DJI FlameWheel 450 + CUAV V5 nano Build

This topic provides full instructions for building the kit and configuring PX4 using QGroundControl.

Key information

• Frame: DJI F450
• Flight controller: CUAV V5 nano
• Assembly time (approx.): 90 minutes (45 minutes for frame, 45 minutes autopilot installation/configuration)

Bill of materials

The components needed for this build are:

• Flight controller: CUAV V5 nano:
  • GPS: CUAV NEO V2 GPS
  • Power Module
• Frame: DJI F450
• Propellers: DJI Phantom Built-in Nut Upgrade Propellers 9.4x5
• Battery: Turnigy High Capacity 5200mAh 3S 12C Lipo Pack w/XT60
• Telemetry: Holibro Transceiver Telemetry Radio V3
• RC Receiver: FrSky D4R-II 2.4G 4CH ACCST Telemetry Receiver
• Motors: DJI E305 2312E Motor (800kv,CW)
• ESC: Hobbywing XRotor 20A APAC Brushless ESC 3-4S For RC Multicopters

In addition, we used an FrSky Taranis controller. You will also need zip ties, double-sided tape, a soldering iron.

The image below shows both frame and electronic components.

Hardware

Frame

This section lists all hardware for the frame.

CUAV v5 nano Package

This section lists the components in the CUAV v5 nano package.

Electronics

Tools needed

The following tools are used in this assembly:

• 2.0mm Hex screwdriver
• 3mm Phillips screwdriver
• Wire cutters
• Precision tweezers
• Soldering iron

Assembly

Estimated time to assemble is approximately 90 minutes (about 45 minutes for the frame and 45 minutes installing the autopilot and configuring the airframe.

1. Attach the 4 arms to the bottom plate using the provided screws.

   

2. Solder ESC (Electronic Speed Controller) to the board, positive (red) and negative (black).

   

3. Solder the Power Module, positive (red) and negative (black).

   

4. Plug in the motors to the ESCs according to their positions.

   

5. Attach the motors to the corresponding arms.

   

6. Add the top board (screw into the top of the legs).

   

7. Add damping foam to the CUAV V5 nano flight controller.

   

8. Attach the FrSky receiver to the bottom board with double-sided tape.

   

9. Attach the telemetry module to the vehicle’s bottom board using double-sided tape.

   

10. Put the aluminium standoffs on the button plate and attach GPS.

    

11. Plug in Telemetry (TELEM1), GPS module (GPS/SAFETY), RC receiver (RC), all 4 ESC’s (M1-M4), and the power module (Power1) into the flight controller.

    The motor order is defined in the Airframe Reference > Quadrotor x

That's it! The final build is shown below:

Vehicle Configuration/Calibration

QGroundControl is used to install the PX4 autopilot and configure/tune it for the frame. Download and install QGroundControl for your platform.

Full instructions for installing and configuring PX4 can be found in Basic Configuration.

First update the firmware and airframe:

• Firmware

• Airframe

  You will need to select the Generic Quadrotor X airframe (Quadrotor x > Generic Quadrotor X).

  

Then perform the mandatory setup/calibration:

• Sensor Orientation
• Compass
• Accelerometer
• Level Horizon Calibration
• Radio Setup
• Flight Modes > Note For this build we set up modes Stabilized, Altitude and Position on a three-way switch on the receiver (mapped to a single channel - 5). This is the recommended minimal set of modes for beginners.

Ideally you should also do:

• ESC Calibration
• Battery
• Safety

Tuning

Firmware installation sets default autopilot parameters that have been configured for the selected frame. These are good enough to fly with, but it is a good idea to tune the parameters for a specific frame build.

Video

Acknowledgments

This build log was provided by the Dronecode Test Flight Team.