Full_Tilt_Boogie

iTrader: (1)

Tarot gimbal is pretty cool, buuut-

Shazam
GoPro IMP 2Axis Brushless Gimbal All Multi-Rotor - Gimbal - RCTimer RC Plane Car MultiRotor APM and MultiWii Carbon Fiber Propeller Hobby Store
2Axis IMP GoPro brushless gimbal with controller - Accessories - RCTimer RC Plane Car MultiRotor APM and MultiWii Carbon Fiber Propeller Hobby Store

Put savings into better multirotor

Splitime

iTrader: (24)

Nice, that does save another 50 bucks over the places I found the Tarot. $150+ shipping at one place, $170 shipped at the other, obviously both with the controller. I wonder how much tweaking I'd have to do for the Hero3+ fitment, which is different than the original and even smaller than the standard Hero. (self answered, found a review with a Hero3 clamped in nicely.

Thanks for all the enabling


Random question, i am seeing mixed opinions about CF being used and RF interference. Anyone have thoughts/experience with that? Or is it mostly just about vibration being transmitted more easily through the CF?

Splitime

iTrader: (24)

Slowly putting a list together.

Flight Controller: Looking at the KK2.1 ($30+shipping - Hobbyking KK2.1 Multi-rotor LCD Flight Control Board With 6050MPU And Atmel 644PA)
OR
the more than twice the price HK Pilot Mega 2.5 (has GPS/Accel/Baro built in)... which can also plug together for data overlay in FPV with another HobbyKing kit (75+shipping - http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/s...dproduct=37328), FPV 433Mhz Radio Telemetry Kit 100mW V1.1

TX/RX: Turnigy th9x ($54 - http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/s...duct=8992.html) looks solid as recommended. Couple that with the FrSky 2.4ghz telemetry ($40 - http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/s...8FR_II_RX.html) kit should make for even nicer range (once FPV setup) and telemetry bonus. That combo gives me more than the FlySky TH9X variant (Telemetry added and Failsafe features) at the almost (4 bucks different) same cost on other sites for the FlySky TH9X. Battery for it - Turnigy 2000mah LiFePo ($13 - Turnigy nano-tech 2000mAh 2S1P 20~40C LiFePo4 Transmitter Pack)
+ Programmer board - $40 - http://www.smartieparts.com/shop/ind...roducts_id=331
+ backlight - $5 - http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/s...Blue_DIY_.html

ESC: Afro ESC (SimonK firmware) - $14 x4 - http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/s...uct=39708.html

Props: ?
Motors: ?
Chassis: ? - tempted to get the drill press back onto workbench and make something custom

GPS: ?

FPV extras: ?


GoPro gimbal + controller package -$113.96+shipping - BG20 GoPro Gimbal with Control Board - Gimbal - RCTimer RC Plane Car MultiRotor APM and MultiWii Carbon Fiber Propeller Hobby Store


Man... list of wants keeps growing.

EO2K

iTrader: (37)

The KK2.x boards are very limited and kinda noob-tube but there are TONS of guides out there for setting them up and they are VERY simple. It's enough to get you started but you will probably want to upgrade in the future if you want bells and whistles (GPS, OSD, Telemetry, etc) integrated with your flight controler.

The most feature rich one I've personally played with was the 3DR APM 2.5, but its expensive as heeeeeeeell. RCTimer makes a direct copy(or just changes the stickers on 3DR parts) called the ArduFlyer 2.5.2 and its reported to be just as nice, and less than 1/2 the price of the one from 3DR. All the documentation, firmware and configuration crosses over so there is a lot of data out there to support it. I'll probably buy one from RCTimer once they figure out how to copy/clone the APM 2.6 with the external GPS and compass.

There are a ton of flight controller options out there, I'm sure some here can cover stuff like the MWC and Flip units. I have limited exposure so I won't speak to them.

I'm really digging what I'm reading about the SunnySky motors, I bought my 980kv ones from Multirotor Superstore. I bought a set previously from BuddyRC.com and never got them to answer the phone or an email when I tried to return them. Ended up selling them at a loss. I learned about the SS motors here: SunnySky x2212 980kv - RC Groups. Good chatter in that thread about weights, power, props, etc.

Other than that, you are right. This hobby gets real expensive real quick

Splitime

iTrader: (24)

Hurm, sunnysky - Buy Cheap sunnysky From Banggood

Bought with success from them, no clue if they are cheapest game for those on the block or not. Free (slow) shipping though.

Also, not sure how open world it is... but the DJI Naza seems to be liked? Price seems nice, but GPS unit that works with it takes total price up to 170... http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/s...ontroller.html for 70 bucks.

vehicular

iTrader: (3)

I'm using one of these. It's not drop in, but once you figure out the Arduino idiosyncrasies it's very easy to fly, and comes with baro/ gyros/ GPS/ everything.


MultiWii PRO Flight Controller w/MTK GPS Module

Splitime

iTrader: (24)

Too many options!!

turbofan

iTrader: (1)

I am absolutely overwhelmed by how much stuff you guys know. I feel like an ignoramus.

Carry on.

Splitime

iTrader: (24)

Back to thinking that XAircraft I posted might be a great starting point. I should be able to get enough by selling the older FC system to do one of the many we've talked about... that MultiWii w/gps sounding pretty tasty...

300 gets me a fully assembled, balanced quad capable of lifting 2lbs with ease (has lifted 5, but thats to much for real flight use)... to do that DIY I'd basically be at those costs from what I'm thinking.

vehicular

iTrader: (3)

For the record, building the quads is as much fun to me as flying them.

Full_Tilt_Boogie

iTrader: (1)

I agree.
Im not really interested in buying a frame unless it was going to be used for some kind of business and I would need to repair it quickly. Building the frames is a big part of the experience for me.

Splitime

iTrader: (24)

Dammit guys... stop reminding me that I enjoy tinkering.

The only reason a predone setup is nice for me atm is that I get flying sooner, with the new little one here... my free time is limited. I'd still be doing a custom FC/GPS/Gimbal (possibly FPV) setup....

Question is, what will materials cost me to get something together that can carry the equivalent 2lbs with ease.

Full_Tilt_Boogie

iTrader: (1)

I hate working with wood, but its one of the best materials. My wood frame is significantly lighter than my aluminum frame, even with longer arms (which will soon be cut down to the length of the old aluminum arms).

Check out this thread:
Show Us Your Scratchbuilt Multirotors - RC Groups

Splitime

iTrader: (24)

Looks like I might build my own afterall, local guy with the X830 is a CL flaker.

Now the question is... where to start in picking motors/escs/(evaluating a few FCs mentioned/frame design so I can have a stable platform in the end for some fun gimbal/GoPro shooting and eventually FPV.

vehicular

iTrader: (3)

This is a good place to start:

eCalc - xcopterCalc - the most reliable RC Calculator on the Web


I put in combinations that I could actually get from Hobbyking, and made pretty close weight budgets until i came up with something i was happy with. Then I got free semi truck batteries and threw all of that careful planning and estimation out the window.

Splitime

iTrader: (24)

That link appears to be pretty cool in regards to the numbers. Time to learn a metric ton I guess... i know about nothing regarding motor specs, esc requirements, battery selection... should be fun!

Splitime

iTrader: (24)

So do you guys find yourselves doing more trial by error in parts selection? Or are there some known good bang for the buck fits that are go tos?

Having issues really figuring out battery/prop/motor details... as I don't really know my end weight that I need to have double lifting power over to handle. I did some adding up, but without a frame (or diy prebuilt choosen) i'm short knowing where a good amount of grams are coming from.

I'd love to just make one big hobbyking (and rctimer) order to get into this build.... but hung up on major details.

Fairly set on details:
Turnigy 9X 9Ch Tr (modding this with reprogram and telemetry boards)
MultiWii PRO Flig (Gps included for good overall package for price)
Turnigy 9X LCD Ba (light it up!)
ZIPPY Flightmax 1 (for remote)
Afro ESC 30Amp Mu x4 (i think 30amp should handle my gopro/gimbal goals)
TURNIGY Voltage P (voltage protector Capacitor)
FrSky DF 2.4Ghz C (with telemetry on tx/rx, modding 9x to work with this)

The rest... dunno which battery size to really use... or motor size... or if i build a frame then spec those out....

ARGH.

EO2K

iTrader: (37)

Ive found most of the vendors listed weights are close enough to start adding them together to get a ballpark. Google should provide the rest as the multirotor community loves to weight things and post about it. Watch out for HobbyKing, they usually post the shipping weight and the actual product weight is buried in the description somewhere. I personally just read a lot and see what other people are doing as a starting point. I usually look at peoples flight times and compare that to AUW, props, motors and batteries and tweak from there.

Example: I'm at 1085g in basic LOS flight trim with 750kv, 10x4.5, 3S 2200mah 35c and I'm probably looking at 10~ min flight time. Hover is probably 50-55% stick, but I need to confirm that. Granted I've never actually timed it because I'm still trying to get it tuned and I do stupid all the time, but you get the idea. I'm probably going to drop like 20g (or more) per corner by switching to the lighter SunnySky motors that don't use the giant aluminum prop adapters and CF or composite props that are just better in every way than the shitty bendy HK props I'm using now. I also don't have my FPV shiza finalized yet so that's an unknown weight, plus I'd like more battery. If I can stay under 1200-1300g all said and done, I'll be a happy camper.

vehicular

iTrader: (3)

I started with a known-good formula and worked from there.

Splitime

iTrader: (24)

Still need to build it (frame kit)... but package deal looks like decent starting point.

Includes one of each (unless otherwise specified):
- V2 Glass Fiber Hexcopter Frame 550mm - Integrated PCB Version
- MT2213-935KV MultiStar Motor and Propeller Combo 10-4.5 (QUANTITY 7)
- Hobbyking KK2.0 Multi-rotor LCD Flight Control Board
- Turnigy 9XR Transmitter Mode 2
- FrSky DJT 2.4Ghz Combo Pack for JR w/ Telemetry Module & V8FR-II RX
- Turnigy 9XR 2200mAh 3S 1.5C Transmitter Pack
- Turnigy nano-tech 4000mah 3S 35~70C Lipo Pack (QUANTITY 4)
- Turnigy Plush 30amp Speed Controller (QUANTITY 6)
- Turnigy BESC Programming Card
- Turnigy Accucel-6 50W 6A Balancer/Charger
- Lithium Polymer Charge Pack Sack (25x33cm)

Also includes:
- case for KK2.0
- gyro pads
- prop balancer
- servo extension leads
- battery checker and alarm
- XT90 and XT60 connectors
- USB programmer

For $350 shipped. All new