Team BlackSheep Source One V6 7" Deadcat Frame - Long-Range Flying
TBS Source One V6 7" Deadcat - Open Source Long Range Frame Kit
The TBS Source One V6 7" is a deadcat configuration frame designed for long-range freestyle flying. Built to survive hard crashes and real-world abuse, it protects all your FPV components while keeping weight to a minimum. The Source One is the perfect workhorse for casual long-range FPV flying and cruising — and it comes backed by one of the largest community support networks in the hobby.
What Is the Source One Project?
The Source One is the first collaborative FPV frame project initiated by Team BlackSheep. Rather than selling it at a premium markup, TBS donated the frame design to the community — empowering builders and makers to integrate current best practices and trends into a continuously manufactured, openly available product.
The philosophy behind the project is straightforward: low price point, great documentation, wide parts availability, and community-driven evolution. When you buy a Source One, you're supporting that philosophy.
V6 — A Mature, Proven Design
The V6 is the sixth generation of the Source One, refined over years of community feedback. Every issue identified in V1 through V5 has been addressed. The geometry has been optimized, replacement parts are widely available worldwide, and free TPU print files are available on Thingiverse and Printables. This is not an experimental design — it's a mature platform with thousands of builds behind it.
Why 7"?
7" is the sweet spot for long-range flying. Larger props generate the same thrust at lower RPM, which means better efficiency, longer flight times, and a smoother, more stable ride compared to a 5" setup. With the right components, 8 to 15+ minutes of flight time is achievable. If you're serious about long-range, 7" is the size.
Deadcat Geometry — Clean Footage, Protected Camera
The deadcat configuration spaces the rear arms wider than the front, keeping your GoPro mount completely clear of the propellers at every angle. Props never enter the frame, your camera is protected from direct prop strikes in crashes, and your footage stays clean in every shot. If you're flying long-range and shooting content, deadcat is the right geometry.
Everything Included — Build Straight Away
Unlike budget frames that leave you hunting for hardware separately, the Source One V6 includes everything you need to build:
- 16x M3x10 allen screws
- 4x M3x12 screws
- 4x M3x14 screws
- 4x OD 5mm M3 30mm standoffs
- 4x OD 5mm M3 22mm standoffs
- 2x OD 5mm M3 20mm standoffs
- 8x M3 press insert nuts
- 1x 3D printed camera mount
Nothing extra to buy — open the box and start building.
Open Source — Community Without Limits
As a fully open source project, the Source One gives you complete access to CAD files on GitHub, TPU part files on Thingiverse and Printables, and an active Discord community with thousands of members. Build guides, troubleshooting threads, and community mods are freely available. If you run into a problem, someone in the community has already solved it.
- Project files: github.com/tbs-trappy/source_one
- Community: Discord (link on TBS website)
- 3D parts: Thingiverse / Printables
Specifications:
- Wheelbase: 313mm
- Geometry: Deadcat (DC)
- Top Plate: 2mm carbon
- Middle Plate: 2mm carbon
- Bottom Plate: 2.5mm carbon (reinforced)
- Arms: 6mm carbon
- Arm Spacer: 6mm
- Camera Plate: 2mm carbon
- Stack Mounting: 30.5x30.5mm and 20x20mm
- Standoff Heights: 30mm and 22mm
- Total Weight: 179g
Recommended Long Range Build:
- Motors: 2806-2810, 1300-1700KV
- Props: 7" bi-blade (Gemfan, HQ long-range)
- Battery: 6S, 2200-4000mAh (10-20 min flight time)
- FC/ESC: 30x30mm stack
- VTX: 1-2W long-range capable
- GoPro: Hero 8-12 (perfect fit with deadcat mount)
Not Ideal For:
- Aggressive racing (this is a long-range cruiser, not a race frame)
- Builds that require True-X geometry (this is deadcat only)
Kit Includes:
- 1x Complete Frame (top, middle, bottom plates, brace, 2x camera plates, 4x arms, 1x arm spacer)
- 1x Complete screw and standoff set
- 1x 3D printed camera mount
- Documentation and links to community resources
