aSmallHero
Member
Hello All,
Decided to build my first quadcopter. Looks like a ton of fun and not crazy expensive (my budget is around $500). I have been doing some research and came up with a build of major components. I wanted to hear what you all had for advice for each.
Just as a note, I do plan to build another one/modify this one for FPV camera fun once I get the hang of it, so I don’t mind investing in good RC, Control Boards or such because of the reuse.
1. Controller. Looked around at a lot of reviews along with some cool features. I eventually settled on the AeroQuad 32 Flight Control Board (Version 2). (http://www.aeroquadstore.com/AeroQuad_32_Flight_Control_Board_Version_2_p/aq32-001.htm)
Has a lot of the features I wanted including self-leveling and attitude hold. Don’t think I really need care free mode or anything related to GPS (I’ll be flying this puppy the entire time). I will use the juice from the motor controllers to power it. ($150)
2. RC. Based on research, it seems like 2.4 GHz was the frequency of choice (I live in Boston). When I do eventually do FPV it will be on a separate RC, I don’t see a need for more than two extra channels for random stuff. Although I find it strange that I can’t find power ratings frequently for all the RC’s I looked at, this one seemed to have positive reviews for range. I chose the DX6i. ($180)
http://www.hobby-lobby.com/dx6i_6_ch_full_range_w_o_servo_md2_1034657_prd1_1034666_prd1.htm
3. Speed Controller
The motors I am looking at are all 18A-20A (I would like to have a longer flight time if possible), resulting in a safe current requirement of 25A. 16.8 V should be plenty to satisfy my voltage requirements as well as I am looking at 3 cells. It also provides the 2A, 5V channel I need to power the controller. ($16)
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__3731__TURNIGY_Basic_25A_v3_1_Speed_Controller.html
4. Frame
I wanted something that was fairly durable, but not too expensive. Also wanted it geared towards beginners. I want to keep this quad on the smaller side, so the 450mm fits well. This one seemed to satisfy the requirements. ($18)
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/...SK450_Glass_Fiber_Quadcopter_Frame_450mm.html
5. Motors.
This is where it gets a bit complicated for me. Couple different options.
First option is a specially designed quadcopter motor that a friend recommended. I am concerned that its power output (kv) is not high enough though without massive propellers (smaller frame). The kv Rating is 530. ($32 per motor)
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__17923__nx_4006_530kv_brushless_quadcopter_motor.html
The second option is a bit more traditional, lower torque motor. Has a much high kv rating (1100). Means smaller props, which is good.
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/...D2836_8_1100KV_Brushless_Outrunner_Motor.html
Is there a better solution for me out there? I don’t need something super powerful (yet). I would rather have the extra flight time, but I am unsure if the best way to do that is to be careful about motor draw or get a bigger battery.
6. Props
Again, it depends on the motor, but some advice would also be most welcome here.
The 1[SUP]st[/SUP] motor mentioned above would require a big prop. Looking at a 10x4.5 SF Props. (http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/...tandard_Rotation_2_pc_RH_Rotation_Black_.html)
The second motors (1100 kv) should be smaller if my thinking is right. I was looking at a 7 inch diameter, 6 inch pitch. The pitch is a bit more, but I just wouldn’t need to raise the power all the way. Is that thinking correct for these props?
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/...pc_Std_Rotation_3pc_R_Hand_Rotation_6pc_.html
I also plan to buy extras when I break the 1[SUP]st[/SUP] set
7. Battery
Considering my power requirements (25 amps per motor controller for a total of 100 amps max draw ignoring the controller), this quad can suck up some juice. I am looking at the 5000mAh, 25C battery (yielding a total of 125 amps if needed). The downside is that if I draw at the speed controllers full draw, I’ve only got about 3 minutes of flight time. Is that figure average for quad copters and I will only be 70% on the motors for most of the flight?
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=14842
I need to buy a charger and perhaps a second battery for this as well.
Really appreciate the advice/help. Happy to post build/flight photos if people desired.
- aSmallHero
Decided to build my first quadcopter. Looks like a ton of fun and not crazy expensive (my budget is around $500). I have been doing some research and came up with a build of major components. I wanted to hear what you all had for advice for each.
Just as a note, I do plan to build another one/modify this one for FPV camera fun once I get the hang of it, so I don’t mind investing in good RC, Control Boards or such because of the reuse.
1. Controller. Looked around at a lot of reviews along with some cool features. I eventually settled on the AeroQuad 32 Flight Control Board (Version 2). (http://www.aeroquadstore.com/AeroQuad_32_Flight_Control_Board_Version_2_p/aq32-001.htm)
Has a lot of the features I wanted including self-leveling and attitude hold. Don’t think I really need care free mode or anything related to GPS (I’ll be flying this puppy the entire time). I will use the juice from the motor controllers to power it. ($150)
2. RC. Based on research, it seems like 2.4 GHz was the frequency of choice (I live in Boston). When I do eventually do FPV it will be on a separate RC, I don’t see a need for more than two extra channels for random stuff. Although I find it strange that I can’t find power ratings frequently for all the RC’s I looked at, this one seemed to have positive reviews for range. I chose the DX6i. ($180)
http://www.hobby-lobby.com/dx6i_6_ch_full_range_w_o_servo_md2_1034657_prd1_1034666_prd1.htm
3. Speed Controller
The motors I am looking at are all 18A-20A (I would like to have a longer flight time if possible), resulting in a safe current requirement of 25A. 16.8 V should be plenty to satisfy my voltage requirements as well as I am looking at 3 cells. It also provides the 2A, 5V channel I need to power the controller. ($16)
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__3731__TURNIGY_Basic_25A_v3_1_Speed_Controller.html
4. Frame
I wanted something that was fairly durable, but not too expensive. Also wanted it geared towards beginners. I want to keep this quad on the smaller side, so the 450mm fits well. This one seemed to satisfy the requirements. ($18)
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/...SK450_Glass_Fiber_Quadcopter_Frame_450mm.html
5. Motors.
This is where it gets a bit complicated for me. Couple different options.
First option is a specially designed quadcopter motor that a friend recommended. I am concerned that its power output (kv) is not high enough though without massive propellers (smaller frame). The kv Rating is 530. ($32 per motor)
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__17923__nx_4006_530kv_brushless_quadcopter_motor.html
The second option is a bit more traditional, lower torque motor. Has a much high kv rating (1100). Means smaller props, which is good.
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/...D2836_8_1100KV_Brushless_Outrunner_Motor.html
Is there a better solution for me out there? I don’t need something super powerful (yet). I would rather have the extra flight time, but I am unsure if the best way to do that is to be careful about motor draw or get a bigger battery.
6. Props
Again, it depends on the motor, but some advice would also be most welcome here.
The 1[SUP]st[/SUP] motor mentioned above would require a big prop. Looking at a 10x4.5 SF Props. (http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/...tandard_Rotation_2_pc_RH_Rotation_Black_.html)
The second motors (1100 kv) should be smaller if my thinking is right. I was looking at a 7 inch diameter, 6 inch pitch. The pitch is a bit more, but I just wouldn’t need to raise the power all the way. Is that thinking correct for these props?
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/...pc_Std_Rotation_3pc_R_Hand_Rotation_6pc_.html
I also plan to buy extras when I break the 1[SUP]st[/SUP] set
7. Battery
Considering my power requirements (25 amps per motor controller for a total of 100 amps max draw ignoring the controller), this quad can suck up some juice. I am looking at the 5000mAh, 25C battery (yielding a total of 125 amps if needed). The downside is that if I draw at the speed controllers full draw, I’ve only got about 3 minutes of flight time. Is that figure average for quad copters and I will only be 70% on the motors for most of the flight?
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=14842
I need to buy a charger and perhaps a second battery for this as well.
Really appreciate the advice/help. Happy to post build/flight photos if people desired.
- aSmallHero