1. Parts for a basic 5-inch 6S build

Choose the system first: frame, motors, props, battery and electronics must agree with one another.

Frame

5-inch True-X or Deadcat frame such as Mark5, Apex 5 or TBS Source One V5. Check stack spacing and camera room.

FC and ESC

F405, F722 or H7 flight controller with a 50-60A 4-in-1 ESC that supports 6S and has current headroom.

Motors

Four matching 2207 or 2306 motors around 1750-1950KV for 6S. Choose with the exact propeller in mind.

Radio and video

ELRS 2.4GHz such as RadioMaster RP1. Use an analog camera and 800mW+ VTX, or DJI O3, Walksnail or HDZero.

Battery

6S LiPo around 1100-1400mAh with a suitable C rating, XT60 and a secure strap.

Props

Tri-blade 5-inch props such as HQProp 5x4.3x3 or Gemfan 51466. Check CW and CCW orientation before fitting.

5-inch carbon frame
Carbon frame
2207 1750KV motors
2207 motors
55A 4-in-1 ESC
4-in-1 ESC
6S 1300mAh LiPo battery
6S battery

2. Tools and consumables

Prepare a soldering station around 380-400C, 60/40 solder with flux, M2/M3 hex drivers, cutters, tweezers, heat shrink, silicone wire, blue threadlocker and a smoke stopper.

Do not forgetMultimeter, XT60, heat shrink, spare props and a low-ESR capacitor.
SafetyThe first power-up must use a smoke stopper and no propellers.

3. Step 1: frame and motors

  1. Build the bottom plate, arms and top plate without cracking the carbon.
  2. Use a small amount of blue threadlocker on metal screws only.
  3. Install four matching motors and route the wires toward the center without tension.
  4. Critical: check screw length. A screw touching copper windings can short the motor and damage the ESC.

4. Step 2: ESC and power

  1. Install the ESC soft mounts on the center stack.
  2. Solder the 12/14 AWG XT60 power lead to VBAT and GND.
  3. Add a low-ESR capacitor, such as 35V 1000uF, directly to the ESC power pads with correct polarity.
  4. Trim and solder the three motor wires to each ESC motor output. Direction can be changed in software later.

5. Step 3: FC, ELRS and video

Mount the FC above the ESC using a harness or soft connectors. Confirm the exact board pinout before soldering.

ELRS over UART:Receiver TX -> FC RX; receiver RX -> FC TX; 5V -> 5V; GND -> GND. Do not swap the power wires.

Connect analog camera and VTX according to the FC VOUT/VIN diagram. Digital systems may need their own cable, power rail and MSP/UART setup.

Wiring diagram for battery ESC FC VTX receiver and motors
Confirm every pin against the board revision before soldering.

6. First power-up and Betaflight

  1. Use a multimeter to check XT60 and the absence of a short between positive and negative.
  2. Connect the 6S battery through a smoke stopper. Disconnect immediately if it limits current or signals a fault.
  3. In Ports, enable Serial RX for the receiver UART and SmartAudio, Tramp or MSP for VTX when supported.
  4. In Receiver, select CRSF for ELRS, verify channel movement and assign ARM.
  5. In Motors, check order and direction without props. Props Out is common, but Props In also works.
  6. Enable Bidirectional DShot for RPM filtering when the ESC and firmware support it.

7. Final pre-flight checklist

  • Failsafe has been tested without props.
  • The battery is secured by two straps and an anti-slip pad.
  • Props are installed only at the flight location after all checks.
  • The raised blade face points up and M5 nuts are tight.
  • Motors have no play, debris or abnormal heat.
  • The first flight is in a legal, open area away from people and obstacles.
Never test motors with props near your hands, face or computer. Do all Betaflight setup with props removed.
Check the build in the builder