Accessories
The drone is just the start. A well-equipped pilot brings the right accessories to get the most out of every session and handle problems when they arise.
Field Bag / Backpack
Section titled “Field Bag / Backpack”A dedicated FPV backpack is one of the best quality-of-life upgrades. Carrying your quad, batteries, goggles, radio, and tools in a disorganized pile is frustrating. A proper FPV bag keeps everything organized and protected.
What to look for:
- Padded compartments for goggles and quad
- Battery storage in a fire-resistant lining or sleeve (LiPo-safe sections)
- Room for tools and accessories
- Comfortable carry for long walks to flying spots
Popular options: GepRC backpack, iFlight backpack, Realacc backpack, or general camera/drone bags with padded dividers.
Charging Setup
Section titled “Charging Setup”Parallel Charging Board
Section titled “Parallel Charging Board”Charges multiple packs simultaneously through a single balance charger. Cut your charge time to 1/4 when charging four packs.
- Must use same cell count packs on the same board
- Verify all packs are within 0.1V/cell of each other before connecting
- Fused boards are safer (individual fuses per port)
Field Power
Section titled “Field Power”Options for charging away from a wall outlet:
- Car battery + charger: Connect a DC balance charger directly to a car battery with alligator clips. Works for a full day of flying.
- Portable power station: Jackery, EcoFlow, or similar. Convenient, can charge via solar.
- Laptop battery + charger: Some chargers have DC inputs that work with laptop batteries.
Cell Voltage Checker
Section titled “Cell Voltage Checker”A $5-10 device that plugs into a battery’s balance connector and reads each cell’s individual voltage. Essential for:
- Checking packs before parallel charging (must be within 0.1V/cell)
- Monitoring battery health over time
- Quick field assessment of pack condition
Prop Tools
Section titled “Prop Tools”Prop Removal Tool / Nut Driver
Section titled “Prop Removal Tool / Nut Driver”A dedicated 8mm nut driver makes swapping props fast. Standard prop nuts are M5 with 8mm hex flats. Some pilots use a standard 8mm socket wrench; dedicated prop tools are often T-shaped for better grip.
Prop Balancer
Section titled “Prop Balancer”Identifies and corrects propeller imbalance, which causes vibration, reduces motor bearing life, and produces jello in footage.
Usage:
- Mount the prop on the balancer’s shaft
- Observe which blade is heavier (it rotates to the bottom)
- Sand lightly on the heavy blade’s top surface
- Repeat until the prop stays wherever you put it
Budget magnetic balancers work fine ($10-15). Worth doing for cinematic builds; most freestyle pilots skip it.
Repair Tools
Section titled “Repair Tools”Soldering Iron
Section titled “Soldering Iron”The most essential tool. A temperature-controlled iron is mandatory — cheap fixed-temperature irons are the cause of a surprising number of cold joints and damaged components.
Best portable option: Pinecil V2 (~$26) — USB-C powered, fast heat-up, excellent temperature control, the community favorite.
Desktop option: Hakko FX-888D (~$100) — professional quality, will last a career.
Hex Drivers (Screwdrivers)
Section titled “Hex Drivers (Screwdrivers)”FPV hardware uses metric hex (Allen) screws. You need:
- 1.5mm: Camera screws, small FC/ESC screws
- 2.0mm: Motor screws (most common motor screw size)
- 2.5mm: Standoffs, larger frame screws
- 3.0mm: Some larger frame bolts
A ball-end driver set is convenient for reaching screws at angles.
Multimeter
Section titled “Multimeter”For diagnosing electrical issues:
- Voltage on power rails (is the 5V BEC actually outputting 5V?)
- Continuity check (is this wire connected to this pad?)
- Diode test (is this ESC MOSFET blown?)
A basic $15 multimeter from any hardware store is sufficient.
Wire Strippers
Section titled “Wire Strippers”Silicone-insulated FPV wire strips cleanly with purpose-built strippers. Avoid serrated-blade strippers that can nick the wire strands.
The Engineer PA-09 or similar ratcheting strippers are popular for precise, damage-free stripping of small wire gauges.
Measurement and Inspection
Section titled “Measurement and Inspection”Calipers
Section titled “Calipers”Digital calipers ($10-20) let you measure:
- Exact screw lengths before ordering
- Camera mount slot widths for 3D printing mounts
- Frame arm thickness for motor screw sizing
- Component dimensions for custom TPU designs
Highly recommended if you do any custom work or 3D printing.
Magnifying Loupe / Helping Hands
Section titled “Magnifying Loupe / Helping Hands”For inspecting small solder joints and working with tiny FC pads:
- Magnifying loupe (10×): Clip-on style for phone cameras or standalone, lets you inspect joints clearly
- Helping hands: Articulating arms with alligator clips hold your work still while soldering
Safety Gear
Section titled “Safety Gear”LiPo-Safe Bags
Section titled “LiPo-Safe Bags”Flame-resistant bags for charging and storing LiPo batteries. Even one bag is better than none.
Use one for charging (leave it near the charger), one for field storage, one for transport. If a battery malfunctions, the bag contains the fire and toxic smoke.
Fire Extinguisher
Section titled “Fire Extinguisher”Keep an ABC-rated extinguisher near your charging area. LiPo fires are not water-extinguishable.
Smoke Stopper
Section titled “Smoke Stopper”An inline current-limiting device used for first power-up of a new build. If there’s a wiring short, the smoke stopper limits current before components are destroyed.
DIY smoke stopper: A 12V automotive headlight bulb (H4, ~55W) soldered in series with an XT60 pigtail. When you plug in, the bulb glows if there’s a short (limiting current), or stays dim and you proceed. Build for ~$5 in parts.
Pre-built: Several companies sell ready-made smoke stoppers for $10-20.
Comfort and Convenience
Section titled “Comfort and Convenience”Sun Visor / Goggle Hood
Section titled “Sun Visor / Goggle Hood”A hood that attaches around the front of your goggles, blocking ambient light. Especially useful for box goggles that don’t seal light well, and for flying in bright outdoor conditions where light bleed washes out the image.
Head Strap Upgrade
Section titled “Head Strap Upgrade”The stock head strap on most goggles distributes weight poorly. Aftermarket straps (like the “top strap” upgrade for DJI goggles) add a top-of-head support point, dramatically reducing neck strain during long sessions.
Portable Chair
Section titled “Portable Chair”Standing in a field for 2-4 hours gets tiring. A folding camping chair in the car trunk is a quality-of-life upgrade that costs $15 and weighs almost nothing.
A popup canopy or umbrella keeps sun off your goggles, reduces sweating inside the foam, and protects you and your gear during hot-day sessions. If you’re going to be at a spot for more than an hour in summer, bring shade.
Battery Checker with Display
Section titled “Battery Checker with Display”A standalone battery voltage checker with a small LCD display (rather than just LEDs) lets you quickly read exact cell voltages without opening a configurator app. Especially useful at the field when you want to check pack balance before parallel charging.