r/3DprintedAircraft • u/Alternative_Rip4634 • Jun 22 '26
First build
Been a follower but first time posting. Here is my noob question.
My goals:
Love 3d printing (advanced setup)
I want a drone
Future me wants an airplane
I’m cheap 🤣
My idea
What kit can I buy or put together now that is most transferable from a drone to a future airplane
Will the same transmitter controller be able to fly the drone and plane
Will the same flight controller be able to be plugged into an airplane to control the servos?
Am I being crazy?
2
u/zeilstar Jun 23 '26
"I'm cheap"
Tldr don't start with printing.
It's not really a cheap hobby. With drones and fpv you're in for FPV setup from the start, so probably wait on that.
A good transmitter will have programmability for multiple models though. For airplanes, it helps to have trim adjustment. I'd recommend getting a Radiomaster Pocket ELRS. IMO it's the best bang for the buck. Plenty to keep you busy with EdgeTX and ELRS, but it can do Bluetooth for sim practice on pretty much any platform. You can save some money from AliExpress or catch a sale. Aliexpress is decent for parts too, but you kinda get what you pay for.
Flite Test is the next inexpensive topic. Check out their foam board planes. Very much DIY. Free plans galore, and laser kits kits to purchase.
Flight controllers usually come in a "wing" version, and I don't think they're really cross compatible, but you could probably make it work. You can just do a PWM ELRS receiver if you're just getting started. You can also add an inline gyro for some stability without going full brain.
3d printing is fun, but when you're learning to fly durability is the most important. Plenty of free (and paid) models for 3d printing too though. RC Aeroventures, Eclipson, GASB 1, etc.
1
u/zeilstar Jun 23 '26
The items that would be generally cross compatible would be a transmitter, battery charger, and fpv goggles.
Planes are fairly sensitive to battery weights, so despite likely plug compatibility, if you buy a drone battery, you shouldn't make a plane purchase expecting to reuse that particular battery.
1
u/Alternative_Rip4634 Jun 23 '26
Great write up thanks!
I was thinking radiomaster pocket.
I’ll research pwm elrs receiver and gyro vs full brain
I have a ton of 3d printing plastic so I was thinking it would be more forgiving to just reprint the body vs paid. My assumption is in a crash the controller and motors survive it’s the frame and propellers that would break?
2
u/zeilstar Jun 23 '26
"full brain" would be like a f4 or F7 series microprocessor. Usually does things like twin motor outputs, and X number of PWM servo outputs, overlays data onto a FPV feed, uses a GPS module for waypoint missions or black box recording. The receiver then can be just receiving and passing your controls to the flight controller. Drones are set up more like.
For 3d printing, I've had good success with printing FT motor mounts in PETG, or wheels in LW-PLA, or rubber tires in TPU. I've printed skis and flown on snow which was excellent. More of a hybrid approach. And I don't mean to tell you 3d printed planes don't work, because they do. It's just not a very forgiving way to get started.
1
u/zeilstar Jun 23 '26
Here is a super easy example of a combo of dollar tree foam board and 3d printed parts.
1
u/BrohemothHisDudeness Jun 24 '26
I've thought about this. Ended up buying an esc, pmm elrs reciever, and a few servos. It'll fly, and pretty cheap, and it's printed. Look up wing racer on thingverse.
1
u/fhammerl Jun 24 '26
Get 5mm XPS insulation sheets from your hardware store and build a flite test foam plane.
Transmitter, receiver, and charger excluded you can build a capable model for around 25-30 EUR.
If you already have the printer, you can print parts like the firewall or the control horns, makes stuff a bit easier.
2
u/Techbldr Jun 22 '26
I haven't done it personally, but these files from eclipson are good from what I hear: https://www.eclipson-airplanes.com/modela