The FPV neighborhood is at all times pushing the bounds, and after I heard about the opportunity of constructing an 8S freestyle drone, I knew I needed to strive it. On this construct log, I’m sharing how I constructed an 8S 5-inch freestyle FPV drone, and what components I used. Whether or not you’re an skilled builder or a curious newbie, these insights will allow you 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 presents quicker, extra highly effective efficiency and spectacular effectivity. However why cease at 6S when larger voltage can ship much more energy? Nicely, the principle problem was the dearth of suitable {hardware}, to be particular, flight controllers, ESCs and motors that may safely deal with voltages past 6S have been uncommon. As we speak, with a couple of 8S-capable FC/ESC stacks and motors out there, 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 Parts
Earlier than diving into the construct, right here’s a rundown of the parts 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 out there for quadcopters of this measurement, and GNB is a reliable battery model. This 8S 1100mAh pack has related vitality to a 6S 1500mAh (when it comes to watt hour). It weighs 256.7g, related 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 absolutely 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 a couple of quirks it is best to know:
- It comes with a fairly small capacitor (35V 470uF) which may be undersized for 8S builds. Ideally, a 50V 1000uF capacitor is preferable, although it would definitely take up extra room within the body.
- No handbook or pinout diagram is included, it’s a must to seek for it on-line.
- The supplied receiver cable has the 5V and GND wires swapped, and the info wires lack coloration coding, which might 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 need to 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 needed to mount the receiver, I switched to UART4. Nevertheless, this connector have the TX and RX pins reversed, so you need to swap the TX and RX wires on the connector, highlighting some inconsistency within the FC design.
These minor points usually are not deal breakers, simply annoying.
Motors
These RCInPower GTS V4 2207 1600KV motors are designed particularly for high-voltage setups like 8S. For those who can’t discover these precise ones, you might also strive 1650–1800KV motors meant for 6S after which scale down Motor Output in Betaflight (just like how folks use 6S LiPo on 4S builds). Nevertheless, I at all times advocate for utilizing motors with the proper KV score to 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 among the best worth freestyle frames out there in 2025. Its sturdy design and premium construct high quality make it a perfect basis for an 8S construct. Try my evaluation: https://oscarliang.com/axisflying-manta-5-se-frame/
XT60 Pigtail
I opted for 14-gauge wires for battery leads. Though they’ve barely larger 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 score as nicely.
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. On condition that an 8S battery can attain 33.6V when absolutely 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 nicely 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 use any receiver and FPV setup since these will likely be powered from a BEC on the flight controller. On this construct, I’m utilizing the DJI O3 Air Unit. Though I may have used the O4, the Manta 5 SE body isn’t suitable with the O4 digital camera 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 nicely. For added particulars, try my ELRS RX suggestions: https://oscarliang.com/setup-expresslrs-2-4ghz/#Receivers
The Construct Course of
Constructing this 8S FPV drone is strictly the identical as constructing a 6S one. Since I chosen an FC/ESC stack that’s absolutely suitable with an 8S battery, the method was easy. 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 Parts to FC
How one can delicate 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 conventional 6-pin, so you need to use the cable supplied within the field.
Aside from the beeper, all of the parts will be related through connectors with out soldering.
Mounting Receiver
Betaflight Configuration
Inventory CLI Diff of the FC and my Betaflight configuration will be discovered right here.
Flight Testing and Efficiency
After the construct was full, I took the drone out for its first check flight. As anticipated, the quad is remarkably quick and highly effective. The sheer quantity of energy delivered by the 8S battery is each exhilarating and, admittedly, a bit of intimidating. The upper voltage supplies speedy acceleration and spectacular punch throughout high-throttle maneuvers. The controls are extremely responsive, on the identical time, additionally very delicate, which suggests the margin for error is slimmer—particularly when navigating tight gaps.
Nevertheless, I did discover some vibration at excessive throttle. That is Betaflight default settings, so it’s fairly stunning, as I don’t usually see this type of oscillation on any of my 6S freestyle builds, which means it may very well be {hardware} associated. Very first thing that got here to thoughts is the tiny capacitor which in all probability isn’t adequate. Additionally the upper 8S voltage means extra noise for gyro to deal with. This example jogs my memory of the times once we transitioned from 4S to 6S, when oscillations have been a significant subject; over time, each software program and {hardware} caught as much as the calls for of 6S, and most new builds started to work flawlessly. I anticipate an identical story for 8S builds.
The elevated voltage does place additional stress on the ESCs and motors, resulting in larger voltage spikes and temperatures. It’s essential to test these parts after aggressive flights, as extended stress may result in untimely put on. Whereas I haven’t skilled too many crashes thus far, I stay cautious—particularly for the 8S battery, with so many cells, it’s extra inclined to wreck and is considerably costlier to switch than their 6S counterparts.
Ultimate Ideas
Constructing the last word 8S freestyle FPV drone is difficult but immensely rewarding. For those who’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 mentioned, this construct isn’t for the faint of coronary heart or newbie pilots. Each connection and configuration step should be meticulously checked, and the sheer energy will be daunting. With endurance and cautious tuning, although, the uncooked energy and responsiveness of an 8S construct are unmatched.
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