Arduino RC Airplane | 100% DIY

Related tutorials mentioned in the video:

For those who are beginners and thinking of getting into this RC world, I would suggest to check the FliteTest YouTube channel because it’s an amazing resource for learning about it.

Parts list (check website article for full list, affiliate links):

In this tutorial I will show you how I build an Arduino based RC Airplane, and also, I will show you how to control it using the custom build Arduino transmitter that I built in one of my previous videos.


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[debbiramsey]

I've been hooked on aerodynamics since I was college. We only built gliders and experimental with ideas. I'm 69 now. You might look into the FFM family of wings. I had one wing I kept for decades, they said back then you can't glide that far on short so a span. I found out years later what I'd really built. I had just kept it because it flue so well and far. Great job. We built ours on tissue and wing dope.

[mk_annan]

From the DIY Arduino RC Transmitter to the CNC Foam to the RC Receiver to the Arduino RC Plane, the build up to this project has been spectacular, even if it was unprecedented (Y). Hats off, @HowToMechatronics. Loved watching your channel for 3 years.

[maxhouseman]

Nice shirt ;) Good to see a face behind this great content!

Respect for your patience after so many crashes. I am building a huge drone for research at my institute and hope that it won't crash like this😅

Greets from an engineer

[Joyplanes]

For a first experience, it's actually good, I would recommend using some dihedral on the wing, about 3° and using lower rates on your radio, and for building materials, use foam board, styrofoam breaks very easily unless you use a very high density one. Good project. Cheers!

[ambernishad]

The same thing has happened to me when I first build my RC plane that is CRASH. I was so disappointed with it because I build it so passionately as you did. After a lot of hard crashes and rebuild still, I was unable to fly properly. I came to know that Flying is also as important as building it...Then I improved my flying skills on Realfight RC simulator on my PC and after a little a bit of practice I did it...It as flying perfectly. I also recommend everyone to practice on an RC simulator before having your first flight...
And as always this tutorial was also great...

[gaetanbarette]

Big respect! You’re an inspiration source for me. Thank you and please continue...

[_Waldezas]

your determination to overcome failure while upgrading your design outstanding and deserves a Thumb Up for sure!

[FlashTempo]

I've watched your videos and as a hobbyist myself I can say that your work is amazing and truly inspirational . thank you !

[bestbattle]

You should run an algorithm in the Arduino to counteract the reaction from the motor.
With trims on zero you will see that the plane will have the tendency to rotate in the opposite direction the motor is spinning.

[PunakiviAddikti]

This is a really good tutorial for making a cheap but effective plane. This form is almost always used in starter planes fit for new pilots. It looks great and seems to fly very well.
The styrofoam seems to be very brittle though, I'd probably use a more flexible foam.
For construction I wouldn't use hot glue due to the fact that once it cools, it's permanent and you don't have a lot of time to get everything aligned and then press firmly. It also easily melts styrofoam. I'd recommend using model glue. You'll recognize it in the store by the fact that it comes with a spray bottle of accelerant. Just drip a generous amount (enough to cover the area but not too much so it squeezes out and drips) and take your time aligning the parts. Once you're done, push everything together and spray the seam with accelerant. Don't worry about getting it on the inside, the glue will dry on its own. The accelerant is used to speed it up initially, but it is not required. This gives you a lot more time to make sure everything is perfectly aligned. Note: this type of glue doesn't always stick to tape! Make sure you test if it does.

[rupey]

You did well if that was your first experience flying a model, it took me a year to learn to fly and I had plenty of help with top of the range (then) gear in the late 70s, I still fly now, congratulations.

[Mailzas]

I have tip for you, on foam, put some stick glue, and then add paper. I did so for plane then even 3mm foam + colored paper from both sides, create very strong structure. And it's super easy to do. Btw, multiple rounds of paper, and glue is super strong, and light material, widely used for pirotechnics.

[HowToMechatronics]

Hey guys, I would love to hear your thoughts about this project, especially from you who have experience with building and flying RC airplanes. Please note that this was my first ever experience with building and flying an RC airplane, so any suggestion and advice will be highly appreciated! (I'm gonna need it for v2.0 😃)

[patrickmaartense]

great stuff
as a pilot I noticed immediately hat you would be tail heavy when you put the two servos so far back, bringing them forward would give a better balance I think.
All in all great efforts and well explained, and not afraid to show mistakes and learn from them.

[maruthupandian]

it would be great to have higher resolution in the control system. great video though! nice to see you post all the hardships you went through to get this plane up in the air. thank you for the resource.

[daviddavids]

at 3:55, the use of a curvy lower edge, at the tail boom, makes it HEAVIER !!!!

[fouzaialaa]

I think the plane going to the right is due to the rudder having more surface area in the right side so more contact area (due to the groove and being glued on the left side) gluing the rudder smack in the middle should solve it or trimming with potentiometer like you did

[anshumanranjan]

I am learning to use arduino to make my own rc aircraft in this period of world lockdown .. Using time fruitfully

[FPVREVIEWS]

you did quite well for your first time with designing RC plane.
having a bit longer wing would have been good.
an airfoil with higher CL would be better
overall, impressive, considering

[dhananjayraje]

Almost lost a heartbeat when I saw the plane breaking like brittle glass... But still you kept going... Nice level of patience