How to Assemble Your Gyroscope V1.2

Welcome to the step-by-step guide for assembling your 3DFlightLab Drone Gyroscope V1.2. Whether you're working with the STL files, pre-printed parts, or the carbon fiber version, this guide will help you build with confidence.

🆕 What’s New in Version 1.2?

Our V1.2 update introduces several major upgrades:

• Advanced Yaw Axis Rotation System: 20x more sensitive than V1.0, ideal for smaller drones.
• 100% Modular Design: Easily customizable for various setups.
• 20% Fewer Parts: Easier and quicker assembly.
• Weight Reduction: Improved efficiency through optimized design.
• Fully 3D Printable: Compatible with FDM printers and carbon fiber upgrades.
• Optimized for Speed: Fast and accessible print and build process.

🔧 Pre-Assembly Checklist

• Ensure you have all parts (use the included checklist file).
• Identify component bags via sticker labels.
• Preheat your soldering iron to 240–260°C for installing threaded inserts.

🧱 Base Assembly

1.1 Place the Central Base.

• Position the Central Base on a secure surface to begin assembly.

1.2 Install Threaded Inserts into the Central Base.

• Using a soldering iron set to a temperature between 240°C and 260°C, carefully insert the 3 M3 x 5mm L x 5mm OD Threaded Inserts into the designated holes located at the center of the Central Base.

1.3 Install the Standoffs into the Central Base.

• Apply gentle pressure as you slide the M3 x 12mm Standoffs into the four corner holes of the Central Base. Ensure they fit snugly to provide a secure connection for the upcoming assembly steps.

1.4 Attach the Snap-In Legs.

• Slide the 4 Snap-In Legs from top to bottom, as shown in the image, until they align perfectly with the bottom surface of the Central Base. Make sure all legs are flush and secure for proper stability.

1.5 Secure the Snap-In Legs.

• Use the M3 x 10mm Screws (x8) to fasten the legs to the Central Base. First, tighten each screw gently to align the components, then proceed to fully tighten all screws on each leg for a secure fit. Ensure everything is firmly attached.

1.6 Install Threaded Insert into the CP.

• Insert one M3 x 5mm L x 5mm OD Threaded Insert into the designated hole on CP-V1.2. Use a soldering iron preheated to 240-260°C to gently press it into place. Ensure it is fully seated and flush with the surface.

1.7 Position CP on the Central Base.

• Align CP-V1.2 on the Central Base, ensuring the holes on both parts are perfectly aligned. This will prepare it for secure attachment in the next step.

1.8 Secure CP to the Central Base.

• Insert 3 M3 x 10mm screws into the aligned holes to firmly attach CP-V1.2 to the Central Base. Tighten them gently at first, and then fully secure them to ensure stability.

🔁 Rotation Axis Assembly

2.1 Position B-1P.

• Begin the rotation axis assembly by using B-1P V1.2 as the foundation. Ensure it is oriented correctly, as shown in the reference image, to align properly with the following components.

2.2 Install Threaded Inserts into B-1P.

• Use 4 units of M3 x 5mm L x 5mm OD Threaded Inserts. Carefully insert them into the 4 side holes of the central section of B-1P v1.2, using a soldering iron set to 240-260°C. Make sure the inserts are properly seated.

2.3 Install Threaded Inserts into B-1P.

• Insert 2 units of M3 x 4mm L x 5mm OD Threaded Inserts into the ends of B-1P V1.2. If you accidentally use the wrong insert length, be sure to remove any excess plastic from the interior of the holes in B-1P V1.2 to ensure a secure fit.

2.4 Place CC onto B-1P.

• Position CC-V1.2 from bottom to top (as shown in the image) and ensure it fits securely and correctly into B-1P v1.2.

2.5 Secure CC to B-1P.

• Use 4 SCREW M3 x 10mm to fasten CC-V1.2 to B-1P V1.2. Ensure the screws align with the threaded inserts placed earlier for a secure fit. Tighten evenly to maintain alignment.

2.6 Align and Attach Y-DBA to B-1P.

• Position Y-DBA onto the previously assembled section (CC-V1.2 + B-1P V1.2). Make sure the two guides align with the designated holes. Apply gentle pressure until it fits securely in place.

2.7 Attach Sticker + D-BED.

• Position Y-DBA onto the previously assembled section (CC-V1.2 + B-1P V1.2). Make sure the two guides align with the designated holes. Apply gentle pressure until it fits securely in place.

2.8 Insert 51103 Bearing.

• Place the 51103 BEARING as shown in the image.
• Important Note: This type of bearing usually has two different hole diameters. In this case, ensure the 17mm diameter hole faces upward, with the 18mm diameter hole on the bottom.

2.9 Place the 51108 Bearing on the BASE.

• Use the previously assembled BASE to position the 51108 BEARING. Apply gentle pressure to ensure it is fully seated.
• Important Note: Like the previous bearing, this one also has two different inner diameters. Ensure the 42mm diameter side faces downward (you’ll find a guide indicating the correct orientation).

2.10 Attach the Rotation Axis to the Base Using Y-LOCK.

• Once the 51108 BEARING is properly positioned on the BASE, use the YLOCK to secure the assembled rotation axis to the base, following the alignment shown in the image. Apply gentle pressure to ensure the bearings fit snugly into place.

2.11 Secure Y-LOCK to the Base.

• Use an M3 x 12mm screw to fasten the Y-LOCK to the BASE, ensuring the rotation axis stays firmly connected. Tighten the screw carefully to maintain the stability of the entire assembly.

2.12 Review Your Assembly.

• This is how your assembly should currently look. If it doesn’t match this setup, please go back and carefully review the previous steps to ensure everything is correctly positioned and secured.

🔄 Yaw Axis Arms Assembly

3.1 Identify Components.

• Locate the parts B2S and B2S-R. Both pieces will be assembled using the same steps, so simply follow the instructions below and repeat the process for the second piece.

3.2 Install Threaded Inserts into B2S and B2S-R.

• Insert M3 x 4mm L x 5mm OD Threaded Inserts into the designated holes on both B2S and B2S-R. Ensure proper alignment and use the correct temperature (between 240°C and 260°C) with your soldering iron to secure them in place.

3.3 Attach 608 Bearings.

• Carefully insert two 608 Bearings into the designated slots on each arm (B2S and B2S-R). Ensure both bearings are properly seated to allow smooth and frictionless rotation. Repeat this process for both arms.

3.4 Insert CON-Y 189mm bar into both B2S and B2S-R.

• Insert the CON-Y 189mm bar into both B2S and B2S-R arms until it reaches
  the stop point (fully seated).
• If you prefer, you can replace the CON-Y 189mm with carbon fiber rods using the appropriate adapters. For more details on the adapters and customization options, refer to the CUSTOM section of this PDF.

3.5 Secure the Bar (CON-Y 189mm).

• Use 2 SCREW M3 x 10mm (one for each arm) to firmly secure the CON-Y 189mm bar or, if applicable, the adapters or carbon fiber rods in place. Ensure the screws are tightened properly to maintain stability and prevent any unwanted movement.

3.6 Connect the Arms.

• Align the assembled arms (B2S and B2S-R) with the rotation axis until it reaches the stop point (fully seated).

3.7 Secure Arms.

• Secure them in place using M3 x 10mm Screws through the previously installed threaded inserts. Ensure everything is properly aligned to allow smooth and precise movement.

3.8 Verify Your Progress.

• If you have followed the steps correctly, your assembly should look like this at this point. Compare it with the reference image to ensure all components are properly aligned and secured. If it doesn’t match, please revisit the previous steps and make any necessary adjustments.

🔄 Pitch Axis Assembly

4.1 Locate the parts labeled A1-LW and A2-LW.

• Each of these components comes in pairs, meaning you will have two A1-LW and two A2-LW. These four pieces will serve as the primary structure for assembling the pitch axis. Ensure all parts are ready before proceeding.

4.2 Insert Threaded Inserts.

• At the ends of each A1-LW and A2-LW piece, you will find two holes. Carefully insert M3 x 4mm L x 5mm OD Threaded Inserts into each of these holes. Each piece requires two inserts, totaling eight inserts for this step. Make sure they are properly seated to ensure a secure assembly.

4.3 Insert Bearings into A1-LW.

• Each A1-LW piece has two dedicated slots designed to hold 608 Bearings. Carefully insert two bearings per A1-LW piece, ensuring they are properly seated for smooth rotation. Refer to the image for proper alignment and positioning.

4.4 Assemble the Octagon Frame.

• Insert the CON-P 183mm bars (x4) into the designated slots on the A1-LW and A2-LW pieces, ensuring they fit snugly and reach the end stop of each piece. This will create a secure, closed octagonal frame as shown in the image.
• If you prefer, you may also use carbon fiber rods with their respective adapters for enhanced performance and reduced weight.

4.5 Secure the Bars.

• Use M3 x 10mm Screws to securely fasten the CON-P 183mm bars to the A1-LW and A2-LW pieces. Ensure each screw is tightly fitted into the threaded inserts to maintain the structural integrity of the octagonal frame, as shown in the image.

4.6 Insert A2B2-S into B2S and B2S-R.

• Now, carefully insert the A2B2-S piece between the 608 Bearings installed on each arm, as shown in the image. Ensure the part fits properly between the bearings to allow smooth and precise rotation between the Yaw and Pitch axes.

4.7 Flex the Yaw Axis Arms for Alignment.

• Carefully bend the arms just enough to allow the Pitch Axis octagon to align and position itself correctly in the anchoring points, as shown in the image. Make sure to repeat this process on both opposing sides (the arms of the Yaw Axis). This ensures a proper fit and smooth movement across the axes.

4.8 Insert A2B2.

• Insert the A2B2 piece into the designated hole. Apply gentle pressure until the piece sits flush with the outer surface of both A2-LW components. Ensure it is properly seated for a secure fit and smooth operation.

4.9 Insert the M5 x 55mm Screws.

• Insert the two M5 x 55mm Screws as shown in the image. Ensure they are placed securely on both opposite ends to maintain alignment and stability

4.10 Secure with M5 Insert Locknuts.

• On the opposite side where the screw exits, attach the M5 Insert Locknuts and washer to secure the connection between the yaw axis and the pitch axis. Be cautious not to over-tighten, as doing so may hinder smooth rotation. Adjust just enough to ensure a firm but functional fit.

4.11 Attach A2B2-CAP.

• Place the A2B2-CAP over the locknut installed in the previous step. This step is purely aesthetic, providing a clean and polished finish to your assembly.

4.12 Verify Your Assembly.

• If you followed the previous steps correctly, your assembly should look like the one shown in the image. Take a moment to ensure everything is properly aligned and secured.

↩ Roll Axis Assembly

5.1 Insert Threaded Inserts.

• Identify the two R-BED-SV pieces. Insert M3 x 4mm L x 5mm OD Threaded Inserts into the designated holes on each piece. Ensure they are fully seated and flush with the surface of the part for a smooth assembly.

5.2 Assemble with CF Rod.

• Using the CF ROD 6mm OD x 400mm, slide both R-BED-SV pieces onto the rod as shown in the image. Ensure both pieces are aligned and positioned at the center of the rod for balanced assembly.

5.3 Attach X1-SV to Both Ends.

• Slide one X1-SV piece onto each end of the assembly, ensuring they are oriented as shown in the image.
• Important Note: If you are building a larger version of the gyroscope, make sure to use the appropriate XLG ADAPTERS (6mm, 8mm, 10mm, 12mm, or 15mm) to fit the diameter of the carbon fiber rod you plan to use.

5.4 Insert Threaded Inserts into X1.

• Identify the two X1 pieces and carefully insert 2 x M3 x 4mm L x 5mm OD Threaded Inserts into each piece, following the orientation shown in the image. Ensure the inserts sit flush with the surface to allow for proper assembly.

5.5 Insert X1 into A1-LW Bearings.

• Insert the two X1 components into the bearings installed on each A1-LW piece, as shown in the image. Ensure they fit snugly to maintain smooth rotation.

5.6 Insert M3 x 30mm Screws.

• Gently insert the M3 x 30mm screws through the designated holes on X1, as shown in the image. These will serve as the primary fasteners, preparing for secure tightening in the next step.

5.7 Secure with M3 Insert Locknut.

• Place an M3 Insert Locknut + the washer on the opposite end of the screw inserted into X1. Tighten gently—be careful not to overtighten, as we want to maintain smooth movement.

5.8 Insert the Bar into X1 Supports.

• Take the bar assembly from steps 1, 2, and 3, and carefully slide it into the two X1 supports as shown in the image. Push it all the way in until it reaches the limit.

5.9 Secure the Bar to X1 Supports.

• To ensure a solid attachment from the previous step, use 2 x SCREW M3 x 8mm to secure the bar to the X1 supports. And that’s it!

5.10 Verify Your Assembly.

• If you followed the previous steps correctly, your assembly should look like the one shown in the image. Take a moment to ensure everything is properly aligned and secured.

🧲 Mounting Base Assembly

6.1 Select the Appropriate Mounting Base.

• You will find three different bases designed to accommodate various types of drones or aerial vehicles. Choose the one that best fits your aircraft and place it at the center of the Roll Axis, as shown in the image.

6.2 Secure the Mounting Base.

• Use 4 x SCREW M3 x 8mm to firmly attach the selected base to the Roll Axis, following the positioning shown in the image. Ensure the base is tightly secured to provide stability during operation.

🧩 Customization for Larger Builds

• Adapter sets available for 6mm, 8mm, 10mm, 12mm, and 15mm rods.
• Join multiple carbon rods using central adapters.
• Use upgraded X1-SV-style adapters for greater rigidity.

📷 Show Us Your Build!

Tag us on Instagram or share your finished assembly with the hashtag #3DFlightLab. We love seeing our community bring their drone gyros to life!