When constructing or modifying an FPV drone, one query that usually comes up is: Can I mount my motors the wrong way up? The brief reply is sure, and this setup is called a pusher configuration. This implies the motors and propellers are flipped, pushing air downward quite 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 good 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 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 wrong way up, with propellers beneath the arms pushing air downward as an alternative.
This setup is often 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 part placement advantages from this format.
Execs and Cons of a Pusher Configuration
Execs:
- 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 Digital camera Visibility – Because the propellers are mounted additional away from the digital camera, the props turn into much less more likely to seem in footage, making it a lovely choice for cinematic FPV drones.
- Extra Element Area – 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 into touchdown factors, which isn’t superb for sturdiness. Subsequently you’ll most likely want touchdown gear or taller prop guards to land on.
- Vulnerability to Particles – In a crash, 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.
- Reversing Motor Instructions – Switching to a pusher setup means reversing the motor spin path in Betaflight (or no matter flight controller software program you employ), which provides additional complexity throughout setup. Not very newbie pleasant.
The way 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 wrong way up.
2. Reverse Motor Rotation in Betaflight
- Because the motors are actually the wrong way up, they are going to spin in the other way, and it is best 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 other way by going to Betaflight Configurator → Motors Tab and allow “Motor Path is Reversed”.
3. Flip Over Propellers
- Take away and flip the props the wrong way up when reinstalling them.
- The vanguard ought to nonetheless be going through ahead within the path of journey, though the props are actually beneath the arms.
4. Take a look at Motor Path
- Use the Sliders within the Motors tab in Betaflight to verify all motors are spinning the proper method 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 resulting from propeller obstructions and tough landings. Alternatively, cinematic drone pilots in search of a cleaner digital camera view could profit from the setup.
Would you attempt a pusher setup in your drone? Let me know your ideas!
