When constructing or modifying an FPV drone, one query that always 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 slightly 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’s essential to think about when switching to it, and the way it impacts flight efficiency and sturdiness.
Additional Readings:
What Is a Pusher Configuration?
In a standard 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 a substitute.
This setup is usually utilized in cinematic FPV drones to maintain the props out of the digital camera’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 digital camera, the props turn out to be much less prone to seem in footage, making it a beautiful possibility for cinematic FPV drones.
- Extra Element House – With the props beneath, there’s typically 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 turn out to be touchdown factors, which isn’t preferrred for sturdiness. Subsequently you’ll most likely 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 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 and takeoff from the identical spot.
- Reversing Motor Instructions – Switching to a pusher setup means reversing the motor spin course in Betaflight (or no matter flight controller software program you utilize), which provides additional complexity throughout setup. Not very newbie pleasant.
Learn how to Convert Your Drone to a Pusher Configuration
If you wish to swap to a pusher setup, observe 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 wrong way, and you need to reverse it.
- To do that, change motor course 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 Course is Reversed”.
3. Flip Over Propellers
- Take away and flip the props the wrong way up when reinstalling them.
- The forefront ought to nonetheless be dealing with ahead within the course of journey, although the props are actually beneath the arms.
4. Check Motor Course
- Use the Sliders within the Motors tab in Betaflight to verify all motors are spinning the right manner 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 as a consequence of propeller obstructions and tough landings. However, cinematic drone pilots on the lookout for a cleaner digital camera view could profit from the setup.
Would you strive a pusher setup in your drone? Let me know your ideas!
