FPV workshop · Build

Build from an exact parts list

Choose the exact hardware version. Follow each wire and connection, and resolve every compatibility warning before installing the propellers.

PARTS · WIRING · SAFETY

5-inch FPV build plans

Three complete builds for one 5-inch frame

Each plan uses exact hardware versions. Match the revision, inspect the labels on your boards, and stop if your hardware differs.

Reviewed2026-08-23

DA-5A-R1First component buildRepairable freestyle and field practice

The least expensive video path on one common 6S airframe. Every signal remains visible on the board, which makes it the clearest build for learning wiring and diagnosis.

Frame variant: Mario 5 standard 19 mm camera cage
Video: Analog 5.8 GHz
Control: ExpressLRS 2.4 GHz / CRSF
Power: 6S / XT60

Bill of materials

Exact parts and interfaces

Check parts as you verify them

Part	Exact selection	Interface	Source
FrameSpeedyBee Mario 5	5-inch deadcat frame; use the video-specific camera cage listed for each revision	5.1-inch props; 30.5 x 30.5 mm stack; 19/20 mm camera	SpeedyBee Mario 5 specifications
FC + ESCSpeedyBee F405 V5 OX32 55A Stack	30.5 x 30.5 mm, 3S to 6S stack; use the current V5 manual and board labels	UART2 receiver; UART3 digital VTX; 5V and 9V BECs rated 2.5A	SpeedyBee F405 V5 55A documentation
MotorsEMAX ECO II 2306 1700KV, set of four	1700KV version for this 6S blueprint	5 mm prop shaft; 16 x 16 mm mounting	EMAX ECO II 2306 specifications
PropellersGemfan Hurricane 51477, M5Check Amazon	Buy both CW and CCW orientations; remove all props for bench work	5.1 x 4.77 x 3; M5 hub	Gemfan Hurricane 51477 specifications
Control receiverRadioMaster RP1 V2 ELRS 2.4 GHz	2.4 GHz version; use CRSF on a full UART	5V, GND, TX, RX; UART2 in this blueprint	RadioMaster RP1 V2 specifications
FPV cameraCaddx Ratel 2	19 mm analog camera; choose NTSC or PAL once and keep the OSD setting consistent	5V, GND, analog video to CAM	Caddx Ratel 2 specifications
Video transmitterSpeedyBee TX800	20 x 20 mm analog VTX; attach the antenna before power	5V, GND, VTX video, IRC Tramp to a spare TX pad	SpeedyBee TX800 documentation
Flight battery6S 1300mAh LiPo with XT60Check Amazon	Start near 1300mAh; confirm physical fit, weight, and center of gravity before flight	6S; XT60; balance lead	Battery and charging guide

Board-specific wiring

Signal path for DA-5A-R1

Wire colors are not a specification. Read the function printed beside each pad and cross-check the current manual before applying power.

01
Battery lead and capacitor
ESC BAT+ / BAT-
Solder the XT60 pigtail and included capacitor to the marked battery pads. Match polarity to the board printing, not wire position in a photo.
Check: Use a multimeter continuity check and a smoke stopper before full battery power.
02
ESC to flight controller
Included FC/ESC harness
Use the supplied V5 harness and verify its pin order against both board diagrams before connecting it.
Check: USB should enumerate the flight controller before battery power is introduced.
03
ExpressLRS receiver
4V5, GND, RX2, TX2
Receiver TX goes to FC RX2. Receiver RX goes to FC TX2. Select Serial RX and CRSF on UART2 in Betaflight.
Check: Confirm channel movement, arm switch, and receiver failsafe with every propeller removed.
04
Analog camera
5V, GND, CAM
Power the Ratel 2 from 5V and route its video signal to CAM so Betaflight can add OSD.
Check: Confirm a clean camera image before connecting the VTX output path.
05
TX800 video transmitter
5V, GND, VTX, spare TX for IRC Tramp
Power the TX800 only from 5V. Connect the FC VTX signal to video-in and a spare UART TX pad to IRC Tramp control.
Check: Attach the antenna, use pit or low-power mode on the bench, then confirm band, channel, power, and OSD.

Checks before installing propellers

Do not install the propellers until every check passes. If one fails, diagnose it before moving on.

1No short is present across the main battery pads.
2The smoke-stopper power-up holds without tripping or heating.
3Receiver movement and failsafe are correct with props removed.
4Motor order and direction match the Betaflight diagram with props removed.
5Analog video, OSD, band, channel, and VTX power are confirmed with an antenna attached.
6Prop orientation, fasteners, antenna restraint, center of gravity, and legal flight conditions receive a final check.

Different parts?Check the interfaces before adapting the planTest control, video, battery, connector, package type, and firmware assumptions.A check failed?Diagnose the symptom before changing partsFollow the checks for power, control, video, arming, motors, vibration, or GPS.

Prefer an assembled aircraft?

Use a complete-system cart instead

These paths solve a different problem. They match an assembled aircraft, radio, goggles, batteries, charger, and essential spares without asking you to solder the airframe.

Total beginner

A complete indoor analog system with spares and simulator time for about $210.

Your total$211

Compatibility lock

Analog video · bundled control link · 1S BT2.0 power

Check off anything you already own

BETAFPV Cetus FPV kitCetus quad, LiteRadio controller, goggles, charger, and one battery in one matched analog bundle.$164
Amazon BETAFPV direct
BT2.0 300mAh 1S batteriesThe exact battery family used by the kit. Extra packs turn four-minute flights into a useful session.$24
Amazon BETAFPV direct
31mm four-blade spare propsChoose the 0.8 mm shaft option for the brushed Cetus kit. The 1.0 mm variant will not fit.$3
Amazon Great Hobbies
Liftoff FPV simulatorBuild acro muscle memory before the quad absorbs the lesson. The included radio connects over USB.$20
Steam

Totals are planning estimates, not live cart prices. Amazon is listed first when it has a useful path; direct and specialist links stay visible so you can choose the exact protocol, connector, and battery variant. Affiliate links may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.

Current manuals

Check the current manual before soldering

Reviewed 2026-08-23. Board revisions, firmware, and compatibility lists move.

Betaflight safety Betaflight arming and bench safety Betaflight CLI backup ExpressLRS binding DJI O4 support Walksnail downloads

Bench work is performed at your own risk. Remove every propeller before configuration or motor testing. Stop if polarity, pad labels, board revision, component voltage, soldering quality, or the applicable manual does not match this blueprint. FPV flight still requires an operating category, airspace, Remote ID, registration, visual-line-of-sight, and visual-observer plan that fits the flight. Some product links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission without changing your price.