Build a drone
Maybe you want to fly a drone to perform tricks in the air or take aerial photos or to perform services, like delivering small items to neighbors.
But instead of buying a drone, you might want to build a drone yourself. Building a drone might seem complicated, but with a basic understanding of the parts and the process, it’s not as complex as you might think. If you’ve ever wanted to know how to make a drone, you’ll find everything you need to know below.
What is a drone?
A drone is a remote-controlled aerial vehicle. They are also referred to as unmanned aerial vehicles, or UAVs.
Types of drones
Different types of drone are classified by both their size and power. For example, a two inch class build drone is small and only used indoors. If you are new to flying drones, this is an affordable way to practice piloting a drone.
The largest and most powerful drones are the seven-plus inch class build drones. These come with stabilization systems that make it possible to carry a larger camera or payload. They also have GPS capabilities, and some of the largest drones used in the military are strong enough to carry weapons and return home automatically.
Home-built drones for photography, filming and tricks are usually in the five inch or six inch class build range. If you’re not looking to take pictures or mount a GoPro on your drone, the three to four inch micro class builds can be used to race outside.
What can you do with a drone?
Drones offer the chance to take unparalleled aerial photographs and video in remote places. They can also be raced or used for acrobatic stunts. Some companies are even exploring the option to deliver goods by drone.
Do you need a license to fly a drone?
In the U.S., drones under .55 pounds are considered recreational and do not require a license. The same rules apply in Canada, only in grams — if your drone is 250 grams or less, no license is required.
For drones over these weight limits, rules can vary by state and province. You may be required to get a drone license with a written or practical test. Check the laws in your area if you plan on flying a drone over the weight limit.
Supplies to make a drone
To start, you’ll need some basic supplies. Drones vary in their design, but at a minimum you’ll need the following gear:
Connectors
Gimbal (to stabilize a drone camera)
RC system
The drone frame
If you want your drone to have a camera, you’ll need to add that to your list, too.
Assemble your drone
A quadcopter drone is one of the most common types of drones to make at home. This drone features four arms, each with a motor that operates a propeller. This design helps keep your drone balanced and stable. For our purposes, we’ll make a quadcopter drone, but you can choose a tricopter with three propellers, a hexacopter with six or an octocopter with eight.
Start with the frame
Assemble your drone’s frame by placing the arms together in an “X” shape. The strongest material for a frame is carbon fiber, but you can also print a frame out of plastic on a 3D printer.
Mount your power distribution board
The power distribution board, or PDB, is the hub for all of the power for the motors and camera functions. If you are using a carbon fiber frame, make sure to mount this on pads so that it does not come in contact with the frame itself.
Attach the drone’s motors
Some drone kits come with special mounting hardware, but you can also use screws and a screwdriver to attach a motor to each end of the frame. The motors mount underneath the drones wings.
Attach electronic speed control
The electronic speed control, or ESC, is attached underneath the drone frame with zip ties. This allows for the flight controller to be mounted on top of the frame.
Affix landing gear
What goes up must come down, and drones are no different. Adding landing gear absorbs the shock of the landing to protect your drone’s motors and sensitive equipment when it lands.
Mount flight controller
A flight controller stabilizes your drone when it’s in the air and adjusts the drone based on wind conditions and speed. The flight controller is mounted on top of the drone.
Use a small sponge underneath the flight controller to absorb vibrations from the drone that could influence it.
Connect flight controller and electronic speed controller
Instructions for this step vary, depending on the RC system you choose. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to connect these systems.
Take your drone for a test flight
Before takeoff, make sure all components are secure. Test your drone in a flat, open area, and start with a short flight. With practice, the sky’s the limit!
Best drone build kits
Best drone kit for adult beginners
Ryze Tech Tello Boost Combo — Mini Drone with 5MP Camera: available at Amazon
With a 720P HD camera and the ability to shoot live video, this affordable drone is a good entry point into DIY drones. With two antennas for incredibly stable video and the ability to share on social media, the Tech Tello Boost Combo is a great kit for adult beginners.
Best lightweight foldable drone kit
DJI Mini 2 Fly More Combo – Ultralight Foldable Drone: available at Amazon
This lightweight, foldable drone can fly and film for just over 30 minutes on a single charge. It films in HD video and is able to take off in some of the windiest conditions. Because of its size, this ultralight drone can operate without a license in the U.S. and Canada.
Best drone kit for kids
Circuit Scribe Drone Builder Kit and Circuit Drawing Basic Kit Bundle: available on Amazon
Study simple and complex circuits with your kids using this drone building kit. Start with a drawing, then assemble your drone and control it with an app. Use the included plastic drone arms, or design your own from cardboard.
Suzannah Kolbeck is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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