Your First 5″ FPV Racing Drone: The Ultimate Part List and Guide
Building your first 5″ drone is a rite of passage. It can seem daunting, but with the right parts list, it’s an incredibly rewarding process. Here is a complete checklist and a guide to every component you’ll need for a capable and reliable first build.
The Essential FPV Drone Part List
- Frame: The chassis of your drone.
- What to get: A durable 5″ frame. Look for a “true X” design for balanced handling and a unibody baseplate for stiffness. Popular choices include variants of the TBS Source One or ImpulseRC Apex for their durability and parts support.
- Flight Stack: The Brain & Brawn.
- Flight Controller (FC): An F7 processor is highly recommended for future-proofing. Ensure it has a good gyro (like the BMI270).
- ESC: A 4-in-1 ESC rated for 45-60A. This simplifies wiring and is more protected than individual ESCs. Our own 50A ESC is a perfect fit.
- Motors & Propellers:
- Motors: 4x 2306 or 2207 size motors with a KV between 1750-1950 for 6S batteries. They provide the perfect balance of torque and RPM.
- Propellers: Get a few sets of 5″ 3-blade props (e.g., Ethix S3, HQ Prop). They are the standard for a reason.
- Video System: Your Drone’s Eyes.
- FPV Camera: A compact 19x19mm or 20x20mm FPV camera with a good CCD or CMOS sensor for low latency and wide dynamic range.
- Video Transmitter (VTX): Choose one with at least 500mW-800mW of power and Smart Audio/TRAMP for power control via your radio.
- Radio Link: Your Connection to the Drone.
- Receiver: An ExpressLRS (ELRS) 2.4GHz receiver is the modern, undisputed best choice for its incredible range and penetration.
- Power System:
- Battery: A 6S LiPo battery between 1000mAh and 1300mAh. This is the standard for 5″ performance.
- Charger: A quality balance charger capable of charging LiPo batteries.
Tools You’ll Need:
- Soldering iron and solder
- Hex drivers (M2, M3)
- Wire cutters/strippers
- Zip ties and electrical tape
Pro-Tip for Your First Build:
Don’t cheap out on the Flight Controller and ESC. These are the heart of your drone. A reliable stack from a reputable manufacturer will save you countless hours of troubleshooting and provide a much better flying experience. A well-built 5″ drone is a masterpiece of personal engineering. Take your time, double-check your work, and welcome to the most rewarding part of the hobby!
