When constructing or modifying an FPV drone, one query that usually comes up is: Can I mount my motors the wrong way up? The brief reply is sure, and this setup is named a pusher configuration. This implies the motors and propellers are flipped, pushing air downward relatively than pulling it.
Whereas this configuration has some benefits, significantly for cinematic FPV drones, it additionally comes with a couple of downsides. On this information, I’ll break down how the pusher setup works, what it is advisable to take into account when switching to it, and the way it impacts flight efficiency and sturdiness.
Additional Readings:
What Is a Pusher Configuration?
In a conventional FPV drone setup, motors are mounted on high of the arms with the propellers (props) pulling air downward.
In a pusher configuration, the motors are mounted the wrong way up, with propellers beneath the arms pushing air downward as an alternative.
This setup is usually utilized in cinematic FPV drones to maintain the props out of the digicam’s view. It’s additionally seen in some specialty drones the place aerodynamics or element placement advantages from this structure.
Execs and Cons of a Pusher Configuration
Execs:
- Improved Aerodynamics and Effectivity – Some argue that having the arms above the propeller permits extra air to be moved for a similar energy, resulting in barely extra environment friendly flight.
- Higher Digital camera Visibility – Because the propellers are mounted additional away from the digicam, the props grow to be much less more likely to seem in footage, making it a sexy possibility for cinematic FPV drones.
- Extra Part Area – With the props beneath, there’s usually extra room on the highest plate for mounting elements like batteries, motion cameras, or different FPV gear.
Cons:
- Touchdown Challenges – Many drone frames are designed to land on their backside plate. With upside-down motors, the motors and props grow to be touchdown factors, which isn’t superb for sturdiness. Subsequently you’ll in all probability want touchdown gear or taller prop guards to land on.
- Vulnerability to Particles – In a crash, props in a pusher setup are nearer to the bottom, rising the possibility of getting obstructed by filth, grass, small rocks or carpet. That is particularly problematic for freestyle, racing, or tiny whoop drones that crash incessantly.
- Reversing Motor Instructions – Switching to a pusher setup means reversing the motor spin route in Betaflight (or no matter flight controller software program you employ), which provides further complexity throughout setup. Not very newbie pleasant.
Tips on how to Convert Your Drone to a Pusher Configuration
If you wish to change to a pusher setup, comply with these steps:
1. Flip the Motors
- Unscrew and mount the motors the wrong way up.
2. Reverse Motor Rotation in Betaflight
- Because the motors are actually the wrong way up, they’ll spin in the other way, and it’s best to reverse it.
- To do that, change motor route within the ESC settings by following this information: https://oscarliang.com/change-motor-spin-direction-quadcopter/
- Then inform Betaflight the motors are spinning the other way by going to Betaflight Configurator → Motors Tab and allow “Motor Route is Reversed”.
3. Flip Over Propellers
- Take away and flip the props the wrong way up when reinstalling them.
- The vanguard ought to nonetheless be dealing with ahead within the route of journey, regardless that the props are actually beneath the arms.
4. Check Motor Route
- Use the Sliders within the Motors tab in Betaflight to substantiate all motors are spinning the right means earlier than arming the drone.
Is a Pusher Setup Proper for You?
The pusher configuration isn’t for everybody. Freestyle, racing and tiny whoop pilots who incessantly crash could discover it impractical resulting from propeller obstructions and tough landings. Then again, cinematic drone pilots in search of a cleaner digicam view could profit from the setup.
Would you attempt a pusher setup in your drone? Let me know your ideas!
