It is difficult to decide whether to use a single arm or a replaceable boom. The advantage of the one-piece frame is that it is easy to use, because there is no need to assemble a set of carbon plates. Individual arm designs are often favored because they are cheaper and easier to maintain. Split arm designs are usually cheaper than one-piece frames because they don’t waste as much carbon. The replaceability of the arms also allows four axis aircraft to be designed for lighter weight, because the arms can be made to be narrower in width. If an arm is broken, it can be quickly replaced at a very low cost. The replaceable feature of independent booms improves reliability, which is an important consideration, especially when the selected frame is competing for the race.

 

The weight may vary greatly from frame to frame. The typical weight of an average 5-inch FPV frame is about 100 grams, including hardware. The average weight range in the 5-inch class is about 60g-140g, depending on certain factors such as whether the frame is integral, X or XH and the hardware used in its structure. Micro frames vary greatly in mass, usually between 5g and 50g, depending on size and a series of structural parameters.

 

The top or bottom battery installation is subjective, and different pilots usually prefer one method to the other. Most racing frames are only suitable for a low hanging battery because it allows the frame to be designed as compact and light as possible. Freestyle frames are usually designed with batteries on the top, a long central compartment, batteries and cameras for high-definition video.

 

The pod is a canopy attached to the frame to protect sensitive internal electronic equipment from damage. FPV frame pods are usually 3D printed with TPU (a flexible polymer), and sometimes even made of molded carbon fiber or polycarbonate. Some FPV pilots find pod frames more attractive than standard carbon plate frames because pods provide better protection against dust, water and other factors that could damage electrical components, such as flight controllers. However, pods are usually more expensive than standard plate frames and sometimes maintenance is limited because some pod designs require many nuts and bolts to be loose in order to access internal electronic equipment. A pod can also limit high-power electronic devices, such as video transmitters, from airflow that can cause overheating problems.

 

One installation mode is the distance and distribution of holes milled in the frame of FPV drone. The two installation modes need to consider the installation geometry of motor and flight controller. Before purchasing a frame, the installation mode on the frame is another factor that must be carefully studied, as they will limit the compatibility of the frame with certain electronic products and components. There are three different installation modes of flight controller: 30.5 × 30.5, 20 × 20 and 16 × 16. 30.5 is the most common installation method, which is more mature than newer and smaller patterns. Most frames in the 5-inch range are designed for 30.5 × 30.5, although some have only 20 × 20 or 20 × 20 and 30.5 × 30.5 options. Frames less than 5 inches are most suitable for 20 × 20 or 16 × 16, and 16 × 16 is the most common motor to motor micro frame less than 70mm. In terms of motor installation, there are four key configurations to consider. 16X19MM for 220x / 230x motor, 16x12mm for 180X motor, 12X12MM for 130x / 140x motor, 9x9mm for micro 110x motor.

 

There is no particular reason why an FPV drone framework must be suitable for freestyle or racing, and this choice is entirely up to the pilot. Generally, a real X or stretch X configuration with 180-220mm motor to motor weight less than 80g is the most suitable for home track. A true x × h or wide x × h, about 220-250 mm motor to motor, with a preferred weight of 140 grams or less, is usually more advantageous for freestyle.