PropBench V2 - Test your Propellers!

PropBench V2 – 3D Printed FPV Prop Test Bench

PropBench V2 is a compact 3D-printable test stand for benchmarking tiny FPV propellers with repeatable, automated test routines. It was built to solve a simple problem: hand-testing props is messy, inconsistent, and not precise enough if you actually want to compare results. This version is a proper enclosure-based setup that holds the electronics in place, improves usability, and makes the whole bench much more practical for regular testing.

It is designed for measuring thrust on small FPV motors and props, especially whoop-sized setups. Together with the desktop app, the bench can run repeatable tests and log live telemetry such as thrust, voltage, current, RPM, and power.

YouTube video:

What this project does

• Measures thrust with a load cell
• Lets you compare props under the same test conditions
• Works with automated test runs instead of hand-controlled throttle
• Supports live telemetry through the flight controller
• Gives you a clean, compact enclosure for the electronics

Why I made it

The first version of my prop test bench was built during my smallest 4K FPV drone project. It worked, but it was a quick prototype: manual throttle control, messy wiring, no real enclosure, and limited repeatability. PropBench V2 fixes that. The goal was to build a test stand that is cleaner, more reliable, easier to use, and good enough for proper back-to-back prop comparisons.

Printed parts

The printed parts are made to hold the core hardware in a compact and practical layout. Depending on the version of the files included here, the set may contain:

• Main enclosure / housing
• Load cell mount
• Motor mount
• Electronics mounts
• Cable management parts
• TPU feet

Print settings

• Housing / structural parts: can be printed in basically any common material. I printed mine in PLA+.
• Feet: print them in black TPU.

You can use your usual settings for functional parts. If you want the cleanest result, focus on dimensional accuracy for the enclosure and mounting features.

Assembly

For assembly, you will need:

• M3 screws
• Super glue for the TPU feet

The TPU feet are glued into place. My original idea was to make them snap in, but in practice gluing them worked better and is more reliable. The rest of the build is assembled with M3 screws.

Electronics / hardware

This project is meant to be used with the PropBench software and the matching electronics setup. The exact hardware list, firmware, wiring, software, and setup instructions are available in the GitHub repository. Typical parts used for the build include:

• ESP8266: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c3JOTVhB
• HX711 amplifier: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c30HMem9
• 100 g load cell: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c30HMem9
• Small OLED display: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c37Nomop
• Flight controller: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c4UH5eVb
• Emergency stop button: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c4OdtSXJ

Files, firmware, and software

You can find the desktop app, firmware, wiring, setup instructions, and source files here:

https://github.com/fpv-geek/prop-bench/

Important note

This project involves spinning propellers, electrical components, and live motor testing. Please use it carefully and at your own risk. Make sure everything is mounted securely, keep clear of the propeller area during testing, and use proper safety precautions.

Final notes

This project took shape over many iterations, from a rough prototype to a much more refined second version. If you build one, remix it, or improve it, I’d love to see your version. And if you use it for your own prop tests, feel free to share the results.