Comments and Advice Please

[Dave Martin]

Hi All,

I'm looking at a first quad build and after doing a LOT of reading and researching I've learned enough to know how little I know Hopefully, other here with more experience can stop me making any balls-ups, so thanks in advance. Here;s what I've got on the parts list so far:

Taranis X9D transmitter
FrSky X8R Receiver
SK450 Frame (From Hobbyking)
Emax MT 2216 Motors x 4
Afro 20A ESCs x4
APM 2.6 Mega FC + UBlox NEO-6M GPS (packaged http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/APM2-6-Ar...903651?hash=item1eaa57dc63:g:pB4AAOSwL7VWowWE)

All thoughts and/or criticisms gratefully received! Anything I've missed, incompatibilities, etc?

 

[Dave Martin]

Couple of concerns I have are:

Compatibility of APM 2.6 and the X8R. Will I need an SBUS to CPPM converter or will the APM firmware update for SBUS that I've heard about solve the problem?
Also, I've heard that some people have issues with X8R telemetry signal screwing with the GPS. Anyone know about this? I definitely don't want a fly-away

I should add that I'm looking for a solid base quad that I can add gimbal/camera to later on (possibly with new frame if needed). I want as many control features as possible (position hold, alt hold, rth, failsafe, etc) so the FC is critical I think. I've considered a PixHawk but that'll have to be a future upgrade as the wallet (aka the missus) won't stretch to the cost just now .

 

[GJH105775]

If you could get some cobra motors or if you are on a tighter budget multistar's 2300kv motors are great build quality, but lacking a bit in power as they are 3S. There is really nothing stopping you from using that FCB, but it is certainly unusualy to use those on a 250, though your frame is a 450 the motors and ESCs are made for 350 racing multirotors. You could either upgrade to some lower KV motors (780kv-1000kv should do it), and 20a-40a ESCs depending on your motors.

If you go with a 250 build you can change the FCB and frame.

Depends on what type of flying you want to do:

250: Light, fast, cheaper on props, and cheaper in a crash, very fun hahaha
450: slower, can lift more, you could have the APM, little longer flight time on a battery, and more suitable for getting video

 

[GJH105775]

You might look into getting an older Phantom 1, 2, or 3

 

[Dave Martin]

You might look into getting an older Phantom 1, 2, or 3

Hi, and thanks for the reply. I went for the APM 2.6 Mega and the EMax MT2216s in the end. The motors are specced as 810KV and based on some 'real-life' tests I've seen they should each give upto 950g thrust with 1045 props with a max current of around 14-15 Amps. Based on that I'm hoping the Afro 20A ESCs will be ok (with a little headroom).

I've got a shed-load of goodies arriving by post over the next few days and hoping to start the build this weekend. Time to brush up my soldering technique I think

I'll post some updates as I progress the build. I'm sure there are plenty of newbies like me who post their 'mistakes' here but who knows.. perhaps I'll make some new ones that other can learn from

 

[GJH105775]

Hi, and thanks for the reply. I went for the APM 2.6 Mega and the EMax MT2216s in the end. The motors are specced as 810KV and based on some 'real-life' tests I've seen they should each give upto 950g thrust with 1045 props with a max current of around 14-15 Amps. Based on that I'm hoping the Afro 20A ESCs will be ok (with a little headroom).

I've got a shed-load of goodies arriving by post over the next few days and hoping to start the build this weekend. Time to brush up my soldering technique I think

I'll post some updates as I progress the build. I'm sure there are plenty of newbies like me who post their 'mistakes' here but who knows.. perhaps I'll make some new ones that other can learn from

Sounds good, as I had first glanced at it, I thought you had some 2300kv motors listed, but as I look now it is the bell size that is listed.