The goal was around $250, but I went over it with mistakes, I made this so if you want to build similar you won't have to make such costly mistakes.
If all of the suggested parts are added up without the radio, and replace the plastic props with carbon fibre the total is $112.5.
Unless you already have a good radio, then you will need another $70 for a good one. I'd sugggest:
Turnigy
Really cheap if you get the 9x, and good quality, if you get the Turnigy pro version for a good bit more you can do a LRS
Spektruim (Great quality; Dx6i, Dx6, or Dx7)
Orange (great quality, cheapest on this list, and receivers work with most Spektruim products)
FrySky (makes a good yet cheap 9X probably the cheapest full range 9 channel Tx)
I have used the HKTR6A v2 (Hobby King's) Transmitter and reciever. I have no complaints with it, it is just not really upgradable. It has a range of alot further than you can see, so if you fly LOS, and are over budget it is fine. Here is a modification I made to it to make it cheaper and more convenient. I put a Xt60 battery connector so I could power it off from a LiPo or LiFe battery. I made a cable to power my FPV and Tx from the same battery. Make sure you don't have batteries in when you have a LiPo connected, I just soldered my leads onto the PCB and left the AA battery holder connected.
Frame is custom built (picture below).
FCB and User interface
FPV Plans (forum link)
Frame weighs 233.5 grams vs the turnigy H.A.L at turnigy H.A.L. (Heavy Aerial Lift) 614gtams
Lighter landing Gear added lights
Latest (Revision 4)
I added a aluminium battery holder, the battery makes a nice click and is held pretty well, I'll probably add some Velcro to keep it in even better.
I also added lighter legs that are bouncy (not finished in picture) and bolted the motors down, as the screws vibrate loose.
Here is a very simple distribution board for both power and video I am etching.
If you are interested in how well it handles crashes and repairs, see post 11.
It was flying much better than this, but I had to reset everything, still waiting on a flash tool so it is also jittery.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BwEFxtFiACWxemEzUGlReEtkMzg/view?usp=sharing
Here it is with a temporary camera mount.
If all of the suggested parts are added up without the radio, and replace the plastic props with carbon fibre the total is $112.5.
Unless you already have a good radio, then you will need another $70 for a good one. I'd sugggest:
Turnigy
Really cheap if you get the 9x, and good quality, if you get the Turnigy pro version for a good bit more you can do a LRS
Spektruim (Great quality; Dx6i, Dx6, or Dx7)
Orange (great quality, cheapest on this list, and receivers work with most Spektruim products)
FrySky (makes a good yet cheap 9X probably the cheapest full range 9 channel Tx)
I have used the HKTR6A v2 (Hobby King's) Transmitter and reciever. I have no complaints with it, it is just not really upgradable. It has a range of alot further than you can see, so if you fly LOS, and are over budget it is fine. Here is a modification I made to it to make it cheaper and more convenient. I put a Xt60 battery connector so I could power it off from a LiPo or LiFe battery. I made a cable to power my FPV and Tx from the same battery. Make sure you don't have batteries in when you have a LiPo connected, I just soldered my leads onto the PCB and left the AA battery holder connected.
Quad
FCB and User interface
KK2.1.5 Multi-rotor LCD Flight.. $21.99
10 CM servo leads(3pin female and female) $1.80
Power, Distribution, and Connectors10 CM servo leads(3pin female and female) $1.80
Made my own as these were back ordered
Voltage Alarm (KK2 has one but this is safer) $2.15 Just Use the KK2's alarm, it is easy, and this one is crap.
Cheap Lipo Charger $12.35
Hobby King 2.4Ghz 4Ch Tx & Rx V2 (Mode 2.. $23.55^Big Mistake. Get Turnigy 9x, Spektruim 6i, or Orange. Preferably Turnigy as it is very upgradable. If you must get one this junky get the 6ch
5200mah Mutistar battery $27.73
4 X 3.5mm Power distribution Cable $3.65 $3.36
Props, Motors, and ESCs4 X 3.5mm Power distribution Cable $3.65 $3.36
Get This one instead, it has the correct XT60 battery connector
3.5mm Gold Connectors 10 PAIRS $3.38
Get at least two bags, I had to direct solder some
Turnigy-HKLP - Turnigy Battery Strap 330mm $1.59
Get two one was not really enough
1240KV motors $17.65 peice get 4 so$70.60
9X4.7 CW plastic Slow Fly$3.02
9X4.7 Slofly Plastic CCW$3.02
Get Carbon fibre instead these were too flimsy
Order everything possible at once shipping will cost most.9'' props are pushing the limits of these motors, get a little lower KV motors, no higher than 1000Kv
TURNIGY Plush 30amp Speed Controller $52.60 for 49X4.7 CW plastic Slow Fly$3.02
9X4.7 Slofly Plastic CCW$3.02
Get Carbon fibre instead these were too flimsy
FPV Plans (forum link)
Frame weighs 233.5 grams vs the turnigy H.A.L at turnigy H.A.L. (Heavy Aerial Lift) 614gtams
Lighter landing Gear added lights
Latest (Revision 4)
I added a aluminium battery holder, the battery makes a nice click and is held pretty well, I'll probably add some Velcro to keep it in even better.
I also added lighter legs that are bouncy (not finished in picture) and bolted the motors down, as the screws vibrate loose.
Here is a very simple distribution board for both power and video I am etching.
If you are interested in how well it handles crashes and repairs, see post 11.
It was flying much better than this, but I had to reset everything, still waiting on a flash tool so it is also jittery.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BwEFxtFiACWxemEzUGlReEtkMzg/view?usp=sharing
Here it is with a temporary camera mount.
Last edited:
The bottom one is a dipping method of painting I had to test. Looks Ok, but I did not do this at the shop, where there are real tools and paint thinner. I am considering dipping the whole quadcopter frame.
