The FPV group is all the time pushing the bounds, and once I heard about the opportunity of constructing an 8S freestyle drone, I knew I needed to attempt it. On this construct log, I’m sharing how I constructed an 8S 5-inch freestyle FPV drone, and what elements I used. Whether or not you’re an skilled builder or a curious newbie, these insights will provide help to perceive the distinctive challenges and rewards of high-voltage drone builds.
Why Construct an 8S FPV Drone?
For years, 6S drones have been thought-about the higher alternative for freestyle than 4S, as a result of it provides sooner, extra highly effective efficiency and spectacular effectivity. However why cease at 6S when increased voltage can ship much more energy? Effectively, the primary problem was the dearth of suitable {hardware}, to be particular, flight controllers, ESCs and motors that may safely deal with voltages past 6S had been uncommon. In the present day, with just a few 8S-capable FC/ESC stacks and motors accessible, the chance to push efficiency additional is lastly right here.
I’ve explored the professionals and cons of going 8S versus 6S in depth on my weblog earlier than: https://oscarliang.com/8s-fpv-drone-2023/
Components and Elements
Earlier than diving into the construct, right here’s a rundown of the elements I chosen for this venture.
Battery
GNB 8S 1100mAh LiPo (120C):
I selected this battery as a result of it’s one of many few 8S batteries accessible for quadcopters of this measurement, and GNB is a reliable battery model. This 8S 1100mAh pack has comparable vitality to a 6S 1500mAh (by way of watt hour). It weighs 256.7g, comparable weight to a 6S 1500mAh pack too.
GNB 8S 1100mah:
Tattu 8S 1050mAh:
Charger
I reviewed an inexpensive 8S charger from Hota – the T8, which is dependable for dealing with these high-voltage batteries: https://oscarliang.com/hota-t8-lipo-charger/
You may get the HOTA T8 from:
FC and ESC Stack
DYS F722 AM32 65A 8S Stack is totally 8S-compatible. It’s important to keep away from extra voltage regulators or performing any hacks to get your drone working correctly and safely.
Get it from:
The DYS F722 AM32 65A 8S stack labored completely for my construct, although there are just a few quirks it is best to know:
- It comes with a reasonably small capacitor (35V 470uF) that could be undersized for 8S builds. Ideally, a 50V 1000uF capacitor is preferable, although it’ll actually take up extra room within the body.
- No handbook or pinout diagram is included, you need to seek for it on-line.
- The offered receiver cable has the 5V and GND wires swapped, and the information wires lack coloration coding, which may complicate wiring.
- There are 3 pre-soldered solder bridges that set voltage outputs for varied connectors; double-check these to make sure correct voltages earlier than connecting.
- The USB port doesn’t energy the receiver and GPS—you could plug within the LiPo battery.
- Moreover, the wiring diagram recommends utilizing UART1 for the receiver, however because it’s a bit removed from the place I wished to mount the receiver, I switched to UART4. Nonetheless, this connector have the TX and RX pins reversed, so you could swap the TX and RX wires on the connector, highlighting some inconsistency within the FC design.
These minor points should not deal breakers, simply annoying.
Motors
These RCInPower GTS V4 2207 1600KV motors are designed particularly for high-voltage setups like 8S. When you can’t discover these precise ones, you may additionally attempt 1650–1800KV motors meant for 6S after which scale down Motor Output in Betaflight (just like how folks use 6S LiPo on 4S builds). Nonetheless, I all the time advocate for utilizing motors with the proper KV ranking in your battery to make sure optimum effectivity and peace of thoughts.
Get these 1600KV motors from AliExpress: https://s.click on.aliexpress.com/e/_DeGIbiZ
Body
I’m utilizing the Axisflying Manta 5 SE body—arguably the most effective worth freestyle frames accessible in 2025. Its sturdy design and premium construct high quality make it a super basis for an 8S construct. Take a look at my evaluate: https://oscarliang.com/axisflying-manta-5-se-frame/
XT60 Pigtail
I opted for 14-gauge wires for battery leads. Though they’ve barely increased resistance than 12-gauge wires that are generally utilized in 6S builds, over the brief distance in my construct the distinction is negligible. The pliability of 14-gauge wires allowed for neater routing by way of the body, and was simpler to solder. With the upper voltage of 8S, the present draw is decrease for a similar energy, which reduces the demand on the wire’s present ranking as effectively.
Capacitor
To guard electronics such because the VTX from voltage spikes generated by the motors and ESC, including a low-ESR capacitor is a should. Provided that an 8S battery can attain 33.6V when totally charged, I like to recommend choosing a capacitor rated at 50V with 1000uF capacitance. In my construct, I used the small 35V 470uF capacitor that got here with the DYS FC stack—simply to see how effectively it handles 8S builds—however I nonetheless recommend upgrading to a higher-rated capacitor.
I’ve a tutorial explaining why you want additional capacitor in your FPV drone construct, and what kind of capacitor you want: https://oscarliang.com/capacitors-mini-quad/
Receiver and FPV Setup
You should utilize any receiver and FPV setup since these shall be powered from a BEC on the flight controller. On this construct, I’m utilizing the DJI O3 Air Unit. Though I might have used the O4, the Manta 5 SE body isn’t suitable with the O4 digicam mounting, so I caught with the O3.
For the receiver, I selected the Happymodel EP1 (new model with TCXO)—it’s compact, inexpensive, and performs effectively. For extra particulars, try my ELRS RX suggestions: https://oscarliang.com/setup-expresslrs-2-4ghz/#Receivers
The Construct Course of
Constructing this 8S FPV drone is precisely the identical as constructing a 6S one. Since I chosen an FC/ESC stack that’s totally suitable with an 8S battery, the method was simple. For these on the lookout for a step-by-step information on constructing an FPV drone, try my complete tutorial: https://oscarliang.com/how-to-build-fpv-drone/
Mounting Motors
Soldering Motors and XT60 to ESC
Putting in FPV Setup
Connecting Elements to FC
The right way to gentle mount the FC on prime of the ESC, with spacer in between.
Wiring diagram of the DYS F722 FC:
The DYS FC has a devoted connector for DJI Air Unit, nevertheless it has a 7-pin connector as an alternative of the traditional 6-pin, so you could use the cable offered within the field.
Other than the beeper, all of the elements might be linked through connectors with out soldering.
Mounting Receiver
Betaflight Configuration
Inventory CLI Diff of the FC and my Betaflight configuration might be discovered right here.
Flight Testing and Efficiency
After the construct was full, I took the drone out for its first take a look at flight. As anticipated, the quad flew remarkably effectively. The sheer quantity of energy delivered by the 8S battery is each exhilarating and, admittedly, a bit intimidating. The upper voltage gives speedy acceleration and spectacular punch throughout high-throttle maneuvers. The controls are extremely responsive, on the similar time, additionally very delicate, which implies the margin for error is slimmer—particularly when navigating tight gaps.
The elevated voltage does place additional stress on the ESCs and motors, resulting in increased voltage spikes and temperatures. It’s essential to verify these elements after aggressive flights, as extended stress might result in untimely put on. Whereas I haven’t skilled too many crashes to date, I stay cautious—particularly for the 8S battery, with so many cells, it’s extra inclined to wreck and is considerably costlier to interchange than their 6S counterparts.
Closing Ideas
Constructing the final word 8S freestyle FPV drone is difficult but immensely rewarding. When you’re able to push the boundaries of FPV efficiency and have the technical expertise to handle a high-voltage construct, this venture is for you. That stated, this construct isn’t for the faint of coronary heart or newbie pilots. Each connection and configuration step have to be meticulously checked, and the sheer energy might be daunting. With endurance and cautious tuning, although, the uncooked energy and responsiveness of an 8S construct are unmatched.
