Cinewoops are specialized drones designed for capturing cinematic video footage. In this guide, we’ll go through the step-by-step process of building a cinewoop drone, including the features to consider and recommended parts for different budget categories.
Step 1: Frame Selection The first step in building a cinewoop drone is selecting the right frame. A cinewoop frame typically has ducts around the propellers to protect them and minimize noise. Some popular frame options for cinewoops include the iFlight DC5, Flywoo Chasers, and TBS Source One.
Step 2: Motor and Propeller Selection Next, you’ll need to choose the right motors and propellers for your cinewoop drone. To capture high-quality video, you’ll want a motor that is powerful enough to carry the weight of the drone and camera while also being efficient. Some recommended motor and propeller combinations for cinewoops include the T-Motor F40 Pro II and Gemfan Hurricane 51499, or the iFlight Xing 2207 and Ethix S3.
Step 3: Electronic Speed Controller (ESC) Selection The ESC controls the speed of the motors and is a crucial part of any drone build. For a cinewoop, you’ll want to choose an ESC that is capable of handling the current draw from the motor and propeller combination you’ve selected. Some popular options for cinewoop ESCs include the Holybro Tekko32 and T-Motor Pacer.
Step 4: Flight Controller Selection The flight controller is the brain of the drone and is responsible for stabilizing the drone in flight. A good flight controller for a cinewoop should be able to handle the high-frequency vibrations from the ducts around the propellers. Popular options for cinewoop flight controllers include the Betaflight F7 and iFlight SucceX-D F7.
Step 5: Camera and Video Transmitter (VTX) Selection The camera and VTX are responsible for capturing and transmitting the video footage from your cinewoop. For a cinematic look, you’ll want a camera with a high-quality image sensor and good low-light performance. Some popular camera options for cinewoops include the Runcam 5 and GoPro HERO9. For the VTX, you’ll want to choose an option that is powerful enough to transmit the video signal over long distances, such as the TBS Unify Pro32 or Rush Tank.
Step 6: Battery Selection Finally, you’ll need to choose the right battery for your cinewoop. The battery should be able to provide enough power to the motors and electronics while also being lightweight and compact. Some popular options for cinewoop batteries include the Tattu R-Line 4S 1550mAh and the CNHL MiniStar 4S 1500mAh.
Recommended Parts by Budget Category:
Low Budget:
- Frame: iFlight DC5
- Motor and Propeller Combo: iFlight Xing 2207 and Ethix S3
- ESC: Holybro Tekko32
- Flight Controller: Betaflight F7
- Camera: Runcam 5
- VTX: TBS Unify Pro32
- Battery: CNHL MiniStar 4S 1500mAh
Mid-Range:
- Frame: Flywoo Chasers
- Motor and Propeller Combo: T-Motor F40 Pro II and Gemfan Hurricane 51499
- ESC: T-Motor Pacer
- Flight Controller: iFlight SucceX-D F7
- Camera: GoPro HERO9
- VTX: Rush Tank
- Battery: Tattu R-Line 4S 1550mAh
Professional:
- Frame: TBS Source One V3 or ImpulseRC Apex
- Motors: T-Motor F60 Pro IV or EMAX RSII 2306
- ESCs: Hobbywing XRotor Micro 60A or T-Motor Velox 60A
- Flight Controller: T-Motor F7 HD or Holybro Kakute F7 HDV
- Camera: DJI FPV Camera or Foxeer Predator V4
- VTX: DJI FPV Air Unit or TBS Unify Pro32 HV
- Receiver: TBS Crossfire Nano RX or FrSky R-XSR
- Propellers: HQProp 7×4.5×3 V1S or Gemfan Hurricane 51466
- Battery: Tattu R-Line 6S 1300mAh or CNHL Black Series 6S 1300mAh
- Antenna: TBS Triumph Pro or Foxeer Lollipop V3
It’s important to note that the selection of parts for a Cinewoop drone can depend on the specific requirements of the cinematography project, as well as the pilot’s personal preferences. These parts are just recommendations based on their quality and performance.
- ESC Selection: The electronic speed controllers (ESCs) regulate the speed of the motors. For a cinewoop, it’s important to have ESCs that can handle high current loads for sustained periods. The recommended ESC rating is 35-40A. A good midrange option is the Hobbywing XRotor Micro 40A 4-in-1 ESC.
- Flight Controller Selection: The flight controller is the brain of the drone and controls its movements. A good option for a cinewoop is the Holybro Kakute F7 flight controller. It has plenty of processing power and is compatible with many different types of receivers.
- Camera and Video Transmitter Selection: For cinematic video, a high-quality camera is essential. The recommended camera for a cinewoop is the GoPro Hero 9. For video transmission, the TBS Unify Pro 5G8 HV Video Transmitter is a reliable option.
- Radio Transmitter and Receiver Selection: A good radio transmitter and receiver are essential for controlling the drone. The FrSky Taranis X9D Plus is a popular midrange option, and the FrSky R-XSR receiver is a good choice for a cinewoop.
- Battery Selection: To power a cinewoop, a high-capacity battery is necessary. A 6S battery with a capacity of at least 1500mAh is recommended. The Tattu R-Line 6S 1550mAh battery is a good midrange option.
- Assembly and Tuning: Assemble the drone by following the manufacturer’s instructions for each component. Once assembled, the drone will need to be tuned to optimize its flight performance. Use a program such as Betaflight to adjust the drone’s PID settings.
- Flight Testing: Before flying the drone, perform a series of tests to ensure that all components are functioning correctly. Test each motor and verify that the drone can take off and hover without any issues.
With these steps, you should be able to build a cinewoop drone optimized for cinematic video.
