First build starts tomorrow.

[dragger201]

Today I got my S500 quad kit. Tomorrow I start the build.
Here's what came in the kit:
1 x S500 frame kit w/carbonfiber landing gear
2 x Hobbypower 2212 920KV Brushless motor CW
2 x Hobbypower 2212 920KV Brushless motor CCW
4 x Hobbypower Simonk 30A Speed Controller
1 x APM2.8 Flight controller
1 x NEO-7M GPS
1 x Gemfan 1045(CW+CCW) Black Propeller
1 x Gemfan 1045(CW+CCW) Orange Propeller
1 x GPS Bracket
1 x Spare parts pack

Got a very good deal on a Hubsan 3s, 7000mah, 25c battery.
Tx/Rx is the Flysky i6.




Hopefully it will look that good and fly as good as it looks when I get done. I'll keep y'all posted with my progress.

Got my X8s to keep flying so I don't get in a big rush to build this thing.

 

[Jackson]

Tx/Rx is the Flysky i6.

WHich RX?

 

[ArmyVet]

Looking good! You may entice me to build my one quad if this keeps up.

About how much was all that? If you don't mind my asking??

I have one recommendation for you. CUT DOWN THAT TREE

I have about 5 or 6 chain saws you can borrow.......

Good luck.
Have fun!
Bill

 

[dragger201]

WHich RX?

Hey Jackson..........it's this one.......FS-iA6 receiver...it like to irritate me cuz the output pins stand straight up.............once I get it all figured out, gonna get another receiver with vertical pins............

 

[dragger201]

Looking good! You may entice me to build my one quad if this keeps up.

About how much was all that? If you don't mind my asking??

I have one recommendation for you. CUT DOWN THAT TREE

I have about 5 or 6 chain saws you can borrow.......

Good luck.
Have fun!
Bill

Hey Bill............$135.99 delivered to my door. I had the Rx and got a Hubsan 7000mah, 3s battery to finish it out for now. NO to the chain saw...........I'm going back to my Army days..................13b20/40.............all I gotta do is get close.............got it from fleaBay..........

http://www.ebay.com/itm/252650141316?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

 

[ArmyVet]

So, a 105 elevation cranked up HI! haha Boom!

Not too shabby for that $. What will you use for video?? Or are you just going to go screaming around at top speed GULP!

Good Luck!
Bill
Hooah!

 

[dragger201]

So, a 105 elevation cranked up HI! haha Boom!

Not too shabby for that $. What will you use for video?? Or are you just going to go screaming around at top speed GULP!

Good Luck!
Bill
Hooah!

Naw, Bill.......200yds out, 105mm...........BEEHIVE...................

As for video, got a couple of GoPro knockoffs..........one of which is actually pretty good. This is a full on AP platform. I got about 90% completed this morning before workday started, all I got left is installing the GPS and then programming the Arducopter 2.8 FC. Oh, and gotta balance my props............

Will eventually get a 600mw FPV set up with a small screen just for **** and giggles..........right now I got 100mw set up on a racer that's gonna get used temporarilly for testing and tuning. I'm pretty sure to have it airborne sometime early Sunday..............

edit to add..................I'm already looking at some low cost upgrades......the first is replacing the plastic 1045 props with a set of CF 1047. More bite on the air, but less weight.

 

[ArmyVet]

BeeHive! ouch!

You are getting after it for sure!

Have fun and if all else fails..........Return Fire. heheheh

 

[Jackson]

FS-iA6 receiver...it like to irritate me cuz the output pins stand straight up.............once I get it all figured out, gonna get another receiver with vertical pins...........

That is PWM only, all pins will need to be connected. Their newer ones are more advanced and versatile.
http://www.banggood.com/Flysky-X6B-...6-i6x-Transmitter-p-1101513.html?rmmds=search

Don't let all the harnesses scare you, this is the only one you need.

http://ardupilot.org/copter/docs/common-connecting-the-radio-receiver-apm2.html

got a couple of GoPro knockoffs..........one of which is actually pretty good.

These days for a hundred bucks or so you can great cameras with built in stabilization too.

 

[dragger201]

Quick update..............replaced the Rx with the vertical pins for one with the horizontal pins, so Rx fits completely under the FC. Slow going thru the programming of the APM 2.8. Taking my time and learning what's what......it's a slog. If anyone is using Mission Planner and running into problems with setup/programming.........be aware..............there are bugs in the software. I got stuck because the version I was using initially didn't have the modes listed in the drop down menus for the "Flight Modes" and no flight modes set, no fly.

Here it is..........not airborne yet...........but getting there.............

 

[ArmyVet]

Rocking and Rolling!

Looks like Doctor FrankenDrone's laboratory haha.

Have fun
Bill

 

[dragger201]

Rocking and Rolling!

Looks like Doctor FrankenDrone's laboratory haha.

Have fun
Bill

Believe me, Bill.............it is.................

 

[MultiRtrAviator]

Rocking and Rolling!

Looks like Doctor FrankenDrone's laboratory haha.

Have fun
Bill

Believe me, Bill.............it is.................

Haha I dig it, could be inspiration for a first build! Look forward to your progress and test flights!

 

[ArmyVet]

Haha I dig it, could be inspiration for a first build! Look forward to your progress and test flights!

Inspiration is everything, Indeed!

 

[dragger201]

Well..................got it off the ground Friday morning. But she wants to spin. In research found some errors in how I put it together. My motors are not in the right location and need to be move around 1 position. Gonna get that done this morning early and re-do the calibration sequence. Oh, and a new part for Frankendrone(thanks Bill).........a telemetry transmitter(plugs into APM) and receiver(USB plug into laptop).

(waiting for the adaptor to mount a 1250 Dominator)

 

[erik1909hp]

have you do a test fly?

 

[ArmyVet]

 

[dragger201]

have you do a test fly?

Yeah, short hop up(15ft or so) and down. I got something not quite right.........it wants to spin and/or flip over on power up...........

 

[richr69]

How is the quad doing? I recently made a similar purchase, except my rig has the m8n GPS, but otherwise the same setup. I have been looking at batteries and was intrigued with your selection. How is the battery working out? Anything you can share with the Quad setup? Any do's/don't you can share would be appreciated. I'll be using a Taranis Qx7 with the build.

I've been trying to figure out the "right" battery. Came across several websites and read a lot regarding choosing the right battery. One of the key factors is knowing the Thrust/Max Current for a given prop. When I ordered the kit I did not realize their is not much information on the clone DJI 2212 920KV motors. Mine are labeled "RHD" and are red. So, like I said, I am curious how the Hubsan battery is working out.

Thank you,
-Rich

 

[dragger201]

Hey Rich..............
To date.............the Hubsan battery works very well indeed. During some test flights though, I have discovered some shortfalls. I lost my mind during a test flight and trashed out my gimbal. So.............upgrade time.

New landing gear(got tired of unprotected gimbal and replacing "T" joints). Motor upgrade(?) to T-motor 950kv. Back to 10x4.7 props. Upgraded to M8n GPS. Added Aluminum standoffs to raise APM.............now VTX and Telemetry are centered instead of "hanging" on the sides. Reinforced GPS mounting and switched to shorter "shielded" mount. Also added 5.8ghz FPV system.

Right now is the "crazy" time at the farm so haven't really done much lately, just no time. By the end of August things should quiet down a little bit so I'll be back on it with this thing.