I recently delved into the software side of FPV drones, and it's surprisingly straightforward compared to the hardware. The flight controllers run firmware like Betaflight, which is the industry standard. It offers features like RPM filtering for smoother flights and allows customization of various peripherals. Betaflight has evolved from earlier versions like MultiWii and Baseflight, with forks like iNav and Emuflight catering to specific needs.

Configuring the software involves setting up protocols like DSHOT for communication between the flight controller and ESC. Additionally, the radio's firmware, often OpenTX, plays a crucial role. OpenTX is powerful but complex, allowing extensive customization of controls and functions. Understanding these software components is key to optimizing the performance and feel of your FPV drone.

I've been writing about FPV (First Person View) drones for a while and realized I've used some terms that might be unfamiliar. So, I'm starting a series to explain these terms. This first part focuses on the hardware.

I've covered various aspects of FPV drone hardware, including drone sizing, types, motors, batteries, propellors, flight controllers, electronic speed controllers, cameras, video transmitters, receivers, goggles, and radios. Each component plays a crucial role in the performance and functionality of an FPV drone. For instance, the size of the drone and its propellors can affect its speed and maneuverability, while the type of battery and motor can influence its power and flight time.