Fly Gear • Aircraft Startup Guide
DarkStar Pilot Handbook
A hand-built, configured and hover-tested micro FPV aircraft using DJI O4 Pro video and ExpressLRS control.
Recommended battery
LAVA 580mAh 3S LiHV with XT30
A strong balance of punch, agility and flight time. Confirm the charger is set correctly for the battery chemistry and cell count.
Before power-up
- Props, frame, motor bells, wiring, antennas and battery lead inspected
- ARM switch off and throttle down
- Correct 3S battery healthy and secured
- Radio and goggles charged
- Nothing can enter the propeller disk
Startup
RADIO → GOGGLES → DARKSTAR
- Power the ExpressLRS radio and verify the expected controls.
- Power compatible DJI goggles.
- Secure the 3S XT30 pack, connect DarkStar and leave it still during initialization.
- Confirm ELRS control, O4 video, OSD and battery voltage before arming.
Simulator first
The original handbook calls for at least six hours in Liftoff, Tryp FPV, VelociDrone or Uncrashed. More is better. Practice disarm, takeoff, altitude control, coordinated turns, recovery and landing until they are reflexes.
First flight
- Use a large open field
- Verify the ARM switch before connecting the battery
- Start with a short low hover and gentle turns
- Land immediately for odd noise, vibration, video or control
- Inspect after every crash or hard landing
Mike's rules: props off on the bench; trees remain undefeated; verify ARM; use open space; learn from every crash.