The FPV (First Person View) drone has revolutionized the world of model aviation, offering a unique immersive and technical experience. Whether you're into freestyle, racing or cinematic shots, building your own FPV drone not only optimizes your performance, but also gives you a better understanding of the on-board technology.
But before soldering your first flight map or screwing on your propellers, you need to choose each component carefully. This guide is aimed at beginners and experienced pilots alike, with the aim of supporting you in a coherent, high-performance approach, geared towards technological sovereignty. After all, opting for technological components made in France is also a strategic decision.
Defining your objective and flying style
Before you even think about components, ask yourself this question: why do you want to build an FPV drone?
Freestyle: the pleasure of acrobatic flight
If you like tricks, loops, dizzying dives and fast transitions, freestyle is for you. It requires a powerful, highly maneuverable drone capable of withstanding frequent crashes. Priorities: responsive motors, solid chassis, stable propellers.
Racing: speed and aggression
Drone racing is all about pure speed, tight turns and responsiveness. Race drones are compact, lightweight, and designed to minimize latency.
Here, the emphasis is on powerful ESCs, fast protocols (DShot), and a low-latency camera.
Cinematic: smoothness and image quality
To film landscapes, follow cars or create professional content, a kinematic FPV drone relies on fluidity of flight and video quality.
More flexible motors, silent propellers and on-board stabilization systems are favored.
Essential components to choose with care
The construction of an FPV drone is based on a harmonious combination of technological building blocks. Here are the key elements you need to know.
Flight Controller (FC)
The flight map is the drone's brain. It receives commands from the pilot and controls the motors in real time.
- Standard size: 20×20 mm or 30×30 mm depending on frame size.
- Processors: F4, F7, or H7 (faster).
- Firmware: Betaflight, Emuflight or INAV depending on your requirements.
- Sensors can be integrated: barometer, gyroscope, GPS, OSD, etc.
Tip: choose cards made in France for greater traceability and better availability of technical support.
ESC (Electronic Speed Controller)
The ESC controls motor speed. For a coherent assembly :
- 4 in 1 (on stack) or individual ESC,
- Choose the maximum current to suit the motor (30A, 45A, 60A...),
- Modern protocols: DShot600, DShot1200.
For a reliable French drone, turn to local manufacturers who offer high-performance, robust ESCs.
Brushless motors
Motors are selected according to :
- their KV (revolutions per minute/volt): between 1600 KV (kinematic) and 2700 KV (racing),
- their size (e.g. 2207, 2306),
- their torque and responsiveness.
Tip: don't underestimate the quality of bearings and magnets. French drone component manufacturers offer top-of-the-range motors perfectly suited to FPV flight.
Propellers
Essential for aerodynamics :
- 3 or 4 blades (depending on thrust required),
- Materials: reinforced polycarbonate or carbon,
- Diameter: generally 5 inches for standard formats.
Adapt the model to your use: soft for kinematics, rigid for racing.
Chassis
The chassis must be :
- Light but rigid,
- Easy to repair,
- Compatible with your electronic stack.
CNC-cut French carbon is an excellent option for combining lightness, strength and sovereignty.
FPV camera
The FPV camera offers an immersive view:
- Format: micro, mini or nano,
- Resolution: between 600 and 1200 TVL for analog,
- Latency: critical criterion for racing.
HD systems (DJI, Walksnail, HDZero) impose their own cameras. Think about compatibility right from the start of your project.
VTX (video transmitter) and antennas
The VTX transmits video to your glasses. How to choose :
- Power: 25 mW to 1,000 mW (depending on regulations),
- Frequency band: 5.8 GHz, the most common,
- Analog or digital format, depending on the system used.
Antennas must be omnidirectional and securely mounted to ensure a stable signal.
Radio receiver (RX)
The RX receives commands from your remote control:
- FrSky, Crossfire, ExpressLRS, Ghost...
- Frequencies: 2.4 GHz or 868 MHz depending on range required.
Think about compatibility with your radio and failsafe integration.
Battery (LiPo)
- Choose a suitable tension: 4S for beginners, 6S for more punch.
- Capacity: between 850 mAh (racing) and 1800 mAh (kinematic).
- Beware of weight, which strongly influences range and flight dynamics.
Practical tips for consistent assembly
Ensure compatibility between components
Check that :
- The chassis is adapted to the stack format,
- The FC firmware is compatible with the selected ESCs,
- The camera adapts to your VTX system,
- The final weight respects your maximum payload.
A good FPV drone is first and foremost a well-balanced, well-thought-out package.
Focus on local, repairable components
Opting for spare parts produced in France means :
- reactive technical support,
- avoid import delays,
- encourage sovereign technology in a fast-growing field.
Emerging French brands offer robust, reliable components that are often easier to maintain.
Take care of your wiring and soldering
A poorly made weld is often the source of many malfunctions. Use :
- quality tin (60/40),
- a precise welding station,
- heat-shrink tubing to protect connections.
Configure with method
Use Betaflight, INAV or Emuflight to configure your FC :
- Calibrate the gyroscope,
- Assign the correct channels to your radio's switches,
- Activate failsafe, buzzer, return to starting point.
Take the time to ground-test before taking off for the first time.
Use assembly aid applications
Simulators such as Liftoff, DRL Sim or FPV SkyDive offer a risk-free introduction. Apps such as SpeedyBee facilitate configuration via Bluetooth.
Building your own FPV drone is a technical, exciting and deeply formative process. Whether you're aiming for speed, aesthetics or precision, the choice of components is a crucial step. It determines the performance, reliability and scalability of your machine.
By opting for French technological building blocks, you are opting for a sustainable, sovereign and innovative approach. FPV is more than just a hobby, it's a real field of technological experimentation, where every detail counts.
Still hesitating about an ESC, a flight map or an engine? Turn to manufacturers who design in France, for French pilots. You'll gain in proximity, quality and performance.Bottom of form