🚁 FPV Drone – ZumKayou

🔹 Background

The ZumKayou project started from my desire to build an FPV (First Person View) drone entirely by myself. Inspired by Joshua Bardwell’s tutorials and community resources, I set out to create a compact and robust drone optimized for freestyle FPV piloting.
FPV flying means controlling the drone through a live feed from an onboard camera to video goggles. This immersive experience gives you the sensation of flying a rollercoaster that you control freely.

🔸 Project Goals

- Build a reliable, durable, and upgradable FPV drone
- Ensure neat and compact integration of all embedded components
- Learn the basics of immersive drone piloting
- Prepare for future upgrades like an HD action camera

🧩 Integrated Components

The ZumKayou is built on a KayouFlip carbon fiber frame, made for freestyle. It includes:
- 1 flight controller (FC)
- 1 Electronic Speed Controller (ESC)
- 4 brushless motors + 4 propellers
- 1 FPV camera + 1 analog video transmitter (VTX)
- 1 radio receiver using ELRS protocol
- 1 LiPo battery
- 1 buzzer + 2 LED strips
- 1 capacitor to smooth voltage spikes
- TPU-printed flexible mounts for protection and cable management

🛠 Implementation

- Component selection based on proven builds, adapted to my needs
- Full assembly: manual soldering, cable management, mechanical fitting
- Software configuration via Betaflight: FC tuning, ELRS setup, OSD layout
- 3D modeling and printing of motor protectors, antenna mounts, and bumpers
- Functional testing: simulator training (DRL) followed by real-world flights

💬 Personal Insight:

This is one of the projects I’m most proud of. It brings together my interests in electronics, mechanical assembly, 3D printing, and immersive flying.
FPV flying gives a unique sensation of control and freedom. The dynamic flight, with the drone tilting to move forward, creates a real rush of speed, especially at this scale.
I learned how to check for protocol compatibility, ensure safe and tidy wiring in an open frame, and properly configure radio and video settings.
Seeing my drone fly — something I built entirely by hand — is deeply satisfying, and I’m very pleased with the final build and visual result.

📌 What’s next?

Planned improvements:
- Add a GPS module for telemetry (position, speed, failsafe return)
- Mount an HD action camera
- Optimize OSD display elements on the FPV feed
- Continue freestyle flight training and acrobatic tricks in real environments

🧰 Skills Used

Electronic soldering, Embedded systems, 3D printing, FPV component integration, Radio protocols (ELRS), Circuit troubleshooting, Drone assembly, Mechanical design (Creo CAD)

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