Drone Dictionary
We try to keep our guides and descriptions as simple as possible, but sometimes we get a little carried away…
We collated a list of acronyms and definitions that you might find useful. Let us know if we’ve missed any!
2.4 GHz
A radio frequency in which control signals are transmitted from your radio controller to the quadcopter
5.8 GHz
A radio frequency used for transmitting camera footage from the quad.
Acro
Acrobatic. A ‘freestyle’ mode in which the gyro does not assist with levelling the quad.
Air Mode
A mode within betaflight which allows you to keep control of the quad even when throttle is at 0.
AUX
Auxiliary channel. A channel for which is auxiliary to the standard throttle, yaw, pitch, roll channels.
Band
A letter which is assigned to 8 video frequency channels. There are currently 6 bands in mainstream drone racing.
Bind
The process of matching the radio transmitter (controller) to the quad receiver.
BNF
Bind ‘and’ Fly. A quad that is ready to fly in all regards and requires a bind with a radio transmitter (controller).
CW / CCW
Clockwise / Counter-clockwise
ESC
Electronic Speed Controller. A circuit which converts flight controller output into motor input. Used only in Brushless motors.
Failsafe
A state in which the quad has lost contact with the transmitter and shutdown to prevent a fly away state.
FPV
First Person View. An onboard camera allows the quad pilot to view the drone’s movements from a stationary position.
Gyro
Gyroscope. A sensor in the flight controller which allows it to know what orientation it is in and keep the quad level.
LiPo
Lithium Polymer (battery).
LiHV
Lithium High Voltage (battery). A form of LiPo which is charged to a higher voltage than a standard LiPo.
mAh
milli-Ampere hours. A measurement of the energy charge in a battery. 1 milli-Ampere hour allows a discharge of 1 milli-amp for 1 hour.
PID
Proportional, Integral, Derivative. Three parameters which allow you to change the flight performance of a quad. Often tweaked in betaflight software.
Prop
Propeller. They come in a range of blade configurations.
Quad
Quadcopter. Referring to 4 motors.
RPM
Revolutions per minute. Usually referring to motor speed.
Rx
Receiver. Usually referring to a quad control receiver.
Thrust
Force generated by the motors and propellers. Measured in grams.
Tx
Transmitter. Usually referring to a quad controller.
VTX
Video Transmitter. A device which can transmit video feed on the 5.8GHz spectrum.
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Did we miss any? Let us know!
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