Essential Learning

Start here before handling any electronics. These videos teach the fundamental skills you'll use throughout your build.

Basic Soldering Lesson 1

Basic Soldering Lesson 1

"Solder & Flux" - Foundation techniques
Combat Robot Electronics

Combat Robot Electronics

Electronics basics for beginners
FPV Soldering Tutorial

FPV Soldering Tutorial

Advanced techniques most builders need
1lb Plastic Ant Wiring Guide

1lb Plastic Ant Wiring Guide

Complete walkthrough w/ Jacob & Chase
Quick Soldering Guide Download Wiring Diagram

Common Component Configurations

Proven electronics combinations that work well together. Choose based on your budget and complexity preference.

Example System (Detailed Guide)

  • Drive: 2x Repeat Mini Mark II + Repeat Budget Dual ESC
  • Weapon: RS 2205 Motor + ReadyToSky 35A ESC
  • Control: FlySky FS2A Receiver
  • Power: FingerTech Screw Switch + 3S LiPo

Alternative Options

  • Drive Motors: Turnabot/Malenki N20 motors
  • Drive ESCs: FingerTech tinyESC or compatible
  • Complete Kits: SCAR electronics from Team Malice
  • Sources: Palm Beach Bots, Bristol Bot Builders

Soldering Fundamentals

Master these basics to create reliable connections that won't fail during combat.

Iron Setup & Temperature

  • 360°C for lead-free solder
  • 340°C for leaded solder
  • Keep tip shiny - clean with brass sponge after each step
  • Tin the tip before each joint

Essential Techniques

  • Pre-tin all components (wires, pads, terminals)
  • Heat the joint, not the solder
  • Use flux when solder won't stick
  • Let joints cool without moving

Step-by-Step Wiring Process

Follow this sequence for reliable results. Each phase builds on the previous steps.

1

Preparation

Soldering iron setup checklist, pre-tin all connection points, solder receiver pins properly

2

Drive System

Enable mixing on dual ESC (critical step), wire drive motors with correct polarity, test drive directions

3

Weapon System

Connect brushless motor to weapon ESC, ESC arming sequence, direction testing (swap wires if needed)

4

Power & Safety

Create main power harness, wire power switch correctly, final connection verification

Testing & Verification

Critical safety steps that prevent damage and ensure competition readiness.

Critical Safety Steps

  • Smoke stopper testing - Mandatory first step to prevent shorts
  • Binding receiver to transmitter - Establish radio control
  • Functional testing checklist - Verify all systems work
  • Competition readiness verification - Final safety checks

Common Issues & Solutions

Quick fixes for the most frequent wiring problems builders encounter.

Problem Most Likely Cause Solution
One motor not spinning Loose solder joint Check motor solder joints, test another channel
Robot only turns OR drives ESC mixing not configured Enable mixing on drive ESC (critical step)
Receiver not powering BEC connection issue Verify ESC BEC output, check plug polarity
ESC won't arm Binding/signal problem Rebind receiver, check signal cables