Introduction:
This article documents building a lightweight, 2.5-inch indoor drone for $127, featuring Meps 1404 motors and various budget-friendly components. Despite a low-quality frame, the drone performs well in tests, highlighting the effectiveness of Meps motors. The project offers insights into the drone assembly process and the evolving landscape of drone motor manufacturing, encouraging openness towards new brands in the FPV community.
- Building a lightweight, 2.5-inch indoor drone with Meps 1404 motors, costing around $127.
- Frame from AliExpress for $12, SpeedyBee F405 Mini stack for $44, Foxeer Razer camera and HGLRC Zeus VTX for $20 total, and an ELRS receiver for about $10.
- Outdoor flight test showed smooth performance with adequate power from the 4S LiPo and Meps motors, but noted the need for a better quality frame.
- Despite initial skepticism, Meps motors were comparable to other brands, suggesting similar manufacturing quality within the industry.
What you need：
Freestyle Recommended:
Racing Recommended:
Here are the products shown in the video:
Video Overview
In this project, I ventured into assembling a 2.5-inch drone specifically designed for indoor flights while keeping it extremely lightweight. This drone serves primarily for practice, honing my piloting skills in a confined space.
MEPS 1404 motors review
I reached out to Meps for their 1404 4600 KV motors, which they kindly sponsored, playing a pivotal role in this build. Excluding the cost of these motors, the entire assembly would round up to about $80. However, with the inclusion of the Meps motors, the total cost ascends to approximately $127 US. This estimate is based on scouting parts across different marketplaces during sales, so actual expenses might vary. For those interested in the assembly process, there’s a detailed video available that guides through each step.
Drone Specifications Overview
Let’s delve into the components and pricing to give you a clear picture of what goes into this build.
Frame
- Type: Generic 2.5-inch frame
- Source: AliExpress
- Cost: About $12 US
- Note: It’s the most affordable option with TPU prints I could find, though not the best quality.
Fly Stack
- Model: SpeedyBee F405 Mini 20×20
- Cost: Around $44 US
- Features: Offers a wide range of ports and functionality at a budget-friendly price.
VTX System
- Components: Foxeer Razer camera and HGLRC Zeus VTX
- Cost: Approximately $10 each
- Purchase Source: AliExpress
Receiver (RX)
- Model: Flywoo EP2-like ELRS receiver
- Cost Estimate: Around $10 US
- Note: The exact cost is unknown as it was sourced used.
Motors
- Model: Meps sz1404 4600 KV
- Availability: Exclusively on Meps’ website
- Configuration: Intended for 4S LiPo use
Additionally, I equipped the drone with a RunCam Thumb Pro for enhanced video capture.
Flight Test and Impressions
During the outdoor test flight (indoor was avoided to maintain peace at home), the Meps motors demonstrated smooth performance and handled the 4S LiPo battery with ease. Despite a slight increase in bulk due to the camera, the drone managed satisfactory punch-outs. The motors remained cool even under aggressive flying conditions. However, the generic frame’s quality was a letdown, affecting flight maneuvers due to its instability. Future plans include upgrading to a better frame.
Final Thoughts on Meps Motors
Despite Meps’ rocky start within the FPV community, their motors performed as expected, comparable to other brands. The drone industry, especially motor manufacturing, is tightly concentrated in Nanchang City, China, a hub for aviation technology. It’s likely that Meps motors are produced in the same facilities as other well-known brands, suggesting similar quality levels.
Meps’ recent endeavors to amend their marketing strategies and their openness to feedback show a promising direction. For those on the fence, Meps offers a review program allowing potential users to test their products before making a purchase.
In conclusion, while the choice of components such as frames and motors greatly impacts the overall performance and experience of building and flying a drone, it’s essential to approach new brands like Meps with an open mind, given the shared manufacturing ecosystems in the drone industry.
Feel free to share your thoughts or experiences with Meps motors or similar projects in the comments below.