Project:
First Flight
This project marks my first foray into FPV and fixed-wing drone systems, with the goal of developing a high-altitude platform capable of capturing breathtaking aerial photos. It also serves as an introduction to autonomous flight using ArduPilot, allowing me to experiment with mission planning, waypoint navigation, and return-to-home functionality. The drone acts as a testbed for evaluating the reliability and performance of autonomous systems under real-world conditions. More broadly, this project lays the groundwork for future developments, including Project Beta Cygni and Project Nemesis. It represents an important first step in my journey toward advanced, mission-capable autonomous UAVs.
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Parts List
Atom RC Dolphin Pro
The AtomRC Dolphin Pro is the second generation of a very successful fixed-wing platform. Compared to the original Dolphin, the Pro version features a more refined aerodynamic design, stronger structural components, and improved internal space management for electronics and payloads, resulting in better stability, efficiency, and ease of setup. The RTH (Return-to-Home) version takes this further by including the propeller, motors, servos, and flight controller pre-installed, making it a highly practical all-in-one solution for first-time builders who want to get airborne quickly without the hassle of sourcing and integrating individual components.
DJI O4 Air Unit Pro
The DJI O4 Air Unit Pro is a versatile FPV system that combines solid camera performance with practical functionality. Compared to earlier DJI air units, it offers improved image quality and latency while also supporting onboard recording, making it suitable not just for smooth FPV flights but also for capturing high-quality footage. This dual capability makes it an excellent starter unit for those wanting both immersive flying and the ability to record clear, reliable videos without needing a separate camera setup.
DJI Goggles 3
The DJI Goggles 3 are the latest headset in DJI’s FPV lineup, designed to deliver a superior experience compared to other compatible goggles. They feature the advanced O4 video transmission system, offering ultra-low latency, higher bitrate, and a more stable connection than previous models. Comfort has also been improved with a redesigned fit and longer battery life of up to three hours, while features like Real View PiP enhance safety during flight operations. As the standard headset required for DJI’s current ecosystem—including the Avata 2, Air 3, Mini 4 Pro, and O4/O3 Air Units—the Goggles 3 combine performance, practicality, and compatibility into a single essential component.
Radiomaster TX16S MarkII
The RadioMaster TX16S Mark II is a versatile and feature-rich transmitter that builds on the success of the original TX16S with improved gimbals, upgraded internals, and refined ergonomics. Widely regarded as one of the most capable radios on the market, it supports multiple protocols and is highly customizable for a range of applications. For this project, the ELRS version was selected, providing a reliable long-range, low-latency control link that integrates seamlessly with modern FPV and drone systems.
HGLRC M100-5883 GPS
The HGLRC M100-5883 GPS module is a significant upgrade over the stock Beitian BE-220 that comes bundled with the AtomRC Dolphin Pro RTH package. While the BE-220 is adequate for basic return-to-home functionality, the HGLRC unit is vastly superior in every respect—it offers faster satellite acquisition, higher positioning accuracy, improved reliability, and includes a built-in compass (5883). These improvements are especially crucial when moving beyond manual or semi-manual flight, as precise navigation and stable heading information are essential for autonomous operation. Upgrading to the M100-5883 transforms the Dolphin Pro from a simple FPV platform into a robust testbed capable of reliable waypoint navigation and advanced autonomy.
RadioMaster 5000mah 2S Li-ion Battery
This is for powering the TX16S. Li-ion batteries are going to have more energy density than risking buying an 18650 and then finding out it is a cheap cell. Unfortunately, it does mean we have to remove the battery to charge it but the trade-off is probably worth it.
Brimeti LED 24V 300W LED Driver
AC-DC power supply for the charger. I've been warned that cheap power supplies could have issues. This one is $20... This is is how I know I will not be charging this inside of my house. I would most likely charge this in a garage inside of a fire proof enclosure. With all that being said, I intentionally chose buying one off of Amazon because this particular one had 140 reviews and they all said it worked well.
SkyRC B6 Neo Smart Charger 200w DC PD Dual Input
This charger is reasonably reliable, but definitely still on the budget side. What makes it especially attractive is the inclusion of USB C PD charging capabilities which means, in a pinch, you could use a usb wall plug to charge your batteries. I currently only have one battery to charge, hence, it's not a huge deal whether or not it has multi port charging.
