My first build!

CJ1

Member
Hi all, posted in the beginners section as well but I'd like to keep the build thread in the correct section, so starting again here.

I've been pondering for a while over whether to buy a rtf quadcopter, or build my own. I quite like knowing how things work though, so decided I'd rather build my own (even if this could potentially cost more/ be a steep learning curve etc...), I want it to be a reasonably cheap build as if I crash it then it's not 1)too expensive to repair, or 2)I won't feel massively attached to it.

So I decided on the HK X550 frame, which I've now received and got built up. I'm still undecided on the electrics, but from watching some videos and reading other threads i'm thinking of copying another I saw (or doing it very similar):
Rx/Tx, battery and charger:
1x Turnigy 9X 9Ch Transmitter w/ Module & 8ch Receiver (Mode 2) (v2 Firmware)
1x ZIPPY Flightmax 2650mAh Transmitter Pack (Futaba/JR)
4x Turnigy AE-25A Brushless ESC

Others:
1x TURNIGY 3~8S Voltage Detector
1x Nylon XT60 Connectors Male/Female (5 pairs) GENUINE
2x PolyMax 3.5mm Gold Connectors 10 PAIRS (20PC)
3x Turnigy 4mm Heat Shrink Tube - RED (1mtr)
3x Turnigy 4mm Heat Shrink Tube - BLACK (1mtr)
1x Battery Strap (5pcs/bag)
3x 10CM Male to Male Servo Lead (JR) 26AWG (10pcs/set)

Motors, propellers, ESC and battery
3x ZIPPY Flightmax 2200mAh 3S1P 45C
4x http://www.hobbyking.co.uk/hobbykin..._Brushless_Outrunner_Motor_UK_Warehouse_.html
1x http://www.hobbyking.co.uk/hobbykin..._UK_Warehouse_.html?strSearch=turnigy accucel

Things i'm still unsure on and need advice on please:
  • Propellers
  • Flight Controllers
Does this seem like a reasonable set up?
 

Hoki

Member
OH OH OH, I'm building one too. Where's the flight controller? I used aliexpress website. I won't use hobbyking unless I have to like if I can only get what I want from there cause of there shipping charges.
 

CJ1

Member
Ordered:
Motors
Props
ESC's
and a few small bits... Came to £87 - putting this build at £100 so far.

Main thing to buy next is transmitter/receiver but it's currently out of stock.
 

F

fengshuidrone

Guest
Here's a list of FCs that I came up with that you can research on your own.
1. KK Strengths, easy to set up, on board LCD screen and programming buttons, used by lots of first timers and beginners. Doesn't cost a lot.
2. APM (Covers a multitude of their stuff) Strengths, lots of features and ports, atmega 2560 processor, awesome GUI interface, does waypoint nav missions. Can be kind of expensive to what I would consider overpriced.
3. Multiwii Mega boards (several sources like Crius, RTFQ, HK) To me, the ultimate controller if you can figure it out. Same strengths as the APM, same processor, different fork of Arduino from APM. Can be had for between $30.00 and $70.00.
4. Naze 32 (includes boards like SP racing F32 and RTFQ Flip, CCD3) Another fork off the original APM code, but made to run with a fast 32 bit processor. Strengths, Ultra quick and used for FPV racing, can run baseflight or cleanflight firmware. Costs about the same as your typical Multiwii Mega.
5. Naza Supposedly easy to set up and get flying but I am not qualified to comment any further on DJI. Way overpriced for what it does IMHO.
I found this FC comparison chart. Some of the FCs might not even exist anymore from that one though. It looks a little dated. https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/15mmxrJwRKge7VD86OmNsJiwZTkyFiUokkWh1NG-E7rY/edit?hl=en#gid=0
After checking, the Multiwii info there is way out of date. Lots of links on there don't exist now either.
 
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