Hi, Lexie here.
Getting started with FPV can be a challenge. All the terminology pilots use in their posts and videos, combined with an enormous number of options, can easily lead to confusion (or a serious headache). But don't worry! We're here to help. With this blog post, we're kicking off a series of posts introducing you to everything you need to know as an FPV beginner. From using shortcuts to drone parts to the little details of how to start your adventure with flying. In this post, we'll look at the basic drone framework: the frame
Let's go!
Frames are the main component of FPV drones, as they form the body and skeleton of the structure on which all components rest. FPV frames are lightweight but strong and stable. And even though you can probably find some plastic frames on the smaller drones like tinywhoops - this is where your adventure with plastic frames should end. For larger drones (3" and above), you should definitely opt for a carbon frame if possible. Carbon fiber is light, strong and stable, making it the perfect combination for our purposes. Although there are also frames made of plastic, fiberglass or Kevlar, most frames available on the market are made of carbon for a reason.
FPV frames also differ in terms of the mounting position of the flight battery, i.e. the LiPo. In the top-mount version, the battery is mounted above the frame, whereas in racing FPV frames, the LiPo is mounted at the bottom. This design is referred to as bottom-mount. Please note that the battery is the heaviest component of a drone and the center of gravity also changes due to a different design.
There are a few factors to consider when choosing a frame:
Frame size: sizes vary from 90 mm to 280 mm. Therefore, it is important to choose the right frame size as it affects the weight and performance of the drone. The most common size is 5", which is a good start for any pilot. Long range pilots usually choose 7" and smaller sizes are used for small whoops and cinewhoops.
Frame shape: There are different frame shapes, such as X-shapes, H-shapes, X-hybrid shapes, box shapes, etc. Each has different characteristics. For example, X-frames are ideal for FPV racing and H-frames are more suitable for freestyle pilots.
Purpose of flying: Racing and freestyle frames usually have different shapes that serve different purposes. If you don't want propellers in your field of vision, the deadcat shape is the one for you. The fastest and most versatile shape for FPV is the X-frame. Do you need a larger drone that can accommodate an onboard camera? Then Cinelifters might be the right choice.
Clearances: It's important to check that the frame has enough clearance for the components you want to use. Some of the frames are extremely narrow, so it can be difficult (or impossible) to fit all the technology inside. Some parts (e.g. digital modules) may simply not fit in the frame. However, some frames are also available in an HD version that will fit the HD modules.
Arm thickness - It is important to know whether you want to fly in an abandoned factory full of concrete and metal or rather outside in a soft meadow. This can affect the choice of arm thickness. The thicker the arms, the longer they are likely to last.
Weight - Some countries have quite strict restrictions on the weight of the drone (under 250 grams)
Do you need a camera? Some frames can be equipped with digital systems, but even these do not guarantee the best video quality. Sometimes you need an external camera, such as a Gopro, insta360, caddx fpv peanut or similar to get the best image quality.
Frames with screwed-on arms vs. unibody: As an alternative to the unibody (a frame that consists of only one part), there are frames with individually screwed-on arms. In the event of a crash, the damaged arms can be replaced, whereas with a unibody, the entire frame has to be replaced. However, frames with screwed-on arms have a more complex structure, making it more difficult to assemble the drone.
Each of the frame shapes has its own characteristics, which can be helpful for a certain type of flight. In the picture below you can see the 7 most common frame shapes.
A true X-shaped frame is the most commonly used shape for FPV flights. Both for freestyle and racing. The X shape provides the same amount of stability on all axes, which means that this is the most stable and easy to work with type of frame.
Some examples of the X frame:
X-Shape & Wide X-Shape
With the Wide X-frame such as the QAAD Skinny Racing framethe arms are stretched outwards to the sides. The wide X geometry is more common on freestyle frames, as more space is often needed in the middle to mount an action camera and a battery on top of the frame.
The stretched X
Lumenier QAV-S Quadcopter Frame 5" Johnny FPV special edition
The stretched X is a rotated wide X. The stretched X is usually preferred by racers looking for more stability on the pitch axis, which can improve the control of the quadcopter at high speeds.
BOX
Diatone GTB 229 cube frame set
The BOX frame type is preferred by racing pilots because the struts on the arms prevent snagging in the gates and flags, making it easier to rescue after many crashes. The flight characteristics are also more similar to a simulator flight.
TBS Source Podracer 5 inch FPV frame
GEPRC Crocodile5 Baby LR HD LongRange
H-SHAPED
H-SHAPED is another old style of FPV drone design. In an H-Quad, the arms are positioned at the front of a long "bus"-like cart. This type of frame is rarely used anymore.
HGLRC Rekon35 HD Nano with long range
HYBRID
HYBRID is a newer variant of the H. Instead of placing the arms at the tip and tail of the sled, a true X, wide X or stretch X configuration is used, most commonly a wide or true X configuration.
DEADCAT
DEADCAT is usually used by larger quadcopters. Its purpose is to remove the propellers from the field of view of the built-in HD camera. This is achieved by increasing the vertical distance between the two front motors.
iFlight Titan DC5 V1.4 Freestyle FPV frame
iFlight Chimera7 Pro FPV 6SFrame with long range
GEPRC Crocodile4 Baby HD 4 inch long range
Cinelifter
Cinelifter frames come in all shapes and sizes. However, they usually belong to the larger range of frames and have a completely different purpose. Cinelifters are designed for larger cameras (e.g. Black Magic, RED cameras and DSLR cameras). They are not fast, but they produce amazing footage.
Shendrones Siccario Cinelifter Alpha Gel FPV
Shendrones Thicc 3.0 DJI FPV Frame Kit
Shendrones Swol X8 Cinelifter Alpha Gel FPV Base 10" Frame
Tinywhoop
Tinywhoop frames are usually, as the name suggests, tiny. They are designed for flying around your house, small indoor spaces and remote outdoor areas. These drones are used by everyone: Beginners, kids, advanced racing pilots.... and even dogs... But their frames can be a little delicate. They are usually based on the TRUE-X frames and can fall into both the "TRUE-X" and "BOXED" categories, as they are usually equipped with ducts around the propellers for safety reasons. They are great fun for everyone and easy to take anywhere (and weigh less than 250 grams)
Some examples:
Cinewhoop
Cinewhoops are usually about 3" tall frames that are equipped with channels and a larger body. They are designed to carry a Gopro or similar action camera to fly near people, indoors and for filming.
Some examples:
Now that you're familiar with the frame shapes and sizes, the only question is, which one best suits your needs? Let us know in the comments on Instagram let us know! We hope this insight into the world of frames has helped you choose the best model for you.
We'll see you again soon!
Your Lexie
Du möchtest immer auf dem Laufenden bleiben?
Dann abonniere jetzt unseren FPV24 Newsletter!
