Introduction:
This guide provides a comprehensive step-by-step walkthrough for building an Apex 4 FPV drone, utilizing MEPS 2004 motors, an FC F7 flight controller, 40-amp ESCs, and an ExpressLRS receiver, tailored for both beginners and seasoned enthusiasts.
- Project Goal: Assemble an Apex 4 FPV drone featuring MEPS 2004 motors, an FC F7 controller, 40-amp ESCs, and an ExpressLRS receiver.
- Key Components: MEPS motors with mounting accessories, and guidance on ESC soldering and insulation.
- Flight Controller: Steps for FC installation, ESC connector adjustment, and receiver setup.
- Betaflight Setup: Instructions for firmware update, port configuration, motor protocol selection, and system adjustments.
- Optimization: Details on ESC firmware upgrade and Betaflight fine-tuning for optimal performance.
- Performance Testing: Successful flight test with 6S batteries, highlighting excellent drone responsiveness and control.
- Conclusion: A guide suitable for beginners and experienced pilots to build a high-performance Apex 4 drone.
What you need：
Freestyle Recommended:
Racing Recommended:
Here are the products shown in the video:
Video Overview
Today, we embark on an exciting project: building an Apex 4 fpv drone. This guide will cover everything from selecting the right components to the final setup, making it accessible even for beginners. We will use Maps engines, an FC F7 flight controller, 40-amp ESCs, and an ExpressLRS receiver. Let’s dive in!
Components Overview
Motors
For Beginners: The MEPS motors are beginner-friendly, coming with a package that includes screws, spare washers, and O-rings. This is a great feature since it can be challenging for beginners to find these components separately.
ESC Assembly
- Initial Steps: Begin by assembling the ESC. Solder the motors to the ESC, ensuring to insulate the part of the carbon frame that will cover the ESC. This can be done with stickers to prevent any short circuits caused by water contact.
- Wiring: Run the wires under the ESC and cut them to size for soldering. Proceed with soldering each motor one by one.
Flight Controller (FC) Setup
- Mounting the FC: Once the ESCs are in place, focus on mounting the FC. It’s crucial to study the connectors and possibly modify the ESC connector to fit the FC.
- Adding Receivers: Install the cables for the receiver (ExpressLRS in this case) and any other components like a VTX or DBS. Place the receiver under the camera for a neat setup.
Betaflight Configuration
- Initial Connection: Verify the FC’s recognition by your computer. Update to Betaflight 4.4.0, disabling unnecessary features like the LED strip for a streamlined setup.
- Port Configuration: Assign the RX to port 1 and the VTX to UART4, enabling MSP on the same port for seamless communication.
- Motor Protocol Selection: Calibrate the accelerometer and choose the appropriate motor protocol. For F7 boards, Tshot600 is recommended; F4 boards may benefit from Bshot300.
- Final Adjustments: Adjust weapon settings, enable bi-directional communication, and update the ESC firmware to Blue Jay for improved performance.
Testing and Fine-Tuning
- ESC Configuration: Utilize the ESC configurator to apply Blue Jay firmware, optimizing for 24 kHz operation. Save your settings and recheck motor direction and sequence.
- Betaflight Finalization: Revisit Betaflight to ensure all motors are correctly oriented and spinning in the desired direction. Apply necessary corrections and proceed with a comprehensive system check.
Flight Test and Conclusion
After completing the assembly and configuration, we conducted a flight test with 6S batteries. The performance was exceptional, with zero vibrations and responsive control, even without smooth propellers. We tested with 40-23 Gemfan propellers, further enhancing the drone’s capabilities.
Final Thoughts
This Apex 4 build, equipped with carefully selected components and fine-tuned through Betaflight, demonstrates remarkable performance and reliability. Suitable for beginners and experienced pilots alike, this drone is a testament to thoughtful engineering and meticulous assembly. With all components and their sources detailed, enthusiasts can replicate this build for a rewarding flying experience.
