When constructing or modifying an FPV drone, one query that usually comes up is: Can I mount my motors the other way up? The quick reply is sure, and this setup is called a pusher configuration. This implies the motors and propellers are flipped, pushing air downward somewhat 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 you have to contemplate 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 prime of the arms with the propellers (props) pulling air downward.
In a pusher configuration, the motors are mounted the other 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.
Professionals and Cons of a Pusher Configuration
Professionals:
- 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 Digicam Visibility – Because the propellers are mounted additional away from the digicam, the props change into much less more likely to seem in footage, making it a gorgeous possibility for cinematic FPV drones.
- Extra Element Area – With the props beneath, there’s usually extra room on the highest plate for mounting parts 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 change into touchdown factors, which isn’t very best for sturdiness. Subsequently you’ll in all probability want touchdown gear or taller prop guards to land on.
- Vulnerability to Particles when taking off – When taking off, the props in a pusher setup are nearer to the bottom, rising the prospect of getting obstructed by filth, grass, small rocks or carpet. That is particularly problematic for freestyle, racing, or tiny whoop drones that crash often and takeoff from the identical spot.
- Reversing Motor Instructions – Switching to a pusher setup means reversing the motor spin path in Betaflight (or no matter flight controller software program you utilize), 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 swap to a pusher setup, comply with these steps:
1. Flip the Motors
- Unscrew and mount the motors the other way up.
2. Reverse Motor Rotation in Betaflight
- Because the motors at the moment are the other way up, they may spin in the wrong way, and you need to reverse it.
- To do that, change motor path within the ESC settings by following this information: https://oscarliang.com/change-motor-spin-direction-quadcopter/
- Then inform Betaflight the motors are spinning the wrong 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 other way up when reinstalling them.
- The forefront ought to nonetheless be dealing with ahead within the path of journey, although the props at the moment are beneath the arms.
4. Check Motor Route
- Use the Sliders within the Motors tab in Betaflight to verify 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 often crash could discover it impractical because of propeller obstructions and tough landings. However, cinematic drone pilots on the lookout for a cleaner digicam view could profit from the setup.
Would you strive a pusher setup in your drone? Let me know your ideas!
