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If you feel like building a 5" Freestyle Drone is too hard, you just need the right guidance.
So, I built a course with 71 highly detailed but simple modules, breaking down absolutely everything! They're can't be anything missing, if there is, I will add it. Avoiding setup errors and ensuring optimal performance of your Quadcopter can transform your FPV experience. With the right tools and knowledge, BetaFlight setup and using FlyFishRC's new 3.5" Volador VX3.5 it will become a walk in the park.

Building a 3.5" Quad is a delicate balance of selecting the right components. The FlyFishRC Volador VX3.5 Frame and 1804 Motors provide an optimal combination of size, weight, power, and video capture capabilities.

Build Specs:
Frame: FlyFishRC Volador VX3.5
Motors: FlyFishRC Flash 1804 2450kv
FC/ESC: Foxeer Reaper V4 AIO
Video: DJI O3 Air Unit
Radio: RadioMaster RP1 ExpressLRS
Battery: Bonka 6S 550mah

The frame assembly process is straightforward, although it does require significant hardware. One notable feature is the compact front section, which is smaller than FlyFishRC’s traditional 5" frames. Another unique aspect is the creative receiver mount, which sits under the rear, rather than being squeezed into the frame.

The Foxeer Reaper All In One V4 is the goto electronic for 5" Ultra Lite Racing Builds that run 6S. It's noteworthy to mention that FlyFishRC uses a square mount for the All In One, which deviates from the traditional diamond shape. The mounting pattern requires some adjustments in the BetaFlight Configuration.

On the power front, the 1804 motors offer better performance than the typical 1404 motors. They provide more torque at the low to medium end of the throttle curve, have lower resistance for extended flight times, and come with a minor weight penalty due to their size.

The chosen power source is a Bonka 550mah 6S LiPo Battery, which pairs well with 2450kv motors for a 6S build. However, if you prefer a 4S setup, consider using 3500kv motors and a 4S 850mah battery.

For video capturing, the DJI O3 Air Unit excels in comparison to GoPro Bones or Insta360 Go. The DJI O3 Camera benefits from silicon inserts for soft mounting on the CNC camera mounts. FlyfishRC has also introduced a DJI O3 Stubby Antenna.

Betaflight configuration is a critical step in the setup process. Mounting the Flight Controller square and backward requires adjusting the Board Alignment to YAW minus 45 degrees and Gyro to CW 90 Degrees. For tuning, several presets can be applied, such as the SupaFly Freestyle 3/4 inch preset and QuadMcFly’s DJI HD OSD Preset.

Errors can occur during setup, which can lead to problems like the quad flipping out. For instance, forgetting to reorder motors after the ESC layout changes can lead to such issues.

To avoid setup mishaps, follow a simple troubleshooting process. This process involves proper calibration and alignment, reordering motors, and correct prop direction. Once your quad is properly configured, it's time to test it out!

After several flights with the Volador 3.5" Quad, a few changes are worth considering. These include using a 20x20 mini stack for better room and weight savings, and adopting the TBS Tracer Extended Antenna for compatibility with ExpressLRS.

Despite the minor tweaks, the Volador 3.5" Quad proves to be a potential favorite for those interested in 3.5" Freestyle Quads. Whether you're a seasoned flyer or just starting, remember to always aim high and send it!