Newbie, fast learner. How does flying quads compare to RC helicopters?

[Glo]

Sorry for the long message. To get to the main questions skip to paragraph 2.

I am new to quadcopters, but I am a super fast learner and am confident I don't need to start out with a junk copter to crash repeatedly before buying something I really want. I'm sure I will have a few small crashes right at first. I do have a fairly big RC helicopter I've had for about 2 weeks. I am not sure on the brand, it was given to me in a pile of parts I had to put back together. It was made in 2007 and takes a 2200mAh battery according to the only stickers I found. Something is not right with it that is for sure because even with no wind it struggles to go any direction most of the time. Every once in awhile it will respond like crazy for about 5-10 seconds then back to crap. I have played around with all the modes and channels on the controller and it is bad, worse and horribly worse. But, I can even fly it indoors without hardly a crash so I am steady with the controls.

Anyway, I really like the idea of the quads better as I am mainly wanting this for video and pictures. Sure I'd like to have some fun flying, but mostly I want to use the cam. I am working on a budget of $100 for now. I am seriously considering the Syma 8xc. I found it for $82 with shipping leaving me some cash to maybe upgrade the cam, or get a couple of spare batteries. However, waiting several weeks for it to arrive sucks. At my local walmart they have a Skyviper 950HD for $88. I like some of the video reviews I've seen of this, but I doubt I could upgrade that cam with anything. I'm still torn between the two because so many do not recommend the x8c for beginners and having to wait so long to get it. But the 950HD probably cannot handle a bigger cam and is more of a toy than a drone.

What are your thoughts on the two for someone that is new, but learns super fast? Also, do you have any other recommendations? I like what I saw with the Tarantula x6, but I couldn't find it with a cam under $100. Also, anyone have any insight on the MJX X101? I just have a hard time trusting the quality of it if the X8 is designed to be a cheaper phantom and the X101 is designed to be a cheaper X8. Hopefully someone sees this message that has had one for awhile and can tell us about the long-term quality. Finally, am I correct to believe that a quadcopter should be easier to fly than this 2007 model RC helicopter?

Thanks so much for any assistance!!

 

[GJH105775]

Sorry for the long message. To get to the main questions skip to paragraph 2.

I am new to quadcopters, but I am a super fast learner and am confident I don't need to start out with a junk copter to crash repeatedly before buying something I really want. I'm sure I will have a few small crashes right at first. I do have a fairly big RC helicopter I've had for about 2 weeks. I am not sure on the brand, it was given to me in a pile of parts I had to put back together. It was made in 2007 and takes a 2200mAh battery according to the only stickers I found. Something is not right with it that is for sure because even with no wind it struggles to go any direction most of the time. Every once in awhile it will respond like crazy for about 5-10 seconds then back to crap. I have played around with all the modes and channels on the controller and it is bad, worse and horribly worse. But, I can even fly it indoors without hardly a crash so I am steady with the controls.

Anyway, I really like the idea of the quads better as I am mainly wanting this for video and pictures. Sure I'd like to have some fun flying, but mostly I want to use the cam. I am working on a budget of $100 for now. I am seriously considering the Syma 8xc. I found it for $82 with shipping leaving me some cash to maybe upgrade the cam, or get a couple of spare batteries. However, waiting several weeks for it to arrive sucks. At my local walmart they have a Skyviper 950HD for $88. I like some of the video reviews I've seen of this, but I doubt I could upgrade that cam with anything. I'm still torn between the two because so many do not recommend the x8c for beginners and having to wait so long to get it. But the 950HD probably cannot handle a bigger cam and is more of a toy than a drone.

What are your thoughts on the two for someone that is new, but learns super fast? Also, do you have any other recommendations? I like what I saw with the Tarantula x6, but I couldn't find it with a cam under $100. Also, anyone have any insight on the MJX X101? I just have a hard time trusting the quality of it if the X8 is designed to be a cheaper phantom and the X101 is designed to be a cheaper X8. Hopefully someone sees this message that has had one for awhile and can tell us about the long-term quality. Finally, am I correct to believe that a quadcopter should be easier to fly than this 2007 model RC helicopter?

Thanks so much for any assistance!!

If you have flow RC helicopters quads will be a piece of cake. There may be a bit more maintenance, but nothing too bad. @Mike H. and @Thomas in Niagara can really give you some good suggestions on a great trainer. I'd suggest the Syma x5C if you plan on getting into bigger quads, as it would be a great trainer.

 

[HDtallrider]

I second the recommendation of GJH105775. The X5C1 is a great quad to fly. May be one of the best trainers out there. Many of us build and fly larger quads and many of those members, like me, also own a Syma X5c1 to fly around at a moments notice and in tight confines. It flys so much like a "real" quad that it is uncanny. Terrific to learn on or just to sharpen your skills. Very easy to customize if you want. You can get the X5C1, 4 upgraded 680mah batteries w/charger, extra props and a box of crash parts for under $100 on Amazon ( where I got mine ). 2 days if your a prime member. Highly recommended!
By the way. Welcome to the Forum

 

[Mike H.]

The X8C is about as good as its going to get as far as a powerhouse capable of carrying a go pro camera or full on FPV equipment in the toy quad line up.

It uses a 7.4v 2s lipo and uses much larger motors than other 7.4v quads as far as the toy quads are concerned.. Right out of the box it also has the longest flight times of 10 to 12 minutes..With larger 3000mah cells some are reporting around 17 minutes of flight time...Thats impressive to say the least for a toy quad...of course not any 3000mah size battery will fit but, i dont recall the battery some found to fit withing the confines of the stock battery bay..if i find it i will let you know.

I would say one reason some wouldnt consider it a beginners models is due to the power it has and how it can injure you or someone around you with the blades..this is a true 350mm quad and weighs about 600 grams...so its going to hurt or damage what it runs into....Its not really a very aggressive flyer but is slightly sporty in high rates...Its considered quite mellow for fpv platform use in low rates which is a good thing actually...Its essentially as close to a real DJI as your going to get for the $100.00 range.

If you just want to jump in and have some fun and figure out if this is something you want to do, then i also recommend the SYMA X5C-1...This is a 200mm quad and it uses 7mm motors...It does come with a camera and you can add an fpv system to it as SYMA has a kit for it but its not going to be hobby grade quality stuff...This is a very popular tried and true model that is highly recommended by many but it is not very powerful nor capable of any real addition to payloads.

If you want power to carry hobby grade equipment then i recommend the SYMA X8C.

Welcome to the forum and, let us know what you decide...If you have questions were happy to help any way we can.

 

[Glo]

I really appreciate everyone's help!! I gave the x5 a serious look, I also compared it to the JJRC H10. I do think they would be perfect starters, but I kind of want the extra lifting power and wind resistance. I went ahead and ordered an X8c and upgraded 2400mAh battery I found last night for $84.

I also ordered a Cheerson CX-10 to fly around the house for the heck of it. I figured since it was only $13 and had headless mode it might be a good practice quad for inside on rainy windy days. That seems to fit in where I could see myself flying the X5 indoors, but I just don't see the X8 being very fun indoors at least while I'm learning.

Again, thank you guys so much for the help!!! It really went a long way in helping me decide.

On a side note, the CX-10 is set to be here in a couple of days and the X8c won't be here until mid-November so I should have some practice in on the CX-10 by the time my real quad arrives.

Also, I forgot to mention the reason my budget is $100 for now is because I am new to quads, but I really want to build my own. I figure it will be best to start with a RTF quad and get to know these things for a good while before venturing into my first build as I suspect I will be spending a lot more on it.

 

[Mike H.]

Congrats on the purchases...Take note that the CX-10 on high rates is no beginners quad...that little sucker is a fast..hahaha...Enjoy.

If for any reason you notice the battery weakening or not taking charge anymore dont throw it away...Its not a model with a replaceable battery where you change it out for a freshly charged one each flight...The battery is soldered to the main board and supposed to be somewhat permanent but, it can be replaced when needed... or simply solder a plug between the board and battery to make it easy to change.... you still have to remove all the screws on the body to change it out for a freshly charged battery however.

Allow 10 minutes between flights anyways to allow those small motors and battery to cool off...this goes with most all the models offered.

 

[Glo]

Congrats on the purchases...Take note that the CX-10 on high rates is no beginners quad...that little sucker is a fast..hahaha...Enjoy.

If for any reason you notice the battery weakening or not taking charge anymore dont throw it away...Its not a model with a replaceable battery where you change it out for a freshly charged one each flight...The battery is soldered to the main board and supposed to be somewhat permanent but, it can be replaced when needed... or simply solder a plug between the board and battery to make it easy to change.... you still have to remove all the screws on the body to change it out for a freshly charged battery however.

Allow 10 minutes between flights anyways to allow those small motors and battery to cool off...this goes with most all the models offered.

That's cool, sounds like I will be able to have some fun with this cheap little machine after I get used to flying it. I also heard about the battery thing before buying it. I guess it could be a way to make sure those tiny motors have time to cool between flights?

The good news is I am not afraid to take anything apart and be able to put it all back together. Been doing it since I was barley over toddler age. I have a lot of soldering and circuitry experience and a BS in Computer Science. However even with all that, this is still a whole new world for me so I expect to have a lot to learn and will probably always be learning in this as I am sure most of you are too with the way advancements come so quickly.

This is great, this was the first forum I tried and it looks like I have found my quad community. Thanks!

 

[Mike H.]

The so called permanent battery is more of a convenient thing..Simple plug in and charge all in one deal.

Its good you can solder because part of this hobby is replacing motors when they burn up..Some use plugs but many dont so soldering you will get to practice up on even more.

I kept my recommendation based on your opening post...There are a host of models that are recommended for i door flight and work just as well outdoors...I have no doubt you will accumulate a squadron of quads from the toy category even if you build or purchase a hobby grade down the road...they are just a blast to fly.

Heres some smaller quads for indoor and outdoor fun you must have in your collection.

Eachine or JJRC H8 mini (fastest yaw on the market and extremely fast)
JJRC 1000A..amazing using a cheap tarantula X6 radio..My favorite mini so far)
Bayang X9..(A hobby grade BLADE nQX clone..the radio will fly the H8 mini's as well..same protocol)..i have one coming to me.
MouldKing 33014..larger but fast rates and fast)
Junchen 3015..( was champion untill H8 minis appeared.)

In all ,wonderful tested and proven little beasts of toy quads.

You can spend $20.00/$30.00 a month and have a serious collection of minis by years end..hahahaha.

 

[HDtallrider]

Then you can tuck them into bed each night like Mike does......

 

[Mike H.]

I even say prayers to them and give them fresh batteries in the morning to show my love.

 

[Glo]

The so called permanent battery is more of a convenient thing..Simple plug in and charge all in one deal.

Its good you can solder because part of this hobby is replacing motors when they burn up..Some use plugs but many dont so soldering you will get to practice up on even more.

I kept my recommendation based on your opening post...There are a host of models that are recommended for i door flight and work just as well outdoors...I have no doubt you will accumulate a squadron of quads from the toy category even if you build or purchase a hobby grade down the road...they are just a blast to fly.

Heres some smaller quads for indoor and outdoor fun you must have in your collection.

Eachine or JJRC H8 mini (fastest yaw on the market and extremely fast)
JJRC 1000A..amazing using a cheap tarantula X6 radio..My favorite mini so far)
Bayang X9..(A hobby grade BLADE nQX clone..the radio will fly the H8 mini's. As well..same protocol)..i have one coming to me.
MouldKing 33014..larger but fast rates and fast)
Junchen 3015..( was champion untill H8 minis appeared.)

In all ,wonderful tested and proven little beasts of toy quads.

You can spend $20.00/$30.00 a month and have a serious collection of minis by years end..hahahaha.

Haha, sounds like I'm going to need to expand my shed when my wife approves.

 

[HDtallrider]

Hahahahaaaa!!

You could be the poster child for Quadsaholics Anonymous!!
Look out Glo. Here's what happens when the hobby becomes a disease. Sadly. The only cure is more quads!!!!

 

[HDtallrider]

oooops! out of synch. That was for Mike.

 

[Glo]

Hahahahaaaa!!

You could be the poster child for Quadsaholics Anonymous!!
Look out Glo. Here's what happens when the hobby becomes a disease. Sadly. The only cure is more quads!!!!

Hey, I will probably be the next victim of this epidemic lol.

 

[Glo]

How far fetched of an idea is it to eventually when I am comfortable building my own to build a drone that can fly around 25 miles without stopping (GPS controlled and FPV of course)?

 

[GJH105775]

How far fetched of an idea is it to eventually when I am comfortable building my own to build a drone that can fly around 25 miles without stopping (GPS controlled and FPV of course)?

25 miles? You might better to do a plane, at range they have a lot better battery life and if you have a problem they are a lot less likely to go down 20 miles from you in a forest that you don't recognize hahaha. What ever you decide to do, it is possible with an anteana tracker system, but the hard part is the battery life.

 

[HDtallrider]

I'm not sure of this, but once you fly past a certain range and above a certain altitude aren't there regulation and licensing issues?

 

[GJH105775]

I'm not sure of this, but once you fly past a certain range and above a certain altitude aren't there regulation and licensing issues?

Not yet, height yes, but you'd probably not reach it with a quad, and planes have been doing it for a while now hahaha.

 

[HDtallrider]

Ok. Do you think that going way, way out of LOS would add fuel to the fire with the FAA? Should this be something unskilled hobbyists should be doing without training? Sounds kinda scary. We need training for concealed carry even though you can buy a gun without it. We need training for a drivers license even though we can buy a car without one. This might be one of those items we could give in on to get the FAA to forget that stupid registration push.
Sorry. Didn't mean to hi-jack the thread.

 

[Glo]

Ok. Do you think that going way, way out of LOS would add fuel to the fire with the FAA? Should this be something unskilled hobbyists should be doing without training? Sounds kinda scary. We need training for concealed carry even though you can buy a gun without it. We need training for a drivers license even though we can buy a car without one. This might be one of those items we could give in on to get the FAA to forget that stupid registration push.
Sorry. Didn't mean to hi-jack the thread.

I have to agree with you despite the fact that I want to do it. Now don't get me wrong, this is more of a dream is my head that if I ever do try, it will be quite some time and I will have to do tons of research and find out those good questions like regulations.

I'm sure at some point if you are operating something above "toy grade" you will need a license and probably training to include a certain amount of flight hours. Hence the reason some people such as Myth Buster's Adam Savange are keeping a log of all their flights to be ahead of the game if those requirements are put in place in the future.

As far as my dream quad, if I ever do get to it I am talking a solid 1-2 years before I try. For now, step one get my x8c and learn what I can do with it. Have fun and enjoy it for awhile until I am completely bored. Try a few other cheaper RTF quads for awhile and really get to know this stuff. By then I should feel a lot more comfortable spending some real money in this hobby. Then I might start with building some small quads myself. I don't want to buy parts and assemble, but I want to actually build the frame myself and test different designs, try different motors electronics and even gearing setups and experiment. I anticipate months of trail and error. It will either lead to me having fun with smaller stuff for years and years, or maybe I might just build my dream 25+ mile range quad.