Nano long range FPV Drone

June 16 Night – Tiny Whoop Research :D ~~~~ 2-3 hours

Today night I didn’t do any building work,just full research.Got fully into the world of tiny whoops —>kept watching YouTube videos one after another. Started with basic builds but then I ended up seeing modded whoops, freestyle edits, tuning guides, and even long-range micro whoops Even though I’m building a nano 18650 cruiser, watching these gave me lots of ideas. Tiny whoops are crazy efficient — most of them run on 1S and still fly solid for 4–5 mins. People use super light components like micro motors and even BT2.0 connectors instead of bulky XT30. They tune everything so tightly just to save 0.5g. I saw how clean their wiring is, how compact the builds are. Everything matters in these small frames — even motor wire position and capacitor size. I think some of that applies to my build too. No ducts in my case, but weight saving and clean layout is definitely something I need to focus on more now.

Also watched a few Indian FPV pilots doing whoop builds with parts sourced locally, gave me confidence that even simple setups can perform well if done right. Now I’m thinking, maybe I can apply some whoop techniques to my frame design — especially how they mount batteries and route wires so neatly.

So yeah,. Tomorrow I'll probably go back to Fusion360 and rethink a few things based on what I learnt tonight.

June 17 – Parts selection :D(1:00 pm) ~~~~ 2-2.5 Hours

First we need brain for our build.... So I picked the Flywoo GOKU F405 Nano 13A AIO because bro, it just makes sense for my build. I’m going with 2x 18650 Li-ion cells, and this AIO handles 1–2S power like a champ—no voltage drama,btw i fried kk2 flight controller before :(. It has F405 chip, which is solid for Betaflight and doesn’t lag like those cheap chin-e-se-e boards. Plus, the 13A ESCs are already built-in, so I don’t have to mess with extra wires or waste space. It's super compact and lightweight, perfect for a 3-inch drone. And honestly, Flywoo is a chill brand—popular in the community and you can find it online in India without much hassle. Clean setup, decent power, less headache. Total value-for-money also also it has c typeeeeee also if i ever switch to Digital fpv this would be easy plug and play

Link :https://robu.in/product/flywoo-goku-f405-hd-1-2s-12a-aio-no-rx-v2-icm42688/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=17419548928&gbraid=0AAAAADvLFWcP_heyelJofAKjckUvH3lkh&gclid=CjwKCAjwx8nCBhAwEiwA_z__07bz9Vc_dnlJw5IIb19OjYEXrGtS5e-V2WoIFc9hx4DoJGJ6R078uxoC58kQAvD_BwE

Next so that we selected aio, we need to look on motors now I went with the Flywoo ROBO 1202.5 11500KV motor because it's small but powerful—just right for a 3-inch build with 18650 cells. It’s super lightweight, so I won’t lose flight time or efficiency. The 11500KV rating is solid for 1–2S setups, and it’ll give me that quick throttle response without killing the batteries too fast. Also, it matches perfectly with the GOKU no tension BOSS, paisa vasool for sure

You can buy on robu or quadkart :https://robu.in/product/flywoo-robo-1202-5-11500kv-1pc/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=17419548928&gbraid=0AAAAADvLFWcP_heyelJofAKjckUvH3lkh&gclid=CjwKCAjwx8nCBhAwEiwA_z__022kY_rbuMXziUq0JqhvDjaNAlSUy6PoJ4jmkEZ93v-s-6t3XgQYkBoCCGcQAvD_BwE

I decided to go with both the 2-blade and tri-blade props ( i want to test out and compare the best props) because I wanted flexibility depending on the flying style. The 2 blede are lightweight and super efficient—perfect for longer flight times and chill cruising. On the other hand, the 3 inch give more control, better grip, and that snappy feel when I want to pull off freestyle tricks or fly tight lines ( which mostly i wont coz im chill guy). Both are 2mm hub, so they fit my motors easily, and honestly, switching them out based on the vibe feels way more fun ( im delusional ). links: 3 inch props: https://www.drkstore.in/gemfan-hurricane-3016-durable-tri-blade-3-prop-4-pack/?attribute_pa_color=purple&attribute_pa_hub=2mm&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20102142213&gbraid=0AAAAAoK8pUhz2UhjOhvSReBWcbneg_R1s&gclid=CjwKCAjwx8nCBhAwEiwA_z__01FC64ecfKDJjrRZOa3uDZhGvENwvz3Mqr4Hu0zlMGX6cdBgmp4lxhoCibYQAvD_BwE

2 inch props: https://www.quadkart.in/gemfan-hurricane-3018-durable-2-blade-propeller-1-5-2mm-shaft-set-of-8/?attribute_pa_shaft=2mm&attribute_pa_colour=grey&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22331841763&gbraid=0AAAAACWP_Z6_Tia8EGwzoyRKb4fu0VRJz&gclid=CjwKCAjwx8nCBhAwEiwA_z__09Vqx5RIXff3Qj1RawqYIYNNFkjVhX4trOB45ygwaQa_t3Wg0eOZUhoC_O0QAvD_BwE

now we have the core components its time that we look upon the fpv system I picked the Caddx Ant 1200TVL cause it's seriously clean for FPV ,great detail and ultra-light, so my drone stays nimble even with 18650s ( yt footages were crazy asf) . It has built-in OSD ( absically displays things like volatge altitude throttle percentage on fpv using betaflight) too. For the VTX, I went with the HGLRC Zeus Nano—compact, powerful (350mW). The combo is like plug-and-play for micro builds. Video feed will be solid, range will be solid, and weight? Barely anything. What more do I need?( Funds) Comparision between different caddx cameras

The camera and vtx i choosed

Links: camera:https://www.drkstore.in/caddx-ant-1200tvl-osd-ultra-nano-fpv-camera/?attribute_pa_aspect-ratio=43&attribute_pa_color=black&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20102142213&gbraid=0AAAAAoK8pUhz2UhjOhvSReBWcbneg_R1s&gclid=CjwKCAjwx8nCBhAwEiwA_z__03LQi2cbWNSuaAvx43gRVkvqpFmxWhhNLqEaExaNUh7CvI0tRgXC7BoCA6kQAvD_BwE

vtx:https://www.quadkart.in/hglrc-zeus-nano-350mw-16mm-20mm-25-5mm-vtx/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=14172696879&gbraid=0AAAAACWP_Z7PuZtMm3LYN65hOV1j_BOlf&gclid=CjwKCAjwx8nCBhAwEiwA_z__0xbfNo5PdTe2fyB7_hZxdLA8VxBemp48-f0wwVqCsQyg6dSNpeEbPxoCxqYQAvD_BwE

So now that we choosed our camera and vts its time for the googles ( cheap and avaible in india) which supports my camera and vtx: https://fpvguru.in/product/iflight-analog-fpv-goggles-with-dvr-function/

I chose the iFlight analog goggles cause they’re perfect for my build—budget-friendly, lightweight, and come with a built-in DVR, so I can record all my flights and cringe later when I crash into a tree ( jking). The screen’s decent size (4.3 inches ah), and the 40-channel receiver means I’ll always find a clean frequency to fly on. Plus, it runs for around 3.5 hours with its own battery, so no stress about external packs. Picked them up from FPVGuru (Bengaluru), so it’s fast shipping, no customs tension, and no imported mark-up. Feels like a smart desi pick for my first proper FPV setup!

The build is almost done:

now we look for a elrs transmitter for that we gonna buy the og and best transmitter choosen by most of the pple getting into fpv THE POCKET:https://www.drkstore.in/radiomaster-pocket-radio-cc2500-elrs/?attribute_pa_model=cc2500&attribute_pa_color=charcoal&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20102142213&gbraid=0AAAAAoK8pUhz2UhjOhvSReBWcbneg_R1s&gclid=CjwKCAjwx8nCBhAwEiwA_z__0wpAbn3lB7VawDsYpTYBWp4grhScWuiXn-IZkBEZQhFRmLfL68dISBoCXi4QAvD_BwE

I heard from my friends and reddit that choose a high discharge 18650 battries so I chose the Sony VTC6 18650 because it will b solid with 3000 mAh and handles high current without sag ( hopefully). It’s reliable, safe, and easily available in India—perfect for my 2-cell FPV setup.

I found this PInout diagram ( i will b using this while building)on Goku website :

June 18 ( 1:00 PM) – Starting frame design :D ~~~~ 5-6 hours

I properly sat down and designed the base plate for my custom drone, taking full inspiration from the Rekon35. Wanted it to be lightweight but strong, so I added those sleek cutouts in the arms and center. I measured out motor holes, and kept around 143 mm diagonal so my 3-inch props can fit perfectly. The mounting holes are standard 9x9 and 12x12, so my Flywoo motors will easily bolt on. I also gave slots for the battery strap 28 holes of 2.2x9.5 mm why so many holessss, and double-checked spacing for the GOKU F405 AIO board. After doing all the sketches, I made a full engineering drawing to lock the dimensions. Now it’s ready for CNC cutting or carbon sheet laser ( just kidding gonna 3d print the case i made this so i get idea of all dimensions)

After finalizing the 2D sketch for my drone base plate, I moved on to the 3D stage today. First I completed the full outline, motor mount holes, and central stack layout. Then I did a quick zebra analysis ( idk y they call it zebra basically u to check surface smoothness and overall symmetry). Once everything felt solid, I extruded the body to give it thickness and form. Now the frame has proper depth and feels more real. Everything fits as per plan, and seeing the arms and center cutouts in 3D felt super satisfying.I rendered the basic frame

ufff so satisfyinggg

For the battery section of my FPV drone, I chose to use a dual 18650 battery holder that I found for free online. After downloading the model, I verified the dimensions in Fusion 360 and ensured the fit would be snug and compact. The holder is perfectly suited for the Sony VTC6 3000mAh batteries I selected and keeps the cells securely in place during flight. It was satisfying to integrate a ready-made model into my custom drone design, saving both time and effort.

Now its time for the compartment to hold all the electronics

This is the base plate of the frame

i am adding two structures inspired from rekon 35 . i only designed one arm the other i just duplicated

This is the final rendered model:

Im gonna include all the 2d and 3d models in this repo :) I should still design a insta 360 holder and gps mount for taking good shots but would do it once the project gets approved

Day 3

Acon told i need to add all other components of the drone and reduce some cost Im including new aio reducing some bucks

https://robu.in/product/happy-model-elrs-f4-2g4-aio-flight-controller/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=17419548928&gbraid=0AAAAADvLFWeFSM0s4T3eFtXaKcBRRYfeM&gclid=CjwKCAjw6s7CBhACEiwAuHQckvKLisGcxDe1oz3ytny5ckEbFG-twqEZR9luFOZP_NekLo-PWeTVCRoCtSkQAvD_BwE

Happy Model ELRS F4 2G4 AIO Flight controller is almost similar to goku but less n cost also the dimensions are almost same so no worries

Now im changing the elrs too :Jumper Smart Color Screen ELRS Radio Controller with Hall Sensor Gimbals is also a good transmitter

Also changed the motors:

Pro-Range-D0703-12000KV CCW Brushless Drone Motor is also betetr compared to the flywoo, this will be effiecnt with aio

Now lets start modelling the mounts:

So iadded a gps mount and camera mount:

This is the final model:

June 22

After a long 2 day research and deisgning.....

I just finished designing the PCB for both the transmitter and receiver for my drone project. I haven’t tested it out yet, but I’m quite excited to see how it performs once I get it fabricated. Till now I was using jumper wires and breadboard which was messy and not reliable for actual use. So I thought it’s time to make a proper PCB for clean connections and to save space. Along with that, I’m planning to reuse some leftover acrylic sheets from my previous project to make a custom case for the transmitter. I’ll try to cut it properly and maybe paint it a bit to give it a cool look. It’s not fully ready yet, but slowly all parts of my drone setup are coming together. Can’t wait to test everything and see it fly with my own electronics.

ive added schematics , pcb geber and code and updated BOM to repo