Hey guys, my names Zach. I want to build my own drone for pretty cheap. Around $100 would be nice, I want it to have a HD camera so I can take some pretty cool video pretty high up. Around 200ft max would be okay. I'm not sure what parts can achieve this, I do have a gopro and if I could mount it that'd be great too. If you have any recommendations please comment them, sorry if I sound nooby. I'm new to this. Thanks for your time and have a great day
Help me build a list
- Thread starter Zach_H
- Start date
What are the chances of raising your budget to $200 or $250?
Quadcopter102
Well-Known Member
I have to keep swopping my head from AU$$ to US$$
Sounds like a 450 frame - or bigger.
Motors between $50 - $100+
ESCz $50 up
Frame $25 up
2 batteries $50 up
Props 4 sets X 2 min $25 up
FC $25 up
Lipo Charger $25 up
HD Camera? photo only or FPV? $$$$ ??
Radio/RX $70 up
Another $100 on soldering iron, solder, electric ties, heat shrink tube, prop balancer, bullit connectors, T60/Deans plugs, elecric wire in at least 3 diameters, and a truck load of stuff I have collected and forgot about!
Flowers, chocolate - meals out ( for the wife too keep her sweet!)
GJH, reckon this about right??
Thanks for the replies first off, also the reason I have my budget low is because I've seen like a syma drone that has a fairly HD camera for around $100. What would the differences be between building your own compared to buying one. I figured that building your own would be way cheaper because that's how it was with building a computer. Lastly, how do you know which parts are compatible? When I built a computer, I used a website to pick every part and it told me if it was compatible; is there anything like this for quad copters?
Jackson
USA member at large
It's not really, and it's nothing like building a computer, which is basically just carefully plugging in components. No soldering to be done, no flight controllers to be programmed etc. And building a computer is not really cheaper if adding in the cost of a legitimate Windows OS and programs that come with prebuilts. Not everyone is comfortable using cracked software which often entails it's own often arcane trials and tribulations.
These days as China jumps into the prebuilt, hobby grade fray it gets harder to choose.
Dennis Baldwin (very good vid channel BTW) just built this kit for a friend.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...&tag=dennisbaldwin-20&linkId=SY7D7NZVGQXUSRQ7
A nice collection of branded parts with a CF frame, but you'll need a few more dollars for wires, battery connector etc.
Then we see this at Banggood.
http://www.banggood.com/Eachine-Rac...-OSD-With-HD-Camera-BNF-Version-p-995366.html
A prebuilt model that adds adds FPV, a battery, charger, radio lanyard, and battery strap to boot.
Need a radio? This looks like one slick, very complete kit.
http://www.banggood.com/Eachine-Fal...ote-Control-5_8G-HD-Camera-RTF-p-1026335.html
Many tell folks to build your own. But unless you are very detail oriented, mechanically inclined and willing to take a lot time researching, it can be a nerve wracking experience, as noted by the myriad of 'help' threads. And as the posts build up many times the OP just disappears. I'm sure many folks have just given up and never got their home built off the ground.
Just saying.
Lifting a GoPro is what I was assuming your goal was, if you are not set on that, and your budget can't be increased a toy grade would do you nicely. They are getting better software, but their lifting capacities are generally limited.It's not really, and it's nothing like building a computer, which is basically just carefully plugging in components. No soldering to be done, no flight controllers to be programmed etc. And building a computer is not really cheaper if adding in the cost of a legitimate Windows OS and programs that come with prebuilts. Not everyone is comfortable using cracked software which often entails it's own often arcane trials and tribulations.
These days as China jumps into the prebuilt, hobby grade fray it gets harder to choose.
Dennis Baldwin (very good vid channel BTW) just built this kit for a friend.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...&tag=dennisbaldwin-20&linkId=SY7D7NZVGQXUSRQ7
A nice collection of branded parts with a CF frame, but you'll need a few more dollars for wires, battery connector etc.
Then we see this at Banggood.
http://www.banggood.com/Eachine-Rac...-OSD-With-HD-Camera-BNF-Version-p-995366.html
A prebuilt model that adds adds FPV, a battery, charger, radio lanyard, and battery strap to boot.
Need a radio? This looks like one slick, very complete kit.
http://www.banggood.com/Eachine-Fal...ote-Control-5_8G-HD-Camera-RTF-p-1026335.html
Many tell folks to build your own. But unless you are very detail oriented, mechanically inclined and willing to take a lot time researching, it can be a nerve wracking experience, as noted by the myriad of 'help' threads. And as the posts build up many times the OP just disappears. I'm sure many folks have just given up and never got their home built off the ground.
Just saying.
Quadcopter102
Well-Known Member
To be frank....your best option is to forget about DIY building and get hold of an RTF quad from one of the Chinese stores/Amazon or eBay. The latter two will give you buyer protection and most of the Chinese stores are OK... some are not and these should be ignored - no matter how good the price seems to be. I and other have threads which list the weeks taken to get any resolution from one particular "group" of three online stores - so look out for the threads. BangGood is growing more "legit" and do tend to sort out problems.
AS GJH mentioned - the software driving the latest design quads is getting better and giving more stability - higher grade camera's - but they are smart enough to lift their prices accordingly.
The Syma X5 range seems to get good reviews - but so do many others.
Learn to fly an RTF and more about quads - builds etc from the past threads on the forum. Check out youTube - quadcopter101 as a blog with "how to fly" info and vids - frequent flyer is an absolute ACE at flying quads and can do in his 10 foot square spare room - what most of us could not do on a football field. If you want to see what is involved in building...painlesss360 - rcmodelreviews and a lot more who will show up in the similar type on youTube will give you a clear picture of what is involved.
It's not really, and it's nothing like building a computer, which is basically just carefully plugging in components. No soldering to be done, no flight controllers to be programmed etc. And building a computer is not really cheaper if adding in the cost of a legitimate Windows OS and programs that come with prebuilts. Not everyone is comfortable using cracked software which often entails it's own often arcane trials and tribulations.
These days as China jumps into the prebuilt, hobby grade fray it gets harder to choose.
Dennis Baldwin (very good vid channel BTW) just built this kit for a friend.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...&tag=dennisbaldwin-20&linkId=SY7D7NZVGQXUSRQ7
A nice collection of branded parts with a CF frame, but you'll need a few more dollars for wires, battery connector etc.
Then we see this at Banggood.
http://www.banggood.com/Eachine-Rac...-OSD-With-HD-Camera-BNF-Version-p-995366.html
A prebuilt model that adds adds FPV, a battery, charger, radio lanyard, and battery strap to boot.
Need a radio? This looks like one slick, very complete kit.
http://www.banggood.com/Eachine-Fal...ote-Control-5_8G-HD-Camera-RTF-p-1026335.html
Many tell folks to build your own. But unless you are very detail oriented, mechanically inclined and willing to take a lot time researching, it can be a nerve wracking experience, as noted by the myriad of 'help' threads. And as the posts build up many times the OP just disappears. I'm sure many folks have just given up and never got their home built off the ground.
Just saying.
Thanks for the feedback, I really do want to build a quadcopter and I found this online. http://fpvcentral.net/2013/03/high-performance-quadcopter-for-120-step-1-the-shopping-list/
$120 for the parts, but my question is what do I need? Like besides the parts listed there, I need a battery, battery charger, and controller correct? Are those parts listed there also okay? Lastly, any changes to those parts and what would be a fairly cheap controller, every controller I've seen has cost around $200
Quadcopter102
Well-Known Member
OK.. if you want to get involved in building a quad - these are the problems I faced:
Deciding what size of frame and what i want to do with it when completed.
250 size frame =racing/Fast flying FPV - First Person Viewing.. see youTube vids for clarity!
450/500 and up - basically camera platforms and the most opted for frame size for we beginners!
Custom builds... beyond me but there are some smart guys on here - Jackson, GHJ, Holtneil, are but a few ( if you are smart and not listed - sorry - time and space)
Depending on your frame and intent - you need to decide motor/prop size combinations.
Camera platform - you need to consider how you are going to get the camera attached and if you want stability and no blur/jello effect - a gimbal of some sort.
I suggest you need a week or at least 50 hours of vid watching on youTube doing searches for frame size and and watch the build vids.
Having decided what you want - you need to decide where to buy it.
Apart from buying:-
XXX size Frame
Motors
Propellers
ESCs
Flight controller - a few to choose from! again - check out youTube - search quadcopter flight controller
Lipo Batteries
you will also need to buy/acquire - a radio transmitter and at least one reciever
You will need to already have or buy -
Lipo battery charger - better to get the best balancing charger you can afford - they will do a better job and if you lose interest - will sell better than a cheapo.
Battery straps
Soldering iron(s)
Solder
Prop balancer (but some can improvise)
Electric ties in various lengths and widths
Threadlocker ( blue)
Heat Shink Tube - different diameters for the different wire dia used on motors , ESCs etc. Comes in various colours of your choice..
T60 and / or Deans type male/female battery connectors
3.5 gold plated "Bullet" connectors ( some prefer to join wires with these rather than solder joins)
Double sided tape
Electrical wire in different diameter and colour
wire cutters,
Scalpel type craft knife
Voltage warning indicators for the batteries
optional but useful - small digital scale to keep a check of the weight of individual items and final weight
I may have missed something... if so I am sure others will chip in and add to the list.
A few months ago GJH told me much of what I am passing on now and added - building quadcopter's is...addictive!
I ended up getting different flight controllers to see which I could programme/deal with.
a long story but used a store credit to get a set of motors.
Got some "no big brand name" ESCs to save money - crap! had to buy more - long delay so bought more and faster shipping!
I thought - all this kit laying about.. might as well get another frame!
So now I am working on a 450 - and a 500 Alien. budget doubled.
Had doubts about a radio - bought a cheapo to check it alongside...
While ordering some more bits from a Chinese online store...spotted a 450 frame at really low money... just had to get it!
The soldering on my first is a bit iffy - so will rebuild on the new frame and take better care! The new frame arrived and is the same of better than the first which cost about 2.5 times as much.
Also so a 500 Alien frame at low money... decided to get it because I have an idea to fit an extra "deck" ....
A few days back looking around eBay _ saw a set of eMax motors 2213 920 kv - auction start at AU -$25.99 - I hate auctions and have only used Buy Now - entered a bit $28 - the sold at $29 - the listing appeared again automatically - within an hour 1 bidder - I waited to 10 seconds to go next day and put in another bid at $31 - got them for $27.99!
I have Emax ESC - so these will go with the motors and the old frame!
It can be addictive!
Deciding what size of frame and what i want to do with it when completed.
250 size frame =racing/Fast flying FPV - First Person Viewing.. see youTube vids for clarity!
450/500 and up - basically camera platforms and the most opted for frame size for we beginners!
Custom builds... beyond me but there are some smart guys on here - Jackson, GHJ, Holtneil, are but a few ( if you are smart and not listed - sorry - time and space)
Depending on your frame and intent - you need to decide motor/prop size combinations.
Camera platform - you need to consider how you are going to get the camera attached and if you want stability and no blur/jello effect - a gimbal of some sort.
I suggest you need a week or at least 50 hours of vid watching on youTube doing searches for frame size and and watch the build vids.
Having decided what you want - you need to decide where to buy it.
Apart from buying:-
XXX size Frame
Motors
Propellers
ESCs
Flight controller - a few to choose from! again - check out youTube - search quadcopter flight controller
Lipo Batteries
you will also need to buy/acquire - a radio transmitter and at least one reciever
You will need to already have or buy -
Lipo battery charger - better to get the best balancing charger you can afford - they will do a better job and if you lose interest - will sell better than a cheapo.
Battery straps
Soldering iron(s)
Solder
Prop balancer (but some can improvise)
Electric ties in various lengths and widths
Threadlocker ( blue)
Heat Shink Tube - different diameters for the different wire dia used on motors , ESCs etc. Comes in various colours of your choice..
T60 and / or Deans type male/female battery connectors
3.5 gold plated "Bullet" connectors ( some prefer to join wires with these rather than solder joins)
Double sided tape
Electrical wire in different diameter and colour
wire cutters,
Scalpel type craft knife
Voltage warning indicators for the batteries
optional but useful - small digital scale to keep a check of the weight of individual items and final weight
I may have missed something... if so I am sure others will chip in and add to the list.
A few months ago GJH told me much of what I am passing on now and added - building quadcopter's is...addictive!
I ended up getting different flight controllers to see which I could programme/deal with.
a long story but used a store credit to get a set of motors.
Got some "no big brand name" ESCs to save money - crap! had to buy more - long delay so bought more and faster shipping!
I thought - all this kit laying about.. might as well get another frame!
So now I am working on a 450 - and a 500 Alien. budget doubled.
Had doubts about a radio - bought a cheapo to check it alongside...
While ordering some more bits from a Chinese online store...spotted a 450 frame at really low money... just had to get it!
The soldering on my first is a bit iffy - so will rebuild on the new frame and take better care! The new frame arrived and is the same of better than the first which cost about 2.5 times as much.
Also so a 500 Alien frame at low money... decided to get it because I have an idea to fit an extra "deck" ....
A few days back looking around eBay _ saw a set of eMax motors 2213 920 kv - auction start at AU -$25.99 - I hate auctions and have only used Buy Now - entered a bit $28 - the sold at $29 - the listing appeared again automatically - within an hour 1 bidder - I waited to 10 seconds to go next day and put in another bid at $31 - got them for $27.99!
I have Emax ESC - so these will go with the motors and the old frame!
It can be addictive!
Last edited:
Thanks so much! Awesome help, starting to make more sense. But what do the kV on motors mean, and what ESC amps are recommended? 12A, 20A, and how do you know what is compatible with what?
Quadcopter102
Well-Known Member
You will have about another 20,000 questions before you start out! I keep advising - spend hours on youTube before you do anything else.
Decide what size frame you will use.. and search youTube for say - 450 quad build.
There is a brilliant educator on youTube - rcmodelreviews he witters on a bit at times and hates authorities! But he knows just about everything and anything their is to know about RC aircraft of any type and he knows the technical side and can explain in idiots understand mode.
Rather than keep posting a what is question - you can always do a Google search - but after a few hours on youTube - you will pick up more info - what is KV - check here
Ok, thanks again for all your help. Most people I've encountered on forums for other things are often rude; everyone on here has been very nice. I appreciate your help!
Quadcopter102
Well-Known Member
We have the odd grumpy type here also! But luckily this is a GREAT forum to join and learn about quads.
The mods seldom have to get their taser guns and black leather overcoats out to deal with errant members.
I think the strength of this forum is the the fact that we are mostly all new to quads and want to learn.
What I found on other forums is the "I know more than you" mentality. You wanna learn mate - get into a field crash loads of times and learn!
They all forget that there was a day when even the biggest expert in RC - knew nothing and got help from others.
Do a bit of background and soak up info off youTube - the best visual encyclopedia on the planet. If you subscribe to rcmodelreviews and the others - look at the video lists... and you will learn about KV ESC and all the other stuff that still baffles me.....
Then ask the questions here when things puzzle you... I have been at it since August 2015 after getting a really rubbish RTF Syma from a Chinese store and looking for answers - found this forum.
The mods seldom have to get their taser guns and black leather overcoats out to deal with errant members.
I think the strength of this forum is the the fact that we are mostly all new to quads and want to learn.
What I found on other forums is the "I know more than you" mentality. You wanna learn mate - get into a field crash loads of times and learn!
They all forget that there was a day when even the biggest expert in RC - knew nothing and got help from others.
Do a bit of background and soak up info off youTube - the best visual encyclopedia on the planet. If you subscribe to rcmodelreviews and the others - look at the video lists... and you will learn about KV ESC and all the other stuff that still baffles me.....
Then ask the questions here when things puzzle you... I have been at it since August 2015 after getting a really rubbish RTF Syma from a Chinese store and looking for answers - found this forum.