DIY Drone Kit – Joshua Bardwell Edition V2

BNF Copters

Version	6S
Frame Design	X-Frame
Size	5"
Style	Freestyle
VTX	Analog
Weight	350g

The Joshua Bardwell DIY Kit V2 is a comprehensive, all-in-one package designed to teach you the art of FPV drone building. Featuring a high-quality QAV-S 2 frame, a powerful Xilo Stax, and a curated selection of beginner-friendly components, this kit removes the guesswork from parts compatibility. It is the perfect entry point for anyone wanting to understand their drone from the inside out while following the world's most trusted FPV tutorial series.

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Last Updated: 06.08.2025

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Product Description

The DIY Drone Kit – Joshua Bardwell Edition V2 is the gold standard for learning how to build an FPV drone from scratch. Curated by "The FPV Know-It-All" himself, this kit is specifically designed to be paired with his step-by-step YouTube build guide, ensuring that even a total beginner can successfully assemble a high-performance 5-inch freestyle quadcopter.

Education-First Design: Unlike "Bind-and-Fly" drones, this kit arrives as a box of individual parts. Its primary value lies in the accompanying 4-hour+ video tutorial where Joshua Bardwell explains every solder joint, wire, and software setting in Betaflight.
QAV-S 2 Joshua Bardwell Special Edition Frame: This V2 kit uses a refined version of the QAV-S frame. It is designed for easy access to the flight stack and features "split-bottom" plate geometry, making maintenance much simpler than traditional racing frames.
Xilo Stax Electronics: The kit features the Xilo Stax F4 Flight Controller and a 45A BLHeli_32 ESC. These components are chosen for their reliability and large solder pads, making them ideal for those learning to solder for the first time.
Digital or Analog Versatility: While the base kit is often sold for analog, it is designed with enough space and mounting options to easily accommodate a DJI O3 Air Unit or Walksnail Avatar system if you choose to go digital.

Technical Specifications:

Frame: QAV-S 2 5" Joshua Bardwell Special Edition
FC: Xilo Stax F4 Flight Controller (OSD, Barometer, 16MB Blackbox)
ESC: Xilo Stax 45A 3-6S BLHeli_32 4-in-1 ESC
Motors: Xilo Stealth 2207 1800KV (6S) or 2450KV (4S)
Camera: Caddx Ratel 2 (Analog Version)
VTX: Xilo Stealth 5.8GHz (Up to 800mW)
Propellers: ETHIX P3 Peanut Butter & Jelly (5")
Recommended Battery: 4S or 6S 1300mAh - 1500mAh LiPo

The Pilot's Reality Check:

Soldering Required: You will need a soldering iron, solder, and basic tools (hex drivers, wire cutters) to complete this build. These are not included in the drone kit itself.
Receiver Choice: This kit typically does not include a radio receiver (RX). You will need to choose one that matches your radio (e.g., ExpressLRS, TBS Crossfire, or FrSky) and solder it in.

📦 Package contains

1 * QAV-S 2 JB Edition Carbon Fiber Frame Kit
4 * Xilo Stealth 2207 Brushless Motors
1 * Xilo Stax F4 Flight Controller
1 * Xilo Stax 45A BLHeli_32 ESC
1 * Caddx Ratel 2 FPV Camera
1 * Xilo Stealth 5.8GHz Video Transmitter (VTX)
1 * 5.8GHz Linear Antenna
4 * ETHIX P3 Props (2CW, 2CCW)
1 * Capacitor (35V 470uF or 1000uF)
1 * XT60 Power Cable
2 * Battery Straps
1 * Complete Hardware Pack (Standoffs, Screws, Nuts)

🤔 Frequently Asked Questions

Is this kit good for a total beginner?
Yes, that is its primary purpose. Unlike "Bind-and-Fly" (BNF) drones, this kit requires you to solder and assemble every component. The "asjalik" value comes from the accompanying video series, where Joshua Bardwell walks you through every single wire, screw, and Betaflight setting. If you crash later, you’ll actually know how to fix it because you built it.
What is the difference between the "Analog" and "HD Ready" kits?
- Analog Kit: Includes a Caddx Ratel 2 camera and a Xilo Stax VTX. This is the most budget-friendly way to start. - HD Ready Kit: This version comes without a video system (VTX/Camera) but uses the QAV-S 2 frame, which is specifically designed with mounting holes for the DJI O3 Air Unit, Walksnail, or Caddx Vista. You choose and buy your preferred digital system separately.
Does the kit include a remote and goggles?
No. This is a kit for the drone itself. To get in the air, you will still need a Radio Transmitter (like a RadioMaster TX16S or Boxer), FPV Goggles, a Battery Charger, and 6S LiPo batteries. It also does not include a radio receiver (RX), as you need to pick one that matches your specific radio (e.g., ExpressLRS or Crossfire).
Why is it a 6S setup instead of 4S?
The V2 kit is optimized for 6S (22.2V) power. In modern FPV, 6S is the "asjalik" standard because it provides more consistent power with less "voltage sag" as the battery drains, making it easier for beginners to manage throttle control during the entire flight.
What tools will I need to build it?
Since this is a DIY kit, you must have: A soldering iron and leaded solder (60/40 or 63/37). A set of hex drivers ($1.5$mm, $2.0$mm, and $2.5$mm). Wire cutters/strippers. A Smoke Stopper (highly recommended for your first "power up" to prevent frying electronics if there's a short circuit).