First Build

[cpilot]

Hello experts,
I've been rocketing around in a Hubsan X4 H107c for a while now and am now ready to upgrade to a big boy quad. Instead of purchasing one of the fine RTF models out there I decided I would like to try my hand at building my own. I happen to enjoy huddling over my workbench, burning my fingers on a soldering iron and practicing my profanity. I've spent quite a bit of time researching and have come up with the following build list. Please feel free to mock and/or give suggestions.
My goals:
- FPV
- Good endurance
- GPS stabilization/Waypoints/RTS
- Affordable
- Somewhat transportable
I have:
- GoPro
- Misc electronic equipment and supplies
What I'm looking to buy:
Bird
- 9332000005 - Turnigy Integrated PCB Mini-Quad 345mm (Removing the airplane design)
- 9351000006 - Turnigy Multistar ESC Programming Card
- 9351000003 - Turnigy Multistar 20 Amp Multi-rotor Bru
- 387000041-0 - Case Set For MultiWii PRO Flight Control
- 387000003 - MultiWii PRO Flight Controller w/MTK GPS
- 9192000114-0 - Turnigy Multistar 2209-980Kv 14Pole Mult
- 9329000027 - Slow Fly Electric Prop 1045R SF RH Rotat
- 9329000028 - Slow Fly Electric Prop 1045 SF (4 pc - G
FPV
- STCR351305 - SkyZone 5.8Ghz 200mw FPV Wireless AV Tx
- 435000015 - 5.8 GHz Circular Polarized Antenna SMA
- 9171000444-0 - Quanum DIY FPV Goggle Set with Monitor
- 9074000220 - Hobbyking G-OSD 3 Mini OSD System w/GPS
- 258000115-0 - Super Slim GoPro 3 A/V Cable And Power L
- 258000112-0 - GoPro and AEE Magicam Live A/V Out FPV C
Misc
- TX-9X-M2 - Turnigy 9X 9Ch Transmitter w/ Module & 8
- 258000011 - 10CM Male to Male Servo Lead (JR) 26AWG
- 12V45AUBEC - 12V 4.5A UBEC 2-5S Lipoly (7.2-21V) (Adding LED's)
- 258000070 - JST-XH Parallel Balance Lead 3S 250mm
- Voltage-Alarm - Hobbyking 2-8S Cell Checker with Low Vol
- AM1001A - PolyMax 3.5mm Gold Connectors 10 PAIRS
- AM1003A - 4mm Gold Connectors 10 pairs (20pc)
Battery
Multistar High Capacity 3S 4000mAh Multi-Rotor Lipo Pack
eCalc gives me a hover at approximately 52%, but I've struggled to find a configuration that will give me over 10 minutes. Right now I'm hoping to use the GoPro as the FPV source, but eventually I would like to add a separate camera and attach a gimbal.
Let me know if I've make and glaring errors, or if there is a much better, similarly priced build I could make.
Thanks

 

[Motopreserve]

Without links it's hard to know exact which frame you've chosen - but I would suggest looking I to the DJI (or clone) f450. Little more room and prop size (does the HK frame take 10" props???) - and you'll have a better chance of getting a gimbal (small and light) on a 450 than anything smaller.

If eCalc has you hovering at 52%, try to factor in the added weight you plan on to see where you'd be at down the road.

Take me a look at the frsky taranis as well. Similar to the Tx you chose, but fully functional out of the box.

For or a quad that size you would probably be fine with 3.5mm bullets. Pick one size and order extras.

Lastly, take a look at the multiwii boards from witespy (Readytoflyquads). They are solid hardware and preloaded with firmware that flies pretty well out of the box. Multiwii takes some tweaking , so dig in and start researching.

 

[Galerina]

I am new to multirotors and RC in general. That said, I have been doing a lot of reading and watching. My original intent was to build my own quad, like you are. But now I am going toward building my own tri-rotor. Having seen the video from a quad and a tri-rotor the tri-rotor appears smoother and more natural when flying. For hovering, I think a quad may be a better choice. For FPV, I would opt for a tri-rotor. And addition benefit of the tri-rotor is the two arms in front can fold back such that all three arms are parallel next to each other for compact and easy transport. The disadvantage of the tri-rotor is the articulate motor on the tail boom. It requires a servo and everything that goes with installing and maintain that.