First build, any advice?

[Jolly John]

Hi. I'm nearing the point of building my first quad, and would appreciate any advice you can give me concerning components. I have never flown a quad, so this will be my "learner" craft. Below is the list of components I'm thinking of ordering:

kk2 controller
x650f frame
30 amp esc Turnigy
Turnigy D2830 1000 kv motor (x4)
prop set
Battery Turnigy nano-tech 2200mah
TX - RX Turnigy 9 x 9
On Board Lipoly Low Voltage Alarm (2s~6s)
Charger cable
10cm male-male servo lead (10 pack)
ESC breakout cable
Charger.
Prop adaptors?
Power distribution board?

Thanks, John.

 

[Mike]

That's a somewhat big/heavy frame for the power system you're proposing. How did you come up with your list of parts? The reason I ask is because I'd probably do it slightly differently with that frame, but if you're following someone else's build that they have tuned/dialed in and it works well with that setup, then I don't want to steer you away from that.

When it comes to prop adapters, I think the ones with that come with those props should be fine. The breakout cable, in my opinion, is better than a power distribution board. It's a preference thing though. I just don't like soldering to PCB's.

Also - buy extra props for sure. That's the first thing that's going to break. And you're going to need a prop balancer. Hobby King sells those.

 

[Jolly John]

That's a somewhat big/heavy frame for the power system you're proposing. How did you come up with your list of parts? The reason I ask is because I'd probably do it slightly differently with that frame, but if you're following someone else's build that they have tuned/dialed in and it works well with that setup, then I don't want to steer you away from that.

When it comes to prop adapters, I think the ones with that come with those props should be fine. The breakout cable, in my opinion, is better than a power distribution board. It's a preference thing though. I just don't like soldering to PCB's.

Also - buy extra props for sure. That's the first thing that's going to break. And you're going to need a prop balancer. Hobby King sells those.

Thanks for the comments, much appreciated. I got the list here: http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-build-a-cheap-quadcopter/ The builder seems to be experienced, but I'm open to suggestions on the power system. Once I've got the hang of flying a quad, I will probably want to hang a camera on it, so power will be an important issue. The frame looks good and robust, and might stand a better chance of surviving the knocks it will inevitably get whilst I learn to fly. I want to build a quad that will get me started, but can be upgraded, such as a more sophisticated controller with GPS.


John.

 

[Mike]

Oh yeah - if you're following that, definitely stick with what he suggests since it's been built before and it's proven to be a good setup. You should be okay with a camera on that one as well since a GoPro only weighs a few grams.

The only thing I'd reconsider is the Turnigy 9x. I had one and had issues with it - bad firmware that caused it to fly off on its own into the ceiling of my house. Also, other people seem to have bad experience with the quality as well. The transmitter is something that you can always use for whatever you build - so it will grow with you, so I'd buy something better, like a frsky taranis or a spektrum if you can - even if you buy it used on ebay or something. And then if you don't like the hobby, you can always turn around and sell it and make a decent portion of your money back.

 

[Hugh Hemington]

I agree the Turnigy 9x has an attractive price, but you'll soon become unhappy with the quality and limitations of it. I moved to the Taranis and I wish I'd started there. You can setup/backup your configuration on your computer and download it -- way easier than navigating the menus!

I also agree 1000kv is a little light for a fairly heavy 550 frame (the rule of thumb is 1g/mm motor span) so this one at 598g is over for a 550mm frame. I tried to build a lighter 610 with 1100kv motors, so I've made the mistake(s)! Not saying it won't fly or even fly well, it's just a spec. concern. I've got 720kv SunnySky motors on my 560 frame @ 520g, but you can't get those at HobbyKing.

I see the "introduction" quotes a 3S lipo, but a 10" props (and 11" props elsewhere in the article). Note the motor specs. quote 8" @ 4s and 10" @ 2s so you need to observe that, or split the difference. (Yup! I made this one too! Tried to fly those motors with 11" on 4S!) 3S is a good size as it supplies power to 12v FPV gear directly, saving you the need of a UBEC unless something needs 5v. You may find the motors get hot running 10" props on a 3S. Think about also getting a set of 9" props or watch your temp and keep it in mind. I know this seems backwards -- "more power should turn a larger prop", but props require torque which is related to current-draw, so voltage oddly works against you.

I find the SimonK firmware on the Afro ESCs makes a lot of difference and I have a set of Afros and a set of MultiStars too. I just got the programming connector to do my MultiStars, but it's around $20 plus $10 for a USB-ASP, so the Afros are actually a pretty sweet deal at a buck more a piece up front. And they're 3.5mm bullet terminated too.

On the whole, the configuration should get you up and flying successfully. Getting a better radio will not alter things, and neither will slightly better ESCs. Before you're done, you'll have two or three of these things, and drawers of parts and tools. There is something oddly addictive about it!