Newbie Drone build help needed

C

Christ1@n

Well-Known Member
Hi!

I’m currently planning for my first drone build, but I need some help to have any chance getting this right. I hope this is a good place to get that help. Below is a list of components I’ve put together from looking at what other have built out of similar components. The be able to move forward I initially need the following questions answered. I really appreciate any help I can get, and any additional tips or recommendations are very welcome.

Thanks in advance!

//Christian

1. Are the components I’m looking at compatible?

2. What Flight Controller should I chose?

a. LED Display on FC would be nice

b. Should I go for kind of all -in-one?

c. I’ve understood that some of the most popular options are Pixhawk, KISS, Betaflight (do they make both hardware and software?), FlightOne. Anything better to use out there? Easy setup/config is a good thing.

3. Is all I need to control the drone included in the chosen transmitter/receiver package?

4. Will 1700kv be the right size motor, do I choose a higher KV for a more powerful motor? Should I? More power is better, I guess.

5. I need help getting the right ESC for the motors I end up choosing.

6. Do I need to get some kind of antenna for the receiver?

7. What kind of battery and connector do I need for the setup?

Functions I want:

· Durable midsize and sable drone (rather bigger than smaller)

· Powerful enough to curry my GoPro or to later have Run Cam style FPV camera (not initially)

· Glonass GPS with RTH functionally for the drone

· Basic functions like altitude hold etc. But the more intel the better, without complicating things

iFlight XL8 V3 8-tums långdistans-freestyle ramsatsarm 5.5 mm för FPV Racing Drone

https://www.banggood.com/sv/IFlight...YCh32NQJVEAQYASABEgJQO_D_BwE&cur_warehouse=CN




EMAX RSII 2206 1600KV 1700KV 1900KV 2300KV 2700KV 3-6S Race Spec Brushless Motor RC Drone FPV Racing - 1700KV
https://www.banggood.com/EMAX-RSII-....html?rmmds=search&ID=519231&cur_warehouse=CN


Emax Simonk Series 12A 20A 25A 30A 40A ESC For Quadcopter QAV250 - 20A
https://www.banggood.com/Emax-Simon...kmClientCountry=SE&&ID=45170&cur_warehouse=CN


FlySky FS-i6 2.4G 6CH AFHDS RC Radio Transmitter With FS-iA6 Receiver for FPV RC Drone - Mode 2 (Left Hand Throttle)
https://www.banggood.com/FlySky-FS-...kmClientCountry=SE&&ID=42482&cur_warehouse=CN


ESC Connection Board Distribution Board For Multi-Axis Model
https://www.banggood.com/ESC-Connec...73.html?akmClientCountry=SE&&cur_warehouse=CN



Future 11*4.5 1145 Carbon Fiber Propeller CW for Fixed Wing RC Airplane
https://www.banggood.com/1145-Carbo...-p-1349563.html?rmmds=search&cur_warehouse=CN


AHTECH 3S 11.1V 2200mAh 85C 3S1P Graphene LiPo Battery XT60 Support 15C Boosting Charge For Racer
https://www.banggood.com/Infinity-3...-p-1060031.html?rmmds=search&cur_warehouse=CN




Flight controller

https://docs.px4.io/en/flight_controller/pixhawk4.html

Software

Betaflight? https://betaflight.com/
 
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Ah OK. So I'll make a few comments, as unfortunately most of your list of unmatched components to use with the XL8 frame. (I just finished a build using the XL7 V3 BTW)

Motors: 2206 isn't going to be beefy enough and you'll want a kv in the 1500 range. I used the new BH Avenger 2507 1500 kv motors. Very efficient

ESCs: Those SimonK are from the stone age, you'll want at least BKHeli_S or even BLHeli32 ESCs. 40 amp units would work well

Carbon Fibre props? No. You'll break lots of props and CF are too expensive. Get a bunch of Genfam or HQ plastic props, 8 X4.5 bi-blade

Battery: You will want 4S not 3S. With that 8" frame, I wouldn't use anything bigger than 1800 mah

For ease of wiring and a tidy build, I'd use an AIO flight controller like the Omnibus V5 which doesn't require a power distribution board.

What's your overall budget, I can list some specific parts
 
RENOV8R said:
Ah OK. So I'll make a few comments, as unfortunately most of your list of unmatched components to use with the XL8 frame. (I just finished a build using the XL7 V3 BTW)

Motors: 2206 isn't going to be beefy enough and you'll want a kv in the 1500 range. I used the new BH Avenger 2507 1500 kv motors. Very efficient

ESCs: Those SimonK are from the stone age, you'll want at least BKHeli_S or even BLHeli32 ESCs. 40 amp units would work well

Carbon Fibre props? No. You'll break lots of props and CF are too expensive. Get a bunch of Genfam or HQ plastic props, 8 X4.5 bi-blade

Battery: You will want 4S not 3S. With that 8" frame, I wouldn't use anything bigger than 1800 mah

For ease of wiring and a tidy build, I'd use an AIO flight controller like the Omnibus V5 which doesn't require a power distribution board.

What's your overall budget, I can list some specific parts
Click to expand...

Big thanks! This is extracly the kind of help I need. I'll look through this and try to revise my components list. Budget. I'm not expecting to build the most expensive drone I can, but I won't shy away from getting top conmponents that are worth paying extra for.
 
Cool. I can get you started with a couple suggestions.

These Racerstar ESCs are much better than they used to be and won't break the bank
https://www.racerstar.com/Racerstar...C-Dshot1200-Ready-for-FPV-RC-Drone-p-271.html

Or you can go 4 in 1, I have this in one of my quads and it's been great
https://www.racedayquads.com/products/racerstar-rev35-35a-4-in-1-esc-dshot600

This is a great flight controller for larger quads, you can run iNav firmware for GPS RTH, altitude hold
https://www.getfpv.com/airbot-omnibus-f4-v5-flight-controller.html
 
I've updated the component list. I'll leave the initial one above in case other want to follow and learn as I do.

A few questions:

1. Would that battery be ok? The right voltage etc? Why not bigger, becasue of weight or size or both? Feel free to make other suggestions. Want to make sure I get a good quality battery, or two.
2. So you think 1200kv motors will be optimal, no need going stronger?
3. What do I do in terms of a Connection Board if I go with the ESC's below?
4. I left the props there for now as I didn't find any good options yet. Shouldn't props be like 10-11x45 för an 7-8# Drone? In any case, If you know any good-enough cheap options?
5. Regarding the Omnibus F4 FC. Is this and iNav what you think I shouild go for? I worked within IT as a technical resocues for most of my life, but I'm not a developer or similar. Is this unit and the software straight forward and somewhat easy to setup and use for a newbie, or are there other options I should consider?
6. Which GPS/Glonass should I get for the spec below?
7. Do the flight receiver require a third party antenna? ...or is the receiver in the Transmitter package enough?
8. What other components do I need to consider? =)
9. Other stuff I need for the build. I have most kind of std. tools and soldering equipment etc.


iFlight XL8 V3 8-tums långdistans-freestyle ramsatsarm 5.5 mm för FPV Racing Drone

https://www.banggood.com/sv/IFlight...YCh32NQJVEAQYASABEgJQO_D_BwE&cur_warehouse=CN

Brotherhobby Avenger 2507 V2 1200/1500/1750/1850/2100/2450KV 4-6S Brushless Motor for RC Drone - 1200KV
https://www.banggood.com/Brotherhob....html?rmmds=search&ID=518668&cur_warehouse=CN

Racerstar PGA40 BLHeli_32 40A 2-6s ESC
https://www.getfpv.com/racerstar-pga40-blheli-32-40a-2-6s-esc.html

FlySky FS-i6 2.4G 6CH AFHDS RC Radio Transmitter With FS-iA6 Receiver for FPV RC Drone - Mode 2 (Left Hand Throttle)
https://www.banggood.com/FlySky-FS-...kmClientCountry=SE&&ID=42482&cur_warehouse=CN

ESC Connection Board
???

Future 11*4.5 1145 Carbon Fiber Propeller CW for Fixed Wing RC Airplane
https://www.banggood.com/1145-Carbo...-p-1349563.html?rmmds=search&cur_warehouse=CN

ZOP Power 14.8V 1800mAh 65C 4S Lipo Battery XT60 Plug
https://www.banggood.com/ZOP-Power-...-p-1089557.html?rmmds=search&cur_warehouse=CN

Airbot Omnibus F4 V5 Flight Controller

https://www.getfpv.com/airbot-omnibus-f4-v5-flight-controller.html
https://www.banggood.com/Original-A...-p-1319176.html?rmmds=search&cur_warehouse=CN

Software
iNAV

11 Inch Carbon Fibre Universal MultiRotor Drone Propeller Prop Guard orangeRX UK
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/11-Inch-...m2c8109908b:g:KIkAAOSws0Jaakkz&frcectupt=true
 
Worth reading this
http://oscarliang.com/quadcopter-motor-propeller/

Frame - 1o inch props will not fit the XL8 frame. 8 inch size props max only. 8 inch props need 1400-1600kv motors.

Flysky Radio and receiver. Do not buy the bundle with the FS-iA6 receiver. Get the bundle that includes the FS-iA6B receiver. Reason is the FS-iA6 is an older and it uses PWM protocol (analog) only and is outdated. It means every channel (Throttle,Aileron,Elevon,Yaw+ switches) needs a indivdual wire to the fc. The receiver only supports up to 6 channels. And newer fc's no longer support PWM.

The FS-iA6B receiver uses newer protocols called IBUS or PPM which is a digital connection. It means only a single wire is needed to connect the receiver to the fc. And that wire carry 16 channels. So the wiring is much simpler and tidier.

Both the FS-i6 radio and FS-iA6B (and X6B) receiver includes full range antenna's. They do not need to be changed.

ESC connection board aka Power distribution board. That board on Banggood above will work. To power the Flysky receiver you will be able to use the Omnibus F4's 5v pad.

FC - The Omnibus F4 can be flashed with either Betaflight or INAV software. They share the same GUI style but INAV has features catered towards GPS functions like waypoints and GPS return. i've never tried Pixhawk but i read you can flash Ardupilot (pixhawk software) on a F4.
So you might want to look into that. My understanding is Ardupilot is more advanced than INAV.

GPS - For F4 FC's. UBlox M8 unit like BN-800. Skip M7 units.

ZOP batteries are utter sh*t. Don't waste your money. i bought some they puffed up like crazy after a couple of uses.

Most lipo batteries will use XT60. Get some Xt60 connectors for the PBD board. And some heat shrink to cover the exposed prongs when solding the wires.

You'll need mounting hardware for the fc. Plastic M3 bolts and plastic nuts + rubber grommets.
 
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Christ1@n said:
Thanks. I have actually thought aboyut that alot. But if the current project goes well I might consider a 450-500 Hexacopter as my next project.
Click to expand...
Oh ok, best of luck for your flying adventures. Contact me if you need any help.
If you want a display on your flight controller, go for the Hobbyking KK board, but I don't think it has GPS support though.
 
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Hi gurus! @RENOV8R and @SLFLY
I'm getting close to a final speck and want some more feedback before I finalize the final spec for review. Then I will start ordering.

Thanks, can do this wothout the great support I get here. Hope to be able to give back to the community at some point.

What about these GPS's?
This one is encapsulated: https://www.banggood.com/Radiolink-...I3MDkxNzA4NRACGgJJViICUEQoAA&cur_warehouse=CN

...and this is just seem to be an open circut board: https://www.banggood.com/BN-880-Fli...e-p-974361.html?rmmds=search&cur_warehouse=CN

The encapsulated has to be a good option, right?

I see some use mounts like this. It that good or unnecessary? https://www.banggood.com/Folding-GP...5MzQ5MhACGgJCVCIGRkJUX1BEKAA&cur_warehouse=CN

What about the XT60 connectors. Do I need the actual connectors or connectors with cables? https://www.banggood.com/search/xt60-connector.html
(would be easier to know if this is to be connected through conencors or by soldering cables directly to the board(s), I didn't get that far yet) ;-)

Also, what's the average length of the nylon/plastc bolt's I would 20mm?
 
I would get just the XT-60 connectors and an assortment of good silicone wire. These can be had at any online shop such as GetFPV or RDQ. You should at least get lengths of 14 awg (for main power), 18awg (motor wire) and 30awg (receiver, gps, vtx, etc.) As far as GPS modules go, you have 2 options: If you plan on using iNav for full autonomous flight, then the BN-880 with built-in compass is a good choice. If you are planning to use Betaflight which only supports "rescue mode", no compass I srequired and a BN220 type GPS module is all that's required. Here's a 7" I'm currently building which is utilizing the BN880
Camera 012.JPG
 
I think this is it then. :) (exkl. cables, nuts, bolts and grommets etc.)
Any last minute advice, tips or comments before orders go out?
Exciting times... Posting the spec. in case someone else out there is interested.

iFlight XL8 V3 8-tums långdistans-freestyle ramsatsarm 5.5 mm för FPV Racing Drone

https://www.banggood.com/sv/IFlight...YCh32NQJVEAQYASABEgJQO_D_BwE&cur_warehouse=CN

Brotherhobby Avenger 2507 V2 1200/1500/1750/1850/2100/2450KV 4-6S Brushless Motor for RC Drone - 1200KV
https://www.banggood.com/Brotherhob....html?rmmds=search&ID=518668&cur_warehouse=CN

Racerstar PGA40 BLHeli_32 40A 2-6s ESC
https://www.getfpv.com/racerstar-pga40-blheli-32-40a-2-6s-esc.html

Flysky i6X FS-i6X 2.4GHz 10CH AFHDS 2A RC Transmitter With X6B/IA6B/A8S Receiver for FPV RC Drone - Mode 2 (Left Hand Throttle) i6X+X6B
https://www.banggood.com/Flysky-FS-...?rmmds=search&ID=42482530817&cur_warehouse=CN

ESC Connection Board Distribution Board For Multi-Axis Model
https://www.banggood.com/ESC-Connec...12b90e7b6c05513757ec0da93fd5&cur_warehouse=CN

4x GEMFAN Props 8" 8045 2 Pairs CW CCW Quadcopter Carbon Nylon Propeller UK
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/4x-GEMFA...841058&hash=item35f770d97a:g:kPUAAOSw7hRWOiBO

URUAV 14.8V 1800mAh 75C 4S Lipo Battery XT60 Plug for RC Drone FPV Racing
https://www.banggood.com/URUAV-14_8...-p-1434897.html?rmmds=search&cur_warehouse=CN

Airbot Omnibus F4 V5 Flight Controller
https://www.banggood.com/Original-A...-p-1319176.html?rmmds=search&cur_warehouse=CN

Radiolink M8N GPS Module UBX-M8030 for Naze32 APM CC3D F3 Naze32 Flip32 PX4 Flight Controller for RC Drone
https://www.banggood.com/Radiolink-...I3MDkxNzA4NRACGgJJViICUEQoAA&cur_warehouse=CN

Folding GPS Mount Support Holder For DJI ZERO QAV250 RC Multicopters
https://www.banggood.com/Folding-GP...5MzQ5MhACGgJCVCIGRkJUX1BEKAA&cur_warehouse=CN
 
Looks good except the link to the Power Distribution Board doesn't take me to the product. I'd suggest going with the Matek FCHUB, nice reliable unit with 5V and 10V filtered supply for your vtx, camera, gps, etc.
https://www.getfpv.com/matek-fchub-6s-pdb.html

The only other thing I'd suggest is don't bother with the GPS mount. Pretty well guarantee you'll just snap it off your first time out. Bottom mount your battery and stick your GPS module directly onto the top plate, it'll work just fine.
 
RENOV8R said:
Looks good except the link to the Power Distribution Board doesn't take me to the product. I'd suggest going with the Matek FCHUB, nice reliable unit with 5V and 10V filtered supply for your vtx, camera, gps, etc.
https://www.getfpv.com/matek-fchub-6s-pdb.html

The only other thing I'd suggest is don't bother with the GPS mount. Pretty well guarantee you'll just snap it off your first time out. Bottom mount your battery and stick your GPS module directly onto the top plate, it'll work just fine.
Click to expand...

Thanks, thoese are two things I've been thinking about? Why would such a GPS mont really be needed if there's a way to mount it openly on top.
Thanks also for the PDB insight. Been looking at that today actually bacause it was sold out and I was wondering about options. I know the one you suggest was one of the ones I saw at getftp. I'll switch to that one!

Invaluable help!
 
The motor direction CW or CCW can be easily switched in terms of motor direction by swapping any two of the three phase wired or adjusting the ESC firmware using BLHeliSuite (once connected to FC the USB on FC can be used to talk with the ESCs to set config, pass through). The motor direction only matters if you don't use nyloc nuts because the thread on the shaft will be CW or CCW so the motor turning tightens the nut instead of loosening it (nyloc nuts make this mostly not an issue)
 
Also no real experience with the GPS modules but guess is it's at an angle when the quad is flat so when flying forward (typical flight) would be flattened out/parallel with the sky so can get the best signal for GPS flight while cruising (also gets it a little bit away from other radios/antenna and general electromagnetic interference [EFI])

Also also with carbon fiber (conductive) frame don't want anything to short on the body of the quad so would want at least mounting/electrical tape between the GPS and the body of the quad.
 
GPS modules aren't affected much by the small amount of noise that our quads emit, so it's not really necessary to have them away from the frame. It's just a DJI thing to have it on a mast that they did from the start. If you look at the more recent GPS drones like the Spark or the Mavic, you can't even see the GPS module. It's inside the body. As for the angle that I mount mine, that's correct that when you're in motion, the quads angled and the GPS module is pretty well horizontal. We do this when there's room but on a lot of builds like a 5" frame, guys just stick the module on an arm, on top of the GoPro mount or even on the battery strap if they're running a top-mounted battery setup. It still works fine.
 
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