I'm looking to get my feet wet into the quadcopter world and after browsing around and doing some research, I think I have decided on the quad that will most likely suit my budget and needs for some FPV flying. I apologize if this post is a bit long winded, I just figured it would be good to illustrate the full picture. I'm completely new to the quadcopter side of RC, as I've been mostly into the basic Nitro cars and currently own one FPV Glider. (After seeing the recorded video I was hooked on FPV 
)
At the moment I'm currently leaning towards picking up one of the Lotus T380 Quad's and getting it setup with a transmitter and FPV system. I'm drawn to this particular quad due to the fact that it seems to be a good entry level machine that is well rounded for all my needs. (Decent payload for GoPro/Camera, price, and ease of flying)
After looking extensively online I found that Only Flying Machines seems to have the most information up on them as they market them as an entry level quad as well. I was originally set on picking up one of the pre-packaged OFM T380 kits from them until I stumbeld upon a few very helpful How-To guides on here and a few other forums. I figure (At least I hope I figure, haha) that I can have a go at assembling the machine myself and saving myself some $$$. I went back to the OFM page to see what was included with the all in one package, and it seemed as if the most basic of components were used with a healthy markup.
Now that all of that is over, essentially I would like to know if anyone would happen to have a little bit of time to help me out with making the correct decisions in building my quad. I've got a basic ''needs'' parts list below, as well as what I would ''like'' to have on the machine in a perfect world. (Although not completely necessary as I know I'm just a beginner)
''Needs'':
>FPV camera/video recording capability
>GoPro type payload
>Transmitter w/LCD screen
''Wants'':
GPS/Return to Home System
As I said, I have the outline of what I believe is needed to run the system, but I'd bet my life I am definitely forgetting something basic. If anyone could lend a suggestion as to what you think would work out best, I would greatly appreciate it. I've also searched the items up on the most basic of things, eBay (I know, I know) I am obviously completely open to picking things up at whatever online hobby shop has most of the items available in one spot.
Quadcopter: Lotus T380
( http://www.ebay.com/itm/310720191253?ssPageName=STRK:MESINDXX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1436.l2649 )
5.8ghz On-Board FPV Camera: Walkera Devo F4/F7 HD Cam
( http://www.ebay.com/itm/380696951138?ssPageName=STRK:MESINDXX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1436.l2649 )
(This is what is standard on the OFM all in one version and I believe this will record the video that is taken, however I am definitely open to another price comparible option that will be compatible)
5.8ghz On-Board Video Receiver/Transmitter:
( http://www.ebay.com/itm/181209265643?ssPageName=STRK:MESINDXX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1436.l2649 )
(Shot in the dark here on the model/quality. I am looking to get the highest power/possible range as I'd rather have the capability and not need the full power, than not have it at all)
Transmitter: Walkera Devo F4
( http://www.ebay.com/itm/310711980951?ssPageName=STRK:MESINDXX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1436.l2648 )
(Choosing this based off the OFM kit again. It has the LCD and the price seems to be affordable for what it is. Again, definitely open to similarly priced alternatives)
4 Channel Receiver: ?????
(Completely ignorant here on what I would need or is required for this build)
================================================================
As for my 'want' of a Return to Home system, I was researching the Naza M-lite as, once again, there are a few pages of info and videos with it working on the T-380.
( http://www.ebay.com/itm/331009691126?ssPageName=STRK:MESINDXX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1436.l2649 )
This is essentially where I'm at. It definitely feels like I have forgotten something though. Any help you guys can lend me would be greatly
appreciated.
Thanks
)At the moment I'm currently leaning towards picking up one of the Lotus T380 Quad's and getting it setup with a transmitter and FPV system. I'm drawn to this particular quad due to the fact that it seems to be a good entry level machine that is well rounded for all my needs. (Decent payload for GoPro/Camera, price, and ease of flying)
After looking extensively online I found that Only Flying Machines seems to have the most information up on them as they market them as an entry level quad as well. I was originally set on picking up one of the pre-packaged OFM T380 kits from them until I stumbeld upon a few very helpful How-To guides on here and a few other forums. I figure (At least I hope I figure, haha) that I can have a go at assembling the machine myself and saving myself some $$$. I went back to the OFM page to see what was included with the all in one package, and it seemed as if the most basic of components were used with a healthy markup.
Now that all of that is over, essentially I would like to know if anyone would happen to have a little bit of time to help me out with making the correct decisions in building my quad. I've got a basic ''needs'' parts list below, as well as what I would ''like'' to have on the machine in a perfect world. (Although not completely necessary as I know I'm just a beginner)
''Needs'':
>FPV camera/video recording capability
>GoPro type payload
>Transmitter w/LCD screen
''Wants'':
GPS/Return to Home System
As I said, I have the outline of what I believe is needed to run the system, but I'd bet my life I am definitely forgetting something basic. If anyone could lend a suggestion as to what you think would work out best, I would greatly appreciate it. I've also searched the items up on the most basic of things, eBay (I know, I know) I am obviously completely open to picking things up at whatever online hobby shop has most of the items available in one spot.
Quadcopter: Lotus T380
( http://www.ebay.com/itm/310720191253?ssPageName=STRK:MESINDXX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1436.l2649 )
5.8ghz On-Board FPV Camera: Walkera Devo F4/F7 HD Cam
( http://www.ebay.com/itm/380696951138?ssPageName=STRK:MESINDXX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1436.l2649 )
(This is what is standard on the OFM all in one version and I believe this will record the video that is taken, however I am definitely open to another price comparible option that will be compatible)
5.8ghz On-Board Video Receiver/Transmitter:
( http://www.ebay.com/itm/181209265643?ssPageName=STRK:MESINDXX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1436.l2649 )
(Shot in the dark here on the model/quality. I am looking to get the highest power/possible range as I'd rather have the capability and not need the full power, than not have it at all)
Transmitter: Walkera Devo F4
( http://www.ebay.com/itm/310711980951?ssPageName=STRK:MESINDXX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1436.l2648 )
(Choosing this based off the OFM kit again. It has the LCD and the price seems to be affordable for what it is. Again, definitely open to similarly priced alternatives)
4 Channel Receiver: ?????
(Completely ignorant here on what I would need or is required for this build)
================================================================
As for my 'want' of a Return to Home system, I was researching the Naza M-lite as, once again, there are a few pages of info and videos with it working on the T-380.
( http://www.ebay.com/itm/331009691126?ssPageName=STRK:MESINDXX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1436.l2649 )
This is essentially where I'm at. It definitely feels like I have forgotten something though. Any help you guys can lend me would be greatly
appreciated.
Thanks
Last edited by a moderator:
