Race Quad Components
The following sections outline the main components that are required to start with FPV and to build your first drone. The list is not complete and some parts maybe outdated when you read this page. It may be even wiser to buy a single component that combines multiple parts listed below, depending on what you desire. However, this list should guide you what the important parts of a race quad are and what I would’ve liked to know when I started this hobby. The shop links show where you can get the individual parts and are most of the time affiliate links. When you buy the parts using this link it does not cost you more but you support me. I provide the links to the original equipement manufacturer (OEM) where you can find datasheets and further informations such as installation guides. If you would like to learn more about the operation of each part and how they interact with each other read the next pages which cover the theory behind FPV. On the left you see the menu to this project.
Update 2026: This parts list is from 2019, and most of these parts are no longer sold. The role of each component is still the same, but current builds differ in a few ways: an ExpressLRS receiver instead of FrSky ACCST/ACCESS (see the R-XSR page), ESCs with AM32 or Bluejay firmware instead of BLHeli_32 (see the ESC page), EdgeTX instead of OpenTX on the radio (see the Taranis page), and often a digital HD video system such as DJI, Walksnail Avatar or HDZero instead of the analog FPV bundle below. Oscar Liang’s overview compares the current video systems.
Batteries/Charger
More about the batteries and how to charge them on the pages LiPo Batteries and Charger and Testers.
| Component | Description | Shops | OEM Link | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charger | EV-Peak CQ3 Multi Charger 4x 100W NiMH / LiPO with Built-in Balance | getfpv | EV-Peak | See OEM link for the manual |
| Battery Checker | EV-Peak Cellmeter-7 Battery Capacity Checker | getfpv | EV-Peak | |
| Battery | Lumenier 1300mah 3S 60C Lipo Battery (XT60) | getfpv | OEM Link |
Flight Controller (FC) and Power Distribution Board (PDB)
| Component | Description | Shops | OEM Link | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flight Controller | MATEKSYS F722 STD STM32 Built in OSD BMP280 Barometer Blackbox | getfpv | MATEKSYS | See OEM link for the datasheet |
| PDB | MATEKSYS FCHUB-6S W/ CURRENT SENSOR 184A, BEC 5V & 10V | getfpv | MATEKSYS |
FPV-System (Goggles, Camera)
How camera, video transmitter and goggles work together is explained on the FPV System pages.
| Component | Description | Shops | OEM Link | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FPV Bundle | Ultimate FPV Bundle - Fat Shark HDO, rapidFIRE, + Lumenier AXII 2 Diversity Antenna Bundle | getfpv, | FatShark, immersionRC, Lumenier | See OEM links for the datasheets |
| Camera | RunCam Swift 2 (2.5mm Lens) | getfpv, Banggood | RunCam | |
| VTX | TBS Unify Pro HV | Team Black Sheep |
Antennas
The video transmitter on the quad and the receiver in the goggles each need antennas for the 5.8 GHz video link. The FPV bundle of this build includes the Lumenier AXII 2 diversity antenna set: two omnidirectional AXII 2 antennas and an AXII 5.8 patch antenna, all with SMA connectors. The R on the patch stands for right-hand circular polarization (RHCP). The antennas on the quad and on the goggles must use the same polarization. The diversity receiver of the goggles can combine the directional patch antenna, which reaches further in the direction it points to, with an omnidirectional antenna. More on polarization, antenna types and connectors on the antennas page.
Motors and ESC
| Component | Description | Shops | OEM Link | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motor | EMAX RS2205/2300Kv RaceSpec Motor (CW) | getfpv, Banggood | EMAX | See OEM Link for the Datasheet |
| ESC | DYS ARIA BLHELI_32BIT 35A ESC | getfpv | dys |
Props
Receiver
The following receiver from FrSky will be installed in the quad and should be used together with a FrSky transmitter.
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