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Beginner build

How to build OpenRacer

4-DoF quadcopter · Beginner

OpenRacer is an open-source FPV race/freestyle frame: DXF carbon plates (2.5 mm plates, 5 mm arms), TPU/nylon canopies and suggested AnalogPro and Classic builds.

Start the buildProject files
Difficulty
Beginner

Mostly printed parts and plug-in servos. Good first build.

Build time
1–2 weekends

Our estimate, part-time

Parts cost
$54

$54.98 for the Five33 frame kit

Degrees of freedom
4

GPL-3.0

What is OpenRacer?

OpenRacer is an open FPV frame for racing and freestyle. The carbon geometry is published as DXF, so you can cut it yourself or buy the Five33 kit.

The README recommends 2.5 mm plates, 5 mm arms and 4 mm braces, along with printable TPU or nylon canopies.

Suggested electronics are listed for AnalogPro and Classic builds. The hardware is GPL-3.0.

OpenRacer specifications

Plates
2.5 mm carbon
Arms
5 mm carbon
Braces
4 mm carbon
Canopy
TPU / nylon

Figures as published by the project. See Sources below.

Bill of materials

PartQtyNotes
Top and bottom plates1 set
Carbon arms4
Carbon braces1 set
M3 pressnuts8
10 mm M3 standoffs4
M3 plastic nuts4
Where's the full bill of materials?

The full BOM, with exact quantities and vendors, lives in the project's own files. Prices change often, so treat $54 as a ballpark from the project. Start at the project repository.

Tools you'll need

  • Hex drivers
  • Press for pressnuts
  • Soldering iron

Step-by-step build overview

Electronics & wiring overview

Follow the suggested AnalogPro or Classic layout.

LiPo batterypower sourceLaptop / PChigh-level controlcamerasensingflight controllerreal-time controllerESCsdrivers / busbrushless motors4 joints / motors
PowerData / commandsSensor feedbackOverview only. Follow the project's own schematic for pinouts and voltages.

Software

The project ships its own firmware and control code. See the repository for setup.

Not applicable. Use Betaflight or similar.

Tips from the bench

  • ☕ Plastic nuts on the stack help isolate vibration.

OpenRacer FAQ

Is OpenRacer a full drone?

No. It's a frame.

Sources

Written by Bots n' Beans from the project's own documentation. Check the sources for the latest revision before you buy parts.

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