coreyperez
Member
Hello fellow enthusiasts,
A little about myself. I’m a US Service member (currently stationed in Korea). From Michigan, family is currently remaining in Alaska (To which I hope to return after Korea). I’ve just hit the 17year mark TFAS (Total Federal Active Service). I started out as a Fire Fighter when I joined the Air Force in 96, Did that for 6 years. I became a DBM (Database Manager) after a duty related injury took me out of the Fire business. I then started becoming interested in 1:1 scale and ended up with the sticks of a Schweitzer 300C in my hands. Fast forward about 8 years. I’m now in the Army (in Korea), still on the 1:1 kick, now handling the UH60 Black Hawk and looking forward to getting back to the family in the next year or two.
Well now I’m not exactly “New” to RC, I’d consider myself old(er) to RC, re-found fan of RC Aviation. After many numerous failed attempts to fly a Blade CP, I figured I was doomed and should just stay away from RC Aviation. I’ve opted to take on the Multi-rotor aspect (how hard could it be, really??). I’m giving up on the Surface RC (Brand new XR10 and hop-up’s and electronics to sell) in hopes to doing something with this Multi idea.
I’ve spent a large amount of time behind the scenes researching, reviewing and comparing different frames, Flight controllers (computers), radios, motors, props, batteries, chargers… You know the deal. I figured I’d not open with the “Hi, it looks cool, what should I get” question that seems to pop up these days. (I’m old school, before computers were cool and we had to “work” for it). That in mind, this entire scene is REALLY huge. I’m mostly daunted/upset about the level of information that retailers/manufactures DON’T give about their products. With that in mind, I’ve been following numerous other posts that people just expect the answer to be handed to them and expect everything to be 100% perfect, all the time. Realistically, I know better than to expect that.
So, onto my hopes, dreams and smashing my bank account to pieces (while hopefully keeping the Hex in 1 piece).
I’ve opted to try and be systematic about this. I’ll give you my opinions about the components I’m leaning towards and why. Please feel free to tear apart my build and re-direct me. (BTW, I’ve been following along with the Group Build)
Intent:
Build a Multi-rotor (MR) that can survive an “oops” and shake it off with little to no associate repair costs. A MR that has user-replaceable components for upgrades, failures, accidents or catastrophic failures. A MR that can be built upon/grown with vs. grown out of (Phantom), and resilient enough to not be a catastrophic loss with a single mishap (Blade CP) First Person View (FPV)/Aerial photography ability (x3 axis gimbal) with the ability to grow towards a DSLR, or a NEX 5,6,7 (at a minimum). The last goal is geared towards growing beyond the Hex and into Oct’s.
DJI F550 (The actual DJI F550, not the knock-offs).
I’m leaning towards “Hex” just because of the redundancy. Flying a 1:1 scale, multi-engine with x3 redundant hydraulic systems, I fully believe in redundancy. The idea of having some control in the event of a catastrophic motor/prop or ESC failure is exactly what I’m looking for. It appears as though the Hex is the lowest level frame design that can maintain that.
The F550 has a significant amount of support and options available to it. I had considered a Tarot version but was concerned with the amount of vibration these MR’s probably produce (based on video’s I’ve seen). My concern is the F550 has absolutely fixed motor mounts (and upgradeable arms (alum) and longer versions available (to provide for longer blades, bigger motors, more lift, etc)). Where as the Tarot version the motors could turn on the arms (I can understand the import aspect of the mounts being exactly 90deg. Catastrophically, if something does happen, I’d hope to be able to downsize to a Team Black Sheep (TBS) frame and the remaining arms, and associated electronics. (forward thinking there huh!)
FC, GPS, Etc:
I’m REALLY wanting to go with XAircraft SuperX. A couple reasons. I’m really impressed with some of the feedback I’ve read about there being a problem with a previous firmware. When identified the Co jumped on it and resolved it. The idea of a “black box”. (This goes back to redundancy). If…. WHEN something goes wrong, I’d like to just plug up the PC and find out WHAT it was. Not keep throwing parts at it to try and un-screw it (Blade CP Experience). I’m not really sold that either the DJI Naza-M V2 is better/worse than the SuperX. I’m mostly sold on the recordablity (is that a word??) to do a self-determination of what went wrong. Realistically, how many people here would ball-up a 1500$ piece of equipment, pull the electronics and put it on another machine and “hope for the best”? I like the idea of sitting at a desk and troubleshooting vs. throwing money around.
If the SuperX doesn’t work out, the Naza is my current (2[SUP]nd[/SUP]) direction. Either way, I like that both of the manufactures provide a way to do a gimbal power/control.
Motors, ESC:
I haven’t found anywhere that says that the motors/ESC’s that come with the Flame wheel kits aren’t worth the cost, I just see that people change them. I’m mostly concerned with putting the anticipated weight I’m planning on flying with the included pieces vs. ??upgrading?? right out of the box (buying the frame alone vs. kit and ordering different motors, etc). That being said, the DJI 30A ESCs, are they worth keeping/buying? I’ve seen where people were using inexpensive ESC’s and flashing them with non OEM firmware and having great success. This is still a section of my build I haven’t fully researched yet.
Gimbal:
$$$ HOLY DOLLAR-BILLs BATMAN!!! $$$ Now I understand…. If you want to play with the BIG BOYS, you have to take the hits the big boys give… I’m only using a GoPro Hero 1 (Yes… Hero 1!) but I’ve also got x2 Contour Roam cameras that I’d like to use. I don’t think the ZenMuse H3-2D will/would support the Contour or even the older Hero1 camera. (I was reading somebody was having problems with the Gimbal operating properly when the Hero3 had a lens attached. I haven’t been able to find out the weight difference yet between the Hero and the Roam camera). So, while on the subject of the gimbal: I’ve got x3 perfectly capable cameras but not the gimbal that the camera requires. So, $350ish for the Gimbal, an additional $300ish for the correct camera AND in the future still have to buy the Larger gimbal, or just get a larger gimbal that will support the Sony NEX(generation) of cameras, but adds weight and expense to the entire deal (as in $2500ish for the NEX version of the gimbals).
Lastly, Radios, Batteries & Chargers:
Lots of talk about 7,8 & 9 channels radios. What do we need all the channels for? (as far as expanding). I understand the basic flight control, GPS/ATT(itude) hold, etc. Do the additional channels act as gimbal controls, re-treacts (retractable landing gears), and such?
The entire battery thing I know goes back to the motors/ESC, props, total weight and the attached electronics (FPV, Gimbal, lights, etc). This entire thing gets me all sorts of confused. I know someday I’ll go big (provided I don’t ball this entire thing up too many times). I’m leaning towards a charger that will support a larger set of batteries (different charging methods simultaneously) and balance them as well…
Ok, Hopefully I’ve displayed that I’ve done a LITTLE homework. I greatly appreciate you taking the time to read through all of this and hope you may have a few pointers. I'll continue to review the "Packages" that retailers are putting together and comparing the parts/pieces to try and find the most bang for my buck.
Thanks again and happy flying!
Corey
A little about myself. I’m a US Service member (currently stationed in Korea). From Michigan, family is currently remaining in Alaska (To which I hope to return after Korea). I’ve just hit the 17year mark TFAS (Total Federal Active Service). I started out as a Fire Fighter when I joined the Air Force in 96, Did that for 6 years. I became a DBM (Database Manager) after a duty related injury took me out of the Fire business. I then started becoming interested in 1:1 scale and ended up with the sticks of a Schweitzer 300C in my hands. Fast forward about 8 years. I’m now in the Army (in Korea), still on the 1:1 kick, now handling the UH60 Black Hawk and looking forward to getting back to the family in the next year or two.
Well now I’m not exactly “New” to RC, I’d consider myself old(er) to RC, re-found fan of RC Aviation. After many numerous failed attempts to fly a Blade CP, I figured I was doomed and should just stay away from RC Aviation. I’ve opted to take on the Multi-rotor aspect (how hard could it be, really??). I’m giving up on the Surface RC (Brand new XR10 and hop-up’s and electronics to sell) in hopes to doing something with this Multi idea.
I’ve spent a large amount of time behind the scenes researching, reviewing and comparing different frames, Flight controllers (computers), radios, motors, props, batteries, chargers… You know the deal. I figured I’d not open with the “Hi, it looks cool, what should I get” question that seems to pop up these days. (I’m old school, before computers were cool and we had to “work” for it). That in mind, this entire scene is REALLY huge. I’m mostly daunted/upset about the level of information that retailers/manufactures DON’T give about their products. With that in mind, I’ve been following numerous other posts that people just expect the answer to be handed to them and expect everything to be 100% perfect, all the time. Realistically, I know better than to expect that.
So, onto my hopes, dreams and smashing my bank account to pieces (while hopefully keeping the Hex in 1 piece).
I’ve opted to try and be systematic about this. I’ll give you my opinions about the components I’m leaning towards and why. Please feel free to tear apart my build and re-direct me. (BTW, I’ve been following along with the Group Build)
Intent:
Build a Multi-rotor (MR) that can survive an “oops” and shake it off with little to no associate repair costs. A MR that has user-replaceable components for upgrades, failures, accidents or catastrophic failures. A MR that can be built upon/grown with vs. grown out of (Phantom), and resilient enough to not be a catastrophic loss with a single mishap (Blade CP) First Person View (FPV)/Aerial photography ability (x3 axis gimbal) with the ability to grow towards a DSLR, or a NEX 5,6,7 (at a minimum). The last goal is geared towards growing beyond the Hex and into Oct’s.
DJI F550 (The actual DJI F550, not the knock-offs).
I’m leaning towards “Hex” just because of the redundancy. Flying a 1:1 scale, multi-engine with x3 redundant hydraulic systems, I fully believe in redundancy. The idea of having some control in the event of a catastrophic motor/prop or ESC failure is exactly what I’m looking for. It appears as though the Hex is the lowest level frame design that can maintain that.
The F550 has a significant amount of support and options available to it. I had considered a Tarot version but was concerned with the amount of vibration these MR’s probably produce (based on video’s I’ve seen). My concern is the F550 has absolutely fixed motor mounts (and upgradeable arms (alum) and longer versions available (to provide for longer blades, bigger motors, more lift, etc)). Where as the Tarot version the motors could turn on the arms (I can understand the import aspect of the mounts being exactly 90deg. Catastrophically, if something does happen, I’d hope to be able to downsize to a Team Black Sheep (TBS) frame and the remaining arms, and associated electronics. (forward thinking there huh!)
FC, GPS, Etc:
I’m REALLY wanting to go with XAircraft SuperX. A couple reasons. I’m really impressed with some of the feedback I’ve read about there being a problem with a previous firmware. When identified the Co jumped on it and resolved it. The idea of a “black box”. (This goes back to redundancy). If…. WHEN something goes wrong, I’d like to just plug up the PC and find out WHAT it was. Not keep throwing parts at it to try and un-screw it (Blade CP Experience). I’m not really sold that either the DJI Naza-M V2 is better/worse than the SuperX. I’m mostly sold on the recordablity (is that a word??) to do a self-determination of what went wrong. Realistically, how many people here would ball-up a 1500$ piece of equipment, pull the electronics and put it on another machine and “hope for the best”? I like the idea of sitting at a desk and troubleshooting vs. throwing money around.
If the SuperX doesn’t work out, the Naza is my current (2[SUP]nd[/SUP]) direction. Either way, I like that both of the manufactures provide a way to do a gimbal power/control.
Motors, ESC:
I haven’t found anywhere that says that the motors/ESC’s that come with the Flame wheel kits aren’t worth the cost, I just see that people change them. I’m mostly concerned with putting the anticipated weight I’m planning on flying with the included pieces vs. ??upgrading?? right out of the box (buying the frame alone vs. kit and ordering different motors, etc). That being said, the DJI 30A ESCs, are they worth keeping/buying? I’ve seen where people were using inexpensive ESC’s and flashing them with non OEM firmware and having great success. This is still a section of my build I haven’t fully researched yet.
Gimbal:
$$$ HOLY DOLLAR-BILLs BATMAN!!! $$$ Now I understand…. If you want to play with the BIG BOYS, you have to take the hits the big boys give… I’m only using a GoPro Hero 1 (Yes… Hero 1!) but I’ve also got x2 Contour Roam cameras that I’d like to use. I don’t think the ZenMuse H3-2D will/would support the Contour or even the older Hero1 camera. (I was reading somebody was having problems with the Gimbal operating properly when the Hero3 had a lens attached. I haven’t been able to find out the weight difference yet between the Hero and the Roam camera). So, while on the subject of the gimbal: I’ve got x3 perfectly capable cameras but not the gimbal that the camera requires. So, $350ish for the Gimbal, an additional $300ish for the correct camera AND in the future still have to buy the Larger gimbal, or just get a larger gimbal that will support the Sony NEX(generation) of cameras, but adds weight and expense to the entire deal (as in $2500ish for the NEX version of the gimbals).
Lastly, Radios, Batteries & Chargers:
Lots of talk about 7,8 & 9 channels radios. What do we need all the channels for? (as far as expanding). I understand the basic flight control, GPS/ATT(itude) hold, etc. Do the additional channels act as gimbal controls, re-treacts (retractable landing gears), and such?
The entire battery thing I know goes back to the motors/ESC, props, total weight and the attached electronics (FPV, Gimbal, lights, etc). This entire thing gets me all sorts of confused. I know someday I’ll go big (provided I don’t ball this entire thing up too many times). I’m leaning towards a charger that will support a larger set of batteries (different charging methods simultaneously) and balance them as well…
Ok, Hopefully I’ve displayed that I’ve done a LITTLE homework. I greatly appreciate you taking the time to read through all of this and hope you may have a few pointers. I'll continue to review the "Packages" that retailers are putting together and comparing the parts/pieces to try and find the most bang for my buck.
Thanks again and happy flying!
Corey
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