Who this check is for
This guide covers conventional Betaflight FPV quadcopters after assembly or replacement of the controller or motors. Aircraft, unusual mixers and 3D mode require their own documentation. Interface names vary between versions.
Remove the props first
The official Motors Tab documentation requires removing props before connecting a battery and testing motors. Bench-test without props; do not try to hold a complete aircraft with props fitted.
Editorial advice: check one part at a time and record the result. Stop and correct any fault before continuing.
Check flight-controller orientation
Connect by USB. In Setup, move the frame and compare its motion with the 3D model. The Setup Guide recommends this check on first connection. A mismatch requires checking board installation and settings.
Before changing settings, save the configuration with CLI diff all or dump. Do not copy another board’s entire configuration.
Check numbering and rotation separately
In Motors, compare physical motor positions with the diagram for the selected mixer. The Setup Guide calls for remapping if numbering is incorrect. Then check actual rotation separately.
Motor direction is reversed selects the expected props-in or props-out layout. Its position does not prove that every motor spins correctly. The separate Motor direction tool checks and changes rotation.
Do not copy ESC settings blindly
The motor protocol must match the controller and ESC. Bidirectional DShot returns data needed for RPM filtering. It is a separate setting, not a fix for incorrect motor numbering.
Editorial advice: record exact controller and ESC models, firmware versions and test results. These help diagnosis more than changing several parameters at once.
When to stop
Do not proceed to flight if the Setup model moves incorrectly, a motor number does not match its position, or rotation differs from the diagram. After correcting the fault, repeat the check without props.
This is an intermediate assembly check. It does not replace receiver configuration, failsafe or the final Betaflight pre-flight checklist.
Sources & verification date
Practical guide, not a release announcement. Official documentation checked on October 3, 2026; original publication dates unconfirmed. No editorial bench tests were performed.