get 4-5 minutes. If you want longer range you'll either want to go 7" or get a DJI.

[@rayv882]

Awesome video do you build drones for people by any chance?

[@alwinlee5864]

I want to build my first FPV drone - I want to attach a GoPro to it to film cinematics. I'm on a tight budget, so which build do you recommend?

[@whiffles]

This is a great beginner build, but you definitely need some experience either through a simulator or a micro to fly it.

[@alwinlee5864]

@@whiffles I will definitely look into those options! I was looking at the flight controller you recommended for this build, its no longer available on GETFPV, what alternative FC would you suggest!?

[@whiffles]

@@alwinlee5864 There's a newer version that they've linked from this older one.

[@alwinlee5864]

@@whiffles Hi Whiffles, I noticed that but its out of stock as well! It must be that popular! What is your suggestion?

[@aime_c]

Very good video ! About to build the same setup, very glad I can count on your video to help my newbie *ss ! ^^ Thank you !

[@mattsupertramp6506]

I have a 30 x 30 Vtx is there enough room to mount it on the main stack with fc and esc?

[@whiffles]

You should be able to squeeze it in, but it may require tweaking the standoffs and spacing.

[@Tiim0815]

Man, very helpful video. I was exactly looking for a guide like this. I am new to FPV and want to build my first Quad. I am considering useing the Diatone Mamba F722S Stack F7 FC + 50A ESC Stack instead of the Holybro. Would that work the same way? Is there a big difference between the EMAX ECO 2207 1700kv and the Iflight XING X2207 1800KV?

[@whiffles]

I'm sure the Mamba will work just fine. Make sure you examine the wiring diagram closely though. The iFlight Xing motors are great, but if you're on a budget you might even want to look at the Xing-E motors.

[@ashtonmorrison317]

Are there any other good batteries you would recommend for this drone that can make the flight time longer or is the one used in this build the best one?

[@whiffles]

When it comes to quads of this type you won't get more than 4-5 minutes of flight time. The one I used should get you about that if you don't fly too aggressively.

[@fmscarbon]

Great work for drone

[@tonydrony1320]

Hi wiffles I’m a new subscriber from Australia 🇦🇺 and loved that build video... great to find new FPV dudes... 🤙👍

[@bazilchaudhry5757]

Hey non-drone question. Where did you get the “grid design” table cover?

[@whiffles]

I use this clear 18x24 cutting mat on a black table, www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003EDDZWK

[@bigrill0998]

What is the electric screwdriver you are using?

[@whiffles]

Wowstick 1F+

[@gekkehansie_1586]

Link to the nice counter sunk screws?

[@whiffles]

Here, pyrodrone.com/products/metric-socket-countersunk-class-12-9-steel-m3-10-pcs

[@Blackfyer598]

where would I hook up the microphone wire if I did want to use a microphone?

[@whiffles]

You need a microphone or a camera with a mic.

[@Blackfyer598]

@@whiffles ahh right right that makes sense, imma save the wire i pulled out then, thanks

[@jons858]

Awesome build. What capacitor did you use? How do you think this would perform on 4s? Would you change motors if running 4s?

[@whiffles]

I just used a 470uf capacitor. I believe the flight controller came with one.

[@flywithtb5005]

What capacitor are u using and can u use them for any 6s built?

[@whiffles]

It's just a 470uF 35V Low ESR Capacitor. And yes you can use them for any 6S build.

[@rueda82nd]

Dude sweet build, great video you really explain it and camera you can see details of what you doing. I just got this frame but like you components your using.

[@ngathalee5387]

am about to build a drone so this is very useful thank you

[@lucasdrever3127]

Very nice clean build 👌🏼

[@Dexmethorph]

Hey! I have absolutely 0 experience with pid tunes, and have no clue what you meant when you said "betaflight reccommends you drop the p and d term about 30% for this build" is there somewhere that the betaflight devs give a reccommended pid tune for specific voltages? I just build the source one in 7 inch and def need a pid tune but dunno wtf im doing sooo.. any tips?

[@bansheerider619]

Link for the blue putty stuff you are using to solder? I don’t see it in your build list.

[@whiffles]

Oh, good call! I added it to the list, but here it is: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B018A3AG0W

[@Melpandi]

What screwdriver you use??

[@georgemathiebe]

This is for anybody , I have a spectrum dx6 transmitter.. what would be a good receiver to buy?

[@whiffles]

I'd get their serial diversity receiver.

[@Maorifpv]

the xt60 wire is not too thin for 6s?

[@whiffles]

14awg is just fine for 6S.

[@redd182]

Did you change pids and filters on BF. I’m having issues flying similar setup on BF 4.0.6 it shoots straight in to the sky after a little of throttle

[@whiffles]

Check the gyro to make sure it's not touching anything and is floating on the foam pad

[@redd182]

Whiffles I’ve checked it but it seems to be mounted correctly and nothing is touching it. I thought it was the wrong pid settings that makes it fly away. But I understand that I need to verify if gyro works ok

[@mutoryu]

I had same problem. After giving a little throttle. Try to cancel air mode. It helped me.

[@trevorisongfuel790]

very nice work

[@AqwamHizbalMuhshiy]

I want to build 4s version, what part should i change ? Nice build btw

[@whiffles]

Get the 2400kv motors for 4S.

[@javieruriel]

where did you get the screwdriver? and the blue tag?

[@whiffles]

Wowstick 1F+ and you can get Blu Tack most anywhere.

[@rickMCnasty]

Very helpful! Thanks for the info ✌️

[@bakkiepleur_FPV]

Do i need a blheli32 esc for rpm filtering? (BF 4.1)

[@whiffles]

I heard there is a BLHeli_S firmware but I'm not sure about the details.

[@mattyking6141]

Where did you get the auto screwdriver ?

[@whiffles]

It's the Wowstick 1F+

[@mattyking6141]

Whiffles thanks 🙏