3-3.5" drone FPV frame compatible with Air Unit O3 and designed for Freestyle, Freeride and Cinematic. Many customizable options are available.
Note
Designed in France by members of the WE are FPV community, the JeNo is already flown by hundreds of pilots. The French version of the project is available on Printables. Note that a 5.1-6" version and a 7" version of the JeNo exist.
- Key features
- Presentation
- Detailed specifications
- Customization
- Buy it or cut it !
- Bill of materials
- Building/Assembly guide
- Inspiration
- Tuning, Betaflight Preset ?
- Blackbox
- Videos
- Builds examples
- Authors
- TPU
- Community (remixes and TPU)
- Changelog
- Sturdiness and rigidity
- Excellent flight performances, easy to tune
- Wide-X geometry
- Perfect DJI Air Unit O3 camera integration
- Optional soft mounting of the camera for effective Gyroflow stabilization.
- Designed for : DJI Vista/AU O3, WalkSnail, HDZero, Analogic
- Frame and standoffs NOT visible in video feed, with any FPV camera
- Props NOT visible in video feed !
- Support 20x20 stacks as well as AiO (straight and 45° angled)
- Customizable (weight, size, camera plates, unibody or not)
The success of the JeNo 5.1" has led us to develop a little brother, in 3 and 3.5" form factor. This frame will therefore be just as comfortable for Freestyle as for cinematic shooting.
On 5" and larger builds, we might be tempted to keep an Action Cam, whereas on a compact and light machine, the DJI O3 reveals its full potential.
The design of a frame of this size turned out to be more delicate than expected :
- Weight is crucial
- Strength and rigidity remain major concerns
- Electronics are more diversified : 20x20 stack with separate FC and ESCs, AiO straight or angled at 45°, stack mounting with M2 or M3...
- The low inertia of this format makes the gyro of the O3 camera very sensitive; vibration tolerance is much lower than for a 5" quads
- Clear FOV : no spacers, frame, or visible propellers in the FPV feed
After several iterations, we have come to a first version of the JeNo that ticks all these boxes ! This is the 3" Classic version, unibody with a 4mm bottom plate.
We were initially not enthusiastic about the unibody design, but this approach has proven to be an excellent compromise. With a thickness of 4mm for the bottom plate, we get exceptional strength and flight behavior worthy of a 5". The assembly remains easy, and the absence of separate arms allows for sliding a 20x20 stack while taking advantage of the 20mm height of the body.
Other versions are available :
- 3.5" (unibody) (warning : tips of props slightly visible in the FPV feed)
- 3" (unibody) Light
- 3" et 3.5 " with separate arms
- 4": this is a variation created by Kennytak, and the necessary files are available on his page. The props remain slightly visible in the FPV feed.
The JeNo 3 follows in the footsteps of its big brother : the front cage tilted at 25° provides a clear FOV. Notches are provided to slide in any type of ND filter, and the propellers are not visible in the FPV feed or in HD recording.
Two types of camera plates are available : full carbon or soft-mounted. Note that to benefit from Gyroflow (or RockSteady) stabilization, it is imperative to opt for the soft-mounted camera plates.
Finally, as this frame was designed by members of the WE are FPV community, a "WaF edition" is available (the logo is engraved on the bottom plate). Join us on the WAF forum in the official JeNo 3-3.5" thread to discuss it further.
The JeNo is also available in 5.1-6" version and 7" version.
| Geometry | Wide-X |
| Props size | 3 to 3.5" (depending on the versions) |
| Weight | 40 to 55 g depending on the versions, including screws |
| Arms | 4mm for unibody, 3mm for separate arms |
| Body height | 20 mm |
| Stack height | 20 mm (unibody) |
| Bottom plate | 4mm for unibody, 2mm for separate arms |
| Middle plate | 2 mm (separate arms) |
| Top plate | 2 mm |
| Camera plates | 2.5 mm |
| Motors mounting | 9 to 12 mm |
| Camera | 20 mm (DJI), Micro, Nano. Clear FOV. Ajustable. |
| Main stack | 25.5 mm x 25.5 mm (M2) AiO and 20 mm x 20 mm (M2) stack |
| Supported VTX | Analogic, DJI Vista, DJI Air Unit O3, WalkSnail, HDZero… |
| Strap passage | Yes |
The JeNo is customizable, offering several options to best adapt to different needs and individual preferences :
- 3" Unibody 4mm Classic : This is the first version made available. Designed for freestyle due to its strength, it will also be suitable for cinematic use with soft-mounted camera plates. 100% clear FOV. This version uses M3 screws and standoffs.
- 3" Unibody 4mm Light : Sacrificing some strength and rigidity for more lightweight, thus increasing autonomy, and switching to M2 screws/spacers. A chassis more oriented towards cinematic use. Note that M2 standoffs are more difficult to source.
- 3.5" Unibody 4mm : For those seeking a bit more inertia and stability, or possibly for mid-range use. Note: the propellers are very slightly visible in the FPV feed. With black propellers, they will be practically invisible.
- Separate arms : For those wary of unibody designs ;) a 3" version and a 3.5" version (only the length of the arms changes). Note: AIO strongly recommended; stacks will struggle to fit due to the low remaining height in the body = low profile !
Two versions of 25° camera plates are available: freestyle (full carbon) or cinematic (soft-mounted).
Important
Please note that to benefit from Gyroflow (or RockSteady) stabilization, soft mounting is mandatory.
A high tilt version (40°) is available in community remixes (by Bard Fpv).
Important
By default, we have left the stack holes at a 2mm diameter (M2). If your stack uses M3 screws, you will need to enlarge these holes. Please note, carbon dust is hazardous, to avoid inhaling it, run a trickle of water while drilling/filing.
For your information, we have tested this frame with the following setup:
- Recommended Motors : 1404, 4000 to 4500KV for 3"
- Recommended Batteries : 4S / 550mAh for Freestyle, up to 850mAh for cinematic cruising
- Recommended Props : T3x2.5x3 & HQ T3x3x3
Below, you will find a complete build example as well as several flight videos with this setup.
Like the 5.1" version, the JeNo 3" should be available from Drone FPV Racer in a near future.
The "dxf" folder contains all the files you need to get it cut in your favourite flavour :
- JeNo_3inch_M3.dxf : Classic 3" 4mm unibody frame
- JeNo_3inch_Unibody_light_M2.dxf : Light 3" 4mm unibody frame
- JeNo_3.5inch_M3.dxf : Classic 3.5" 4mm unibody frame
- JeNo_3inch_multiplates_M3.dxf : Separate arms 3" frame
- JeNo_35inch_multiplates_M3.dxf : Separate arms 3.5" frame
Note
Each file contains all parts. All camera plates versions are included in the files.
"extras" folder will contain specific and optional parts.
In addition to the carbon fiber, you will need the following hardware to complete the assembly of the frame.
Standoffs
It is recommended to use 5mm diameter standoffs, especially for those that will serve as support for TPU (backpack and capacitor). Moletted standoffs can still be used, but the TPU supports will need to be modified accordingly.
Warning
Attention: For the Light version, you will need to provide M2 standoffs and corresponding screws (M2 instead of M3)
| Quantity | Description | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | M3x20mm standoffs | for the body |
| 2 | M3x20mm standoffs | for the camera |
Stack materials
Warning
Attention: M2 screws are mentioned here because they are most commonly found in this format. However, some 20x20 stacks use M3 screws. In this case, you will need to enlarge the stack holes.
- If 25.5x25.5 AiO
| Quantity | Description | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | M2x16mm | for the stack |
| 4 | M2 nuts for stack screws |
- If 20x20 stack
| Quantity | Description | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | M2x20mm countersunk screws | for the stack |
| 4 | M2 nuts for stack screws |
Frame materials
| Quantity | Description | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | M3x6/8mm countersunk screws | for the top plate |
| 10 | M3x8mm screws (titanium if possible) | for the bottom and camera plates |
Additional materials
| Quantity | Description | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 16 | M2x7mm screws (if using arms protections) or M2x6mm (if no TPU) | for the motors |
| 4 | M2x3mm screws if soft mounted or M2x4mm if NOT softmounted | for the camera |
Additional materials for separate arms versions
| Quantity | Description | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | Pressnuts (Flywoo or SourceOne alike) | 4 for the arms, 1 for the middle plate |
| 5 | M3x10mm screws | for the pressnuts |
Fasten the lipos
The JeNo allows the use of non-slip straps thanks to its strap slots. You can also use a LiPo pad if desired.
Some clarifications before assembling the frame:
- If your electronics require M3 screws, you will need to slightly enlarge the holes, originally designed for M2 (taking care not to inhale carbon dust)
- You can use the front standoffs to attach a capacitor and/or an RX :
- The RX antenna can be attached to the front of the quad using zip ties (TPU front bumper also allow to fix the RX antenna)
The assembly is simple (you can also find the detailed assembly instructions in PDF format among the project files) :
It is primarily inspired by its big brother, the JeNo 5.1", especially for the camera plates system.
For the JeNo 5.1", we provided a preset.
For the 3", we will not share a preset in the short term because there are too many factors that can alter the quad's behavior:
- Bottom plate thickness
- Stack VS AiO (the latter often being much noisier)
- M3 screws and spacers vs M2
- 3" props vs 3.5"
- Capacitor or not
- etc.
If, with a little more perspective, we see that a preset is feasible, we will share it. In the meantime, we have shared some settings that should work with most setups in this post.
However, one piece of advice, if you find your quad too challenging to handle in confined spaces, do not hesitate to adjust the throttle curve by adding a bit of expo around the "hover point" :
Here is an overview of vibration distribution on the 3 axes for the JeNo 3" 4mm Unibody. This is indeed the unfiltered gyro signal freestyle flight :
Flight preview of the JeNo 3" Unibody Classic 4mm version (Cinematic, camera plates soft-mounted), stabilized with Gyroflow :
Flight preview of the JeNo 3" Unibody Classic 4mm version (Freestyle) :
Flight preview of the JeNo 3" Unibody Classic 4mm version (Bando):
JeNo 3" review on WE are FPV (French) :
You can find many build examples on WE are FPV's DroneBuilds :
- fr : JeNo 3 Prototype (this one)
- fr : JeNo 3" AiO AT32/AM32
- fr : JeNo 3.5" O3
- fr : JeNo 3" (6s)
- fr : Jeno 3" (Kiss)
- fr : jeno3 light
- ...
The JeNo was designed by :
Among the downloadable files, you will find a variety of TPU to protect your JeNo 3" :
- VTX Antenna mounts
- Front and back bumpers
- Nano camera adapter
- Camera softmount
- Several arms protections
Fork/remix
TPU
In addition to the TPU options available on this repo, you will find here some TPU designs created by the community.
- TPU set for JeNo 3.5" by Xavier Robin
- GPS and O3 antenna mounts by Olivier
- Shark fin to protect the lipo by vfr150878
- Backpack O3 antenna + GPS M10 mini by Cirbaf
- Arms/motors bando protections by Julien
- Runcam Thumb mountby Tamm'c
- TPU set + 40° high tilt camera plates by Bard Fpv
- Front bumper by Nox
- M10 Mini Support, Cap, ViFly Finder, O3 Antenna by Nn Jj
Tip
Compatibility is consistently maintained between each version: if your frame was a v1, the parts from v1.2 will be compatible. The same applies to TPU accessories. That's why we don't keep the history of previous versions.
- 28/04/2023 : Version 1.0