Getting Started

[SNSTRLefty]

Ok, so the Q X7 is inbound and I am putting together a checklist of items I need/want and would like to pick the brains of you all to help me decide the items I'll be getting.

To FPV or Not to FPV, that is the question.

Well, I know I want to eventually go full FPV but there are many parts that need to be bought and that will take time.

One potential shortcut til I can save up for better gear is an Android VR FPV 5.8GHZ OTG dongle receiver. I have a pair of basic VR goggles already and a phone (USB-C might be the hangup tho) that I will be using with Freerider. Does anyone have exp with this?

To build or buy?

So, let's say the above option doesn't work, then having a quad with a camera isn't necessary but the ability to upgrade would be a good option. I was looking into a Babyhawk, so something along that line would be good. Would it be better to build one up or a BNF such as the Babyhawk? I was told that I could build for equal to or less than most BNF models on the market.

Goggles

What would be a good starter pair here? I have read about various models that range from about $100 on up. My piggie bank isn't too large.

 

[Spork]

For probably the first week, you will have plenty to keep you busy just learning to fly in the sim. It was not rocket surgery, but it was definitely harder than I imagined it would be. Now, it's pretty easy. The hard part for me now, is being accurate enough to hit small gates/gaps and learning more advanced tricks. All can be done without the googles.

Build vs buy? Many will say build. I spent a LOT of time looking into building 5"/6" and you can save money building. I don't think it's the same at the small end of the spectrum (sub 100mm). I feel like the reason you would build a micro is for the pleasure of building it and getting exactly the parts you want. Also, I'll throw in that after my recent hassle getting my Tiny6 working - I would definitely recommend buying the first "beta flight level" quad. I'm sure most of it was my own thick headedness, but I wouldn't want to add that on top of the trials and tribulations of getting my first quad built. Just my two cents.

Regarding goggles, as you've probably seen, I'm going with the thingy that lets me put the FPV signal on my computer screen for a while, until I save up some more cash and also take more time to decide what I want. I was originally planning on the Aomway Commanders. I still think they are a great choice (not cheap though), but now I'm going to spend some more time on reviews of more inexpensive models. I would definitely watch UAVFutures, Josh Bardwell, Painless360, and RCModelReviews on YouTube and look at reviews/opinions. There are many others, but those are the four I'd start with.